#and then mikey fell down and started throwing up everywhere

[kikikatzoid]

"heyyy framk ^_^!!"

[wdxghosty]

Careful Consideration

2018Raph x Spike fic

On a mission the turtle boys were in a back room about to bust some crooks when they realized they were surrounded by caged animals.

Mikey’s was the first to point it out, “Hey guys, they’re animals everywhere” he excitedly exclaimed, “And a bunch of them are colorful, or big, or pretty”

“Or illegal.” Donnie said, “Mikey I don’t know if you notice, but most of not all of these animals aren’t from the US, let alone New York.” He pointed out, while wandering around the room, “And considering our circumstances, I’d say they’re being smuggled. There’s a lot of things rich people will do to show off, including displacing animals for the sake of aesthetics.”

The mood instantly shifted Mikey went from excited to disappointed. “I guess you’re right Donnie, last time I checked having a pet jaguar isn’t legal. N-“

“Guys!” Raph interrupts Mikey in a somewhat irritated tone, “We are on a mission FOCUS… have you guys seen Leo?”

“He’s in the vents” Both Donnie and Raph look at Mikey in confusion

“He’s in the-“ they hear the sound of something falling followed by screaming,

“GET HIM!”

Without missing a beat, they burst into the room full of foot goons, and Leo popping in and out of portals in effort to escape.

“Hey guys! You finally decided to stop waiting around.” He said while tumbling around.

“Leo what happened to discretion, what happened to being sneaky, what happened to the element of surprise!” He angrily shouts at his younger brother, while bashing and throwing goons.

“Hey hey, as leader I decided that I should scope out the area see what they’re doing, so I went in the vents right?”

“Why didn’t you just portal around!?” Donnie questioned

“Because I don’t wanna rely so much on my amazing mystical powers OKAY! But anyways while being an amazing ninja I fell through the roof, teehee.”

“Why didn’t you just stick to the plan!!!” Raph screams at the top of his lungs growing more and more irritated

“Hey buddy what happened happened, now let’s just beat some goons, get some pizza then go home” he tries to calm his brother down and it worked for now but it would ultimately end up futile.

After the fight they went back into the back room with all the animals inside, Mikey wandered around looking at all of them, while doing wonders on what to do with them.

“Well I guess we could just-“

“Guys!” Mikey brings as much attention to himself as possible while carrying a cage and running up to his brothers.

“Michael what the hell are you holding!?” Donnie shouted as he started to back up not know what his brother was brings up to them.

“Guys look it’s a mini Raph!” Inside the cage was a big Alligator snapping turtle, and Mikey looked at it with such awe and admiration. “Can I keep it?” He looks at Raph with a huge smile on his face

Raph, Leo, and Donnie all look at each other then start laughing

“Mikey no offense but even dad got you robot pets for your birthdays you stopped playing with them after a couple hours” Leo tried to hold in his laugh while saying that but it was far too hard for him

“Yeah, Mike love you, truly. But any animal would die in your care. Let’s not sentence the innocent turtle to death.”

Mikey annoyed by Leo alone Donnie’s disbelief in his capabilities he turns to Raph hoping for him to say yes

“Well… I don’t know Mikey, a pet is allot of a responsibility.” Mikey looked at him with the biggest puppy dog eyes he can muster, “but I trust you… you can keep it.”

“WHAAAAAT” the disaster twins screamed I unison.

“Omigosh Omigosh Omigosh!!! Thanks Raph, I’ll love him forever!”

The next week

Mikey was sitting in the projector room watching a movie and Raph walks in with the turtle in hand,

“Mikey!”

He turns to him, with a happy face, “Oh hey Raph! I found this really cool show an-“

“When was the last time you fed him!”

Mikey looks at Raph with the upmost confusion, “Who is the him in question???”

“The turtle! The one you begged me to keep!”

“Well I wouldn’t say i begged, I just asked a lot… oh yeah! Raph#2, hey little buddy” he waves to the turtle, but Raph pulls it away.

“I trusted you to take care of him, but it doesn’t even look like you’ve taken him out of his cage”

“Well I just forgot, I’m gonna play with him.”

“No, it’s obvious that you’re not ready for a pet. We should get rid of him.”

“Nooo! Raph he’s my turtle!” Mikey protests Ralph’s thought, “I can take care of him!” He pulls out his puppy dog eyes once more trying to get something out of his brother,

“… we don’t have to get rid of him, but we can’t leave him in your care either. He’ll be in my room, you can play with him whenever you feel like.” Raph lets Mikey win, and he walks away dejectedly and with the feeling he’s gonna regret it.

“Thanks Raph! Mwa!”

“Don’t! If I don’t see you trying to form a friendship with this turtle we’re getting rid of him.”

“I will! Don’t worry!”

The next week

Raph talking to himself in his room about Mikey and his new pet. “It’s been a whole week since Mikey convinced me to keep the turtle, and he hasn’t seen it since. He’ll he didn’t even give it a name, he calls it Raph number 2.” He turns to the turtle cage,

“but I kinda feel bad for the little guy, he was taken away from his home, point in a cage, then transporting him must have been long, and now he’s here and he’s probably so scared.”

He walks over to his cage and opens it up, and picks up the turtle. Looking at it a little closer he has really big eyes, and a murky green color.

“Well aren’t you a cutie?” Raph runs his hand along his shell and pricks his finger, “Hey!” The turtle locks eyes with Raph, staring into his soul. “Well it isn’t your fault, I touched your spike… That’s what I’m gonna name you, Spike!” He lets out a chuckle, “Little Spike,” he rubs Spikes head and gets a chirp out of the tiny one. “I guess it’s settled, common spike let’s go for a walk.”

And that’s how the beautiful friendship between Raph and Spike began.

[mythica0]

QUICK! LEE RAPH AND LER APRIL! Raph could be feeling sad because he always feel pressured to make others feel better since he’s the big brother, but April being the big sister to all of them tickles Raph to help him know that he can ask for help too 💖

Older siblings

🎂:ROTTMNT

🧁:Raph

🍫:April

Summary: Raph and April have a.. “talk”.. between older siblings.

A/N: THANK YOU DEAR MUTUAL NOW TAKE THIS CHAOS! Also, this is very platonic. Very very very platonic. Any suggestions otherwise can go screw poison ivy.

Older siblings

Brotherhood. A relationship between brothers.

To say that Raph takes his job as the oldest Hamato brother seriously would be an understatement.

He is constantly pushing himself to protect them, lift their spirits where he could(even though that was more of the youngest’s speed.) and be there for them above all.

He ended up being a sort of father figure, as he helped take care of the others when Splinter wasn’t able to. [Raph had no resentment at his dad for this. He knew that dad tried his best, but he had just been turned into a rat and lost his whole life, and was still getting over trauma from his past. He couldn’t blame his father for needing help sometimes.]

It put a lot of pressure on the red-wearing snapper, and today was no exception.

Him and his brothers had Gina on a mission that day, and although they succeeded unharmed, Leo had ended up nearly getting badly hurt.

He wasn’t, thankfully the attack was dodged and he came out unscathed, but Raph was so scared and sad that he couldn’t protect his little brother.

As soon as they got back to the lair, April following close behind, Raph went right to his room and sunk to the floor against the wall.

“Ugh. What happened out there, Raph?” He whispered to himself, unknowing of the human figure who had followed him.

April smiled slightly and walked in, responding softly, “You couldn’t be everywhere at once.”

Raph snapped his head up, saw April, and blushed a bit in embarrassment. “You, uh… you weren’t supposed to hear that.”

“Mhmm. Well, I did, and we’re gonna talk about it, big guy.”

Raph sighed but smiled softly. “All right, then.”

“We are the older siblings. It’s not just you, ya know. I mean, I might not look it, but I am older than you.”

Raph nodded. April softened her voice even further as she continued.

“Yeah, it’s our job as the older siblings to protect the others, but that’s not our only job. It’s also our job to take care of ourselves. Can’t give away something you don’t have, get it?”

“Yeheah, I…I think I’m picking up what you’re throwing down.” The snapper chuckled.

April thought of something that might help the message… stick. She hid the mischievous smile that was starting to form and opened up her arms.

“Now, give me a hug, big guy.”

Raph complied, completely unaware of his older sister’s plan.

April let the smirk gain control of her features and pinched Raph’s side.

Raph let out a surprisingly high-pitched squeal at the feeling.

“April, whahat ahare you doHIhin’?”

“I think you know.” She replied teasingly as she picked up the pace on her light pinching.

Raph quickly lost control and fell into giggles, his long tail swishing behind him.

“Aww, look, Raphie, your tail is wagging!”

“Shuhuhuhat uhup!”

“You only say that cause you know I’m right~ But I still think that deserves a raspberry, don’t you?”

“Nohohoho! Dohoho nahahat!”

“What was that? Please do? Okay!” April took a big breath and blew a raspberry right into Raph’s plastron.

“NohohnohonohoNOHAHA! AHAHAPRIHIHIL!”

“Whaaaat~?”

“AHAPRIHIL STAHAHP!”

“Alright, fine~ ya big drama queen.” She let go of him and sat up, waiting for him to catch his breath.

“Raha.. Raph is nohowhere nehehear as big a drahama queen as Leo or Donnie ahand you know ihit.”

April chuckled. “No doubt about that. Speaking of which, Mikey is cooking Dinner, let’s go.”

When it came to Raph and April, there was no denying that they lived being the older siblings.

———THE END————————————————

[v-3ntii]

𝐓𝐎𝐊𝐘𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐕. 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐓

additional notes : male reader, not req.

characters : mikey , baji , chifuyu

warnings : mentions of blood , reader getting hurt, mentions of fights , blades , bat , hospitals , ambulances , violence

category : slight angst to fluff <3

note: FEMALE ALINGED READERS DNI!

𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐘

mans would go batshit crazy

y'know the dark impulse??

so you guys were fighting a gang, and someone from the said gang decided to play dirty 😧

they took a bat and went to whack you on the head.

you fell to the floor with blood dripping down bc- you just got HIT BY A BAT???

so when he saw your body on the ground, he immediately ran over, eyes become super super dark.

darker than they've ever been.

" hey ...you just hurt my boyfriend. "

gives them the signature kick

dosen't stop there tho 😹

punches them until their face becomes disfigured.

" mikey...please just stop. "

if you were conscious you would say that, the poor guy's face alr got disfigured 💀💀

if you aren't, then mikey would probably take his life.

defo would just take u to the hospital himself bc ambulances r useless 🤨

" y/n, don't worry... I've taken care of that guy, yeah? "

dosen't care if he's going to be leaving his entire gang behind to just bring u to the hospital

#4liferzzz 😹😹

really told the dude ' datte kimi yowaimo' thru his punches and kicks 🤞

he would buy all of your favourite snacks, bring you to restaurants, help you whenever you needed help after you're discharged.

oh, he bans you from the gang until you're fully fully recovered.

gives you night rides on his bike tho

𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐘𝐔

" y/n! are you okay? "

defo going to check on you first.

you got stabbed...OF COURSE HE IS GOING TO CHECK ON YOU??

might cry

if you insist that you're okay, he would be hesitant

but he would leave you there and deal with the guy, the blade's handle facing the sky so it won't dig deeper into you.

" you little shit...look at what you've done! "

punches, punches, punches.

when the guy is on the verge of death, chifuyu would leave him there and go to your side.

he would scoop you up, and bring you to the hospital w you on his lap.

how he managed to balance you? nobody knows.

again, ambulances are useless 🙄

would be so scared, wouldn't leave the hospital AT ALL.

would sleep in a chair beside you on the hospital bed, and bring some of his mangas for you to read when he visits

when you're discharged, he would help you shower, even if you tell him that you are able to shower.

he doesn't think dirty. his only thought is that he is helping his injured boyfriend to shower.

chifuyu is so sweet :((

where can i find a chifuyu 🙂

𝐁𝐀𝐉𝐈

would just freeze there for awhile.

takes one glance at your limp body on the ground, blood flowing out from a wound in your head-

and he loses it.

runs up to the guy, starts throwing punches everywhere- blood splattering all over his face and clothes.

after he's beaten the guy half to death does he realise

that you. are. hurt.

rushes to your side, mumbling apologies over and over.

actually calls the ambulance because he just doesn't know what to do anymore.

you might die bc of that...AMBULANCES ARE SO USELESS

would stay by your side the whole time, and actually blames it on himself. :(

apologise after you wake up, please.

just apologise.

a lot, a lot, a lot of cuddles. this cuddling addiction will probably last for a whole week.

you're not complaining tho

© saiiyana

[viking-raider]

The Immortal Sky - Part VII *Mature*

Summary: It’s a battle to survive and not everyone will make it.

Pairing: Henry Cavill/You

Word Count: 17,431

Rating: M - Dystopian!AU, Futuristic!AU, Language, Dark Themes: Severe Angst, Violence, Torture, Kidnapping, Traumatic Death, Blood, Life Threatening Injures, Severe Trauma, Life Changing Events, Hurt/Comfort, and a teeny bit of Fluff

Inspiration: I’ve always wanted to write a futuristic fic!

Author’s Note: This is the final official Chapter of The Immortal Sky, I will be doing a short Epilogue to round things out though. I hope you enjoy this and thank you so much for all the love, comments and support! A super thanks to @wondersofdreaming​ for being a great support, listening to my crazy thoughts, giving me amazing suggestions and ideas, and just being an all around amazing friend!

You gasped, sitting up on your elbows, heart pounding and drenched in a cold sweat as the nightmare continued to dig its claws into your waking moments.

“Henry?” You called out, instinctively, before remembering he wasn't there.

Still.

Letting out a hard and shaky breath, you dropped back onto the mattress, damp from your sweat. You stared up at the ceiling, gripping the blankets in shaking fists as hot and furious tears dripped over your temples and into your hair.

“He isn't coming back.” You choked on your own snot. “They've captured and killed him, I just know it. He's died trying to protect me and there's nothing I can do to stop it. To make up for it, so his pain and death weren't in vain.” You took gasping breaths and only choked more on your tears. “I'm so sorry Henry. Oh my god, I am so sorry.” You wailed, crying without abandon.

You beat your fists on the mattress, outraged at your negativity and ease of giving up on him. Henry wouldn't have given up on you, he would have stayed strong and came for you, like he had when you ran away from him in London. Jerking up, you sat on the edge of the bed, the springs of the mattress creaking under your shifting weight.

“He's still alive.” You forced yourself to say out loud. “Henry is still alive, and I will find him.”

Resolved to this conviction, you stood up and dressed, pressing his shirt to your face and took a deep breath, inhaling his earthy and masculine scent, fortifying you, before slipping it on over your own shirt and finished tying your shoelaces. You weren't completely sure what to do or how to go about finding, and potentially saving, Henry. You weren't the amazing and seasoned High Marshal Henry was, is. You tried putting yourself in his shoes, hard as it was to fill size eleven boots. So, you started in the only place that made sense to you, the Black Bone pub, where your brother and his handler were known to frequent. So, locking your room, you trekked the six blocks from the hotel to the dingy pub, heart pounding in your throat as you entered.

“What can I get ya?” The bartender asked you as you approached the counter.

“Um,” You looked at the stained menu taped to the bar top. “A Virgin Mojito, please.”

The bartender lifted a brow at you, shrugged his shoulders and turned away from you. A minute later, he set the tall glass in front of you and held out his hand, wanting payment. Sighing, you dug out the meager change you had and slapped it into his hand, picked up your drink and took a seat in the corner, the same corner you occupied with Henry the day before.

You tried your best to look as inconspicuous as you possibly could, keeping your eyes on the tv, like Henry had, swirling your drink with the thin black straw inside of it and checking out everyone in the room from the corner of your vision. It was slightly more busy than it had been the morning before, but there was no sign of your brother, Knox or Henry. What your inexperienced eye failed to notice, was the bartender keeping his eye on you, for several minutes, before going to the back of the store room and making a phone call.

“Yeah, Ashe. It's me, Bruce, the owner of the Black Bone. You asked me to keep an eye out for a lady.” He rattled off your description. “Told me to call if I saw her around.”

“And?” Ashe replied, staring at the black, web-like, 3-D printed cast on the hand he busted in his fight with Henry.

“She's back.” Bruce told him, stepping out of the store room and peeking around the corner, to make sure you were still there, clearly ignoring your drink. “Sitting in a booth, right now.”

“Excellent.” Ashe grinned, wolfishly. “I'll be right over, let me know if she leaves.”

Bruce hung up with Ashe and moved back to serve his new customers, keeping his eye on you the whole time. You finally took a sip of your drink, the mint was refreshing to your taste-buds with the slight twinge of the lime's tartness, when the door of the pub chimed as it opened and from the corner of your eye you saw who entered, making your blood run cold, the man from the day before, who had given Henry the creeps and chased you both down the alleyway. Your hands shook as he glanced in your direction, a faint smirk on his thin lips, you noticed the cast on his arm and drew conclusions; knowing he and Henry must have gotten into a fight. Wishing you had the bartender put the rum into your drink after all, you gulped it down and tried to get up as casually and calmly as possible, eyes darting to the lopsided and hand written sign above the bathroom door and headed that direction.

The bathroom was big enough for a discolored and filthy toilet and a teeny window above that. Locking the bathroom door, you climbed top of the toilet, wobbling on the unstable tank to peek out the cloudy windowpane. There was another alleyway behind the pub, but you couldn't see where either end of it led out too, but you weren't going back out into the bar area with Ashe there, waiting to pounce on you. The window was wedged into the frame, sticking it into place from years of hard rains and freezing winters, swelling and warping the wood. Biting your lip, you started bashing it with the heel of your hand, the wood protesting and squeaking with each blow, until it suddenly flew open.

Glancing over your shoulder to the latched door as the dented handle started to rattle, you wasted no time, jumping and diving halfway through the window, legs flailing and kicking the dingy wall. Scrambling to get a footing and wiggle the rest of the way through the window, the rough wood scraping and cutting up your sides and ripping holes into your jacket. The bathroom door started to shake, a shoulder driving into it, you knew it wouldn't be long before Ashe busted through and hauled you out of the bathroom. Growling in frustration, you kicked hard at the wall, breaking through the crumbling drywall and used it to boost yourself up more. Punching more and more holes into the wall with your feet to you wiggle and shimmy through the window.

You gasped as your hips passed through the window frame and scrambled to get a footing on the other side, before you fell face first into a pile of two week old trash. You had just managed to flip yourself as you fell out of the window, landing on your butt on top of the overstuffed black plastic bags with a grunt. The eruption of Ashe charging through the bathroom door exploded above you, followed by his flurry of curses as his head popped through the window, the only thing small enough to fit through it.

“You fucking bitch!” He roared, pushing an arm through the window with his head to try and grab at you.

You struggled to your feet and stumbled away from Ashe and the window, out of breath and bleeding. Knowing he wasn't going to get through the window, Ashe jerked back inside and stormed out of the bathroom, shoving and knocking people aside as they came to see what all the commotion was about. Not waiting around for Ashe to reach you, you bolted down the alleyway, slipping on the slimy pavement and tripping over trash, just making it to the end, when two shadows blocked the way. Startled, you tried twisting around to run the other way, but they were faster than you were, grabbing the hood of your jacket and yanked you back, making you choke in the process.

“You ain't going anywhere.” One of them huffed as you were slammed chest first into the wall, scraping the side of your face on the rough surface.

Your arms were harshly yanked behind you and hands slipped through the loops of thick black cuffs, before your captor pressed a button on the handle connecting the cuffs and they automatically tightened around your wrists, painfully cutting off circulation and into your skin. They jerked you off the wall and faced you out of the alleyway, one of them clamped a hand down on your shoulder, making you whimper in pain and try to shrink away from him, only to be struck in the side.

“You should have stayed in London.” Ashe's angry voice growled as he approached the three of you, pinching your chin between his fingers. “Or just not have been born at all.” He hissed, letting go of your head with a jerk. “Get her in the van.” He ordered the two men, hitching a thumb over his shoulder, to the van parked at the curb, its back sliding door open and waiting.

You looked up and down the sidewalk as they pushed and shoved you towards the van, frantically hoping someone would see the four of you and rush to help you, stop them for kidnapping you. But, as you looked at the full street, you noticed everyone looking everywhere but at you, not wanting to get involved, knowing doing so would land them in the same hot water you were finding yourself in. But, to your utter shock, one face did look back at you, just as stunned to see you as you were to see them.

“Michail.” You mouthed, blinking like it was just a fragment of your frantic mind. “Mikey!” You screamed out, realizing it wasn't your mind toying with you, before you were thrown into the van and the door was slammed shut behind you.

“Let's go grab a pint.” Knox said, throwing on his jacket. “Come on, Keagan, one pint won't kill you. We have a load of time before your first big run.”

Michail sighed and rubbed at his face, his back ached from hunching over the map of his first run as an Adjutant Runner for Quinn. He had been staring at it non-stop for two weeks and the run was due to happen in three days. But, Knox was right, an hour's break to enjoy a frothy pint at the pub would do him and his brain some good. So, stiffly raising from his chair, he grabbed his own jacket and followed Knox to the lift and down the four floors to the ground floor and out onto the street. They chatted about the run as they walked down to the Black Bone, Knox's usual establishment for a good pint, hammering out more details and clearing up any misunderstanding about what was to go down, once it did happen.

But, they were interrupted by a small scuffle ahead of them, near the pub.

Looking away from each other and to the altercation, they saw three sizable men roughly handling a woman, her hands tied behind her back. Michail felt the breath in his lungs freeze and his heart drop out into his stomach as he met the woman's eye, watching her mouth his name, before yelling it out.

“Mikey!”

“Issy?” He whispered back, too stunned to manage anything louder before you were manhandled into the van.

“You know that woman, Mike?” Knox asked, his eyes panning between the speeding away van and him.

“She's my sister.” Mikey replied, his mouth hanging open, shocked and speechless to not only find you in Bristol, but being carted away by those ruffians. “But, she should be back in London.” He blinked, slowly regaining himself. “What the hell is she doing here in Bristol? Do you know who those guys were?” He asked, looking at Knox.

“Only one of them.” Knox replied, narrowing his eyes. “The blond is Ashe James, he works as a free agent, working several different jobs in every Sector.”

“Why would he take my sister like that?” Mikey asked himself, deeply troubled.

“We'll find out later, let's get that pint.” Knox answered, clasping Mikey on the back and pushed him towards the pub.

Henry spit nothing, but blood, as Emilio gave him another crack punch to the face; which was multicolored and inflamed. A cut high on the bridge of his bloody nose and upper lip, his bottom lip was split and bleeding as well, blood caked in his beard and curls, as well as his chest; soaking into the fabric of his jeans. His eyes burned from the unyielding and bright lights illuminating the room. He was spent and exhausted, leaning forward with his head lulling and eyes half rolled and swollen shut. A forest of marks and box cutter cuts littered his body, partiality around the surgical site of his artificial kidney. He was more than sure every one of his ribs were broken or cracked, making him wheeze and hiss with every breath he took.

Henry wasn't sure how much more of he could take, but that didn't mean he would break.

“I don't think you have much more blood in you, mate?” Emilio huffed, shaking his throbbing hand, his fingers puffy and bruised from hitting Henry so many times. “Usually, the people I—set straight—have given up by now. But, no. Not you, you're tough. I respect that.” He said, shrugging his sore shoulders.

���To a point.” He chuckled, slapping Henry in the back of the head, making him whimper. “Why don't you tell my boss where the girl is? Then, we can let you off. But, if you don't, you'll just end up dying here.”

Henry remained quiet, he had run out of witty and smart-ass comments hours before. So, he kept his mouth shut and reserved his energy and strength to withstand their assault on him. The one saving light was the thought of you safe and sound in your room. He knew, by now, you were freaking out and panicking. There were no clocks and only one mirror that Henry knew, without a doubt, was a two way, but he could catch a glimpse of Emilio's expensive watch. He had been in the room for nearly twelve hours, all night and most of the morning.

He sighed, grimacing as he swallowed another mouthful of blood that was pooling in his mouth from his bloody nose, cut lip and the cuts on the inside of his cheeks; his stomach cramped and twisted as he swallowed it down, adding to his discomfort. His mind started to wonder, his pain was beginning to numb his battered nerve-endings, he wondered how much longer he would survive, what blow would potentially kill him.

He counted each blow.

One.

Two.

Three.

The door came flying open and Benji waltzed in, the door slamming closed behind him, as he grinned and looked chipper after getting a good night's rest, having left not long after Henry's torture started. But, he seemed overly happy, too happy, for Henry to be comfortable with, he knew something. That's when Henry's fear finally spiked and his abused body tensed and his bloodshot, blue orbs widened with panic, showing that growing ounce of fear outwardly for the first time.

“Well, Mr. Cavill, I see that you are still alive!” Benji quipped with an amused smile, grabbing the back of Henry's sweaty and bloody curls, and jerked his head back, roughly. “I am quite impressed by your stamina. I bet the ladies love it.” He teased, lowering himself to meet Henry's gaze.

“I have a surprise for you, Henry.” He cooed, menacingly, his brown eyes darkening to a black hole of evil and danger. “I'm quite sure you'll be relieved to see it.” He said softly, running a finger over the freshly bleeding cut on Henry's brow, making him hiss as heavy beads of sweat mixed into it, then straightened up.

“Bring it in!” He yelled, moving away from Henry and turned towards the two way mirror.

The door swung open again, revealing Ashe, who pressed his back against it, to keep it open, and motion into the hall for someone to come forward. Henry's shoulders fell with his face, the last bit of his strength he had draining out of him as you were shoved into the room, stumbling and almost falling if Ashe hadn't grabbed the handle of your zip cuffs and steadied you.

