#but i am old aren’t i ewww

[skulduggery-pleasant-bp9]

Dead Men x M/n - Trouble (Part 4 of Dead Men meet M/n)

WARNING!: Cursing, mention of blood and gore AND MORE ! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!

The names are all pronounced this !: Keiran(M/n) – Keer- in or Keer-awn Laoise – Lah-weese Lorcan – Lor-ken

As Skulduggery arrived at the Hotel Midnight, he already saw the Motorcycle of Keiran outside. He parked his car, turned off the engine, got out, locked the car and then entered the Hotel. As soon as he was inside he was tackled by a small girl.

“Daddy ! Are you okay ?!”, the girl greeted worried.

She was looking like an eight year old, but she was a bit older than that. Skulduggery’s children knew from the beginning that they were Mages, which caused them to age differently than other Mages. They aged slower.

“Hello, Laoise. I’m fine, my Darling. How are you, your Mom and older Brother ? I heard Serpine was around you again and Cousin Keiran had to beat his butt.”, Skulduggery asked worried.

Then a Teenage boy entered the Father’s sight.

“We have been doing alright, Dad. Keiran really whooped his ass.”, the boy replied with a snort.

“Lorcan, Son, I’m so relieved to see you alright. Last time...”, Skulduggery interrupted himself, struck with guilt.

“It’s in the past, Dad. You tried your best and I am still here and in one piece, aren’t I ?”, Lorcan replied with a smile.

Skulduggery smiled back, still feeling bad for what almost happened to him and his wife a few years ago. If Keiran, Ghastly and Anton wouldn’t have been with him, he could have lost them both, because of his own stupidity...

A woman came into view next and she smiled a small, worried smile.

“Love.”, she greeted Skulduggery.

“Honey... I’m so sorry, I was busy with the case of Gordon and the connections it had with Serpine, that I made the same mistake again and was away for longer than I should have.”, Skulduggery explained and rushed to her side, worry clear in his eyes.

She chuckled and held his hands.

“It’s alright, my Dear. We could have called you. Keiran always keeps an eye out for us all, so you don’t have to worry so much. Nothing bad happened.”, she assured her Husband.

“It is still not right of me.”

“You have a very serious job and you love overworking, so you have everything solved faster, to spend time with us again. We are not angry.”

Skulduggery looked at his wife in guilt.

“It’s still not-mph ?!”, Skulduggery was interrupted by his wife kissing him.

It caught him off guard, but he returned the kiss. After they parted, she looked at him with a serious face.

“Now shut up. It’s fine and I will punish you, if you keep trying to argue with me.”, his wife threatened.

Skulduggery swallowed a bit harder than usual. His wife was good with punishments... He hated them.

“Noted, Honey.”, he replied.

“Are you done with your sexual tension and come to Papa’s room, already ?”, Keiran asked annoyed.

The two snapped apart and Skulduggery’s wife chuckled awkwardly, while Skulduggery himself blushed a deep shade of red. How embarrassing that Keiran caught them...

“On our way, little Nephew.”, his wife replied.

“Good. And PLEASE stop smooching near me. Eww.”

“No promises.”, Skulduggery teased.

Keiran made a sound of disgust. He didn’t like it, when he had to see people kissing. It was weird and didn’t look nice to him. He liked kisses on the hair and forehead, but on the lips ? Hell no. Ewww...

They entered Anton’s room and Skulduggery saw everyone there already. Ghastly, Saracen, Dexter, Erskine, Anton, Hopeless, Larrikin, Keiran, Lorcan, Laoise and Stephanie. They were all there. Skulduggery and his wife sat down on the last free couch.

“So what did you find out ?”, Anton asked.

Stephanie started, before Skulduggery could.

“Serpine is after the Scepter of the Ancients. For some reason he killed my Uncle, so maybe he had it last and locked it away somewhere in Grimwood. Maybe it is just a replica, but he killed my Uncle for it, so we should take it serious.”, she explained.

Everyone stared at her and Laoise looked at her Dad.

“Papa, may I speak ?”

“Sure, Darling.”, he replied.

Laoise looked at Stephanie again, stare hard and serious.

“You DO know that the Scepter is just a myth, right ?”

“I do. Skulduggery told me that at the very beginning. But if Serpine takes it for real, maybe we should too and get our hands on it, before he does. My Uncle must have it somewhere in Grimwood.”

Lorcan stared at her in worry.

“Dad, do you think the same thing as the Mortal ?”, he asked Skulduggery.

“I do, actually. I am very certain that Serpine killed Gordon and he was a collector too. China assumed the same that he had something, where you have to die, in order for the next person to own it entirely. The Scepter was ONE of these things.”

“Not this again... Listen little girl...This is not your world. You don’t know much about our cultures and how things work. Of course she would believe Skulduggery’s opinions.”, Ghastly said.

“Uncle Ghastly, kindly shut up.”, Keiran said.

“Keiran !”, Anton scolded.

“Papa, think about it. This is like many other things we faced before. Mevolent was supposed to be very evil and a psychopath, but he wasn’t. Abyssinia was supposed to be nice and helpful. But she was a Psycho, who tried to get Uncle Skulduggery to be evil and, let us be honest, he was probably not the only one she corrupted. Immortality is supposed to be impossible, but Abyssinia had that trait. NOTHING is impossible. At this point I don’t even doubt that the Scepter of the Ancients exist and the Faceless Ones are real. We’ve seen a lot of crazy shit.”, Keiran countered.

At that everyone looked at one another.

“He has a point...”, Hopeless stated.

They all agreed.

“Also, what Uncle Ghastly said was quite rude.”, Lorcan stated.

“It wasn’t. She can still go back to her normal life.”, Ghastly argued back.

Keiran glared at Ghastly.

“Uncle...you are stupid. Uncle Skul doesn’t just pull Randos into the world of Mages. Something must have happened and as we all know Serpine, he probably sent someone to Grimwood and the girl was there.”

Skulduggery nodded.

“The bridge was flooded and her Mother’s car broke down. Only one of them could go with the workers and the girl offered to stay the night at Gordon’s house. She inherited it after all. It was raining heavily, so she was stuck over there and her Mother couldn’t cross over. I was there by coincidence.”, he explained.

“Some creep called me and wanted a key from me and urged me to tell him my name, which I refused to do. Then he started to aggressively knock on the front door and after I didn’t let him inside, he smashed the window in and entered. He was about to kill me as Skulduggery came and scared him off. He was forced to use Magic and his gun, but the creep left. I was in shock and passed out, as I woke up he made me tea and we talked a bit. After he wanted to leave, I forced him to take me with himself, because he bashed the door in and it was broken, so anyone could have entered and killed me next.”, Stephanie explained.

“She even took my hat hostage and threatened to stand on it...”, Skulduggery said saddened.

Hopeless snorted and then laughed at that.

“Then he explained a few things and I wanted to help out. He tried to scare me off, but I refused to let him do that. Then I found out as we were at China’s, that my Uncle got murdered and we talked a lot about Serpine, so I started to think it was him, until we found motives, so that’s why I am still around. I will avenge my Uncle and I want to do this for myself as well. It is easy for a Mage to say ‘Go back to your usual life, you are saver there’, but you don’t know that. Normal life is BORING. And safety ? Really ? I could be kidnapped the next second from school, I could be killed on my way home, I could be raped, HECK ! I just need to fall off of a bench stupidly and can break my neck by accident ! There is no safety.”, she said with a glare at Ghastly.

“True.”, Keiran agreed.

“When was life ever safe ? The Mortal world is sometimes more dangerous than our world.”, Lorcan stated with a shiver.

Keiran shivered at that too and nodded.

“Remember Freddy’s.”, he told Lorcan.

Lorcan glared at Keiran and had goose bumps.

“Shut up ! That was the WORST place to work at with you ! Asshole !”

“Ouch. Not my fault that Meritorius wanted us to go there and investigate, because the stupid American Sanctuary didn’t do shit about it, even though they knew what was going on !”, Keiran defended himself.

“You two went on a MISSION ?! Without MY and ANTON’S PERMISSION ?!”, Skulduggery yelled at them angered.

They both flinched and looked at Anton and Skulduggery. They both stared at them angrily.

“Well...we thought it was an easy pocket money job, really. We get money from Meritorius, if we watch the place and find anything suspicious there, while we also made money for five nightshifts. We had no idea that it would be actually dangerous.”, Keiran explained.

“The pay was terrible from the estate...”, Lorcan pouted.

“VERY terrible. One hundred and twenty bucks per week... For what we have seen and had to do, we deserved like five times more than that.”

“We did.”, Lorcan confirmed.

“Trauma on a stick. I will NEVER do the graveyard shift EVER again.”

“Me neither. I will enjoy driving around with my Father at night but never EVER get out of the car at night. Hell, I wouldn’t even let my own FATHER out of the damn car.”

Skulduggery and Anton got worried at that.

“I will only go on top of Papa’s roof, to go star gazing. You will NEVER see me anywhere else at night AGAIN.”, Keiran told Lorcan.

“I still jump at night, whenever I hear the smallest of sounds, Keiran.”

“I am already scared just looking at my door and window. Bruh. This shit really gave us a good taste.”

“We should have destroyed the place.”

“Mike Schmidt did in the end, did you forget ?”

“I did in fact.”

“Oh...wait...RIGHT ! You were passed out in one of the spare suits. I forgot...”, Keiran said sheepishly.

“Ha. Ha. Not funny. Kenspeckle had a lot of work to do.”, Lorcan pouted.

“I know. I saw you.”

“I gave you a scare, didn’t I ?”

“One hell of a scare.”

“At least I achieved that.”

“What are you two talking about ?”, Larrikin asked, worried.

They stopped talking and looked at everyone.

“Oh well, I supposed you have a right to know.”, Keiran said unbothered.

“We are SOOO getting grounded.”, Lorcan groaned.

“Meh. Not like we had it coming.”

“Fair...”

“Alright so, we went to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. There were four Animatronics. Bonnie the Bunny, Chica the Chicken, Foxy the Pirate Fox and Freddy Fazbear. We were supposed to watch the place at night in exchange for some money. And so we did.”, Keiran started.

“We had no idea what we signed ourselves up for...”, Lorcan said with slight fear in his eyes.

“Meritorius also asked us to investigate there. Rumors said that five children went missing there and never found again. They never left the building apparently, so they had to be somewhere. They were reported dead after a while, because no one ever found them. It had been like...20 to 30 years now, since they disappeared. But more and more children went missing near places that belonged to Fazbear Entertainment.”

“To this day children disappear, that were at Fazbear Entertainment’s attractions.”, Lorcan added.

“But now even adults go missing. People that work for and with Fazbear Entertainment, so this is getting serious. Adults went missing in Freddy’s too, but only the night guards. After a while...well...we were sent to investigate and you were already on three cases, Uncle Skul, so he asked Lorcan and me to take over that case.”

“We went there and at first nothing was out of place. We looked around, looked into all rooms and tried to find anything that proved murders in the building or that the kids died there.”

“That was until the clock hit 3AM. We heard metallic sounds, it was heavy and creaked. As we looked, Bonnie was off of his stage. He glared right at us and suddenly sprinted after us.”, Keiran said, with a haunted expression.

“We sprinted like Demons to the office and shut the door on his face. Then we watched the cams and Chica was gone too.”, Lorcan explained, fear evident on his face.

“Music started to be played from the carousel that was in the main dining room, without anyone touching it. The cams started to twitch and show weird texts and we heard laughter of a child from time to time.”

“The Animatronics started to make glitching noises and moaned from time to time.”

“In the cams you could see posters of missing children some times. They only seemed to be there from time to time, but not all the time.”

“For clearance, there were no missing posters in Freddy’s, but when you stared at the Cameras, there appeared some from thin air.”

“I tell you, the place was haunted.”, Keiran got out.

Everyone stared at the two boys. They seemed frightened to just talk about it.

“Each night got worse. Each night we got a phone call and the man explained how to survive these things, until...”, Lorcan continued.

“Night five... His Power ran out and they got him. We heard the screaming of the Animatronics and how the phone was slammed on the table.”, Keiran finished Lorcan’s cut off sentence.

“He asked us to check one of the suits, when we finished our shift. Because these things STUFF you inside them, if they get you. He said, it doesn’t sound bad, but imagine a pile of metal shoving you into a Springlock suit, by force. You will be crushed if they stuff you in there.”

Anton and Skulduggery, with his Family, covered their mouths in shock, while Stephanie looked at them in horror.

“They got more aggressive with each night. Foxy ran for the office, if you didn’t keep an eye on him and Freddy moved if you didn’t look at him each night through the cameras. If the Power Generator went out, that meant one of them will get you, while you can’t defend yourself anymore. In other words, you will be fucked, if the Power runs out.”

“We couldn’t use any Magic either, which was scary. At daytime they worked, but as soon as the clock hit midnight, we were powerless.”, Lorcan told everyone.

Keiran only nodded.

“At the fifth night, we met Mike Schmidt. He sneaked inside and wanted to burn down the location. We decided to help him and we made it pretty well, Mike even had an axe with himself in case. But the power ran out ten minutes before 6AM.”

“Six AM is the time where all the spook stops and everything goes back to normal.”, Lorcan explained quickly.

“Until 6AM you won’t get out alive. They snatched Lorcan by the arm and tore him away from us. Mike and me, we hid away and played Cat and Mouse with the Animatronics, until 6AM. As soon as it hit six, we heard an ear piercing scream and we ran for the parts and service room, while the Animatronics were back on stage and Freddy had blood on his hands.”, Keiran explained, look far away.

Lorcan looked away, silent.

“We found Lorcan stuffed inside a Freddy Springlock suit. It made creaking sounds and Mike quickly acted by winding up the Springlocks, then he got Lorcan out as fast as possible. I carried him out, while Mike spread all the gasoline and then set the place on fire. We parted ways and I quickly brought Lorcan to Kenspeckle. He fixed him up and wanted information of what happened.”

“But we were too traumatized to talk about it back then. Even now it is still hard to talk about it.”, Lorcan finished.

“There was so much blood...”, Keiran got out, voice distant and filled with horror.

Skulduggery stared at his Son and Nephew, horror and worry on his face. He will have to talk with Kenspeckle to get an understanding of how bad it was.

“We would be crazy, if we would say that the Scepter of the Ancients isn’t real. Ghosts and killing Machines aren’t supposed to be real either, but here we are. Living proof.”, Lorcan got out with an empty chuckle.

Keiran still looked distant.

“This was worse than what I have ever seen in my whole life. I thought Lorcan was dead right then and there...”, he said.

“Welp, I am a survivor, Keiran. I am still alive and very healthy.”, Lorcan said happily.

“Thank fuck for that. Your Dad would have set the whole world on fire, if you wouldn’t have survived.”, Keiran said, snapping out of his distant state.

“You would have helped him.”, Lorcan deadpanned.

“Of course I would have. He’s my Uncle.”, Keiran confirmed.

Everyone stared at them and silently agreed, that they should believe that the Scepter is real, for now.

“Anyways ! Back to our actual topic ! I think we need to find the key, before Serpine does and get the Scepter before he does. Then me and Lorcan will whoop that right red handed bastard’s ass and give him over to Meritorius. No, even better ! We kill him off, so he can’t bother anyone anymore !”, Keiran suggested happily.

Ghastly, Saracen, Hopeless and Skulduggery stared at Keiran in shock.

“Did you wake up and chose violence today, Keiran ?”, Dexter asked.

“I always choose violence, when it comes to Nefarian Serpine.”, Keiran stated darkly.

Anton looked at his Son with concern.

“I don’t think violence is the answer this time.”, Saracen said carefully.

Keiran snapped his head to Saracen and faced him.

“With Serpine it is the ONLY answer. I can’t wait to bash his head in. He is one annoying, psychopathic piece of shit.”

“I agree with Keiran. Why try and jail him ? He will get out one day and go after us again. He still wants Dad dead and when he gets out again, the more he wants to kill him. We will never be safe as long as Serpine is alive.”, Lorcan told everyone.

“I agree with Bubba. He never leaves us alone. He is always there and stalks us.”, Laoise agreed with her Cousin and Brother.

“He is already a very big threat with that hand of his.”, Skulduggery’s wife agreed with the kids.

“True...”, Anton admitted.

The rest did so as well.

“He is a big issue, so let us get rid of it. Now we need to find out where the key is and what it looks like.”

“I am working on that with the girl already.”, Skulduggery said.

“Then we will keep eyes open and have sharp ears everywhere, until you have the key.”, Dexter said.

“And I will keep your Family in here.”, Anton stated.

“Thank you Anton. I owe you one.”, Skulduggery thanked the Hotelier.

“I will hold you up on that promise.”, Anton said and then left the room first.

“Good luck, Skul.”, Erskine wished him.

Ghastly held Stephanie back and gave her a bundled pile of fabrics.

“Your clothes. Be careful.”, Ghastly told her.

“I will be and thank you.”, she replied.

Ghastly nodded and then left.

“Welp then...we have a riddle to solve.”, Skulduggery said.

“We have indeed.”

With that they left the Hotel and entered Skulduggery’s car, driving back to Grimwood.

“We need to look at the door again and look what the keyhole looks like. Maybe we can make a duplicate of it and unlock the door.”, Skulduggery suggested.

“Good idea.”

“I always have only good ideas.”

“Sure you do...”, Stephanie replied with sarcasm.

“I do.”, he tried to convince her.

“Yeah, of course, Mr. ‘I leave a girl in her house defenseless with a knocked out front door’.”

Skulduggery pouted.

“Not fair.”

