#and maybe it’s cause i did grow up going to my brother’s wrestling meets where id regularly see women compete against men and win

[robertsbarbie]

the way the news talks about “genetic advantages” is crazy, what’s next you wanna take away all of secretariat’s awards for having a genetic advantage?

[sleepy-achilles]

Bunch of asks

How did Leon react when they bought Cassidy home from the hospital?

Did the kids play any sports growing up? I can see Cassidy playing soccer, gymnastics, basketball, etc

Leon liked wrestling cause Uncle Kurt was his teacher and thought baseball was okay.

Both kids love Harry Potter.

Cassidy favorite Disney movie is "Merida" cause she has red hair just like me.

Leon favorite Disney movie 101 Dalmatians.

The kids tried to make breakfast for Father's Day. There is a really interesting stain on the kitchen ceiling. The pancakes were half raw, half cooked, and the coffee had so much sugar, but the chocolate covered strawberries were great. Charlie ate the bacon and sausages, much too his regret.

Charlie the dog...please write his adoption story.

Excuse me as I try to fit these all in this one ask. I will do it.

The Family of Destruction

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1.

Leon was becoming impatient. He was supposed to go hunting in the forest with his daddy today, but instead he's stuck with his many uncles and aunt Stephanie and chyna. And big brother John of course.

"Whats wrong buddy?" John asks plopping down next to Leon. Leon points at the picture he drew of him and taker violently killing monsters in the forest. "Ah..yes..papa mentioned yours and takers plans tonight." John chuckles nervously. "Well, something more exciting is happening now. You can go tomorrow maybe" John tries. Leon stares at him with a deadpan look. "Good luck john" Kevin scoffs from behind Leon. John frowns. That means chyna and Kevin have already tried and failed to cheer the boy up. "Has goldust tried?" Hunter asks. "Of course. He insulted my outfit the little devil" goldust hisses. Leon smirks as Kevin chuckles. "Enough! They are here!" Steph calls from the window.

Leon stands immediately and John grabs his wrist. "Patience" John tells him softly. Leon frowns at the blonde. What does he need Patience for? He's supposed to be running around the trees right now. He looks at the door as his daddy walks in. "Leon?" Taker calls. Leon pulls away and rushes towards taker. Taker picks him up immediately. "Hey buddy" Taker smiles. Leon shakes his head. 'You promised.' He signs. Taker raises an eyebrow and looks at kevin who's holding Leon's picture up. "Ah, we will still go. Just not today. I want you to meet someone" Taker tells him. Leon squints. Wheres papa?

Taker turns as the door opens. Leon's eyes widen at the small human in his papas arms. Shawn smiles softly at it. Leon continues to stare in confusion. What is it? Taker puts Leon down as shawn kneels. "This is your baby sister, Cassidy Athena Michaels" Shawn explains softly. Leon looks at him with wide eyes. "C-cassie?" Leon asks. Everyone stares in shock. Shawn smiles and kisses his cheek. "Yes baby. Your a big brother now" Shawn tells him. "Are you up for that?" Taker asks. Leon looks back at cassie. Reaching out to her. He nods eagerly as the small fingers grip his. Shawn and taker smile at each other.

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

2.

"So..how many sports did you play?" Drew asks. "Well I did basketball and football. Dance and archery aswell if you count that." Leon shrugs not looking up from his phone. "I did netball and hockey. We both did wrestling and swimming though" cassie smiles. "Where did you even find the time?" Rhea asks. "Well two of them were during school times and the others were just weekend and holidays stuff. We didn't get forced into them, we chose to do them. Besides there wasn't much to do in the valley accept hunt at the time" cassie shrugs. "Thats a point. You hunt but your vegetarian" drew points out. "Its different. We would hunt over populated monsters who tried killing us and overtaking the valley. Its different" Leon huffs. Cassie just smiles at the pair. "Leon also did gymnastics to impress a girl" cassie smirks. Leon drops his phone. "Shut it. You used to do soccer (yes I died inside writing that. But they are American) just because you had a crush on a guy. You didn't even like the sports" Leon snaps. Cassies cheeks heat up. "You only did archery to prove a point to uncle Scott!" Drew raises an eyebrow. "Dad!" Both yell before storming out. Rhea and drew look at each other. "All I did was ask a simple question" drew whispers.

------------------------------------------------------------------3. I personally don't use Kurt. But Leon does have a fav uncle.

"Your too sloppy" Kevin yawns. Leon huffs against the matt as Kevin twists his arm up his back. "I know understand your father's frustrations. You do not focus. You project too much anger." Kevin scolds. Leon growls. "Why didn't I accept Scott's offer of baseball?" Leon asks. "Because you hate baseball and love wrestling. Especially with uncle kev" Kevin smirks. "I think I'm changing my mind" Leon snaps. "Mmm there's that no good anger again" Kevin teases, pushing Leon's arm higher. Leon growls at him and begins fighting his hold. "Relax. Remember what I taught you" Kevin tells him. Leon let's out a deep breath as he closes his eyes.

Shawn watches from the doorway with a fond smile as Leon manages to get Kevin in a triangle hold. His boy will be a great wrestler one day.

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

4.

Leon hates Harry Potter. He doesn't understand it. He doesn't like it. He doesn't. Just doesn't. Doesn't like the films or the books.

Cassie? She loves it. She adores it. Forces her family to do house quizzes. Forces Leon to play Harry Potter with her. Forces them to watch the films. Dresses Charlie up like creatures from the films. Read the books twice.

Both hate jk btw.

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

5.

I can agree with cassies favourite movie being merida but also princess and the frog. She just loves everything about it.

Leon's favourite movies are the bear ones. Yk brother bear, winnie the pooh. But he's also a sucker for lion King.

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

6.

Leon crosses his arms. "I've got this! Go away! It was my idea!" Cassie hisses. Leon rolls his eyes before moving to the garden. His sister is going to destroy the kitchen. He's going to simply pick some strawberries and make some chocolate strawberries. His Papa loves them and well it is fathers day.

Leon was angry at taker for taking cassie out and forgetting their plans.

-

Leon walks back into the kitchen and almost wants to leave. He clicks his tongue causing the food covered girl to look at him. "Dont be mean" she frowns. Leon just smirks and moves towards the sink to watch watch strawberries.

-

"The kids aren't in bed" Shawn states from the bedroom door. "No. I can sense them in the kitchen. They've probably made themselves cereals" Taker yawns as he puts his t-shirt on. Both men stare at each other as Charlie barks and a crashing noise echos through the house. "Christ" Taker groans before they rush downstairs.

Both men stare in horror as they see the mess of a kitchen. Taker squints at the stain on the roof whilst Shawn watches Charlie eat some raw looking sausages and bacon. "We made you breakfast for fathers day!" Cassie cheers with pancake batter in her hair. Taker watches as Leon eats a chocolate covered strawberry. Leon holds them out. "Thank you both." Shawn smiles, wincing as he spots the raw pancakes. Taker sips the coffee and chokes. "B-Beautiful" he chokes. Leon smirks and holds the strawberries up. Shawn accepts one. "These are nice. Who's idea was this?" Shawn asks already knowing the answer. Cassie frowns and looks down. 'Both of us. Cassie wanted to do something with strawberries and me chocolate' Leon lies. Taker smiles slightly. The best fathers day gift is seeing your kids improve. Cassie smiles at her brother. 'Thank you' she signs causing Leon to wink at her and smile.

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

7. I've done this before but I love it so much.

Takers enjoying his newspaper when Shawn walks in. "Hey baby" Shawn smiles. "Hey" Taker hums. "Can we get a dog?" Shawn asks. Taker glances at him. "No. Its impractical, we aren't home enough." Taker tells him before looking back at his paper. "What about a cat?" Shawn asks. "Not happening. Hate cats." Taker mutters. "But their independent" Shawn frowns. "No Shawn." Taker sighs. Shawn pauses before a smile grows on his face. "What about a kid? A baby?" Shawn asks.

Taker throws his paper down and grabs his keys. Standing and leading Shawn out the house. "A dog? What kind of dog? Big small?" Taker asks. Shawn giggles.

They go on to adopt a German shepherd puppy, 9 months later they end up with a baby boy.

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

Took awhile but I did it

[cinnamingyurolls]

ENIGMA | JOSHUA HONG

pairing: joshua hong x reader

genre: kinda angsty

summary: revenge is never a great way to cope with sadness. but that was the option you chose. revenge against joshua hong for what he did to your brother, finding everyone even closely related to him and putting a bullet through their head. waiting for the opportune moment to actually meet the man who ruined your life and for him to beg for death. that was until you actually met the man...

warnings: gun, fire, blood, and death maybe (not proofread)

word count: 753

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

hiding in the shadows, I smirked. the fools were looking for me everywhere but up. aiming my gun at one of them, I shifted from my left to my right leg, letting out a deep breath as the action soothed my burning muscles. the slight sound caused one of them to look up and I shot, the sound of my gun and the thud as the body fell giving away my position. I jumped down from the second floor, the adrenaline of being caught making the pain  almost non existent. the other three were running towards me, guns out. I ran to the side, hiding  behind a metal container, a loud ping ringing out against the surface as the bullet hit the container. I looked around and found a ladder at the edge right where I could see the shadow of one of them inching around slowly. rushing forward I grabbed his arms, kicking his legs from below him and pinning him to the floor. wrestling his gun from his iron like grip all while muffling any noise from his mouth with one hand, I pointed it at his chest, the silencer doing its job as his eyes blew open and went dark,  the blood already staining my hands and pooling on the floor. I stood up rounding the corner and emptying the bullets shooting at the other man. he fell dead few new bullet wounds on his body. I looked for the last one, the thirst to kill and revenge growing . I found him hiding by the door. he looked up at me, tears stains down his face. for a second he reminded me of him but I shook my head, hitting him on the head with the gun and dragging  him to the harbor, throwing his body over the side. i took a deep shaky breath, tears threatening to fall as I unknowingly replayed the day in my mind- the screams, the blood. 

I heard slow clapping behind me and turned around. There he stood, the one I wanted to kill. I pulled out my gun, thumbing off the safety. he smiled calmly and said "lets talk first darling. I want to know why you're going around killing my men," he pulled out a gun holding it with confidence and I knew he wouldn't miss. " do you remember the young cop you killed who was part of the undercover mission Joshua?" the way metaphoric venom spilled out at the mention made him tighten his hold on the gun. "Ah Dino, nice kid until I found out about his betrayal...you've got to end the threat as soon as you find out about it or it'll cause problems later." tears welled up in my eyes and my hands balled themselves into fists. "why, did you know him?" he seemed genuinely curious. "he is-was my brother." I choked. "ahh I'm sorry for your loss.truly." he smiled before pointing the gun at me.  he pointed lower and shot. pain burst through my leg as I fell to the ground, yelping as blood flowed through my fingers. "I meant it when I said I've got to end a threat....but I like your drive I could use that one day and when I do ill get you out. till then goodbye." he walked away as I sat cradling my injured leg and soon after he left the air turned blue and red as the cops arrived, finding me drenched in the sudden rain still clutching my leg.

        I laid on my bed counting the cobwebs on the roof. a guard banged on the rails of the cell. "someone's her to see you" I stood up, the slight limp still evident though it had been 4months since I was caught. I entered a room I had never entered in the entire duration I was here, the only thing separating Joshua and me being a relatively thin slab of glass.  "I see prisons been treating you well" I kept up a straight face. he nodded slowly and smiled "remember when I said I could us your skills?" my eyes widened in realization.

               at the same time the room was bathed in red as the emergency lights revealed the plan perfectly. he stood up and waved his hand for me to move back and stood on the chair, kicking the glass with all his might, shattering it and sending glass everywhere. he held his hand out to me to take. I did, the red light making him look strangely attractive as he laughed and pulled me through the door.

[hetalia-reacts]

Can I request platonic hc’s for America, Japan and Russia with a little brother?

Yes uwu I love platonic hc’s so much especially family related ones it’s just so wholesome also this was so easy to write since I have a little brother of my own

America

Alfred promises their little brother the world and all the stars in the sky

He’s so happy to be a big brother

I see a lot of headcanons say he’s childish and hates responsibility, but honestly I feel like he doesn’t hate it but it makes him wary and scared since he is still really young for a country and he’s scared to mess up

So he’s scared of having to be responsible for his younger brother, but he’s only scared because he doesn’t want to mess them up or disappoint them

Alfred is terrified of having a strained relationship with his younger brother like he has with England

This may lead to him being really lax and kind of a push over at the start

Once he gets into the swing of things and maybe reads some of those parenting/becoming a big brother help books he starts to buckle down and get more serious

Alfred keeps his fun loving and child-like personality all throughout

Him having a younger brother will never change that

If anything having a younger brother encourages Alfred to act like a kid

Constantly rough housing and wrestling

Plays catch with them a lot, and maybe even tried to teach them some sports

Of course makes sure that his younger brother meets his twin, Canada, how could he not have his own 2 brothers meet each other

Alfred may be a little hesitant at letting his little brother meet England

He’s kinda scared England may try to take him away or that his little brother might think England is more dependable than he is

Of course that doesn’t happen and honestly England’s really happy and honored Alfred came over to have him meet his little brother

Depending on how old his little brother is might tuck him in at night úwù and tell him stories of his heroic past so they go to sleep

Heck even if his little brother isn’t super young definitely stops by their room every night to say good night and sweet dreams

It’s just how Alfred is

Wants to play video games with them

Tries to let them win some but his competitive nature makes that hard to do

Often suggests playing coop games so he doesn’t hurt his little brothers feelings

Always very concerned for his little brother

Are they sick? Injured? Heart broken? Who does he have to hurt to avenge his little brother?

Annoys the hell of his brother

This is completely on purpose and an everyday occasion

Does that “I’m not touching you” thing with an annoying look on his face

He loves his little brother but that doesn’t mean he gets special treatment, not like that anyways

100% buys his little brother everything he wants

Alfred likes to spoil and he can’t deny such a cute kid like his little brother

Russia

Ivan would cry tears of joy at having another sibling and to finally have a brother at that

He has nothing against his sisters…for the most part…but it gets lonely being the only guy ya know?

He treats his little brother like a prince at times but makes sure he knows discipline and hard work

Doesn’t want his brother to grow up a slacker but doesn’t want him growing up like he did

Another one that would buy his little brother anything they wanted

Ivan doesn’t want his little brother to meet his big sisters

It takes him a long time to let him even meet Ukraine

Ukraine loves her new little brother and wants to see him more

Hell would have to freeze over before Ivan willingly let’s his little brother meet Belarus

He’s terrified of what may happen if she meets him

Honestly the meeting didn’t go bad at all, if you count her adding her new little brother to her viciously protect list as not bad

It’s a little scary but at least she likes him ^^”

Ivan is very scared of messing his little brother up

He knows he’s not the stablest, knows he’s got a lot of scary rumors about him, but he hopes his little brother doesn’t grow up hating him and wants to stay close with him

He tries his hardest to make his little brothers life perfect

Doesn’t matter how old his little brother is he insists on tucking him and saying good night to him

If his brother is really young might sing or read them a bed time story

Knits them a scarf that looks like his

Honestly might find them a wardrobe that is similar to his

If his little brother were to ever say they admire him or want to be like him when they get older Ivan has a moment of awe and then a moment of panic

Like thank you but please reconsider yes? ^J^”

Really touched though

Is someone ever hurt his little brother Ivan would become really scary

Doesn’t matter if they hurt his brother emotionally or physically, they are going to pay

And Belarus is backing Ivan up on this one, maybe even Ukraine too

Always worried his brother is cold

Will wake up in a cold sweat at 2 am to rush to his brothers room to make sure he’s covered and his room is warm

Will not let his brother leave without a mountain of clothes on

Ivan just wouldn’t be able to take it if they got sick and felt miserable because of his country’s coldness

Loves to just hug his little brother and reassure him that he’ll always be there to protect him

He’s not sure if that’s weird to do but he just needs his little brother to know he’ll always be there to save him if he needs it

Japan

Kiku is conflicted with having a little brother

On one hand he’s happy to have someone to take care of and pass on his knowledge to

On the other hand he’s scared the relationship is going to go bad like it did with China or South Korea

He is really happy though to have a little brother

Is really touchy with them which shocks a lot of people

Kiku can easily hug, comfort, and live with his little brother

Even if his little brother is the complete opposite of him and is full of energy and loud

Kiku blames it on being related but even then he knows that’s kinda bs since all of his other family members (blood related or not) can’t do what his little brother can

Kiku is also hesitant on letting the rest of Asia meet his little brother

He likely starts easy with Taiwan and Vietnam, they’re likable and they end up loving his little brother to death

But when it comes to China and South Korea he isn’t sure where to start

He lets his little brother meet South Korea first, no matter his little brothers age he feels him and South Korea are closer in age anyways and will get along

It’s a messy meeting but it seems like his little brother and South Korea got along well

Meeting China wasn’t as easy, there’s a huge age gap and honestly Kiku is terrified China is going to be rude

He would relent and finally have the both of them meet but Kiku is ready to dash at any moment

The meeting is really formal and honestly probably scared the heck out of his little brother

Kiku does not easily relent to his little brother’s wants

Strong believer of you’ve got to earn it

Will teach his little brother discipline and respect early on

He cant tolerate having his own flesh and blood being a brat or causing trouble for others

Never really gets angry at his brother though and likely always takes his side as long as his little brother isn’t notorious for lying

No matter the age Kiku would want to say good night to his little brother every night, but his little brother would have to be really young to be able to convince him to sing or tell them a bed time story

It’s just not his style and he has a bad habit of telling scary folklore stories that aren’t meant for children

Literally drags his little brother to every festival and celebration

Kiku just gets really excited about his country’s celebrations and now he has someone he wants to show them to and teach them about

Plus he really wants his little brother to have fun since he knows he can be a little boring at times

He tries to get out there more so his little brother can see the world and have fun, but he still acts like an old man at times lmao

[fanfic-inator795]

RotTMNT Oneshot: Sweet Sixteen

((This scene just popped into my head, aaaaand I don’t feel like writing anything else atm so- hope you all enjoy))

It wasn’t often that the lair was bustling early in the morning; the Hamato-Jitsu family stayed up late, and often slept in even later. But on certain days such as these, only one person was allowed to sleep in...

At about 7 a.m., all activity was quickly shushed as silent shadows crept towards a specific room - a bedroom with red-tinted walls thanks to the small lamp that was still lit. They could hear quiet snores, and grinned to themselves as they snuck inside.

Still somewhat asleep but awake enough that his ninja senses were reacting to certain noises and scents, Raph snorted a bit and turned over as he began to stir from his slumber. He instinctively hugged his teddy - he had chosen Dr. Huggenstein the night before - close and tried to bury his face in the back of its head, hoping for just a bit more sleep.

And yet, his mind was slowly starting to wake. He could smell something fruity and buttery near. He could hear quiet giggles and quiet steps padding across the floor of his room. And, despite his eyes being closed, he could still somewhat ‘see’ figures coming closer and closer, until they were standing right in front of him...

With his curiosity now too much for even his sleepy mind to ignore, Raph opened one eye, and-

“SURPRISE!”

The snapper flinched, startled as he sat up and nearly throwing a punch at his ‘surprise’ - although this was anything but a surprise attack, and due to expecting it, his family easily stepped back, avoiding the hit expertly as they laughed. 

Donnie and Mikey threw bundles of red and green confetti at him, and as Splinter held up the stack of strawberry and chocolate waffles, Leo leaned over and placed a plastic “Sweet Sixteen” tiara right on his big brother’s head. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you~!”

Although he groaned a bit at being surprised by one of their family’s longest running traditions (again. You’d think expecting it would be enough to STOP him from freaking out), Raph still smiled as his family sang and clapped. 

When they finished, Raph naturally invited them all in for a group hug. “D’awww, thanks guys.”

“No probles, Big Brother.” “Happy birthday, Raphie!” “Heh, seems like we got you pretty good this year, huh?”

“Ugh, only ‘cause I was in a deep sleep!” Raph argued, pouting only a little, “I’ll be ready next year.”

Splinter just chuckled at his boys, shaking his head. He hadn’t expected this Birthday Morning tradition to last sixteen years when he started doing it when they were all tots (albeit with less screaming involved, at first) but he was sure glad that it had. “Here,” he said, handing the snapper his breakfast, “Best to eat them before they get too cold and soggy.”

“Right, don’t wanna lose that crunch,” Raph agreed, quickly digging in. Although they still had their own breakfasts to prepare, his brothers and father kept him company as he ate. Honestly, Raph appreciated that just as much as he appreciated the breakfast itself.

Naturally, they discussed Raph’s ‘birthday wish’ plans for that day first - another family tradition, the birthday boy (or girl, in April’s case) gets to decide what they all did as a group that day. For his Sweet 16, Raph had decided on some sparring with Frankenfoot, go-karting at Albeartoland, a small shopping spree at Teddy Bear Town (gotta spend that bday money somehow) and capping off the night with a three-hour wrestling special that was premiering on TV (after presents and cake, of course). 

His bros approved of all these ideas, and after texting the schedule to April and CJ, they gave her approval too.

Afterwards, the brothers moved on onto talking about past birthdays, followed by Leo, Mikey and Donnie all talking about the plans that they had for their upcoming birthdays. But as fun as this conversation was, Raph couldn’t help but notice his father growing quieter the longer it went on.