Your mouth dropped open seeing the pitiful and terrifying condition Henry was in, covered in blood, bruises, cuts and god knows what else. You struggled to swallow down your throbbing heart and blinked back the searing tears that burned your eyes, biting hard into your lip to keep yourself from falling apart. Henry licked his split and chapped lips and blinked slowly at you, trying to keep himself together, but not to cry, but to not lose his temper, his muscles flexing as his anger flared and surged beneath his blue and purple, blood covered skin, straining in his restraints, like a bull seeing red.

“Two very different reactions.” Benji commented, watching the pair of you through the two-way mirror. “Interesting.” He hummed, turning on the heels of his expensive dress shoes. “I've been looking for you.” He said, stepping closer to you. “Thank you for making it so easy to find and get a hold of you.”

He smiled, touching the tip of his finger to your cheek and drew a smiley face on it.

In Henry's blood.

“Release her hands.” He ordered, snapping his fingers.

“Boss, is that a good idea?” Ashe asked, hesitating with the key to your cuffs. “She's pretty cunning.”

Benji's cool broke and slapped Ashe across the face, ripping the key out of his hand and releasing the cuffs from around your wrists. “I know what she is, you moron. But, what is she going to do? They're in my house, surrounded by dozens upon dozens of my men. Even if, they managed to get out of this room, they wouldn't make it out of the hall, before we either killed or incapacitated them. So,” He smirked at you, giving you a sour taste in your mouth.

“Let's leave them be.” He chuckled, making a motion with his hand and cleared the room, other than you and Henry.

You stood frozen for several moments, unable to move as you and Henry stared at each other, your silent tears finally escaping down your cheeks. “I'm so sorry, Henry.” You sniffled, gulping thickly.

Henry closed his eyes and sighed, groaning and gently shaking his head. He knew, he knew you had left the room to come look for him, the guilt and evidence of it was all over your face. “It's all right.” He finally replied, his voice dry and raspy. “I know you were scared.”

“I was worried.” You whimpered, slowly approaching him. “I still am.” You told him, dropping to your knees before him, looking over his battered body. “I'm sorry, Henry. I never meant for this to happen. I never wanted anyone to get hurt because of me. Least of all, you.”

Your emotions started to overwhelm you, reaching out to gently cup his face in your shaking palms and pushed up on your toes to touch your forehead to his temple. Henry frowned and nudged your face with his, trying to give you what comfort he could, while still tied to the chair. Your wet cheek smeared more blood on the both of you, as you wrapped your arms loosely around his bare waist.

“I told you to wait for me.” He whispered, meeting your damp eyes.

“I tried.” You protested, pulling back from him. “But, I-” You bit your lip and looked away from him.

“I told you, I'd come back for you.”

“How?” You snapped, incredulous. “You're tied to a fucking chair and practically bleeding to death!”

Henry narrowed his eyes at you. “I'll be fine, I just needed more time. I've done this before.” He told you, shaking his head, then regretting it.

“That doesn't make me feel any better or convince me, Henry.” You replied with a huff. “How are we going to get out of here?” You asked, lowering your voice, sure they were eavesdropping.

“I'll think of something.” Henry answered, looking around the room, but there was very little to aid you in that endeavor. “Just stay strong for me.” He added, turning his face into yours, his chapped lips brushing your ear.

“Nugget.”

Benji stood in the room adjoined to the interrogation room you and Henry were held in, watching the two of you interact and talk, when a phone started to ring. Flexing his hands, Benji turned on his men, glaring each of them in the eyes until one of them shied away from his gaze.

“Answer it, Luis.” He hissed at the smaller man. “Now!” He roared, making everyone flinch.

Luis slipped a shaking hand into his pocket and pulled out his mobile, flipping it open and answering it. “Hello?” He squeaked, his voice high pitched with fright. “Um,--” He shuttered, eyes glued to Benji. “It's Monroe, Sir. He's asking about the girl, why she was nabbed this morning.” He explained, holding his phone out to Benji.

“Knox!” Benji roared into the receiver. “Why are you asking about the girl?” He demanded.

“My new Runner, they know each other.” Knox replied, cool as ice, he was used to Benji's outbursts. “We saw Ashe and the boys dragging her out of the Black Bone, she saw us too, and called out Keagan's name. When I asked how she knew him, he answered that she was his sister.”

“Her brother?” Benji said slowly, turning back to the mirror and staring at you as you huddled close to Henry. “Bring him to me, I want you here within the hour.”

“You got it, boss.” Knox replied, hanging up.

“The bubble of intrigue just keeps growing around this girl.” He said, studying you. “I love it.”

“I just got a call from headquarters.” Knox said as he approached Mikey at their table. “We need to go in, they're having a Runner meeting we need to attend to get the new details on our run in a couple days.” He explained.

“All right.” Mikey nodded, wiping the foam off his upper lip as he finished off his pint. “Are we going straight there?” He asked, standing up.

“Yep.” Knox nodded, clapping him on the back and directing him to the door, waving to the bartender as they left.

They hailed a cab to the Hernandez building, it was the tallest building in all of Bristol, showing the power, presence and money they had, running their empire of drugs and violence. The twenty minute ride there was quiet, and Knox almost felt bad for Mikey, knowing the kid had zero clue what was about to happen to him, but he wasn't sorry for the fact he was related to you, who could possibly bring down the business that kept him employed and out of the Slums.

“Mr. Hernandez is expecting us.” Knox told the receptionist at the front desk.

Nodding her head, the receptionist picked up her phone, dialed a number and waited for it to pick up. “Mr. Monroe to see you, sir.” She said, then hung up. “He'll meet you at lift number three.” She told Knox, then returned to her paperwork.

“Come on, Keagan.” Knox called, motioning Mikey to follow him.

Mikey followed him, unaware and naive to what was about to happen to him, to what was waiting for him, as the lift doors slid open and revealed Benji and Ashe. It was seeing Benji and Ashe that Mikey got a strange feeling in his stomach, but he ignored it, figuring it was just nervous jitters from meeting the most powerful man in Bristol.

“Knox.” Benji smiled at his prized Runner, then settled his cold eyes on Mikey. “Mr. Keagan, how nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much.”

“All good, I hope.” Mikey gulped.

“Of course.” Benji chuckled, motioning for the two men to step into the lift with them. “Let's go to my office to speak.” He suggested.

The ride in the lift was silent and stiff, no one speaking or moving, not even making eye contact for the several minutes the ride took, until the ding announced their arrival to the floor and the sleek metal doors slid open. Benji stepped off first, followed by Knox and Mikey, with Ashe bringing up the rear. They walked down a long hallway and Benji stopped beside a door, scanned a key card and pushed it open, motioning for Mikey to go in first, wanting to see his reaction as he entered.

Biting his lip, Mikey did as he was told, a nervous sweat breaking out on his brow as he moved into the dark room, noticing the wall length window to one side. He stopped in front of it, looking through the two way mirror and felt his jaw and heart hit the floor.

“Issy.” He gasped, seeing you pacing the bright room, then noticed the large and beaten male tied to the chair in the room as well.

His shoulders slumped as it all clicked in his head, he had been lied to too and was now as much a prisoner as you and Henry were. A cold sweat broke out all over his body and his hands started to shake, gulping several times to try and keep his composure.

“What is the meaning of this?” He asked, eyes snapping to Benji as he watched Ashe lock and block the door, leaving Knox in the hallway.

“Who is that girl to you?” Benji asked, lightly tapping the glass of the mirror. “And answer truthfully.”

Mikey steeled himself. “I don't know.” He huffed, puffing out his chest.

Benji rolled his jaw and banged on the mirror, grabbing Emilio's attention. Smirking, Emilio pushed himself off the door he had been leaning against and strode over to you, startling you and making you stubble away from him.

“NO!” Henry and Mikey both screamed at the same time as Emilio grabbed you roughly by the hair, yanking your head backward and making you cry out as he shoved you closer to the mirror.

“Who is she to you?” Benji asked again, slowly.

“A friend.” Mikey whimpered, clenching his fists together as he felt and saw your pain.

Benji knocked on the window again. This time, Emilio twisted you around by the hair and slammed your back up against the mirror and wrapped his meaty hand around your slender neck. Henry jerked and squirmed in his chair, roaring with madness and cursing loudly as Emilio choked you, trying desperately to break free and pull him off of you, before it was too late.

“Stop!” Henry roared, letting his anger and frustration out in a violent scream. “Let her go! Do it to me!” He begged Emilio. “Let her be!”

Mikey doubled over, his hands braced on his thighs as he gasped for air, like a goldfish out of it's tank. “Please, stop this.” He begged Benji, in a wheeze.

Benji tilted his head as he watched Mikey, watching his distress as it mirrored your own. Curiously, he banged on the mirror again and Emilio, still choking you with one hand, drove the fist of his other into your stomach, making you yelp around his hand, incapable of more as you struggled for air. Mikey stumbled back into a shelf behind him, nearly losing his footing. Benji's fingers caught the underside of Mikey's chin and jerked his head back, thick strings of drool on his lips and chin.

“Tell me who she is to you?” He hissed in his face.

“Please.” Mikey begged him, weakly.

“Tell me, and I'll make him stop.” Benji told him, his face twisted with smug malice.

Mikey whimpered, hearing you struggling and Henry's desperate protests. “She's my sister.” He broke. “My twin sister.” He admitted, weakly.

“Your twin?” Benji echoed, intrigued. “So, you feel what she feels. Does she feel what you do, I wonder.” He let go of Mikey and knocked on the mirror twice, signaling Emilio to release you, which he did, causing you to collapse to the floor. “Ashe, go in there and tell me if she feels anything from him.” He ordered, keeping his eyes on Mikey.

Nodding, Ashe left the room and entered yours and Henry's, nodding at the mirror, so Benji knew he was in position. Smiling, Benji promptly drove his knee into Mikey's stomach and looked behind him and saw Ashe smirking and chuckling to himself.

“The connection between twins.” Benji laughed, amused to all ends. “I love it. Let's have a proper little family reunion, shall we!” He declared and motioned to Luis to grab Mikey. “Bring him.” He ordered, marching out of the room. “Good news everybody!” He declared, bursting into the room with you and Henry.

“It's family time!” He laughed, as Luis shoved Mikey into the room with the two of you.

“Mikey.” You coughed and rasped, holding your bruised neck.

“Issy.” He rasped back, crawling over to you. “Where have you been?” He asked, cupping your face in his shaking hands. “We thought you were dead.”

“I went looking for you, to try and patch things up with our parents, after the fight.” You explained, fresh tears dripping down your face. “But, I was caught by the Traffickers and was held by them. Henry,” You looked up at him, still straining in the chair, his blue eyes wild. “he saved me and I've been with him the whole time.”

Mikey blinked up at Henry, then narrowed his eyes at him. “Saved you?” He echoed your words, but not your sentiments and appreciation. “The only reason a person goes into a Trafficker's warehouse, if they're not merchandise, is to buy.” He hissed, his face darkening. “You bought my sister from a fucking Trafficker. Typical Upper, buying and enslaving us just because we were born in a lower Sector than you.”

“Mikey, it wasn't like that?” You panted, shaking your head at him, desperate for him to understand.

“How can you fucking defend him!” Mikey barked, gritting his teeth at you. “Unless he's already brainwashed you, convinced you that owning you didn't make you any different than him.”

“I don't own her.” Henry growled, low in his throat.

“Is that so!”

“It is!” You barked back, regaining yourself. “He never registered me for an Ownership Bracelet. Henry's never treated me like a Slave, or even a Slummer, for that matter. He's been good to me, Mikey.” You told him, cupping his tense neck in your hands and pressed your forehead to his. “He's been helping me to find you.” You whispered to him, holding his eyes.

“He's been protecting me.” You said quieter.

“I was originally meant to follow her until you were found, then bring you both back to London.” Henry added, his eyes on you. “So, she could testify against him.” He jerked his chin at Benji. “and to turn you in for your part in the Running business. But,” He paused and sighed. “But, I changed my mind and decided to just help her bring you back home, safely. Make up some story about why I didn't bring you in, then once she testified, I was going to release her to go back home to your family.” He explained.

Mikey opened his mouth to ask why a High Marshal would bother to do something like that, when he finally felt it, a warmth that came from you, and met your eyes and saw the cause of your warmth, towards Henry. You were in love with the High Marshal, and looking to Henry, he could tell that Henry felt just as strongly about you.

“I've been a complete brainless prick.” Mikey sighed, feeling guilty, if he hadn't decided to become a Runner, then none of this would have happened, the two of you and Henry would still be safe and sound in London, going about your lives as should be.

“I'm sorry, Issy.”

“Well, you're just a stupid boy, what do you know anyway.” You huffed, smiling softly and shrugging it off.

“Well, isn't this all well and sweet.” Benji huffed pushing off the wall.

“But, we all have an issue. The three of you are a threat to my business.” He said, folding his arms. “You, High Marshal, are on the case that threatens my business. You,” He looked at Mikey. “Being a Runner, know the routes and procedures of my business, and you,” He settled his eyes on you. “Are the witness to my operations and hold the key to ruining my business in London and putting away one of my best Traffickers.”

“I can't let you live.” He said, looking at the three of you. “So, we're going to play a fun little game.” He smirked, greedy and giddy, as he rubbed his hands together. “Luis, your gun.” He ordered, holding his hand out to the other man. “Ashe draw yours as well, and Emilio, why don't you untie Mr. Cavill over there, we do out number them with people and firearms, so I doubt either of them will be stupid enough to try something.” He said, motioning Emilio towards Henry.

Obeying, Emilio removed the key to Henry's bonds from his front pocket, while Ashe had his gun trained on him, anticipating any attempt Henry, you or Mikey might make to try and be a savior. Emilio unlocked the ties around Henry's chaffed ankles, then his wrists. Henry let out a relieved sigh as the strain and tension of his shoulders and arms released, almost slumping out of the chair.

“Henry!” You gasped, dashing forward to try and catch him.

“Ah, no!” Benji barked, stopping you in your tracks. “Leave him be.” He hissed at you. “Get up, Cavill.” He demanded of Henry. “Now, or I'll start putting holes in her!”

Groaning, Henry forced himself to stand, swaying on his throbbing and injured legs and almost falling, but caught himself on the back of the chair. Assured that Henry would be able to reasonably stand, then took the gun Luis was still holding out to him, Benji removed the clip from the firearm, checking how many rounds it had, reloaded the clip and cocked the slide, securing a bullet into the chamber.

“Take it.” He snapped, holding it out to you.

“No.” You whimpered, shaking your head and taking a step away from him.

“You either take it, or I kill all three of you now, starting with the High Marshal, then your dear brother and you last, so you can watch as your brother and the man you love, die.” He threatened, with an eerie calm.

Taking a shuddering breath, you stepped forward again and, with a shaky hand, took the heavy weapon from Benji's hand. You looked at Henry and Mikey with wide and frightened eyes, visibly shaking with terror. They both looked back at you with the same fright and worry.

“So, this is our game.” Benji grinned, licking his lips, like an evil serpent. “You get to choose who dies first, and get the honor of killing them.” He told you, grinning sinisterly.

“No.” You whimpered, slowly shaking your head. “No, I can't. Please, I can't.” You begged him, trembling, and staring down at the gun, like you expected it to swallow you.

“None of you are going to leave this room alive. So, you might as well put each other out of your own misery.” Benji tried to reason with you. “Do you want them to suffer because of your selfishness?”

“Don't listen to him.” Henry snapped, drawing your attention. “You don't need to do this, just give me the gun.” He told you, reaching out a hand to you.

“He's right, Issy. You don't.” Mikey agreed, holding his own hand out. “Just give it to one of us, we'll figure this out.”

Both Henry and Mikey knew why Benji had given you the gun. You would never have considered hurting anyone, with or without the firearm; unlike Henry and Mikey, who would.

Your eyes darted back and forth between them, unsure who to give it to. What would Henry do, if you were to give him the gun? Would he manage to kill Benji, Ashe, Luis and Emilio before they could do any real damage to the three of you? What about Mikey? Did your brother even know how to use a gun? What would he do once he had it? Should you even give it to them? What if one of them turned on the other, what if Henry turned on Mikey? He had originally been sent after you to bring you back to testify and take care of Mikey, because of his involvement with Benji and Bristol. Would Mikey try to kill Henry, because he was a High Marshal, maybe try to save face and show Benji he could be trusted, to save himself, and maybe you too.

You knew neither of them would turn on you or harm you in any way. You weren't afraid of them; you were afraid for them, and what they might do if they had the gun themselves.

It took all you had not to throw up, then and there. Everyone was staring at you waiting for your decision, but you couldn't decide, you wouldn't decide. You loved Henry and you loved your brother, you would rather kill yourself than one of them; and it was as if they sensed your mind go in that direction, for both Henry and Mikey jerked towards you, startling you.

“No!” Henry hissed, his eyes wide with panic. “Don't you dare.” He panted heavily, spots in his eyes as his advanced blood loss started to take its toll on him, on top of everything else going on. “Don't you dare turn that gun on yourself.” He whispered, half begging and half ordering you.

“Listen to him, Issy.” Mikey agreed, nodding his head. “Don't harm yourself. We can figure this out.” He said, eyeballing Benji over your shoulder.

Tears dripped down your face, like a waterfall after a heavy rain, it was too much, it was all too overwhelming for you to take. Mikey looked between you and Henry, he saw the absolute terror and worry in Henry's eyes, his pupils eating away the cobalt blue and speck of brown of his irises. Your own blown out pupils doing the same as you started back at him. It was something that Mikey wasn't used to. When things became scary and too much, it had always been him that you looked to in those moments, but this time, it was Henry you were seeking comfort and protection from.

“You fucking prick!” Mikey growled, trying to lung at Benji.

“Ah ah!” Benji barked back, grabbing Luis's wrist and forcing him to point his gun at you. “If either of you try and act a hero, Luis will kill her, out right.” He warned, meeting Mikey and Henry's eyes.

Biting his lip, Mikey took a deep breath and let it out in a heavy sigh, Benji had the three of you cornered. He was forcing you to kill one of the men you loved with your own life, while stopping Henry and Mikey from trying to save the day, by threatening to kill you, knowing they both would die to keep you safe.

What a twisted and poisonous web that was being weaved in the room. But, sooner or later, the strings of that web would start to snap and unravel, taking all of you with it.

Mikey took a hesitating step forward, his heart pounding and choked inside of his throat, his eyes daring between you, Benji and Luis. Reaching out, he wrapped his hand around your wrist, feeling the weight of the gun you held in that hand. The pounding pulse in your wrist drummed against Mikey's fingers, and he felt his own heart become attuned with yours. From the day the two of you came into the world, you several minutes before him, the pair of you were in sync, but as you grew older, you became less so. You had taken the right path, following the law, doing the job assigned to you, making the best of the life you had been dealt, without a complaint. While Mikey rebelled and became restless, wanting to be more, wanting the people he loved to be and have more than you already did, failing to see the wealth he already had, in you, your parents and little brother.

It was too late now to go back and fix those things, to see and cherish them properly, like Mikey now realized he should have.

The two of you synced together, heart beats the same steady, but pounding rate, breathing heavy and as one, flowing in a way that only twins could. You read his face, like it was the page of an open book and knew what he was doing. Your hand grasped the grip of the gun tighter, eyes widening and head softly shaking.

It's all right, Issy. His face and eyes said to you.

No. Your eyes begged back, blinded by collecting tears. Not like this. Don't do this. I can't live without you, Mikey.

You'll be fine, Sis.

He looked away from you, to Henry, who stood there, supporting himself on the back of the chair he had spent hours being tortured in. Henry looked back at Mikey, confused, just like everyone else in the room to what was transpiring between you, narrowing his eyes and frowning, shaking his head at Mikey, wanting to understand. But, Mikey looked back to you, squeezing your wrist and pressing his free hand to your chest.

You have the High Marshal to care for and protect you now. His eyes said to you. And he'll do a better job at it. He can give you the love, life and protection you need and deserve in life.

You shook your head at him, eyes screaming at him. Don't do this! What about our parents? Our little brother? What will I tell them? They will be crushed.

I'm no good and we both know this. Let me do this, and prove I still have some good left in me.

His hand slowly slipped down yours, gently prying your fingers from around the gun's grip, carefully taking it from you. Your hands shot out, gripping Mikey by the sleeves, one last plea for him to reconsider, to help you and Henry find a different plan and outcome, to give it a chance. But, he shook his head and took your arm in his free hand, leaned in to kiss your cheek, then gently shoved you in Henry's direction. Henry just managed to catch you before you stumbled over your feet, and himself from falling as well, blinking between you and Mikey, starting to realize what was going on.

“Mikey, n--” You started to scream as he raised the muzzle to his temple.

Henry's thick arms wrapped around you, somehow mustering the strength to hold you back as you struggled and thrashed in his embrace, trying desperately to stop what was about to happen.

A loud pop and a high pitched ringing filled your ears, muting out all other sounds that were being made, the sounds of your scream that you only knew was happening by how sore it made your throat, the warm spray of droplets against your face and neck, the world ending sight of your brother crumbling to the ground, the gun falling from his limp hand and slid across the blood covered floor, spinning under the chair at Henry's foot.

But, the chaos didn't stop there.

As Mikey hit the floor, Ashe came to life, using the distraction of Mikey's decision, to pull the gun out of his back waistband, smoothly flipping off the safety with his thumb, cocked and pointed it at Luis. All of it was in slow-motion, ears still screaming, as another pop filled the room, this time taking out Luis. Henry's body tensed up against yours as he watched Luis instinctively pull the trigger of his own weapon, the bullet whizzing towards you both. Henry wrapped his arms completely around you and threw you both down onto the floor; caging you in with his heavy and bloody body, using himself as a human shield as more muffled shots rang out.

You felt Henry's body jerk once against yours and the hot breath of him groaning against your neck, then a searing pain in your thigh, before the room went quiet and dark.

You started to come back around to the sound of Henry yelling your name, above the ringing that was still filling your ears and mind. You shook your throbbing head, feeling him pat your cheeks, trying to get you to open your eyes and respond to him.

“Can you hear me?” Henry asked, blinking down at you.

You blinked back up at him, only catching every other word he said. “A little bit.” You wheezed back, your thigh felt like an overfilled, hot water bottle as it throbbed.

“Good.” He nodded, then looked down the length of your body, just then noticing the slow puddle of blood pooling around your leg and cursed. “You've been hit.” He huffed, wrestling with his body's want to panic, but kept calm.

Spotting the tattered remains of his shirt, that Emilio had cut off, Henry grabbed it. “This is going to hurt, but, I need to control the bleeding before you lose too much.” He explained, carefully bringing your leg up, then wrapping the strip of his shirt around your thigh, just above the bullet wound, and tied it off as tightly as he could without causing any more complications.

You winced and whined as he did, gripping his bicep and digging your nails into his skin. “What happened?” You asked, out of breath, you couldn't see most of the room, Henry's body blocking your view, mostly on purpose.

“It seems, we have a friend.” Henry replied looking over his shoulder to Ashe. “We're going to get out of here.” He told you, fussing over your wound as a thin and steady stream of blood continued to flow from it, tightening his shirt more.

“We can't leave without--” You paused, remembering. “Oh god, Henry!” You gasped, it all rushed back to you.

“I know.” He frowned at you, crushed.

“We have to take him with us.”

“We can't.” Henry whispered, licking his cracked lips. “It'll slow us down.” He told you as carefully as he could. “I'll get him back for you. When we get back to London, I promise you.” He said, helping you sit up.

“Henry--” You sobbed, throwing your arms around his neck and buried your face into his sweaty and sticky chest.

“I know, love. I am so so sorry.” He whimpered in your ear, cradling you in his arms as you sobbed.

“We need to go.” Ashe's rushed voice came from the door. “Now, before the alarms go off.” He said, looking back into the hall.

He felt for you, he really did, never expecting all of this to happen, but now that it had, the three of you needed to put as many kilometers and as much time between you and Bristol as you could, because Benji's men would be coming after you in no time.

“Come on.” Henry grunted, pulling himself up to his feet and taking you with him, wrapping your arm around his neck, to support you out of the room.

Your breath caught in your throat as Henry helped you stand up, seeing Mikey's body laying there in a large pool of blood, but also Luis, Emilio and Benji's bodies as well. In the chaos of Mikey taking his own life to save you and Henry, Ashe had sprung, pulling his weapon and dispatching them in the confusion. Luis and Emilio let off several rounds from their own guns, one of them nicking Henry in the side and another going through your thigh.

“Is he on our side?” You wheezed, as you and Henry followed him down the hall.

“Yeah.” Henry nodded, shifting you against his side as you started to slip. “He's a Alpha Marshal, from London.” He explained to your questioning brow lift

“How did you not know that?” You asked him, frowning, you figured since Henry was a High Marshal, he would know all of the other Marshals.

“He finished Marshal training four years before I went in, and was recruited straight out of it to go undercover and infiltrate Bristol and climb the ladder as far as he could. Seems he got as high as being Benji Hernandez's personal enforcer.” He explained, stopping as Ashe secured the hallway around the corner.

“Which is damn lucky for the two of you.” Ashe commented, coming back. “The way is clear, there's a back service lift that goes down to the garage. I have a car there we can use to get the fuck out of Bristol.”

“Let's go.” Henry nodded, antsy.

You looked back down the hall, to the still open door to the room that held all that carnage, and shuttered. Henry looked at you, feeling the shiver and frowned, reaching up to brush your hair out of your sweaty and bloody face. He couldn't understand the level of pain and anguish you must be in, after watching your brother commit suicide to save you. But, he knew that Mikey would want him to protect you and get you the hell out of there, with or without his body, and that's what Henry planned on doing.

“You can do this.” He whispered to you, blood crusted fingertips brushing your cheek. “He would want you too.” He added even softer.

“I know.” You gulped down tears, pressing your forehead to his shoulder. “Let's go, before I lose my nerve.” You said, looking away from the door.