[cinnamogai]

i used to request from this blog pretty often a while ago and now when I randomly see someone's reblog of your stuff it makes me happy :3 like seeing an old friend

used to?! damn what did i do to make you stop JSJSJS jokes jokes i’m glad i’m old friend-esque <3 though i don’t like feeling old 🤨 /j

[batfamtv]

Hi so can I request for a Basilio and/or Crispin x reader please? Like maybe how they met or something, platonic or romantic, either is fine. Thanks!

gif credits (@overlordofawesomeness) see their post here

how they met you headcanons: crispin, basilio (trese)

a/n: no specific ethnicity for the reader, but it is mostly assumed that the reader is of pinoy descent; I hope you all enjoy this, pls don't hesitate to add more! <3

crispin

okay so i imagine that mr. more-serious-than-his-younger-brother crispin has not really grown up to be a hopeless romantic

didn’t date, didn’t think that love is real (“it’s cheesy”/“baduy naman”), so finding his one true love hit him like a ton of bricks

sees you for the first time while working on a case with bossing, you live next to the house of the victims

really found you cute, but he didn’t get the chance to approach you because you had slammed the gates closed in front of him

he sees you again completely by accident during another case, and crispin was so surprised and thankful

he keeps trying to make eye contact with you, while you are trying not to make eye contact with the tall, muscular man who is wearing a dark suit

he finally asks you out, and you at first freak out, somehow convinced that this man is a part of a gang or is some scary rich dude who is the future ceo of his dad’s company or something

to your surprise, he picks you up (still dressed in a suit) but brings you to a small family restaurant--almost a carenderia

it is so amusing to find him so overdressed during the date, but it is a nice dinner and you two have fun talking and getting to know each other

he is so cute when asking if you wanted to hang out again, and when you say yes, he smiles so brightly

you get streetfood the next time you hang out!

at this point, crispin kinda already knows about your life story, but you still dont know his

he seems to be a little closed off about the topic, but you dont push him

crispin is gone from time to time, only texting you sporadically, but you dont question it even though you are curious, because you trust him and you may be just a tiny lil bit infatuated

when he does tell you everything about him, he prefaces it so seriously and grimly that you think he will say he doesn't want to see you anymore

instead, he sullenly tells you about his life, ending with an apology for not telling you sooner

"i was just so scared you would run away"

you tell him that you wont run away and surprise him when you throw your arms around him and kiss him

he is honestly so whipped for you oh my god

if crispin is free, he will always drop you off and pick you up from school/work

he brings you to meet his family, basilio, alexandra, hank

they accept you as part of the family, and you immerse yourself in their library, reading up information about their lives

whenever they finish a case, you would be there, having cooked nice, warm meals for them

crispin would come up behind you and wrap his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder

he would whisper, "thank you for taking care of us" and presses kisses on your cheek down to your neck

you dont go out with them on a case, even if you want to (you and crispin fight over this, but he simply insists that he cannot lose you or even see you hurt)

he keeps his words of affirmation and affections as private as possible

basilio and hank tease him a lot if he tries to show any affection towards you with them present, and it bothers him at first

but you just laugh it off, ignoring the "uyyy" and other teasing remarks

basilio laughs when he sees his twin relaxing against you on the couch, crispin's head laid on your lap, "who's cheesy now?"

to this, crispin laughs before looking up at you and kissing your hand

he whispers "i love you against your skin"

i would say that compared to basilio and his s/o's relationship, your relationship with crispin is a lot more serious, more mature

kinda have the husband-and-wife vibe even though you aren't married yet (but you both know that this will happen eventually)

crispin knows that you are the one, and is hell bent on keeping you happy and safe

secretly looks up "perfect proposal ideas" when he realizes one night just how much he loves you

always has you in his arms when you're asleep, the sound of your heartbeat, and the feeling of your breath against his skin reminding him just what he is fighting and living for

he is fighting and living for you, and the future you two are going to share

basilio

the younger and more mischievous of the two, it didn't surprise everyone that basilio is the last person to realize his love for you

he met you shortly after being adopted by carlos trese, you were a family friend and possibly another babaylan from another city/province

came to the treses for a visit and was surprised to see new members of the family

you bonded with the twins almost instantaneously, becoming best friends with them

although everyone could see that you were closer to basilio than you were to crispin, mostly because of basilio's more laid back personality

absolutely thick as thieves with him, to a point where crispin would sulk and complain that you were stealing his lil brother from him

you would all play games until you were downright exhausted, from playing house, hide-and-seek, patintero (you try not to play catch with them bc you know they're gonna use their powers anyway) and the sad days were when you had to leave

you once had a tantrum as you clung to basilio, begging him to hide you from your parents so that they wouldn't bring you home

crispin and Alexandra had to pry you away from him, and he didn't talk to them for like 2 days after you left

as you two grew older, the games lessened and you focused more on training and battle strategies

but the closeness never left

you also kinda know that basilio cares for you, and to be honest, you wouldn't say no if he ever asks you out, but he never did and that's ok

outside of his family, you are his best friend and he loves you just as much as he loves his brother and sister

but it was obvious to alexandra and crispin that when you got older, something changed in the way basilio looked at you

he kinda looks at you just a little bit longer than usual, simple touches linger here and there, the slight overprotectiveness, the little acts of love

he brings you food ("we stopped by the carenderia and they had your favorite ulam")

brings you flowers ("where did you find these arabian jasmines/sampaguita?" basilio shrugs, "bought them on the way home." "he plucked them from aling josie's garden," Alexandra tells you as she walks past the two of you)

crispin tries to tell basilio that he should definitely ask you out, because it's so clearly obvious that you both like each other, but basilio tries to deny it

"torete ka bro, please just go ahead and tell her how you feel"

and basilio kinda sits on the idea, like literally has an existential crisis trying to figure out if he loves you romantically or just platonically

so he tries to imagine his future

he doesn't think much of it, thinking that this world is going to consume him long before he would have the chance to build a life anyway, but amidst the thought of death, he sees something

just a flash of light and sounds of laughter

it's you, carrying a young girl as you smile at him, standing just in front of the gate

and basilio thinks, that's such a nice vision, coming home to you

whenever he thinks of possibly settling down and having a family, it has always been with you

it has always been with you since you were kids, and now it's still you

so when he tells you he loves you during the most inappropriate time (fighting off aswang kidnappers), you grin at him and yell "I love you too!" back

and he removes his mask for a second before clarifying, "no y/n, I am in love with you!"

you grin at him again before exclaiming, "I know! i loved you since we were like 10"

after the fight, he doesn't hesitate to bring you into his arms and kiss you

you kissed his cheek when you were kissed, absolutely out of curiosity, and you were both like "ewww that's gross" but now it's not

it was perfect, like it was meant to be

unlike crispin and his s/o, you two are pretty chill about your relationship, kinda lowkey with it too

you don't talk about marriage (yet), and ppl who see you just think you two are either together, or just very best friends

you two are comfortable with each other and know each other from the inside out

the times where his cheerful personality changes is when it involves your safety, then he becomes so much like his brother, stoic and almost scary

will not ever compromise your safety over anything

basilio grew up with you, and now he plans to grow old with you

[thepointoftheneedle]

Betty Cooper's Compendium of Kisses

For Bughead Appreciation Week, the prompt was kisses.

She patted the couch cushion and her daughter dragged reluctantly over to throw herself down beside her, long arms and legs sprawling. Betty smiled. Her father had had the same growth spurt and the resemblance to a baby giraffe was touchingly familiar.

“Honey, we need to talk,” she said as her sulky girl huffed and closed her eyes as if in pain. Betty couldn’t be mad. Those dark lashes brushing her cheek made her heart ache with love, for her girl and for the man who she had made her with and who had given her the dark curls and the striking blue eyes.

“Mom, it was nothing. Really, just nothing. We weren’t doing anything.”

“Okay. I believe you. I trust you. But I hope it wasn’t nothing. Kisses mean something, my darling, or at least they should. My first kiss…” “Ew, mom, stop. Gross!”

“Listen, my first kiss was with your dad. I was fifteen.”

“God, that’s sort of pathetic. And, I’m fifteen. So you have no right…”

“I’m not yelling am I? I’m giving you the benefit of some life experience. So your dad kissed me when we were fifteen. And that was that. I was done for. It changed my whole life. So, if you aren’t ready to have your whole life changed, maybe don’t start giving away kisses. Start kissing when you simply can’t not. And when that happens, come to me and we’ll talk about …”

“Ewww, no, stop. I can’t hear this. Oh my God mom, you are like so totally… ewww,” her daughter fled the room, her combat boots thudding on the stairs like a whole SWAT team.

Betty would save the rest of the talk about kisses for another time, for when her daughter had her heart broken or when she broke someone’s heart, for when she needed to know that everything would work together for good if you waited long enough.

No-one had ever troubled to give her the talk and sometimes it seemed to Betty that she had learned about kisses in completely the wrong order. A girl’s first kiss should be awkward, a little embarrassing. There should be a clash of teeth, maybe some drool, confusion about what to do with your tongue, a nose smush. It should be thrilling, of course, because it meant that you were on the brink of something, new vistas of experience opening before you, new possible yous being made manifest but it shouldn’t be life changing, earth shattering, epoch making, like her first kiss had been.

Her first kiss had happened unexpectedly. “Also…” he’d said before he kissed her. She knew what it meant, that “also.” It meant, “Also, by the way, I’m the answer. Whatever the question is, here I am, settling the matter. It’s me that you’ve been waiting for, whether or not you noticed that you were waiting. It was always me. It always will be.” He kissed her like he was powerless not to. The kiss possessed his body. When it was done, he exhaled, like he’d been holding his breath his whole life. And that was that.

She hadn’t known if it was like that for everyone. She had nothing to compare it to. Their kiss had made a promise, a declaration, an exchange of I for we, it was an understanding that the future was us not me.

And then, a different kiss, a kiss that she very much hoped that her daughter would never have to give. This one, given in a forest, had been soft and tender, sad and hopeless, a farewell kiss, gently placed on the uninjured side of his beautiful, ruined brow. Her lips had been stained with his blood, she could taste it for days, a tang of metal, like a penny on the tongue, the fee for the ferryman. The kisses that she had been giving and receiving since that first day had given him her heart and now he would take it with him to the grave. To have her heart lying dead inside her chest, a cold, heavy stone, was more pain than she could bear, more fear that she could have imagined, greater suffering than anyone could endure.

And then he came back. But their kisses were different after that.

At first she tried to kiss him in the old way but she knew too much about pain and loss now. Her whole soul passed to him when she put her mouth on his, she could keep nothing back. When her lips touched his, she flinched a little because she knew what was at stake. To be so free with everything she was invited danger. He hadn’t meant to leave her, he would never have been so cruel, and yet she had seen what it was to lose her essence, to be adrift without hope, and so she began to fear.

She had told her daughter that her father had been her first kiss but not that his were not her only kisses. She had found someone else who she could kiss in a new way, a way that engaged her body but left her soul intact, a way that didn’t touch her heart. She could protect herself, keep something of herself back, hold herself at a safe remove, disengaged. These were the kisses she wanted to keep her daughter safe from, because they gave an illusion of connection but they never satisfied, never gave what was really needed, the compassion and regard of real love. They were trivial and self serving.

When he discovered that she had found these new kisses, she had lost everything. Then there had been yet another kind of kiss. She had tried to force her heart and soul onto his unwilling lips, tried desperately to find the connection that had been sundered, that she had ripped apart. He was dead again in her embrace, his heart was now the cold stone that hers had been. She was too weak to look at the confusion in his eyes, to witness him try to respond to her with his dead heart, with his broken soul.

After that, for years her kisses were exchanges, a little pleasure given for a little received, a little ease, a little affection. They were meagre things, bland and unremarkable. If she hadn’t know what it was to kiss him and be kissed by him they would have sufficed. As it was they served only to emphasise what had been lost.

The last kind of kiss was the best. It was the kiss that was given after all the pain and sadness. It was the kiss that said that they had searched everywhere for what they had first found when they were fifteen but they had learned that it could be found only in each other’s arms. It was the kiss that made their beautiful girl. It was the kiss that made their home, that sustained them both through every day, that made each night a joy and comfort. It was the same as the first kiss but this time they knew what it signified and how fortunate they were to have discovered it. It was, quite simply, true love.

“Home!” he yelled from the back porch. “Womenfolk, I return!” She shook her head. His taste for the dramatic never waned.

She headed to the door to embrace him, hearing her daughter’s tread on the stair. “She had her first kiss today,” she whispered.

“Where is he? I’m going to kill him!” he said, staring around wildly.

“She, Jug. It’s a she,” she murmured and watched him struggle to process as his baby girl came into the hallway.

He shook his head with a chuckle and pulled them into his arms and placed a kiss on both their heads.

[fireofthestars]

I have a twitter account, but I don't use it. If a friend posts a link to a funny thread or meme I might visit, but I don't have the app on my phone. The only way I can access it is through my laptop so the grand total of my visits there is pretty much... once every two weeks for about five minutes. As a result, I missed the latest Sebastian Stan bitchfest and I am not sorry. I'm not going to look it up. For the record, it seems the most problematic accounts in that dust up were either deactivated or went private, so there's that.

I went through and curated the Sebastian Stan tag here. I don't have a problem with people who have honest concerns, and express those things in an open and rational way. I don't want to dismiss their feelings, and I won't. I am willing to learn from them, if they will do the same with me.

It's the ones who believe every bad thing they read and run with it without even bothering to do any research to see if it's even true, or can't find the energy to dig a little deeper to find out if there is any other information that's been left out or if there is any nuance....in short people who just take something at face value and believe it without checking around first before joining the chorus. The people who, even when presented with facts or apologies, don't care and keep bulldozing on. Those people I block. I don't have time for that.

For whatever it's worth, the blogs I've seen here that do that are getting very little engagement. Maybe I'm not seeing the ones others are seeing, but the ones that show up on my feed are low on the analytical pole. I blocked them anyway. If I'm wrong, just let me be wrong and don't show me any with thousands of hits and reblogs. I don't want to see them.

The people I follow check sources, then do the follow ups. If any of them says 'This thing is a REAL problem', I'll believe them, because they aren't blindly worshiping Sebastian (ewww) and admit he's made some bad calls (haven't we all?) and are open minded enough to accept even difficult things. If they say it's bad, I trust them. If the mob does, I ignore them.

This is me putting on the wise old Native American hat. One thing I do not get. Why in the name of all that is good do fans engage the haters? Once they start those threads, how about stating the truth, ONCE and then post endless pictures of your cats/dogs/bunnies or pretty pictures from the beach or whatever? Or just keep posting "I Love Turnips' or something equally nonsensical in response to the hate. Take a page out of the Chris Evans fan's book when he accidentally leaked those private photos last year. That thread I looked at.....full of puppies. ... Let those topics die on the vine...

[percywinchester27]

A lot like ‘Us’ (Part-22)

Word count: 5.2K

Pairing: Sam X Reader AU

Warnings: Anxiety, feels, light flirting?

Series Summary: Y/N Y/L/N is eager and honestly, still in awe that she managed to get herself an acceptance from Stanford Law School. On the face of it, her life seems as put together, mysterious and independent as one might hope for. On the insides, she carries the burden of past that haunts her till date. Seemingly, she’d left it all behind; that is until she sets foot in the class of the Law School’s youngest, most promising professor.

A/N: Hey peeps, just wanted to thank you guys for all the love. Y’all are awesome! <3

The story employs two different timelines. The present timeline for the story takes place in 2014. Please let me know what you guys think :)

Beta: @deanssweetheart23​. Thank you, babe <3

A lot like ‘Us’ masterlist

“Jesus, kid! Don’t you ever pull that one on me again, okay?”

Max was trying to escape his embrace, but Sam didn’t budge. His heart was still beating out a disjointed rhythm.  

“I didn’t do anything!” Max protested.

Alex was quick to interject. “You ran out on me.”        

Max turned in the circle of his arms glaring at Alex. “Only because you fell asleep.”

Alex’s face got all red and she sneaked a nervous glance at Sam.

“She’s got school in the morning,” Sam told Max. “She was tired. That doesn’t mean you can run out on her.”

“This isn’t the first time either,” Alex put in, emboldened by Sam’s support. “He ran to her on Sunday as well.”

“What’s this, Max?” Sam didn’t want to make his voice stern, but the fear wasn’t helping. Alex had called him towards the end of his meeting to tell him she couldn’t find Max. Sam’s heart had dropped through the ground at the mere thought. By the time he could ask Chase to pull out his car- Sam’s was still parked in the campus- a second call from Alex had already informed him that Max was back and okay. But Sam couldn’t stay put. He’d made Chase drive him back anyway.

“She’s my friend.” Max muttered.

“You’ve only met her twice!” Alex accused.

Max threw Alex a betrayed look, mumbling to himself.

Sam rubbed his face with his hand. “What’s happening?”

Alex started to say something, but Max interjected. “I want to tell him!”

“Alright, go on.”

Max told him about a new friend he’d made in one of the buildings along the playground, and that he was going to see her on Monday again.

Sam shot a look at Alex to confirm and she nodded encouragingly. Falling asleep on the watch might have been a one time thing, otherwise Alex was both smart and thorough. She wouldn’t have agreed to anything that wasn’t safe for Max.

“I can go, right?”

“Only if you promise to never go out by yourself.”

Max made an excited sound. “Yes!”

“Okay, enough of this moping,” Chase announced. He had been standing uncharacteristically quiet, watching the drama unfold. “Alex gets to sleep, Max gets his date and Sam gets to chill. What does Chase get?”

Sam turned to him. “What do you want?”

“Food. I want food.”

Alex waved to Max, who didn’t acknowledge it. He was still mad about ratting him out. “Bye, Sam. Bye, Mr. Lincoln.”

Sam nodded, and Chase waved at her cheerfully.

Sam let go of Max, not really looking him in the eyes, lest he should sense just how freaked out Sam was. That’s not what kids should see in their parents- the fear of being incompetant. Sam had learned as much from Dean. His older brother had been absolutely confident in every decision he’d made for Sam. It was only in the later years that Sam realised how freaked out Dean must have been attempting to raise Sam, even with Bobby and Karen’s help. They were all always second guessing themselves. 

The next hour was spent on a call with Stacey. She debriefed Sam about the end of the meeting, promising to forward the transcripts after she was done with editing them. He was lucky to have found someone as efficient as her. She was a blessing. Sam appreciated that her first words were of concern for Max. Stacey had designed Sam’s schedule in such a foolproof manner that Max was never neglected. He couldn’t have been more grateful. To think that they had started their work relationship disliking each other.

Sam took his time in the shower, letting the hot water wash away some of his anxiety. Just the very thought of losing Max was enough to decapitate him. Later, as he diced the bell-peppers, his eyes kept going to the sofa where Max was playing connect four with Chase, who was sucking bigtime. It was something they did at least once a week. Right now, Chase was going on at length about how awesome the cookies were, that he was stealing from a jar. Sam didn’t remember buying any cookies at all.

A sting in his finger made him hiss. Looking down, he saw blood spreading into the bell-pepper pieces and the surface of the chopping board.

The next minute small hands were taking his finger, blowing on the cut and guiding him towards the sink.

“You never pay attention!” Max admonished.

“What do you care?” Sam muttered, washing his finger under the steady stream. The cut wasn’t too deep. “It’s not like you don’t love worrying me.”

Max huffed. “You’re being melodramatic.”

“No, I’m not. Seriously, Max, do you want me to stop going to work? How am I supposed to concentrate on anything if you’re going to be a flight risk?”

“I wasn't running away from home, okay? I just went to see my friend.”

Sam knew he was overreacting but what else was there to do? Alex had sounded so frantic on the phone.

“Who’s this girl anyway?” Sam eyed his son, turning off the tap. “Is it Lucy from school?”

“Ewww nooooo!” Max cringed, making a face. “I don’t like Lucy!”

“Of course you don’t,” Sam grinned. He added more seriously, “Don’t push Alex, okay? She might decide to not babysit you anymore.”

“It’s your fault really,” Max shrugged. Chase who had gone to retrieve the first aid box- it was ridiculous he even knew where that was in the house- handed Sam a bandaid. 

Sam gave Max an incredulous look. “How is any of this my fault?”

“If you got me a mom, we wouldn’t need a babysitter!”

Sam barely even had the time to pick his jaw up when Chase started howling with laughter. He raised his hand and Max high-fived him.

“Wha- what?” He spluttered. “Where’s this coming from?”

“I told you, you had this coming, Samuel,” Chase chuckled, superior. “Even your boy seems to be scoring more dates here. And look at the little daredevil sneaking out to get em. What’re you waiting for? Divine intervention?” He lowered his voice just for Sam’s ears. “Even Steve from HR gets laid more than you. And he smells like Kleenex!”

Sam glared at his friend. “That’s it. Get out of my house! I’m not responsible for feeding you.”

“Now, now,” Chase placated, putting his hands on either side of Sam’s shoulders from behind and giving them a squeeze. “Look at these muscles. Such a waste to not have beautiful arms draped around them.”

“Well, there’s always you!”

Chase huffed, drawing back. “You don’t pay me any attention.”

Max giggled.

Sam turned to his son. “Max, having a mom doesn’t mean you won’t have a babysitter. Working mothers are a thing!”

“He’ll, at least, have quality food,” Chase put in. “All you feed him is vegetables.”

“You know what? I’m done with the both of you. Go back to that game you were playing.”

“No,” Chase shook his head. “This is more fun. Why aren’t you asking Jess out?”

“You know why.” Sam wasn’t as patient this time as he had been the last ten times, since Chase had been badgering him every damn minute. “Go wash your hands, Max. And help Uncle Chase set up the table.”

Max knew he was being dismissed, so he made a whole show of slowly dragging himself from the kitchen counter and heading upstairs at the speed of a snail. Once he was surely out of earshot, Sam hissed at his friend. “Drop it, Chase! You know it’s not going to happen. Besides, the last time was embarrassing enough. I don’t know how to face her.”

Chase rolled his eyes. “She’s a grown ass woman and super hot. You’re lucky she’s into you,” He paused, the sly grin dancing in his eyes. “That was like three or four years ago. She must be long past it.”

“I sure hope so.”

“I don’t know how else to convince you,” Chase sighed, dropping all the teasing at once. “Jess is successful, beautiful and so damn smart. If a girl like that can’t move you, I don’t know what else to do for you.”

“You can always give up.”

“No chance.” Chase ran his fingers through his hair. “I just keep trying to understand what’s holding you back.”

It was Sam’s turn to sigh. “I’m married.”

“No, you’re not!” Chase argued, with more emotion than Sam had expected, enough to make him face his friend. “This isn’t marriage, Sam. This is you holding on to something dead with both your hands. Let go before your hands start decaying.”

“Don’t say that.” The pain in his own voice depressed Sam. 

Chase grimaced. “What would I not give to see this girl! Who is she? Some supermodel? Is she gilded out of diamonds or something?”

It was no point going in circles with Chase over this. Sam knew from years of experience that he wouldn’t give up. 

“What was her name again?”

“It’s-” Sam’s gaze shifted to the base of the staircase and found Max standing there, face blank. “We’ll talk later,” Sam whispered, wondering how much Max had heard.

The dinner was a quiet affair. Sam knew it wasn’t so because Chase and Max were appreciating the sensory overload of how amazing his stir fry was. Chase was sulking and Max was lost in thought. After Chase had left for the night, Sam set to cleaning the kitchen. Max came to sit by him on the island counter, picking out a cookie from the jar Chase had abandoned. 