Eventually, his brothers excused themselves to both grab their own breakfasts and give Raph some space to get ready for the day. (The guy didn’t even have his bandana on yet! How embarrassing - or at least it would’ve been if there was anyone but family there). The only one who stayed was his pop, sitting there as content as ever with a soft, slightly bittersweet smile on his face.

“...Everything alright, Pops?” Raph finally asked, once he had polished off his waffles.

“Hm? Oh yes yes, I’m fine... So, how are you feeling, my son?” Splinter asked, “Sixteen is a pretty big milestone, after all.”

“Heh, I’m good. ...Honestly, it doesn’t feel all that different from fifteen” Raph replied. Thinking about it, he added, “Maybe ‘cause a bunch of stuff has already happened in the past year?” He was now officially a year older, yeah, but it felt like he had already done plenty of changing and growing before then.

Who would’ve thought that he would be given mystic weapons (and later mystic powers), learn about his dad’s past, take down several city-ending threats, meet the spirits of his family, and become a hero alongside his family and friends all before his next birthday? That whole situation was... pretty crazy to think about. Amazing, yeah, but definitely still crazy. In that sense, maybe a more normal and lowkey birthday was just what he needed.

Raph was brought back to the present when he felt his father patting his shell. “Yes, you make a fair point... Still, this birthday is just as much an accomplishment as anything else, and certainly worth celebrating properly.”

The old rat sighed a bit, closing his eyes for just a moment. “You boys are growing up so fast... Before I know it, you will be all grown up. You and your brothers...”

“Aw, come on, Dad...” Setting his plate to the side, Raph pulled Splinter in for a one-armed hug. “We’re always gonna need ya, no matter how old or grown up we get.”

“Heh, I know...” But it was still admittedly nice to hear. “Still, you cannot blame me for being a bit... well, a bit shell-shocked as it were whenever I think about how far you have come, Red. I remember when you were all small enough for me to hold in my arms, and now-”

Splinter stopped, his eyes widening as if he realized (or maybe remembered) something - something apparently funny enough to make him laugh. “Did I tell you- ah, no, I wouldn’t have... Well, no time than the present. Want to know something about the day you were born?”

Raph’s eyes widened at the suggestion, more than a little surprised at his dad’s sudden openness about that day, which Splinter supposed he should have expected, considering previous reactions to anything (or anyone) relating to it.

“I know I do not always-” or ever- “talk about the day I was mutated, but it was not a completely bad day.” He smirked. “I got you boys that day, didn’t I? Heh, you were all so tiny and cute! And you-” Splinter laughed again, and while he was still a bit surprised, now Raph was curious about what was so funny, and how did it involve him?

“Okay, so- this was before your boys were- yourselves. Back when you were norm- ah, average turtles. I was picking you all up, looking at how cute you all were and, well, at one point I decided to give you a kiss on your little head - and you know what you did in return? You bit me!”

“Pffft-!” Raph brought a hand to his mouth, hiding his laughs. “I did not!”

“Oh yes you did!” Splinter shot back, grinning now, “Bit me right on the lip! And I am pretty sure I still have the scar to prove it, somewhere under all this fur. Oh, I was so mad! Heh, but only for a few seconds. It is cruel to be mad at a baby, after all...”

His expression softened a bit as he thought about what happened next. Although Splinter was sure that he would always have mixed feelings about what happened that day and the transformation he received, he would always see the creation of his sons as a blessing that he would always be grateful for.

“Once you were all yourselves, I did all I could to get you boys to safety. And when I held you and your brothers in my arms and saw you all looking up at me... I knew that I would never be able to let you go.” 

Even before he began calling them his sons, even when he still only saw them as ‘innocent creatures’ and had no idea what they would eventually become, they were still his. And they always would be. 

“You have all grown so much that day... And I am not just talking about size, although you especially have certainly gotten bigger.” Splinter looked up and smiled at his eldest. “You are strong, and brave, and so kind... You are more of an honorable man at sixteen than I ever was, and I am so, SO very proud of you, Raphael.”

By this point, Raph’s tears were already beginning to fall, but the snapper could hardly care about that. He just brought his rat dad in for another hug - one that Splinter happily returned. When he eventually felt his son’s grip begin to loosen, Splinter moved to stand on his tip-toes and moved his tail towards his son’s head.

Understanding what he was getting at, Raph lowered his head, allowing Splinter’s tail to lift up the silly tiara as his dad planted a kiss right on the center of his head. “Heh... Happy birthday, my son.”

Wiping his eyes, Raph nodded back. “Thanks, Pops.”

“Oh please, thank YOU for not biting me again.” 

The two shared another laugh, staying beside each other a bit longer. When Splinter did finally decide to leave, he made sure to grab his son’s plate to take back to the kitchen. “Try not to come home too late, I’ll be sure to have supper waiting for you all when you get back. But make sure to enjoy yourself today too, okay?”

Raph chuckled, nodding again. “I will,” he promised - easy enough to do, considering it already felt like a great day. Splinter gave him one last smile before walking away.

As he put on his bandana and his wraps, Raph continued to smile to himself. Maybe he didn’t feel any different than he did at fifteen, and maybe in comparison the days where he escaped a Battle Nexus or fought a dark armor, a birthday wasn’t THAT big of a deal.

But maybe his dad was also right. Maybe it was still an accomplishment that he was a year older - that he was still there, still living and still right beside his family, even after a less-than-normal ‘birth’ and everything that came after. 

Maybe that really was worth celebrating, especially when that celebrating was done with the people that actually made his life worth living.

Speaking of which- “Hey, Raph! You still in there?” “Come on! We’ve already got the dojo set up, and we’re pretty sure Buddy’s just gonna start punchin’ stuff if you don’t get in here!”

“Yeah yeah, I’m coming - and you guys better be ready!” Raph shouted back, grinning. 

With his wraps, belts and bandana all now on, he grabbed his sai, spinning them a few times before sliding them into their holsters. Once that was done, he happily raced out of his room and ran towards the dojo, more than ready to seize the day - seize his birthday - for all it was worth.

THE END

[skylarmoon71]

Donatello x Reader- Fanfiction Oneshot. (TMNT 2014-2016)

"Guys look what I invented!" Raph sighed when he saw you walking on the ceiling with your newest invention.

"She's at it again." he spoke, drawing in the attention of his other brothers. Donatello's eyes widened in amazement. "No way, you made gravity defying boots. "

You grinned from your upside down position, showing him a thumbs up. The beeping on your shoes made your smile drop. "Uh oh." the light changed from blue to red and you were now falling head first. 

"AHHHH!!!" 

Donatello rushed over, doing a flip and catching you mid air. His feet landed on the ground with a harsh thud, and you released a breath, holding unto him. "A-Are you alright!" he was surveying your body. All in all you seemed fine. You stared at him, admiring the beauty of his green eyes.

"I-I'm okay." your reply was said a bit shakily. Whether from the fall, or your slowly increasing heart beat, you couldn't tell. Donatello placed you on your feet, and Leonardo walked over, already preparing a speech. You knew that look on his face, he was about to scold you for your recklessness.

"(Y/N), you need to be careful. You could have gotten really hurt. What if we hadn't come in." You knew he was just concerned. Your head lowered. "I'm sorry Leo, I'll be careful next time." He raised his hand, patting you on the head softly. "It is pretty cool though." you looked up with a wide smile, fist pumping. Michelangelo was at your side in seconds, ready with an onslaught of questions. One of which probably included if he could borrow your boots.

Meeting the turtles was the best thing that happened to you. It was a real eye opener, that was for sure. You were an inventor at heart, testing out one of your creations. At the time you were just studying constellations and solar patterns. One night your panels picked up something strange. Whatever it was had a major energy source because it shorted your computer, as well as Donatello's equipment.

They'd been out on patrol while you were on the roof. And just ended up running into you. If your stuff hadn't overloaded Donnie's, they probably wouldn't have stopped to investigate. That was the first time you'd ever seen something so incredible. Of course when you saw them you fainted, from what you heard April had a similar reaction. But after that, when you came to, your curiosity got the better of you.

The fact that four huge mutant turtles were standing right in front of you seemed like the last thing you cared about. You just started asking questions. Like a scientist, you were inquisitive by nature. It wasn't long after that, you became quick friends with the turtles.

You and Donatello were especially close. He was just like you, always building and altering gear and technology, utilizing it to its maximum capacity. You were always helping him upgrade his inventions, and he'd give you ideas to create others to help the turtles protect the city. 

Being able to explore your interest with someone who loved technology just as much as you did was all you could really ask for. So whenever you weren't working, you were down in the lair, testing out your machinery. Your boots were something you'd been working on for weeks. Unfortunately it still needed a bit of tweaking, because the battery didn't retain as much power as you hoped.

"As soon as I get it up to speed I'll lend it to you Mikey." That was all he needed to hear.

"Boyah!! I got first dibs guys!" he was already running off cheering. You pulled the boots off, studying it. "I may have to alter the size as well."

"So how was patrol?" You asked surveying your equipment.

"Nothing we couldn't handle." Raph said boastful, biting down on the toothpick at the corner of his mouth.

"I'm sure. Well while you guys were gone I ordered pizza." That was all you needed to say because pretty soon they were all headed to the other room to devour their favorite food. You laughed at how quickly the room cleared. Splinter walked out, his tail swishing slowly behind him.

"(Y/N), it's always nice to have you with us. However I'd advised against indulging my sons in that unhealthy food." He probably regretted ever introducing them to it, because it seemed like that was all they ever ate.

"Even if I didn't you know they'll still get their hands on some." he sighed.

"I suppose you're right." He looked at you like there was something else he needed to say.

"Is there something wrong?" He shook his head, a smile gracing his lips.

"I'm just very grateful for you." the statement caught you by surprise.

"T-Thank you Master Splinter." It really did mean a lot to you that he thought so.

"I should be the one thanking you. Not many people are willing to accept my sons. They are extraordinary, but society has a very focused view on what is right and wrong. This world could use more people like you and Ms. O' Neil." you could understand where he was coming from.

"I know what you mean. Growing up I dealt with my fair share of ridicule. I guess to the other kids I was always just weird. " At a young age you'd seen things different. While kids were playing on slides and swings, you were solving mind puzzles and complex math sums. Technology was easier for you to figure out that people.

You glanced at the turtles eating happily from the other room talking among themselves. Your gaze lingered on the purple clad one maybe a little longer than necessary. When you realized you turned back to Splinter, who was wearing a suspicious smile.

"I'll leave you to it then." and with that he was walking away, hands behind his back.

"Hmmm?" 

Sometimes you wished you could read his mind.

"Hey (Y/N), come and get a slice before they devour all." Donatello's words made you run over.

"Save some for me!" You spent a while wrestling to get a slice. Dropping down next to Donatello. her persisted to tell you some of the upgrades he was thinking of making in the lair. His computer set up was pretty impressive already, but just because something worked didn't mean it couldn't be further modified. Donnie was always thinking ahead.

"Just imagine if we made four of those boots of yours!" he sounded excited, letting out a laugh and a cute little snort. You paused for a second, and he pushed up his glasses, a little embarrassed at the sound that left him. You watched him with glowing red cheeks.

"OH MY GOODNESS WHY IS HE SO CUTE!!!"

If you hadn't already swallowed your pizza you would have probably choked on it.  Who knew the nerdy little turtle would have such an effect on you.

~~~~

Mikey was patting his stomach, clearly content. You smiled, gathering the empty boxes of pizza to carry to the trash. Donatello caught you struggling with about seven boxes, still trying to stack more. "Let me help you." you nodded, and he took a couple from your hand, following you out the room. You walked with him, a comfortable silence gathering.

"What were you and Sensei talking about earlier, it looked pretty serious." His question caused you to slow down a little.

"Umm, not much. He was just saying he's glad I'm around. He also said I should stop buying so much pizza for you guys." you gestured to the boxes in your hand, causing a shy smile to rise on Donnie's face.

Upon reaching the trash area, you dumped the boxes in the bin. Donnie did the same.

"Well I am glad you're here." you looked over at Donnie, who suddenly seemed a bit flustered. 

"I-I mean we're all glad you're here." he corrected, fidgeting. You watched him fiddle, your heart giving a slow flutter. Donnie really was the cutest. Maybe it was the glasses, but every time he looked at you, your chest would constrict in the most pleasant way. Hearing him say he enjoyed having you around was another plus. It did give you slight hope. Maybe he reciprocated your feelings. "I'm glad too." you replied, skipping back to the lair. Donnie's eyes followed as you moved through the sewer, a content feeling settling in his chest.

~~~

"Hey Raph, Leo." you waved at both brothers entering. Raph looked up from tying the bandages around his hand, greeting you. "Hey what's up."

"Not much, I just needed to borrow some material for a something I'm thinking about. Where is Donnie?" At the mention of his name, Raph moved closer, dropping a hand on your shoulder as he leaned in. "You know, you always run to Donnie's room whenever you get here. I'm starting to wonder if ya have a little thing for him." you sputtered, backpedaling.

"W-What No! That's No!" you shouted. Your yells earned a look from Leo, who was now very curious.

"If you're looking for Donnie he's in the training room with Mikey." Leo said almost on instinct. Did he know as well that you always gravitated to Donnie. How could you be so obvious? And here you thought you were covering your little crush well. You frowned at the smug look Raph sent you, putting his toothpick back in his mouth as you basically sprinted out the room, cheeks quickly turning red.

"Stupid Raph."

If he figured it out, maybe Donnie did too. What if he knew the entire time and just didn't say anything. 

"That's crazy, stop it stupid brain!" you tried to rid the thoughts. You did like Donnie, but if he found out and things got awkward, you wouldn't be able to deal with that.

When you got to the training room, you froze at the door, just staring. Mikey and Donnie were sparring. You stood watching every move, flip, punch that Donnie delivered. Sometimes you forgot that he wasn't just smart, but also a very skilled fighter. The way he attacked so efficiently, carefully calculating every hit, retaliating with his bo staff. Your heart was definitely pounding now.

"He's incredible."

You weren't sure how long they had been going at it, but after a few more minutes they stopped. Donnie had successfully knocked Mikey off his feet. "I win." Donnie said with a cute little grin.

He held out his hand, and Mikey took it, standing to his feet. They high fived and that's when their focus was drawn to you.

"(Y/N)?" Donnie called in question. You were still standing there gawking. You blinked a couple times, then cleared your throat.

"N-Nice moves." you commended. Mikey puffed out his chest. "Well you know, what can I say, gotta impress the ladies. " At this point he was flexing every muscle on his body, yet all you could see was the thin layer of sweat Donnie was wiping off his forehead. The action made his biceps bulge. A short breath left you. You licked your lips, enjoying the sight of his very muscular body. You swallowed, hoping you weren't being too obvious. Because right now you couldn't help it. Someone so adorably hot shouldn't be allowed to live on the planet.

"This should be a crime."

Somehow Donnie had moved without you realizing, because he was directly in front of you, adjusting his glasses to check your vitals. "(Y/N) do you have a fever!" He sounded worried.

"Your heart rate is elevated as well as your temperature. Not to mention how red your cheeks are. You need to lie down. " he didn't give you a chance to argue, picking you up and carrying you to his room.

When he stepped in he laid you on the bed gently, before turning and searching around his room for medicine. He picked up a packet of tablets, as well as a bottle of water, dropping it on the desk, moving back to get a piece of cloth. When he got back to you he was unscrewing the cork of the bottle to wet the cloth. 

"Just lay down and I'll-" because he'd been bouncing around so quickly you weren't able to stop him. Now that he was sitting right next to you, you took his hand, halting his actions.

"Donnie, I'm fine. I don't have a fever." His head tilted to the side. He pulled back down the goggles to scan you again. When he raised it, he looked confused. "I-It's back to normal. But you were just really warm. How did it go down so quickly. " he put down the bottle, still sitting on the ground before you. He reached over, placing his hand to your neck. He really was a sweetheart.

"The reason I was so warm wasn't because I have a fever."

"Then why?" he asked.

"It's..because of you Donnie.." you breathed.

"Because of me?" As smart as he was, he probably wouldn't figure out what you were trying to say. Your legs dangled off the edge of the bed. With you sitting upright, and Donnie on the floor, you were right about his height from your position. 

Throwing caution to the wind, you leaned forward, hands smoothening over his shoulders. Donnie just sat there, clearly alarmed at how close you were getting. You closed the space between you, eyes shut tightly as you pressed your lips to his. You didn't stay connected long. After a few seconds you pulled back to gauge his reaction. Truth is you weren't sure what type of reaction he would have, but you were tired of hiding how you felt.

"I love you Donatello."

"I said it!"

Donnie was still silent, you sort of expected as much. He just stared at you. When he finally did speak, it came out hesitantly. "Y-You...love me..?" you nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat. "I do." you confessed. He was quiet again, and you wished you could read what his eyes were telling you, because it was lost on you. 

Despite that, you reached up slowly, taking off his glasses so you could get a better look at his gorgeous eyes. You placed them on the bed next to you, moving over to sit right between his legs. Now that you had a clearer view of Donnie's eyes, you noticed that they were dilated. That fact just made your heart pick up. You leaned in again, wrapping your hand around his shoulders this time as you kissed him.

This kiss was slower, passionate. You were conveying everything he made you feel since you'd met him. Every time he made your heart beat spike, pulse quicken, breath hitch.

All your emotions combined in one, just for him. When his muscled arms moved around your body, you swooned. You could tell he was cautious, because with his strength he could easily hurt you. Donnie held you softly, earning an appreciative sound from your throat. He finally started to respond, eyes closing, pulling you as close as you could get. Pretty soon you were gripping at his body, kisses hot and heavy.

All your pent up energy was coming out. You were shocked you were able to go so long without oxygen. The way you were kissing him made him lightheaded. It was if he were the air you needed to breathe. Your tongue darted out, hands moving to the back of his head to keep him right where you wanted him. 

You were moaning softly, brows furrowing as you tasted him. So sweet, just like his adorable personality. Your hands ventured over his plastron, and this time Donnie moaned. The sound caused your stomach to coil in anticipation. When you finally pulled away, you were gasping in mouthfuls of air. Donnie did the same, chest heaving in equal pace to yours. As you tried to catch your breath, your eyes stayed trained on his soft lips. Partially wet with saliva from your most recent session.

"I...had no idea that you.." his sentence was incomplete, due to his panting, but you could put the words together. He obviously wasn't aware of your feelings. This entire time he'd been pining after you, and you'd felt the same way. Donnie scolded himself for not saying something earlier. All along he could have been kissing your deliciously plump lips.

"I'm sorry it took so long." you spoke. Now that your breathing returned to normal. You could think a bit clearer. He shook his head.

"It's okay.I-I just thought that because I'm a mutant and you're..you're.." he didn't finish the sentence, eyes moving to the floor.

"I never saw the need to try.." he lamented. His broken tone really made you want to cry. Of course he was insecure. He was a mutant turtle. You guessed he just expected everyone to judge him for what he was. You reached over, lifting his eyes to you.

"I don't care what you are Donnie. In my eyes, you're just.." you paused, looking for the right words. There were way too many to describe him. So you just settled for the first ones to pop into your head.

"Incredibly hot." you whispered. He gulped, obviously noticing the growing need in your eyes. You leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Intelligent." you pressed another kiss, this time a bit lower. 

"Caring," a kiss to his neck. "Sexy." you were trailing kisses down his neck, and Donnie was having a very difficult time keeping his heart rate under control. Your head lifted, and this time you kissed him firmly on the lips. "Mine." you thought.

You stayed there, safe in his arms, exchanging long overdue kisses. People in this society would probably never accept what he was, but you'd love him, no matter what. And at the moment, that's all he could really care about.

[jilytho]

Fools in Uber Pools Ch 3

Part 3/4 of my silly uber au

Read below or on AO3 :) Read from beginning here

Saturday, November 7th 10:36am

Uber-Pool: Your driver is Richard. Your estimated time of arrival is 10:53am.

James was perched in the middle seat, knees cramped halfway into his chest and halfway in Sirius’s lap, while Sirius leisurely spread his out in front of him. Stupid git and his nonstop coin flip wins. “Budge over, dolt. I’m going to be half on top of whoever is about to get in here.”

“James, honey,” Sirius looked down at him condescendingly, “if you didn’t want to cuddle with a new friend you should have called heads!” 

“I know where I’d like to put your head.”

The door swung open before the boys could begin outright wrestling in the back of Richard’s very nice, but very cramped, car. 

“Well, hello there. Fancy seeing you, shower boy.” James whipped around to see the most gorgeous smirk in the world staring down at him. He felt his entire neck flame up and his left hand itching to grab his hair but was prevented by the fact that it was half stuck under Sirius’s arse. 

“Shower boy?” Sirius repeated delightedly.

“Oh! You! Hi!” he gasped out, eyes incredulous at his bad luck. Or maybe amazing luck. 

“Hello there, I don’t believe we have had the pleasure.” Sirius peered around James, reaching a hand right over James’s lap to shake hers. Naturally, they had to shake directly over James’s mid center and six inches above his crotch, inciting a deep blush for a whole new source of reasons. 

He stared straight ahead. His entire side pressed up along her side, causing tingles and flames to spark at every single molecule of contact. 

“Red hair, beautiful eyes. No wonder you’ve already discussed James in the shower. Perhaps you’d like to join him in one some time?” Sirius waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively.

James choked on his own saliva. “Are you hitting on her for me?” 