Nodding his head, you and Henry supported each other down the hall to the lift, leaning against the wall as it went down to the dark underground garage. Finding Ashe's car, he unlocked it and helped you and Henry get inside, before rushing around to the driver's side, tearing out of the garage and onto the street.

“Here.” You sighed and removed your torn and filthy jacket, revealing Henry's shirt beneath it, and took it off, seeing Henry's shiver.

“Thanks.” Henry whimpered, carefully pulling the shirt on his sore and battered torso. “How are we getting out of here, Ashe?”

“There's a gate out of this Sector that most of Benji's top men use for dealing with business outside of Bristol. I know the guard that works it, he'll let us through and keep his mouth shut.” Ashe explained, keeping his eyes on the road. “From there, I'll drop you both off at the drop location I use for sending my information into London.”

“What Sector is that in?” Henry asked, checking your makeshift tourniquet.

“Three.” Ashe replied, slowing his car down as they approached the gate he spoke about. “Let me do the talking.” He said over his shoulder, rolling his window down as a stocky male with a semi-automatic weapon approached the driver's side.

“James, it's been awhile. How have you been?” He asked, staring through the open driver's window.

“Been all right.” Ashe replied casually, as if nothing was amiss, like the two bleeding people in his backseat. “I need to run an errand outside the city, if you don't mind opening the gate and letting me through.”

“Sure thing.” the guard replied, chipper and oblivious to you and Henry, unable to see through the black tinted windows.

Stepping away from Ashe's car, the guard moved into a small booth beside the gate, turning a key and held down a large red button. The large and scuffed up gate groaned to life, screeching and protesting as it slid out of the way, revealing barren land and an uneven road on the other side. Waving back as the guard waved Ashe through the gate, he drove through, letting out a relieved breath as the gate closed behind you, everything so far going smooth.

“It's a two and half hour drive to your drop off location.” Ashe said, breaking the silence.

“That's fine.” Henry replied. “It took us nearly a week to walk here.” He added with a huff, that felt like a year ago at this point.

“What about you?” You asked Ashe. “What will you do now? Will you not come into London with us?” You inquired, interested, since his life and the long years he spent undercover in Bristol was now blown apart because of you, Henry and Mikey.

“I'm not originally from London.” Ashe replied, stiffly. “I'm from Chester. My father was killed in an accident and my mother couldn't take care of me. So, she had a smuggler bring me to London where I have a wealthy aunt. She took me in, adopted me and raised me as her own son, enabling me to have a better life. With her connections, I was able to attend the Marshal Council Academy, graduated top of my class and was recruited directly out of training to go undercover and infiltrate Bristol and the Hernandez family. I've been there ever since, running and doing whatever job Benji and his family tell me too, while sending the information back to London and half of the money I make back to my mum in Chester.”

“I've wanted to return to Chester for a long time, I haven't seen my mother, in person, since I was eight. So, I plan to go back there, after I drop the two of you off.”

“Won't they go looking for you there?” You asked, concerned for him, you had dragged so many people into this mess.

“No, as far as they know, all my family is dead.” He answered, glancing at you in the rear-view mirror. “My backstory was I was orphaned as a baby and raised on the streets of London, where I got in with Runners and came to Bristol to be more big time. So, I don't know who my parents are, let alone, know if I have any other family or where.”

“And they believed that?”

“For more than a decade.” Ashe chuckled, smiling at you.

The rest of the drive was quiet, you and Henry huddled together in the backseat, Henry's heavy head resting on your shoulder. His eyes were closed, but he didn't find any sleep, still too worked up to find it with the state you both were in. You rested your cheek on the top of his head and closed your own eyes, your head still throbbed and your leg was on fire, but had stopped bleeding so much. Both of you were worn, spent and weak, desperately needing proper medical attention and rest after everything that had happened.

“Henry?” You whispered softly into his messy curls.

“Hm?” He hummed back.

“What are we going to say, when we get back to London?” You asked him, biting your lip.

Henry sighed, picking up his head as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pressed his lips to your temple. That had been brewing in his mind for the last hour, trying to figure out how to explain all your injuries and absence to everyone that asked. The only person that truly knew the nature of your and Henry's disappearance was Reyes, and he didn't know what Reyes would do when the pair of you showed back up in London in the sorry state you were in, and without Mikey.

“We'll cross that road, when we get there, love.” He finally replied, kissing your temple again.

You crossed that road an hour and a half later, when Ashe pulled up to a door that had been built into the wall of Sector Three. He helped you and Henry out of the car and approached the door with you, pointing out an intercom box beside the door.

“The code is 8391, it'll ring whoever is working the door today, they'll come down and ask for credentials, tell them you're a High Marshal and you'll get all the assistance you need.” He explained to you, heading back towards his car.

“Ashe!” Henry called after him, before he could get into the car and leave. “Thank you.” He said, when Ashe turned back.

“We're Marshals, we're trained to look out for each other.” Ashe replied, nodding his head to you both and got into his car.

Henry waited until Ashe's car disappeared from sight, before limping up to the door and pressed in the code Ashe had given you. A buzzer went off and five minutes later, the door opened, revealing a Beta Marshal, who frowned between you and Henry.

“High Marshal Henry Cavill.” Henry told him, as the Beta Marshal started to open his mouth. “We require aid and you need to get a call into Supreme Commander, Dylan Reyes.” He said, grabbing your hand and pushing through the door.

“Now, Beta Marshal, before we finish bleeding to death.” Henry hissed at him, annoyed and impatient.

“Of course, sir.” the Beta Marshal squeaked, saluting Henry and showing you both to his service car. “Supreme Commander Reyes, this is Beta Marshal Grant, down at the Security Door. I have a High Marshal here, wishing to speak with you.” the Beta Marshal explained, as his call to Dylan connected over the car's speakers.

“Who would that be, Grant?” Dylan's voice asked back.

“It's me, Dylan.” Henry huffed, slumping in the seat.

“Henry!” Reyes's voice snapped in surprise. “You're alive!”

“For the time being.” Henry sighed, rubbing at his face.

“Do you have the girl and her brother?” He asked, sounding desperate and frantic.

“I have her, but not her brother.” Henry explained, glancing at you. “It's a very long story. But, right now, we both need medical attention. She's been shot in the leg and bleeding heavily and I've spent the last thirteen hours being tortured.” He revealed to his boss.

“Grant, get them both to the Marshal Council Hospital right this second and make sure they don't spare any medical intervention and assistance. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Supreme Commander.” Grant replied, with a hard nod of his head as he started his car and directed it towards the Marshal Council Hospital, in Sector One.

“I'll be there promptly.” Reyes replied, clearly rushing out of his office for the parking garage.

So much of the tension went out of you and Henry, you were finally back in the protective and safe walls of London, no more worry about people trying to find and kill you, no more filthy and bare essential hotel rooms and days of endless walking. You were home and free, and with Henry. Now, you both just needed to get looked over and have your injuries treated, then you could go back to the comfort of your own flat.

You and Henry were rushed into the hospital, dozens of doctors and nurses swarming you both, poking this and pulling on that, asking a barrage of questions too fast for either of you to answer properly. The leg of your leggings was cut all the way to your hip as they removed Henry's ripped and blood soaked shirt to examine your gunshot wound. You screamed in pain as they pushed around it, and apologized profusely for it, and became more gentle about touching it.

“Good news is, it went through, relatively clean.” The doctor explained to you, standing beside your bed.

“The bad?” You whimpered, biting your lip as you tried preparing for it.

“The bullet nicked your great saphenous vein, it's the longest vein in the human body, running the entire length of the leg; which is what's causing a lot of your bleeding. ”

“Am..” You gulped down a hot lump of vomit trying to surge up your throat. “Am I going to lose my leg?” You asked, frightened beyond belief and wished Henry was in the same room as you, but they had separated the two of you after coming in with Beta Marshal Grant.

“No.” The doctor chuckled at you, shaking his head. “We have a procedure that will stop the bleeding and help the wound heal in no time. But, I must warn you, it is rather painful.”

“As long as I don't lose my leg, I don't care.” You told him.

You had already lost too much.

“Excellent, I'll have the nurse bring in the instruments and we'll get down to treating you.” He smiled at you, sweetly, trying to be supportive and calming. “Do you have any questions, before we get started?”

“Yes, how's Henry—the High Marshal.” You asked, correcting yourself.

“High Marshal Cavill has lost a good amount of blood.” He told you, his brow creasing with his concern. “We gave him a blood transfusion and an army load of fluids, while we treated his wounds. He has broken and cracked ribs and sternum, a broken nose, a severe concussion and very deep cuts on various parts of his body.” He explained to you, as gently as he could.

“But, he will make a full recovery. He's a tough young man, and has the best medical care London has.”

“Good.” You sigh, relieved.

The doctor smiled at you, gently resting his hand on your shoulder before leaving the room to prepare your treatment. A nurse came in a moment later, pushing a cloth covered cart, then put an IV port into your arm and hung up a bag of fluids, antibiotics and blood; since you had lost so much blood from your bullet wound. You hissed as she gingerly rotated your leg and slipped a triangular shaped pillow under your bent knee, an oval notch cut in the top of it for your knee to rest comfortable and securely, while they treated you.

She removed the cloth from the metal cart she brought in with her, and you saw what looked like a short caulking gun, a tube with a fat nozzle and two packaged patches. Picking up one of the patches, she ripped it open and dipped it in a small bowl of solution, the patch absorbed some of the liquid solution and became almost rubbery and gel-like. She moved around to your stabilized leg and gently pressed the ice cold patch to the bruised and puckered hole on the inside of your thigh, where the bullet exited, more than halfway up. You hissed as the cold gel patch touched the heated and angry skin of your thigh, whatever the solution she dipped it in stung and burned like liquid fire as it covered your wound, adhering to your skin with a firm hold.

“This will keep your wound protected, clean and sterile. It has antibodies that will recognize any infections or foreign matter and attack it, preventing your wound from going bad.” She explained to you, pressing her palm to it and held it there with firm pressure.

“And that?” You asked as she let go of the patch and picked up the caulking gun-like device and slotted the tub into it.

“This is Nanite Gel. It has antibodies in it, as well as stem cells and biological Nantes, that will start working to repair the severed muscle, skin, tendons, nerve endings and tissue inside your leg; closing the wound right up.” She replied. “The doctor will insert the nozzle into your wound and slowly draw it out, while filling it with the Gel. The patch also works as a barrier, since the projectile went through one side and out the other, preventing the Nanite Gel from squirting and leaking out.” She described to you.

“Fantastic.” You replied, with a nervous sarcasm.

You gulped with anticipation as the doctor came back in, with an additional nurse, and pulling on a pair of latex gloves. He smiled at you, took his position beside your leg, and took the injector from the first nurse. The second nurse grabbed your ankle and the top of your knee, pinning your leg down as the doctor lined up the tip of the nozzle with your uncovered and slightly bloody wound.

“Deep breath.” The doctor instructed you, taking a deep breath with you. “Ready?” He asked as the first nurse carefully dabbed at the blood with a wad of gauze at the end of a clamp, keeping your wound clean, so the doctor had an easy time guiding the nozzle in, which was easily bigger than your actual wound.

“More than I ever will be.” You replied, bracing yourself.

Nodding his head, the doctor pressed the nozzle to the opening of your wound and started to push it inside. You tensed and jerked, screaming again, but the second nurse had an iron grip on your leg, keeping it still as the doctor continued to push inside. You had strobing spots in your eyes and your jaw was so tight it felt like your teeth were going to shatter at any second. The doctor barked at the first nurse to give you twelve micrograms of Fentanyl for your pain, and she scurried out of your room and came running back a minute later with a IV syringe full of the opioid, pushing it directly into the tube of your IV. Within a couple of seconds, the painkiller washed over your whole body, like a hot comforter out of the dryer, and allowed you to relax, going slack on the bed.

“Good.” The doctor nodded, seeing and feeling you relax and finished pushing the nozzle the rest of the way in.

Shifting his hand, the doctor pressed down on the trigger of the injector and slowly drew it out again, filling the tunnel the bullet made with the blue-ish gel. You didn't feel the pain of it, but you felt the pressure in your leg. Your eyes were heavy, glazed over and half lidded, you felt absolutely nothing and you were so sluggish from the opioid that you couldn't even form words to think, it felt nice after all the trauma and hardship you had gone through in the last week.

So, you let it take you, pulling you under the crashing waves of exhaustion, pain and the high of the painkiller, your body going totally limp. It alarmed the doctor and nurses for a moment, fearing you had blacked out. But, once they checked you out and determined you had simply fallen asleep, they relaxed and finished tending to your wound, filling it with the gel, then covering it with another patch, like the other one, and lightly wrapped it with a bandage.

They left you to rest, closing the blinds over the window and turned down the lights, before softly closing the door behind them.

“How is she?” Henry asked Reyes as he came into Henry's room; he had heard your screams of pain from his room, across the hall.

“She's doing fine.” Reyes assured him, patting him on the shoulder. “They treated her gunshot wound with Nanite Gel, gave her some strong pain medication and she's asleep now.”

“Good.” Henry nodded, relieved, but still wanted to see you, to be by your side.

“So, what the hell happened?” Reyes asked, pulling up a chair next Henry's bedside.

Henry started to heave a sigh, but stopped, clutching his rib-cage with an arm as his ribs screamed. “I chased after her, like I said I would. It took me nearly three days to finally catch up to her. She's crafty, in a good way. She'd make a great Marshal.” He chuckled, carefully. “I was going to bring her straight back to London to testify. But, she was dead set on finding her brother, so I went with her, figuring I'd kill two birds with one stone.”

“Get her back to London to testify and have her brother prosecuted.” Reyes nodded, understanding.

“Well, when we got there, we had no clue on how to find him.” Henry continued on, staring out his room window. “I recalled that a Beta Marshal that had been banished to Bristol for dealings with Runners and Crime Bosses. Ramsey Kellan. We found him in Sector Fifteen and he gave us the information we needed.” He rubbed the side of his face, he really wished he could just take a nap, but continued to fill Reyes in.

“Somewhere along that time frame, we were outed as being in Bristol, and looking for her brother.”

“Over a decade as an undercover, and your first blown cover happens with the girl.” Reyes laughed, greatly amused.

“Yeah.” Henry frowned, not finding it funny, if his cover with you hadn't been blown, so much of this wouldn't have happened. “As I said, our cover got blown in a pub in Sector Three of Bristol. Benji Hernandez sent his best guy to track us down there. I was able to get us out of the pub and down an alleyway, where I boosted her over a wall, to keep her safe, and faced the guy. We fought, he tazed the fuck out of me, and the next thing I knew, I'm waking up in a bright room, cuffed hand and foot to a chair.”

“They tried beating and reasoning me into telling where she was, but I refused.”

“Where was she, when this was going on?”

“The hotel room we got before going to the pub.” Henry replied with a sigh.

“But, she was clearly found.” Reyes pointed out. “How?”

“I told her I would return in an hour. When I hadn't returned by morning, she got worried and decided to try and find me. Which ended up with Benji's men, who had been keeping an eye out for her, capturing her and bringing her in.”

“And the brother?” Reyes pushed, leaning forward, his elbows pressed to his thighs.

“They saw each other as she was being thrown in a van to be taken to Benji. His handler, Knox Monroe, had found out that they were siblings and outed him, and he ended up in the room with us.” Henry replied, gingerly shifting to find a more comfortable position.

“So, where is Keagan?”

“Dead.” Henry replied, bluntly. “Benji gave her a gun and forced her to decide which one of us would die first.”

“She killed her own brother?” Reyes asked, stunned and gobsmacked.

“No.” Henry shook his head, the image still burned in his mind. “She couldn't do it. She wouldn't choose either of us, she almost turned it on herself. Before, Michail managed to take the gun from her.” He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push the image out his mind, the sound of your screams as you were forced to watch.

“He took his own life, so she didn't have to choose.”

“And Hernandez allowed the pair of you to leave afterwards?”

“No, I'm sure he would have forced either her or I to kill the other, then kill the last one himself.” Henry answered, opening his eyes again.

“Then, how did the two of you make it out?” Reyes asked, tilting his head at Henry.

Henry looked at Reyes. “Do you know Alpha Marshal Ashe James?” He asked, his eyes scrutinizing his boss.

“I do.” Reyes nodded back, his brows drawing together. “My predecessor, Eric Banner, told me, when I took over his position, when he retired, that he had a man on the inside of Bristol and to expect his reports regularly.”

“He was the one that saved our asses.” Henry explained with a sigh. “He was the one that stunned me in the alleyway. When Mikey killed himself, Ashe took the opportunity to pull his weapon and dispatched Benji and his men.”

Reyes blinked at Henry. “Are you telling me that Hernandez is dead?”

“I am. Unless, there's some way Nanite Gel can repair a hole in the brain.” He replied, with slight sarcasm. “Which I know there's not. So, he's now out of the way.”

“This is great.” Reyes grinned at Henry. “That'll be a massive blow to the Hernandez family, their operations and Bristol. Especially, when she's healthy enough to testify against Twist and his trafficking business.”

“It will be.” Henry agreed, but the only thing he was concerned with was the two of you getting well again. “I'm guessing, they'll be postponing the trial for a few weeks.”

“I still have to call the Cleric and Royal Councils and report everything that's gone down. But, I'm sure they'll delay the trial, for at least, a month.”

“Good, I want to take care of her first.” Henry added, nodding and relieved.

Reyes frowned at Henry and leaned back in his chair. “What is it between the two of you?” He asked, he had the suspicious feeling in his gut about the two of you for a while, but had only just had the time and place to ask.

Henry's cheeks warmed slightly and glanced away from Reyes, making his boss laugh out loud, seeing it in Henry's body language.

“You're in love with her.” He blurted out, tickled at the notion. “The great Upper, Henry Cavill, is in love with a Slummer, that's meant to be his Servant and Slave.”

“She's not my Slave! And, don't fucking call her a Slummer, either.” Henry roared, huffing angrily through his nose, like a bull about to charge. “I never registered her, and I never will register her, either.”

“Oh, I know you never registered her for an Ownership Bracelet, Henry.” Dylan continued to chuckle at his friend. “I checked and I got a copy of the paperwork you both filled out for her Life Pin.”

“And, you didn't say anything?” Henry asked, surprised.

“Not my business what you do with your private life, Hank.” He replied with a sigh, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“But, you pressed me into buying her.” He hissed back, eyes wide.

“I did.” Reyes nodded, pressing his lips together. “We needed the paperwork, a trail to link Twist to trafficking, and to Benji. What you did, or didn't, do with her outside of that, was purely on you, and her.” He confessed, running a hand through his short black hair.

“I was also hoping you'd find a lover or mate.” He added, clearing his throat.

“You were what?” Henry barked, taken aback.

“I should let you rest.” Dylan sighed, getting up, then carefully rested his hand on Henry's shoulder. “It's good to have you back, and alive. You did good, taking care of her and everything else. Take all the time you need to recover, the Council will be here, when you're ready to get back into it.”

“Thanks, Dylan.” Henry replied, giving him a respectful nod of his head, still brewing on what he said.

“Do you want me to call your family?” Reyes asked as he stopped at Henry's door.

“No, I'll call them, when I'm ready.” He shook his head, feeling that new wave of stress hit him. “Last time you called them about me being in the hospital, I almost died, and ended up needing a kidney replacement.”

“Fair enough.” Reyes laughed, and saw himself out.

A day later, Henry slowly limped into your hospital room, across the hall from his, and found you sitting up in bed, eyes glued to the tv and eating a jell-o cup. Your eyes shot over to Henry as he came in, setting your cup down and turned off the tv, relieved to finally see him. The two of you had only been given random updates on each other through your shared nurse, who also, gratefully, passed messages between you as well.

“Henry, should you be out of bed?” You asked as he stopped at your bedside.

“Well, I wasn't the one shot in the leg.” He chuckled and grinned at you, before leaning in to kiss you. “I just had to see you for myself.” He confessed, brushing the back of his fingers against your cheek.

“How are you feeling?”

You took a deep breath, tilting your head into his hand. “Like I got shot in the leg.” You chuckled back at him.

“Other than that, Nugget.” He laughed, shaking his head at you.

“I feel fine. Sore, but fine.” You assured him with a nod. “How about you, Puppy?” You asked, looking him over in his hospital gown, a warm and playful smile spreading across your lips.

“Same. Sore and ready to go home.” He smiled back, his stomach full of butterflies.

“I'm ready to go home too.” You concurred with him, sighing at the thought.

The butterflies in Henry's stomach wilted and died, a nauseous, heart-shaped lump forming in his tight throat, hearing you wanted to go home. His shoulders dropped, trying to get a hold on his heartbreak, before you saw it and had your mood ruined.

“You know what I've missed about it?” You asked, looking up at him, just as he managed to hide his disappointment.

“What?” He replied, pained.

“Kal.” You chuckled at him, oblivious, until you saw his shocked face. “What? You think I would miss you, when we've been together practically the whole time?” You laughed, shaking your head at him.

“No.” Henry squeaked, confused and relieved at the same time. “I just thought..” He paused, looking away from you.

“You just what, Hen?” You frowned at him, seeing his face and became worried. “Henry, sit down.” You ordered him, becoming concerned for him as you put down the arm rail, so he could sit on the edge of the bed with you.

“Tell me.” You whispered, gingerly wrapping an arm around his waist.

“I thought you were talking about going back to your family's home.” He whispered, faintly. “When you said you were ready to go back home, and that you missed them.”

“Well, I do miss them, Henry.” You told him, pressing your cheek to his bruised and nicked shoulder. “I would love to see them again. But, I wanna stay with you.” You whispered, looking up at him.

“Unless, you don't want me too?”

“I do want you too.” He replied, quickly. “I love you and I want to be with you. I want you to come home and stay with me.” He confessed to you, nosing the hair at the top of your head. “And, Kal.” He added, softly.

“Your place has become more of a home to me, than my parents' place has ever been.” You told him, honestly.

You had grown a lot in the time you shared with Henry, and a lot had also changed you. You didn't get kidnapped in your own city, imprisoned in a pitch black and freezing cold cell, either not fed or fed food crawling with unmentionables, cut off from most contact with people, other than the traffickers that had put you there, when they dragged you out for another line up for another snobbish, stuck up and entitled Upper, or to beat you into submission, without something changing you.

You still had nightmares about being in that cell.

You also changed from all the things Henry exposed you too. New foods, tv shows and the luxury of being in the upper Sectors of London, like taking you to that Royal Dinner party with his family. Henry had taken the mostly naive and sheltered Slummer and opened the world up to you. You would always appreciate and love him for that, and for taking care of you and protecting you through the long months after saving you from Twist.

Henry and Kal had become your new home, and the three of you had made a new family.

“I love you, Henry Cavill, and nothing will ever stop or prevent that.” You told him, kissing his cheek tenderly.

“So, you'll come back home with me?” He asked, looking down at you, hopeful.

“I don't want to be anywhere else.” You replied, smiling back at him.

Henry's face broke out into a smile and cupped your face in his hands. “Neither do I.” He whispered, pressing his forehead to yours and kissed you.

“Henry!” A frantic voice came from across the hall.

“Mum!” Henry called back, breaking away from you. “Mum, over here.” He yelled out, limping to your room door as his mother rushed out of his empty room.

“Oh, thank god, Henry!” She cried, rushing him and throwing her arms around him.

“Easy, Mum.” He winced, but hugged her back. “How did you know I was here?” He asked, he hadn't gotten around to calling her and his family yet.

“A report came across my desk about you being injured in the line of duty with a Slummer, and that you were still recuperating here in the hospital. I was afraid it was serious, when you hadn't called me to tell me you were all right.” Marianne explained, shaking her head at her son. “What were you doing with some Slummer that caused you to get so hurt?” She demanded, upset.

“I hope they get the punishment they deserve for getting you into such danger.”

“Mum.” Henry snapped eyes wide and looked back at you.

Marianne blinked and looked into your room, seeing your sheepish and hurt expression, then looked up at Henry. “She's a Slummer?” She asked him, surprised, as she recognized you.

Henry took a deep breath, biting his lip. “We need to talk.” He said, stepping aside, so Marianne could enter your room and followed her, closing the door behind him.

“What's going on?” She asked, taking a seat as Henry sat back down on the edge of your bed, taking your hand in his.

“Several months ago, I was undercover in Sector Thirty-One. I was tasked with infiltrating a trafficking warehouse run by one of Benji Hernandez's men. I did so, with my usual skill and process, but after finally getting an appointment with the guy and seeing the people that had been imprisoned there, Dylan told me I had to—make a purchase—to nail the traffickers and for them to get properly arrested and prosecuted by the Councils.” He explained to her.

“One of the people they had kidnapped and had for sale, was her.” He said and looked at you, giving you a soft and loving smile. “So, I purchased her, and was meant to take care of her, until the trial happened and she testified.”

“So, you bought a Slum-”

“Don't call her that.” Henry hissed, angrily, but recalled himself. “Don't call her that.” He repeated, calmer.

Marianne took a deep breath, glaring at her son. “So, you bought her, in a sting operation, took her home and acted like none of this happened, taking her to events and other functions.” She summed up, studying the two of you. “When she is, technically, your Slave.”

“Yes. But, I don't and didn't want her as a Slave. That's why I never registered her for a Bracelet.” Henry replied, licking his lips.

“So, how did the two of you end up in Bristol, of all places?” She asked, looking between you.

“I ran away, to find my brother, who got himself into a situation, as a Runner, in Bristol.” You answered, before Henry could. “I wanted to go there to try and convince him to come back home. I didn't expect Henry to come after me, when he found out where I went.”

“But,” Henry sighed and bit his lip. “I did. I was worried about her safety, and Dylan asked me, unofficially, to bring her and her brother back here. So, she could testify at the trial and her brother could face justice for his hand in the whole thing.”