“How was your day?” Max asked and despite himself Sam chuckled. There was something so odd about the question coming out of a six and a half year old.

“T’was alright,” Sam told him. Most of it had been very boring, except for the evening scare and the morning lecture in which he was mere feet away from Y/N, every cell in his body hyper aware of the fact that she was there. It was pathetic and Sam knew it. “I do have a hearing tomorrow. I think we’ll win this one.”

“What’s it about?”

“Property fraud. Very interesting.”

Wiping the kitchen top, and hanging the rag on the hook over the sink, Sam came to sit by his son. “How was your day?”

“Very interesting.” Max smiled, but didn’t elaborate. Not wanting to flare up his earlier irritation, Sam didn’t ask him for the details either. Instead, he dipped his hand in the jar and drew out a Choco chip cookie.

“Is it because of me that you don’t go out on dates?”

Max’s voice was small, diminished even and it made Sam draw in a quick breath.

“Max!” He exhaled. “Why would you say that?”

His boy wriggled his fingers. “I don’t know. Uncle Chase is right. You don’t have any fun. I know it’s because you have to spend all your free time with me.”

“You don’t mean that,” Sam stated outright, shaking his head. “I know you don’t because not one second of the time spent with you has been a sacrifice. You’re my son. You’ve got to know that I would do anything for you.”

“Except get me a mom.”

“Mom’s don’t grow on trees or fall out skies, Max.” Sam reasoned trying to keep the exasperation out of his voice. “And don’t you ever say that I don’t have fun in life. We have fun, don’t we? I love that and wouldn’t change it for any girl in the world.”

“Not even for Y/N?”

Sam faltered, aghast. Maybe it was because he was thinking about Y/N so much already, or because Max didn’t usually bring her up, but somewhere inside him there was a nagging feeling that he was missing something here. Max’s question was natural in the context of the conversation… but the very conversation felt out of context. Max knew very well what he meant to Sam, and even if a part of him thought that Sam was sacrificing for his sake- Sam fervently wished that wasn’t the case- the Max he knew would never bring it up this conversationally. 

So he answered with complete conviction. “No. Not even for Y/N.”

“And you get this through your head, Max,” he continued, voice pained despite his efforts. “You and I are already a complete family. I love you with everything that I have. So long as we are together, you’ll make do with just me, won’t you?”

“Mhmm.”

Sam ruffled Max’s hair, and kissed his brow, rankled by his words. Regardless of what Sam had just said, wouldn’t it be nice for Max to have a mom? Even in his imagination the face was perfectly clear, the vision already there. He’d be lying to himself if he said that over the years he hadn’t thought about her holding Max, laughing with him. There was only ever one face that completed Sam’s daydream- Y/N’s. But Sam also knew just how impossible it was. Y/N wouldn’t even think of the aftermath of an accident, imagining her as a motherly figure was simply cruel. So much that the whiplash of it hit Sam’s conscience. It was why he hadn’t mentioned Max to her.

Trying to reign in his thoughts he absentmindedly took a bite of the cookie in his hand, chewing as he tried to dislodge the idea of Max and Y/N. Impossible… too painful, his mind screamed.

Abruptly, he stopped.

“Hey, Max? Sam asked slowly, “Where did you get these cookies?” 

“Umm, those girl scouts came over this afternoon,” he said, not meeting Sam’s gaze. “I asked Alex to buy. Is that okay?”

“You sure these are girl scout cookies?”

“Yep.”

Eating the rest of the cookie in one bite, Sam jumped down from the counter and turned to his boy. “Promise me. Promise me you won’t think like that again,” Sam pleaded. “That you’re keeping me from anything. You saved me, kiddo. I would have been barely worth anything without you.”

“Same,” Max quipped. And despite the absolute horror of the situation, and how true both of their words were, Sam found himself snorting. 

“Enough with the black comedy,” he ordered, “Lets go brush your teeth.”

“Yessum.”

Max leapt into Sam’s arms, and he carried his boy out of the kitchen. Sam eyed the jar of cookies one last time before switching off the lights. 

Friday, first day of Induction fair. It was going to be one long day tomorrow.

*******************

“Alright, everybody clear on what they’re supposed to be doing tomorrow?” 

“It’s 11:30 in the night, Y/N,” Seth complained, “We aren’t going to be any more ready.”

“I’m sorry,” you waved apologetically. “You guys should go home, I’ll wrap up the rest. I’m just nervous.”

“It’ll be okay,” Madison came to your side, putting her arm around your shoulders. “Seth’s just kidding. Aren’t you?” She turned on the poor guy who shook his head and you snickered.

“Okay, pack up y’all!” You called out to the people in the background busy with the last checks on the sound system. “We’re going to have a blast tomorrow.”

Cheers went up around you. One by one everyone clapped you on your back, offered smiles and went their way; only Madison, Brad and Rebecca remained. 

“Who are you taking with you to the Saturday night dance?” Brad asked.

Well crap! “A friend of mine,” you answered. You’d have to ask one of the guys if they were free Saturday evening.

“Hmm… Does this friend happen to go to Law school?”

“Nope!”

“We’ll at least have time for one dance,” Brad insisted, leaning next to you as you packed your bag. “Your friend won’t mind, will he?”

“Brad,” you sighed. “I’m clearly not your type.”

He put his hands up. “Hey, I’m not implying anything here, but if that’s what you got out of it…”

You ignored him, walking back towards Maddie. He kept up with you easily. “What about the dance? One dance is well deserved.”

“Okay, fine!” Better to just agree and get it done with. Brad left with a superior smirk and you wondered what was the deal with him.

“Brad’s a great guy,” Rebecca said. “I don’t know what kind of Prince Charming you’re waiting for that you keep turning him down at every opportunity.”

“I’m not waiting for anyone.” It was true. You had found someone who could put Prince Charming to shame and then you had lost him. Now, the most you could hope for was his friendship. The thinly veiled bitterness and longing in Rebecca’s voice when she spoke of Brad led you to believe that her dislike for you wasn’t reasonless after all.

At the quad, you stopped, letting the girls know that you’d be heading towards the library, to relieve Molly from her shift early. It was supposed to be your shift anyway, Molly was doing you a favor by subbing. 

“I’ll come with you,” Madison quipped. She waved a goodbye to Rebecca and the two of you set towards the library, your footsteps echoing in the night. 

Once Molly had left, Madison logged into one of the records PC’s and started working on the case studies for professor Whitman. Meanwhile, you logged into your mail to print out the schedules and itineraries for the speakers tomorrow.

Just as you were printing out the last set, your email pinged, alerting you to an email from Sam. It was ridiculous that your heart should leap out of your chest, especially when it was merely a reply to your assignment. It was past one, and Sam was still up checking coursework. 

Oh, how you wanted to reply back, ask him why he was up this late. But this was an official email ID. It would be wrong to get personal here. Unreasonable as it was, you were miffed that you didn’t have Sam’s phone number. Friends should be able to call each other, right? You could always find it out from the directory, however, you were stubborn about getting it from him.

“Hey, I just heard back from Professor Winchester,” Madison whispered, even though there wasn’t anyone else in the library. “I scored a 21.5!”

“That’s great!” You smiled.

“What about you? Did you hear from him yet?”

“Just. Scored a 23.”

Madison scrunched her nose, “I bet that’s the highest.” She sounded rueful, but you knew she didn’t mean any ill. “You mind if I take a look at your paper?”

“Course not.”

Madison read through your document carefully. “I can see why he rated you this high. This is great work, Y/N! I wonder…”

“What?”

She looked bemused. “In my email, he’s specifically pointed out all the good things and complemented me for my good work. In your reply he’s only pointed out the one flaw that cost you the two marks. He’s not said one good word about the rest.”

Maybe he thought you would understand, or maybe he was just too tired. If not commenting on your essay earned him ten extra minutes of rest, you were very glad that he hadn't.

You shrugged at Madison. “Maybe he forgot.”

“That’s not done,” she frowned. “You should ask him tomorrow.”

“Sure.”

A glazed look came over Madison’s face. “Remember the first time we were alone here?”

“We’d been trying to research for Mr. Winchester’s first assignment,” you smiled.

“And ended up stalking him instead,” Madison winked. “After I went home that day, I read up more about that sensationalised case of his. Really gruesome, the whole deal. Never pinned him for the type of lawyer to take up a criminal law case, let alone homicides.”

“What’s there to fight for in a criminal homicide?” You wondered. “Isn’t that DA’s job?”

You remembered a little from what you had read with Madison that day, over a month ago. Twin homicides followed by a legal battle over property inheritance. The deceased’s brother vs. the deceased son. There were also connected matters of custodial rights, abuse charges and adoption.

“It was really scandalous, Y/N,” Madison said. “You wouldn’t know because you didn’t live in California. It was all over the papers and news in LA. Ralph Simmons was this bigshot producer, and his on and off girlfriend- both of them shot by some drug pimp. A whole big racket came out with it. I think Mr. Winchester moved out of LA to avoid the fanfare that followed him everywhere afterwards.”

“When was this?” 

“Ummm… about two and half years ago,” Madison said. 

So before he started teaching at Stanford, and before his job at Acton Griswold. 

“Why would he leave a successful firm in LA and move base to SF?” You asked out loud. “That too after a successful stint? It doesn’t make sense.”

To your surprise, Madison laughed. “Oh, firms must be dying to have him. Even my dad offered. Apart from offering a junior partnership, Acton Gris must have paid him a ton of money. Besides, his working hours are more like a consultants, so he can manage classes. That’s a lot of relaxations- only someone with that sort of fanfare would have been able to negotiate a deal.”

It wasn’t the money. That much you knew. Something else had made Sam uproot his life in LA and move here. 

“Uhg! I really want to work with him, Y/N,” Madison let out. “I really want the summer internship at Acton Gris.” Seeing your expression, she quickly added, “It’s not why you think. I mean sure he’s super hot and all that, but I’ve looked up to him for his ethics, and the way he thinks. He’s just such a great lawyer.”

“Sure is.”

“I know what you’re thinking,” She said in a defeated voice. “Rich girl with a firm to her name, who could get in Acton Gris by recommendation as a favor. What’s the big deal, right?”

“Maddie, I wasn’t thinking that-”

“It’s alright if you do. Everyone does.”

You placed your hand on top of hers. “I don’t care what everyone else thinks. I care about you. The Madison I know is intelligent and hardworking, who deserves whatever she sets her heart to. Law is a lucrative practice. As long as you aren’t screwing over someone else, you should use whatever means you can.”

Madison’s eyes welled up. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Y/N. Sometimes… sometimes I wonder if I even have any real friends who care about me. Becca… Lace, Mer… they all feel like friendships of convenience than actual substance. You’re the only one I’m sure will be happy to see me succeed in life.”

Your heart reached out for Madison. She was a good person who didn’t deserve to feel this way. Slowly you reached out and put your arms around her. “Maddie,” You breathed in her hair, not knowing what else to say. You had always known she was hurting inside without her having told you. Her relations seemed frivolous to you, but by the looks of it, her family life wasn’t much good either. Deep down she was convinced that her parents, her brothers didn’t love her. What must it be like to live that way?

You’d never been rich in your life except for those short married months, but not for a minute had you questioned the love of any person you called family. How was one supposed to live on without having the assurance of being absolutely loved?

The way you’ve lived for the past six and a half years, a small voice whispered in your brain. You quelled it immediately.

“Madison,” you said firmly this time. “I love you. And I’ll always support you. To hell with anyone who thinks otherwise.”

She hugged you closer, and you felt her broken breaths against your body. She didn’t want you to see her cry, so you held on till all her tears had dried.

********

You probably looked exactly how you felt- sleepless and exhausted. The first half of day one had gone smoothly with all introductions in place. Over two hundred and fifty alumni had RSVP’d for the event and forty two had agreed to speak or participate in panel discussions. You had been told this was one of the biggest turnouts ever. Instead of feeling like you had succeeded, you just felt more scared. Organised activity wasn’t your cup of tea. Right about then you were questioning how you even ended up heading this committee.

Everyone seemed to be asking for you, everyone had some or the other work with you and the tasks were never ending. The first time that you got a minute to sit was towards the end of lunch break. You dropped into the seat at the far end of the auditorium, head in your hands.

“Here!”

You turned your face to see Sam sitting next to you with a bottle of water in his hand. Unlike his usual self, he was dressed in a light knit grey sweater and jeans today. His glasses hung from the V-shaped neckline, revealing just enough for you to see the glint of his chain. You were so exhausted, all you wanted to do was fall against his shoulder and close your eyes for just two seconds. Sighing, you took the bottle from him and drank to your heart’s content.

“Maybe doing the late night shift at the library wasn’t the best idea, huh?”

You frowned. “How do you know?”

“The register,” He said. “I went to the library in the morning to return my book.”

“I thought you were avoiding the library like the plague.” The words slipped out before you could think them through. You hoped the bitter edge in them wasn’t very obvious. 

“I would come if I could, you know?”

“What’s stopping you?” You asked, belligerent, “Too scared to go back home in the dark?”

You knew it was unfair to put him in a spot like this. He had a home, his own bed. Why would he spend his nights at the library just because you worked there? Just because he hadn’t talked to you all that much lately, or given you his phone number, didn’t mean you had the right to be irritated at him. 

“Y/N-” he sighed, and before he could add on to that, he was interrupted. 

“There you are!” 

Chase Lincoln put a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

You straightened your expression under the pretense of drinking more water, and handed the bottle back to Sam.

“Thank you, Mr. Winchester,” you said, standing up, “I must hurry back now. If you’ll excuse me.”

Sam stood up with you. The errant thought of resting against his shoulder made an appearance but you shoved it away violently. 

“Wait,” Sam put his hand out to block you. You looked around you to see if anyone else had noticed. No one but Chase.

“Let me introduce the two of you,” he said.

“Wait, I know you,” Chase interjected. “You work with Molly, right? And you’re heading the organising committee.” 

“Chase,” Sam said with gravity, making his friend focus, the green eyes sharpened on you.

Exhaling slowly, Sam turned to you. “This is Chase Lincoln. He works with me at Acton Griswold.” You heard the unsaid words- ‘He’s the one I was talking with that day in the coffee shop; my friend.”

“Chase.” Sam’s voice was heavy, the way Atlas’s might have sounded after a millennia of holding up the earth. There was defeat in it. “This- this is Y/N.”

Each time Sam uttered your name, a warmth settled in your chest. You suspected it was just your eternally besotted mind making up the idea that his voice grew softer when he said it. Apparently, that wasn’t the case, for Chase’s eyes narrowed as he took in the look on Sam’s face, then went wide in a split second. His head rapidly moved from you to Sam in a matter of moments, before his jaw dropped.

“S-... Your… “ Speech seemed to have temporarily evaded Chase. 

“No diamonds,” Sam murmured.

“Y/N!” Someone shouted for you from two rows down. “There’s a problem with the mic. You need to check it out.”

“Ex- Excuse me,” you mumbled, hurrying away from Chase’s astounded stare. Maybe he knew it all, that didn’t particularly surprise you. What did surprise you was how Sam had decidedly made the introduction- as if Chase had to know. 

As it turned out, the mic had only been disconnected. It was working absolutely fine. You were still grateful to have been removed from Chase’s presence, glad that you didn’t have to wait around to witness his judgement. 

The rest of the day flew by faster than you could have guessed. Most of the heavy panel discussions were scheduled for the first day itself. You were blown away by the immense knowledge and expertise of those people, which was a good thing because you desperately needed a distraction. 

You only saw Sam afterwards, once everything was over and the alumni were all catching up with each other, like old friends, reminiscing about the time they had spent together. Even though it was a lot of people there, your eyes kept going to Sam in his thin sweater, in a deep conversation with an aged man, who was laughing at something Sam had said.

“One down, two more days to go,” mumbled Madison. She was leaning against your back. “Can we just sleep here?”

“I told you to come home with me last night,” Rebecca stated, appearing out of nowhere. This time she had Lacey and Meredith with her. “Why did you have to stay up at the library?”

Usually Madison would’ve at least tried to answer. Today, her forehead and nose just dug deeper into your back. You pursed your lips so the smile wouldn’t spill over. She was taking a stand for how she deserved to be treated.

“Well, shit!” Lacey said. “Looks like I wasn’t wrong after all.”

Rebecca groaned. “Ugh she looks like an uptight bimbo.”

You didn’t pay attention to their conversation till Meredith said, “She’s definitely into professor Hotchester.”

Your head snapped up in Sam’s direction, but he was out of the straight line of your vision. Obscuring him was a girl, dressed in a pretty blue chiffon top and tight fitting pencil skirt. Her five inches long pumps caught the light of the setting sun and gleamed. She was tall and beautiful, statuesque in the way a swimsuit model is, her blonde hair fell to the middle of her back in perfect curls. 

As you watched, she threw her hands around Sam’s neck and hugged him tightly. He willingly embraced her, too. You chanced a glance of the smile on his face as she disentangled and laughed, touching Sam’s chest lightly with her hand. 

“Yeah, there’s something there,” Lacey whistled.

“Wonder who she is,” Madison whispered, so only you could hear.

You didn’t need to wonder who it was, you already knew. Jessica Moore. Sam’s Ex-girlfriend.

*******************

A/N 2: I kinda really like the next chapter. I think it speaks more about about the sort of writer and person that I am than most things I’ve written yet. Can’t wait to share it with y’all.

So any predictions? ;)

Thank you for all the reblogs and comments! Not gonna lie, life’s been kicking my butt a lot lately. Believe it or not, all of your love really helps <3

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[aedelia]

Burnt Bacon and Bright Stars

Truce present for @grimgrinningghoul​ !

Danny has had a lot on his mind since he got his powers.  Even more so since he dealt with Spectra.  He decides to trust his family and finds that some things never change. AO3 | FF.net

Burnt Bacon and Bright Stars

 Danny was stretched out on his favorite starry blue blanket while looking up at the night sky.  His father was next to him on a big blanket the same color as Mars and talking about ghosts. His voice was big and bounced off the shiny walls as he waved his arms around. Danny liked how his dad talked with his hands and tonight, he’d used his hands to point out Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.  To Danny, his father was like Ursa Major, large and bright, and he was Ursa Minor, smaller but still just like him.

“And when the Ops Center is complete, those ghosts won’t be able to hide anymore! This baby will have the most advanced ectoplasm sensing satellites scanning for traces all over the northern hemisphere!”

Danny looked up at his father and wistfully said, “I wanna be a ghost someday. Then I can go to space and fly to the moon.” He rolled over on his side, propped his chin on his hand, and his elbow on the floor. His dad rolled over and mirrored Danny’s position. 

“Oh Danny-boy, you don’t want to be a ghost. Ghosts are scary and want to hurt people.”

“Nuh-uh, I would be a good ghost and not be scary. I would even make sure to do all of my chores and help old ladies with their groceries!”

Daddy said, “But Danny-boy, Mommy and Daddy hunt ghosts. We try to catch them and protect people because ghosts are bad.”

Danny pouted before shaking his head, “I would be a good ghost and save people instead of hurt them, like a superhero!”

His dad chuckled as he stood up.  “Ghost powers would be good superpowers for heroes if they weren’t bad,” he said.

Danny sat up. 

“Ghost powers would be the best for exploring outer space!�� If you don’t need to breathe then you wouldn’t need an oxygen tank and you could carry a whole bunch of useful tools and bring back space rocks. If you could go intangible then you wouldn’t have to worry about friction leaving or reentering the atmosphere, you wouldn’t need a space suit and could just fly straight to the moon!” Danny pointed up at the full moon which brightly shined over the town. “It would be so easy to explore the other planets in our solar system with ghost powers.  Dust on Mars wouldn’t be a problem, storms on Jupiter wouldn’t be a problem. I could go count the rings of Saturn and compare them to Jupiter’s ring.”

Danny hugged his knees to his chest before asking, “Daddy, would you and Mommy hunt me if I was a ghost? Even if I was a good ghost?”

Danny’s father crouched next to him and put  his large hand on the boy’s shoulder, “If you were a ghost, I would know you’re good, even if you have big teeth and pointy claws and horns,” He scooped him up and gently swung him around through the air, “Even if you turned green and hairy.  As long as you’re Danny I will always love you!” He brought his son to face him, “Even if you turned into a ghost, you’ll always be my little boy.”

Danny giggled and put his hands on his father’s cheeks and gave him nose kisses.  “I love you too Daddy!”