“Well someone ought to! Clearly you’re too much of a fumbling idiot to do it yourself,” he mocked whispered, shooting a wink over James’s shoulder at Lily. 

“How have you been?” Lily, kindly and wisely, ignored Sirius and looked solely at James. “Any new hangover experiments you want to catch me up on since our last meeting?” She wiggled her eyebrows at him dramatically and his laugh came out like the panicked squawk of a choking seagull. 

“No, no, nothing so exciting. Although, I did accidentally add cayenne pepper to my coffee this morning and that was definitely a wake up call after a night of whiskey. Might be worth a shot.”

God he needed to learn when to shut up. 

“I’m sorry how exactly does one accidentally add cayenne pepper to their coffee?”

“That’d be my bad, actually,” Sirius cut in, eyeing them both suspiciously, “Jamesie here likes to put cinnamon in his coffee everyday. I may have purposely accidentally mislabeled the jars before he came downstairs today.”

“Ah, I see,” she giggled softly, giving James a teasing elbow to the side, “what’s a light prank or two between boyfriends?” 

James spluttered like a fish while Sirius howled obnoxiously.

“Something I said?” she cautiously smiled, eyes flitting between James’s aghast expression and Sirius’s obvious joy.

“You,” Sirius pointed straight at her, “I love.” 

James yanked his hand out from between his side and Sirius’s so he could fling it into Sirius’s chest.

“What he means to say,” James turned back to Lily, hand rifling through his hair, “is absolutely not. Not boyfriends. Well, he has a boyfriend. I don’t have a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend. But if it were either it’d be a girlfriend. That I’d have. I erm I date girls. Just not currently dating a girl.” He trailed off slowly, watching Lily’s grin grow as he rambled on and his blush continued to deepen. “We’re brothers,” he finished lamely. 

Stop talking. Stop talking. Stop talking. 

“Thanks for clearing that up. I’ll keep that in mind. I think we might be at your stop though.” James whipped around to look at Sirius’s window and see they were in fact in front of Remus’s building and likely had been for half of his rambling speech. 

“Oh don’t worry, we’re in no rush.” Sirius smirked deliriously, “please James continue to tell the lady about your complete utter lack of a boyfriend or girlfriend. This is the best car ride of my life.” 

James had never glared more strongly in his life than in that moment. 

“Right, get out then before I kick you through the door.” 

Sirius was still giggling maniacally and threatening to go back and tell her about his last failed relationship by the time James was able to scoot all the way out of the car and look back in at Lily, who was naturally watching the entire thing as casual as could be. 

“Sorry about him, he’s not usually allowed out of the house.”

“Don’t be. I liked him. Maybe I’ll meet him again some time.”

“Yeah, erm, yeah maybe. That’d be grand.” Grand, humiliating, horrifically embarrassing, who's to say, really.

“Right, bye then.” And the door closed and Richard pulled away before he could begin to process that exchange.

[rieson]

Hey, would you maybe do a oneshot of Nami demanding a foot rub (maybe because she likes being barefoot so much or something like that) but then being totally overwhelmed by the skills of the guy doing it for her? xD I think her reaction would be hilarious! I hope the idea is not too silly though. :) have a great day!

hello !! sure, that sounds pretty fun to write. i had to search up foot rubbing techniques for this TT. i also changed up a few bits, like how the guy is actually the reader, but i hope this meets your expectations. thank you for requesting!

Gratify

Pairing : Nami ✗ M!Reader

Genre : Humor

Content Warning : Male!Reader, Uhh...Foot rubs. (Don't make it dirty you perverts)

Word Count : 1,082

─ nami demands kindly asks you to rub her foot

"nee, [name]?~ can you rub my foot?"

SWINGING your legs happily like a child in the ship's swing as you yet again, watched Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper wrestle each other on the ship's deck.

“OI! GET OVER HERE─ OW! LUFFY WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?”

“Shishishi!~ Sorry!”

“Sorry isn't gonna cut it you jerk!”

“YEAH! You jerk!~”

Laughing at their antics, you can hear Nami sigh for the umpteenth time from where she sunbathed at.

“Nee, [Name]?~” Your girlfriend spoke out.

“Hm?” You averted your gaze towards the red-head.

“Can you rub my foot?” She suggested with a sly smirk as she slowly lifted up her right leg.

“...” You stare at her with a blank expression, lips formed into a thin line.

A minute goes by.

Two minutes go by.

Until finally, Nami gives up and huffs. Putting back her right leg to its original position.

Or so you thought.

Because not even a minute later, she mumbles something that suspiciously sounds like something along the lines of :

‘Fine then, i’ll get sanji to do it’

Now that, got your attention.

Your head snapped towards her direction, your neck emitting a scary ‘snap!’ sound you thought even you couldn't do.

──────────

It's not that you hate the lad, Sanji’s great.

He really is! You admire and adore his cooking, hell sometimes you even ask him for recipes so that you can experiment cooking on your own, sometimes he’ll outright say no, or, on rare occasions (when nami is in the room) he’d begrudgingly give you the recipe.

It's great.

Your relationship with the blond cook is somewhat okay.

But sometimes, SOMETIMES he gets on your nerves.

Like, whenever the crew arrives at a new island to restock and Sanji approaches Nami with heart eyes, asking her if she would need any help, your insecurities go up the roof.

What if she left you for Sanji?

What if she grows tired of you because Sanji was the one helping her instead of you?

You know that Nami won't leave you, but you can't help but think about it.

And what does your 1 brain cell left in your brain tell you to do to stop this?

H e l p N a m i m o r e t h a n S a n j i d o e s

Anndd that usually leads to useless and childish competition(s) between you and Sanji.

That is, until Nami had a word with you both.

“[Name], Sanji-san.”

“Yes Nami-chwan?~”

“What is it love?”

“You both need to stop competing over stupid stuffs, you’re on the same crew for gods sake! If you both keep this up, you may cause the crew to split up. Sanji needs to learn when to not step over boundaries, and you, [Name]! Need to accept the fact that no, I will NOT leave you in any way shape or form. That day, when you confessed to me, you're stuck with me. And that means til we die. You got that?”

Silence took over the atmosphere as both you and sanji processed what Nami had just said.

You break the silence, “Yes Nami, I apologize for our childish behavior.” You turned to sanji.

“I really am sorry dude, wanna start over?”

Said man looked at you for a good second before saying “Yeah, let's do that. Sorry for causing a ruckus everytime.”

And from that day on, you treated Sanji like a brother. Giving him playful glares and nudges, teasing him whenever you get the chance to.

──────────

Back to the present, you looked at the red-head with another blank expression until an idea pops up to you, making the corners of your lips twitch slightly to a smirk (but the action remained unnoticed by the navigator).

Slowly, you got off the swing as you made your way to where Nami, your oh so lovely girlfriend was laying down.

As if noticing you going towards her direction, she beams, mentally pumping her fists up in the air and saying ‘Victory!’ in her head.

You got to where she was sunbathing and kneeled in front of her feet, grabbing a stool and putting both of her legs on top of it.

“Do it properly, okay love?~” She sent a cheshire cat grin to you.

You rolled your eyes and gave her a mock salute, “Yes sweetheart~”

You decided to start with her right feet, starting it up with warm up twists.

As you were doing the warmup twists, you could see Nami slowly relaxing and melting to the chair from the corner of your eyes.

Once the warmups were done, you decided you would do your favorite rub that helped relax tense muscles.

Thumb work.

Slowly, you place your fingers on top of her foot, placing your thumbs under each foot (on the toe pads).

You move your thumbs to stroke down each toe, using moderate pressure.

You move to the ball of the foot, repeating the same downward stroke motion with your thumbs.

You hear Nami gasps lightly

“Holy shi─” She started, but got cutted off by her own body melting at the touch of your fingers repeating the same motion in the arch of her feet and the heel.

“PffT!─” You snorted, “I did NOT expect that!~” You continued laughing, unconsciously stopping your fingers movement from rubbing the navigator's foot, making her glare at you.

“Hey! I was just surprised is all, i never knew you─”

“You see… I was once called ‘[Name] the professional foot calmer’ at my village”

The red-head sweatdropped at your sudden confession, before huffing softly and shoving her left leg at your face, silently demanding you do the same to the other one.

“Hey!─ I was about to tell you how i gained the title don't just shove your foot up my face!”

“Less talking, more foot rubbing.”

“Your foot smells.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing my queen.” And you start doing the same to her other foot.

Suddenly, in the middle of you rubbing her feet you see Nami beams and her pupils start shaping the shape of a beli.

Oh no.

end.

──────────

extra ending; from that day on, Nami used you as her personal foot rubber and her personal income of money by making you open up a small foot rubbing stall on every island they visit.

(Sanji also requests some foot rubs every now and then when his feet get really bad foot cramps, 10/10 service. Go support [Name]’s small foot rub business!~)

[hongism]

finding beauty in your darkest places - chapter 8

Pairing: TBA (i have no clue at the moment, ot7 for now)

Genre: Psychiatric Clinic!au, Heavy Angst, Fluff

Word Count: 6094

Warnings: strong language; deals with mental and emotional illnesses and disorders as a heavy theme of the story, future graphic depictions of disorders - please do not read if this makes you uncomfortable

Chapter specific warnings: discussions of character death, graphic depictions of anxiety attacks, discussion of suicidal thoughts and actions

Rating: PG-13/Mature

Summary: Everyone has their issues, and everyone deals with them differently. Jungkook thinks that avoiding his problems is the best option out there.

aka

Jeon Jungkook is the newest patient at the Omelas Specialized Psychiatric Clinic, and he just wants to get in and out as quickly as possible so that he can go back to university and be with his friends again. Of course, that doesn't work out according to his plan.

a/n: hello hello this is somewhat of a surprise chapter because i didn’t have this on the schedule or planned in my mind really. However, i find it easiest to write my feelings and since i’ve been feeling down recently, this chapter was easier to write and i felt more inspired to work on it. It’s also been quite some time since i posted, and for that i am hugely and immensely sorry. time slipped away from me and i put this story on the backburners of my mind for too long.

Also, this chapter contains a small surprise for my boo @maptoyoongi​ bc Mari has been so helpful and kind and lovely about helping me with this story and supporting me big time when it comes to this story. I never feel as though it’s enough to just say thank you and i wanted a way to thank you in a special way ;-; even now, i don’t feel as though this is enough to say thank you <3

(it’s been so long that this is the first time i’m actually using the tag list omg)

tag list: @succulentjinkook​ @mxrzan​

7 | 8 | 9

Finding Beauty in Your Darkest Places

Chapter 8: Black Waters

It's cold. The edges of autumn have seeped their way into the clinic, bringing brown and red leaves to the trees around the basketball court, and the season is windier than usual. A gust of wind passes over Jungkook's body. He doesn't brace himself against the breeze despite being in a typical short sleeved white shirt. Rather he remains where he is, sprawled out in the middle of the basketball court and staring up at the clouded sky with an equally clouded mind.

Cold.

Everything is cold. His fingers are never warm anymore, the cold seeping to his palms on occasion. Part of Jungkook knows that he should be worried. It's a concern, maybe a serious health concern in fact, and yet...nothing.

Cold.

Jungkook would rather be cold.

"For the longest time, I only saw that reflection when I looked in the mirror. It took a long time to separate Kim Namjoon from the disorders the doctors labelled me with. What do you see in the mirror, Jungkook? Do you know who you are or do you just take the labels doctors give you? Are you “Jeon Jungkook, Panic Disorder” or someone else?"

Who is he? According to the voices scampering through his head without rest, he's a number of things. Loser, asshole, trash, garbage, piece of shit, dirty, crazy, a disappointment. A liar. Jeon Jungkook is a dirty fucking liar, and he knows that to be the truth.

The worst thing he could do is dwell on the past. Think about all the ways in which he wronged Taehyung, you, Namjoon, Yoongi, Hyewon, maybe every patient in the clinic. His brother...mom...father. Jungkook's head begins to tingle, a faint sensation starting in the back of his skull and quickly travelling to the space between his eyes.

“It’s far better to know people for their heart and not their mind. A person’s mind can be fucked up and distorted. But the kind of person they are, what they do for others, how they treat others — that all tells you much more. We are all souls with a house of flesh and bones, wrestling with a mind that is not our own. For some people it gets to be too much. They just want out of the cage they feel trapped in, and society is the one keeping them there. They don’t see their body as anything good, it’s only a trapped feeling, and sometimes they try to get out. They try to get rid of a certain part of themselves, kill the mind that isn’t completely theirs.”

Namjoon's words stay with Jungkook and cling to the loose bits of his brain only to eat away like a parasite. Kill the mind that isn't completely theirs. In the first few days after that conversation with Namjoon, Jungkook wanted nothing more than to do just that. It would have been so easy, so quick and painless, he could've just done it. Should have. And yet, he lives to see the clouded sky another day, back cold from the pressure of the concrete under him, and surprisingly at peace with being alive.

Nevermind the nagging voices in his mind telling him he's a coward who can't kill himself properly. Jungkook is content.

His birthday came and went without any celebration, which is exactly what he had wanted. None of his family came to visit before or after the day of his birthday, and when each Sunday ended without their presence, Jungkook found that he was not upset in the slightest.

At peace.

Such a strange concept.

When has Jungkook ever felt at peace with anything in his life? Where did this sensation come from? Namjoon's understanding and endless wise words provided relief, yes, but Jungkook wouldn't go so far as to say that they put his fears and anxieties to rest. They haven't gone anywhere. They're just...quiet, but not in a relaxing or easing sense. Jungkook flips between being content and on edge throughout the day constantly. Because it feels like they're waiting. Waiting for something, the drop of a pin, the perfect trigger, the slightest misstep.

On edge may be an understatement.

Dr. Martin requested that Jungkook begin to attend group therapy sessions at his last meeting with the doctor. The idea, in and of itself, sounds like a cruel form of torture for a person like Jungkook -- one still wrestling with the weight of what's wrong with him, the issues swirling through his body and mind.

It will be beneficial, the doctor had said.

Jungkook mentally called bullshit. How could it be? A sit down chat with other patients where he has to talk about himself and his struggles? Fuck that. Jungkook would rather have a fork stuck through the back of his hand. Besides, another huge concern that looms in the back of Jungkook's mind is that Taehyung may be at one of these sessions.

The two are still doing a fantastic job of avoiding each other, and considering they are roommates, Jungkook is impressed they've been able to keep it up this long as it is. But he can't run away when trapped in a room for a group therapy session. He has to sit there and take it, facing the person whose trust he broke, whose relationship he ruined, and whose condition has regressed dramatically in the past few days.

All my fault. My fault. I did that. It was me.

Jungkook's eyes flutter shut, blocking the sky from his view and letting the blackness behind his eyelids sweep over him.

"We need to talk."

Jimin had caught Jungkook by the arm after breakfast two days ago and uttered those four words, eyes narrowed and expression grim. For a moment, Jungkook had thought that he did something wrong or something to upset Jimin. Of course he did, he single-handedly destroyed Taehyung, but Jimin was not angry. His expression softened a moment later, and he had said that he wants to help fix things.

Again, Jungkook mentally called bullshit.

"Fix things". A load of bullshit by itself, but also something that Namjoon said was unnecessary. Fix what? The countless problems Jungkook has caused since arriving in the clinic? Or fix Taehyung himself?

Jimin never approached Jungkook after that, however, which left Jungkook to wonder when the older man is going to approach him, if he does at all. He certainly isn't going to be the one who makes an effort to bring the topic up with Jimin.

Jungkook sits up on the pavement, eyes snapping open again, and he blinks at the intrusion of light through the clouds above. With a quick glance at his watch, Jungkook scrambles to his feet and rushes for the door. His group therapy session starts in two minutes, and the room is on the other side of the clinic. Moving quickly, Jungkook manages to sprint over to where Dr. Martin's office lies, coincidentally across from the room where group therapy sessions are held. The door lies cracked open, and through the small space, Jungkook can see multiple forms already seating inside. No voices arise from the room, however, so Jungkook can at least rest in the knowledge that he isn't late.

That peace of mind dissipates the moment he steps through the door. There Taehyung sits, directly across from the door in a rickety plastic chair. He stares forward and locks eyes with Jungkook as soon as the door moves. Both men freeze, stare at each other with eyes growing wider with each passing second. Panic.

Jungkook's brain is firing warning signals everywhere, the cold in his fingertips grows to a dull ache, and he curls his fingers into his palm under the skin almost breaks. Panic.

Taehyung's face relaxes into a deadpan expression, wide eyes returning to a hooded gaze. Jungkook glances at the people on either side of him, Hyewon on one side with her platinum blonde hair that blends in too much with the white of the clinic around her, and Eunbi on his other side. Both girls wear similar expressions, but when Hyewon makes eye contact with Jungkook, she beams brightly at him. Jungkook offers his own weak smile in response but it doesn't linger. Rather, he steps around the circle of chairs and moves to the seat across from the girl, one beside Seokjin, who seems about as happy to be here as Jungkook is.

"Hi, Seokjin."

Jungkook's greeting is met with a small grunt rather than words, which catches the younger off-guard. Seokjin never fails to be bright and cheerful, chatty even when no one else seems to be in the mood to talk. The Seokjin before Jungkook now is not the one he knows, not in the slightest, and that realization itself sends a chill down the back of his neck.

"Good afternoon everyone!"

A bright and warm voice intrudes on the silence of the room. Jungkook glances up, eyes finding the door again and spotting a young woman dressed in a set of pale blue scrubs. Her smile is too bright, a foreign expression from a nurse at the clinic, and Jungkook almost hazards a guess that she's faking it. However as she steps further into the room, her grin remains. She wastes no time in coming to sit at the last available chair one seat over from Jungkook.

"I'm seeing a few new faces today. First of all, I'm so happy to see that and welcome. I hope that we are able to help you all and this session offers you some peace from the harshness of what's inside your head. Secondly, I'll introduce myself for those of you who may not know me. My name is Dr. Mari, I take care of the group therapy sessions here at the clinic. Would you please each introduce yourselves so that everyone can know each other's names? Oh, also share one interesting fact about yourself! A simple icebreaker to help keep the tension at bay." Dr. Mari motions to the girl sitting on her right, asking her to start wordlessly.

"I'm Hanuel and um, I-I like dogs?" The girl shrugs a bit after her introduction. Seeing her fidget in her seat, eyes wavering and not meeting anyone else's in the room, and the sheer expression of panic across her face as she introduces herself sends Jungkook's mind into a panic of its own. He grips the fabric of his sweatpants tight between his fingers, knuckles white from the force of his grip, and the rapidly accelerating drumming of his heartbeat in his ears begins to resound. His mind shuts down in that moment, blocking out sensory functioning and clouding all his judgement with the constant rhythm of panic in his body.

Before he can stop it, the anxiety attack washes over him like a tsunami. Cold, even colder than before, yet hot at the same time. His throat is burn, skin scalding around his neck, and he's almost certain that his face looks much like a tomato at this point. Jungkook knows what comes next. The distortion, the confusion, pain -- oh so much pain.

Idiot. Dumb fucking idiot. Why did you think it was a good idea to come here? You think you're normal compared to these people? No, look at you. Look at you barely functioning. Dumb fucking idiot. Worthless, I told you you were worthless.

Can't fucking kill yourself properly?

At least do it like you mean it, you worthless disappointment.

Jungkook sinks. The water plunges over him, filling his lungs and throat with black water that freezes his insides. He's thrashing, fighting to get out, but to no avail.

Jungkook has been here before. This is familiar. A hand closes around his throat, and he can no longer breathe. It's familiar.

Something wakes him up from the reverie, well someone to be more specific. A hand comes down on his thigh, and Jungkook jerks his whole body, finding the culprit staring at him with wide eyes. It's Seokjin. The fingers that close around his thigh simultaneously pull him from the depths of the black water in his mind. He nods twice. Jungkook takes the hint and glances around the room, seeing waiting expressions.

"Oh, uh, I'm Jeon Jungkook...the--the newest patient here."

Dr. Mari offers a soft smile, her eyes twinkling as she does. "We're so happy to have you here, Mr. Jeon. Thank you for coming." Jungkook nods a few times in response. He fights to gain control over his breathing again as the girl on his right introduces herself. Seokjin's grip gradually lessens until Jungkook doesn't feel the pressure of his touch any longer, and when he glances down to where the man's hand had just been, he swears the skin tingles with lingering warmth.

"We will open the discussion today as usual. Remember anyone can jump in and talk, there doesn't need to be any specific order, and you don't have to speak if you don't feel comfortable doing so. Hopefully it's helpful to some extent and encouraging to hear others open up in front of you. Now, how are each of feeling today?"

Silence meets Dr. Mari's question. A moment passes when each patient glances around the circle as though pleading another to speak up and make some sort of conversation, but no one does. Dr. Mari remains quiet and patient though, eyes soft as she glances over the patients before her.

"W-Well..." It's Eunbi who starts up the discussion, her voice quiet and hesitant. She doesn't continue her train of thought, at which point, Dr. Mari nods at her.

"Go ahead, dear."

"Well, I've been feeling down and distracted recently. Um, Miyeon might be leaving soon. I-I'm really happy that she is getting better and could leave shortly, but...and I know it's a selfish thought, but I don't want to see her leave. She's my best friend, and she's always been here for me. I don't know what it'll be like to not have her here. She--she helps keep everything in check, keeps all the pieces glued together, so I'm scared. I'm sc-scared about what might happen if she leaves." Dr. Mari hums as Eunbi finishes speaking.