Marianne looked at you, her expression stern. “And where is your criminal brother?” She asked, stiffly.

You gulped and licked your lips, staring at your covered legs and picked at the fuzz on your blanket. “He's dead.” You whispered, choking up and tears filling your eyes. “He gave his life, so Henry and I could live and get away from Benji and his men.” You blubbered, crushed.

“Sshh.” Henry hushed you, wrapping his arms around you and hugging you against him.

Marianne blinked between the two of you, taken aback.

“They tried torturing her location out of me, that's why I'm so injured. They wanted to kill her to stop the trial against Twist and their operations. I refused, for obvious reasons. She tried to save me, but got caught. When they realized her twin brother was her sibling, they brought him in as well. He died for us, and she got shot in the leg during the escape. Another undercover Marshal helped us get away and back here, to London.” Henry finished explaining to his mother.

“That's what happened.” He sighed, his eyes still on you.

“You're in love.” Marianne blurted out, seeing it as plain as day now.

“Yes.” Henry nodded, looking up at her. “I don't care that she was born in the lower Sectors, mum. I love her, with my heart and soul, and she loves me.”

“I do.” You replied, gulping down your tears and clinging onto him.

Marianne sighed and pressed her lips together, she had waited, a long time, for Henry to finally find someone to fall in love with and share his life. He was the last of the five Cavill boys to find love, settle down and start a family. If she was honest, she didn't care about what social standing the girl he fell in love with was, as long as he was happy, and by the looks of it, you and Henry were more than happy and in love with each other.

“All right.” She whispered softly, nodding her head. “I approve.”

Henry lifted his head and blinked at his mother. “Really?” He asked, shocked to hear it. “You don't care that she's from the lower Sectors?”

“Honestly, Henry? No.” She replied, sighing and shaking her head. “Love is love, and nothing is stronger than true love, not even differing social status.” She told him, honestly. “But, you both know that if, and when, people find out about it, there will be issues. They'll gossip and make comments, some might even turn away from you, shunning you for being with a Sl—someone of a lower standing.” She said, looking between the two of you with an authority of a Royal.

“Do you think you both, and your love, can survive that?”

You and Henry looked at each other, a silent conversation happening between you, before Henry looked back to his mother. “Yes.” He answered, firmly.

The two of you had gone through a lot worse than people talking behind your backs and shunning you.

“All right then.” Marianne replied, standing up. “Then, you have my, and no doubt the rest of the family's, approval, respect and support in the choice of your relationship.” She approached the bed, hugging Henry and kissing his cheek, then turned towards you.

You gulped at her, like a mouse getting stared down by a hungry cat, before she leaned in and hugged you as well; you were surprised by her move, but gave her a hug back. Breaking the hug, Marianne left the room, leaving you alone with Henry again.

“That went incredibly better than I thought it would.” Henry commented, finally breaking the silence in the room.

“You can say that again.” You agreed with him, staring at the open door of your room. “What do we do now, Henry?” You asked, looking up at him.

“Now, Nugget.” He smiled, kissing your forehead. “We get you well enough to go home.” He said, squeezing you against him.

Four days later, with the help of some crutches, you left the hospital with Henry, going back to his flat in Sector Two. Kal was over the moon to see you guys again, Charlie having dropped him off at the flat that morning. Henry had body block the Akita to keep him from knocking you over and harming you, until you were able to sit down on the couch and he was allowed to greet you; pressing himself against you and licking at your face.

“Yes, yes!” You laughed, hugging his thick neck, trying to calm him down. “We missed you too, Bear. We missed you just as much.” You told him, kissing his face back and giving him scratches.

After getting settled back in, Henry carefully picked you up, making you laugh as he did.

“Where are we going, Henry?” You asked, wrapping your arms around his neck as he carried you through the flat.

“We are both absolutely filthy and need a proper shower.” He told you, going into the bathroom and setting you down on the sink counter. “Lucy!” He called out, looking up.

“Yes, Mr. Cavill?” His flat's AI replied.

“Start the shower on preset two, please.” He said, pulling off the clothing his mother had brought him, before you both left the hospital.

“Right away, sir.” Lucy replied, and the shower came to life.

“Here, let me help.” He said, grabbing the hem of your shirt and pulling it over your head.

“Thanks.” You smiled, then eased off the counter, balancing on your good leg and grasping Henry's forearm.

Marianne had even been kind enough to bring you clothes as well. So, Henry's hands dropped to the ties of your loose sweatpants and untied the knot, pushing them down your hips to pool around your bare feet. You half limped and half hopped under the spray of the hot shower head, making you moan and groan as it cascaded over your battered and sore body. Henry chuckled and stepped in behind you, wrapping his arms around you and kissing the top of your wet hair.

“I love you, so very much.” He whispered to you. “I'm glad you came back with me.” He added, even softer.

You turned in his arms, wrapping yours around his hips. “I love you too, Henry, and I don't want to be anywhere that you're not.”

“Neither do I.” He replied, kissing you gently on the lips.

Dried blood, dirt and grim swirled around the shower drain as you and Henry helped clean each other off. You scrubbed his skin with an exfoliating sponge, careful of his cuts and stitches, as he washed your hair, then switched, Henry washing you as you washed his hair.

“There's almost no better feeling than that shower clean feel.” You said, limping into Henry's bedroom and snagged one of his shirts out of his closet, slipping it over your head. “It's such a euphoric feeling.”

“What feels better than that?” Henry asked, coming in after you and pulling on a loose pair of pajama bottoms.

You smirked up at Henry, impishly. “I think you know.” You chuckled at him.

Henry laughed, cupping your face in his hands and kissing you, tenderly, but passionately on the lips. “I agree with that.” He said against your lips. “But, you know what else feels euphoric?” He asked, lifting a brow at you.

“Tell me?” You giggled at him.

“A nap in that bed.” He said, pointing to his bed.

“Oh yes.” You agreed, biting your lip and staring at it. “The clean and divine smelling sheets, the warm and cloud-like mattress and pillows.”

“It's an orgasm in itself.” Henry cooed, staring at his bed with a wanting lust.

“I vote we sleep in it for the next year.” You said, looking up at him.

“I vote, the next decade.” He added, looking down at you.

“Deal.”

Henry scoped you up, carrying you to bed, and laid down with you. Cocooned under the soft and clean sheets, both of you moaned, as you melted into the mattress, like warm butter. You snuggled together, wrapped in each other's arms, and almost sound asleep the moment everything settled in around you. 

“Lucy, go to night mode.” Henry mumbled, his body feeling like a ton of rocks, he was so tired.

“Yes, sir.” Lucy whispered back.

Everything went dark, heavy drapes closed over the windows, the lights went out, the doors locked and the air purifier went on, with the soothing sound of ocean waves filling the bedroom, and you and Henry were out cold within minutes.

You slept the rest of the day and well into the next, only getting up because your stomachs were growling for food and your bladders were screaming for release, then you both crawled back into bed and slept even longer. Henry was the first one to officially wake up from your long and deserved hibernation, he laid in bed with you, stroking your hair and the nap of your neck. He traced your face, placing delicate kisses to your eyes, between your brows, the tip of your nose, both cheeks and finally, softly, to your lips.

“Henry.” You whispered, a smile tugging on your lips, before your eyes fluttered open and met his sparkling blues.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” He asked, the tip of his finger ghosting over the shell of your ear.

“Warm, content and happy.” You answered, snuggling in closer to him and pressing a kiss to the side of his neck. “You?”

“The same.” Henry replied, nuzzling your hair. “We should go see your parents.” He said suddenly, biting the inside corner of his lip. “They deserve to know.”

You squeezed your eyes shut and pressed your forehead to his chest. You had been trying to avoid this, avoiding telling your parents that you had been kidnapped and sold by traffickers, to the man you were now madly in love with, and that their son was dead, having killed himself in the pursuit of saving you and Henry from the same outcome.

How do you tell them that? You asked yourself.

“I don't know how.” You mewled, squeezing his thick bicep, like it was a lifeline.

Henry frowned into your hair, stroking the small of your back. “With honesty.” He whispered back, his heart hurting for you.

You stood in front of the door to your family's flat and it felt alien, you didn't feel the familiar nostalgia of coming home, of seeing your family after a grueling and mindless fifteen hour shift at the supermarket. It felt like you were there for the very first time, as if you had never been there before and didn't belong. You could hear the noise inside the flat, your brother running around the place, playing with his toys.

Henry rested his hand on the small of your back and gave you an encouraging smile. Biting your lip, you mustered the courage to knock on the door, it didn't feel right to enter the pin and walk in. You fidgeted as you waited for the door to be open, absentmindedly rubbing your thigh as it throbbed with even the slightest bit of your weight on it.

Finally the door ripped open and Christophe looked at Henry first, his eyes growing with shock, then looked to you, where his face lit up with surprise.

“Issy!” He shouted, and launched at you.

“Fuck.” You snapped, catching him in your arms as Henry caught you in his, keeping you both from tumbling to the floor. “Easy, Christophe. I don't need any more injuries.” You tried to scold him, but only ended up laughing at him as he hung from his arms around your neck, feet dangling.

“Where have you been, Issy!” He demanded, letting go of you and looking between you and Henry. “Who's this?”

“Is mum and dad home, Chris?” You asked, smiling down at him, nervously ruffling his hair.

“Yeah!” Christophe nodded and rushed back into the flat. “Mummy! Dad! Issy's back!” He screamed running around the house.

You looked to Henry and took a deep breath, shoulders rising, rolled your eyes, and stepped into the flat. Henry followed behind you, as your parents rushed into the living room, hot on each other's heels.

“Oh my god!” Your mother gasped and scrambled to you.

“Easy.” You warned her, unable to take a second person jumping you, and motioned to your leg as she lifted a brow at you.

“What's happened to you?” Your father asked, blinking at your wrapped thigh.

“I was shot.” You sighed, figuring it was best to be open and honest, and not sugar coat too many things.

“What?” They both roared, horrified.

“You might want to sit down.” You said, motioning towards the sofas.

Looking at each other, your parents shooed Christophe back to his room and sat down on one couch while you and Henry sat on the love-seat, across from them. There was a long, and awkward, silence, before any of your spoke.

“I'm sorry, I've been gone for so long.” You started, squeezing Henry's hand for support and comfort. “There's been a lot going on, and I didn't, we didn't want to risk your, or Christophe's, safety.” You tried to explain the best you could.

“What are you talking about?” Your father frowned, shaking his head at you and Henry.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out, you came out with it. “After I went looking for Mikey, that day, I was tricked and taken by a group of Traffickers in Sector Thirty-One. I spent several months in their warehouse, I don't want to go into details, I think that's best.”

“Of course.” Your mother nodded, clutching your father's hand.

“Henry here, is a High Marshal with the Marshal Council.” You introduced him. “He was undercover, trying to get information on the people running the trafficking warehouse, when he—uh—“ You gulped hard.

“He purchased me from them.”

“You what?” Your father hissed at Henry.

“It was part of his job, papa.” You cut him off, before his temper flared too much. “He had to do it for paperwork and other Council stuff. After he did that, he took me back to his place in Sector Two.”

“Is that where you've been this whole time?” Your father asked, his eyes narrowed angrily at Henry.

“It is.”

“And you couldn't contact us?” Your mother asked, upset. “Sent us something to tell us you were alive and all right?”

“She wanted too, many times.” Henry finally spoke up. “But, her life was in serious danger, and if she contacted anyone close to her, like yourselves, you would have been in grave danger as well. So, we didn't contact you for that reason.” He explained to them, hoping to ease that conflict.

“And how did you get shot?” Your father asked, still angry.

“I found out where Mikey was going.” You answered, quietly. “He was heading to Bristol, to advance his training as a Runner.” You gulped and looked up at Henry. “I ran away from Henry, and went to Bristol, trying to find him. I knew he was going to be in a load of trouble and I wanted to try and prevent that; to make him come home.” You explained to them, starting to shake.

Henry wrapped an arm around you and hugged you against him. “You can do this.” He whispered into your ear, gently.

Nodding and clearing your throat, you continued. “Henry came after me, trying to get me to return to London with him.”

“But, she wouldn't come back without Mikey.” He added, nodding his head at you, his eyes only on you. “I was meant to bring her back, so she could testify against her captors. But, I was also meant to bring Michail in, for his part in the Running business.”

“When we got to Bristol and started looking for him, people were looking for me, and they found us.” You picked up the narrative. “They took Henry after he made sure I was out of the way and safe. They hurt him.” You said, looking at his still bruised and cut up face. “I tried to go after him, but they got me as well.”

“While all that was going on, they somehow found out that Mikey and I were related and brought him in as well, locking us all in the same room.”

You stopped talking, trying to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed and turning into a sobbing mess. Your parents sat there for a long time, watching you try to control yourself and got the feeling something very bad had happened, worse than everything you were telling them.

“Where is Michail?” Your mother asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“He's-” You licked your lips and shook your head, unable to get it out of your mouth.

“I am sorry to inform you both.” Henry replied for you. “But, Michail didn't make it.” He said gently, using his High Marshal voice, the only way he knew how to say it to your grieving parents.

“They were forcing me to decide which of the three of us would go first.” You sobbed, shaking. “Mikey made the choice to take his own life, so we could live.”

Your mother wailed and threw herself on your father, howling and sobbing, screaming at the top of her lungs about the loss of her beautiful and precious boy. You sat there with Henry, clinging onto him and wincing at each terrible and heartbreaking cry your mother made into your father's neck. Your father sat there, stoically, but silently crying as he held her and rocked back and forth.

“I'm sorry.” You whined at them, drained. “I tried. I tried so hard to bring him back.” You mewled at them, crushed.

Your father's eyes were on Henry as they both comforted the women they loved. “And you, what do you get in all this?” He asked, suspicious. “You bought my daughter, are you going to keep her from her family, still?”

“No, sir.” Henry replied, frowning back at him. “I love your daughter. I have treated her as my equal from the moment I saw her, and she will always be my equal. I don't want her as a Slave or a Servant.” He looked at you and wiped your tears away.

“I just want her.” He whispered, smiling gently at you. “Forever and always.”

[remmushound]

Curse of the Clan chapter 65 FINALE!!

Tags: @scentedcandlecryptid @selfindulgenz

“LEOOOO!” Michelangelo ran over to Leonardo out of breath, colliding with his brother before he could stop himself. “Leo Leo Leo Leo Leo Leo—“

“Woah woah woah!” Leonardo laughed and put both hands against Michelangelo’s shoulders to keep the excited turtle at bay, “Where’s the fire?”

Michelangelo took a long, deep breath. “I traded face painting for a snail and traded the snail fir a painted rock and I traded the painted rock for a cane and I traded the cane for a ball and I traded the ball for a basket of muffins and I traded the basket of muffins for a kitten and I named him Klunk!”

Michelangelo shoved a tiny orange and white kitten in Leonardo’s face; Klunk gave a tiny mew and batted curiously at Leonardo’s nose before quickly being pulled back against Michelangelo.

“That’s great, Mikey—“

But Michelangelo was already running away again on the trail of a bright butterfly, which left Leonardo once more wandering in search of something to do. Everywhere he looked was something new— young yokai playing games or families swimming in the river or flying flips through the air either on wings or paragliders. Everywhere they all seemed to be having the time of their lives. None of the activities caught and kept his attention though until he happened to look over to an ice cream cart manned by a slime yokai. The current customers were a calico nekomata and an old rat.

“Dad?” Confusion came first, and then came a sneaky, mischievous grin. He rubbed his hands together not unlike a supervillain, “Ohhh this is good~”

Slowly, like he was walking across a cloud, Leonardo glided behind a tree. He pulled himself onto a higher branch to get a vantage point, watching as Splinter and the strange woman passed under; he caught a snippet of conversation.

“I can barely handle my four boys; I don’t know how you manage so many!”

“It’s not all fun and laughter that’s for sure, but most of them get adopted really quickly…”

Leonardo jumped the next tree over, silently cursing himself as a falling leaf made Splinter stop and look up. His nose twitched, eyes narrowing just the slightest bit as he stared directly at Leonardo, but perhaps not seeing him; Leonardo remained like a statue.

“Splinter, what’s the matter?” The woman came to up wrap her arms around Splinter’s arm, looking up and trying to see what he saw.

“Nothing.” Splinter said quickly, “Just thought I saw something.”

Slowly, with Splinter dragging his feet, they moved on. Leonardo saw no point in hiding anymore. Before they could get far, Leonardo dropped down in front of them.

“So do I get to be the flowergirl?”

“AH!” Both rat and cat screamed, but Splinter quickly fell to grabbing his sandal and repeatedly slapping Leonardo with it. “YOU! DUMB! DIRTY! YARO! Scared me half to death!”

Leonardo bunched himself at the assault, laughing harder with each slap as he did his best to protect his face. “I’m - sorry! It was too good to resist! Besides, flower girl is more for Mikey, I wanna be ring bearer!”

“You get to be NOTHING!”

“Now That’s just unfair!”

Splinter swung his arm around the cat to guide her quickly around Leonardo, trying his best to ignore his son's taunting presence.

“Was that your son?” The cat asked, trying to look back and steal another glimpse of Leonardo.

“Don’t look at him and maybe he’ll go away.”

***

“RENET!”

Renet stopped long enough to look around, giving a curious hum at the familiar voice. “Michael?”

“ME!”

Renet gave a startled yelp that was quick to turn into giggles when she recognized Michelangelo had come up from behind and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

“HUG! Hi Renet!” Michelangelo skirted around to her front, smiling brightly, “I traded face painting for a snail and traded the snail for a painted rock and I traded the painted rock for a cane and I traded the cane for a ball and I traded the ball for a basket of muffins and I traded the basket of muffins for a kitten and I named him Klunk!” Klunk gave a soft meow. “Also! I caught a butterfly and traded it for a balloon and traded the ballon for an ice cream cone do you want it?”

Michelangelo offered a strawberry ice cream to Renet, who accepted it with a confused but excited smile. “Uh… thanks. I’ve never had ice cream before!”

She looked over the frozen treat for a curious moment, then took a big bite out of it before Michelangelo could stop her. The cold immediately seized her body and she brought a hand up to cover her mouth against the drool that tried to escape from the shock.

“Mm… cold.” She shivered, wiping her mouth once more before she let herself giggle.

“You’re supposed to lick it, not bite it.” Michelangelo encouraged.

Renet did as asked, swiping her tongue across the length of the dripping ice cream, “Mm! It’s good.”

“It’s ice cream, of course it’s good!” Michelangelo beamed, “What are you doing out here? I didn't think you left your mansion all that often.”

“Yeah I uh… I don’t.” Renet said with a giddy laugh, “Today’s actually the first day. I’ve never seen the sun before.. It’s just as beautiful as I imagined. But hot…”

Renet swiped a few beads of sweat off of her forehead. Michelangelo gasped and, out of an innocent want to help, went to grab the back of her wheelchair to push her. Renet pulled away from the attempt, rolling back around to face him while Michelangelo looked confused, and then startled at Renet’s uncomfortable expression.

“Actually I can roll myself.” She said slowly.

“OH! I— I’m sorry!” Michelangelo squeaked, head shrinking, “I was just going to bring you into the shade…”

Michelangelo motioned to the shade of a nearby tree and Renet started to roll herself over to it while Michelangelo trailed behind.

“I’m sorry.” He repeated again, “Was the hug bad too?”

“O-oh, no, you’re fine just… don’t grab my chair unless I ask you, okay?”

Michelangelo nodded quickly. “Yes Ma’am! And thanks again for, you know, making sure we don’t burn a fiery death in TCRI.”

“Oh yeah, no biggie.” She nodded; the ice cream in her hand was quickly disappearing. “I really enjoy being out here with all the sun and the grass and the bugs! Maaaan I love the bugs!”

“I didn't get out much as a child either.” Michelangelo related, “It was so fun when I got to learn about all the critters and— and watching the stars and the sun rise! And it never gets old because it’s always so different!”

“Well I’m glad to finally experience it.” Renet finished off her cone and then rolled a little further so her front was in the sun; she closed her eyes against the warmth, the light bouncing off her scales in a flashy display, like sunbeams on water. Her skin seemed to glow radiant like light amber, the baby blue headscarf catching the breeze. “The wind is like the sweetest honeydew on my skin… and it’s like I can taste the colors of the world!”

“Well, if you wanna enjoy even more of the world…” Michelangelo started, rubbing his head, “Maybe you want to come eat with me and my family?”

Renet opened her eyes and looked to Michelangelo. “I’d love to!

***

While his brothers were exploring, Donatello was content to stay at the table near the girls. He had been away for so long that there was a seemingly endless amount of social media he needed to catch up with, so he took the opportunity to get a head start on it. Occasionally April or Sunita would throw a shrimp or a burger his way to use him as a taste tester, but he didn't mind. Scrolling was certainly working up an appetite.

Something hit him in the face. Donatello groaned and reached up, having to swipe a few times before he was able to pull it off, and when he did he was hit with a wave wave of confusion. It was a cherry blossom flower— not just a petal, but a full, blooming flower! Even as Donatello held the stemless thing in his hand, it seemed to open a little wider, the dew drops on its petals dripping down and dampening his palm.

Donatello looked around and saw no tree, nor anyone carrying such flowers that could have been lost. Carefully, his fingers traced along the pink curves, soft as melted butter. He stood up, and when he did, he looked down. In the grass just ahead of him was a trail of flowers, blooming before his very eyes and stretching toward the warmth of the sun. The trail was expanding closer to him until the flowers came to him, gentle stems tickling his ankles as he lifted his feet to see the spectacle better. The blooming flowers led to a golden rift at the end of the trail, similar to Draxum’s except with flowers instead of vines. A rift identical to the one that had rescued Donatello and his brothers from The Sea of Trees.

“I told you your brothers would come.” Said a familiar voice— the kirins voice!

And then the flowers were gone, and so was the rift, and so was the voice.

“Don, food’s done.” April called, then put a hand on her hip and gave a frustrated huff when it seemed Donatello wasn’t listening to her.

“Y-yeah, be there in a second.” The hand that once held the cherry blossom felt empty now in its absence, and it took Donatello several long heartbeats to turn back to his meal. “Thanks April… it looks great.”

“It better!” April laughed, “Then again I’d bet anything looks great to you given the past two weeks you spent alone.”

“Yeah…” And Donatello looked to the table and saw a basket of berries sitting there for him, shining with a heavenly glow, “Alone.”

[colorfultrashcrusade]

Who knew

THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN A LONG TIME AGO AND I WANTED TO POST SOMTHING FOR CALUMS BIRTHDAY. I know its not good grammar and all that but if I'm being honest I didn't want to edit it. Spacing it correctly was enough for me haha.

“Babe ready for tonight?” Cal said as I tied my shoes. I decided to go pretty casual. Black jeans, white tee, black converse. Hair tied back in a low ponytail.

'Yeah just about.' We head outside to the car over to Ashton's for the long awaited house par-tay. About 20minutes later, Cal and I reach Ash's place. And get inside quickly because it was beginning to rain.

“HEY EVERYBODY!” Michael yells with a drink in his hand. 'Well someone is already shit faced' I say  causing Calum to laugh. I look around to see Luke talking to Miranda and Casey as well as  newbies, who I haven't gotten to know yet. Ash and Sasha were fetching more drinks from the 'beer fridge' Nia and Rena giggling at something one of them said and of course, already drunk, Michael (lol).

“Here guys” Casey says while handing us a drink, 'now let's get this house party started!' He shouts and we all laugh.

(Couple hours into party)

The music was blasting; so loud I could feel every beat in it. Luke, Casey and Miranda were "dancing" I think (lol) Michael passed out a while ago. No one wanted to move him so we left him in the middle of the floor. I was sitting next to Ash who was sitting next to Sasha who passed out on the couch. Rena was across from us and passed out as well. As I turn to see what calums doing I couldn't believe my fucking eyes. With his drunken gaze and smile he stood flirting and giggling like a fucking school girl with Nia. I'll just say it. I don't like Nia, she doesn't like me either. So I normally wouldn't waste my time on her but she was too close to my boyfriend and I wasn't having it. I jumped off the couch,and I walked over to Calum and Nia.

'What the fuck are you doing?'.

'Fuck off Alyssa, can't you see he's busy with someone he actually likes?' Nia says.

'Aha Nia you're so full of shit' I fake laugh to finish off my sentence.

'The fuck is that suppose to mean?

' 'You're a fake ass bitch who no one likes, if you were actually respectful, you'd have real friends. 'Removing herself from cal she pushes me. 'Excuse me bitch,' I go to push her back but am hit in the face with a big, strong hand. Calum's hand. I turn to him, a hurt expression on my face.

'Fuck off' he simply said. I turned back to Nia who was smiling like the bitch she is. That's when I went to her. With a fist full of her hair I began bashing her head and face with my other fist again and again and again. I was so engulfed with rage and didn't care how much my hands were hurting. Her hand managed to grab hold of my hair too. She started punching me as well faster; harder. I closed my eyes as we moved around trying to throw her to the ground. But suddenly I was the one thrown down. She had kicked the side of my knee causing my knees to buckle backwards. As she sat on top of me punching and scratching. All I could do was try to cover my face and head. I don't understand why I wasn't winning this, I could easily take her. But I realized it was because of Calum. He wounded me mentally and emotionally. He's such an asshole when he drinks. I tried to look over at him to see if he was seeing this. And he was.  I feel the blood oozing from my face. I feel where the bruises will be tomorrow. I started to see little black dots. I was blacking out.

'That's right bitch, I'm gonna take your ma-.'

'NIA WHAT THE FUCK!?' Casey yelled. Ashton, being closest to us got here first.

'Nia... Get... The fuck... Off her!!!' Ash said as he literally threw Nia off, with Miranda and Casey catching and holding her back. Ash came over and I felt my body being lifted up; hearing Sasha repeating my name as well as Ashton yelling.