--

Jack gathered the blankets and slung them over one shoulder and Danny over the other.  He carried the giggling boy down the stairs all the way to the kitchen.  He plopped his son into his chair. 

“Well, Mommy and Jazzy-pants should be back soon from the store, and I think they’re bringing home pizza!”

Danny laughed at the nickname for his sister before cheering, “Yay!  Pizza!” He threw his hands in the air. “Do the pizza dance, Daddy!”

Jack sighed dramatically before smiling and saying, “Ok, I’ll do the pizza dance.”

He danced around the kitchen, waving his arms and occasionally chanting, “Pizza! Pizza!  I want some pizza!”  

Danny wiggled in his seat and yelled, “Pizza! Pizza!” every time his dad did.  They were loud enough that neither of them heard the click of the front door opening and shutting, or noticed that Maddie and Jazz were home until Maddie’s voice joined in the song..

“Pizza, pizza, here’s the pizza!” She sang as she danced into the kitchen with two big pizza boxes.  

Jazz bounced into the room chattering about how excited she was to start first grade and how happy she was to have the big colored pencil box that had all of the important colors and its own special sharpener. Jack danced around Maddie before he pulled her into a spin and dipped her for a kiss while his other hand held the pizza boxes steady. 

“Ewww.” Danny and Jazz said together.

When Jack released Maddie and took the pizzas, she asked, “So what have you two boys been up to while we were gone?”

Jack turned to put the boxes on the counter. As he grabbed paper plates and napkins out of the cupboard he replied, “Me and Danny were taking advantage of the clear sky and were stargazing up in the ops center.”

Maddie turned back to face him with her hands on her hips and a mild look of disapproval. 

“I hope you cleaned up the floor before you let Danny up there,” she said.

Jack kissed her on the forehead before he passed her some plates.

“Don’t worry, I cleaned up the floor and made sure to put down blankets.”

Maddie beamed up at Jack while Danny and Jazz made gagging sounds at their affection.

“I also told Danny a little about ghosts and what they can do.”

“I want to be a ghost someday!” Danny exclaimed from his seat at the table.

“A ghost? Jack!” Maddie scolded as she turned from Danny’s beaming face to Jack’s stiff shoulders.

She kneeled next to Danny’s chair. 

“Danny, why would you want to be a ghost? Ghosts are bad and they attack people.” She explained.

“Ghost powers would be the best for exploring outer space! And I could do my chores faster and go to the Moon and Mars and all of the other planets!” He rambled. “I would be a nice superhero ghost Mommy.”

“I suppose those would be some good uses for ghost powers, sweetie.” She said as she ruffled his hair.

Jazz piped up from across the table, “Ghosts aren’t real, but if they were, Danny couldn’t be a scary or mean ghost even if he tried. So, Danny would be a good ghost if they did exist.”

Maddie smiled and said, “Yes, our Danny couldn’t be a bad ghost. If either of you were ghosts we would still love you.”

--

Danny leaned forward in bed and stretched his arms out over his head. The last several nights he had been thinking hard about whether or not he should tell his parents the truth about his accident. His powers were pretty much under control now. He hadn’t had any intangibility or invisibility accidents for at least a couple of weeks. He had been trying to remember all the times that his parents had mentioned ghosts before the portal was built. This had been on his mind so much now that he had continued to relive his memories in his dreams. If there was a ghost that could affect dreams or memories he’d be concerned, but he hadn’t heard of any with powers like that. 

The memory he had dreamt of this time was from when he was little. He remembered the unfinished walls of the ops center and the silly dance his dad would do whenever they had pizza. Maybe this was the sign he needed that it was time to tell them. 

Danny grabbed his phone from the nightstand and called Tucker. His heart felt like it was beating in his ears as the other line rang. After a few unending seconds, he heard a click, and then Tucker’s voice.

“Danny? Are you ok?”

“Tucker, you know how I’ve been thinking about telling my parents about the whole half ghost thing? I had a dream last night and I remembered that when I was little I told them I wanted to be a ghost.”

There was a lengthy pause before Tucker groaned, “Dude. It’s 4 am.”

Danny cringed slightly as he looked over at his alarm clock.

“Were they ok with you wanting to be a ghost when you were a little kid?” Tucker asked. “Because I can’t see them being too thrilled about it. Even back when we were little they were pretty anti-ghost.”

“I remember I told them I wanted to be a ghost because ghost powers would be great for exploring space and the Moon. I even told them how I would use the basic powers to go into space if I was a ghost. They wanted to remind me that ghosts were bad but they did say that if I was a ghost they wouldn’t hunt me. Dad even said that ghost powers would be good superpowers.”

“Well it seems like you already want to tell them and I have been saying you should tell them since you got your powers. Have you even tried to go to space since you got them?” he asked.

“Tucker,” Danny groaned. “I’ve been way too busy trying to deal with the ghosts that’ve been invading and trying not to flunk all of my classes to even think about going to space.”

Tucker snorted. “I’m sure you’ve managed to at least think of it, but seriously, it’s probably a good idea to tell them before something bad happens and someone gets hurt. Who knows what kind of nasty ghost could attack next?”

“Yeah, you’re right. The longer I wait the harder this’ll be. Thanks for helping me talk it out.”

“Sure thing, buddy. Just, try to keep the existential dilemmas and mental crises to daylight hours.”

“I make no promises.” Danny chuckled.

“Alright, fair enough. But if that’s everything, talk to you later. I’ll even warn Sam for you so she won’t try to talk you out of it.”

“Thanks Tucker, you’re the best.”

“You know it!” Tucker answered before hanging up the call.

Danny laid back down, thoughts racing, as he tried to think of how to tell his parents.

“Hey Mom and Dad, you remember how the ghost portal wasn’t working at first? Well I did get it to start…but I happened to be inside it?” He dragged his hand over his face with a groan. 

“Hey you know how we aren’t supposed to be messing around in the lab because it’s dangerous? Well I may have disregarded the rules…but at least now the portal is working?” He grabbed his hair and tugged at it in frustration.

“Maybe I should start with Jazz. I know she has to believe in ghosts now since she saw Phantom and Spectra after the Spirit Rally last week. She did say that I can talk to her about anything though I doubt this was what she was expecting.”

Decision now made, Danny slid out of bed and crept down the hall to Jazz’s room. Her door was slightly ajar with light spilling into the hallway so she must’ve been awake.  He lightly knocked on the door and poked his head in through the gap. 

Jazz sat in bed in comfortable pajamas with a book in hand.

“Danny? You’re up early.” She checked the clock. “I’m surprised to see you before noon on a Saturday. Come in. Is something wrong?”

Danny shuffled into the room and softly closed the door behind him. He rubbed the back of his neck as he stood by the entrance.  His eyes skipped past his sister’s face as they roved over the bookshelves stuffed with psychology and science textbooks. She still had all of her spelling bee medals pinned and hanging around the border of the cork board behind her desk.  With posters of quotes from famous scientists intermixed with handwritten motivational phrases, her personality practically oozed from the walls. Now that he was actually in her room, it was like all of his confidence had just evaporated.

As the silence dragged longer, Jazz put her book aside and patted the bed next to her.  Danny gingerly stepped forward before he perched on the edge of the bed.

Jazz rolled her eyes and pulled him closer. Once she had rearranged the blankets to cover both of them she said lightly, “Just like when we were little and you would sneak into my bed after nightmares.”

Danny chuckled, tension broken, and said, “Speaking of when we were little, do you remember right when you were in, I don’t know, first grade, and I told Mom and Dad that I wanted to be a ghost someday?”

He felt her go very still. She stared straight ahead for a long moment before she shook her head and answered.

“I do remember that. They were still doing that ridiculous pizza dance back then. Wasn’t that before they finished the Ops Center?  You used to stargaze up there with whoever you could convince to go up with you.”

“Yeah,” he confirmed. “Well, remember how we basically all agreed that I couldn’t be a bad or scary ghost even if I tried?”

“I do remember that, too.” she laughed. “Of course, now we all know that ghosts actually do exist. But I stand by what I said back then, even if ghosts exist, you wouldn’t be a bad ghost.”

Danny managed a half smile and took a deep breath. 

“So a few months ago when I had the accident in the lab I got more than just a shock. I was in the portal when it turned on and ever since I’ve had ghost powers and can turn into a ghost. I’m not dead! I can turn back to well, mostly normal, very easily. The ghosts call me the halfa, half ghost, half boy. I’ve been catching the ghosts that come through the portal and putting them back in the ghost zone. They aren’t all bad either. I’ve met a few nice ghosts that live in, well haunt, the human world. They’ve been really friendly and helpful! Some of them just want to be left alone, you know? I’m rambling now aren’t I?” 

Danny paused for a breath and raised his head from his knees to how Jazz was taking it. She smiled at him.

“Uh, Jazz? Are you going to say anything?”

Instead of responding, she pulled him into a tight hug. It took a moment for him to relax.

“Jazz?” he asked with a sniff, “C’mon you can’t just-“

“I am so proud of you!” she said. “I know it was very brave of you to tell me a big secret like that.”

“Wait, you already knew?” he asked.

“I suspected something was going on for a while, but I only found out last week during the Spectra thing at the Spirit Rally. I was hoping you would tell me when you were ready. I’m proud of you for telling me, and for all you’ve been doing to protect everyone. I’ve been doing what I could to help cover for you with Mom and Dad and your teachers.”

“You have?” He asked, eyebrows creeping into his hairline.

“I may be your bossy big sister, but I care for you and I don’t want to make things harder or more stressful for you.” She paused, and then asked, “Are you planning on telling Mom and Dad next?”

“I thought you just said that you were trying not to make things more stressful for me.” Danny teased. “But yeah, I guess remembering how supportive they were when we were little was the push that I needed to be ready.”

“Well, I’m sure they’re awake now, and the kitchen should be pretty safe right now. I made them clean up their experiments yesterday. If you’re ready, now would be a good time.”

“Yeah…you’re right, it just feels like a lot to tell them. Even knowing that they’ll accept me, I’m still worried that they won’t see me the same, or that they’ll want me to stop hunting ghosts.” Danny said as he slipped out of her arms and off the bed. “Will you come down and back me up when I tell them?” he asked.

“Of course I will! Just give me a couple of minutes to grab a few things and I’ll be right down.”

Jazz flipped her blankets off revealing her favorite pajamas that were covered in different scientific formulas.

“You’re still a nerd.” Danny said as he ducked back out of her room.

“And you’re a dork.” She retorted.

“I love you too!” he called as he headed towards the stairs.

Danny paused at the top of the steps and pulled out his phone to message his friends.

Danny:           About to tell my parents

                      Wish me luck!

Tucker:          You don’t need luck

Sam:              If things go bad come to my house, I can hide you in                                      my closet.  

                      it’s big enough to have its own ensuite

Tucker:          Sweet!

He let out a humorless chuckle and put his phone away. A few seconds later Jazz walked up behind him with a large binder titled, Reasons Why Not All Ghosts are Bad, and Especially not Danny.

“You had enough time to make a whole thing of why ghosts aren’t all bad?” he asked.

“Don’t be silly, I’ve been working on this since the first ghosts showed up and started adding in the bits specifically about you last week. I thought it might come in handy one day to have all of the evidence together.”

“I both admire and fear your organization.” Danny said.

Jazz sniffed imperiously and said, “As you should.”

Danny went down the stairs slowly with Jazz trailing behind him. He stopped at the doorway to the kitchen, but Jazz gave him a gentle push across the threshold.

“Morning, sweetie!” his mom called from the stove where she was frying up surprisingly non-ectoplasmic bacon and eggs.

“Good Morning, son!” his father said from the kitchen table where he was tinkering with a gadget, parts strewn all across the tabletop.

From behind him, Jazz facepalmed and muttered, “So much for keeping the kitchen clean.” 

Danny cleared his throat. 

“Mom, Dad, I have something I need to tell you.” He picked at one of the holes in his pajama sleeves as he waited for their response.

“Is it about ghosts?” His dad asked.

“Well, kinda.” Danny answered, now rubbing the back of his neck.

“Have ghosts been threatening my boy?” His dad demanded as he leapt up from the table.

“Well yes, and no…” Danny’s voice trailed off. 

“What ectoplasmic scum thinks it can mess with a Fenton? I’ll tear it apart molecule by molecule!” Jack exclaimed with his fist in the air.

“Now Jack, calm down,” Maddie turned from the stove and put her hand on his arm, “I’m sure that whatever is going on will make more sense after Danny has had a chance to tell us about it.”

Danny chuckled nervously, glad that Jazz was behind him for moral support. “Let me just start from the beginning then. A few months ago when I had that accident in the lab and got the portal working, I was a lot closer to it than I told you.”

“How close were you?” Maddie asked.

Danny hugged himself as he answered, “I was inside it, there was an ‘on’ button on the inside and I accidentally hit it while I was looking in it.”

“But Danny, the shock of that much electricity, not to mention the ectoplasm, should have killed you! You were fine when we came home and the portal was working.”

Maddie quickly ran over to him, scrutinizing him for signs of injury.

“I was fine! I still am!” Danny added as he backed away with his hands in the air. “I just had a few more side effects than the tingling and numbness from the shock. What I’m saying is, ever since the accident with the portal, I’ve had ghost powers.”

“Ghost powers? Sweetie, humans can’t have ghost powers.” She put the back of her hand to his forehead to check for a fever and then grabbed his wrist to check his pulse. “You don’t have a fever, and your heartbeat is steady if a bit slow. Honey, you’re not a ghost.”

“I know, I’m still human most of the time, I can turn into a ghost and back at will and can use my powers in either form.” He held up his free hand. “Here, look.” Then he flickered his hand in and out of visibility. 

His mom frowned. “I suppose the high concentration of ectoplasm would have prevented you from crossing to the other side, especially as you would have been effectively on both sides if you were in the portal when it activated. Is this why you’ve been dropping glassware at school?”

“Yeah, getting control of the powers was a little tricky at first and several times they went off while I was holding beakers or flasks in science class. And that’s basically the theory so far, that being in the portal when it activated saved me from actually dying.”

“Son, why did it take so long for you to tell us?” his dad asked.

Danny looked down, unable to meet his dad’s eyes or to look at his mom wrapped around him. “I was afraid.  At first I didn’t want to worry you guys or get in trouble for not obeying lab safety rules. Then I was hunting the ghosts that were attacking the town and I didn’t want you to try to stop me when I’m able to help protect people. I was also worried that you would see me as a ghost instead of your son or not believe me when I told you.” 

“Oh sweetie, of course we believe you’re still you. This does explain why almost all of our inventions were going off around you. You’re very lucky that you didn’t get hurt!  We’ll have to work at modifying them to ignore your signature.” His mom said.

“Whether you’re a boy, a ghost, or something in between, you’re our son and we love you.” Jack added as he picked up both his wife and his son in a hug. “I bet you’ve got all kinds of insider information on ghosts now! Think of how much you can help advance our understanding of ghosts and how they interact with our world!”

“We love you, sweetie. No matter what.” Maddie said.

“I knew everything would be alright.” Jazz cheered as she joined the group hug.

Danny smiled and basked in the acceptance of his family. He’d been pretty sure that they would accept him, but it still felt amazing to have his trust validated.

A moment later, he wrinkled his nose. 

“I think the bacon’s burning.”

Jazz jumped out of the hug.

“I’ve got it! None of you move!” She exclaimed. 

She hurried over to the stove, flipped the bacon, and turned the heat down.

As he sat in his parents’ arms, Danny decided that slightly burnt bacon was his new favorite smell.

[valkyrieofsmut]

How many kids would the boys want? Just curious🤔

I had to think about this for a while, but, this is what I came up with! 

Classic-  Classic isn’t picky, you want kids? Cool. You don’t want kids? Well, he’s still got his amazingly cool bro, who he pretty much raised, and will always kinda be like his kid, so... Still cool. But he’d love to have little mixes of him and you running around. He’d love to have one kid to dote on, to be his accomplice in pranks and jokes, but, he also would want them to have a sibling, because he knows that he works so hard that he won’t always be there next to them, and he knows first hand that growing up is better with a sibling. Any more than three or four, and he’d start to get overwhelmed, though, even at four, he’s relying a little bit on extra help- thank stars for Paps. 

Creampuff-  Kids? He loves kids! This boy would be that parent running around all crazy with his kids in the park or yard, if you have one, and he thinks, the more the merrier! He also is always up to date on their lives and making sure they are having the best lives possible. Though one is absolutely fine, he’d love four or five! And if you do give in, or want a large family also, you will see Cream be the most exhausted he’s ever been, completely wiped and about to fall asleep on the couch after finally getting the kids in bed. He will start to understand how Sans feels, being so tired all the time. You’ll never hear him complain, though! He is always satisfied and happy with his life with you and the kids. And if you don’t want kids, count on basically having an animal rescue at your house because he needs to give this love, and when he sees a box with ‘free x’ and no one around, knowing that they’re not going to have anyone to take care of them, he can’t just leave them there! 

Red-  You don’t want kids? Well... he’d probably be garbage at being a dad, anyway. Probably better all around. You want kids? You’d really be willing to bind yourself to him forever in that way? Be ready, he’s about to grab you and tell you, ‘let’s go make one, then.’ You’re also lucky that it takes intent for monsters to have kids, because he’s never going to be able to keep his hands off of you, and your kids will either constantly be embarrassed and whining ‘ewww!’ or just think that it’s normal for their parents to be so ridiculously in love. Ideally, when planning, he wants two, because it’s always better to have someone who’s got your back, and no one does that better than siblings. But. He’s the kind of parent that loves to just sit back and watch how his kids are doing, what they’re getting up to, and the adventures they have, seeing them learn, and helping along the way, and, once they get past a certain stage, such as both being able to walk and talk, almost able to feed themselves, don’t be surprised to find him back nuzzling you from behind while you’re trying to get something done, murmuring in your ear about having another one. Count on him making jokes about needing a spare, ‘just in case’, for the third kid, and ‘backup spare’ for the fourth, beyond that, though Red, like Classic, will start being overwhelmed, and glad that his bro is so great with kids and loves his niblings so much, always declaring that, as they are related to him, they are better than others! 

Edge-  If you don’t want kids, that’s fine, Edge has you, and that’s enough! He’s not against having kids, though. He’d have one, training them to follow in his footsteps, teaching them the mastery of everything he’s learned, how to stay safe, and also to have honor and pride and protect those who cannot protect themselves. He could see having a second child to trail behind him and their older sibling as they train, taking in what they can and also working to be great, and then joining the training when they’re old enough. However, two is his limit, anything over that and he becomes anxious. He needs to keep his brood small enough to protect effectively, and he’s got you, the kids, his idiot brother, and whatever mess he’s gotten himself into (his family) to count into that mess. He knows he can only stretch so far, and won’t compromise the safety of those he loves. 

Blue-  Blue loves kids! He would be the soccer mom, planning out all the activities, making sure they get there, cheering from the sidelines- he proudly drives that minivan! Though he still drives his motorcycle when he’s not taking the kids out everywhere. He is so energetic that he always gets mistaken for the babysitter or sibling of the kids, and it rubs him the wrong way, but he’s gotten pretty good at just turning and calling for a ‘DOG PILE ON DADDY!’ and enjoying the shocked look on the person’s face as the kids all pile on him. As for how many, he’d love to have four or five, to ‘use the minivan to it’s fullest!’ And despite having all that energy, he tires faster than some of his Papyrus type counterparts, and usually ‘forces’ his brother to come with him on outings, to ‘keep an eye on him and make sure he’s not being lazy’ but he really just needs the help, because he’s stretched so thin. (urgh!) If you didn’t want any, he’s going to be the volunteer coach for many youth sports and events, he’ll still have that minivan to haul around his team, and he’ll still have his brother there to help cart everything around. Stretch takes it all in stride, though, hanging out by the bench with the snacks and equipment holding the clipboard and whistle. 

Stretch-  Stretch likes kids ok. If you don’t want any, he’d be cool with that, he’ll be getting enough interaction with them from always dealing with his bro’s escapades. If you do want them, he won’t be able to handle more than one or two, and he’ll be taking them with him to tag along with his bro’s craziness, though Blue will be a dedicated uncle and take less coaching work to have more time to ‘help’ him with the kids. He’s glad that his bro wants to hang out with them so much, not only because he’s so cool and the kids will grow to be that cool, too, but also because they’re getting their exercise in, and he’s too sedentary to do it with them. 