"Does anyone have any advice or words for Eunbi?"

Taehyung doesn't hesitate. He leans forward, quick to offer some sort of reassurance with his words. "Jimin and I will always be here for you. Even if she does leave, we'll still be here." Eunbi smiles at Taehyung, not saying another word and instead shifting her gaze to the floor. Silence creeps into the circle once more. Dr. Mari waits a few moments before cutting the quiet with words of her own.

"Seokjin, you're being awfully quiet today. Is anything in particular on your mind?" Jungkook follows the doctor's gaze to Seokjin.

"No, it's just that I was up late last night talking with my roommate," he explains. "We were having a chat and it ended up being a lot longer than anticipated, so I went to bed very late."

"I understand, that's alright. Why don't you each tell me about one thing that made you happy this week? Seokjin, we'll start with you if you don't mind."

"That's perfectly fine. Um, I spent a lot of time in the library with Namjoon this week. I was able to make it through almost half of a book without getting detached. I remembered most of the content too, so I was happy to finally able to talk through things with Namjoon after reading the book. I haven't been able to do that in a long time."

Eunbi picks up after Seokjin, talking about something related to Miyeon, but Jungkook doesn't pay the words much attention. Dr. Mari's question lingers in his mind. What made you happy? Jungkook doesn't need to think for long because his answer is nothing. If there was anything that made him happy, it's been blocked out and erased by the bad memories. Nothing. It sounds too depressing in Jungkook's mind, and he's sure that if he were to admit that out loud, Dr. Mari would talk to the doctors about his condition. Maybe he'd get new pills, new therapy, more appointments, more and more pointless diagnoses that aren't entirely accurate simply because it's what works best for the system.

"And you, Jungkook?" Dr. Mari cuts through his thoughts.

Maybe it's best that way. Take more and more pills until you're a husk of a human being. Then they won't ask if you're happy.

"Nothing good happened to me this week," Jungkook says without looking up at the doctor. He expects to hear her sigh and click her tongue against the roof of her mouth as a show of disappointment. Neither sound comes.

"Did anything at all make you happy?" She inquires instead.

"No." Jungkook dares to glance up, finding Taehyung's eyes across the room, and the other man wears an expression of sadness for a moment.

"I understand," Dr. Mari says in a quiet voice. Her tone remains level and soft as she consoles him. "It can be tough to have a week like that. But know that things will get better. Whether it happens today, tomorrow, in three weeks or three years -- this will pass, and you will be better and stronger because of it. We're here to help along the way and support you when you don't feel like you can do it by yourself any longer. Now, I would like for you all to share one thing that made you upset this week. Jungkook, would it be alright if you started? You seem to have a lot on your mind, so I'd like to talk through that some if you don't mind." Jungkook's eyes flit over to the doctor. He expects to see the cold and retrained expression that always covers Dr. Martin's face, or the slight look of disdain from some of the nurses, but he sees neither. Rather, Dr. Mari blinks back at him with brows furrowed, gaze soft, and expression reading pure concern. Something about her expression eases Jungkook's mind.

"I'm not sure where to start."

"That's alright, you can just say whatever comes to mind first if you'd rather."

"I...I had a falling out with someone." Jungkook shifts in his seat, daring to look in Taehyung's direction. They meet eyes for a second, then Taehyung ducks his head and refuses to look at him any longer.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?"

Jungkook debates it, considers telling the truth and being honest for once. Just once, he really wants to be honest. He wants to get it off his chest, be open, but to do it in front of these people? People he doesn't know well, some people he doesn't care to know and vice versa, people who could use this against him. Yet Dr. Mari's expression of interest and concern compels him to speak.

"We had a disagreement, and I didn't consider how my actions would affect him mentally or emotionally. I...it's selfish, but I don't want to be responsible for harming him or the relationships he has with others."

"Do you feel bitter at all? Towards that person?" Jungkook jerks his head to find the source of the question. Taehyung's eyes are on him once more, eyes wide, and teeth gnawing his lower lip now that he's put the question out in the air.

"No, not at all," Jungkook admits. Taehyung dips his head. "I just--well, I feel guilty, I guess, for hurting the other person. I wish I could explain that to him but it seems like he's avoiding me. I want a chance to ask for forgiveness, but I don't feel like I deserve it."

"Why would you think you don't deserve a chance for forgiveness?" Dr. Mari asks.

"It feels a bit like I've hurt him too much to be forgiven."

"Maybe...maybe the other person overreacted some because he didn't know how to handle the information," Taehyung speaks up again. "And maybe he isn't upset with you, but he said some hurtful things that shouldn't have been said."

"Taehyung is right. Communication is key, especially when it comes to disagreements. I encourage you to talk with the person again and maybe explaining the situation a bit more will help. That may also help you have better days and find more happiness in things." Jungkook nods along with Dr. Mari's words. "Thank you for sharing, Jungkook. Would anyone else like to share?"

"Um, I-I would," Taehyung pipes up again. He fidgets in his seat before speaking again, a small sniffle accompanying his movements. "I, uh, I called my mom earlier in the week. She said...she said my grandmother passed away. I-I don't know why, but she helped raise me and has always been there for me no matter what. I wish--I wish that I could have been there for her before this happened. It doesn't feel fair."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Taehyung. I understand how much she meant to you and how it must be very hard for you to handle while being at the clinic. It must be very hard for everyone here. It's hard to feel as though there is no way out, no way to see family and friends, and live your own life. Everything you do is under watch, someone is there with you, you're required to follow all these regulations and rules. While, yes, they are meant to help your betterment and assure safety, it must feel very suffocating at times. However, each of you has come to this place together, all suffering and struggling with similar things, and you are with each other at the same time for a reason. You should be a beacon of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel for each other. When something bad happens, rather than stepping away from each other, you should step towards one another. Be there for each other and treat this place as a new home. While it may be a temporary one, it is an important one. This is a place where you can have a new family, not a replacement per se, but a family full of people who know what you go through each and every day and understand how you feel.

"I understand each of you may have qualms with each other or with the staff here at the clinic. It can be hard to feel surrounded by people who seem not to care about you or want you to get better, but I assure you there are people who want to help here. Whether it be a doctor or a nurse or a patient, people want to see you be better and stronger, to return to your life outside the clinic.

"Everyone is at the clinic for a reason. Obviously you each know that, the patients are here for their specific reasons. The reason I came to the clinic, however, is because I wanted to make a difference and be a person who could help in some way. When I was your age, I didn't have anyone to rely on or go to when I struggled. For many years, I struggled alone, and it was the most terrifying experience of my life. I'm here to make sure that each of you don't have to feel that way, to give you an option, a choice to not be alone. I love seeing progress in each of you, and growth, but I adore seeing you grow and rely on each other to get better. Medication can only do so much. There has to be a change in the heart and in the mind in order to overcome your struggles. That is what I want to see as a doctor here. I want to see patients come together and help each other because we doctors and the nurses lack in many areas. You can do so much more for each other since you understand each other. Now, I will leave you all with that thought for the day. Thank you for coming, thank you to our newcomers, and you're free to leave now."

Jungkook moves to get up, but a hand clamps down on his leg, keeping him planted to the seat. He looks to the man on his left in confusion. Seokjin doesn't say a word, nor does he even spare Jungkook a glance, and he keeps staring forward at the floor in silence. Dr. Mari is the first to stand, followed by a few of the female patients, while Taehyung lingers in his seat as well. A few moments later, the room is empty except for Taehyung, Seokjin, and Jungkook. There doesn't seem to be any reasoning behind why they're lingering, and Jungkook can only blink between the other two in wonder. Taehyung won't take his eyes off Jungkook, lips slightly parted as though he's about to say something. Words never come.

A minute passes, then two, then three in silence. There's an itch under Jungkook's skin now, the anxiety crawling its way back into his system. Then, a creaking noise rises, and Taehyung stands up. He heads for the door without saying or doing anything, leaving Jungkook to wonder what the hell just happened. Once Taehyung is out of sight, Seokjin releases a deep breath.

"Did something happen between you and Taehyung?" He asks.

"No." The answer comes a bit too quickly, perhaps the lie is too transparent, and Seokjin can see straight through him. "Nothing happened. Everything's fine." Jungkook ought to stop talking, he's only digging the hole deeper at this point. He won't be able to drawl out of it once Seokjin catches on that it's a lie, but luckily enough, Seokjin makes a noise of approval.

"Sorry for bothering you. I just--it seemed--I most likely misread things. I make too many assumptions anyways, according to Yoongi at least."

"Ah, no! Don't worry, it's fine." Jungkook rushes to reassure the older man, and Seokjin smiles back in gratitude as he does. "Would it...be alright if I asked you a few questions actually?"

"Oh, me? That's fine. Ask away!" Seokjin grins at Jungkook, the lines around his mouth and nose scrunching up with the gesture.

"How long have you been at the clinic?"

"Hm, I think it's been about a year for me now. Might seem strange, since Namjoon, Yoongi, and Y/N have been here for a lot longer."

"How did you start talking with them then? Or become friends, I mean." Seokjin leans back in his chair, squinting at the ceiling.

"Well, Y/N was the person who showed me around the ward at the time. Back then, she was a lot less bright and happy." Jungkook does at double-take at the words.

"She doesn't seem bright or happy at all now," he scoffs.

"It used to be a lot worse. I have no clue why, but she was absolutely hellish back then. Even so, I found her interesting and I was grateful that she showed me around, so I kinda just pushed myself into her life. After I found out that Yoongi was my roommate, I thought it was sort of meant to be? That sounds odd and cliche, but that's the reason why I spent all my time with the two of them. Namjoon was obviously there as well, though at the time he didn't spend all of his time with us as he does now. Thinking back, it was hard dealing with both Yoongi and Y/N since they were both so hellish then, but Namjoon was good at placating it. Y/N and Yoongi would argue all the time, back and forth with no end whatsoever. Namjoon would just say "stop" and they would shut up. I don't understand it, even now that it's a lot better and way different than it used to be."

"What do you mean?"

"They care about each other -- Y/N and Yoongi that is -- but it's always seemed as though they have a really twisted way of showing it. I don't approve of it, but I'm not the person to tell them otherwise. It's not my place, first of all. Secondly, I can't do anything about it even if I wanted to. The only person who could have an actual impact would be Namjoon, although anytime I mention it to him, he shuts me down and refuses to talk about it." Seokjin's admission triggers something in Jungkook's mind, and he's taken back all the sudden to one of his previous conversations with Namjoon.

“Quit asking, Jungkook.”

“I’m so-sorry, I was just c—”

“I don’t want to talk about them so you shouldn’t bother.”

“Talk about Yoongi and Y/N?”

“Drop it now before I have to say it again.”

Now that he knows it's been a recurring pattern with Seokjin, Jungkook can't help but wonder what the cause is. Did something happen there for him to be so against talking about it?

"Eh, now that I think about it, I guess Y/N wasn't the absolute worst she could've been. When I first arrived, she really tried her best to help me and look after me in a way, even though I'm older than her. Over time though, she started helping me less and less. I think it's partly because I insisted that I was just fine helping myself. Maybe that's why she was cold to me for so long. Part of me feels guilty about having her help me, somewhat due to the fact that I'm older than here, but also because there isn't really anything wrong with me."

Jungkook blinks at Seokjin. ...isn't really anything wrong with him? But if that's true...why would he be here?

"I'm not sick or anything like that, so she didn't need to help me."

...Not sick?

"We argued about that at one point. I don't remember the exact content of the argument, but Namjoon took my side and of course Yoongi took hers. Things were tense for a little while after that but we cleared things up and talked through it. Turned out better in the end because now we're fine, and she knows that she doesn't have to help me anymore."

"Makes sense," Jungkook mumbles, more focused on the fact that Seokjin claimed to not be sick.

"Of course, she still tries from time to time," Seokjin continues as though Jungkook didn't say anything. "But it isn't as frequent as when she tries to help others like she does with Hoseok or Taehyung or even you."

"What?" Jungkook blanches at the mention of him. "She doesn't do that for me. She doesn't do anything like that at all, especially not compared to what she does for Taehyung or Hoseok."

"Oh, you can't see it?" Seokjin's eyebrows raise, and he swipes his tongue across his lower lip. "I know that she's trying her best to help, but it may not be obvious because of the kind of person she can be. She truly does care though, no matter what you might think. It's just--she, well, she has a tendency to believe that she can help others while keeping them at arm's length, even though that's almost impossible. Maybe that's what caused us to fight in the first place: we don't see eye  to eye on a lot of things. At the end of the day, we respect each other. That's the most important thing: mutual respect and care. As Dr. Mari said, being there for each other is valuable and I wouldn't want any sort of petty argument to get in the way of that."

"I suppose so. Well, no, that's right. That's 100% correct. Just...difficult, I guess."

"So can we talk about what's going on between you and Taehyung now?"

"Huh? W-What? Nothing happened, I don't--I don't know what you're talking about."

"Bullshit." Seokjin releases a small laugh. "Whatever happened between the two of you is somehow affecting Taehyung's relationship with Y/N." Jungkook's heart plummets. He noticed? How did he notice? Did other people notice too? "Listen, Jungkook. Taehyung is one of the most important things in Y/N's life, the other thing being Hoseok. She doesn't feel as though she has any purpose or value outside of that."

"I...I know that, but there isn't--there isn't anything I can do." Seokjin grabs hold of his forearm, pinching the skin with his rough grasp.

"I was up late talking with Yoongi last night, and we were talking about Y/N. She came to visit Yoongi while I was gone yesterday. I was helping clean up and take care of dishes after dinner so Yoongi was alone. I--they--" Seokjin cuts himself off before he can say any more. "Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this. No, I'm sure it's fine. It's fine, I don't have to tell him everything." Jungkook leans away from the man, but Seokjin's grip only tightens around his arm. "Anyways, Y/N and Yoongi talked for a bit."

"You see, this is why we are better off not talking when we're together. Things that don't involve conversation always do more good for the two of us."

Jungkook narrows his eyes. "But...Y/N told me herself that they don't tend to talk when they're together." Seokjin's eyes grow wide, then he shakes his head.

"Uh, it's not my business to tell you the details of her relationship with Yoongi or to explain what the two of them do in their private time."

"P-Private time?" Seokjin presses his lips into a thin line. A second passes, then reality sinks in, and Jungkook suddenly understands what you meant when you said that. "Oh." Seokjin offers a weak yet understanding smile.

"Again, it's not my place to talk about that. But anyways, back to the topic at hand. Y/N had mentioned something to Yoongi about needing a distraction because Taehyung was acting strange and different. She apparently went to talk to him, and he flat out ignored her. She's scared that he's mad at her for not finding his bear sooner."

The black water laps at Jungkook's ankles. He's expecting another tsunami.

"Did Taehyung mention what happened between them or if it has something to do with whatever happened between the two of you?"

"No," Jungkook denies quickly. He tugs his arm out of Seokjin's grasp. "It's not my business to talk about that anyways." Seokjin purses his lips then opens his mouth to say something else. "I have to go." Jungkook stands up, excusing himself from the conversation before it goes any further. He doesn't want to know. He doesn't care to know about whatever is going on between you and Yoongi, or how hurt you are by Taehyung's behavior. It doesn't matter. It's not like I'm going to fucking stay at the clinic forever. Jungkook pushes his way out of the room, leaving Seokjin behind him, and doesn't care to look back and see whether the man decided to follow or not.

The black water is at his waist now, he feels the tug of the tide pulling and dragging him further in, and the cold black hand ready to close around his throat.

Your fault. Your fucking fault. Look what you did. You dirty fucking liar. You disappointment. Look at you. Can't do anything right, huh?

Jungkook stumbles on thin air.

Can't even kill yourself properly, can you?

Then all the sudden, he's on the floor, staring at the white ceiling with a dull throbbing in the back of his head.

"Jungkook!" It's not Seokjin's voice -- far too feminine for that -- but his mind is too swamped by black water to put a name to the voice.

"Y/N!" That's Seokjin, Jungkook recognizes it from having just heard it so much minutes ago. But that means, that it must have been you who yelled his name. For some reason, that realization causes the black hand around his throat to retract and sink back into the water, and the water recedes until it's lapping at his ankles again.

Hands find the collar of his white tee, pulling his shoulders up off the floor. Jungkook blinks a few times as your face appears before him. It stands out against the white of the ceiling, a blur to your features until Jungkook focuses his eyes again.

Then -- panic.

Oh god, is she mad at me? Does she know? She knows. Fuck, I'm screwed. She knows about the journal, about Taehyung, about everything. Fuck.

You smile.

Jungkook chokes on air.

"I found it, Jungkookie."

...

a/n: i hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! not a lot happened but at the same time a lot kinda happened?? i missed this story so so much and was so happy to return to writing it. i am excited to share more of this story with you guys, along with other projects that i have :3

consider sending me a ko-fi!!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

[thecrownedlioness-archive]

Michael has several meetings that day to start scheduling out the day of the actual Apocalypse, which is a wildly complicated thing. It lasts well into the night, so they don't see each other.

Kitten wakes up the next morning excited to greet the day. She puts on her regular old denim shorts and her slouchy black shirt, and steps into her boots. Maybe she can spend the day just continuing to explore the building, to see if there are any departments she'd like to work in. She doesn’t want to just be arm-candy if she can help it!

But before she can even get out the door, there's a swift knock. She makes a confused face and goes to open it. 

Two security guards are standing there. They look very unfriendly. 

"Yeah?" 

"Ms. Sanchez, we've been told to escort you to the board room immediately." 

"What's the board room?" 

"Please, come with us." 

Kitten shrugs. It can only be Michael summoning her, so she follows willingly.

They take her to the elevator and, to her surprise, press the down button instead of up towards Michael’s office and executive suites. She shifts her weight uncomfortably, but says nothing; these guys don't look like they're in the mood to fall victim to her charms. 

Finally, the elevator opens, and she finds herself in an extravagant underground portion of the Cooperative headquarters—the Cooperative headquarters itself, which she has never seen.

The security guards continue walking, and she follows with little clicks of her boots on the marble to a set of doors. When they open and let her inside, what Kitten sees nearly makes her urinate on herself in horror. 

The doors close behind her and she's frozen to the spot. 

Nearly three dozen people, dressed all in black, are sitting along a giant silver table. They are wearing silver masks, all of them. There is not a single human in that room that she'd be able to recognize, and they all turn to "stare" at her... at least that's what she thinks they're doing beneath their masks. 

"Step forward, Ms. Sanchez," comes a voice from somewhere in the pack of wolves waiting to feast on her flesh. 

She wrings her hands and does so, her golden eyes wide, in her denim shorts and her slouchy black shirt. She feels positively naked.

The underground headquarters is in a Neo-Gothic style, looking exactly how one would expect a secret society to look. Ancient, intimidating. One silver-masked hooded figure steps out from the pack, the designated spokesperson for this event. “Ms. Sanchez, we have heard rumors.”

"R-Rumors suck," is the first thing she blurts out.

The room is silent but she gets the feeling that a few are stifling laughter. “They do indeed. Would you help us to clear a few of them?”

"I'll do what I can!" she chirps, putting her hands behind her back so they won't see her winging them. 

The spokesperson folded their hands together, “Perfect. A few of us are going to step forward and ask you questions. Please answer them to the best of your ability.” Their tone is condescending. “First—what is your relationship to Michael Langdon?”

She hesitates, then remembers exactly what Michael told her to say. Kitten lifts her chin. "I am with the King."

A few turn to each other to murmur. “With? Could you elaborate on that?”

She hesitates. She'll have to be clever here. "No."

"And why not, Ms. Sanchez? Is the nature of your relationship to Mr. Langdon shameful?”

She narrows her eyes, but she's trembling anxiously. "No. It's just that..." Kitten chews the inside of her cheek. "... we're together. I can't be any clearer."

They nod, “I see. Let’s move on then.” Another steps from the crowd, as if they are going to name each one of her sins. Though they won’t be as kind as Michael. 

“Before you came here, were you either a stripper, prostitute? And bear in mind, I mean: did you take money for sex either for yourself or others?”

Kitten thinks hard about the question, tries to figure out any way out of it. But every ounce of her street-smart cleverness is no where near the capacity of their brutal, (literally) evil intelligence and ruthlessness. "N-Not usually money. Favors sometimes. Goods sometimes. Alliances..." She realizes she might be digging herself a deeper hole in trying to hedge. "Yes."

“Thank you.” It’s said with the slightest hint of disgust. 

The next comes forward. “How long have you been a devoted Satanist? What work have you done in his infernal name?”

Kitten hesitates again. It's obvious to them that she's trying to figure out how to deflect, but the way they're asking their questions makes it impossible. "I'm not a devoted Satanist and if I'm honest I ain't got the slightest clue what it means to be one. I believe in Michael Langdon and I know how to say Ave Satanas. I did figure out the other day that nema is just amen backwards and to be honest I think that's a little hokey but that's y'all's business."

“I see.” 

Another. “Is your relationship to Mr. Langdon sexual in nature and have you received or been offered anything because of it?”

"Why? Does Mr. Langdon seem like he needs a prostitute?"

The retort seems to offend everyone in the room. “Answer the question, Ms. Sanchez.”

She thinks about his offer to buy her new clothes so she can fit in better around here and swallows hard, getting confused and panicked. "Y-Yes to both?"