'What the fuck is wrong with you mate?! You're just gonna watch as your girlfriend gets beat up?! That's a dick move man. You don't even deserve Liss, I can't fucking believe you!' Then I hear a smack and something that sounds like a body hit the floor. Then it went completely black.

(Couple hours later)

As I come to, my body aches everywhere; my head is killing me; and I can barely open my eyes. I  sit up very slowly taking in my surroundings.

'Liss, honey don't sit up, you need to rest.'  Grandma's voice  boomed like thunder in the room. I grimaced. 'Sorry' she said.

'How did I get here?'

'That Ashton boy came, I nearly had a heart attack when I opened the door but he told me what happened.'

'Oh' I said simply. Over the course of the next few days I stayed with grandma till my body wasn't as achey.  I was moving around and doing minimal tasks around the house. Grandma left for the weekend with her boyfriend, so I got to play music softly in the house. Just as I was going to make myself some food, there's a knock on the door. I go over to open it and it's Ashton. I smile spread over my face, as painful as it was. 'Here come in.' He comes in and immediately gives me a hug. Not that tight though. The embrace was so warm and loving I didn't want to let go of him. When I did, he was in tears. 'Ashy? What's wrong?'

'Nothing I'm glad to see you up and moving. But I'm here to take care of you.'

'Take care of me?, Hun I'm okay.'

'Please, it will give me peace of mind?' I looked at him; his eyes so glossy, I couldn't say no.

'Okay ash.'  As the weeks pass, I've been with Ashton 24/7. Meanwhile Calum hasn't made any effort to text or talk to me. And normally I'd be depressed but for some reason, I'm not. Ashton has made me feel so good and so warm and so loved that I'm not sure about Calum.

(Couple days later)

'Yay movie time!!!' Ashton yells running down the stairs.

'Ahaha, what movie tonight ashy?'

'The best of me.'

'The best of me? Aha.'

'Yeah, I'm feeling romantic today. Aha.'

We pop in the movie with our blanket and popcorn and my dots gummies. Something about tonight felt different. I noticed Ashton was wearing cologne; he was just extra hot tonight. As the movie played on, I couldn't really focus, and neither could ash. At least in the movie.

'Liss?'

'Yeah a-' before I could finish his lips were on mine. So soft and warm and I couldn't help but kiss him back. There was a spark bigger than any I've ever felt, even with Calum. His hands felt all over my back, arms and legs. I felt so safe in his arms. Next thing I know, we are making love on his couch. Gentle and passionate love till we reached our highs and fell asleep in each other's arms.

(Couple months later)

Mikey's birthday is coming up and I wanted to get him something he'd like so I went with Sash. We went into the shop and looked around.

'Liss, are you okay? You look a little pale.' Sasha says with concern on her face.

'I'm a fine girl, it's good.' I smile. But actually I don't feel fine. I've been like this for a while. And right now I felt even worse. 'Sa.. Sash, I don't...,' the room started spinning and my legs felt weak.

'Liss? LISS!' She said it when dark.  

When I came to, I was in the hospital, and Sasha was rocking back and forth in the chair next to me holding my hand. 'Sash, what's happening?'

'You fainted Liss, I freaked and called an ambulance and they did some tests. I'm er... We're waiting for the results.' Just as she finished, the doctor came in.

'Miss Perkins, how are you feeling?'

I'm feeling better.'

'Good, we gave you some fluids to help nourish your body. We did some blood work and noticed you're not nourished enough due to your pregnancy, an-'

'WHAT!?' Sasha said.

'Wait, I'm pregnant?' The doctor nodded her head.

'Yes Miss Perkins, the tests show that the fetus was conceived about three and a half months ago.'

'THREE AND A HALF MONTHS!?' Sasha said and turned to look at me. '

I see you need a minute ladies, I'll leave you be.' She left and closed the curtain.

'Three and a half months Liss?' I stared into space thinking.

' three and a half months ago I had sex with Calum but at the end of that month, after all that, I slept with Ashton to-.' Sash sat with her jaw dropped. 'I don't know, whose it is.'

'You have to let them know Liss.'

'Can you go with me?'

'Course Liss.'

(The next day eh... Night)

I asked Ashton to come over and without hesitation he came. And with the help of Sash, Calum came to. I'm nervous, I haven't seen or talked to him in months. How would he react to this news, how would both of them react? But they're both here. And I need to get this out.  I walk to the living ash and cal are sitting on opposite sides of the room. I clear my throat as I enter.

'Hey guys.'

'Hey liss.' They say, one quieter than the other.

'I...uh.... I....uhh..' I look to Sasha for help.  And she came.

'Listen guys with everything that has happen, Liss need you to put it behind you and listen the fuck up, Liss is...

“I’m Pregnant and either one of you can be the dad. I'm not sure but I wanted you both to know.' Calum's eyes went wide. Ashton's hands went to his chin

As the months come and go. Each appointment was just a reminder that the baby was coming soon. Sasha went with me for every one. I told the doctor I didn't want to know the gender of the baby. All I care about is that it's healthy. Ashton was there helping every step of the way. Making sure I was relaxed and calm and that there was no stress around the baby. When I needed a back rub, Ashton was there to give it. If there was no ice cream in the house, he was on it. Calum on the other hand helped more in a financial way. He had stopped by two days ago, which I was shocked by, just to talk.

(Flash back)

'Uh.. Come in.'

'I'm not staying long princess.' Princess? I just looked at him more confused than ever.

'I haven't been around or contacted you because I don't know how to forgive myself from that night. I lost myself after that. I...' He started rubbing his arms.

'Cal, no. Please tell me you didn't.' As he looked at me a tear left his eye.

'I'm sorry princess, I.... I didn't know what to do. I went to rehab  and... I do-.' I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him. Stopping his words in their tracks. He squeezed me, getting as close to me as he could due to my belly.

'Liss, I love you, I've never stopped loving you. You're my one and only. I'll do whatever it is for you to forgive and take me back. Please. Baby please.'

End of flashback)

Since that talk, he's been around the house more and the tension between him and Ashton was very uncomfortable. The dirty glances they give each other. The shoving into each other. At least that's what Sash tells me. They behave themselves in front of me and the baby. I was lying in bed continuously tossing and turning. I don't know why I couldn't sleep. Then all of a fucking sudden, Sasha burst through my door. 'SASHA!?'

'Shhhhhh!!!'

'What the hell I almost peed on my-.'

'Shhh, listen.' I didn't understand what she was talking about till I heard voices.

'Cal and Ash?' I mouthed to her. And she nodded her head.

(Whisper yelling)

'Listen, I don't give a fuck that you like her Ashton, she's my girl, so you need to back up off her.'

'Me? Are you fucking kidding me! I've been here for her all this time you stupid fuck, she wants me. I don't care what you two used to be, but I know she cares for me. I'm here all day every day taking care of her and when I'm not I-.'

'When you're not blah blah blah, I'm the father of that child, Ashton. Not you. Get over it. Whatever you thought you had with her is not there anymore.' It went quiet. They must have been angrily staring at one another. Till Ash spoke.

'As much as I want that baby to be mine, as much as I want to stand here and brag about how my dick got her pregnant,  we won't know whose it is till its born, and till then let's act like men and cut the crap Calum, we've caused enough drama in this house.' Two pairs of footsteps walked in opposite directions and two doors slammed. Sasha looks at me with her mouth partly opened.

'I don't know what to say or think about that.'

'Me neither Sash, me neither.

With the baby coming in less than a three weeks, sasha is busy getting everything ready for the baby shower being that we don't know the sex yet. The color theme is light grey and soft green. Everything looks so cute. I look around the living room to see Ashton putting up streamers and Calum putting up the giant pacifier piñata. Calum and I are better and by that I mean back to being couple-like. Ashton has gotten a bit distant. After that night when Sasha and I heard them talking, they act like neither one is there. They don't talk to each other and it makes me sad. They were really good friends always joking and playing around. And now, nothing. They're just strangers who know each other really well. But they're okay for right now.

(Later that day)

It was time for the shower to start. Sasha made me a special seat covered. The guests arrived and everyone came. Everyone except Nia. Everyone got situated with food and drinks and we socialize for a while.

'Okay everyone it's time for a game!!' Sasha shouted. She was more excited than anybody. 'So in this game you will pick up a diaper. All the diapers have a number on the-.'

'Why do they have numbers?' Mike butted in.

'Michael shut up let me have my moment!' Everyone laughed. 'As I was saying, all the diapers have a number because inside all the diapers is a little mess. Don't worry it's all candy, the point of the game is to guess the candy!'

'Why does it look like shit?' Michael says as we laugh again.

'What the fuck do you think babies do in diaper's Michael.' Everyone laughs harder.

'Babe I'm just messing with you, you're doing really good at this.'

'Well thanks butthead.' We ended up not really finishing the game. We just kinda are all eating the chocolate in the diapers. Mine was a snickers, there was also the Milky Way, Twix, and... Well just a lot of chocolate. 'PRESENT TIME!!!' Sash yelled. And everyone went to grab their gifts.

'Hey Liss.' Miranda said.

 'This is from Nia. She handed me an envelope. Everyone got kinda quiet as I opened it.

'It's a card.' I said aloud.

'What does it say?' Ashton and Calum say in unison. I open the card and starts scanning with my eyes

"Congrats on the pregnancy Alyssa, hope all goes well. I'm sorry for giving you hell. I realize I can never have what you have and I'm sorry for trying to take it from you. You're his dream girl and I can't compete with that. You're more a woman than I ever will be and I hope one day we can get passed this. You deserve great things. But anyways, congrats."

'What does it say Lissachu?' Sasha says to me.

'She said congrats on the baby.' I say feeling a weight lift off of me, not knowing I even had one.  The rest of the baby shower went well. I just sat and ate everything Saha handed me (lol). These cravings were getting the best of me.

(Night time) Today was actually really good. There were a few spills at the shower, and after the shower that was mainly Michaels fault but got cleaned by 'mother Sasha'. And surprisingly Ashton and Calum, after a couple drinks, started talking again. (I know what you're thinking, alcohol at a baby shower? Blame Mike). It was as if there was no bad blood between them. It filled my heart with warmth and happiness. As I lay down and get comfy I close my eyes and give a big, calming sigh and begin to drift off the sleep. Then  I get a tickle in my nose and... 'ACHOO!' I sneeze. 'Aw shit, did I? Fuck I peed on myself.' I get up slowly and grab a change of clothes and go to the bathroom. When I finish changing. I go to change my sheets. Pulling on the corner closest to me, I start to feel pain, a really sharp pain. As I hunch over my bed, breathing heavy and choppy, my door opens and I feel arms around me.

'Princess what's wrong? Are you okay? What happened?' Calum says. His voice rang with panic.

'I..uh.... I think...my water broke.'

Calum's eyes went wide. 'Okay, come on. Let's get you in the car.' He walked with me letting me stop whenever there was a contraction.

'GUYS!?? GUYS WAKE UP, THE BABYS COMING!!' Sasha ran out of her room and straight for the bag she made me put together for this very moment. Ash moved at a slower pace but we got out of the house pretty fast. With Ashton at the wheel, driving beyond the speed limit, everything was kind of a blur. Sasha to my left; Calum to my right. Both letting me squeeze the fuck out their hands as Sasha does breathing technics with me. We finally get to the hospital and Calum picked me up bridal style and ran through the emergency room doors.

'SHE'S IN LABOUR!!!' As soon as the sentence left his mouth, nurses came around so fast. I was put in a wheelchair and rolled away; In the distance I hear Calum yelling. 'NO I HAVE TO GO WITH HER!'

'Sir please calm down you're frightening other patients.'

'NO, GET OFF ME! ALYSSA!! I LOVE YOU!' Pain. Excruciating pain. I feel as if these are the absolute worst cramps in my life. I feel like Satan is shoving a small trident dagger in my uterus and turning it around in circles

. 'It's okay ma'am, just breathe an-'

'I AM BREATHING!' After moving me from the wheelchair to the bed with wheels, I'm rolled into a room. They change me into a gown and I'm left there by doctors checking in from time to time.

'ALYSSA! Oh god princess are you okay?!'  His voice rang with worry.

'I'm okay cal, did they finally let you in here?' I joke. Then Ashton walks in with Sasha.

'How ya feeling Liss?' Ashton says.

'Like I'm gonna have a baby.' Then another contraction happens. FFFUUUCCCKKK!' I grabbed Calum's hand and squeezed till its blue and purple. He says nothing.

'Guys? The doctor is gonna ask if the "father" wants to be in the room and cut the umbilical cord.' Sasha says. 'Which of you want to do it?' Calum and Ashton look everywhere but at each other. Then to me.

'Princess it's up to you.'  Just then the doctor walks in.

'Okay Ms. Perkins, time for another look see. May I ask you three to step outside please.

'C'mon guys,' Sasha grabs both of their shirts. ' it's not like you haven't seen it before. It's the same. I giggle. The doctor chuckles to himself.

'Well Ms.Perkins, if you're ready, the bed is set up and down here, looks good. So who do you want in the room with you?'

'Doc, I don't know who the father is.'

'Doesn't  have to be the father, no aha. The young lady, is your friend right?'

'Yes.'

'If I was in your situation, I'd pick her. She was there for you. Besides, we'll find out who the father is later.'  He walks out. And Cal, Ash and Sash come back in.

'Sash I want you in the room with me.'

'Am I godmother?'

'Yes.' She claps her hands.

'Well okay, let's go deliver a baby!' I'm already in the delivery room. Sweat dripping on my face. The doctor gave me the epidural when I first got here. It hurts but no where near the contraction pain. More like I'm really constipated. The pushing is exhausting my whole body.Sasha to my right letting me squeeze her hand.

You're doing good Liss, couple more pushes then it's coming out.' I nod, my eyebrows furrowed

. 'Alright Ms.Perkins, push!'

'Aaaahhhh!' I pushed with as much force as I could. Then I hear crying.

'Okay Ms. Perkins one more push like that and it's out. Ready. Set. Go.' I take a deep breath and push letting out a massive fart (Lol jk yell).

'AAHHHHHHH!' Then the crying got louder. And louder.

'Liss! You did it! It's a, it's a...'

'Congratulations Ms.Perkins, you have a girl.' The doc smiles and wipes the baby enough for me to hold.

'She's beautiful.' I let out the tears. Streaming down my face in joy.

'She's beautiful Liss.' Sasha says. 'Hi little one, I'm sashie. Your god mom.' She was crying too

'Alright Ms.Perkins, we'll get her all cleaned up while you sign the birth papers. And then she's all yours.' The nurse took her to get cleaned and I handed her papers. '

Liss...' '

Yeah?'

Congratulations, I'm so happy and proud to be here and experience this, even though I can't feel my hand anymore. Thank you.'

'No thank you, for actually being her all the way.' We hug.

'But Liss, she looks like..... Calum.'

'I know, and I'm happy that she's his.'

'And yours Liss, don't forget that.' As I put pen to paper to full in the name part of the certificate, I pause. Then write. How the nurse comes back with her and I give her the papers.

'What's her name?' A voice says. Ashton and Calum walk in the room ( you were moved back to the other room to recover). I look at them.

‘She looks a lot like you Calum, aha. She has your nose.' Calum sits in the chair next to your bed, across Sasha; Ashton at the foot of the bed.

'Congrats, you two.' Ash says with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

'Come here.' I say as I give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

'Thank you for helping as much as you did.' He smiles and backs out the door

. 'I take it you guys are gonna be here a while so I'll leave and come get you later.'

'Wait!' Sasha buts in. 'Don't you wanna know her name?'

'Yeah, what's our daughters name?' I look from Ash to Sash. Sash to Cal. Then Cal to her.

'Schyler. Schyler Joy.'

[nights-legacy]

Hugs to Something More-Donnie

Donnie 2003 – based on the song Something More by Aly & AJ

Requested by @nesting-dreams​

+Y/N doesn’t hug, like at all. For anyone. Except for when it comes to Donatello. Every time she sees him, she has to give him a hug. They’re not together or anything, she just enjoys his company. At least until both of them realize there might be something more there then they realize.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N’s POV

I ran down the walkway toward the lair. I could hear April and Casey laughing behind me as I ran ahead. I stopped when it came to the edge of the clearing, looking around to make sure there was no one around. I ran out and to the door. I entered the code before the click sounded, unlocking the door.

“Hurry up!” I called out standing in the doorway.

“Hold your horses little miss hyper.” Casey said as they made. He grabbed the door and let us through first. “We’re here Bozos!”

“Bozos? The only bozo here is you Jones!” Raph called back. “Well you and Mikey.”

“Hey!” Mikey yelled. We walked into the main room and saw them lounging about.

“Hey guys.” Leo greeted, throwing a ball at Raph’s head. That started a whole tossing war before the commotion drew out the one missing turtle.

“What’s going on out here?” He asked as held a wrench out. He saw the two and rolled his eyes. He turned and finally saw us. “Hey.” He said waving the wrench.

“Hey Don.” April said while sitting next to Mikey.

“Donnie!” I chirped before running over and hugging him on my tiptoes. He chuckles while wrapping the wrench-less arm around my waist.

“Hey Y/N.” He greeted before letting go. I moved off my tiptoes before pulling back. I stepped back and skipped off to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and pulled out a can of pop before jumping up on the counter.

“I don’t get it! She only does it with you! It’s no fair!” I jumped when I heard Mikey loudly whine. I furrowed my eyebrows, jumping down.

“Sh! Mikey, she will hear you.” I heard Donnie whisper shout followed by the sound of a smack. I stood next to the doorway, out of sight and listening. “I don’t know why I am the only one she hugs but I’m not complaining.”

“There’s got to be a reason behind it Mikey. Don’t push it. She may just not like physical contact.” Leo pipped in. I nodded even though I knew no one could see me.

“Not complaining huh?” I heard Raph tease. “What? Do you have a crush on our little Y/N? Hey, maybe that’s why she only hugs him. Maybe she has a crush on you Donnie.” I heard laughing and other teases.  

“Wh-what? No of course n-not!” I heard Donnie stuttered. “We’re just friends. You are so immature!” I heard him yell before I heard his footsteps disappear. I waked back to the counter and leant against it.

“Crush?” I thought to myself. The word was stuck in my head. It got me thinking. “Do I have crush on Donnie?” I kept thinking and asking myself is it true.

Donnie’s POV

I stormed back to my lab still hearing their laughter. I huffed as I tossed my wrench on the work bench. Sitting down, I thought about what Raph said. A crush? It’s impossible. They were just friends right? I leant back in my chair, trying to figure out his own mind.

“Do I like her?” He asked out loud. He started to think about her personality, her looks, her loyalty…how he smiled just at the thought and sight of her. He shook his head.

“Donnie?” Y/N asked. He looked at her surprised. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m alright.” I turned back to my computer, scratching the back of my neck. I heard her walking up behind me. She sat down in the chair that was next to my desk.

“You sure? Because you stormed off pretty fast after Raph teased you.” I nearly got whiplash by how fast I looked at her. I gapped.

“You heard?” She nodded. I gulped before looking down.

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know how to react to it.”

“Neither do I. Even the notion it…it stirred something…” She paused.

“Dormant. Feelings you didn’t know you had.” I finished. She looked at me and nodded. “Me too.”

“Well what do we…”

“Y/N we have to go!” April called into the lab. We looked at each other before Y/N got up. She looked like she wanted to say something before deciding not to. She waved as she left. I waved back before looking down.

“We are not ending the day like this.” I muttered before bolting up and running around.

Y/N’s POV

I plopped down on the couch of my apartment. Leo had asked if we could pick up a few things for the lair. Luckily, he said we could bring it tomorrow when we came because He and Raph would be heading out not long after we left. Casey just dropped me off from our outing. Mine and Donnie’s admissions kept replaying in my head.

“What now?” I asked out loud. I sat in silence for a few minutes before a knock pulled me out of my trance. I looked over and saw Donnie outside my window. I got up and opened the window. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I…” He took a big breath. He glanced down before looking me in the eye. “Let’s go for a ride.” I could tell there was more behind those words. I nodded and he stepped back. He helped me down to the ground.

“What are we taking?”

“I may or may not have barrowed Raph’s bike.” My eyes widen as I saw it parked a few feet away.

“He’s going to kill you.” He shrugged and walked over to the bike. He waved me over and motioned for me to get on. “You want me in front?”

“Yeah. It would be more comfortable for you. You don’t have to reach around and hold awkwardly to the shell. I can still stir even if you’re in front.” He explained. I nodded and got on the bike. I felt him sit behind me and a blush burst across my cheeks. I felt him set his hands on my hips before he slowly moved them to the handle bars.

“Let’s go.” I said. He chuckled and kicked the bike to life. I yelped as he took off fast. I held on tight to his arms, hair flying everywhere. He sped through city streets. The street lights flashed by like strobe lights. I cheered as he drifted around a corner. His turns and directions seemed calculated.

“Just a few more minutes.” He said into my ear. I nodded and waited patiently. He slowed to a stop just outside a huge, old Victorian building.

“Here?” I asked. He nodded and helped me off the bike. He led me around the back of the building. He lifted me onto his back and swiftly climbs up the building.

“Careful.” He said as he sat me down on a ledge. I looked down as he fiddled with window. He got it open and hopped inside. He helped me in and led me through the dark halls. He came to a door and gave me an excited look. He pushed the doors open and revealed a gigantic green house.

“My god, Donnie.” I ran inside and spun around. “This is amazing. How did you find this place?”

“By accident. Well, by a Mikey accident. He fell through an open panel in the roof.” He explained. He grabbed my hands and led me to an open window, overlooking the city. We sat down and he pulled out a bag that I had never seen. He pulled out some food boxes. “Here.”

“Thank you.” I opened it and saw a box of beignets. “Yes! It’s hard to find good beignets in New York. Thank you!” I grabbed one and chowed. I heard him laugh and open his box. We sat there and ate in silence.

“About earlier…I’m sorry. It was a very awkward way to find out about my feelings. Even if I didn’t even know about them myself.”

“Yeah, but it made me think about it to. Especially the only hugging you part. Leo was right when he said I don’t like physical contact. I let you hug me because ever since I met you, I’ve trusted you. I guess, from the very beginning…Little did I know before, we’ve always been something more.” I looked at him. His mouth was agape.

“You mean…” He trailed off. I smiled and scooted over. I pecked him on the cheek.

“Read the black and white screen, the lines in between.” He smiled and wrapped an around me. I set my head on his shoulder. “Remind me to give Mikey a hug next time I see him.”

“Alright. I think he deserves one after snowballing this whole thing.”

“Yes he does.” I quipped before taking another bite of a beignet. He chuckled.

“Something more. I like that.”

“Me too.” I said before turning to hug him.  

[casikototmblr]

The Devil’s Wish - Part 4.

Summary: Reader sets the record straight with Venable, giving her an ultimatum. A scene happens in the dining area of the Outpost and reader helps to resolve it.

A/N: Yeet, this part contains smut. don’t say i didn’t warn you, lol ;).

Word count:  2,377.

You eyed the arrogant woman up and down as she paced into the boardroom, the thin heels of her shoes click-clacking on the pristine marble floor of the cynical room. You bobbed your head in the direction of the black and outlandish seat which was situated on the opposing end of the long-drawn table; encouraging her to sit down.

"Why am I here? I need this to be quick, I have an outpost to run!" She spoke firmly as she sat down slowly in the chair opposite, her bony and frail hands clasped tightly together as she impatiently sat.

"Managing the outpost isn't your concern anymore, Ms Venable. You should have apprehended that by now as I believe Michael has made it clear enough." You scoffed as she unclasped her paws and deposited them on the slabbed table.

"I was put in charge here, tasked with the fundamental duties of leading the outpost." She asserted sharply as she watched you intensely, her anger starting to display on her face and you had only just started. 

"I know that, but matters have changed. I understand what it's like, you've gone from running an outpost your way to now having someone else do it for you." You addressed as Venable sank into her tall seat, lifting her hands from the cold, metal table to the sides of her small frame.

"But what you have to understand is that Michael isn't here to undo what you've done. He's simply here just to do his job like you are." You continued as you rose out of your seat and moved swiftly over to the repulsive woman who followed your every move.

"I've been here longer than Michael, I know this place like the back of my hand!" Venable yelled as she became more outraged by the second at the thought of her position being jeopardised.

"Look, Ms Venable...I could bring your world crashing down with a single click of my fingers if I wanted to. I know people that would be more than happy to do so, myself included. I'm just asking you to back off, for your sake..." You scolded her as you towered over her delicate frame. "So, either take what I'm saying on board or face the consequences. It's up to you." You continued as you paced back to your elegant, black seat. 

"Can I just go now?" Venable groaned as she rose from her chair, her eyes fixed to you as the woman placed her hands behind her back.

"Of course...Just think of what we've spoken about today." You returned as you moved away from the woman before you exited the large room. You left Venable there as she clutched her hands together, the whites of her knuckles started to show.

As you made your way down the hallway and back to Michael's office, you were suddenly interrupted by a Gray. You looked the pale Gray up and down as she fumbled with the hem of her long sleeves, confusion displayed on your face as you set your hands on your hips. 

"Is everything okay?" You asked as you furrowed your brows in curiosity as to why they stopped you in the hallway.

"You might want to see this, Miss." The Gray responded as she ignored your previous question. The Gray started walking down the darkly-coloured hallway as you followed her quickly, wondering where she was taking you. 

As you came closer and closer to the end of the hallway, you heard raised voices. They seemed to be coming from the dining area. Both your's and the woman's paces became quicker as the shouts became louder.