Black-  Black’s not sure about kids- of course, any children of his would be amazing! It’s the other scum out there trying to corrupt them he’s worried about... So if you don’t want any, he’d be fine with it. However, if you do want them, he does need a successor! Someone to take over for him down the line! Black is going to have a learning curve. First child, everything’s new, and he has no idea what he’s doing! Imagine him awkwardly holding the baby up, uncertain, nervousness radiating from him, demanding, “WHY ARE THEY MAKING THESE NOISES? WHAT DO I DO!? LOVE- YOUR CHILD NEEDS YOU!” and if you’re not home, "MUTT!!” By the second child, he thinks he’ll be able to do this, no problem! He’s no longer an unpracticed first timer who doesn’t know how to change a diaper! However- now he needs to learn how to keep two kids happy via multitasking at different levels, and to keep up with their needs, so he is still calling for help more than he’d like. He’s finally got it on the third one, though! He’s still learning new things with the first, but it’s far enough apart that he can keep up with the multitasking, and he’s already worked with the lower levels and is comfortable enough with them that he looks like a pro. On the fourth child, he’s insanely proud that if any of his children (or other people’s children as well, the deservingly smug bastard) are having the tired tantrums, all he has to do is pick them up and lay them against his chest and they fall asleep. Like Blue, he also gets mistaken for the babysitter or sibling of his children as he proudly marches around with them in line behind him. When someone comments how cute it is that they’re all playing ‘follow the leader’, he will stop, they will all fall into a parade rest, and he will thank the person for the compliment, and- “YES, I AM THE LEADER, AND YOU’D DO BEST TO WATCH YOURSELF, AS MY BROOD IS QUITE THE CAPABLE BUNCH!” 

Mutt-  Mutt always seems so chill- if you don’t want kids, he’s chill with it, he still checks on his brother and any niblings he has, so he’s pretty parentally content. If you do want kids, you’re going to think you’ve somehow missed all the signs that you’re now entangled with the mob. No one bothers his kids. They have friends, happiness, normal childhood things- but if you watch closely, he’s always got his socket on them. If, by chance, some poor ignorant child did bully one of his kids- you won’t hear about it after the first time, and... that child’s family may have had to suddenly move... He doesn’t need a lot to be happy, you and his brother are enough, and if Black plans to have kids it will affect how many Mutt wants, he needs to make sure he’s not spread too thin so he can properly protect and enforce the safety of you all. One or two are preferred, but you might be able to convince him of three. 

Axe-  Unfortunately, due to his injury, he can’t handle as much stimulus as he used to. If you decide that kids aren’t a good idea, or you don’t want them, he’s onboard. If you do want them, he’ll do his best to support you. He could handle only one, possibly two, and even at two, he’s worried he’s gong to mess up and forget he has the kids with him or something when he’s out, and you’ll get panicked calls from him at the store, “did i bring the kids with me-?!” “No, hon, there’re here with me.” Which is why- he wants help. He loves you, and if you want more kids, he wants you to be happy and give you what you want, and he’s not against the idea of more kids, he’ll just need his bro to come live with you, if he doesn’t already. The kids’ childhood will be wonderful, with three caregivers who love them, and they’ll be the most competent kids in any of their classes. Having Axe for a parent and Crooks for an uncle, or possibly co- parent, they’ll learn how to hunt, trap, store, prepare, and keep all sorts of food type things- be it a garden, wild game, or the livestock and chickens at home. Not only that, but they will know how to defend themselves and survive in all sorts of situations, if anything happens. They learn this all as fun family togetherness stuff, of course, but Axe has seen hell, and he wants his kids to be able to survive anything, to be able to go off the grid from anyone that would compromise them and stay safe and well taken care of when shit hits the fan. 

Crooks/ Bun-  Much like Axe, he can’t handle as much stimulus as he used to be able to. He loves kids, but his years underground have worn him down, and he’s not as energetic as he used to be. If you don’t want kids, it will be fine, he still has his brother to take care of, after all. If you do want them, he is still taking care of Axe, and while Axe can help with the kids, the trauma and PTSD they both have can hold them back some times. One or two kids would suit him just fine. They are going to learn all the wonderful things the two have to teach them, too; Papyrus will teach them about preserving and storing food, gardening, gathering, and trapping, while keeping things safe, and Axe will make sure they know how to defend themselves, protect their possessions, and hunt. His lower energy capacity does mean he gets worn out faster, and needs time for resting, usually putting the kids down for a nap at this time. At the end of the day, though, he’s happy with whatever family he’s got, especially when it’s got all the people he loves in it.

Ask Masterlist?

[mercuryislove]

Don’t hate me but… I kinda want you to answer all of the deep dive WIP asks 🥺 if that’s unreasonable tho, just 2, 9, and 10 please!

I am SORRY for the delay!!! i answered every question for BOTH projects so you're in for like.... several thousand words of shit that makes absolutely no sense, but i hope you you enjoy it! :)

1. Who are two characters that don't like each other? What do they reveal about each other to the readers? Will they ever learn to put aside their differences?

White Crane: okay this is hard because like. so many people do not like each other. (I know I made a post once about how terrible it would be to be one of twenty-eight people that have the power of dead gods but are trapped in stupid human bodies and you're all a thousand years old and hate each other so so so so so much because you all SUCK.) But for the sake of simplicity, I will talk about Ciaran and Sihla who never got along but only played nice to keep Anwei happy. They absolutely do NOT put aside their differences lmao once everything kind of, um, blows up between the three of them, all they want to do is KILL each other. She makes it her life's goal to make him suffer, and he basically loses his sanity in the process of trying to find a way to kill her for good. The beef is unbelievable. ANYWAY, what they reveal about each other is that Ciaran is not nearly as innocent in anything as he likes to pretend and Sihla is not as guilty as everyone says she is. I mean, she is still a terrible person in many ways, but that does not excuse the things he did to her all those years ago. She hates him for many, many good reasons.

Old Blood: Andhira HATES the entire Ekion family, but specifically the oldest son (who does not have an official name yet.... oops). He doesn't much care for her either but is usually too busy trying to better his social standing to worry too much about her. Except when they're in the same room together (which happens semi-regularly because her brother is kind of in love with him lmao). They hate each other for the exact same reason and it's that they're both SO arrogant. They look down on everyone around them (which in Andhira's case is like. fair. She's the firstborn of the two most powerful people on the planet, and the only person that comes close to that level of power is her twin brother who was born a mere fourteen minutes after her) but think the other is completely unjustified in their actions. Really all it reveals to a reader is that they both kind of suck and need to get over themselves because all that behavior does is make people resent you. They only put aside their differences because she does kind of need his help once or twice, but they would gladly spit in each other's face and/or push each other down a flight of stairs in the name of pettiness.

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2. What do you hope your readers will take away from your wip? Is there an intentional theme to the story?

These can be answered together! I started writing these stories because I wanted to have fun but they've both kind of morphed into a long-winded way of saying that like. it's okay to be messed up and hate yourself and have major internal struggles because there are people who still love you. I KNOW it doesn't sound like that from uhhhhhh literally everything I've ever said about this stuff but bear with me. The BIG theme is that love is EVERYTHING. All kinds of love. It's the reason to keep on going. You are never alone, even strangers can love you in their own way, etc etc etc etc. Also gay love fucking prevails always and forever.

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3. What do you love most about your protagonist?

Yixing is funny and weird and definitely a horse girl and he kind of sucks sometimes because he's stubborn as hell and has terrible people skills and maybe also a drinking problem, but he is kind and empathetic and despite the absolute hell he's lived through, he still sees the good in people and knows that it's easy to make mistakes and that most people deserve second chances in life. Also I like him because he is without a doubt the ideal man and I made him that way on purpose. And god I wish we could drink together. I'm talking stumbling drunk, crying on the bathroom floor, please-hold-my-hair-i'm-about-to-throw-up kind of drinking. We would have a great time being stupid together I think.

Vera is resilient and mean and stubborn and cold and off-putting and hard to get to know, and she sucks for those reasons but it's also why I love her so much. She has also lived through hell and it didn't make her try to see the good in people like Yixing does. It just made her bitter and resentful. She warms up over time, but she fights tooth and nail against it. I also love her so much because she is the archetype of like. the washed up former prodigy that has to return sort of against her will to her old life, and she realizes that she misses it in some ways but also remembers exactly why she left. I would Not want to drink with her (because she doesn't drink anymore), but I would love to take one of her art classes.

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4. Is there anything in the story that is implied but not directly stated? Will this become more relevant later on? How perceptive would a reader have to be to pick up on this?

White Crane: This is hard because I'm so invested in my own shit that it feels obvious to me, but I try to lay out a little candy trail that tells the reader that Ciaran and Anwei are Not What They Seem right from the start. It’s hard to explain without specific examples but it’s in the way they talk, they way they interact with other people, the way certain things they say don’t line up, etc etc etc. And there is a Big Hint of what will happen to Ciaran in the second and third installment, but idk if that counts. Also there are definitely implications that Yixing is trans but that's neither here nor there (honestly I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not he should be explicitly trans or if it should be left to reader interpretation because well... I don’t know if I'm capable of writing the nuance of transness because I'm not trans despite my complex and confusing relationship with gender but I'm also not a thirty-something year old Asian man NOR am I a god NOR am I a former vampire hunter NOR am I like. any of the things I write about other than a mean lesbian so. who knows?)

Old Blood: TRUE FANS already know this one, but regular degular readers that haven't participated in funny question friday or read my random late night posting would not immediately know that Josef and the Sovereign were once involved. Basically the only characters in the story that know are Josef, Luka, the Sovereign himself, and Tahire. But there are definitely some hints peppered throughout conversations and perhaps some photos and trinkets that Josef has kept after all this time... It has like no weight on the events of the story but I just think it's fun. Once again I am way too invested to know if it's easy to pick up on or not but I think it takes some theorizing about maybe? Other than that there aren’t any significant secrets.

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5. Which character has the most intricate backstory? Is this backstory common knowledge from the start, or is it revealed later on? How does the backstory affect the narrative?

White Crane: this is unfair because some of the characters are almost a thousand years old and some of them are like. 35. I DO have a full timeline written out of the thousand years of history that Ciaran and Anwei have lived through, if that counts as an answer. Like it doesn't have every single day and year, but it has all the big events for sure. Barring that, Yixing definitely has a pretty complex backstory. The man gets around lol and I try (and maybe fail?) to make him seem not too complex initially but then things get revealed and you learn more about him and are like “oh my god no wonder this man has Problems.” Also if he was like. “normal” and perhaps “well-adjusted” the story would not exist at all because he is the way he is and makes some of the stupid decisions he does because of his weird little life.

Old Blood: ONCE AGAIN, this is unfair because the Sovereign is like older than god. And Vera is 37. But like. I haven't fleshed him or any of the old ass vampires out nearly as much as Vera so there's your answer I guess? And I guess the important things are known from the start (that she was a prodigy, that she retired because terrible shit happened and she couldn't handle it, that she suffers from significant ptsd because of it, etc), but there is a lot of detail that doesn't come out until much later when she has to confront her Feelings (ewww feelings). Uh... the backstory affects the narrative because it wouldn't exist at all if Vera wasn't plagued by her fucked up blood nightmares lol

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6. Which two characters have the most complicated relationship? How does their relationship develop over time?

White Crane: Ciaran and Anwei totally. They love each other because they're brother and sister and were all the other had for a VERY long time (and even when they were still uh mortal, they relied on each other constantly), but also they hate each other because they're brother and sister. You know how it is with siblings. I love my brother and sister to pieces but I can't imagine being immortal and having to put up with the both of them for all eternity (sorry guys if you are reading this somehow.... I love you but we are all so annoying god bless). They handled their newfound godhood very, very, very differently and it kind of colors their relationship for the rest of time. There were times where they were extremely codependent and other times where they didn't speak to each other for DECADES. At the start of our story, they're on much better terms and have buried all their hatchets, but it doesn't take much for that to change....

Old Blood: Probably Vera and Andhira? They're only brought together because of their shared fucked up blood nightmares, and neither of them like that thought. They both resent the other for everything they are, and Vera is pretty much completely hostile to Andhira about it for a long time (and Andhira is only just barely cordial lol), but obviously a significant part of the plot revolves around them like. falling in love so they DO get over it after a while :)

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7. What is the most heart-wrenching scene in your wip? Why?

White Crane: When Yixing fucking DIES. I feel like this one should be self-explanatory. But I mean if you would like further explanation, it's unpleasant and slow and agonizing and nobody can do anything to stop it (haha....... unless?) so Ciaran gets to hold him for a long time and feel really bad about it lol

Old Blood: idk if there are any really heart-wrenching scenes but there are definitely some miserable and uncomfortable scenes like where Vera relives in vivid detail the days that she witnessed the gruesome deaths of her young apprentice and her last lover. They're upsetting because those are the two days that basically ruined her life (and one was the final straw that sent her spiraling completely out of control) and it's painful to watch her have to live with the guilt of what happened even if it wasn't her fault.

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8. What is a song that you associate with your wip? Explain.

White Crane: not to be basic but absolutely without a doubt in my stupid mind “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears lol it's because uh. well. Everybody wants to rule the world right? Basically way back in 2019 when I was crafting the ideas for the dnd campaign that became this thing instead, I was definitely having a metal gear moment (honestly I’m about to have a metal gear moment NOW lol) and was listening to a lot of like. mgs adjacent music and latched onto this song (and also promises, promises by naked eyes lmao) as some like thematic element. Like my brain making amvs. You know how it is. ANYWAY the point is. The concept was originally way different and was supposed to be more about the immediate aftermath of the so-called end of the world (yes Yixing was still there and yes he was still just some guy), and it focused a lot more on power struggles between all of these insane people that were granted godhood in the wake of the dying world. Which........ is something I'd like to write about at some point because it's intriguing in its own way but at the time I was unequipped to write about that when I really just wanted to write about people who are, for all intents and purposes, quite average getting caught up in the batshit drama of higher powers. (fun fact: Ciaran was supposed to be a tyrant king that ran a death cult and Anwei and Yixing were working together to figure out a way to kill him. Which is. Kind of what my dnd campaign is like now lol BASICALLY he's like if Big Boss was unkillable and could also rip souls out of people's bodies and eat them. I absolutely do not remember what this question originally was. Something about a song?)

Old Blood: THIS is the reason it took me so long to answer this whole thing. I thought long and hard and looked through all my playlists and listened to random songs that came to mind but it turns out the song I was looking for was right in front of me the whole time. DUH. It's “Golden Light” by Twin Shadow :) In my humble homo interpretation, I think it's a song about being afraid to fall in love and. Well. That's the whole point. Also #spoilers but the first time Vera sees Andhira and is like “oops I think I have feelings” is when they've just arrived at Andhira's home and the sun is rising and she looks over at her as they stand at the top of a hill and she has her eyes closed to the sun and she's bathed in golden light and OOUGGGGHGHHH poetic cinema. (honorable mention goes to “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-lite because it’s quintessential early 90s music that Vera would be super into)

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9. What does your protagonist want most? What would they do to achieve this? What is something they wouldn't do to achieve this?

White Crane: Yixing wants to be happy for once. Like actually really happy instead of just. getting by. There's a scene where they're making wishes for the next seasons during the summer solstice and someone asks what he wants and he's like “uh I guess I want to still be alive at the end of the year?” and the other person is like “isn't that what everyone wants? Raise the fucking bar please. What do you REALLY want?” and he's stands there for a really long time and thinks about it before finally saying “I think I just want to be happy for once” and everyone else is like. wow. Way to kill the fucking mood dude. Anyway. He has had fleeting moments of happiness in his life but wants nothing more than to feel that way forever. It's kind of hard to say what he wouldn't do for that because like. there's not really much you CAN do in the first place, so I feel like there's even less you couldn't do. I guess he wouldn't like sell his soul to the devil or something lmao (though by being involved with Ciaran he's pretty much halfway there)

Old Blood: to be left alone. Vera just wants a normal life. She really truly does want to pretend that none of the horrible shit happened to her and that she was never a world-famous hunter. And she wants to teach art classes and live a quiet life!!! I mean, she is already mostly doing that exact thing when we first meet her, but obviously she has some hindrances (aka fucked up blood nightmares). She is begrudgingly helping Andhira because she assumes that will fix her problem and that she'll be able to get to that quiet living as soon as all is said and done. The only thing she really wouldn't do to get what she wants is like... live somewhere far away from Josef and Luka lol She likes having them close by more than she wants to be left alone.

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10. Within your story's world, were there any events that impacted every character (or most characters)? How would they be different if this event never happened? (Alternatively, erase an important even from on character's backstory and imagine where they'd be now.)

White Crane: well. If the stupid old gods didn't all kill themselves and almost end the world then I guess none of this story would exist lol But the actual answer is like. If Yixing had never run out on his girlfriend of ten years then he wouldn't have moved across the continent to Jengmi and wouldn't have made a name for himself way out there and wouldn't have been scouted and recruited and wouldn't have met Ciaran or Anwei and wouldn't have gotten in the middle of the batshit grudge between a bunch of ancient petty gay people and wouldn't have DIED and wouldn't have made one of the ancient petty gay people in particular lose his grip on his humanity via a lust for power in a desperate attempt to guarantee his safety and wouldn't have been the reason that tens of thousands of people die in his name and wouldn't have accidentally set off a chain of events that resulted in him having to hunt down and kill the Actual God that started it all in a fit of jealous rage. So like. maybe he should have just gone through with the wedding. All things considered, his life would have been way less stressful.

Old Blood: uhhh, that's tough because the stuff that happens only really has any effect on the mortal characters (I mean yeah people still try to kill the Sovereign but they're too dumb to know the ACTUAL way to kill him.... haha unless??), so it would be more like a what if Vera didn't witness the violent deaths of both her apprentice and her lover and have a full blown nervous breakdown and abandon her career? Well...... I think most things in the plot would transpire more or less the same, except she would be WAY less pissed off about it. In fact, she would probably be hyped as hell to get the chance to make the acquaintance of the Sovereign's family like Josef had before her. The thought of Vera being upbeat and not a sleep-deprived asshole that hates being dragged back to her old life..... ew. Not that I enjoy her suffering but you know what I mean. It just wouldn't be the same.

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11. What is something from your wip that you just really want to ramble about?

Are you sure you're ready for this. This is going to be so so so so long I'm sorry in advance. It's Saturday night and I'm alone and kind of sad so I'm just going to let loose.

As I hone down plot elements for next two installments in my little trilogy, I have kind of become obsessed with the passage of time and how different it must feel to someone that, well, lives forever. One of the ways I'd written (that has since been kind of changed) for Yixing to start to figure out what Ciaran really is was that he would casually be looking through his bookshelf and find an old photograph of Ciaran, Anwei, and their mom standing backstage together after one of his performances. And when he eventually asks Ciaran about it, he gets upset because how dare you touch the one thing I have left to remember my mother? To remember what my life used to be like? There are so many names and faces and places and foods and sensations that I've forgotten in the 940 years I've lived like this and I would give anything I have to see any of it just one more time because I didn't know that the last time I would ever speak to my mom we would have an argument on the phone about how I need to go to the temple and pray for good fortune on my birthday, or that the last time I would ever see my best friend would be at 6am when we both came into the studio to practice and he asked me to go out to breakfast and I said no because I thought a nap would be more important. And there are so many people that I've watched die whose names I never learned and whose faces I forgot the moment I turned away, and there are so many others that I loved so dearly that I had to leave behind because they grew old and I didn't. And I have lived lifetimes in solitude to keep myself a secret from other people and I have died more than any person should ever have to die and I have witnessed atrocities no one should ever witness and I hate everything about this life so much but I love everything about this life so much and I wouldn’t trade it for anything but I think I would give it all away in an instant if only to remember the scent of my mother's favorite perfume and I think I would give it all away in an instant if it meant I didn't have to watch you turn to dust in my arms.