“Is Mr. Langdon aware of your past?” The implication being: if he doesn’t know, how disgusted would he be to find out? If he does know, what possessed him to choose you?

"He reads minds," she answers dryly.

“What makes you qualified to be here?”

"Because Mr. Langdon says so."

“Why does he say so? In what way have you proven your worthiness as the rest of us had to do? Or was it your sexual relationship that sweetened the deal?”

"I didn't spend millions paying my way in like all y’all, if that's what you're asking," she snaps.

“It’s not and you’re not so stupid to think it is.”

"He... he's never really said why. You'll have to ask him that."

Another steps out. Her sins are growing as her judges step forward. “Why should you be with Michael Langdon?”

"He's with me for the same reason anyone is with anyone. Because that's what he wants. I ain’t gonna speak for him.”

“Let’s switch gears.” Another member joins the group at the front. “Was your precious employer a drug-lord and kingpin of Miami and were you also sexually involved with him?”

She can't help but tremble in fear. Not for herself. For Michael. They'll all know how unworthy and disgusting she is and it'll reflect poorly on him for choosing her. "Yes."

“As I thought. You seem to enjoy putting yourself in the beds of men in power. Was your father also a kingpin... and were you sexually involved with him?”

Kitten wants to vomit, shaking her head, the panic setting in. "It... it wasn't like that!"

“You didn’t have sex with your father?”

Tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but she tries to keep the weakness out of her voice. "I did, but—"

“Your father hired many of his sons, did he not? Did you have sex with your half-brothers?”

"I... It's... I didn't... you don't understand!" She sways on her feet, her face pale as a sheet.

“I think we understand perfectly well, Ms. Sanchez,” the spokesperson says, “We understand your type.”

"And what type is that?" she asks, wishing like hell she had anything to lean on, to physically hold onto that might keep her from crumbling to the floor.

“A junkie whore,” one of them spits venomously. They’ve all gathered against her. 

If she glanced behind them, she’d see a hint of golden hair suddenly appear among the sea of black. 

“One last question,” Michael says, causing them all to gasp and stiffen, or back away from him entirely. The atmosphere is ominous. “Why wasn’t I invited to this party?” It’s obvious they chose a time when they thought he wasn’t going to be around for this nonsense. 

"Sir," one of them says, pointing a condemning finger at her as she stands there about to be sick with humiliation. "This... I hesitate to even say woman... isn't worthy to be here, much less to be with the Antichrist." 

"Do you know anything about her?” another says. “Have you even read her file?" 

"Sir... if it's female company you need, there are many devoted Satanist women who would be honored by the opportunity to serve you. But resorting to a prostitute—”

Michael lifts his hand, poised in a flicking motion, his face indicating he’d have no issue killing them right then.

Everyone falls deadly silent, except for Kitten, who is sniffling pitifully.

He slowly puts his hand down and begins walking towards her, the crowd parting as if even touching him would kill them. He reaches up and cups her tearful face, his blue eyes kind and loving.

She blinks, and the tears that had been clinging to her lids finally streak down her smooth cheeks. Her golden eyes shimmer with fear and sadness. "I tried. I’m sorry."

He kisses her forehead, “You passed your tests a long time ago, my only. They’ve done nothing.” He puts his hands back behind his back, “Could you lift one of your hands for me?”

She slowly does as he asks, fingers shaking.

He turns back to the Cooperative, “Do all of you see her hand?” It’s not rhetorical.

"Yes, sir," they all quietly answer, practically in unison from behind their masks.

“Good. It is stained with the blood of hundreds of men. The difference in our ability to kill lies not in talent or ferocity—but in fractions of seconds.” He starts to prowl around them. 

Kitten does not lower her hand. The Cooperative members glance at each other and then at her slight, trembling form incredulously.

“Do you require proof?” He demands, “Bring the strongest man from the Sanctuary and she will decimate him,” he stops and stares down one of the members, “Or would you like to volunteer yourself?”

None of them do, not even the young men with enough money for boxing and wrestling and fencing lessons in their free time—rich bastards—afraid that he will blow their heads up during the fight to make a point. It's not her they're afraid of. It's still him.

“I didn’t think so. But I think I’ll still make my point.” He looks at Kitten, “Choose one of them and break their wrist.”

Kitten's tearful eyes clear up and flash dangerously. "Which one of them called me a junkie whore?"

He looks over the crowd. “Amelia Harper.” 

The woman begins to tremble, but walks forward anyway. “Please, Your Majesty, I was only thinking of you! You deserve someone better!” 

“I defy you to name one better than her,” he says, “Kitten.”

Kitten steps over to the woman calmly. She reaches up with a speed no human eye could follow and rips off her silver mask, revealing her face, a pretty blonde wincing in shock that this whore would have the audacity— 

"I'm not sorry," Kitten snarls.

She lashes out again, snatching the woman by her wrist and spinning around, twirling her at the same time. The redhead reaches back and grabs her by the back of her neck, and uses the momentum of both their bodies to flip her over her back and slam her right down onto the floor, hard enough to knock the wind out of her. 

The blonde lays there, shocked and gasping, and as an afterthought, Kitten reaches out and takes the woman's hand, turning it on its side and giving her whole arm a very precise, simple flick. There's a loud crack, and Amelia wails, grabbing her wrist once Kitten tosses her arm back. The Cooperative stands there, stunned.

Michael smiles. “I have deemed her worthy because she is worthy. If you have doubts, bring them to me yourself. Don’t hide behind your masks,” he offers his hand to Kitten, stepping over Amelia’s still whimpering form.

Kitten takes his hand, looking out over the little assembly. She knows this isn't over. They'll only despise her more after this, and see her as even more of a threat; they'll spread rumors that the Antichrist is affectionate towards an incest-loving prostitute. But this first altercation is over, and it's unclear who won.

“Return to your duties, ladies and gentlemen. You’ve wasted enough time.” He leads her out of the room, back into the hallway and towards the elevator.

[august-anon]

Still Got It

Hello friends, I got into an intense lee mood and wrote this and made this blog before I could talk myself out of it. 

This is loosely based in one of my regular fics from my regular blog (the identity of which will be kept under lock and key because I don’t want anyone to know about this secret blog) and I wrote this so I wouldn’t have the urge to put a weird tickle scene in the fic. All you really need to know is that all the sides are seniors in high school and Virgil’s mom died when he was like 8 or 9 (which is briefly mentioned in the fic, so if you aren’t down with that please be careful or just don’t read).

Prinxiety with some pining barely-there Logicality in the background.

Word Count: 2,350 (because apparently my rambly, long-windedness isn’t reserved for just regular fics)

Also this is the first ever tickle fic I’ve written so please don’t judge me too harshly lol

(Also I didn’t edit this so I wouldn’t talk myself out of posting it so it may have mistakes or characters may sound weird/ooc at times)

-----------

It had been a few weeks since Roman and Virgil had started dating, and things were going shockingly well (in Virgil’s opinion, Roman never seemed to have any doubts) despite their rough start. 

Things at school were still pretty awkward (the most loved and most hated people in the school getting together? The student body would need some time to adjust), but they were happy and that was all that mattered.

For now, they were taking a break from the mess that was their school lives, relaxing on Logan’s couch, with Logan and Patton relaxing to their left (still pining after each other, despite Roman and Virgil’s best efforts). 

Patton was scrolling through his phone and laughing at memes while monitoring Logan out of the corner of his eye to make sure he didn’t try to start studying again, and Logan was actually reading a book for fun for once.

Suddenly, Roman sat up straighter, turning towards Virgil. “You know,” he started, “I can see those walls you have up breaking down every day, you’ll smile a lot more often around me now, but I truly and genuinely don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh.”

“Maybe you’re just not as funny as you think you are,” Virgil teased with a smirk.

Roman gave a mock-offended gasp, a hand coming up to clutch at his chest.

Patton giggled at his dramatics.

Roman waved a hand in Patton’s direction. “See? I’m funny!”

Logan raised an eyebrow and adjusted his glasses, leaning over to look at Roman past Patton and Virgil. “Forgive me for saying this Patton, but he’ll laugh at just about anything. I’m not certain he’s an accurate representation of how funny you are.”

Patton giggled again and shrugged. “He’s not wrong, Roman.”

“Well, you two are accurate representations, either!” Roman argued. “You guys barely smile, let alone laugh! Who the hell even knows what it would take to get even the barest of chuckles from you.”

Virgil shrugged, still smirking, and relaxed back into Roman’s side when he sunk back down, pouting. His arm came up to rest on Virgil’s shoulders while the other hand dramatically went up to his face.

They relaxed in silence for a few minutes more before Logan leaned over Patton again, a gleam in his eyes.

Virgil gave him a suspicious look. Nothing good ever came out of that particular gleam.

“Roman,” he said, as calm as usual, but Virgil still tensed.

Roman hummed to show he was listening and shot a questioning glance at Virgil. Virgil ignored him, keeping his eyes locked on Logan.

Then, Logan smirked, like only childhood best friends holding the secrets to the universe could. “I wonder if Virgil’s still ticklish,” he finished, a barely-there lilt to his voice that probably only Virgil could pick up on.

The betrayal.

Virgil’s eyes went wide and his fight or flight responses kicked in. He tried to launch himself off the couch to run (he knew this house better than Roman, and he could still fit in some good hiding places), but the arm around his shoulders worked to Roman’s advantage. He used it to pull Virgil to his chest and fling them both to the ground, Roman being careful to cushion Virgil’s fall.

Virgil tried to pull away, leading to a light wrestling match breaking out. A wrestling match that Virgl was doomed to lose, considering that Roman played on half the school’s sports teams and the only working out Virgil did was sneaking out his bedroom window.

“So it’s true, then?” Roman asked gleefully.

“What’s true?” Virgil bit out, trying to push at Roman’s hands and gently throw him off with a foot to the stomach (a quiet thought of “throw him off his rhythm” almost caused Virgil to lose his focus).

“You’re still ticklish!” Eagerness was rolling off of Roman in waves.

Virgil suddenly stopped fighting, frozen in place. Roman stopped, too, probably worried he’d crossed one of Virgil’s boundaries or overstepped.

“I don’t know,” Virgil finally said, brows furrowing.

Roman relaxed above him. “Don’t know…?” He trailed off, eyebrows also scrunching up together. “If you’re ticklish?”

Virgil shrugged and nodded, finally meeting Roman’s eyes.

“Well you used to scream pretty loud when your mom used to get you,” Logan said, somewhat oblivious to the silent conversation the two lovers were having.

Roman leaned forward and spoke lowly enough that their friends couldn’t hear. “If this is something you really don’t want to happen let me know now. You know I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable or do something you didn’t like.”

Virgil remained silent.

Roman gave a subtle nod with an eyebrow raised.

Virgil returned the nod.

Roman grabbed his hand and squeezed once before relaxing his grip. “Squeeze once for me crossing a line, twice for ‘stop this instant.’”

And after another brief moment of careful eye contact, they were wrestling again. Virgil could feel the anxious anticipation rolling around in his stomach and took a moment to remind himself of what Roman had promised.

That moment of distraction was all Roman needed, beaming as he was able to toss Virgil’s hands away and latch onto his sides and squeeze.

Virgil immediately gave up that fight to start a new one, his sleeve-covered fingers shooting up to cover his mouth.

Evidently, he was still ticklish.

Very ticklish.

But as ticklish as he seemed to be, he wasn’t going to make getting that laugh easy for Roman.

That just wouldn’t fit who he was, now would it?

Roman laughed victoriously as he gently squeezed up and down the fleshy parts of Virgil’s sides. “Come on, darling,” he said, a teasing lilt to his voice, “just give in! You know you want to!”

Roman switched to digging into Virgil’s ribs causing Virgil to lurch and squirm, eyes squeezing shut as he fought his giggles down.

Scary emo teenagers that put entire high schools on edge did not giggle.

But damn, how did that tickle so much through a tshirt and his hoodie? That just wasn’t fair.

“You’re going to break eventually,” Roman teased, “you’re just dragging this out much longer. Though, who’s to say I’ll even want to stop once I get a taste of that adorable laughter?”

Virgil briefly wondered how Roman got so good at this. Then, he remembered that not only did he grow up with the bubbly Patton, he also had Patton’s younger brothers to practice on. Not to mention his own older brother (and from what Roman told him, Remy definitely seemed like the teasing, tickling big brother type).

In a desperate attempt to keep his laughter in, his competitive nature getting the best of him, Virgil frantically tried to recall where he was most ticklish when he was young. He’d been pretty ticklish everywhere, but if he remembered correctly, his most ticklish spot was--

“Get his tummy!” Patton called out with an affectionate laugh.

--His stomach.

He very much regretted leaving his hoodie unzipped as Roman’s fingers scribbled over his thin lounge shirt.

He couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Virgil’s hands shot down to grip Roman’s wrists, though he very carefully made sure not to squeeze. His eyes shot wide open, as did his mouth as he started letting out loud laughter.

Roman’s face lit up. “Well isn’t that just the best sound for sore ears!” He crowed, switching his technique to alternating between light squeezes and spidering fingers that drove Virgil absolutely insane.

“Aww!” Patton squealed from the couch. “He’s so cute!”

“Even I must admit,” Logan leaned forward, smirking, “I haven’t even heard him laugh like that, not in years.”

If Virgil’s face hadn’t already turned red from trying to hold his laughter in (and from Roman’s teasing, not that he would admit it), he was sure he would be blushing at their words.

“This may just be the most perfect sound in the universe,” Roman cooed, leaning down to get his face closer to Virgil’s. “I really do think I need to hear more of it, I might just die if I don’t!”

Roman slowed down to give Virgil a slight breather, though he didn’t stop his fingers entirely, keeping Virgil giggling. It seemed that once the laughter started, Virgil couldn’t make it stop.

Not that he necessarily wanted to.

Roman slowly and carefully started maneuvering his fingers under Virgil’s shirt, giving Virgil ample time to squeeze Roman’s wrists to back out or tell him to at least back off.

If anything, Virgil actually loosened his grip. He brought one hand back up to his mouth to muffle the giggles.

Roman mock-pouted. “Now why would you do that? I wanna see those cute little dimples bouncing around!” 

His fingers, now fully under Virgil’s shirt, switched back and forth between sweeping with the pads of his fingers and spidering with his short nails, making Virgil’s giggles grow in volume and intensity.

Roman smirked. “I suppose I’ll have to just make sure I get to see them again, won’t I?”

Virgil brought his other hand up as well, so that his entire face was covered by hoodie-clad fingers, save for his eyes, dancing with mirth.

Bring it, they said.

Roman narrowed his own in response. “So be it,” he growled out playfully.

And Virgil’s break was over.

Virgil didn’t even try to hold back his laughter again, howling out as Roman went back to work. The tickling feeling on his bare skin was so much worse. It was a struggle to keep his hands over his mouth, muffling his loud belly laughter. He knew he’d lose this game eventually, too, but he was determined to hold out as long as possible.

“Tickle tickle, sweet Virgil!” Roman sang. “Don’t you just wanna drop those hands? Give in and let me hear the sweet melody that is your laughter? The gorgeous gift that is your smile and sweet little dimples?”

Virgil’s face was on fire. It wasn’t fair that Roman knew all the right buttons to press to make him blush, and after such a short time of dating, too! Not to mention how good at tickling and teasing he was.

Roman’s fingers tickled up his torso, landing on his ribs once more and playing them like a piano. Unlike before, with both his hoodie and shirt in the way, Roman could actually stroke between each bone, wiggle his fingers along the bones themselves.

Virgil squealed as his arms shook, aching to come down and protect himself. He squirmed from side to side as much as he could with Roman straddling him (and Virgil wondered when that happened), which admittedly wasn’t far, and certainly didn’t bring much relief.

“Oh?” Roman said. “What was that cute little sound? I really wish I could have heard it, but there seems to be something in the way! Maybe if I just…”

Roman slid his fingers up into Virgil’s armpits, scratching away; and, despite Virgil’s best efforts, his arms came crashing down just in time for a loud shriek to pass through his lips.

“Aww, there he is!” Roman cooed. “My sweet prince! What adorable sounds you make!”

“Roman!” Virgil cried out through his laughter, not entirely sure where he was going with the sentence.

“Yes, dear?” Roman replied, and Virgil could hear the shit-eating grin in his voice.

Virgil just shook his head, not having an answer.

“Tell you what. If you can lift your arms up so I can get my hands back, I’ll stop.”

Virgil shook his head again and called out through his cackling, “I can’t!”

And he didn’t know if he really wanted to, either.

Virgil hadn’t been tickled since his mom died, and he’d been so young when it happened. He can’t remember disliking being tickled as a child, but he’d been so worried that had changed now that he was practically an adult.

But, as it turned out, Virgil thought he might actually like it.

And wasn’t that an embarrassing thought?

But when Roman started blowing raspberries, swapping between his now-exposed stomach and his neck, Virgil knew he reached his limit for the time being. Especially with those fingers still wiggling away in his armpits.

Try as he might, though, Virgil couldn’t raise his arms. It was all too overwhelming. His hands flailed as much as they could with his arms being glued to his sides. He latched onto one of Roman’s arms as tears of laughter finally started trickling down his burning cheeks, frantically squeezing twice.

Everything immediately stopped.

“I guess I’ll have mercy for now,” Roman said with a grin, trying to play it off in front of the others. He started wiping away Virgil’s tears. “My fingers were getting tired anyway. But there will be repeat performances. Especially since I’m sure I didn’t find all your spots!”

Virgil’s blush, which had thankfully started fading, flared up again. Roman chuckled and pulled him in for a hug.

“I wouldn’t be opposed,” Virgil mumbled before he lost his nerve. It was as close as he could get to saying he liked it.

Roman pulled back and grinned at him, wiggling his eyebrows. Virgil rolled his eyes and gave him a playful shove.

They both looked up to find Logan still immersed in his book and Patton back on his phone, though both of them seemed to be smiling. Logan looked up from his book and stared back at them.

“I’d consider this experiment a success. It seems you are just as ticklish as when we were kids.”

“Watch it, Specs,” Virgil threatened with a playful grin. “I know your secrets, too.”

“Is that so?” Patton asked innocently, though he had a predatory grin.

Logan shifted in his seat, eyes wide, but mouth wisely kept shut.

Roman and Virgil cuddled back up together on the couch next to Patton and Logan and started scrolling through their respective phones, occasionally turning to each other or the others when something particularly funny came up.

Then, Patton broke the peaceful silence once more.

“By the way, Virge,” he said casually, eyes still on his phone, “Roman is still super ticklish, too.”

[vernonfielding]

Gotta address the elephant in the room

Story No. 11 of my Season 7 Countdown Project. (Please note that there are (mild) descriptions of sexual harassment in here. Take care of yourselves, readers.)

Summary: “We can be different and still have the same cause.”

Amy and Rosa go to Shaw’s after taking the second sexual harassment statement. Takes place at the end of He Said, She Said. (Read on AO3.)

Alexandra’s story isn’t nearly as horrible as Keri’s – there’s not as much drunk late-night desk wrestling, and no penis-breaking – but it’s still awful. Amy and Rosa go back to the firm and grab Beefer (because of course it’s Beefer) and somehow by the time they haul him back to the Nine-Nine for questioning he’s already got a lawyer and he’s in and out in under an hour. And that’s it. Amy is sick of it. Just fucking over it.

She turns to Rosa and says, “I need a drink.”

Rosa arches an eyebrow. “It’s 11:45 a.m.”

“I need five drinks,” Amy says, and she knows she’s got steel in her eyes when she stares down Rosa because she’s practiced this look in the mirror often enough.

Rosa nods and says, “I’ve got to file a B&E from yesterday. I’ll meet you at Shaw’s in ten.”

+++

Amy tells Captain Holt that she’s been up for almost 48 hours straight and needs to leave early. She tells him that Rosa isn’t feeling well either, and he says that’s fine and lets them go. Amy feels a little guilty but this is what a lifetime of responsibility has earned her and anyway, she suspects Holt knows exactly what’s up.

Amy stops by Jake’s desk, long enough to brush her lips against his temple and say, “I’m okay, I’ll see you at home tonight.”

He squeezes her hand where she’s dropped it on his shoulder and nods, and doesn’t say anything at all.

Dear lord, she loves this man.

+++

They start with whiskey –  neat for Rosa, on the rocks for Amy. Rosa’s already ordered when Amy arrives. They sit in a booth at the back, and they don’t talk while they sip. Amy has her hands cupped around her glass. The pale pink polish on her thumb has chipped off at the tip, and it bothers her. She wants to pick it all off. She wants to not have painted her nails in the first place. She rarely does – it’s such a dumb thing, when she’s constantly getting her hands dirty, when her nails are always splintered and rough at the edges.

When Rosa brings them a second round, Amy says, “It happened to me at the Six-Four. My captain.”

“Turner,” Rosa says, lips arranged in a snarl. “I heard things about him.”

“I never did,” Amy says, and she shrugs a little. “He was my mentor and then he tried to kiss me, and I thought it was me, you know? I hated him, but I hated myself a little more.”

Rosa just nods. She tosses back her second drink and gets up for another, and this time she brings back two more for both of them. She drinks one of them all at once, nurses the other.

She says, “I was in the Academy. Lt. Baker. He was always doing that thing where they give you the slow look and don’t say anything, but you know. One day he asked if I’d been a cheerleader in high school.”