"Ugh! If I have to eat another of these fucking god-damn blocks, I'll kill myself! I can't take this shit anymore.!" The shrill voice exclaimed. You quickly caught a glimpse of who the voice belonged to as you and the Gray swiftly turned the corner, now exposed to the screaming mess that was taking place in the open dining area. It was no other than Coco, of course.

"You know what, she's right! I can't take this shit anymore." The white-haired man exclaimed, knocking his chair to the floor with a force as he rose from his chair. You studied the situation as you made your way over, everyone else in the small dining area was sat down now apart from an eccentric Gallant. 

"You're more than welcome to leave, to rot outside like the rest of the world," Michael declared firmly, not noticing your presence as you stood a couple of meters away from him. 

"Gallant, just sit down...You're making a scene!" Evie exclaimed at Gallant, a serious look on her face as Gallant scoffed at her.

"Don't tell me what to do. You never gave a shit before, so don't start now." Gallant answered back as he grabbed a plate and tossed it at the bricked wall behind Evie - just barely missing her. The shards of china spewed everywhere on the concrete flooring. 

"Get out." Michael declared raising his voice now, the sound of his voice echoing off the walls of the outpost.

"Fine!" Gallant exclaimed with a laugh, throwing his hands up in defeat as he walked out of the dining area - only to be dragged back by two tall guards and knocked out cold. You watched on in shock as his unconscious body fell to the floor with a thud. 

"Move him somewhere else," Michael barked at the guards as they quickly obeyed his command, dragging Gallant along the floor in the opposite direction of the dining room past you. 

"Where's Gallant being taken?" You asked as you walked over to Michael, anger resonating on his face as he turned around to face you, stepping out of the dining area and closing the sliding door behind him. 

"To one of the chambers," Michael answered taking a deep exhale whilst he pinched the bridge of his nose, his head to the floor. "There's always something happening here..." He added softly with a sigh. You placed the tips of your fingers underneath his chin as you lifted his head, his soft eyes now looking at you instead. 

"People are still adjusting to the change. You have to be patient, Mikey. " You cooed softly as you grabbed his rough hand in your soft one.

Michael nodded along. 

"I have to go deal with Gallant." Michael continued as you squeezed his hand in yours. 

"I'll do it, you go back to the room and get some rest." You suggested as you ungripped his hand and placed yours on his soft cheek, rubbing the skin of his cheekbone with your thumb.

"What about lunch?" Michael asked as you moved your hand away, placing it beside your sides.

"We can do that another day, go get some rest." You continued as Michael approved before turning away and stepping down the candle-lit hallway to the right of him. 

It was a 5-minute walk down a labyrinth of tunnels and hallways before you finally arrived at the chamber Gallant was placed in. You nodded your head towards the door for the guards to open it as they strolled over and opened the flap. They took a quick peek inside and unlocked the door, giving you the go-ahead to enter. 

"Gallant?" You spoke softly as you glared at the man beginning to come conscious again.

"W-Wha- Where am I?" Gallant exclaimed confused as he jolted upright, examining the strange place. The walls were stone as well as the floor with very little lighting just bright enough to see Gallant's confused face.

"You're fine, We've just placed you down here for the time-being once you calm down." You explained as you placed your hands behind your back. "Now, what happened?" You asked.

"I-I don't know..I-I think I'm going insane. This place...This place is driving me over the edge." A rather confused Gallant exclaimed. You knelt to his level, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

"You're fine, you'll be back upstairs with the others in a minute." You had more sympathy than Michael did in situations like this. Michael probably would have kept him down here for a couple of days for the way how he behaved like a wild animal, showing him the consequences of what would happen if he was to repeat himself. You decided not to and to show some compassion - compassion which was needed at a time like this.

You held a hand out for Gallant to take. He grasped your hand and leaned on you, getting himself up.

"Thank you." A now calmed Gallant mumbled to you.

"Open the door." Your voice bounced off the walls of the small room. The door quickly opened, allowing you and Gallant to walk out. You made your way back to the seating area where the rest of the residents were, you glanced as Gallant made his way to the sofa.

"Feel better, Gallant." You spoke to him softly as you flashed him a smile before turning around and walking away in the direction of your's and Michael's room. 

You unlocked the door to your shared room and glanced over to see Michael asleep on top of the silk bedsheets. You sighed softly and stepped into the room as quiet as possible, making your way over to your side of the double bed. You kicked your small boots off and set them down before drawing the silky covers back and climbing into bed next to Michael. 

"Where's Gallant now?" Michael asked sleepily as he draped an arm over your body, pulling you closer to his.

"Back with the others." You responded softly as you grabbed his hand and intertwined your fingers with his.

"Why? He could have hurt someone before, or even killed Evie." Michael stated, his voice slightly raised at the thought of Gallant getting away with what happened. 

"I decided to show some compassion. It's a hard time Michael, for all of us." You cooed softly to Michael as you tried your best to calm him down. 

"Compassion that he doesn't deserve. I'll  be having a word with him tomorrow." Michael declared as you turned around to face Michael.

"There's no need, I dealt with it effectively." You added as you glanced at Michael.

"Alright if you say," Michael replied with a sigh as you straddled his hips. His hands snaked their way to your hips as you connected your lips to his in a passionate kiss; your hands placing themselves on both of his cheeks as he turned over, you now on the bottom.

"You want this, huh?" Michael spoke as you palmed him whilst Michael started to undress you. 

You nodded as you bit your lip, doing the same to Michael..

"Then I'll fuck you so hard, you won't be wanting it for a bit." He started kissing your clit, flicking it with his tongue fast. 

You moaned at the pleasure you were receiving, you bucked your hips forward maximizing the pleasure.

"Fuck, Michael!" You moaned out, your hands already wrapped in his hair. Michael ran a finger up and down your wet slit, drenching himself in your juices before thrusting his finger deep inside you causing you to scream out in pleasure. He added another finger, amping up the speed of the thrusts.

"You liking that, baby?" Michael cooed as he looked up at your body, weak at his touch.

You grabbed hold of his fingers and thrust them deeper inside you, hitting your g-spot. You threw your head back and moaned. He added another finger, intensifying the pleasure again now going faster and hitting your g-spot repeatedly with the three fingers.

Your legs and body twitched at the pleasure, your hands gripped the sheets as your stomach tightened as you edged closer to your climax.

"Cum baby." Michael cooed, softly into your ear, the words pushed you over the edge.  

"Fuck! ou moaned as you reached your high, your walls clenching around his fingers. Your juices flowed out of you as your legs trembled. 

Michael slid his fingers out, you opened your mouth requesting his fingers. He placed his fingers in your mouth as you licked yourself off them. You opened your mouth, letting them go.

"Turn around and get on your hands and knees," Michael said firmly, you did as he said. You turned onto your front and got yourself up. Michael unbuckled his belt and took his pants and boxers, his cock already hard. He grabbed his hard cock and ran it up and down your wet slit, drenching the tip in your juices. He pushed himself in slowly, you moaned, throwing your head back as he buried his cock in you. He grabbed your hips to steady himself and started thrusting in and out, first at a slow pace, teasing you.

"Michael.." You moaned. This turned him on, even more, he picked up the pace now slamming in and out of you. You felt your legs start to tremble as the vibrations trickled down your legs, you placed your hands on the top of the headboard to hold yourself up.

"Fuck.." You moaned loudly. He started going faster and faster, causing your stomach to tighten up, your legs almost caving in as you edged closer to your second orgasm. Michael leaned forward and grabbed hold of your tits, still slamming in and out of you.

The pleasure was too much for you to handle. Your legs gave out, you grasped onto the headboard as you came, just managing to keep yourself in the same position.

"Michael!" You screamed out as you came, your walls clenching tightly around his cock causing him to cum too. Yours and Michael's juices mixing. Michael pulled out and grabbed your weak body, pulling you into him as he pulled back the covers and threw them over.

You nestled into his chest as he held you in his arms whilst the pair of you caught your breath as you fell asleep, wrapped in Michael's arms.

[aurora-the-kunoichi]

For the Love of Shell - Chap 42

Next chappie for those who are reading this!

Here it is from the beginning for those who want to start! Filled with smut my loves

Chapter Forty Two – Betrayal of the Son

By now the palace was now overrun with guards searching for the Daimyo. The sound of the clanging metal of their armor was almost deafening. It had taken Ue-Sama far too long to order the palace searched for Aurora’s liking. Since she had shown up at the palace this morning Ue-Sama had been acting very bizarre. Particularly the kiss he forced onto her after the tournament. He was planning something, she could tell and now with the Daimyo’s disappearance it seemed to solidify her speculation. Now Mikey, Donnie and herself were slipping silently through the palace on their own mission, one being done under Ue-Sama’s nose.  

There was no sign of Ue-Sama when they pasted the dining room on their way to the lower levels. It was still in disarray with a few servants trying to clean up the damage. There was a knot forming in her stomach, she did not like this one bit. With the door to the basement in sight Donnie hurried forward and brought his giggles down over his eyes. His hand shot up and waved back signaling them of guards coming up the stairs. The three disappeared easily into the shadows waiting for their opening. With a loud clamor five more guards barreled up the stairs heading to the main hallway. Slipping silently down the poorly lit staircase to the basement and the dungeons, she noticed Mikey and Donnie staying close to her keeping her between them as they descended. They stopped at the first level scattering to cover more ground faster.

“Be careful, yell for us if you find anything or need help.” Donnie gazed down at her with a worried look while his large three fingered hand rested on her lower back.

“Will do.” With a half hearted smile she nodded to the two turtle brothers and ran in the opposite direction in search of any clue of the disappearance of the Daimyo and Splinter.

~~~~~~~~~~

Master Splinter groaned in discomfort as he came too. His skull felt like someone had cracked it open with a sledgehammer. He needed to rub his temples to release some of the pressure but found his arms immobile. In fact when he finally opened his eyes he found he was hanging from a brick wall in a dimly lit room by his wrists that were stretched painfully tight on either side of him. Due to the lack of height he was hanging suspended off the ground. His weight was pulling at his old limbs making the predicament even more excruciating.

A soft cough next to him alerted the old rat he wasn’t alone in his dilemma and his mind went to his dinner companion and the series of events that lead them to this dark musty room. They had been enjoying each other’s company about to start dinner when he tasted something foreign in his soup, something that wasn’t supposed to be there. Dropping his spoon his hands thrust forward disengaging the spoon from his friend’s hand toppling the bowl of soup with it.

Before he would warn the Daimyo about the unknown substance in their food they were attacked. Dark shadowy figured came from everywhere and converged in on them showing no mercy. They fought them as best they could but in the end there was too many and were knocked unconscious. Now in the present they found themselves at the mercy yet again of their captors.

“Splinter?” the groggy voice of the Daimyo hit his fury ears.

“Yes, my old friend I am here with you. It looks like we have found ourselves in quiet a predicament. I wonder who our host is?”

As if on cue a large hooded figure emerged from the shadows with bright red eyes glowing under the heavy hood.

“Who are you? Why have you done this?” The Daimyo scowled yanking on his confines. “Release us at once!”

Rough as gravel, a deep twisted laugh rumbled from the mysterious cloaked figure. The movements so smooth it seemed their captor floated across the room on air, stopping a few inches from the old rat. Two large scaled hands emerged from the large sleeves pushing back the hood.

“Draco!” Splinter hissed through clenched teeth.

“Yes you sniveling rat! How long I’ve waited for my revenge against you and this old fool. Years of planning and now my patience will be rewarded. I will take from you what you love the most in this life and rip ripe apart your son’s bodies using their bloody hollow shells as foot rests. And then after I’ve shown you their mutilated carcasses I will end you!” the red dragon spat at Splinter, his face mere inches from his.

The usual gentle features of the old ninjutsu master hardened and an ominous growl rolled from his lips, “You will not touch my sons.”

“Oh on the contrary you old fool, as we speak they are scattered around the grounds looking for you, two with that little bitch the young daimyo has his sights set on and your two eldest heading to the falls and right into my trap. I have several of my shadow minions at my disposal all ready to attack and dismember each and every one of your sons.”

“What of the woman?” the Daimyo quickly cut in, trying to pry a little more information out of Draco. “And why do you call my son young Daimyo?”

The dragons head snapped to the old man hanging from the wall just next to the giant rat, “Your son seems to have plans for her. He talks about some sort of power that she possesses that could help him. He covets your throne old man hoping having her at his side will solidify his place upon it. Either way it doesn’t matter. I will have my revenge then that brat can have his kingdom.”

The Daimyo’s eyes widened in shock, letting the dragon’s words roll over him. Again his wrists pulled at the metal shackles holding him to the wall. “M-my son……. Is behind this? How can that be?” the sorrow apparent in the old man’s voice trying desperately to hold onto the hope Draco was lying.  

“Your son is an idiot; he couldn’t orchestrate this by himself. He is an overgrown child throwing a tantrum that he can’t have the throne right now. The woman is something new though, he fell for her a year ago when she quiet literally fell into your laps. But there is no way she would be persuaded to go along with his plans; she’s too smart for his games and won’t do anything to hurt you. He just refuses to see it. So she will need to be eliminated as well. Which is a shame really, someone with powers would be convenient to have on my side. The idiot already tried wooing her by kissing her after the tournament today but she rejected him. He’s too blind to see she only has eyes for his son, the one in blue, Leonardo is it?” Draco’s red eyes shifted to Splinter. “But that is neither here nor there now and makes no difference. None of them will survive this. I need your son compliant so a strong headed woman is out of the picture.”

“They will find us and foil your plans. You will not succeed.” Splinter smiled; with Aurora at his son’s sides once again they would defeat Draco and Ue-Sama. He was sure of it.

“We will find out now won’t we, because the party is about to begin.”  

~~~~~~~~~

Aurora turned down another hallway searching the final group of rooms coming up with nothing, yet again. Each room she had checked her fingers skimmed over every nook and cranny for any hint of a hidden door. Someplace someone could hide two unwilling victims. Finishing with the last room she headed back to the stairs to meet up with Mikey and Donnie.

With her mind spinning with worry she didn’t hear the shadow ninja creep up behind her. By the time she sensed it’s presences it was too late. A hand reached out grasping her long hair pulling her back and down to the ground. Her shriek of surprise echoed through the halls reaching the sensitive ears of Donnie and Mikey but unfortunately they too were in their own battle for their lives. Surrounded by several dark shadowy ninjas Donnie reached for his com calling for his older brothers.

“Don?” the familiar calm voice of their leader came over the speaker on his shoulder.

“Leo we’ve been ambushed in the bowels of the palace. We need back up.” Donnie called into his com anxiously blocking a blow with his bo staff. “They came out of nowhere and have no faces! They look like shadows!”

Knee deep in the falls high above the palace Leo and Raph stopped in their tracks listening to their genius brother in distress. They had come up empty, no tracks or any kind of clues to the whereabouts of Master Splinter and the Daimyo, when Donatello’s frantic call came over their coms.

“Donnie are you alright? Where is Mikey and Aurora? Are they with you?”

After a few seconds Donatello came back over the com, his labored breath telling them it was imperative they hurry. “Mikey is just outside in the hallway with his own party of ninjas. And I don’t know where Aurora is but we did hear her scream a few minutes ago. We can’t get to her! Mikey!!!” then the com went eerily silent.

“Don! Donnie! Are you there?! Donatello!!” Leo felt his heart jump into his throat and looked to Raph with terror in his eyes. They were in trouble and needed their help.  

Raph heard the fear in his brother’s voice making the already burning rage inside him increase to an uncontainable inferno. The grips on his sai tightened and he caught his brother’s eyes that held the same wild fury. Someone had kidnapped their father and now were attacking their two younger brothers and Aurora. But then like a light switch Leo’s demeanor changed and lunged forward tackling his larger brother into the water.

Bursting from the surface Raph tried pushing Leo from him, “What the shell Le…..oh!” his eyes immediately narrowed in on the kunai now rooted deep into the top of Leonardo’s shell. Leo had just saved his life for the thousandth time. Reaching up he pulled the offending item from his brother’s shell and they both scrambled to their feet pulling their weapons out. Just like Donnie had described them, they looked on in shock at the weird shadow figures surrounding them. There had to be at least 40 of them closing in on them fast and it didn’t seem like they wanted to play nice.  

“Shell, looks like they’re not getting the back they need.” Leo growled readying his katana.

Raphael readied himself as three of the figures launched themselves at him bringing down their weapons on his waiting sai. With a grunt he took the brunt of the force faltering on the slimy rocks below the surface of the water.  “Looks like we might need that back up now.”

Reeling back Donnie swung his electrified bo staff forward connecting with two of the ninjas sending them flailing against the wall disintegrating like a puff of cigarette smoke in the wind. The last of his attackers were beside him but with expert balance his long leg shot up colliding with its head making it explode in a cloud of smoke. Without skipping a beat he headed out to help his little brother who was on the ground holding off three of the shadowy figures with his nunchaku.

“DONNIE?!” they both heard Aurora shriek from farther away then they’d like.

Mikey’s gaze snapped to Donnie and they both took action. With a swift kick of his legs Mikey sent the three assailants over his body crumbling to the ground. With the momentum of his legs coming down and his pelvis rolling up into the swing he was on his feet. Then Mikey and Donnie took care of the rest of the dark ninjas with a swift determination to get to their friend in trouble.

Taking off towards the sound of Aurora’s worried cry, they hurried through the halls in search of her. They could hear sounds of metal on metal and exasperated grunts from beyond the bend. Before they rounded the corner two of the shadowy ninjas came sailing out into view colliding with the wall. Taking the corner, they saw her pressed against the wall, eight figures on her ready to drive a tanto blade through her heart.

“A little help guys!” she cried out ripping a hand from one of the them punching it in the face.

They were on them in a second ripping Aurora’s attackers from her body one by one. Mikey lurched forward grabbing the blade poised for her heart and threw it down the empty hallway, the sound of the metal clanging across the ground echoed in the large halls.

Aurora took advantage of the distraction and placed her feet on the wall and pushed forward taking three of the ninjas with her. The back of their heads slammed into the hard surface of the wall behind them making them disappear beneath her momentum. She caught herself before she fell to the floor getting her feet under her. “They’re skilled but break easily. I’ve never seen anything like them; it was like I was fighting shadows of smoke. What the hell are these things?” Aurora groaned picking up her blades taking care of another ninja.

Donnie electrocuted the last one ending their current fight. Mikey went to Aurora making sure she was alright. His eyes moved over her body assessing damages, touching and pushing at her skin.

Her fingers found his quickly easing his overzealous attention to a halt. “I’m fine Mikey.” Aurora tried her best not to be too cold with the two brothers but didn’t want to act like them being together in this moment felt right. She couldn’t let herself get used to their presences; this was a temporary mission to save the Daimyo and Master Splinter. After this was over Leo would no doubt end this as well.

“They put up quite a fight, we must be getting close.” Donnie calmly stated using his goggles to scan for heat signatures on the level they were still on.

“Agreed, let’s move to the lower level.” Aurora moved around Mikey who was still looking at her hopeful. His baby blues tore at her soul, she wanted to tell him all would be alright but time was of the essence and they needed to move.

The three of them descended to the lowest level of the palace, this time sticking together. The silence that hung around the dungeon was a bit unsettling. No guards what so ever nor any prisoners. The uneasy feeling within each of them grew. This was too easy.

“Shell!” Donnie broke the eerie calm. “I called Leo for back up a while ago; he should have been here by now.” His fingers flew to his com calling for his older brother. No response came so Donnie called again this time for Raphael. Still nothing, a deafening silence that made the already chilly dungeon seem suddenly colder. “I don’t like this.”

~~~~~~~~~

Draco landed another blow to Splinters jaw continuing his unrelenting assault on the old rat. With each strike the metal chains moaned from the sudden movement of the body it held. Blood was running down the dark fur of the old sensei’s mouth but showed no sign of discomfort.  The Daimyo beside him pleaded with the large dragon to stop his assault but if fell on deaf ears as another hit connected with Splinters gut.

Without warning several dark cloaked ninjas appeared behind the angry dragon. His attacks ended as one whispered in his ear. The smug smile slipped from his face into a frustrated scowl.

“They’re down here already?! They took out how many of you? SIMPILTONS!! Yes, send more to stop them! I can’t have them ending this plan just as it begins!” as quickly as they came the ninjas vanished into the shadows leaving the dragon with his two helpless prisoners. Reaching to the wall he grabbed the cloak he had removed when he started his assault on Master Splinter and swung it back around his shoulders lifting the hood to conceal his face once more. “You’re lucky I have other things to attend too you old fools, but I will be back to finish this. I have some turtle flesh to filet.” His wicked eyes flashed and retreated out the hidden door in the wall leaving them alone.

“My friend! Are you alright?” the daimyo immediately called to his battered friend. A soft cough alerted him to fact the old rat was still in fact breathing. The chains creaked when Splinter shifted uncomfortably spitting out a mouthful of blood.  

“Am I my friend, a little worse for wear but I am alive. Do not worry my sons will free us, they will stop this madness.”

“They have too.” The daimyo started. “If they try and use the war staff without proper training they will bring upon destruction to this dimension and all who reside here.”    

~~~~~~~~~~

The pull for air made his lungs burn as Leo fought the many hands that held his body submerged under the current of the river feeding the massive waterfall several feet down stream. There was far too many of these shadow ninjas for Raph and himself to defeat. They seemed to come out of nowhere like the never ending flow of water they fought in.  