ANYWAY. I think a lot about the agony of loving things that aren't permanent and how it really DOES drive you mad because lately I have been unbelievably nostalgic for certain things that weren't even that long ago but..... I didn't appreciate them at the time and I feel so guilty about it. (And like. I too would give up my entire life to be able to remember the scent of my grandmother's favorite perfume.) And all my pent-up sadness is for things that only happened in my childhood. I have pictures and videos and other people to share those memories with, but what does it feel like to be one of very few people that watched the entire world fall apart and rebuild itself and have nothing to hold onto from that time? What does it feel like to foster dozens of generations of children and outlive every single one of them? What does it feel like to have only fragments of memories of entire lifetimes? How lonely is it? I mean, Ciaran and Anwei have each other and that makes a difference but it still has to be the most isolating feeling. And then there's the pain that comes with memories that have faded or otherwise become hazy. I doubt either of them remember their father's face. They hadn't seen him in years even before it all happened. If it wasn't for that single photo he has, they wouldn't remember their mother's face either. Do they still remember her name? Or her birthday? Do they remember anyone else? Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, coworkers? If they do, do they even want to talk about it? One thing I worry about in my own life (and this is how I know I have Problems) is that I'm so afraid that talking about memories will alter them somehow. There are so many things that I don't even like to share because once the words are spoken the little vhs tape that has all my memories has been recorded over, even if it's just by a single frame. Something about it has been changed forever each time I talk about it. Do they feel the same way and keep things to themselves instead of sharing the sadness? I think maybe they used to talk about the “old days” or whatever much more often back in the past, but as the years went by.... they just learned to keep it to themselves.

I think maybe I have a lot of anxiety about the passage of time and of being forgotten!

Anyway again. The passage of time drives me insane. And I think it would make me even more insane if I had been chosen to carry the mantle of a dead god and would live forever. My dog died a year ago and I still cry like every single day thinking about her. If I was doomed to live forever I don't know how the sadness wouldn't swallow me whole! No wonder all the people in this book are fucking CRAZY!!

And don't even get me started on the Sovereign lol he's like “oh boo-hoo you've lived for not even a thousand years? Bitch they hadn't invented fucking GLASS yet when I was born. The horse wasn't domesticated yet. Cry harder!!”

[thegaybachelorsims]

Jonas wasn’t lying when he told Dax that Willow Creek High was small. It was one of the smallest high schools in the tri-county area. The junior class alone (which both Jonas and Logan were juniors, as well as the other students in this shot) was only 36 students. They had three homerooms of 12 students each. This was Mr. Johnson’s home room.

CASSANDRA- “I have a biology test today, that of course I didn’t study for. Have you taken it yet?”

DEACON- “Opted out of biology, had it last year at my old school. I am in chemistry.”

CASSANDRA- “Well, well, aren’t you smart.”

DEACON- “Yep, that is why I am going to be class valedictorian next year.”

Over in the next row, Logan and her bff Jodi Garrettson are talking until the bell rings to start their day.

JODI- “I can not wait until today is over!  So has Perry asked you to homecoming yet?”

LOGAN- “Ewww and why would you think he would ask me to homecoming?”

JODI- “No reason, I mean.....

as she starts to complete the rest of her sentence, Dax walks by and distracts her...

JODI- “HOLY SIMOLICIOUS!  Who is that!?”

LOGAN- “Who is what??”

JODI- “That... whatever it is. That has to be some kind of god sent from above just for me...”

LOGAN- “No, trust me, he came from San Myshuno and he is no god sent from above.”

JODI- “Are you telling me you know him??”

LOGAN- “Known him all my life, and believe me when I say he didn’t always look like that. He used to be really short and pretty heavy. So much that I called him Dax Truck. You know like Max Truck?”

JODI- “Have no clue what you mean by that Lo. And I don’t care what he USED to look like. He looks like a heaven sent god now. What is his name?”

LOGAN- “I just told you, it’s Dax, Dax Johnson.”

JODI- “Even his name is sexy....You HAVE to introduce me!”

LOGAN- “Fine, come over tonight after school and I will.”

JODI- “Wait...are you telling me that HE is part of the family that is staying at your house???  So when were you going to tell me that you had the finest looking man ever living in your very own house!!?? I thought you were my friend Lo?”

LOGAN- “Contain yourself, Jodi, he is not all that. All he talks about is lifting weights and football.”

JODI- “OMG!!  Does he workout at your house too? I am definitely coming over right after school today! Does he work out in the evening, or the mornings?  Maybe I could stay the night Friday night. I don’t care what he talks about as long as I can watch him”

LOGAN- “No worries, Jodi, he works out ALL the time. You can wipe the drool from your chin now.”

[airi-p4]

Last Chance - Chapter 6

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 AO3

______________________________

Chloe’s POV

This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! I spent months- more than a year trying to make Luka mine and only mine and all it's needed is a simple email from the stupid Dupain-Cheng to make it all go down the drain.

Only two months until the Wedding! Two months!! Could she wait at least until after the honeymoon? Maybe I could have gotten pregnant and made it harder for Luka to dump me? Not that I want a baby, ewww, but what other option I have to keep the man I love by my side? I would do anything for him!

Well, it's not like me for things to go according to plan, isn't it? I was supposed to take revenge on Luka, not falling this hard for him! No wonder Marinette is helplessly attracted to him, he's so damn hot. And handsome. And sexy. And yet a sweetheart. No, that last one is not the image that makes a rockstar sell. Good thing I'm his stylist- I get to enjoy him from closer than anyone. And that body… those eyes… and wow, the eyeliner is the final touch that makes me go totally head over heels for him. Goodbye to my original plans- I had to make him mine.

And I was so close too! If it wasn't for that ridiculous Dupain-Cheng... How can she not be content with Adrien? Hello? He’s perfection itself! But no! Ridiculous Marinette Dupain-Cheng thinks not even perfection is good enough for her. She wants Luka now instead of him. Like, seriously? Are you kidding me!? Utterly ridiculous!

You want the man, you fight for him. I'm not letting him go without a fight, no matter what his feelings are! I love him and I don’t care if the designer wannabe does too. He has to be MINE.

And hey! My plan worked for a while! I avoided Luka finding out about Marinette and Adrien's break up, and he even proposed to me after I dropped some hints! Not bad, huh? You can clap. C'mon, give me an applause! Don't I deserve it? Aren’t I amazing? Heh. Of course I am!

Too bad that stupid woman had to interfere with my happiness. So annoying!

As soon as Adrien told me about Marinette's change of feelings I knew my man returning to the woman he had never forgotten was bound to happen. I had to avoid it at all costs!

What if it made Marinette unhappy? Not my problem.

What if Marinette's unhappiness made Luka unhappy? It should be fine as long as he doesn't find out about her unhappiness, shouldn't it? But I still want Luka to be happy… But I'd prefer it to be with me!

That's why I'm ready to give it my all. I want to turn the balance to my side. I want him to love me the most! Am I asking for too much?

But I made the mistake of not deleting that email account. How stupid of me...

I never expect it to be this troublesome, to be honest. As soon as I saw those messages I knew everything was over for me. Still gotta fight- giving up is not my style- but I was at disadvantage.

And I'm angry that I can't hide the truth from him when he looks at me with those trusting eyes. And things are over as soon as he finds out my darkest secrets.

But I tell you: I’m not going down without a fight.

I contacted the Miraculous team and prepared to go to Tibet. "You're amazing…" he said, and he kissed me. Hell, I could fly every time he does that. What has LOVE converted me into? I’m so hopeless around him… Geez.

Later, the talk during our flight was not pleasant, but not unexpected either: he has made up his mind and I'm out of the picture. He seems hurt to know I failed him. Why did I have to tell him my original plans knowing he would hate me afterwards? He has this absolute power over me… I can't deny him anything. I had tried to avoid the talk by asking him to sleep but it didn't really work.

I can’t accept our relationship coming to an end. Not like this.

My heart is totally broken. Nothing I’ve ever felt can compare to this pain. Not even my own mother’s rejection as a child. Not even Adrien's rejection. Nothing.

At Adrien's plane I can't stop drinking alcohol and crying. I'm clearly the ridiculous one, aren’t I? I don't want Luka to go. I'm happy about his casual touches- his habits . They give me security and hope. How can he be so handsome and cute at the same time? Ugh… It’s ridiculous how I keep falling for him everytime he looks at me, even after he has practically dumped me. I'm going crazy, this is insane. It can't be normal…

And finally, we meet with the ridiculous Dupain-Cheng. She could have chosen a less difficult place to access if she planned to go back to the Miraculous box anyway! I hate dark and cold places. Disgusting . I wanted to complain as soon as we reached there but Luka shushed me before I could put those thoughts into words. That’s my man: he knows me well…  

But then MY FIANCEE seems to forget about me as soon as he sees the ridiculous Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

Well, I'm not forgetting YOU (or better said- US), even if you do, my love! And I want to stay close to him as long as I can. I want him to look only at me. His attention. I want to be his only one.

That's the reason I keep grabbing his jacket and surrounding him with my arms. My gosh, I love hugging him… So calm, so comfortable, so warm… Not that I would admit it out loud in front of others, but I feel safe with him. How can he do it? Totally ridiculous…

Ugh… I’m sick of being in this cave already. Can’t we just take Marinette down already and leave? Continue our lives as they were going? Forget this happened and keep living? Who cares about Marinette, anyway? She decided to throw away everything she had because she was a COWARD, involving MY MAN, Adrikins, those two useless friends and even an old man who can’t even walk properly on his own feet. Can’t we go back home already? I just want to cuddle with Luka and get our Wedding Ceremony prepared. I just want to be forever happy with the man I love!

Is that asking too much? Am I too selfish?

I don’t think so! But the despicable Dupain-Cheng and her ridiculous wind and flames seem to have a different opinion. Using a forbidden power because she’s scared of fighting me for my man’s love.

Can she be more ridiculous?

Apparently yes.  

She's not even the one controlling her body when using that power- pathetic.

And I'm sorry baby, Adrikins, but you're being useless against Marinette. But don’t worry. I'm the best when the power of 'subjection' is needed. Just watch! Learn from the great Queen Bee!

And hey! It worked! I made it to her rolling on the floor behind her, where the wind isn’t as strong, grabbing her ankle. Not bad, huh? But did this girl really need all the fire? Ouch! It hurts, you know!? I’m going to make her pay for it if it leaves any scar on my pure beautiful white skin!

Pfff… The girl didn’t even notice me, how silly…! She clearly has only eyes for ‘ her boys’ . Too bad for her is precisely that attention what made her fall.

My win. Her loss. She can get lost.  

Oh, I even made it rhyme! Aren’t I amazing?

And here I have it: the black cat Miraculous, now in my hand. Huh, too easy! And next is time to get the earrings too… Ugh... I can notice those looks on my back... “What? Do I have to do everything alone here?” Useless ridiculous people...

“Chloe… Holy shit… You’re amazing…”

Heh. I love it when Luka compliments me. I could listen to him go on all night. So satisfying. And yet he wants to dump me to go to that useless Marinette’s arms? I love you baby, but you’ve got to be kidding me if you think she’s better than ME!

“Of course I am! Who do you think I am!? I was Queen Bee for a reason! And being useless it’s certainly not it. Unlike you all! Only now you notice how amazing am I!? And yet you want to dump me, baby!? Such a waste for you!”

“What?”

And the most ridiculous girl finally reacts. Everybody look stupid surrounding her in relief.

I’ve saved the day, you should be thankful! I’m the STAR from today’s mission! Where’s my recognition? Nothing? Baby? Not even a kiss? Really? Don’t I deserve at least some attention? Hello?

Do I really mean nothing to them now that Marinette is there? She’s the one who created all this trouble to start with! Why are you all giving her support and love? WHAT ABOUT ME!? No one cares about me!? I'm injured here! No one cares? What makes Marinette so special and me so ‘bad’ in comparison?

I’m sick of it. I hate that girl. I HATE HER.  

Seeing her cry or apologize makes me wanna puke. Now she wants to be pitiable? Excuse me, lady, but you got where you are because of your own bad decisions, don’t drag us in your drama any further, duh.

You could have had Luka but chose Adrien instead, and when you get tired of Adrien then you decide you want Luka back, when he’s about to MARRY me! And what’s worse: she’s not even planning to fight for the man she claims she ‘loves’ , but instead relies on magic to destroy the whole world.

Couldn’t she even come and fight me fair and square? No way I would lose in that case! But using the Miraculous is cheating. What do we call this?

Coward: YES. Selfish: YES. Kind person? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

And yet she’s the one being LOVED and I’m the one being HATED. I’m the one heart-broken here, you know? Do my feelings matter to anyone? Luka, baby, not even you? I’m still your fiancée, you know? The engagement ring is proof enough. Is this how I deserve to be treated?

Dumped. Ignored. Despised.

I’ve had enough.  

Marinette took everything I loved from me and yet she wanted to be evil? And when she’s already taken all I have left, then she goes after the only thing I really have: LUKA.

I’m furious. Enraged. Hurt.  

I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to vent all the hate I’ve been holding for years against her.

I’ll show you what being evil means, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.  

“Marinette, Marinette, Marinette! Always Marinette!! I’M SICK of you! First my mother’s attention, next my Miraculous, then Adrien and now Luka! You keep taking everything I love from me and you’re still the good one! The LOVED one! What about ME!? You already had Adrien, why do you need to take Luka away from me too!? I HATE YOU, MARINETTE! I REALLY HATE YOU!”

Yeah, don’t look at me so surprised. What do you expect!? My broken heart for free? NO- I’ll make you pay for that!

I told you: I’m not going down without a fight! Luka is all that matters to me and I’ll fight for him until the last consequences!

They're ridiculous if they think I'll give up on him so easily… You want to be evil, Marinette? Use the Miraculous for stealing my man from me? Very well, I'll show you what being evil means, Dupain-Cheng! I have the right tool on my hand… No- on my finger...

“You know what? I was an awesome superhero before you took away my Miraculous... But there’s something I’ve always been even better at: being a villain. Unlike you, Marinette, who aren’t fit to be evil, I’m the ideal candidate for it! Let me show you what being evil means… Plagg, transform me!”

Ah, a black cat leather suit. I bet it looks amazing on me. I wish I had a mirror to admire myself and my beauty… Oh, I’m sure you like it too, baby. I wish I had used it earlier… But the possibility of it triggering some memories of ‘Ladybug’ made me discard the idea. What a pity. Now the earrings and the absolute power while they’re still trying to cope with how surprised they are about me…

Wait, No. I’m not going to put myself at the same low level as that pitiful woman. And I don’t want to become ugly like she became. Eww. Let’s fight respecting the honor codes: Cat Queen vs Ladybug.

“Want to stop me? Well, that’s Ladybug’s job! Come on and fight me, Dupain-Cheng! Fair and square- no absolute power this time. YOU against ME. ...What? You thought I would give up so easily? I love Luka more than anything! I’m not giving him up like that!”

“Cataclysm!”

Ah, this feels good. I can’t wait to destroy her already… I’ll make her suffer for all the hate I’ve kept inside for so long!

Ah, I missed running with a miraculous suit on… So fast. So free. So close to destroying her!

Ah, not you! Luka, baby, you know I love you, but it’s not you who I wanna fight or destroy. You’re in the way. Why are you protecting someone that hurt you so much? Didn’t she break your heart? Why do you keep protecting and caring for her? It’s over! She dumped you! Let me take revenge for you too!

“Stop it, hon- Chloe”

“MOVE, my love”

“NO”

“I SAID MOVE!!”

“NO!! You don’t have to do this. I know you’re not evil anymore”

Not evil anymore, he says… How naive are you, love? I've decided to change as long as you were by my side. Being kind, being nice… it felt good, actually.

But you choose Marinette? Evil Chloe is back- easy as that.

“Then choose me! That’s all I’m asking! Stay with me! LOVE ME!”

I know my man is not stupid enough to not understand my feelings. Don’t disappoint me! I thought you knew better than that. I thought you knew all I want is your LOVE!

“Chloe… You know it doesn’t work like this…”

And at the end his answer remains the same… He chooses Marinette over me.

Like ALWAYS.  

Not that I hadn’t been warned, but this… It hurts… It hurts too much… All because of that stupid low class designer wannabee and her selfishness. I HATE her. And I despise Luka for loving her instead of me. You want to choose her? Accept your punishment, then!

“So you’ve really chosen her over me, huh? It really is hopeless then… Very well, In that case, I’ll destroy you. If you can’t be mine, you won’t be hers either!”

And what now? I really don’t want to destroy him. But rage is controlling me. How am I supposed to live without him? I’ve never loved anyone to this point. Hell, I’ve started to change completely for the first time after meeting with him! Not that I hadn’t tried before but he makes… things so easy…

But I’m hurt. VERY HURT. And angry. VERY ANGRY. And I want to DESTROY the source of my pain. And this man- MY MAN- is the source of it.

If I hadn’t met him…! If I hadn’t been so stupid for falling for him! If he wasn’t so stupidly sweet. And sexy. And cute. And PERFECT .

I hate feeling like this!

And I hate how he’s not moving a finger to try to defend himself from me. Does he think of me lightly? Or WEAK? Unable to be evil, maybe? What are you thinking, baby?

“NO! Don’t touch Luka!”

Ah, and here finally comes Ladybug… Great. I'd rather destroy her than Luka.

“Fight me. Fight for him if you really love him!”

Let the fight begin.

But she won’t shut up… Does she think words can stop me? Really...?

“STOP, Chloe! Don’t you love him? He’s your fiancée! How can you even think of destroying him! You’re heartless! You say I’m the loved one, but I’m not! I envy you! I’ve always been jealous of you!”

Hah. As if I would believe that! Let me enlighten you with the truth you keep denying...

“You’re talking no-sense, Dupain-Cheng! You could have become an Agreste, but you prefered to break his heart instead! You have talent too! And friends! Even Sabrina prefers you over me, now! And moreover, this man here- MY man- he may still be my finacée, but his heart has never belonged to me! You’re the one who won everything, threw it away, and still managed to win again! How do you expect me not to hate you!?”

Bull’s-eye. It’s time for you to open your eyes, Dupain-Cheng. Do you think you’re a good person? You’re NOT!

“I- I never planned to hurt Adrien… Feelings… don’t work like that…! Sometimes, we only notice how valuable something is after we’ve lost it… and that’s what happened to me…! I know I’m just selfish… I may have friends, and a successful job, but I don’t have what I want the most, because you have it…! Aren’t you the one who won!?”

WHAT. THE. HECK?

“ARE YOU NUTS!? How RIDICULOUS can you be!? Can’t you see how his feelings work!? Are you serious!? He rushed here for YOU . Gosh! I thought Adrien��s case was bad, but how blind can you be!?”

Her stupid answers only make me get even more angry. How the hell can she be so stupid? No stopping now. I’m going to destroy her. Preach .

“Ehem… Ladies… Why don't we stop this fight and-”

HUH!? Not now, Luka! This is between Marinette and me!

“Shut up! Don’t interrupt us!”

Oh… But maybe it’s my best way to destroy her… from the inside- from her LOVED ONE. And Luka is just quiet there, looking, analyzing how to make us stop.

Very well.  

I’ll make it stop.

Ah, too easy. Here he is: My man. Under my Cataclysm, just about to disappear. And I don’t want him gone. But I want Marinette to suffer just as much as I’m going to suffer from now on if these two get together. How do you expect me to endure it? I can’t.

Luka has to go.

And again, he’s not trying to fight back. Or protect himself. Or anything at all.

His blue eyes, deep and wide as the ocean keep staring at mine, and there’s only one coming from them: TRUST.

I see my own eyes reflected on his, and I notice something I wasn’t aware of: DOUBT. And my inner fears rise again: fear of becoming evil, regret of almost hurting the only man that has been willing to accept me as I am, sadness because I still wish for his happiness, even if it isn’t with me and embarrassment for failing him- his trust in me.

And I can’t keep fighting against these feelings anymore. I can’t keep fighting against his love for my rival. Their mutual love. Their happiness.  

I can’t keep becoming what I promised myself I would leave behind: my embarrassing and miserable past- the Chloe that hurt people with no regret, the Chloe that would do anything for selfish reasons only, the Chloe that bullied Luka’s sister and treated her best friend as a slave… The Chloe I’m ashamed of.

I’m sorry for disappointing you, Luka. I’m so sorry...

I promised Luka I would change. And I have to keep my promise, just like he has always been honest to me. I hate it, but I know it’s what I have to do. So ridiculous...

And Ladybug's yo-yo is already immobilizing me. No need, actually, but go on. I don’t care.

I can’t fight anymore. No need to stay transformed either.

It’s over. And I lost.  

See? Luka has too much power on me...

I gaze at Ladybug’s eyes to speak my regret. I’ve always admired Ladybug. I wanted to be like her. What happened to me? Deep down I know she’s the most impressive girl out there. I hate to admit it but who could hate Ladybug? No one. She’s simply the best. And I’m just a silly selfish woman scared of being alone.

“See? That’s how a villain acts. You’re a superhero, you could never be a proper villain. Stop acting dramatic over something you’ve never worked hard to get. Crying solves nothing. Waiting solves nothing. You have to fight for what you want”

Ah… I’m probably saying those words to myself. I don’t know. But I know I’m not wrong.