“That’s so gross,” Amy says, wincing.

“Yeah, and when I just stared at him he said, I’m not even joking, that I was probably a real ‘wild cat’ in the sack.”

Rosa pauses, runs a finger around the rim of her glass. Rosa isn’t an open book for anyone, certainly not Amy, but it’s impossible to miss the grimace, and the shame that flashes in her eyes. It makes Amy’s stomach hurt to see.

“I was struggling in the first couple of weeks,” Rosa says, “didn’t have the upper body strength to keep up with the guys. Baker holds me back one day, says he can give me extra PT – extra attention, you know? And I fucking knew better, but-”

She’s staring into her glass, and Amy takes a sip from her own, ice cubes bumping cool against her lips.

“It was actually Jake who made it stop. He doesn’t know that, by the way,” Rosa says, giving Amy a wry smile. “Baker had me on the chin-up bar, put his hands on my ass, and I went, I don’t know, just cold all over. Like, is this really happening? And Jake walks in all dumb hair and dumb grin and has no clue what’s going on. But I got out of there, and that was the end of it.”

Amy feels a flush of ridiculous pride for her husband, though she knows it’s not about him, that he didn’t do anything remarkable other than not be a jerk. Still – she chose well, and she’ll never tire of being reminded of that.

“Did you report him?” Amy says. It feels rude to ask. She didn’t, of course. Most of them don’t.

And Rosa shakes her head, says, “No. He’s still at the Academy.”

Amy buys the next round.

+++

It’s close to midnight when she gets home, and Jake is passed out on the sofa. The TV is on low, on an episode of The Golden Girls Amy’s seen before.

Jake has tucked himself into a corner, and Amy slips off her shoes and drops her purse on the coffee table and settles in beside him. He’s warm and he smells like the citrusy soap they share and faintly of the pizza he probably had for dinner.

She never feels safer and more comfortable in her own body than when she’s like this, close to him, and she drops her head on his shoulder and sighs. The room spins lazily and she’s glad she’s not (yet) sick from all the whiskey.

Jake stirs, and she feels him kiss the top of her head. He shifts a little so he can tuck an arm around her shoulder and press her a little closer into his side.

“You want to talk?” His voice is husky, and she can hear the sincerity in his words.

“No,” she says, and she can feel him nod, his chin tipping against her head.

He picks up the remote from the arm of the sofa, and turns up the volume. It’s late, but Jake knows that sometimes Amy needs to spend some time with her girls. When the episode is over, after Rose and Blanche have hugged it out, Jake gets up and offers her a hand, and she lets herself be pulled up and into his arms, lets herself be held for a long breath and a sigh, and then she lets him put her to bed, finally.

End Notes:

Title is from Bikini Babe Workout (Bash Brothers). I love this entire verse of the song.

This story kind of bummed me out but it also felt necessary? I love this episode and I love that Amy opened up to Jake about her experiences, but I felt like maybe she and Rosa had some stuff to talk about too. I’ve had so many of these conversations with (girl)friends over the years. Sigh.

That said, I will never grow tired of writing Jake as the best and most supportive boyfriend/husband.

[seagreen-meets-grey]

When Lightning Strikes Ch. 2

When your life is nothing but a cloudless sky, lightning can come and strike you so unexpectedly, you won't even know what hit you.

Or: When Hiccup and Astrid meet, it is as if lightning strikes.

[Chapter 1] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapter 14] [Chapter 15] [Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18] [Chapter 19] [Chapter 20]

Crossposted on ao3 and ff.net

____________________

Astrid couldn’t move. Couldn’t move her body, couldn’t move her eyes away from the sea of green staring back at her from across the room. She didn’t know how long it took for the spell to break. Maybe it was the guy bumping into her, maybe it was the change of volume coming from the stereo that distracted her senses enough to pull her out of whatever deep, deep pool she’d just plunged into, or maybe it was Heather waving her hands around in front of her face.

It took Astrid a few seconds to snap out of her trance and understand that Heather’s waving had been directed at someone else. Her mind climbing out of whatever that had just been, she realized that Eret had taken back his spot by her side after adjusting the stereo settings. It seemed as if no one had noticed her strange absentmindedness just now.

Someone entered their little circle of three, putting his arm around Heather’s waist. His eyes resembled a forest on an early October day, fog wafting over the earth, the first signs of sunlight breaking through thick pine trees. Astrid swallowed hard.

“This is Hiccup,” Heather introduced him, “my boyfriend.”

The fog disappeared, both from his eyes and her mind. Completely sobering up now, Astrid smiled at him in greeting and raised her drink. “Skål!”

Eret shook Hiccup’s hand. “I’m Eret, this is Astrid. She likes to go by Skål.” That earned him a punch on the arm which only made him chuckle.

“Just to be clear,” she directed her glare at Hiccup, “if you ever call me that, I am going to end you.”

Hiccup blinked at her for a moment, then the corners of his mouth twitched up into a smirk. “How?”

“Axe to the throat. Clear cut. In your sleep, when you least expect it.”

“But now you told me, so I will expect it.”

Astrid smirked back at him. “Oh, believe me, you won’t.”

“Won’t even hear her coming,” Eret chimed in. Hiccup only laughed in response, having the audacity to not even look mildly threatened. That changed, however, when two hands grabbed him by the shoulders and the unmistakable booming voice of Dagur “The Deranged” reached their ears.

"Man, isn't this party great?" He began to shake Hiccup back and forth by the shoulders and Astrid had to stifle a giggle at the pained look on the poor boy's face. "And it just got more awesome 'cause my main man Eret arrived!" He pushed Hiccup aside who stumbled forward and had to hold onto Astrid to not fall over. He let go of her immediately after he caught himself but she could still feel his hand on her arm. He shot her an apologetic smile.

Dagur and Eret spread their arms and fell into a squeezing bear hug before raising their hands and smacking them together in a high five so loud it must have hurt. Both men didn't even try to subtly shake off the pain, complimenting each other's strength and starting to talk about their recent workout strategies.

"Men, right?" Hiccup said to her in a mock-exaggerated tone which made Heather giggle. Astrid turned her head to the side when Heather leaned in to give her boyfriend a kiss.

"Can't even say hi to Dagur, he only has eyes for my fiancé," Astrid murmured. This time, it was Hiccup who chuckled. His voice was slightly nasal but in an endearing way, she found.

"Maybe he's engaged to the wrong person, then," he said, instantly backtracking when he realized what he’d just said. "I mean, I mean I didn't- I don't want to- I'm not saying that, you know-" He was gesticulating wildly with both hands, running one through his messy auburn hair and a soft layer of slight panic was covering his irises. His shoulders finally slumped in defeat. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong."

Astrid couldn't help herself, she burst into laughter, and after one startled second, Heather joined in. "It's okay, Hiccup.” She wiped a tear from her eye. His face was priceless. “I know what you meant, and I agree. If anything, these two should get hitched and take their honeymoon to a gym or some training camp. You should have seen them last year when they ran into each other at the same resort and we spent the rest of the day at the outdoor gym at the beach." She shook her head fondly. "But while I was keeping it relaxed, they were comparing bicep sizes and gossiping about the other men around, all the while flexing and flexing and flexing some more, especially at each other."

"Yes, the gym." Hiccup nodded fervently. "That's where I gained all this raw manliness." He patted his upper arms and Astrid couldn't help but notice the lean muscles he was trying to play down. "Oh wait," he looked up, eyes wide, "the gym is that place where they sell all the light bulbs, right?"

"No," Astrid said, "that one is a few buildings over."

"Ooh," Hiccup made, holding a hand to his forehead like he just experienced a big revelation. "That's why I still look like a twig."

Grinning, Astrid considered telling him how she thought the opposite, maybe leaning more into the light bulbs place joke, but Dagur chose that moment to yell her name, suddenly making her aware of the other people that were still with them.

Now it was her turn to receive one of Dagur's bear hugs, and a mixed scent of weed, sweat, alcohol and his deodorant made her wrinkle her nose.

"Happy birthday, big guy," she said and gave him a playful punch in the stomach, which was more like a little knock on the washboard he must have hidden there. Pretending to be badly hurt, he doubled over, clutching his middle. "Help, Astrid attacked me," he whined. "Now I need some good medicine. Come on, sis, let's have a drink!" Dagur laid an arm over her shoulder and attempted to walk her into the garden but stopped short when he saw how the sky had opened up and was now releasing a flood down to the earth.

"The apocalypse, awesome!" he yelled. "MORE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!" The house erupted into cheers and soon everyone had their refill. Astrid downed a birthday shot or five with Dagur, gracefully lost against him in an arm wrestling match – two out of three, and she definitely won the second one, no matter how much he was boasting about letting her win – and let him, Eret and a guy named Erik, whose right eye already adorned an ugly shiner, sit her on their shoulders and carry her through the house. Their journey ended in the kitchen where they started tumbling too much and lost their grip on her when she leaned too far to the side to avoid a rendezvous with the kitchen lamp which hung lowly from the ceiling like a miniature chandelier.

She met a few of Dagur’s cousins, played beer pong against Hiccup (which she only lost because the alcohol was throwing off her aim, not because his skills were better), discovered he could be just as competitive as her, battled Erik in dramatic expressions (which she lost as well, don’t tell anyone), and last but not least dragged Hiccup to the TV where someone had set up a karaoke game.

“Rematch, but this time, I’m winning!” she told him and he raised one eyebrow at her.

“Because we’re not playing beer pong?”

“Yes, and because I’m going to win something. This time for sure!”

He didn’t even have to pretend to lose on purpose, she beat him at Bohemian Rhapsody big-time. Basking in her triumph, she spent the next hour victory dancing with Eret.

It could have been the alcohol, but little jolts of lightning were still coursing through her veins.

____________________

Hiccup had anticipated this night to go far worse than it did. He’d thought he’d spend his night avoiding Dagur and his non-existent understanding of personal space while trying to not drown in the too large crowd gathered in the accordingly too small house. His only hope had been Heather – or, in the best-case scenario, Obi-Wan Kenobi. But he had promised Heather to attend her brother’s birthday party, for her, or at least for the sake of socializing. He’d only groaned and written off everything else he would rather have done but had come along anyway.

In the end, he had to admit he was having more fun at this than he would’ve had sitting on his couch binging something or sketching his cat for the umpteenth time. Dagur was bearable as long as he was focused on other people. Heather threw him I told you it would be fun-smiles every now and then. When midnight had passed, he did not find himself dead in a ditch. And he had found someone who made stupid games like beer pong and karaoke more exciting than it was allowed to be.

Astrid.

Eret’s fiancée with the beautiful eyes and blinding smile. With the iron fist and the ability to glare at someone so fiercely they wanted to turn on their heels and run to their mommy. Astrid with the thunder in her soul.

He still couldn’t forget that strange moment when the thunderstorm had started, when he had been able to feel that flash of lightning everywhere inside of him. He wondered if every storm now would bring up the image of blue eyes opened wide, of eternal milliseconds filled with high voltage, of white spots dancing in front of his vision curtesy of the intensity of the flash.

Hiccup didn’t know what to make of it. Had it been a coincidence that he had met her eyes the very moment the lightning had struck, like some grand romantic sign? It couldn’t have been love at first sight, because that concept was only a myth. Besides, he had Heather. And he didn’t believe that people could see each other and immediately be in love. Love was something that had to grow, had to be nourished and cherished. Such a deep bond couldn’t exist from one second to the other.

But a connection at first sight, a mutual feeling of sympathy, maybe even an attraction – that he believed to be possible. The best example for that was he and his best friend Fishlegs. On the first day of college, they’d sat next to each other and immediately formed a connection, the conversation flowing easily between them. Maybe it was the same with Astrid. It was true; they did get along splendidly and he felt like he could be himself around her. He wouldn’t mind staying in contact with her after this night.

Right now, however, she had disappeared somewhere in the dancing crowd with her fiancé after she had beaten him at karaoke.

“Hiccup, I’m proud of you,” Heather’s voice came from beside him. His girlfriend intertwined their fingers and kissed him on the cheek. “Singing in front of all these strangers with someone you only met a few hours ago? Didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Thanks, I guess.” He felt himself blush and rubbed his neck. He was surprised as well, would have panicked at the thought of doing this just yesterday. Now that she made him aware of it, his self-consciousness made itself known again. He counted at least a few dozen people just in this room. Had they all heard him sing, if one could even call what he’d done with his vocal cords singing? Did they laugh about him making a fool of himself? Did they now think of him as an idiot, a moron way down below them? Would they forever remember him like this, would he become a story they told people so they could laugh about him together?

Hiccup realized he was spiraling and cursed at himself. He’d been doing so well until now. Fuck.

“I need some air,” he told Heather and freed his hand from hers. “Are you coming?”

“Are you okay?” she asked, face concerned and analyzing. He thought about telling her of his feelings but he already knew the approach she would take. Tell him he shouldn’t think about it too much, shouldn’t talk himself down again. But although he knew she just wanted to help and was serious about it, her strategy wouldn’t work on him. It never had before.

So instead of discussing that with her, he nodded and gave her a peck on the lips. “I’m fine, I just need a little fresh air.”

“If you say so,” Heather said, eyes set on a spot behind him. “Will you be okay then on your own? Because I’d rather stay in the kitchen, it looks like some asshat is trying to get himself electrocuted.”

Hiccup turned around and peeked over people’s heads to get a better view of the open kitchen. Some nimrod was indeed standing on the table, tinkering with the lamp. It was the same guy who’d shown up a while ago looking as if he’d already been in a fistfight prior to his arrival. Now that he thought about it, he swore he’d seen him talk to Astrid earlier.

Astrid, karaoke, people, suffocation- Hiccup took a deep breath, hoping it would stop his mind from spiraling further, and headed for the garden door.

The cool air hitting his face as soon as he stepped outside was a welcome change, sinking into his skin and slowly chasing away the anxiety. A couple of deep breaths later, his stomach untwisted itself, his heart was beating more comfortably again, and the pressing negative thoughts concerning his self-worth retreated into a corner of his mind.

It was no longer pouring; what remained was the almost therapeutic smell of summer rain and grass. In a nook of the porch, a small lamp attracted moths and mosquitos dancing close to the light. Crickets were throwing their own party in the garden, creating a counter world to the one behind him, the house’s walls and glass windows the only barrier between the two.

It would have been peaceful, if not for the loud music coming from inside and the few drunk people disturbing the scene. Some were smoking, some were making out in corners of the garden, one guy was relieving himself on Dagur’s little vegetable patch (Hiccup wondered if Dagur was trying to grow meat there), and a woman was stargazing from the deckchair on the lawn, although he wasn’t sure if she was actually passed out.

He leaned against a post and closed his eyes, relishing this break from the buzz of a large crowd constantly keeping him on edge. He’d gotten better at handling his fears over the recent years; only one or two years ago, his insides would have twisted and turned at the mere thought of going to a party where he didn’t know anyone besides his girlfriend and her crazy brother. And truth be told, he had been battling the urge to disappear into a quiet corner where no one could see him, where no one could judge him.

But for one, Dagur would have found him eventually. And second, he didn’t want to fall back into old patterns. In his mind, he started to list all the negative thoughts that had crawled out of their prison, tried to poison his mind, and snake their way back to his heart. He recalled what Dr. Mala had taught him and systematically sucked the life out of them with rationality.

It went surprisingly easy this time, confidence flowing back into his body and that thrilling spark sending little bolts of lightning down his back. A smile grew on his face. It felt good.

Hiccup didn’t know how long he stood there until the door opened and closed, the noise from the party momentarily escaping into the night. Afterwards, he couldn’t tell how he’d known, but he wasn’t surprised when he heard her speak.

“Also running from Dagur?”

He opened his eyes and turned to her when she stepped towards him and leaned her arms on the wooden banister. The golden light from the porch lamp caught in her eyes, illuminating the sky that lived inside them.

“Constantly,” he answered and watched the corners of her mouth twitch.

“That guy is nuts.”

Hiccup rolled his eyes. “You have no idea.”

When he didn’t continue, Astrid poked him with an elbow. “Hiccup, that kind of sentence usually precedes a story of some kind.”

“You really wanna hear about the time he thought trying to drown me in a lake was a fun game to play around children?” She snickered, briefly leaning into his side, a little unsteady on her feet. “Or when he decided to educate me in tough bro culture and took me camping in the woods for three days?”

Astrid let out a snort and he saw her shoulders shake in silent laughter.

“Yeah, picture that. Me and him sharing a small tent, hunting and fishing for our meals, with no bathroom or shower nearby. Only each other’s company and that of hundreds of insects and the beasts of the forest. Real manly bro stuff, just what every guy needs.”

She stopped holding back and what started as a chuckle soon grew louder, breaking Hiccup’s own deadpan façade as well.

After a minute, their laughter faded and they fell into comfortable silence. Even though it was dark and new clouds started gathering in the sky, concealing the moon and the few stars that had been visible before, the light from the house made it easy to take in the surroundings. The grass hadn’t been cut in a while, growing wildly all over the lawn. In the near distance, the silhouette of part of Berk’s forest defined the landscape. The faint smell of weed came wafting from another part of the garden.

“It’s really nice here,” she murmured, voice a little absent, as if she was deep in thought.

Blocking out the weed smell, he glanced over at her. “Yeah, it is.” She was still leaning on the banister, a soft smile gracing her features, contently gazing ahead. His eyes roamed the side of her face, her round cheeks, her button nose, her lips. A few strands of hair had fallen out of her braid and were stuck to her sweaty skin. His fingers twitched to reach out and–

He caught himself in the last moment, his hand already hovering in the air.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no! Wincing, he let his arm fall back at his side and swallowed hard. Where had that just come from?

“I… I’m… Um– “ he started, drawing her attention. Staring at her frown for a few moments, he opened and closed his mouth a couple times until he stepped back with a shake of his head. “I’m going to– I, I’m, I’m gonna go back inside.”

And with that, he darted back into the house, dodging Dagur and disappearing behind a wall of people.

He could still feel her confused scowl on the back of his head.

____________________

A/N: Small note on Erik to avoid confusion: He doesn't have any significance in this story. His only purpose is to be a (vague) reference to a character from a completely different fandom. If you know who I'm referring to, you'll get a big virtual jar of cookies. :D

[romansrgn]

{ghostin...}

Summary: A night of expected passion brings unexpected consequences for Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns x OC, Jimmy x Naomi, Jey x OC

Warning: 18+ for SMUTTTTT, angst and infidelity

Word Count: 4947

“1..2..3” the crowd counted along with the referee.

“Braelin hits the facelift for the win.” MIchael Cole announced at his spot at the announce table.

“And still the Raw Women’s champion, Braelin.” Jojo announced.

Braelin rolled out of the ring to greet the screaming fans only stopping when she saw a poster of the four black horsewomen of the WWE: Naomi, herself, Sasha and Bianca. She grabbed the sign from the fan “This is what its about,” she said before kissing the fan on the cheek and headed back to the gorilla position where Stephanie McMahon was waiting for her.

Green eyes rolled “No botches, no wardrobe malfunctions and no one got hurt tonight.”

“I saw the match.”

“Well then there’s nothing for us to discuss.”

Stephanie fell into step with Braelin as she eyed the knee brace on her right knee “How’s your knee?”

“It’s fine. It’s practically made of steel.”

“I highly doubt that. Which is why you’re on a non official leave from the ring.”

That stopped the Raw women’s champion in her tracks “What?”

“You heard what I said. You still need time to recover and you can’t do that while wrestling every week.”

After injuring her knee over a year ago Braelin has worked her ass off to get back into the ring. She’s finally at a place where she wants to be career wise and now they’re pulling her? “So you’re stripping me of my title is that what your saying?”

Stephanie shook her head “No, you won’t be wrestling but you'll still be needed for any new storylines that may come up or even as a valet.

Braelin squinted “You’re joking right?”

“You don't see me laughing. I think this could be exactly what you need. It puts you in a position where you’re not over exerting yourself but you'll remain in the spotlight."

“Right! because you clearly give a damn about my health and what happens to my career.” Braelin laughed bitterly.

“Contrary to what you believe I’m not out to get you.”’

“Yea, I believe you.” Braelin said stopping in front of her dressing room. As far as she was concerned this conversation was over “Are we done here?”

Stephanie sighed “For right now. But I want—” she didn’t get a chance to finish what she was saying because the door was slammed in her face.

Braelin ran a frustrated hand through her hair and picked up her phone. She had six missed calls from her mother and five from her big brother. She bit her lip deciding if she wanted to be lectured before or after she had a hot shower and a drink. She bit the bullet and dialed her mom “Hey, momma. I just got back to my dressing room.”

“Are you ok? I just saw your match and it looked like you took a nasty fall on your knee.”

“The brace caught most of the blow. I’m sore but I’m not hurt.”

“You need to come home so I can take a look at it.”

Braelin rolled her eyes suddenly happy that her mother wasn’t there in person to see her do it, “Momma you’re a neurosurgeon.”

“Don’t you roll your damn eyes at me little girl.” Braelin’s eyes ballooned “Now get your narrow behind here so I can take a good look at you.”

Braelin knew better then to back talk her mother but she also knew how her mother was when she was worried about her “I have a show next week Saturday in North Carolina. I’ll come and see you then.”

Feeling placated her mother sighed “Momma loves you, Brae. You know that. I’m just trying to keep you safe and even if I can’t protect you from everything I can make sure whatever hurts, hurts a little less.”