It had been almost an hour since Donnie had called them for help and they were ambushed on top of the waterfall. He hoped all three of them were alright. They had to be, he didn’t know what he would do if he lost his two younger brothers and Aurora. But the way things were looking they might lose him, there were so many on top of him keeping his head below the water drowning him. The strength was leaving him as the lack of oxygen to his brain began to affect his dexterity, he was losing this fight.

~~~~~~

Aurora could feel it, something was horribly wrong. More wrong then what was happening in the dungeon with Donnie, Mikey and herself fighting off an infinite flow of these damn ninja. Every cell in her body was on alert, something else was happening, something was happening to Leonardo and Raphael.

“Guys!” she screamed over the thunder of clanging metal and grunts. “We have to get to Leo and Raph! Something’s wrong!” Blocking another tirade of attacks Aurora flipped up landing just behind the shadows slicing through them with her katana.  

As Donnie fought his goggles scanned the walls for false walls and air drafts. They had to be down here judging by the massive assault they were receiving. Then something flashed in his goggles when he turned to deliver a shock from his bo staff. Quickly turning back he saw two warm bodies behind the wall, a large form and a smaller one hanging midair.

“There!” Donnie screamed pointing to the small wall just a few feet from where Aurora was.

Immediately Aurora sprang for the wall feeling with her hands for anything to open the hidden door all the while keeping the growing mass of ninjas as bay.  Out the corner of her eye she saw the blade gliding through the air aimed for her throat, determined to hit it’s mark with extreme prejudice. Before it could find its target the hilt of Mikey’s nunchaku stopped its momentum pushing back the assailant.

“I got your back angel cakes!” the orange banded turtle smiled at her while taking down anther ninja with his band hands.

The battle in the dingy basement was deafening, she couldn’t hear herself think. A shove behind her sent her sprawling against the cold brink of the wall she was searching. But with a stroke of luck the hit brought her fingers in contact for the latch for the door making the brick door shift open revealing the entrance to the hidden cell.

The heavy scrapping of the brick door opening brought the Daimyo’s and Spinsters eyes to the entrance of their confinement.  Expecting the tall hooded dragon to appear they were surprised by two spinning blades followed by Aurora as she fought her way in.

Her eyes snapped to the old men hanging on the wall. The state Master Splinter was in sent her blood boiling. Battered and broke he was bleeding from several parts of his old furry body; someone had worked him over pretty good. Thankfully the Daimyo looked unharmed for the most part besides a busted lip and his white hair askew. “Donnie! Mikey!” she bellowed ending the five ninja currently before her. Whoever had hurt Master Splinter would pay, would pay dearly.

@imthegreenfairy88​ @bluesakurablossom​ @ravn-87​ @alonia143​ @tmnt-bucklover​

[missbeautyandherbeast]

Nightmares

Raphael X Biker!Reader

Part One     Part Two

Summary: Tomorrow arrives at your doorstep... but Raph doesn’t. Instead another brother does that leads to a perilous night out. 

A/N: Woo! Part three! This one is a bit more angsty but cute and well, who doesn’t love some good angst? I love you guys so much and all of the feedback that you offer. Always keep fighting. 

Tags: @brightlotusmoon @boatloadsofheart @legandarybeauty@crazywritingbug @bitch-kms @ravn-87 @just-a-casual-fangirl-011@unicornjoos @stuckoutsideofthebox @ilikestuffproductions@whygz @coffee-addicti@sugarspooks15@leslieebee@serperiorkb@blossom-skies@fantastical-67impala-fangirl@coresan @big-banging-red@iceprincess2019 @raphaeladdict @thirstyforvenom@merindagriese @depressedemo-152 @bengewatch @corabmarie@bitemebro522 @tmnt-queen @muleka-loka @violet-sky-96 @curadopordeus @artemismohr18 @thewhisperpen@xjupitermoonsx @bisexualbumblebeesstuff@merindagriese@oceans-daughter-3 @dixonreedusfangirlforever @shanidenise @thegayestfish441 @lovelyyroseee @yourlieberhoe @dolphincommander @molzies-fanfics @fuzzy-panda @msmcsmutt

Music played softly as it rained again, and I waited by an unlocked window. Some part of my memory knew that he would be here, though I couldn’t tell what the truth happened to be or what happened to be a dream. It all seemed like a dream to me. A wonderful dream.

A knock interrupted my thoughts as I opened the window, expecting one turtle and getting another.

“Leo?” I asked curiously. “What’s... why are you here?”

“Is Raph here?” He demanded; his eyes swept my apartment not even looking at me as he talked.

“No?” I frowned. “What the hell is going on?”

“Raph went out tonight and he hasn’t been back, and I assumed he was here.”

“No,” I shook my head, fear growing in my chest for my lost rider. “Give me a minute, I’ll help you look,” I arrived at the conclusion.

“You can’t. Not in this weather, it’s not safe,” Leo scolded. “You stay here.”

“Damn it, Leo! I can do what I want when I want, and you know you need me out there! You know I know him better!”

Cold blue eyes met mine, but I dug my heels in. Nothing would sway me from this. Looking for Raph became my number one priority.

“Meet at the alley in twenty minutes. Donnie will get you connected with the rest of us.” Leo didn’t meet my eyes as he ducked out the window. “And whatever happens to you is not on me.”

With that he vanished.

“Gee, thanks,” I mocked at the window and quickly changed for the ride ahead, my anxiety racing out of control as I muttered to myself the questions that I needed answers to. 

The one above them all: Where was Raphael?

I didn’t enjoy riding in the rain, it was cold and wet and hurt if you went fast enough, but I’d do it for him. Anything for my reckless rider. Sliding my helmet on, I sped off.

I arrived at the alley way and like Leo said, Donatello stood, equipment in hand.

“Hello,” He greeted, stammering slightly, “This will connected to your com system that you have set up and will pick up our radio frequency,”

I unlatched my helmet and handed it over, running a hand through my hair as the rain started to soak it through.

“Do you have any idea where he would be?” I asked as the turtle in purple worked quickly.

“Your guess is probably better than mine,” He muttered. “I figured that you would be the first place he went to after fighting with Leo,”

That was new information. That Leo conveniently left out.

“Fighting with Leo? About what?” I pressed, urgently. “Please Donnie this is important. If I’m going to find him... I need to know what happened.”

_____________________________

“You’re not going out tonight. There’s no need.” Leo stood in front of his brother.

“Get out of my way Leo,” Raph muttered. “I’ll be fine,”

“It’s too dangerous!” Leo shouted.

“And since when do you care whether I get hurt or not? Since when do you stop me from going out? Who do you think you are?” Raph stalked up to his brother agitated.

“Since you met her.” Leo answered coolly. “She’s dangerous,”

Raph scoffed and almost laughed as he paced away, growing more aggravated as each second passed.

“She’s not dangerous! Are you fucking kidding me!?” Raph pulled out his sais: a reflex. 

“Even now, she’s turning you against me,” Leo circled with his brother, keeping a distance.

“No, I’m pretty sure you’re doing that all on your own fearless,” Raph snarled. “So, don’t you dare go blaming her,”

“You think she actually wants to see you Raphael? We don’t belong in her world and she doesn’t belong in ours,” Leo hissed.

“Oh yeah, and it was okay for you to go after Karai! Sure! That makes total sense!” Raph roared.

“Karai was forced into our world! Are you really selfish enough to make her belong in ours!?” Now Leo had his blades drawn.

“We don’t belong anywhere Leo! But she’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to belonging, even when it’s with you three,”

“We are your family!” Leo shouted.

“Then fucking act like it!” Raph yelled, fighting back tears.

He had to get away. He had to get to you. You would know what to say, or at least what to do... or maybe you could give him solace from it all.

So, he took off and didn’t look back.

 ________________________________

I stared at Donnie in shock as he handed me back my helmet after testing it. 

“And Leo had the nerve to...” I growled slipping it back on.

“He went to apologize,” Donnie tried to soothe my fury.

“Oh, I’m sure he did,” My voice dripped venom through the comm.

“Yo! Y/n!” Another voice chimed in over the headset in my helmet. It had to be Mikey, the only brother I hadn’t met face to face yet.

“Hey Mikey,” I gritted out, taking a left down Jefferson.

The wind and rain picked up step, making it hard to see. But I had a good idea of where I was going, a few ideas actually.

I sped to the tunnels, slowing as I reached the outskirts, killing my engine and slipping of my helmet.

“Raph!?” I called into the hollow caverns.

No response. I growled and dove back out into the storm.

“Do you guys see anything!?” I demanded over the intercom.

“Nothing,” Leo’s voice held an air of calm and collected.

Oh, I was so going to punch him in the face next time I saw him.

My next destination located itself in the middle of the Brooklyn bridge. Raph and his bike were nowhere to be found. Huffing, I set off again.

“Come on Raph,” I muttered. “Where are you?”

My hope waning, with one more spot left on my mental checklist, I turned carefully and headed towards the outskirts of the city. To a place Raph had never been. A road I had taken what seemed like months ago, leading him out of the city lights.

The city ways quickly became dense forest.

“Come on Raph, please,” Tears of fear and worry started to blur my vision. “Please, come back to me,”

I slowed my bike, having to. Through the rain and my tears, there was no other option. On the side of the road, I got off my bike, and took off my helmet, leaving them on the side of the road as I started to keep walking down the dark road.

“Raph!”

Stupid seemed like a good word to describe what I was doing.

Soaked to the bone, my tears fell freely.

What was I doing?

I was alone on a road, with no hope of finding a way back until the rain cleared, looking for someone who didn’t want to be found in the entirety of New York and I had nothing to go on.

“Please,” I begged to no one. 

“Y/n!?”

I almost dropped in relief. 

“Raph?” I called.

“What the hell are you doing out here?” He was beside me instantly, his figure shielding the rain that seemed to be coming in sideways with the wind.

_________________________________

“What are you doing out here!?” She shouted back. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere! Why... what the hell were you thinking!?” Her voice sounded raw as tears mixed with the rain.

“You’ve been looking for me? In this? Y/n, were you seriously riding in this!” Raphael’s voice rose.

“What else was I supposed to do! Leo came to me; said you were gone! Then Donnie told me about what happened and God Raph!” Trembles racked her frame as she continued to yell. “Do you know how worried I’ve been!? How scared that something happened to you!?”

In a desperate attempted to stop shaking, her arms wrapped themselves around her frame. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and hold her close, to give her comfort.

He never thought that she would care enough to come out looking for him. Or why the hell Leo would go to her of all people.

“I’m... sorry Y/n,” He mumbled, barely audible above the howling wind.

“Please, come home,” She shivered. He could see her paling and her lips turning blue.

“No, we’re gonna get you home, and dry, and warm,” Raph, against his better judgement again, picked her up and walked over to where her bike waited.

Sitting her in front of him, helping her with her helmet, he tore off down the road, back to the city. Back somewhere where he could get her warm and safe.

__________________________________

Whimpers let my lips against my will as I shuddered from the bitter cold. I could hear voices over the comm, but the words didn’t make much sense... not that I paid much attention.

Every cell in my body was screaming to get warm, and fast. I barely processed the effort it took to stay on the bike until Raphael pulled up to my apartment complex.

With head he lifted me and climbed the fore escape, forcing my window open.

I collapsed in the warmth, against him and his warmth. His face was fuzzy... everything was fuzzy. I tried to blink the haze from my eyes, but soon my eyelids were too heavy to reopen.

__________________________________

“Donnie get over here and fix her,” Raph hissed into his comm. 

“Raph?” The three brothers all responded.

“Yes. Donnie, she passed out from being in the rain and cold too long and I need your help,” He growled, trying to keep his panic and worry to a minimum.

He had already stripped her riding jacket, shoes and socks, and currently, he cradled her in his lap cocooned in her throw blankets. Anything to give her warmth.

Donnie was ducking in through the window in minutes, and his brother looked at the limp girl in his arms and got to work. Taking her pulse and checking her vitals, Donnie seemed to relax.

“She’s in a stable condition, just a bit of hypothermia. What you were doing is what you should have been and need to keep doing until she wakes up and can shower and get dry clothes,” Donnie spoke softly.

Raph nodded, and his brother neared the window, hesitating slightly before ducking out into the driving rain.

Raphael held her closer in his arms as he moved to sitting on the floor, trying to keep himself together. He didn’t want to lose her, not like this. And he didn’t want to admit that maybe Leo was right... she didn’t belong in his world; she could get hurt... or worse.

But her eyebrows furrowed as her eyes fluttered open, and he knew that there couldn’t be any other place that he belong except right there.

.

.

Like my stuff? Here’s my masterlist!

[rottmntquotes]

Getting Along

"This. Is the dumbest thing. In the world."

"That is the only thing I will ever agree with you with."

Loud clanking drew the attention of Leo and Draxum, both males growling as Mikey locked the duo into a medium-sized dungeon. Around them, dim lights clicked on, revealing a series of puzzles strewn around the room. A faint, continuous dripping noise was accompanied by a harsh wind, setting the mood for the room. Despite their annoyance, Draxum and Leo admitted that they were impressed by the setup, but their annoyance soon returned as the sound of an intercom screeching overpowered everything else.

"Now boys, I think we all know why you two are in this situation." Mikey's tone was calm, conveying that he was deep into his Dr. Feelings persona. Leo rolled his eyes, leaning against a table, and yelping as it fell apart. While still in shock, Leo took a look at the wood, suddenly taking notice of its soaking wet, dilapidated state. "Sorry Leo, I guess I went a little far on this. But don't be too mad. I promise that the table will be the least of your worries when you and Draxum are talking about father-son stuff every day!"

"I'm sorry, ex-squeeze me?" Leo looked up at the intercom, a look of disgust on his face. "I am not going to talk to Baron Draxum like he's my dad!"

"Leo, don't be like that! Can't you see that he's trying?" Mikey huffed, crossing his arms from his hidden place outside of the room. "You're going to have to get along with Draxum one way or another, and if I have to make that happen by forcing you two to do so whilst trying to work through an escape room, then that's how it's going to be!"

Leo groaned, standing up and wiping himself down the best he could. Much to his dismay, Leo still had mud strewn along his body, and he hissed quietly, stimming in response to the feeling. Draxum raised a brow at the actions, noticing how Leo's scales raised slightly, and grimacing as Leo's tail flew back and forth aggressively. Above them, Mikey was busy explaining what he wanted to happen, completely aware of the fact that he was being ignored.

"So, did you two get all of that?" Draxum and Leo shot their attention towards the intercom once again, shouting in protest as Mikey started announcing that he was going to leave them alone. When the intercom made a final screeching sound, Draxum and Leo started looking around, trying to see if they could put everything together.

"Okay, let's see... we have... some puzzles... some locks... and a- is that a Morse code translator thingy?" Leo asked, tapping the small machine shakily. "What is this for?!"

"Ugh, simple child. Do you have no brain cells? This is a dungeon, and there are puzzles everywhere! It's obvious that they all interconnect in some way!" Draxum massaged the middle of his forehead, letting out a deep breath before pressing his hands together. "Listen, Leonardo; if we want to get out of here, we are going to need to work together. Meaning we need to put aside our differences and get through this as quickly as possible."

"That sounds like a plan! The faster we get out of here, the sooner I can get away from you!" A soft whooshing sound was emitted from Leo's flapping hands, and he groaned and whimpered with every second that passed without progress. Draxum rolled his eyes, beginning to walk around and looking for any clues on where to start first. It took a few minutes, but the goat Yokai eventually found the first clue, reading over a small card that instructed him on how to unlock a nearby chest.

"Leonardo! Fetch me the model of the Stick of Vibarion!" Draxum ordered, looking back at the Slider when no response was given. It was then Draxum realized that Leo had climbed under a table, whispering to himself and sweating excessively.

"You're gonna get out of here. He isn't your dad. You're gonna get out of here. He isn't your dad." This chant was repeated for five solid minutes before Draxum got tired of waiting and retrieved the object for himself. For nearly an hour Draxum worked through the room quickly, paying no attention to Leo whatsoever. "Don't take the high ground. Don't take the high ground. Don't take the high ground."

"Ugh! Leonardo, I don't mean to sound rude, but when you're done refusing to help, I would very much appreciate it if you at least attempted to do something!" Draxum shouted, looking back at Leo angrily. The Yokai merely received a hiss in return, and he held back a few choice words, deciding that Leo wasn't worth it. "And Michelangelo wonders why I threw you off a roof."

With that comment, almost as if it were a horrible spell, Leo let out a loud battle cry, leaping out from his place under the table and unsheathing his Ōdachi. With surprising speed, Draxum summoned a large vine, wrapping it around Leo's waist with his own battle cry. Effective immediately, Leo started panicking, dropping his weapon and attempting to do everything possible to escape his new confines.

"STOP! STOP! I'M SORRY! DON'T THROW ME AGAIN! PLEASE!" Leo sobbed, clawing at the vine frantically. "TAKE THE BUGS! TAKE THE BUGS!"

Upon realizing what was happening, Draxum gently sat Leo onto the ground, crouching down and instinctively drawing Leo into an awkward hug. "Hush now, young one. I do not intend to make the same decision again."

"No... no... take the bugs... take the bugs..." Leo cried, shaking intensely, even as he was slowly calmed by Draxum's heavy heartbeat. "Take the bugs... take the bugs... take... take the... bugs..."

Draxum let out a relieved sigh at Leo's steady breaths, and he picked Leo up, unsure of what else to do. After he did so, a sharp 'click!' resonated through the room, and the room's door opened up slowly. Once the door was opened completely, Draxum grimaced at the sight of Mikey standing in the doorway with a large smile on his face.

"So... did you two bond?" Mikey asked smugly, holding his hands behind his shell.

"I will not give you the satisfaction of knowing the answer." Draxum spat, storming towards the door with Leo still in his arms. "And you will speak of this to no one."

"Sure, sure. But where are you going?"

"Your brother and I need to work a few more things out." Draxum turned his head to glance at Mikey, the grimace never leaving, but mixing with a bit of a smile. "And as his father, the best way to do that is to have some one-on-one time in a place that gives him comfort."

"You're taking him to your apartment, aren't you?" Mikey asked, giggling when Draxum snorted and walked away swiftly. "And there goes yet another win for Dr. Feelings."

.

.

.

"And now for Dr. Delicate Touch to talk some sense into Pops for hating on Draxum after all he's done to redeem himself..."

[philthepegacornfics]

I completely understand if you can’t get to it and I promise I won’t be upset If you don’t do it because I get it. Could you please do one where Michael and the reader had the boys babysit their kid and when they get home, Calum, Ash, and Luke admit that they lost the kid when they started playing hide and seek? Again, you don’t have to! But thank you for saying I could!

So, I’m just going to talk about this and my thoughts. Idk if I can actually write it. But if it gets enough notes and people wanting it actually written, I’ll revisit this. This turned out longer than I thought because I kinda half wrote it.

You and Michael have a beautiful daughter named Yuna. She has your hair colour and Mikey’s eyes. She’s two years old now, and the three of you couldn’t be happier.

The only issue is that you and Michael haven’t been able to find time for a proper date in over a year. Between both of you working and raising Yuna, there just hasn’t been time.

A couple of months ago, you and Mikey picked a date. Promising each other that you’d make it work and actually go on a date. And today is the day! Both of you couldn’t be more excited.

Michael left early in the day to crank out some studio time with the boys. You’re watching Yuna play with her toys when you get a call from your babysitter. She’s been throwing up, and she doesn’t want to get Yuna sick. With a deflated heart, you call Michael.

Working in the studio, Michael’s phone goes off. He had excused himself to the restroom. Ashton decides to be nosy and see who’s calling. When he see’s your name pop up on the screen, he gets concerned. You never call while they’re working unless it’s an emergency.

He answers with a quick, “What’s wrong, (Y/n)?”

This catches Luke and Calum’s attention. They move over to Ashton who in turn puts you on speaker.

“Hey Ash. Where’s Michael?” you sound depressed.

“Yeah, he just in the bathroom-” Ash starts to answer.

“Is Yuna okay?” Calum asks.

“Yuna is fine,” you give a half-hearted chuckle at their concern.

“Then what’s going on?” Luke presses.

“Remember Michael’s and my big date? Well our sitter just called out sick. She’s really good with Yuna and I don’t know where we can find another one. Let alone one that we can trust.”

The boys fall silent as they look among themselves.

“We’ll watch her!” Ashton finally speaks up excitedly.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to cancel plans because of us.”

“I don’t know about these losers, but I was just going to stay home anyways. I’d love to see Yuna,” Calum argued.

“I haven’t seen her in awhile. It’s time she gets a visit from Uncle Ash,” Ashton added.

“You and Michael deserve a night off,” Luke offered.

“Oh thank you guys so much!” you cried with joy.

The boys and you said goodbye and hung up as Michael got back from the restroom.

“What’re you doing with my phone?” Mike asks, looking at the suspiciously. 

They fill him in on the conversation you just had.

Now it’s time for the date. You’re a little nervous to leave and go over the instruction on her routine, what was for dinner, and if anything goes wrong to call you or Michael.

“Stop stressing, (Y/n). We got this!” Ash shushes you.

“Between the three of us, what could go wrong?” Luke soothes.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Thank you again for doing this,” you apologize.

You and Michael give kisses to Yuna, who is clinging on to Calum. After saying bye to everyone, you head out on your well deserved date.

It’s been a couple of hours since you and Mike left. Yuna was playing with her toys again after just eating her dinner. The boys sat on the couch watching her play, bored out of their minds. Suddenly Yuna runs up to them.

“Hide’n seek!” she demanded.

Ash awed as he picked her up and put her on his lap. “You want us to play hide and seek with you?”

She nods her head.

“Why don’t you, Uncle Cal, and Uncle Luke hide? I’ll count.”

“Okay!” she crawled off of his lap.

They all laugh as Luke and Cal get off of the couch.

“No peeking!” Yuna whined.

“You heard the lady, no peeking,” Calum teases as Yuna stuck her tongue out.

Ash shakes his head and covers his closed eyes with his hands. As he was about to start counting, Yuna starts screaming.

He quickly opens his eyes to see Luke was trying to grab her hand.

“Yuna, we got to go hide,” Luke tries to talk over her.

“I can hide myself!” she screams.

“Yes, you can. You’re a big enough girl,” Ashton soothes her.

She smiles and Luke looks defeated.

Ashton covers his eyes again and counts to fifteen. “Ready or not, here I come!” 

First he looks behind the couch he was sitting on. No one was there, so he moves on. Scanning through the house, he doesn’t see anyone. He realized, he was going to have to put more effort than he thought.

Luke is the first one found, bent over in a closet so he’d fit. Next was Calum who was found in the tub, behind a shower curtain. The three of them work together to check under beds and open other closet doors. But they can’t find Yuna.

You and Michael return an hour later. As you walk up the front porch, you both are grinning ear to ear. You pause in front of the door, basking in each other’s presence.

“We really need to do this more, Mikey.”

“Yes we do, Kitten,” he leans down and kisses you.

Suddenly the door opens. You can hear Ashton’s voice from the other room yelling, “She’s not outside, I would’ve noticed if she went out there!”

Michael and you pull away from each other to see it was Calum who opened the door. He started at both of you wide-eyed before quickly slamming the door back shut. You and Michael shoot each other glances before opening the door to see what that was all about.

As you make your way inside, you see that the house is torn apart. The couch cushions are on the floor and the coffee table has been moved. You look past the living room towards the kitchen. You can tell that every cupboard and drawer has been opened. Some dishes were on the kitchen floor as well.

“What the hell happened?!”

Michael instinctively put his hand on your shoulder at the sound of your voice to calm you down. Calum stood in the corner of the living room watching your reaction.

“Everybody get in here!” you yelled.

Too slowly for your liking, Ashton and Luke filed in. Calum moved closer to them. They all stood before you.

“Explain.”

“You see-” Ashton started.

“We lost Yuna!” Luke cut him off.

“WHAT?!”

“What do you mean you lost Yuna?” Michael’s voice was a lot calmer than yours.

“YOU LOST MY DAUGHTER?!”

None of them would look at you. Guilt overwhelming them.

“We were playing hide and seek,” Calum explained.

“She refused to hide with me,” Luke looked like he was about to cry.

You let out a deep breath. Of course she wanted to play hide and seek. Michael trailed his down from your shoulder to you hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze before saying, “I’ll go get her.”

The boys gave confused looks. They checked everywhere! How could you just know where she was?

You keep taking deep breaths, trying to calm down. Your little girl was fine. Michael comes back in no time carrying Yuna. Her face was buried into his neck as she was half asleep. Luke, Calum, and Ashton sighed with relief.

“Hi Yuna,” you cooed at the sight of her. “Did you have fun with your uncles?”

Yuna simply nodded her head against Mikey’s neck.

"Where was she?" Luke asked looked flabbergasted.

"Her favourite hiding spot," I shrugged.

"WHERE?!" They all ask.

"She buries herself in our laundry basket. It seems you were looking for so long she fell asleep."

Luke let's out a small laugh, Ashton face palms, and Calum threw his hands up in defeat.

“Alright, let’s get you to bed,” Michael whispered to her.

He then moved to each of the boy. All wished her a goodnight and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. Michael then moved to me, I gave her a kiss on the cheek. Promising her that we’ll play dress up tomorrow.

As Mikey walked out of the room with Yuna, you turn to the boys and started ordering them to clean up the house. They all started to groan.

“I want this house cleaner than I left it.”

“Yes, ma’am.” “Fine.” “Honestly, that’s fair.” They all spoke at once.

[hemmoangel]

“Twitch Thot Luke” pt 2.

Word Count: 2,086

Warnings: SMUT BABY

A/N: I REALLY want to make this a series so...enjoy

——————————————————————————

Michael told Luke he was crazy for agreeing to meet with a patron, and so what if there was a high possibility of Ashton being a catfish? Luke wanted someone to say those wonderful things to him in person. In fact, the whole reason he had created his Twitch was because he felt lonely. Michael had a boyfriend, and he was always busy going on dates. But Luke had no one except the old guys who sent him money for showing his body.

He wore a soft, blue sweater and jeans that hugged his body nicely, and he waited at a back table with his flat white in hand. He hoped Ashton would recognize him. His hair wasn’t pulled up in the usual bun. It was down and cradled his soft face.

Luke had been in the coffee shop for thirty minutes; his palms were sweating with worry. Maybe Ashton ditched him? Maybe it was all in his head, and he was insane? He stayed at the table though, watching the door open and close with new customers.

Luke shifted uncomfortably and played with the strings on his sweater. He checked his phone to see if Ashton had sent him a Snapchat. He had no luck, only a thousand likes on his new post and a few texts from Michael.

From Mikey:

If you die, I’ll have to throw a funeral!

From Mikey:

Be safe! Plz!

Luke sighed and went to respond to Michael when he heard a sweet, melodic voice.

“A flat white for Ashton, please.”

It was soft and almost different to the one on the phone last night, but Ashton was just as ruggedly handsome. His black curls were softer, and his lips were pouty and kissable. Luke liked the way he dressed too. He looked like a musician: leather jacket, worn t-shirt, and black pants suited the image Luke had for him. Luke felt his knees quiver when he stood up, and he might have fallen in love when their eyes met.

“Ashton?” Luke asked with a small smile.

“Luke.” He answered, giving him a smile back.

“Come sit here,” He motioned to the lonely table in the back. Ashton got his drink and quickly walked over.

“Wow, Luke. You’re even more beautiful in person...” Ashton said immediately. He had no filter. Luke assumed that men who liked him didn’t need one.

“Thank you,” Luke blushed. “You like flat whites too?”

“I do,” Ashton made an awful lot of eye contact. It gave Luke heart palpitations.