“I’m not-! Oh...”

Yeah… I know. The truth hurts. I want to cry too… I wish I were her… If I was her…

I’ll let her know so she stops doing stupid things from now on.

“You’re utterly ridiculous, Dupain-Cheng. You have everything I’ve always wanted and you thought your best option was to throw away the world's balance without even fighting or trying to win him back? You don’t know how Lucky you are…”

No… I’m aware it’s not a matter of luck, but my pride won’t let me say it out loud. Marinette has always been honest, pure, sincere. On the other hand, I've relied on lies and tricks to get Luka by my side. Of course I can't win against that…

Damn it. I hate crying in front of other people. So WEAK. So ridiculous.

And Luka’s hug only makes me weaker. I don’t want to let him go. Please… Please I want him to stay with me...!

But no- it can’t be.

I’ve already done my best and I lost. I have to give up. Move on…

Ah, I can hear Luka’s voice…

“Thank you, Chloe… You did this to save Marinette, don’t you? I know you wouldn’t have Cataclysmed me or anyone. I knew you had changed. You are a superhero, not a villain”

And his words finish me, regretting my actions, ashamed of who I am.

I thought I had changed too, but it seems I’m still putting myself first, even now.

But yes, his stupidity is contagious and I can’t hide how he's the reason I stopped my wrong-doings. In a direct and an indirect way. Not that I can admit it! I really don’t want to disappoint him any further. So I answer with a lie:

“I- I- Of course!”

Who am I kidding? No way he believes- NO WAY. Let me pass out already! His smile is too pure and bright.

Totally ridiculous.

And I’m still stunned when everyone returns to Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Master Fruit or whatever apologizes and tells her something I don’t even care about.

Can’t this girl stop crying already? She’s got what she wished for now. Can’t she see how happy and stupidly in love is my Luka looking at her? Is she never stopping to be ridiculous? Gosh… And now what? Only now you noticed our injuries? Hell, I’m the most injured one here and no one seems to care. Nevermind, I’m already used to it. Let me go back home already. The humidity of this place is destroying my hair.

Can’t you stop talking already? And there is Marinette with her speech…

"I, Marinette Dupain-Cheng renounce the box of the Miraculous and appoint Ad-"

WAIT, WHAT!?

NO NO NO! This is not how things are supposed to be done, Luka! You can’t just kiss her like that! And you have the guts to kiss her in front of me? At least you should have the decency to break-up with me first! I know I’ve already lost you- I’ve already resigned myself- but at least follow the proper order, damn it! I’m angry. Let me tell you!

“HOW YOU DARE, baby!? You’re ridiculous! We’re still engaged! How could you-!”

Huh? What is happening…? I’m so… sleepy…

Ploff

[anxiousdepressedintrovert]

Otome Thursday

IT’S BRAM!!!!

Y’all, you have no idea how excited I was for this route/series to start. I wasn’t a big fan of Ravi.

ANYWAY

Bram Route

Episode 1 (The free one 😉)

-I really dig the beginning of the route.

-Like a land hidden from even the Elves? Nice

-Also also, I like that this series, Love and Legends, AND Reigning Passions all take place in the same universe and it makes sense. Unlike the more modern series where the crew just sticks characters in the stories to say “Hey, look, notice these characters”

-Sorry. I’m ranting

-Focusing now

-I named my MC Mari Rya

-She’s beautiful

-She’s got a little, sprite/fairy/thing named Ness

-I love them

-I only know the name of the new land because I played the Ravi short but it’s called Tallav

-Mari’s got a reputation as a researcher.

-But this is also a lifelong dream of hers.

-Ness doesn’t speak (what I’m going to call) English, but Mari understands her anyway

-Ness uses They/Them pronouns. RESPECT IT

-Magic time!

-Ness magic time!

-Mari can feel all the living things. I feel like that’s not a human thing.

-But I will reserve judgement

-She’s had a rune stone since she was a baby. Yeah, she’s def not human.

-Holy shit a bear!

-…with a shield and a spear on it’s back.

-Subtle

-The way these sprites move are fucking hilarious

-Mari said “Nope not today”

-Can’t out run a bear. What does this bitch do?

-Drop down to play dead. Cause that’s totally gonna stop a bear from chewing on your spleen

-the “bear” is able to turn her over to her back (duh)

-it turns into a man and…oh what a man

-this CG is so fucking cute!

-he’s like “Is she alive?”

-She’s like “the fuck is he doing?”

-I’m like “Squeeeee they’re both so stupid rn”

-Oh those eyes…

-I haven’t been this in love since Razi. Or Renzei.

-Oh no! headbutt. Gives me a headache just reading it.

-Fuck look at those abs.

-LVS really knows what they’re doing with these character designs

-And Mari’s being thirsty too. It’s not just me

-Whew chile, the way she describes this man. Girl,

-Thank you, Ness, someone has their head on properly

-Never mind. They’re just as thirsty

-I still wanna know how Mari can talk to them

-He knows she’s a human cause she’s wearing clothes. Good lord this series is gonna be a riot in the first couple seasons

-Oh Mari…you’re sounding very Colonizerish

-I don’t like that

-Though it is kinda cute how she nerds out

-I can see her doing this with any thing she comes across.

-Thank you, Ness. Time and Place Mari!

-Invasive is one word for it

-Not much to write.

-She’s gushing. He’s listening. They’re both hot

-oh no, not an eyebrow lift!

-from both of them!

-I can’t do this.

-This bitch just walks away from a question ‘cause she got caught staring!

-I can’t! This is me. Running away from all my problems

-Bram follows cause, y’know, stranger in the woods

-Bram likes Ness. It’s adorable

-Anthropologist=Skald? Maybe.

-Apparently rune reading is impossible, so is befriending a Puck (Ness)

-Mari is def not a human. At least not fully

-See, I feel like if she showed Bram the rune stone she carried with her, that would help bridge this gap.

-But y’know. Whatever.

-Oh they are two bull-headed people

-He’s got (understandable) prejudices against humans/bipeds

-She’s like “MY RESEARCH”

-I’m like “Girl, they’re living people. Respect their boundaries. And Dude, Learn a little”

- She’s very forceful with the fact that she ‘needs to do her research’

-It’s very Colonizerish and I don’t approve.

-Mari, You can’t prove that the Duke who hired you only wanted you to do pure research.

-Ha, Bram called her pretty

-Ohhh Mahuwin Villiage

-Cue Victor from Underworld: “YOU MUST BE JUDGED!!”

-damn he called her insidious

-Mari…honey. Going to a village, you’ll get to see how they live and see how the justice system works. Calm down.

-Of course, no one’s ever been so unwelcoming. You’ve been dealing with other humans and elves.

-Girl!

-I’m judging you so hard rn

-Whew chile that took a lot outta me

Episode 2

-Awww I do feel bad for Ness tho

-They’re scared too

-Bruh, Bram JUST said he doesn’t know what an anthropologist is. You barely related it to a Skald. Showing him your notes means nothing.

-Bram, dude, I get you’re supposed to protect but you’re seeing enemies in the wrong people. Though I get why you’d suspect her.

-The Dinae have no secrets between their tribes (I’m assuming) so there’d be no need for an anthropologist to go looking for old history.

-Also he called her cute (again)

-Ohkay. I draw the line at you accusing Mari of torturing Ness.

-Only a heartless monster would lay hands on Ness.

-I need you to think baby: WHYY WOULD NESS STAY? If Pucks are magical creatures, surely you don’t think that Ness would be foolish enough to stay with a powerless human.

-Oh. Don’t make me insult your intelligence

-Oh don’t make me

-Mari. Don’t do anything stupid. Please. He’s actually being nice. In a weird way. Taking you to be judged. Someone else would’ve just killed you

-Mari…you can’t do your job in someone else’s country without permission. To get permission, you need to go to a village.

-I’m starting to question your intelligence

-Oh good. The bull-headedness is back

-No shit it’s more than just a job! I think you would have gathered that from the fact that to enter Tallav you had to pass a BEAR statue

-Oh no not the sad face

-I know LVS is gonna use that face to get money out of me in future scenes

-Mari, you’re both stubborn. And if I had it my way, you’d’ve gone with him already

-MARI! HE’S NOT A SOLDIER!

-ARUGH

- Not the type of roleplay I thought I’d be reading in this story but sure. Have some hearts

-I wanna smack her so bad and the first season’s not over yet.

-Usually the urge to smack doesn’t kick in until at least season 2.

-She’s a record setter

-Uh oh Bram, you called her an interrogator.

-And he STILL doesn’t fix it!

-They’re both so rude

-Ok, so he gets the why.

-We’re making progress

-This woman can’t let her thirst rest for five minutes.

-I mean same but come on

-Ah! Progress on both sides!

-Still don’t like how forceful Mari is about her job. How would she feel if her job put people in danger?

-You kinda did Mari. You kinda did say “I’m going to do what I want anyway”

-Not in those exact words but enough

-My point!

Bram: You ever think that if we wanted to be bothered by any kingdoms, we would have officially contacted them

That’s my point

At the same time, Bram and his fellow Dinae have their fellow prejudice against bipeds. As I said, mostly justified but they act that they can’t adapt or change

-Mari, interest isn’t always flattering…we aren’t in high school

-Now she’s running away. From a guy that can turn into a bear

-I’m very much questioning her intelligence now.

-Cause she dumb dumb.

-And thus begins an infuriating game of human and bear

-Oh yeah Mari, cause you can totally break the hold of a guy WHO CAN TURN INTO A BEAR

-As Mari is kicking and screaming, Bram: Am I hurting you?

-LMFAOOOO

-Awww Ness trying to help.

-Bitch. He puts you down and you climb a tree. Like bears don’t climb trees?

-Thank you Ness for talking some sense into this stupid girl

-Why is she so defensive?!

-Why can’t they just give me the option of “Fine.” FOR ONCE

-Seriously Mari? If you had stumbled upon a village during your wandering that really HATED humans, the chances of them killing you are SUPER fucking high. Doing it this way is arguably a lot safer

-YO  WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!

-That looked like a swamp deer  monster from It Lives Beneath

-FUCK THAT

-RUN BITCH…FUCKING RUUUNNNN

-Why is run never an option when we are clearly outmatched?

-Oh god why does it have to look at the screen!!!

-I don’t like that

-and ewwwww they did detail on the muscles

-Yeah no shit it’s targeting Mari, Bram!

-I think that’s pretty obvious!

-Thank again Ness for saving One Stupid Bitch

-We…we get to RIDE Bram?

-I can (and will) make so many jokes about that

-I’ve already restrained myself from making Bear jokes. So, you’ll deal with that

Episode 3

-Hehehehehehehhehe

-We rode him

-Hopefully this won’t be last time

-and the next time won’t be in bear form

-Ohkay. I’m back. The chapter’s loaded

-Wait one more

-And we can use that rope for something else too

-Idk how to do the lenny face so……just imagine it

-Ok. NOW I’m done.

-Finally, a decent option. THANK YOU, BRAM

-Yeah Mari get that through your thick fucking skull. He’s a defender. He defends.

-Awwww Bram isn’t comfortable with praise. I’m gonna take every opportunity to do it now

-Mari, this is why we don’t talk shit up.

-Hehe still riding him

-Ewww that thing is back.

-Plus side?

-FIGHT SCENE

-Oh nooooo Bram’s hurt

-MARI CONTROL YOUR THIRST THE MAN IS INJURED

-Thank you, Ness! I swear they’re the only character I haven’t been pissed at

-Mari begins to nerd out over plants. Honestly same

-OMG HIS BLUSH

-GUYS. HIS BLUSH

-The stuff of nightmares was an Abberation. I like my name better so it and all its freaky brethren will be called The Stuff of Nightmares

-And Bram’s back to being suspicious. Sigh. And we were having such a nice time

-The Dinae don’t have pets and that’s the saddest thing I’ve read all day.

-Mari just realized that Bram’s been naked this entire time.

-Lol

-Oh so, if Bram trusted Mari, he’d happily tell her everything she wanted to know.

-Hmmmmmm

-I certainly can’t say no to that face. So neither can you Mari. Here. Have some hearts

-See, they say fur covered thigh, all I hear is, cuddling for the winter.

-OMG SHE COULD SQUISH HIS PAW BEANS

-IF SHE DOESN’T SQUISH HIS PAW BEANS WE’RE GONNA HAVE A PROBLEM

-Mari stahp being so thirsty. There’s a stream next to you. Go dunk your head.

-Ness is adorable and I want a plushie of them

-Oh NOQOOOWW she has a problem with riding him

-…Ok, I mean…her explanation makes sense.

-See, every Dinae does it!

-Bram is so tired of her. It’s so funny

-WAIT. THERE’S WOLVERINES

-….is one’s name Logan?

-I’ll leave now

-I’m so glad they’re starting to understand each other more. Cause I was ready to jump through my phone screen.

-Things are still tense, of course.

-Wait a fucking minute. Going through a patch of brambles saved you a fucking DAY of travel? WTF

-I’m very interested in seeing how this plays out as opposed to Ravi’s route.

-Let’s meet Chieftain Mael!!

[mickmarstookmyheart]

Family Tour

Trust Universe!

Pairing: Mick Mars X Reader

Summary: The whole Crüe family goes on tour along with Guns N Roses. (Y/N) has been hiding some secret and is about to explode.

"Babe, have you already packed the medicines in the bag?" Mick yelled from the bedroom.

"Yeah, it's in the side of the green one!" You yelled back from the kitchen.

"Mommy, when can I already eat?" Zoe asked sitting on the counter. She was licking the remaining chocolate from the bowl. She had chocolate all over her face but she didn't notice it.

"Hey, don't waste chocolate!" You said cleaning her cheeks and mouth with a wet towel. "Anyway, do you want to bring some cake for Neil and Elizabeth, too?"

"Yes, I will show them how good I can bake!" Zoe had a proud smile on her little face.

"Hmmm. What smells so good?" Mick asked approaching you and your daughter. He leaned on the counter with his back beside Zoe.

"Chocolate cake!" She yelled putting her hands in the air.

"Really? I love chocolate cake." Mick said. You smirked and looked in the oven to check it.

"Okay, it still needs some time so we can go back and finish packing some clothes for the tour if you want." You said while trying to take down your apron. Mick turned you around and helped you untie the knot. When he was ready he pressed a soft kiss on your shoulder.

"Ewww," Zoe said covering her eyes with her hands. Mick chuckled and you couldn't help but smile, too.

∆

"Neil, look!" Elizabeth yelled to his brother on the swing when you and Zoe arrived at the playground. When you let her hand go she ran to her friends while you took a seat beside Vince on the bench.

"How many times has Mick already complaint that he doesn't want to go on tour?" He asked smirking.

"Umm, one complain per hour normally. If he feels bad, two or three."

"That's quite good."

"Could be worse." You laughed.

"Mommy, mommy, can we have that cake?" Zoe asked running towards you and Vince along with Elizabeth and Neil.

"What kind of cake?" Vince raised an eyebrow.

"Chocolate!" Zoe yelled rubbing her belly.

"Zoe did it by herself so if you don't like it I wouldn't say it out loud." You said opening the box and handing one slice for everyone. The children went back to their usual spot while you and Vince just watched them play and live their lives.

"Can I have one, too?" John asked standing right behind your bench making you jump.

"Man, you scared the shit out of me! You could at least cough before you speak, damn." Vince snapped turning back to the man and glaring at him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." He held his hands up in defense.

"I think I should go." Vince standing up from the bench. "If you need anything, I will be nearby." He winked and left while John sat down beside you.

"She has grown so much." John sighed looking at his daughter with pure love in his eyes. That was the only thing that made you sure he wasn't a monster. He was capable of love.

"Yeah." You admitted smiling at Zoe who was fighting with a stick with Neil.

"Anyway, why did you wanted to meet? What can't wait until Saturday?" He asked turning to you. You bit down your lip, you knew he would be mad. To be honest, you would be, too. You hated him, though he was the father of your daughter so he needed to know about this.

"You know, their new album came out a few months ago..."

"I know about that. So what?"

"They need to promote it. And Doc and I have already planned a whole tour for the guys. And not just in the US but overseas, too." You played with the box of the cake. You looked at John, who still didn't understand what this affect him. 

"So this means, that I had to follow the band since I'm the co-manager."

"Got it. So that means Zoe will stay with me the whole time?" John asked with high hopes. You took a deep breath and shook your head. The smile from John's face disappeared. "No. No way you are taking her with you! She is barely 5 years old!" Vince lift his head and glanced at you. He put Neil down from his shoulders and headed towards you fearing John might be do something he shouldn't.

"I know. And I completely understand that. But I need her. I am her mother and the full custody is mine."

"You don't need to remind me, I'm aware of that." He growled but he didn't shout. Luckily, those treatments were successful in some way.

"Is there a problem?" Vinnie asked crossing his arms, looking at John then at you.

"There is. She wants to take away my daughter." He spit.

"But not for the long-term! Just a tour." You murmured realizing the tour will last at least six months.

"How long?" John was desperate. The only positive thing in his life was Zoe and he didn't want to lose her.

"Six months." You admitted fearing his reaction. "The USA, Canada, and some in Japan."

"Japan? What the hell?" He placed his head in his palms.

"Look, man..." Vinnie said fully knowing the situation. He didn't see his children for half a year either. "If you really want to see her you can anytime. (Y/N) didn't prohibit for you to see her, just told you the situation." Vince surprised you. He was never fond of John but treating him like this was a new thing.

"Really?" John had tears in his eyes. You felt a bit of sympathy for him.

"Yes. And I think I can arrange a backstage pass, too so you can meet her there until Doc and I take care of things."

"That would be great. Thank you. And don't worry, I won't be present on the whole just once a week or less." John smiled.

"Luckily," Vince said making you chuckle.

∆

Now that you discussed everything with John, you didn't have to worry about him. Though, there were a few things that bothered you. First of all, Nikki and his new girlfriend, Vanity. You met her a few times during these get-togethers but you didn't like her face and her attitude. Not to mention the drugs. Nikki already had some problems and, bringing it back to his life made you angry. You didn't want her to ruin his life and the tour also.

There were some positive things. Heather also came along with Tommy so you would have some company. You and she had many things in common and she adored your daughter. Beth hesitated to let Neil and Elizabeth go with him, but you made sure nothing bad will happen and that you will treat them as Zoe so finally she gave in. This way, Zoe wouldn't be alone either.

You were sitting in the living room already with your luggage and were waiting for the tour bus to come.

"They said they will come at 9." Mick murmured looking at the clock which showed 10:30.

"I know. And I will give them a piece of my mind." You said cuddling closer to Mick sitting on the couch. You barely slept at night so you were quite exhausted.

"Babe. Babe, (Y/N). The bus is here." Mick said softly. You didn't even realize you drifted into sleep. You rubbed your eyes and sat up from Mick's lap.

"Daddy, daddy, Uncle Tommy, and Nikki are here!" Zoe said running towards Mick. She took the guitarist's hand and pulled him up from the couch. "Let's go and say hi to them. This bus looks so big."

"Alright, let's greet them, angel."

When you became aware of your existence you started to gather all the luggage and bring them closer to the door. Mick had some problems with his back recently and you didn't want him to struggle.

"Hey, (Y/N)! Why didn't you come to the bus and say hello? You are rude." Tommy said when he entered the house.

"Can you just shut up and help me?" You snapped trying to lift one of the bags.

"Good morning, (Y/N). Sorry for being late. We just had some issues with the bus but we are here and everything is okay." Doc appeared, too, and took the bag from your shoulder.

"No problem and thank you." You looked into every room in the house to check if everything was okay before locking the door and giving one last look at the house. Mick stepped behind you and placed his hands on your waist.

"Are you ready?" He asked kissing your shoulder.

"Yeah."

∆

"I can't believe they still aren't ready!" You sighed waiting in front of Vince's house. It was arranged two hours earlier.

"At least the kids have fun," Mick said looking at Neil, Elizabeth, and Zoe playing around in the garden with Tommy and Nikki. They played hide and seek, and Tommy was the one who needed to find the others. Well, he didn't manage to. You can see everything from the bus and occasionally laughed when he failed.

"Finally!" Doc sighed when Vince and Sharise appeared. When they got on the bus Vinnie waved at you.

"Hey!" He smirked when he placed himself on the one remaining place next to you on the couch.

"Trouble in paradise?" Mick asked noticing Sharise's facial expression who went to the back of the bus without saying hello to you. You hoped she will leave the tour within a week.