Braelin smiled and wiped at the tears under her eyes “I know momma. I love you too. Give daddy a kiss for me and tell Keyon to stop calling me.”

Naomi looked at her watch “She’s late.”

Braelin laughed when she heard her mother repeat what she said to her brother before hanging up. She really did miss her family.  She pulled her wrestling top over head to shower. It was definitely time to go home.

Jimmy laughed “We’re early. Just relax, baby. Uce isn’t even here yet.” And just as soon as he said it Roman came walking up the arena’s exit with his bags in tow “Where’s Braelin?”

Roman stopped in his tracks and scanned the parking lot  “I don’t know. She’s not out here yet?”

Naomi shook her head “I’m going to go see what’s taking her so long.” she attempted to head back into the arena but Roman stopped her.

“You stay here.” he said putting his bags into the car “I’ll go find her.”

By the time he made it back into the arena there were fewer people in the building “Braelin.” he yelled down the hallway of her dressing room “Braelin” he yelled again and knocked on the door before entering

Roman looked around seeing her packed bags but not her. He heard the shower running and saw that the door was ajar, He knocked again “Braelin.” he pushed the door open when he didn’t get a response “Are you–”

“Roman,” Braelin yelled attempting to cover herself “What the hell are you doing?”

Roman swallowed and turned around.

Braelin wrapped the towel tightly around her body “I’m decent.” she huffed.

“Naomi, Jimmy and Jey are waiting for us outside.” he said with his back still turned to her. His jaw clenched slightly.

“Damn, I forgot. Ok, let me get dressed and I can meet you guys outside.”

When she finally came out of the bathroom she was wearing a pair of legging, a sports bar and a track jacket, Her long hair was still slightly damp  “I completely forgot we were all riding together. “

“Don’t worry about it. Just get dressed. I can wait for you out here.” he said picking up her bag and blindly handing it to her.

Roman shook his head not believing that shit for a second. Every second he waited for her to get dress and come out of the bathroom his anger mounted “Did you? Or did you take your sweet ass time because you knew I would come looking for you?” he stood walking towards her.

Braelin brows furrowed “I never asked you to come looking for me, Roman. And I sure as hell didn’t ask you to stay here with me either.”

Roman scoffed “Get your shit and let’s go.”

“I called my mom, we talked for bit and then I jumped in the shower. I must have lost track of time.”

Braelin narrowed her green eyes and walked passed him leaving Roman to collect her bags. By the time they made it outside she had a full blown attitude “Next time, don’t send him to look for me.”

Naomi laughed when Roman rolled his eyes “I didn't. He volunteered. What were you doing anyway?”

“How is she?” Jimmy asked climbing into the driver’s seat “I know it’s been a minute since we’ve seen her.”

Jey opened the back seat door and helped Braelin in when he saw her struggling to get in the truck “Is your knee still bothering you?”

Braelin promptly ignored the heated stares from everyone after that assessment, especially Roman’s “My mom is great. I’m actually going to see her after our show in North Carolina.”

Naomi nodded “You didn’t answer the knee question but I’ll let that go because I know how much you miss auntie, Brae.”

Roman cleared his throat loudly putting the last of her bags into the trunk before climbing in on the opposite side of her.

“I’m not talking about my knee anymore. Stephanie and my momma are both giving me enough shit for it. I don’t need it from you guys.”

Jey held up his hands “I know when to my mind damn business.”

Jimmy shared the same sentiment “But if you need anything, little sis. You’ll tell us right?”

Braelin nodded silently. She looked down at her phone seeing a text message from Roman.

we need to talk asap.

Braelin and Roman locked eyes briefly before she deleted the text message. Ignoring Roman’s slight growl she tapped Naomi’s shoulder “Hey, Nao. Turn that up.”

“AYEEEEE.” Naomi yelled hearing the sound of a train before the opening lyrics of “C’mon N’ Ride it” by the Quad City DJ’s came blasting through the speakers. “We use to cut up to this song when we were kids, remember Brae?”

“I still remember the dance routine we made up to this.”

Braelin and Naomi were cousins who did pretty much everything together. They ran in the same circles, went to high school and attended the same HBU despite the three year age difference between them.

Naomi was like a role model to Braelin growing up. Everything Naomi did she wanted to emulate. Naomi was the reason Braelin took dance classes and the reason Braelin didn’t become a doctor deciding to purse wrestling instead.

Her mother was still a little bitter about that.

Jimmy looked over at Naomi who was shimmying in her seat “You go show me that little dance later?”

Naomi winked “Maybe if you–”

Jey quickly interrupted making a face “Don’t nobody wanna hear that. Y'all wild.”

Everyone laughed.

Roman leaned in to whisper in her ear “I don’t know what the hell is going on with you but we are going to have that talk.”

Braelin shivered but said nothing.

At the hotel Jey started handing out room keys.

“We still down for tonight, Uce?” Kofi yelled in the lobby

All three cousins yelled “Yea.” causing Naomi and Braelin to shake their heads

“Who was he talking too?” Naomi asked clearly amused.

Roman gave a short laugh “Does it matter?”

“Alright, yall... I got 319. Jimmy and Nao have room 321. Uce, you got Room 325 and little sis you got 327.”

Braelin grabbed her key “Well, I’m going up to crash.”

Naomi tilted her head to the side feeling a little affronted “You’re not going out with us?”

Braelin shook her head “Nah, I’m good. Besides my knee is killing me.” she laughed rubbing her knee and limping to the elevator dramatically.

“Get your butt outta her Brae. What about you big dog?”

Roman was to busy watching Braelin exit the lobby that he completely missed her question “Whatchu say?”

Naomi folded her arms over her chest “You’re still coming out with us, right? You told Kofi you were.” She tacked on that last part for good measure.

Roman snorted “Yea, I just need a hour to chill, shower and change.”

Jimmy and Jey looked between Naomi and Roman suddenly feeling the tension there “Yea, let’s head up to our rooms. It’s been a long day and its finna be an even longer night.” Jimmy said grabbing Naomi’s hand.

By the time Braelin made it to her room she had already kicked off her shoes and turned off her phone. She had no plans to do anything outside of jumping into bed head first and just as she was on the verge of doing just that there was a knock at the door. She looked through the peephole and cursed before slightly opening it “What?”

“Let me in. We need to talk.” Roman said with his hands in his pockets.

“And I don’t feel like talking. So now what?”

Roman sighed at her being difficult “I don’t want to fight with you. I Just–” he ran a frustrated hand over his face “Just let me talk to you, please.”

Braelin stared blankly at him for a few moments before opening the door wider to let him in “Five minutes.”

Roman entered the hotel room and watched as she closed the door behind her. He sighed when she remained posed at door “First, I need to apologize to you for being a dick earlier. I just hate that you’ve been ignoring me. We use to be able to talk about shit but now it seems like we can’t even be in the same room together without other people.”

Running a hand through her hair she nodded “I get it. I hate not talking to you too. But I need time to not miss something that use to be mine.” Braelin knew she was leaving herself wide open by admitting this but she needed to get this off her chest. She just wanted this entire thing to be over “Even though we've been over for while now there are still times when I wake up in the middle of the night and I reach for you and you’re not there.” Braelin stepped a little further into the room “So this is me trying to get use to not having you and I can’t do that if you’re always around.”

Roman and Braelin met each other back in 2009 when Briyanna (Braelin’s big sister) through Naomi a birthday party and invited Jimmy and all of his friends and family. Roman of course attended the party and although they hit it off nothing stuck because at the time she had a boyfriend and he was dating his college sweetheart, Janelle.

Even though nothing happened romantically between them after the party they never lost contact with each other. In fact, they became best friends. They were there for each other during their eventual break ups with their respective other’s, Braelin’s decision to pursue wrestling, her training, Roman’s call up to the main roster and his first injury. Among other things.

Shortly after that things got serious back in 2012 when they made things official and started dating.

Everything was great for a good three years but then things started to change. Roman started pulling away from her and at the time she didn’t understand why. The sex between them was good, but when they were together it always felt like he somewhere else. Braelin later found out it was because he’d gotten back in contact with his college sweetheart, Janelle. She knew he wasn't cheating on her but she knew Janelle brought along unresolved feeling she didn't know he still harbored.

Braelin never had to spend hours agonizing about what was going on with him because she already knew. He was feeling conflicted. To Braelin there were too many people apart of this equation. If he loved her the way he said he did there was nothing to be confused about.

So she didn’t stick around to see what his choice would be. They broke up mid 2016.

Braelin found out from Jimmy and Naomi that Roman was engaged. He later married his college sweetheart Janelle at the end of 2017.

They’ve been married every since.

You would think after almost two years she would be over it. Maybe it was the bitterness of having to sit back and watch the man she love marry another woman without a single thought of her. Or maybe there was apart of her that thought he’s been waiting for Janelle the entire time while he was with her.  She didn’t know and maybe that’s why it still hurt so much.

Roman wanted so badly to pull her into his arms to kiss, hold and make love to her. He wanted to do whatever she needed to make this better for her but he couldn’t do that.

They both knew that at the end of the day another woman was sharing his last name. That kind of hurt will take a long time to heal and the only way she’ll be able to try move on was if she let him go.

“I love you, Roman and I don’t think there’s a part of me that will ever stop loving you. But I need–”

What happened next was beyond his control. Roman would blame it on the fact that he couldn't take hearing the words he was sure were seconds away from leaving her mouth.

Roman closed the distance between them his large hands cradling the sides of her face as he kissed her hard and deep and with the same amount of passion as two lovers reuniting after being separated from war. He pulled back licking his lips “One night. One night to be inside you. One night to fuck you or make love to you or both. I just need you right now, baby. Don’t deny me.”

Braelin looked into his eyes and as hard as she tried to ignore it she saw it as plain as day: that love, that need and that hint of desperation in those grey eyes she always got lost in “Make love to me.” she whispered removing her track jacket.

And as if he was trying to engrave how those words sounded coming from her lips he closed his eyes and savored it.

Roman once again captured her cupid bow shaped lips with his. She moaned wrapping her arms around his neck. His large hands slid down the curve of her spine grabbing handfuls of her ass missing the feel of her in his hands and lifted her into his arms urging her to wrap her legs around him as he carried her over to the bed.

Braelin moaned at the feel of his thick tongue licking a hot trail from her collarbone to her neck as gently placed her down on the bed. She pulled him up by his hair forcing him to look at her “This ends tonight. Do you understand?” she said pushing him off her so she could remove the sports bar she had been wearing.

Roman’s only response to that was the removal of his wedding ring before setting it on the nightstand next to the bed. A hint of guilt flashed across her beautiful features.

Braelin knew the right thing to do was to put the brakes on this entire thing before it went any further. But whenever Roman touched her she felt nothing but heat and any and all doubts she had melted like butter in a pan.

He reached down and tugged her leggings and soaked panties down her curvaceous legs. The feel of them in his hands were almost enough to make him cum “You had amazing legs baby.”

Braelin shivered “You have on way too many clothes.”

Roman laughed softly and pulled the shirt over his head. His large hands dropped to the waistband of his sweatpants. His eyes never leaving hers as she sat back and enjoyed the view.

Not at all surprised that he wasn’t wearing any underwear Braelin got a good look at how bad he wanted her. The thick muscle corded in veins jutted out long, hard and leaking precum.

Her mouth watered.

Braelin made herself comfortable at the edge of the bed pulling him closer by the hips. She gave the tip of his dick a experimental lick before relaxing her throat taking him in inch by tortuous inch.

Roman tilted his head back “Shit.”

She worked him with her tongue, mouth and the parts she couldn’t reach, her hand. Roman brushed her hair to side so he could see himself sliding in and out of her mouth “FUCK.”

Roman looked down at her with half lidded eyes and watched as she sucked his dick like a pro “What are you doing to me baby? SHIT.”

Flattening her tongue Braelin dragged it ever so slowly on the underside of his cock and that did it. Roman groaned deep shooting his load into her mouth.

Swallowing, Braelin stared up at him with a devilish grin on her pretty face. When it came to fellatio her head game was on another level even with Roman's stamina she always knew how to bring him to his knees “I still got it.”

Roman’s eyes narrowed tossing her to the middle of the bed. “Your little ass is getting it tonight.”

Roman kissed his way down to her hot core and inhaled “I love the smell of your pussy. I would know you anywhere.” he said before licking her from asshole to clit. His large fingers massaged her as he sucked hard on her clit.

“Oh my god.” Braelin moaned and fisted the comforter in her small hands. She couldn’t explain what was happening but her entire body felt like it was on fire. When she looked down at Roman his face was so embedded into her snatch that for a second there she thought she might be suffocating him so she attempted to pull away but his right arm displaying his polynesian tattoo proudly kept her in place. “Roman, please.”

Braelin propped up on her elbows watching as his wicked tongue danced along her bundle of nerves driving her closer to the edge. She didn’t know how much time has passed but she was done for the minute his tongue started repeatedly tap dancing against her G spot. She came instantly.

Lax and practically purring Roman climbed over her, his big body covering hers “Don’t fall asleep yet, baby. We’re  just getting started.” he covered her mouth with his inserting his tongue so she could taste herself.

Braelin felt him at her entrance and with the clever thrust of his hips he was buried to the hilt. She instantly tensed the hell up at the mixture of pain and pleasure. A year without any real kind of sexual activity would do that and Roman’s dick was a lot larger than her fingers and any of the toys she had.

“Are you ok?”Roman said with slight groan starting a slow rhythm. Fuck she felt incredible.

Braelin nodded wrapping her legs around his waist “Fuck me harder.”

Roman kissed her neck and started a new rhythm that was slow, hard and deep until he was pounding away “So wet. So tight.” he groaned loudly repeating it over and over again.

Sweat dotted her hairline and Roman’s forehead as he fucked her like a man on a mission determined to get them where they both needed go. Braelin attempted to match his thrusts with her own “That’s right. Take this dick.”

“I’m finna cum. Roman, shit. I’m finna cum.” she moaned.

Angling his hips just right Roman started in on her sweet spot “Cum for daddy.” he groaned rubbing her clit.

Her back arched and that tell all gush of liquid between her thighs let her know she just had the best fuck of her life.

Roman continued to pound into her chasing his own release until he came, hard. Every vein in his neck was on full display as one expletive after another flew from his mouth.

Coming down from his high Roman nuzzled her neck “Can I spend the night?” he said looking into her green eyes.

“Roman,” Braelin sighed “They’re expecting you and I told you--”

“I just want to hold you. I’ll be gone in the morning. I promise.” he said rubbing his thumb across her lips.

Braelin's small hand went to the hair at the nap of his neck and rubbed gently. That little action caused Roman to close his eyes “Ok.”

Roman gently pulled out of her warmth already missing the feel of her. Braelin laid on her side with her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. “I know nothing I say will change anything. But I wish things could have been different.” he said softly kissing the top of her head.

Silence.

“You’re right. It won’t change anything.”

That was almost a three months ago.

The hall of fame was next month and Naomi, Braelin and Briyanna were at the third fitting for their dresses for the hall of fame.

“Sunk it in Brae.”

Braelin huffed “If I suck it in anymore my ribs will fracture.  This is obviously not the one. I'm just going with the balmain one.”

Naomi shook her head “I don’t understand. You had a fitting with Alexander McQueen last month and this dress worked.”

Braelin rolled her eyes “Well, I’m feeling a little bloated.”

“Bloat doesn’t make you go up an entire dress size in a month.”

“Ain’t nothing wrong with getting thicker, stop.” Briyanna looked at Naomi.

“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it especially when I got what I got. But, Brae–”

“First of all, stop talking about me like I’m not here. Maybe I just won't go to the hall of fame, period.” Braelin tugged the dress down her body leaving her in nothing but a bra and panties.

“You have to go. We’re inducting Jazz.” Naomi said heading to the back of studio to switch out her dresses.

Briyanna got a good look at her little sister through the mirror. For her stature, Braelin was always a curvy little thing. Just like her if Braelin gained a few pounds she gained it in her hips and ass. But what Briyanna was looking at was a curve to her sister’s stomach and her face had gotten a little fatter.

She knew what was happening here and after giving birth to three kids herself she would be able to point it out when she saw it. But she still needed confirmation.

Braelin frowned slipping on her sweater and then her jeans “Why are you oogling me?”

“You’re pregnant?”

Braelin blinked “What?”

“Don’t what me? The weight gain, the mood swings, the occasional morning sickness that you claim is just food poisoning. Not to mention you have a whole ass baby bump, Brae.” she whispered heatedly.

Braelin tugged Briyanna to the side “Will you be quiet.”

“How far along are you?”

When Braelin remain quiet. Briyanna folded her arms across her chest “How far--”

“I’m 12 weeks today.”

Briyanna’s eyes ballooned. She opened and closed her mouth not knowing what else to say “How the hell did you manage to hide this?”

It wasn't easy. She’s been medically cleared to do in ring work for three weeks after their show in North Carolina but during the stint of their entire tour in the south she came down with what Braelin thought was the flu. So their agents sent her home so she could rest. But her flu had gotten worse and it turned into some weird stomach bug, it got so bad she had to go see her doctor. After running a few tests her doctor then informed her that she didn’t have the flu but instead she was in fact pregnant.

Braelin left the doctors office stunned and completely dumb founded. She didn’t understand how this could happen since she was on the pill. But of course her doctor informed her the pill wasn’t always effective.

The following week Stephanie informed her that she would be making her in ring return in a tag team match with Sasha against The Bella Twins. It wasn’t until then that everything started to sink in and she broke down.

Confused by the response she had gotten Stephanie had closed the door to her office so the could speak with Braelin in private. In that moment Braelin had no choice but to tell Stephanie she was four weeks pregnant.

Briyanna nodded suddenly everything was making sense “So it was Stephanie’s idea to milk this knee injury until…what? you’re ready to pop and then what?”

Braelin shrugged helplessly “I don’t know.. I just didn't want anyone to know.”

“Including your family? How long do you plan on keeping this from mo–”

“I’m going to tell her. I was going to tell you guys but I needed time. I’m scared shitless right now, Bri.” Braelin said in tears “I’m alone and I don’t know–”

Briyanna wiped the tears from her baby sister’s eye’s “Shhh, now. I’ve got you. You were never alone because I’m here, now. And you know momma, Daddy and Keyon will no doubt be there for you whenever you're ready to tell them. Naomi, you know she’s going to be by your side no matter what.”

Braelin nodded “I’m so scared to tell Naomi and Momma. I don’t want them to be disappointed in me.”

“Why would I be disappointed in you?” Naomi said now dressed in her nike jogging suit.

Braelin tensed but turned slowly to look at Naomi who was standing a few inches away “The reason for the weight gain” Briyanna rubbed comforting circles on Braelin’s back something she often did when they were kids “it's because I’m three months pregnant.”

Naomi’s only response was to engulf Braelin into her arms “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know. I was embarrassed, terrified but mostly it’s because I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.” Braelin mumbled still Naomi’s arms.

“Brae, you have succeeded in everything you've attempted. There’s no way I couldn’t be anything less than fucking proud of you. You’re going to be an amazing mother.” Naomi held the small woman in her arms as they both cried.

Briyanna shook her head “I told y’all, y’all act more like sisters than we do.”

All three girls laughed as they hugged in the middle of a dress studio.

12 weeks pregnant? Could a married man be the father of her cousin’s baby? Naomi thought.

AN: Feedback, likes and retweets are always appreciated. I planned on writing only one or maybe two multi-chapters stories but the muse had other plans. Let me know if you want to be apart of my taglist. Until next time!

[ahsien-saffari1-blog]

Ice vs Fire (Poss. AU)

Prompt/Inspiration:  He didn't understand what he'd done to them, but he would by the time they were finished. 

Genre: Angst (Family angst I suppose?) and Fantasy

Pairing(s): None yet, but there will be

Word Count: 2536

Warnings: Brotherly fighting, mild violence (A single punch)

A/N: This ended up sparking an entire AU in my mind, so you’ll probably see more shorts or ‘mini chapters’ regarding this story in the future. I hope you like it and please let me know if you’d be interested in reading more about the AU!

-

“But, but sir, the new school curriculum barely provides any room for the children to have fun and grow their creativity-” Logan raised his hand, effectively silencing the stuttering school advisor. With a dull sigh he turned to face the man who was looking quite pale.

“Emotional control and logical thinking are more important than,” He paused, glancing back down at the parchment of proposed ideas that had been given to him, “Arts and crafts or music. Therefore, more valuable teachings will take up the periods of schooling that were otherwise being wasted in future semesters.” 

“My king, please-” Logan gave him a cold look that sent shivers down the man's spine and he shut his mouth, eyes widening as Logan proceeded to crumple up the parchment before tossing it into the lit fireplace where it began to burn.

“I have made my rulings perfectly clear,” He said, tone cold and even, a silent threat in his eyes.

“If you wish to voice any further complaints you will need to file an official one. Otherwise, we are done here.” The school advisor took in a shaky breath, but nodded, giving a low bow.

“Yes, of course my king, my sincerest apologies, I was only trying to-”

“Leave.” Logan said, cutting the man off who quickly raced out of the room as he felt the temperature begin to drop. 

Logan sighed, massaging his temples as he headed to his desk where the newest stack of papers to be gone over and signed for today sat. 

He had more important things to do than to listen to that idiots ramblings, he was running a kingdom all on his own now after all and he intended to continue to increase its efficiency and fix the multitude of errors he’d found within it while his father had been ruler.