“I...um...no one’s ever spoken to me the way you do. It’s as if you know me so well for a stranger,” Luke’s fingers twitched to touch the large hand across from his own.

“I’ve watched all of your videos, Luke. I have dreamed of meeting you since I saw you. You are the perfect boy. So sweet and gentle...pretty eyes and lips. And baby, that ass of yours...sorry to be crass, but—“ Ashton sighed, laughing a little at Luke’s little grin. “Yeah, you know you’re pretty. Don’t you?”

Luke gushed, “Not in the way you say it,” He giggled.

“Well, yeah. You’re also such a tease...” Ashton mumbled.

“I don’t mean to be. I have to make money somehow!” They spoke as if they had known each other forever.

“If you were mine, money wouldn’t be a problem, bunny.” Ashton reached out and caressed Luke’s cheek. Luke leaned into it.

“Bunny,” He giggled in an Ashton-trance. “I made my Twitch kind of in search of a boyfriend.”

“Nobody else could do what I plan to do to you,” Ashton assured. Luke bit his lip.

“Mmm what? You wouldn’t tell me last night...” Luke blushed across his nose.

“I’ll give you a hint: pillow prince.” Ashton smirked. Luke melted and leaned closer to Ashton subconsciously.

“Oh, please,” He whimpered.

“You’re too easily flustered. Wow.” Ashton smirked.

Luke nodded in response and looked at Ashton, biting his pretty lip. Ashton pulled it from his teeth instantly. “I’m gonna stop that little habit right now unless you want me to fuck you in a public restroom.”

“I’ll take what I can get,” Luke explained. “I need someone to take care of me. My friend Michael said I might get murdered, but I knew in my heart you were different. You were my Twitch miracle.”

“You’re cute and sweet. That’s like a trap,” Ashton laughed softly.

“Hopefully it works,” Luke winked.

They finished their drinks with continuous flirting, and Luke ended up caressing Ashton’s leg with his foot. Luke could tell that Ashton pretended not to notice it, but when they were outside he immediately held Luke’s waist.

“Is this alright with you?” He smirked.

Luke nodded rapidly.

Ashton held him to his side. “How’d you get here?”

“Taxi,” Luke said, in that dazed voice again.

“Let’s go to your place,” Ashton whispered.

“Yeah, my place,” Luke giggled.

So, Luke gave Ashton his address, and Ashton drove him there. He was pleased to find Luke’s room as twinky as he always imagined. The infamous pink PC and gaming area were set up to the far right by the window, and the kitten ear headphones were propped nicely on their stand. The whole room was illuminated by the rainbow lighting coming from the system; it gave a beautiful ambiance.

To the left was the bed Luke sometimes had chats in. It was littered with stuffed animals and pastel colored sheets. Luke’s clothes were everywhere too; it made the place looked lived in and realistic.

“Yep. This is a Twitch babe’s room.” Ashton took off his jacket. “I remember that from when you first started the Overwatch series!”

“I dressed up like DVA,” Luke winked. “The costume was so tight.”

“No need to remind me. I was watching the whole time,” Ashton sat on the bed slowly.

Luke sat beside him. “Thank you for all the money you gave me...” He hugged him. “I’m just a lonely broke boy.”

“Of course, baby. You captivated me. I only want to please you,” Ashton whispered to him. Luke could tell that Ashton was really shy; he wanted him to open up like he had online.

“Sorry for all the panties everywhere,” Luke blushed at his laundry-covered floor.

“I like them. Especially...” He reached to pick over a small red thong. “This one.”

“You like red a lot, hmm?” Luke moved closer to Ashton.

“On you,” Ashton responded by putting Luke in his lap. Luke gasped.

“Think of all the men you’d make jealous if they saw you while I was streaming,” Luke blushed.

“That’d turn me on. I’d want everyone to know I’m fucking the hottest little Twitch thot out there,” Ashton said in a growl.

Luke bit his lip and looked up at Ashton with doe eyes.

Ashton responded with a smack to his bum. “No biting that lip, Lu. Trying to keep my cool.”

Luke whined and let his eyes flutter shut in response.

“I want us to be real,” Luke whimpered. “I want to be your sugar baby like we promised last night. I know we’ve only just met, but I—like the way make me feel.”

“Okay then. Deal. And we can get to know each other, and you’re only allowed to show me everything. You can continue Twitch as you do, but no secret Patreons or I’ll leave you high and dry.”

“You’re the only one who gets my nudes,” Luke promised. Ashton hummed in satisfaction and gripped Luke’s bum through his jeans.

“Christ, baby. And you’ve never had sex before?” Ashton bit his lip.

“No, but I’m not completely closed off...” Luke blushed.

“Meaning?”

“I finger myself,” Luke whispered. Ashton pressed kisses to his neck and huffed.

“Where was that livestream?” Ashton unbuttoned Luke’s pants and pulled them down his milky thighs. He sighed at the expanse of fleshy skin and smacked Luke’s bum again.

“Daddy,” Luke answered and turned around for Ashton to see his bum. “Am I pretty?”

“God, you’re more than just pretty, angel.” Ashton kissed the flesh of his bum and played with the fabric of his soft, pink panties. “I want eat you out. Can I?”

“Please!” Luke let out a soft noise to follow and quickly lied on the bed.

“Yeah, you just be your little slutty self and take it all. Fuck,” Ashton pulled Luke’s underwear down.

Luke moaned and spread his legs. He was happy that Twitch kept him soft and shaved because he was usually shy, but he knew he looked good and apparently Ashton thought so too. He wouldn’t let his hands leave Luke’s bum.

He caressed the globes of skin before licking into Luke’s entrance. Luke clutched his stuffed animals and cried out.

“Oh daddy!” Luke was a sensitive boy of course.

Ashton responded by pulling Luke against his face. It was obvious that he had fantasized about this for awhile because he was taking amazing care of Luke. Luke had to wiggle his hips against the bed for some kind of friction because his whole body was full of electricity at every touch. It was the same feeling Ashton’s words gave him.

Luke all but rode Ashton’s tongue. He felt so pampered and pretty even. All the attention on his body made him overwhelmed.

“Are you going to have sex with me too?” Luke looked over his shoulder with red cheeks.

“Of course I am. I’m just making you wet for me,” Ashton growled. “This isn’t the kind of ass you just don’t fuck.”

Ashton turned Luke over. He carefully took off Luke’s sweater and caressed his body.

“You have cute nipples,” Ashton mumbled, leaning forward to bite and lick them. Luke gasped and gripped Ashton’s hair.

“I’ll let touching me slide this once, but only because your first time has to be special for you.” Ashton growled. “But I do not play. You don’t do things unless I tell you to.”

“I understand,” Luke moaned. His chest rose and fell rapidly.

“Good.” Ashton took his time then. He coated his fingers in lube and opened the princess-like boy up. Luke, of course, responded loudly and like a deprived whore. Ashton called him things like: “slut,” “cumslut,” cockslut,” “bunny,” “whore,” and “twitch thot.” That was all Luke ever wanted.

When he felt that two fingers had scissored him open enough, Luke opened his cerulean eyes full of tears and pouted. “I’m ready, Ashy.”

“Ashy,” He repeated. “I like it,” he mumbled as he lubed his dick up. Ashton teased himself against the tightness of Luke’s thighs and his entrance. It made him dip his head in Luke’s neck. He was growing weaker, so he pushed inside.

It was not disappointing for either of them. Luke squeezed his eyes shut because, at first it was the worst pain he ever felt. Ashton was huge inside of his barely-opened-by-a-dildo ass, but soon it was a dull ache. And Luke knew he was going to be addicted to the feeling.

The rainbow lights from the PC made Ashton look like a god, and Luke wasn’t expecting him to be as fit as the pictures had shown. He found himself caressing his back muscles and biceps too often. Ashton gave him a cocky smirk.

“I’m gonna make it feel so good that you’re going to feel me when you try to sleep. It’s going to keep you awake, bunny. How bad you need me,” Ashton growled into Luke’s ear. Luke moaned a little mantra of:

“Don’t stop. Ah! Ashy! Oh my gosh!”

Luke’s vision blurred when one particular thrust of Ashton’s hips made his whole body jolt. “Ashton! Do it again!” He screamed.

“There it is...” He smirked and kissed Luke softly before hitting his spot again. Luke was a goner. His eyes crossed, and he let Ashton use his body from that point on.

It was when he tightened around him that Ashton cautioned him of his release. Ashton made sure Luke came first, moaning and crying as he spilled onto his tummy. And Ashton finished after, pumping himself over Luke’s face.

“Can I cum on your face?” He groaned, speeding up.

“Of course!” Luke giggled and moved so Ashton could aim better. He stuck his tongue out and moaned when Ashton’s cum got all over his cheeks and tongue.

“Fuck...such a Twitch thot. You should sell pictures of yourself like this...” Ashton groaned.

“Take some of me!” Luke squeaked and clapped, so Ashton did. Luke posted them to his private Snapchat and captioned it:

“Twitch boys like attention too!”

[kenzia]

Ghosting

ANOTHER DRABBLE BECAUSE WHY NOT - REDDIE AND STENBROUGH - UN-BETAED AGAIN BECAUSE WHY NOT 

Bill held his hands loosely at two and ten on the steering wheel of the Loser’s red van. They were driving straight for the pink-orange sunset just like every happy ending, but this was just the start. The start of the Losers Club away from Derry.

“Billy, how much longer we got?” Stan’s feet were thrown up on the dashboard his shoes scuffing the already wrecked plastic that covered the glovebox. Stan looked comfortable curled up shotgun.

“We have no pl-pl-place to stay tonight. It’s van n-night so we’re going as far as we ca-can.” A collective groan echoed throughout the box. Bill smiled nevertheless he was just happy that he was experiencing this with his friends.

“I don’t want to sleep in the van while it's moving again. I fucking love this monster, but I fucking hate this monster when trying to sleep back here with Eddie!” Richie yelled from the third row.

“How about you pull over and we can put the seats down. That was fun the other night when we did it huh?” Stan pulled his feet down so he could stretch his hands up to the ceiling. They had been going for some time.

“If we wuh-wuh-want to get to California by the e-e-end of this week we gotta go a l-little farther tonight.” Bill pushed on even though he knew he was losing the battle. The other six, more like five since Mike had been sleeping on the floor since hour three, all were calling for Bill to pull to the side. “Fine fine. You all know the only r-r-reason I’m agreeing is because tuh-tuh-tomorrow we’re driving through the night.” Another chorus of groans.

“You need a break more than any of us do hon,” Stan muttered happily. He sounded as drugged out as Bill felt. The van was pulled to a stop on the edge of some back road in Nebraska. Cheers filled the enclosed area and several hands patted Bill on the shoulders followed by calls of good job dad. “Okay everyone out. Stretch your legs.” All windows rolled down and all doors flew open. There’s nothing like seven straight hours in the car. “Beverly and Ben, you get the third row tomorrow because I’m not listening to Eddie bitch anymore.”

“Okay fuck that.” Bev was laying out on the cracking road like a starfish. Richie’s sunglasses were slipping down her nose, but her freckles stood in the golden glow of the sunset. She looked ethereal. “Richie and Eddie lost Uno so they sit in the back. Stan won Uno so he sits in the front. It’s the rules of Uno.”

“That you fucking made up along the way!” Eddie yelled from his spot on the ground. He was sitting in the tall grass far away from the road. His legs were stretched out in front of him covered in bruises and bandaids from their adventure in Iowa.

“Oh shut the fuck up Eddie. If you hadn’t been literally riding Richie’s dick the entire time maybe you could’ve won but -”

“At least I wasn’t riding his dick in the van for everyone to hear!” Bill looked over the arguing group with an unexplainable sense of pride. They were closer than ever now that senior year was done, and with each hour in the car, they became more and more inseparable. It was perfect.

“I love you.” Richie was sitting on the edge of the road with his back pushed up against one of the back wheels. He was grinning ear to ear in the now silence that fell over the group. His glasses were ditched years ago for a happy pair of contacts, but now without the blocker, his blue eyes glowed wet and happy. “Y’all are my best friends.”

“Y’ all,” The group replied in unison.

Richie and Stan argued non stop as they pushed the seats into the floor of the van. It wasn’t even about the seats it was just Richie and Stan arguing about anything and everything just like they always did. Bev came over to sit next to Eddie when she realized that the small boy wouldn’t come out into the road with her. Bill sat next to a half passed out Mike.

“Mikey do you hear what this rascal is saying?” Richie called from the inside of the van. Stan was pacing around looking hella pissed.

“I don’t think it’s safe to sleep with the windows down.”

“We’re in bumfuck nowhere Stanny boy!” Richie screamed throwing open doors as Stan rushed to close them. “Maybe if you’re lucky a little birdie will fly in bird boy.” Richie was cackling at this point. Eddie sighed before pushing himself up from the dirt.

“Okay, Rich settle down. Stan, we need air, and Richie it’s dangerous to leave the windows open. We’ll crack the windows,” Eddie said holding onto his boyfriend’s shoulder tightly. Mike threw his first up from his place on the ground in agreements. It was the most movement he had made since the Losers had peeled him off the floor.

“Mike’s agreed. It’s settle.” Richie clapped loudly. Stan looked like he was going to spit on his friend.

They began to set up for the night. Bill made sure their bags were tied down to the top of the van tight while the rest of the group pushed and fluffed all of the blankets for the inside of the van. Not one car had passed them since they stopped. It felt like they were the only ones in the world.

“Bill, I think they’re good enough. Come help us set up.” Stan’s voice called from behind Bill who couldn’t help but smile at his boyfriend.

“I just don’t want to lose an-an-anything chickadee.” Stan rolled his eyes at the nickname, but still leaned forward so they could kiss. Bill loved to kiss Stan and standing outside in the sweltering heat and golden sun they had their first “alone time” in a week.

“Mom! Dad! Mikey won’t give me my pillow!” Beverly screamed while throwing her legs out to kick the couple. Stan leaned back to press his forehead against Bill’s muttering something about family vacations. With a deep breath, Stan crawled back into the van to their group.

“Get in here.” Stan’s hand came out to grab at Bill. The leader finally allowed himself to bend down and crawl after his boyfriend. “Mike just give Bev her pillow back.”

“It’s the best one and it’s not fair she gets it every night.” Mike held the red pillow close to his chest while Beverly grabbed at him. Ben wasn’t minding his girlfriend and seemed to be engaged in a conversation with Richie who had a sleeping Eddie in between his legs. It was a complete mess.

“Guh-guh-give Bev her pillow. We can buy you one when we p-p-pass the next Walmart,” Bill sighed making sure Mike gave up the pillow before he allowed himself to relax.

They were sitting in silence for the first time in hours on some Nebraskan back road. The sun was barely above the ground and it would be dark in the next hour. Bill got one good look around the circle. They were all so old now. Too old to jump in the quarry and too old to play in the barrens, not that they ever wanted to anymore. Old enough where the prom was a past thought, and bullies were back in the day. Bill would be lying if he said it didn’t hurt.

“Remember when Eddie threw his fanny pack over the quarry?” Richie looked around at all of them with a soft smile. The boy was still asleep in his lap his hair curling around his face now long and unmanaged.

“He wasn’t even saying anything,” Mike added with a laugh forgetting about the pillow situation.

“He just screamed for like a minute straight.” Stan leaned back against the wall of the car next to Bill with a smile. “I thought it was Richie when I first arrived, but there Eddie was screeching and throwing pill bottles everywhere.”

“Shit, we wuh-wuh-were like 14.” Bill rubbed at his face. Apparently, all of them were thinking about their age as well. “I just r-r-r-remember Richie’s face clear as duh-duh-day. He looked like he s-s-saw God.”

“I thought I did. I looked at him and realized that I was going to marry that boy one day even if I had to lock him in my basement.” Bev squealed loudly at the word marriage, but before anyone could say anything about it Richie pulled Eddie’s body up to the smaller boy’s face was by his chest. “Eds we’re talking about you.”

“Woopty-fucking-do Rich, what’s new?” Eddie muttered his voice heavy with sleep.

“When you threw your fanny pack off the quarry and I fell in love with you did you know?” Eddie smiled to himself but still held his eyes closed.

“I knew something changed, but I didn’t know that you wanted to marry me.” Richie flushed while the rest of the losers howled with laughter. They fell into a brief silence before Eddie pushed himself up wide awake on Richie’s lap. “Remember when Stan thought that Bill was in love with Bev.”

“Hey, that was totally understandable for me to think,” Stan muttered, letting his head fall across Bill’s shoulder. “They kissed two times, and Bill kept in touch with her the most over the school year.”

“We just talked about you and Ben. Mainly how Bill thought you were in love with Mike.” Bev was now laying across the length of the truck all her limbs stretched out. It was comfortable. “William actually believed you were in love with Michael.”

“Beverly it’s still not as desperate as you were when you asked Benjamin to the dance. It was the first day of school. Homecoming wasn’t for like two months,” Stan spit back without malice. He was right though, it was very desperate. Bill just remembered Ben being so flustered and nervous. He said yes, of course, but the two decided to ignore each other for the next week. It was horrible.

“Nothing will ever be as bad as Richard’s promposal for senior year.” This wound was still fresh due to it only happening a few months prior. Richie groaned loudly hiding his face in Eddie’s neck. Eddie was shaking with laughter.

“The balloons were everywhere, and don’t even get me started on the glitter!” Ben punched Richie on the shoulder, but the boy was too busy being embarrassed. Bill did something really simple for his promposal. Taking Stan out bird watching was just enough for him to say yes thank God. Richie was different though he had to do something big for his “baby boy”.

“Imagine being the one who had to attach all those balloons to the ceiling.”

“Imagine huh-huh-having to sneak into the principal's office.”

“It wasn’t even a good song!”

“Hey, yes it was kind of horrible, but none of us will ever forget it. Eddie won’t forget it and that’s all that matters. Make something last in my sweetheart’s mind.” Richie kissed Eddie’s temple roughly.

“Who said I won’t forget?” Another round of laughter from the whole group.

It was dark now, but they could view the outlines of each other. Ben had fallen asleep first using Bev’s chest as a pillow, much to the amusement of the Losers. Richie went down next with his glasses still hanging off his nose. Mike was curled up sharing the red pillow with Bev who was snoring loudly. Eddie had tried to stay in the conversation with Bill and Stan, but he couldn’t help nodding off with Richie’s arms around him.

“We should sleep if you want to drive through the night tomorrow,” Stan muttered followed by a long yawn. He was buried in Bill’s neck. Bill had his body wrapped around his boyfriend getting a view at the ceiling. Richie and Eddie had been sleeping sitting upright and there was no doubt they would feel it the next morning.

“Yeah, you’re right.” They shuffled together. The car wasn’t big enough for the entire group, but who really cared if Richie’s legs had to weave over or under their bodies or if Mike had to sleep half in the front seat.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The next day they would continue moving forth away from Derry. Away from memories of Georgie, the clown, Eddie’s mom, Richie’s parents, Bev’s house, Mike’s farm, and their fears. This was so much bigger because every day started without fear.

It was really the start of the Losers Club.

[trash-the-tozier]

Sounds Serious

Title: Sounds Serious

Length: 1.7k words

Summary: Richie confesses his love for Stan during a movie night. He tells every member of the Losers Club, except for Stan himself.

Warnings: a lil bit of explicit language, stephen king exists in this fic which is very spooky

Pairings: Stan/Richie, some Ben/Beverly

A/N: Written for the lovely @offputtingoffspring who wanted a stozier drabble out of me! Y’all really like stozier, huh. (that’s ok i do too) also posted on ao3 here

All of the Losers loved Halloween. They did all of the traditions--decorating, carving pumpkins, eating candy apples, and wearing uncomfortable amount of black and orange. While considering themselves much too old to go trick-or-treating, they still dressed up on the actual day, picking someone’s apartment to lay around in and eating a near-horrific amount of candy. The Halloween activities started on October first, and always with a horror movie marathon.

They were well into the marathon now, eight bowls of popcorn deep with five Stephen King movies finished, and it was just a little after two a.m. They’d just finished Misery, all of them still awake except Ben. He’d taken a seat on the couch next to Beverly, Beverly throwing a blanket over both of them, and in his drowsiness, he’d leaned against Beverly’s shoulder. She glanced down at his quiet, peaceful face, unable not to smile. It was impossible not to find Ben Hanscom endearing, all of the Losers agreed, but Beverly was beginning to recognize other things within her feelings for him besides endearment. Comfort, and affection, and maybe, just maybe, the beginnings of love.

All of the soft feelings brought on by looking down at Ben’s sleeping face were interrupted by Richie. He and Stan had crammed themselves into one of the overstuffed armchairs and Richie was stretching, making exaggeratedly loud groaning yawns, throwing his arms and legs out. One of his arms was pressed across Stan’s face, one of his legs thrown completely over Stan’s lap, and once he was fully extended he began to wriggle around under the guise of getting more comfortable. Stan’s expression became more and more deadpan and Beverly was trying hard not to laugh, watching Stan’s annoyance grow as Richie writhed himself against Stan’s body, ending up fully in Stan’s lap.

Stan gave Richie a light rap on the head with his knuckles.

“Are you fucking done?” He asked. Richie tried to tilt his head back to look at Stan, but he was too close, and ended up with his head resting on the crook between Stan’s neck and shoulder, curls splayed across Stan’s neck and the back of the chair.

“Hm? Oh, yeah. I’m fuckin’ peachy.” He declared.

“Oh, good. Good for you.” Stan said, his voice still dry with sarcasm, and a second later he began tickling the life out of Richie, Richie squawking and falling to the floor almost instantly. The group all laughed, Beverly shushing them quickly as Ben shifted against her shoulder.

“Why?” Richie asked, highly dramatic, clutching at Stan’s shirt. Mike was still laughing at them, Stan placing his hands on the sides of Richie’s face. He was leaning in, and Richie’s face went completely slack, looking into Stan’s eyes, all of his joking and dramatics suddenly gone. His expression was completely starstruck and smitten.

Stan’s face was only inches from Richie’s when he stopped and spoke.

“You’re obnoxious.” He answered. Then he let Richie go, grabbing up his empty popcorn bowl and going to the kitchen.

Richie had blushed from the tips of his ears down his chest, sitting heavily on the couch and covering his face with his hands. The room quiet for a moment, the sound of popcorn being popped starting up in the kitchen. Then,

“Jesus, Rich.” It was Eddie, one eyebrow raised. “Could you be any more desperate?”

“Shut up.” Richie grumbled back, rubbing his hands over his face as though trying to get rid of the blush, though when he lifted his head, it was still there.

“Wait, what?” Bill asked. Bill was a bit drowsier than the rest of them--excluding Ben, of course--slumped against Mike with his knees drawn up, looking between Eddie and Richie with confusion. “What do you mean?”

It wasn’t really a surprise that Bill was blind to the almost painfully obvious crush Richie had on Stan. Bill was pretty oblivious with things like that. Beverly expected Richie to just wave the question off, or make something up, but this time Richie splayed his body against the chair with a sigh of longing and desperation.

“Bill.” He said. His voice was grave, but Beverly could tell that at least some of it was Richie’s constantly ongoing need to be just a little too theatrical in an attempt to deflect. “Billy boy. I am so in love with him that I almost hate myself for it.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yeah. For like, ever.” Eddie said, while Richie let out a sigh, his head falling back over the arm of the chair so that it was entirely upside down, his hair almost touching the floor.

“Why don’t you say anything?” Beverly asked, and Richie scoffed.

“He’s Stan. He’s not gonna--” He cut himself off to gesture to his body, to his chipped green fingernails, mismatched purple sweatpants, and white t-shirt, the upside down letters on it reading “If You Can Read This, Put Me Back On My Horse”. “Besides, he has some guy in his Intro to Accounting class that he’s been talking to. Which sucks when he tells me about it, but I listen anyway, because I’m a good friend.”

“Maybe he doesn’t like that guy, you know, like that.” Bill’s voice was a bit sympathetic. “He hasn’t told the rest of us about him at all. Maybe he’s just talking to you.”

“Maybe he’s trying to make you jealous.” Eddie proposed. Richie’s face was turning redder the longer he was upside down.

“Well, it’s working. Haven’t you ever heard that quote? About how loving someone that doesn’t love you back is like punching a brick wall? How it doesn’t punch back but it still hurts?”

“You’re reading poetry?” Mike asked, letting out a low whistle. “This is like… Serious, huh?”

“It’s so serious, Mikey. Though the poetry is Ben’s fault.” Richie finally sat back up, the color slowly draining back out of his face. He looked at Beverly with a bit of a grin. “Did you know that he’s kept that scrap of his yearbook? That part that you signed like nine years ago? It’s still in his wallet.”

“Don’t make fun.” Beverly chastised, trying to quiet the flutter the words put in her chest, because she genuinely couldn’t tell if Richie was being serious or not. “Not while he’s not awake to defend himself.”

“I’m so serious!” Richie exclaimed back. “I was shocked when I found out! Like sure, I’m in love with Stan and whatever, but he is so goddamn mushy.”

“So stop being a goddamn coward and tell him!” Beverly said, trying to fight the blush she felt growing on her own face.

“I think he just did.” Mike said, his voice quiet, and Beverly looked over at him in confusion, but Mike wasn’t looking at either of them. He was looking towards the kitchen door, where sure enough, Stan was standing there. He had a large bowl of freshly popped popcorn in his hand, his eyes wide and locked on Richie’s own.

Richie himself looked like he’d just seen a ghost, his face white as a sheet, jumping up from the chair like it was on fire.

“That’s--that’s my cue to fuck off forever, I’ll just--” He started, taking two steps towards the hall when Stan spoke up.

“Wait.”

It was a word, one word, but it worked like a spell; Richie froze in his tracks. He didn’t turn around but he stopped, standing there, Beverly glancing to Stan. His expression was still one of disbelief, but it looked almost pained as well, something in it desperate.

“Richie, look at me. Please.”

Like a man possessed, unable not to, Richie did. He was hunched wincingly, trying not to stand to his full height, like if he tried hard enough he would just disappear.

“Were you serious? About what you said?” Stan asked. His voice had gone quiet.

“I… Yep.” Richie popped the “p”, his eyes on his feet, swinging his hands by his sides. “That’s me. I’m in-fucking-love with you, and if that’s like… Like bad, and weird for you, then that’s fine, I’ll just--”

“Richie.” Stan looked like he was either about to smile, or about to throw up. Beverly couldn’t quite tell which. “Richie, I like you too.”

Richie head snapped up so fast that Beverly wouldn’t have been surprised if he just hurt himself.

“You do?”

“I do. So much, fuck.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

Stan, thankfully, had now begun smiling. “Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

“You are?” Richie was smiling too, his posture straightening, and Stan let out a full laugh. Beverly felt very suddenly like neither of them knew that any of the rest of the Losers were in the room at all.

“How many times do I have to say it, you dumbass?”

Richie laughed too, and the two were just standing there, smiling at each other, when Eddie spoke up.

“Well, Richie? Are you going to fucking kiss him or what?”

Richie flipped Eddie off, but kissed Stan anyway, kissed him with such enthusiasm that the bowl of popcorn fell to the floor with a force that flung kernels everywhere. Stan responded in kind, and Beverly couldn’t help herself, letting out a cheer.

Unfortunately, the cheer was a little too loud, Ben beginning to stir. Beverly cursed under her breath but it was too late, Ben blinking sleepily at her.

“Sorry.” She murmured to him, but he was still heavily disoriented, glancing around blearily. He seemed to realize all at once that he’d fallen asleep on her shoulder, beginning to apologize, trying to scoot away to open up some distance between them, his face a bright and blushing pink.

“It’s okay!” She said quickly, smiling when he didn’t seem to believe her. “Really. It’s okay. You’re all cute when you’re asleep.”

That did absolutely nothing to help the blush on Ben’s face, but the blush was cute too, so Beverly didn’t mind.

“Hey!” Mike exclaimed, while Bill lobbed a pillow, which hit Richie in the back. Stan and Richie were still wrapped up in each other, completely oblivious to the rest of the room and the show that they were putting on. “Come on, guys.”

Richie just held up another middle finger and Stan, who seemed very unwilling to take his arms from around Richie’s neck, simply dragged Richie backwards until the both of them disappeared into the kitchen.

“We might not be seeing them again tonight.” Bill remarked. Beverly found herself nodding along, while Eddie frowned, looking at the popcorn strewn across the living room rug.

“Damn. I really wanted some of that popcorn.”