-

“Logan, what the hell do you think you’ve been doing?!” Roman hissed as he stormed into the middle of a meeting between Logan and a few of his advisors, the door of the room crashing loudly into the wall. Literal fire was flickering at the tips of his hair, crackling softly as he glared daggers at Logan.

Logan frowned at this, annoyed at the interruption even though he hadn't seen or heard from Roman in quite a while.

“Roman, while I am unsure as to what exactly you are referring to,” This only seemed to make Roman angrier, his hair sparking brighter, “I am in the middle of an important meeting and don’t have time to deal with one of your illogical outbursts.” 

“Illogical outbursts?” Roman repeated, sounding incredulous as he approached the table, slamming his hands down onto the wood. 

The advisors in the room winced and, all but one, quickly got up and left the room, their presence being replaced by a couple of guards standing warily in the doorway. Logan simply stared coldly at Roman. 

“Do you really think that me being pissed about the fact that my own brother didn't even bother to send me a letter letting me know our father was ill or that you were becoming king illogical? That being pissed at you for proceeding to put into motion changes father would never have agreed to before he'd even been properly mourned over, is overreacting?! Changes, mind you, that could end up dooming our entire kingdom and people all while I was away without a word?!” Logan met Roman’s burning gaze with his own cold one. 

"Did you just assume that I'd be fine with you claiming the crown on your own?! That I wouldn't want to take part in ruling my own kingdom?! Cause that's sure what it seems like." Logan pursed his lips at this, resting his now clasped hands on the table.

“I was actually present and paying attention in every course we took to prepare us to rule this kingdom, unlike you. I am also realistic, level-headed, and strict. Therefore, I am better suited to act as King.” 

He motioned to Roman, “You on the other hand were always skipping your lessons and are still too much like a child: reckless, impulsive, over-dramatic, hot headed, and unrealistic in your goals and beliefs.” 

Roman grinded his teeth, hands digging into the wood of the table as he fought the urge to forcefully shut Logan up.

“And as such, I saw no reason in waiting for you to return from your prolonged ‘adventure' as you put it, to put my plans and changes into order.”

“My adventure has proven to be more complicated than I previously assumed, I didn't intend for it to take so long, okay?! Besides! How was I to know that you would do all of this the moment father died!?” 

Logan stiffened at this and stood up from his chair, hands pressed against his end of the table, an imperfect mirroring of Roman.

“It is not my fault that you cared more about your ridiculous adventures than father.” Logan said, teeth grit, “You were the one that wasn’t there by his side when he passed. You were the one that abandoned this kingdom when it needed us most.”

“I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW HE WAS SICK LOGAN!” Roman basically screamed, the smell of burnt wood in the air as his palms pressed harder into the table. “So maybe if you’d actually bothered to send a letter to let me know what had happened I would have been home sooner!” 

“And if you had just grown up and stopped playing pretend adventures out in the woods you’d have had been here to say goodbye and oppose my changes.” Logan shot back, the wood beneath his own hands beginning to frost over. 

“But you weren’t here. And so my changes have been approved and will be implemented whether you agree with them or not.”

Logan, glancing down momentarily, noticed the frost branching out from his hands and quickly removed them from the table, adjusting his outfit as he looked at Roman with cool anger and forced indifference. 

"Perhaps these consequences will finally teach you to start taking life more seriously."

A tense silence fell over the room as they stared down each other, both refusing to give.

"I bet my presence wouldn't even have made a difference to you." Roman finally said, still furious, but his volume lower. "You've probably been planning this all along, haven't you?” 

Roman was practically shaking with anger as he lifted one hand up from the table to point at Logan, a smoldering hand mark permanently burned into the table where it had been resting. 

“How you'd make everything the way you wanted it to be: sterile, robotic, heartless, and cold, all for the sake of efficiency." He shook his head, giving a barking laugh as he crossed his arms over his chest and sneered at Logan.

“I bet that even if I’d been here to go against you it wouldn’t have made a difference. You probably already had contingency plans to get me out of your way once he was gone, didn’t you?” Logan was breathing hard, hands clasped tightly behind his back, gaze icy and the atmosphere around him chilling as Roman continued to attack him.

“Do you even care about a single person within this world?! Because from here it seems like all you’ve ever cared about are rules and order! That’s all you’ve ever cared about!” He threw his hands up, “You never consider people, Logan."

“That is quite enough Roman.” Logan said icily, his words quivering ever so slightly in anger. Roman paid him no mind, Logan’s demand for his silence only fanning the flames of his anger, hair sparking angrily.

“No, it is not enough Logan! You’ve crossed a line here that I am not willing to back down on. I refuse to stand by while you turn our father's kingdom into something unrecognizable! Our people are creative and amazing and passionate and you plan to rip that all away from them for the sake of rules and efficiency!”

“Our father ran this kingdom like a fool,” Logan finally hissed out through his teeth, eyes sparking a cold blue with hints of gold and the air within the room dropped in temperature, “And all I’m doing is cleaning up the mess.” Roman took a step back as if Logan had just backhanded him with that admittance.

“So you can either fall into line and support me Roman,” He paused to let that sink in, “Or you’ll quickly find yourself on the wrong side of the law.” 

His eyes narrowed, “Because you may be my brother and a prince, but that in no way excuses you from reprimandation or consequences if you continue to go against the rules and regulations of this land. I am not our father.”

Roman didn’t say anything for multiple seconds and just stared at Logan, having a hard time believing that this was really happening. That this emotionless monster was his brother. Sure, he had always been rather cold and emotionally distant, but not this bad. Had something happened to him while Roman had been gone to turn him this cold and cruel?

Roman's expression finally hardened again and he shook his head, clearing away those thoughts.

“You know what, for all I know maybe you poisoned father while I was away just to make sure you got what you wanted." Logan’s eyes widened at this comment, knuckles whitening as he pressed his hands together even harder behind his back, but Roman wasn’t finished speaking as he marched up to Logan.

“You’re certainly heartless enough to do it.” 

“I don’t take kindly to your accusations.” Logan said, just barely holding in his anger as he held his ground, “And I suggest you leave now before you do something you regret.” 

Roman laughed at this before he suddenly winded up his fist and proceeded to punch Logan in the face, sending him to the ground. Within seconds multiple guards were on top of Roman, wrestling him to the ground.

Logan, face slack with surprise, brought a hand up to his left cheek, which was mildly burned, wincing as he applied a small amount of pressure to it. He then looked over at Roman - who was now being pinned face-first into the ground.

Roman simply grinned back at him and spit out, “I highly doubt I’ll ever regret doing that.” 

Logan grit his teeth as he stood up from the floor, one hand against the injured side of his face in an attempt to cool it down. A cold fire burned in his eyes he made direct eye-contact with Roman and spoke very clearly.

“Having made wild accusations about me, the king, as well as making an attempt on my life, I have no choice but to brand you a traitor to this kingdom and have you sent to the dungeons.” 

Roman’s grin dropped and he stared at Logan open mouthed - feeling oddly heavy cuffs placed around his wrists - before he began to feel as if something was being drained out of him.

“W-What?” He finally asked in disbelief. He had expected Logan to have made him apologize, give him some sort of ‘labor’ task, or have him removed to his room, not label him with treason and throw him in jail! Why had he even gotten so fired up in the first place?! Hadn't he come here with the intention of getting help?

“N-no!” Roman said, volume rising, “No, you can’t do that! I’m the prince of this kingdom! The people will riot when they find out!” 

Through pursed lips Logan gave a cold and thin grin.

“I can and I am, and any citizen who chooses to speak out against this will be dealt with.” Logan turned his back on Roman as his head advisor stood up from the table and crouching down beside Roman, spoke quietly, a grin on his face.

“And once they learn that their precious Prince Roman attempted to assassinate his own brother for the right to the crown the moment he returned home, I don't think they’ll have as much of a problem with the ruling.”

“Why you!” Roman’s words were silenced as something was tied around his mouth even as he began to struggle furiously against the multiple guards that were now forcing him onto his feet and dragging him out of the room. He wanted nothing more in that moment than to stab his brother through. 

However, panic shown in Roman’s eyes as he found that he could no longer use his powers anymore. He couldn’t get his hands to heat up and no longer heard the crackling of his hair. Were the cuffs they’d put on him specifically designed?! This had to be a nightmare, right? How could this be happening?

“Let go of me!” He managed to mumble out past the gag as he was finally pulled out of the room, still fighting as hard as he could even without his powers available to him. Logan couldn’t do this. This couldn’t be happening.

Logan, after waiting a few moments to compose himself, finally left the room to find all of his other advisors standing outside, looking very uneasy and hesitant as they looked away from the cursing Roman being dragged off to the injured and particularly cold Logan.

“My king, are you alright?” One of them finally asked, the burn marks and swelling still visible even though Logan had an icy hand pressed against it.

“The meeting will have to be postponed until tomorrow,” Logan said stiffly as he moved past them, his head advisor trailing behind him silently, “I need to be treated for my injury and file the necessary papers to renounce Roman’s title of prince due to his treasonous actions.”

He ignored the stunned and disbelieving looks of the advisors and walked off, his head advisor trailing behind him as Logan began to discuss the paperwork that would need to be filed in order to retract Roman’s title.

-

“I hope this is all just a terrible misunderstanding,” Patton said quietly to Petunia, a horse. “Surely his own brother wouldn’t intentionally hide the death of their father just to keep him away from the castle so he could be crowned the sole ruler, right?” 

Petunia neighed softly in response, nudging the side of Patton’s head with her nose.

“That’s true, but I also don’t want us all to have to be on the run from two kingdoms.” He sighed, resting his head against the stone wall beside him, currently waiting at a hidden back entrance to the castle. They’d all agreed it was better to be safe than sorry. “It would only make fixing this whole mess even harder.”

Petunia responded with a longer neigh this time and Patton laughed in response, giving her a light pat.

“Fine, fine, I’ll only keep worrying about it if he doesn’t turn up by the end of the two hours.” Patton was silent for a moment before he looked to Petunia again and asked curiously, “Want me to make you a flower trail for your mane while we continue to wait?” 

Patton grinned when Petunia pawed at the ground with her front hoof and whinnied, clearly approving of the idea.

[friendlylocalwhumper]

Ash and Eli, part 4

“Hey, Ash.”

Eli’s dumb voice makes Ash’s nose crinkle up, eyes squeezing tighter shut. “Shut up.” He was wheezing when he was unconscious, and he still is - the idiot tries to sit up and falls back onto the floor with a groan. “Eli.”

“Yeah?”

“Why do I feel like shit?”

“‘Cause you got the shit beaten out of you,” The other twin answers, not missing a beat. Asher opens his eyes to see his brother smiling down at him. Smartass.

“You gonna help me up, then?”

“Don’t you want me to heal you first?”

“Oh. Yeah. Do it, then.”

As Eli places one hand at his twin’s waist to turn him a little, looking to see how the bruising wraps around his torso, Ash looks for a distraction. “Where’s Lux?”

Eli’s only using one hand. He’s also got a shirt on, one he didn’t have before. Maybe Lux gave something up so that Eli could have it. Ash doesn’t know. Lux is overly kind like that.

“Got brought upstairs.”

Eli’s hand holds steady where it hovers above his brother’s chest, and he doesn’t need to chant for the magic - they can only heal each other, but that healing, though limited in who it can be used on, comes easier than the rest of their powers.

And Ash is always the one to overuse his magic. Just doesn’t pay attention. Eli always warns him, he can feel it - he says that, says it feels weird, badgers Ash until he cuts it out. They try to appear identical in every way to hold off anyone getting close, but really, Eli’s the responsible one.

His hand starts shaking, where it’s pushing magic into Ash’s chest, but Ash is too busy tipping his head back and grinding his teeth together. Mending ribs with magic. Not fun.

Eli’s breathing becomes louder, more strained, and his hand lowers to meet Ash’s chest to keep pushing magic into it, and - suddenly, everything’s wrong with this. Ash feels a distant, aching hollowness in his core, like hunger, but stranger, more pressing - and Eli’s hunched over him, finishing up the work so his brother can breathe well again, but - the collars - they have runed collars, to keep their magic suppressed, and Ash totally forgot because his ribs hurt like hell, and the collars don’t come off so Eli’s pushing through it.

“Eli - fuck - Elian, stop!”

The healing’s done, and Eli’s so drained, he’s swaying where he sits, one hand at his stomach like he feels ill. He never overuses his magic, never, Ash can feel it in himself, that his twin’s magic is twisting in discomfort. Ash sits up quick, and takes Eli by the shoulders. “What the hell are you doing? You didn’t have to do that, I would have been fine!”

“Shuddup,”  Eli slurs, and tries to smile, but it’s shaky. “Shut up, Ash, you - were jus’ gonna whine about it… for ages.”

Worried, frustrated, Ash shakes Eli to try and jolt some sense into him. Eli frowns.

“Why did you do that?!”

“Get off me, Ash,” Eli deflects, the hand he used to heal his brother trying to shove away one of Ash’s arms. He doesn’t succeed, so in some kind of dim parody of how they wrestle when they’re arguing, or being goofy, Eli’s other hand comes up to take hold of Ash’s other wrist, trying to shove him away.

Ash yanks his arms back to look at his left wrist, at an odd too-warm sensation. It’s red. Two streaks of blood where two of Eli’s fingers were, the rest a smudge.

He snatches Eli’s right hand quick to see the blood staining it. “You’re - Eli, you’re -” The shirt. The black shirt, that Eli’s hand was pressed to.

Hazel eyes watch the other pair go wide in fear-fury-panic, and the shirt’s being yanked up and off. Eli is pale; they used to be tan, have been losing that trapped down here, but - this is too pale - there’s blood leaking from torn skin at Eli’s gut. Was he - he was stabbed. That fucker stabbed his brother. Hurt him, while Ash was out - after knocking Ash out - stabbed his brother, and… Eli was trying to play that off?

“You wanna punch me?” Eli asks, grinning like a dumbass again, shoulders hunching in as he starts to lean listlessly. Ash grips Eli’s shoulder and pushes him over a few inches to lean on the wall.

“Fuck - fuck - HEY, ASSHOLE!” He turns to look up at the stairs, bellowing to be heard. “GET THE HELL DOWN HERE AND FIX MY BROTHER!”

Eli’s hand is to his stomach, again, over the wound. His face is tight, now, and an occasional tremor wracks through him - no more smiles.

When Ash tries to pry his hand away from the source of the blood, Eli gasps jaggedly.

“Don’t - Ash, don’t, please…” His voice cracks on the please. Ash wants to drive his fist into the wall until he’s broken all the bones in his hand.

“I need to see, okay? I need to see it. I’m gonna take care of you, Eli, I will, you’ll be okay.” Ash forces his brother’s hand away, the blood flowing more eagerly. Brutally, he shoves his own hand against the wound, to stop it. Eli moans. “Hey. I’m going to heal you. And give you some magic, because your dumb ass used too much… goddamnit, Eli, you’ll be the death of me…”

Just as his magic is pooling at his palm, Ash is yanked back and away from his brother, who slumps down further against the wall without support.

“No - no - Eli!” Ash twists and bucks, a hand fisted in his hair, his hands flying up to try and free himself. One of those hands has his brother’s blood on it. The Hunter came. Ash called him down.

Fighting with all his strength does nothing. He’s shoved into the wall, wrists manacled in turn, and Ash tries to glare right in their captor’s face - but the Hunter’s already walking back over to Eli.

“Don’t touch him! Don’t you fucking touch him!”

Eli looks over at Ash, and Ash can see him trying to toughen up, and then he’s looking up at the Hunter, and he’s dragged up by one arm to be yanked back over to his side of the cellar.

“He’s bleeding - he’s going to bleed out -” Eli’s manacled to the wall, too, his right hand bloody just like Ash’s. “Fix him, you - just - look at him, he’s gonna pass out, he’s going to -” Eli pushed through the runes of his collar to heal Ash, Ash should be able to break his fucking chains with his magic, something - but the Hunter waves his hand, and the runes burn at his neck, reinforced, and - did the guy lower the restraints on their magic for this sick fucking game? Could they have used more magic, gotten out?

When Ash’s vision stops swimming from the collar’s restored hold on his magic, Ash looks across the room and makes a distressed sound to see Eli too weak to stand, hanging from his manacles, though still awake.

“Talk to me, Eli,” Ash begs - it’s pleading, there’s no other way to describe the desperation in his voice. The world is ending. The earth is splitting open to devour them. This is the fucking end of days, if his brother is dying. “Please. Talk to me.”

A dizzy laugh, and a smile aimed at the ground. “Do you… do you remember… when I stole Mr. Schneider’s toad from the science lab… and put it in Mrs. Borden’s desk, and she screamed and ran out? You took the blame for that… proved you took the thing by, by stealing another one, and putting it in - in the principal’s desk, for yelling at me…”

Blood drips down Eli, and onto the floor, every drop making Ash lose his breath even though his ribs are all healed.

“Stop talking like - like -”

The cellar door opens, the Hunter coming down with his heavy boots meeting each step, and - they can hear sniffling, and sobbing, and wet gasps and coughs and a thin frame being guided back down - Lux is back. Lux is allowed to fall to the floor, on his knees, to hunch over and try to choke up more water.

The Hunter stands beside him, nudges Lux’s leg with the side of his boot - Lux straightens up, chest working hard to draw in enough air, and his captor lays a hand on his soaked curls.

“Look at that one, my light,” The Hunter orders, and Lux looks up at Eli, startling when he sees the blood.

“Nnh - nnh - w-what -” He coughs, moans, tries to breathe. “What - h-happened, to, to him?”

Ash watches, hands furled tightly into fists, as the Hunter’s fingers dig into Lux’s hair and twist so he whimpers in fright.

“Wrong question, little one.”

“U-um, um, wh-, um - wh-what, what do you w-want me to do?”

The hand in his hair releases its painful hold, and instead Lux’s hair is scratched through. “He’s going to die if you don’t heal him.”

Lux makes a frightened sound, somewhere in his throat, looking down. His back is still healing from the brutal whipping he got last time he healed Eli, he’s still terrified from his mind being invaded then… “I - please, I c-can’t.”

“You’re allowed to, darling.” The Hunter assures, and Lux is leaning into the touch when the Hunter pulls on his curls to make him lean against his leg. “You’re allowed to use your magic on him. I won’t punish you.”

“B-but - but - it’s b-bad, it’s bad…”

Ash yanks against his restraints, worse than impatient as Eli bleeds more and more. “Lux - please, just do it. Just say yes.”

Lux makes himself smaller - he’s facing Eli, not Ash, Ash can’t see his face, just his back. “I’m - allowed? I c-can?”

“Yes, little one.”

Eli’s limp in his chains, too exhausted to keep his head up.

“Lux. This is my brother. You’ve got to save him. Please. I know it’s a lot to ask - please, look at him, he’s - he’s gonna - I can’t lose him.”

With a shaky breath, leaning against the Hunter for support and to feel like he’s not in trouble, Lux nods. “O-okay - okay, yes, I’ll - I’ll heal him - if - if I’m allowed.”

“Do you want help standing up?”

“Y-yes - yes please.”

Big hands takes Lux by the pale, slim shoulders, and pull him up to his feet. Lux’s fingers dig into the Hunter’s shirt for balance. The Hunter pushes his hands away and leaves him to stand alone.

“You won’t be punished for healing him. But the other one will.”

Lux glances over at Ash, alarmed, but Ash just nods. “I can take it. I don’t care. Heal him, Lux. Please.”

“I… I’m allowed,” Lux tells himself, facing Eli, taking a step closer, waterlogged breaths catching and growing quicker. “I’m allowed, I’m allowed…” He puts one hand on Eli’s left shoulder, the other hand hovering over the wound, trembling. “W-won’t get in trouble…”

“Hey, Lux,” Eli mutters, head bowed. “Yeah, you… you won’t get in trouble. He said that. It’s okay.”

“He s-, he said that,” Lux repeats, and light flickers at his fingertips. His back twinges in pain. “He, he said, I’m allowed.”

“You’re allowed,” Eli confirms, and Lux is standing close, half trying to use his magic, half trying not to. “It’s okay, Lux. ‘s okay.”

“It’s okay.” The light comes steadier, now. Lux starts chanting softly, makes the magic stay and work. His legs start to shake, and he’s all too aware of how exposed his back is right now. The wound closes, the blood slows then stops, and Lux’s magic even erases the scar and clears away the blood because - because he can, and he wants to do well. “I’m sorry,” He says, to no one. The punishment was so, so bad last time, he knows this is bad, but - it’s allowed, right now.

Across the room, Ash sighs in relief to see some color returning to Eli’s pale skin, with a little help from the healing magic.

“Good,” The Hunter says, and lays a hand on Lux’s shoulder to guide him back to his chains, pushing down so Lux sits on the floor to be restrained.

Left with his arms chained up, still feeling scared, wanting more assurances but too nervous to ask for them, Lux keeps quiet as the Hunter approaches Ash.

Then the Hunter touches his hand to Ash’s head, and Ash starts screaming desperately, horror dense in his cries. Lux shakes, looking over to Eli - but Eli’s watching in horror as his brother’s mind is invaded. So Lux curls in on himself as best he can, hides his face against his knees, and tries not to breathe harsh enough to cough. He doesn’t want to draw any more attention to himself than he’s already gotten.