"You know, you didn't have to waste time having sex when you will be together on the whole fucking tour!" You ranted.

"Woah, someone needs to get laid," Vince added smiling, earning a hit from Mick after you got up and gathered the children.

∆

The route to the hotel was a bit calmer than you thought. Zoe and Mick were sleeping on the couch next to each other which melted your heart seeing them like this. Tommy and Nikki with Heather and Sharise were talking about Tommy's spinning cage, Vince and Sharise were in the back.

"I don't think they will be happy about this interview. Are you sure about it?" You asked Doc when you were discussing things about the tour.

"They don't like interviews at all. So this will be no different."

"Maybe Whitesnake could do that interview, no?" You asked Doc. "Or Guns N Roses?"

"Why not all the three of them?"

"Cause World War III would break out." You said with an odd look.

"Alright. Then GNR will give the interview and the boys will decide if they want it or not." Doc offered which you agreed with totally. "Now, enough of work. What's up?" Doc asked putting aside his papers and leaning back on the seat.

"Well, not much, Doc. Life goes on. The boys have a lot of fans so I don't think we will have a problem."

"I was asking about you, (Y/N). Not the boys." Doc said tilting his head.

"What should I say? Zoe, Mick and I are okay, we have a pretty good and adventurous life. I love my family and I love my job."

"Good to hear." You somehow relieved that Doc didn't ask more. "But I see something is bothering you. What is it? Is it John?" Damn, this man.

"You can be as annoying as the band sometimes, you know that, right? Hell yes. I can't get that man out of my head." You said. Mick woke up a couple of minutes ago and he heard every word you changed with Doc. He smiled when you mentioned him and your life but the slight smile faded when John was in the picture again. He hated that man with his whole heart for hurting you like this. "I-I keep seeing this picture in my head that whenever I'm not around Zoe he somehow tries to steal her from me." You were rubbing your arm with your other hand to comfort yourself. That man gave you a headache whenever you met him and all the bad memories came up. You tried to avoid him as you could but it was still hard to be around him.

"I see. Well, I could arrange someone, a guard to keep an eye on her and I'm sure the others willingly help you monitor her. Everyone loves her and they wouldn't let anything bad to happen to her." He placed his hand on your thigh and squeezed it. "I and I think everyone admires you, especially Mick, to let that bastard see your daughter frequently. Not many mothers would let that."

"Thanks, Doc. It means me a lot."

Maybe you were just going crazy for thinking that. He wouldn't kidnap Zoe, would he? If he did that, he would go to jail for a very long time so he wouldn't be able to see his daughter.

"Anytime, kid. Now, go and rest a bit until this madness begins."

∆

When you arrived at the hotel you and Doc headed to the receptionist to discuss the details and got the keys.

"Alright, Everyone!" You yelled when no one listened to you. You were beside the bus and everybody was dealing with their luggage. "Hey, listen! I have already told you that certain people will bring up the baggage, damn. Tommy, put that down!" You threatened the drummer who immediately dropped the bag down. "Thanks. So Heather this is yours, and Vinnie room 10 is yours with Sharise. Nikki, your room is just beside Heather's..."

"Yeah, man!" Nikki high-fived with his Terror Twin. Maybe it wasn't the best idea. After you handed out the keys and everyone went inside Mick approached you. Zoe went along with Neil and Elizabeth to look around. He stood in front of you and cupped your face.

"You are doing great." He pecked your lips and pulled you in a hug. He was rubbing your back while you rested your chin on his shoulder. "You are the best co-manager we could get." You can't help but smile.

"I'm trying my best, but I'm afraid Tommy, Vince, and Nikki won't be so helpful." Mick chuckled.

"I will help you make them listen to you," Mick promised, taking your hand and walking in the hotel. It wasn't a five-star hotel but it was decent and nice. Decent until Mötley Crüe arrived. At the reception, you already apologized for the trouble so you hoped they will handle things easier.

"Mommy, look there are a playground and a pool, too." Zoe cheered. She ran to you and you picked her up and let her show you the mentioned places.

"Oh, wow. Now you can play as much as you want, honey."

"I want to play with you, mommy!" She hugged you tightly.

"I know, Zoe but there are a few other things I need to take care of. I need to give the keys to Axl, Slash, Steven, Duff, and Izzy, too. As I heard they have just arrived." You sighed seeing your daughter pouting.

"Alright, but be sure they will be around soon so I could play with Steven!" She said while you put down her.

"I promise." You places a soft kiss on her cheek and headed back to the entrance of the hotel. Mick hummed watching you go before taking Zoe's hand and letting her pull him closer to the playground.

When you arrived at the bus the band were already talking next to the bus. They were much quieter than the Crüe and immediately looked at you when you greeted them.

"Sorry, (Y/N) for being behind a bit. Steven had some problems with the journey and we had to stop a lot." Izzy apologized.

"We arrived not too long ago so no problem. And are you okay now, Steven?" You looked at the drummer who was still pale.

"Yeah. Well, better than before." Slash patter his back to lighten him up. "This isn't helping, Slash."

"You still have two days before the concerts so you can recover until then. There are many possibilities to leisure here, I have already looked around."

"It's quite a big hotel. What if I get lost?" Steven asked.

"Don't worry, Popcorn. We will keep an eye on you." Duff said with a smirk.

"Anyway, (Y/N), would you be so kind and give us a tour of the hotel?" Axl asked. You weren't used to this kind manner with the other band. Alright, sometimes they could be knights, too.

"Of course. Oh, and Zoe wanted to make sure that you will greet and play with her. She mentioned that she wants to play with you, Steven but don't worry I will tell her that you aren't feeling well." You winked and handed out the keys to their rooms.

"Steven!" Zoe rushed to the drummer but you stopped her before she could jump on him.

"Zoe, not so fast. He isn't too well so be gentle, alright? Don't play Slave and Queen with him. The Slave can be played by anyone else, except Mick and him." You smirked glancing at the band.

"Alright, then I will escort him into his room and take care of him." She took the drummer's hand and headed to Steven's room.

"I can wait until she will be 18," Axl said. You hit him in the arm glaring at him. "Just kidding. No need to kill me."

"You deserved it, man," Slash said making you laugh. Mick was watching you with a jealous look. You always looked so happy with them and rarely with the Crüe. He stood up from the bench and approached you.

"Hey, Mick." Duff greeted the guitarist.

"Hey, man." He muttered. Slash and Axl nodded to him as a greeting while Mick shook hands with Izzy. Izzy was the only one who he kinda liked. "Sorry guys, but I need to steal (Y/N)." You made a face not understanding his problem. After you said goodbye, Mick was literally dragging you towards the lift.

"What is wrong with you?" You asked freeing your arm from his grip. "Mick, why are you acting like this?"

"Not here." He could only say this. You huffed but stepped in the elevator next to him but tried to stand as far as possible. You didn't like him when he was this angry and overwhelming. You opened the door and happily saw your luggage has already been brought up.

"So, what is it?" You asked crossing your arms. Mick counted to ten not to say something he might regret.

"Why can't you just relax? And be with us? Zoe and me?"

"I'm sorry?"

"At the moment you heard the guys arrived you dropped down Zoe and rushed to them. Whereas they could wait a bit and I can't see why Doc couldn't greet them."

"Are you jealous or what? Cause I don't see your reason for that."

"What? No! I'm just angry that why aren't you honest with me. Why are you locking up things in yourself whereas I'm your husband, no?"

"I don't understand a word." Why can't he and Doc leave you alone and let you do your job?

"I heard your talk with Doc on the bus." He stepped closer and took your hand into his. "Why didn't you tell me that John is bothering you? I could've talked to him not to come or I don't know."

"You don't understand it. I can't reject him seeing his daughter. I don't have the right."

"But you have it, (Y/N)! You have the full custody for fuck's sake!" He was gripping your hand way too harsh now. "Why can't you let that person just disappear from your life? He hurt you so much and you still let him do that. I think we could discuss it with Zoe. She is so smart and I'm sure she would understand it." Mick said softly. He rested his forehead on yours while rubbing your arms. You felt the tears running down your cheek which Mick noticed and wiped them away with his thumb. You closed your eyes and took a shaky breath.

"I know. It's just so hard." You whimpered.

"But I'm here for you, (Y/N)! You are my wife and I would do anything for you. Even it includes killing."

"Mick!"

"Alrighty, no killing. But I support you in everything and you can tell me whatever is going on in your pretty head. Sometimes I wish I could just go back in time and do things from the beginning. From the very beginning."To be continued...

∆

Next Part

Tags: @leatherandheels @littlemisscare-all @karrotkate ❤️

[itsa-lie]

Birth Of A Liar Part Three

||Part One||Part Two||Part Three||Part Four||Part Five||

Oh boy, I have some angst in store for you today let me tell you. This poor boy has been through a lot.

Trigger warning for murder, taking care of babies, bl**d, and cl*wns

DICE...everyone liked the sound of that. Hanako gloated that it was like she was in one of those secret spy organizations like in the movies and, well Kokichi couldn’t agree more. He did sneak into a cinema once or twice so he knew a thing or two about evil organizations. Not that he thought he was evil, hell no, couldn’t be farther from the truth. But from Maki and Goro’s comments about stealing being evil it was kind of hard not to have that mindset.

So he went with it. Even practiced making evil faces in the mirror a few times. Practice makes perfect after all.

And would you know it the young boy actually loved having company. Sure Goro was quiet and always apologizing for the dumbest things, Maki scared the shit out of him, and Hanako cried for almost everything, but it was fine. Besides, Hanako taught him a really great trick to guilt-trip adults. All he had to do was cry. That easy. Just cause a scene and everyone would go to your aid. Plus with extra people they were able to get more things like televisions and game consoles. It wasn’t stealing, it was giving to orphans and that wasn’t evil...right?

However it really wasn’t an organization with only four people...in the movies they had more members. So once as Kokichi was sitting in front of the store he usually steals or guilt-trips people to buy from he sees something odd going on in the street. A woman carrying a bundle in her arms while another man chases her from behind. He seemed to have a gun in his hands, the woman was running for her life! A headache filled the boy’s head as a memory crossed his mind. He was smaller. A woman with black hair holding him. A man with purple hair knocking a gun out of the hand of a man pointing it right for him. Cringing at the slight pain Kokichi held his head. He didn’t know why he did this but he got up and chased the man. 

His feet were not as fast as the man however and out of no where there’s a loud bang. Then a baby crying. Kokichi quickly hid behind a brick wall. It was a good thing he did too, since the gunned ban came out of the alleyway with a handful of cash leaving a crying baby at his wake. Should he dare look back there? He definitely wouldn’t like what he was going to see. Still he turned around slowly into the dark alleyway. The woman was face down in a puddle of blood while the baby cries brokenhearted and afraid beside her. Cautiously Kokichi approached the woman and checked for signs of life. There was none. Also for a second he could see the woman being that black haired woman carrying him in his memories which made him gasp and fall back.

“N-No...t-that’s not mama...” He consoled himself. She’s probably okay and will come back for him, after all the body was gone the next day, who’s to say an ambulance didn’t pick her and his father up and bring them to safety? Now they’re just looking for him! But this baby...what if something happens to it? It was much too young to take care of itself like he was. Ooooh but what would Maki and the rest say? He has to decide quickly, the sounds of sirens were coming closer and closer.

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

“YOU BROUGHT HOME A BABY?!” Maki’s loud tone of voice made Kokichi jump and the baby cry even louder. “Yeah! It’s our new pet! Surprise!” Maybe if he pretends it’s a gift they won’t get so mad. He was wrong. Goro smiles politely, even if it was easy to see the baby just made more worry on him. Maki was very angry, angry enough to beat Kokichi to a bloody pulp and she probably would have if he wasn’t cradling a baby in his arms. Hanako was very excited though, jumping up and down to try to see the baby.

“Babies aren’t pets, dipshit.” Maki growled holding her temples. She does her best not to curse in front of little ones but by God was she in a bad mood. Even Goro could see the steam rising out of her. Maybe he should try to heal the situation a little bit.

“Now now, Maki. You did the same thing when Hanako was in danger.” Goro tries to put a hand on his sister’s shoulder before she pulls away. “That was different! You can’t just STEAL a baby! What if the parents find out? What if they find out about us?”

Kokichi was silent, he shows the blanket with a bloodstain on it.

 “They won’t...it’s mom is dead.”

“D-Don’t call them an ‘it’! And what about their dad?!”

“I-I dunno! W-Why are you yelling at me? You’re scaring the baby!”

Maki quickly took the baby from Kokichi’s arms and examined them. Their cries getting louder and louder, the baby thrashed and moved. Finally Maki looks at the others, her eyes closed. “They need a diaper change.”

“W-What?!”

“N-No  way am I doing that again! I already used to change yours, I’m not doing THAT again.”

“Ewww hehehe!”

“You don’t have to. You just need to get me some diapers and diaper cream. You steal from the store all the time, right?” Maki states, bouncing the baby on her shoulder. That oddly seemed to calm it down a little. How was she this gifted with kids? “Fine, but don’t let it barf or poop or whatever on our stuff. Hana, stay with Maki and help her with the baby. Goro, come with me.” True to his leader form Kokichi gives orders imminently and the rest follow. Perhaps what Maki said was right. Being a leader does run in his “jeans”. As ordered Kokichi managed to snag a bag of diapers and diaper cream as Goro distracted the workers as usual. Man Kokichi hopes he doesn’t grow much taller because stealing is way easy because of his height. At long last they arrive at the abandoned building they lived in.

“We got the-”

“Give me that.” Maki practically took the supplies out of his arms. She must be really desperate to stop the infants crying. Even Hanako was covering her ears. Swiftly Maki places the baby on a table and begins working. Curiously Kokichi looked over Maki’s shoulder to see what she was doing and then quickly regrets it, his face turning green and close to dry heaving. That was a horrible idea. Yet Maki seemed...unbothered by it? It was almost mesmerizing at how fast she changed them. Once she was done the crying...stopped?

“Did you fix it?” Kokichi asked, now feeling better from the peace and quiet without the baby yowling.

“Did you fix him. He’s a boy.” Maki corrects him as she cradles the child. “And yes. He’s fine now. Also his name is Kenji...” The baby quickly falls asleep in her arms finally making the place quiet.

“How do you know?” asked Goro tilting his head to the side. Maki simply shows Kenji’s tiny chubby arm to reveal a hospital bracelet on it.

-Kenji Date, DOB: 7/6/20XX, Paitent ID: 11037

So the baby was probably born recently given how close the dates were, maybe about one month old. Still Maki was looking angry with Kokichi, but didn’t do anything. “C’moooon you can’t stay mad at me forever can you? Look at this faaaace. It would be sad without my ultimate assassin friend.”

“Call me that again and you’ll be the next victim...” she warns, her eyes narrowing again. “But aren’t assassins and murderers different things?” Kokichi asks, honestly confused. “They’re the same thing, dumbass...” Well shit he didn’t know. Another awkward silence. 

“I guess everything worked out in the end though. And hey! We can add more members with other orphans! Think of this, a whole network of orphans working together to protect each other!”

Maki shook her head. “That sounds like a cartoon...”

“But you’d watch it, wouldn’t you?”

“Fine, I guess so...but no babies okay? They’re really hard to take care of as it is.”

And with that promise, DICE gained more and more members. In about a few years the whole place would be practically crawling with orphans or kids who wanted to be away from abusive homes. In fact so many orphans had lived there that they even had to move some to upstairs rooms. And with more members came cool new stuff! More toys, books, games, anything they could steal they would. It was like running their own little orphanage. However they did have to have some other leaders in power too making sure the other’s stayed in line. Kokichi picked nine others to “co-star” as he put it in his operation. Of course Maki was one, so was Goro, but because he was immature only the tall kids get to be the co-leaders.

“But you’re shorter than all of them! How are you leader?” Hanako asked one day as everyone was making masks to wear for Halloween to play their usual pranks and to hide their identity. “Because I came up with this idea so, as it’s so plainly obvious to see, I should be leader!” Kokichi grins booping the girl on the nose. “Hmph! Well I thought only tall people could be leader so...”

“Nhyhehehe, oh Hana. Tell you what, if anything ever happens to me, you become leader okay?” He tips his leader hat and flaunts his cape as if he was trying to be dramatic. Though how dramatic can you be with an old baseball cap and a tattered old bed sheet flowing behind you? Hanako looked hopeful as her eyes sparkled. “I can have the hat and cape too?” Kokichi dramatically held the bed sheet in front of himself like a vampire would. “Any perks of being DICE leader you can have. But I won’t be leaving any time soon you know~”

As the children drew their masks, Kokichi starts the meeting.

“Hello my fellow crime syndicates! As you know, today is Halloween. We’ve been waiting for this day all year my friends. And finally it came!” The whole building filled with applause which made him laugh. Maki just shook her head. If he keep it up they’ll be found out but he kept everyone so...so together. “Now I know what you’re thinking...’why would we be making clown masks for?’ Well I’ll tell you! Bring in the boxes!”

Hoards of boxes came rushing in being displayed in front of all the children eliciting “oohs” and “ahhs” This was probably their biggest heist yet! Never have the kids seen so much stuff come in before, not even food. What sort of wonders awaited inside those containers? “Now, open!” The bigger kids opened the box to reveal the most amazing thing! Costumes and prank supplies covered the ground. This was the year! This was the year they have an actual, real Halloween! All the kids went forward to grab some stuff but the co-leaders organized them into a single file line to make sure everyone got a costume and supplies.

“Sorry, all the costumes are clown costumes but, hey that’s why I made you all make the masks!” Kokichi exclaimed. Everyone didn’t mind. This was a fun activity and now they had something they can do that normal kids with parents usually do! However Maki was the only one to speak up. “You got crates of costumes? How do you expect not to get caught?! You know they have security cameras, right?” Kokichi shrugged his shoulders and places his hands behind his head. “So? Look at their faces! Even Kenji and Hanako are smiling! Worrying about that stuff will just ruin the moment so just reeeelax a bit Maki.” It was true. The kids looked more happy than ever. But something inside her seemed like this was going to be a bad idea...

Once everyone was dressed they all hit the streets. Each child knew about their one rule: no killing. Their leader was against murder in any way possible teaching the children how horrible death was and how they should avoid it. All of the kids got a costume, as well as eight of the Co-Leaders, but Maki and Kokichi were left without one. “I don’t mind. As long as the kids have one I will just go as Kokichi Ouma for Halloween.”

Boy was this the most fun these children have ever had, With their clown suits and masks on their faces they made mischief in the city. Toilet paper rolls on houses, chalk graffiti on walls, water buckets on doors, the whole place was crawling with little clown gremlins causing mayhem in their wake. It was enough to make Kokichi proud. “Oh this is enough to bring a tear to my eye~!” The leader claims dramatically. Maki just rolled her eyes and said nothing, however she was happy to see the children having the time of their lives. However she stops as she was walking, looking like a deer in headlights at the televisions in a shop window. Kokichi waves his hand in front of her as to get a reaction. All she could do was point.

A newscaster on the screen started talking, a picture of a clown at his side, underneath the headline states: “Clown thieves hit the streets”. Kokichi could feel the lump forming in his throat.

“Good evening.” The newscaster began as he bangs his stack of papers on the table once to align them. “A group of pranksters? Or a group of kidnappers? A hoard of clown suit wearing children hit the streets today causing panic and anger across the city. We have no idea where they come from or what they want, but they continue to wreak everything in their path. We go live to our reporter, Michiko Nakajima.” The screen changes to a woman in a dress with a microphone in her hands. Kokichi could have sworn that the woman was behind him somewhere.

“Thank you, Natsumi-San. I am standing here on the very street where young Kenji Date was taken from his mother’s arms seven years ago. His mother shot dead in an abandoned alley. They couldn’t find the killer or the child’s body, however one clown who has been taken into custody had Kenji’s hospital bracelet in his pocket!” The screen shows a picture of Kenji, his mask off, looking sad and disappointed. The two leaders could feel their souls about to fly from their body.

“I like where I am! You’re not gonna take me to some stinky orphanage!” Kenji exclaimed on the screen as two men take him away. “Luckily the father was still alive to bring little Kenji back home to his rightful place.” The reporter finishes as it then cuts to a man who has red puffy eyes. It seems he had been crying. This makes Kokichi feel immense guilt rise up in the pit of his stomach. “I’m just happy I can finally see my son...these clown people took seven years of me getting to know him.” The man looks like he could break down at any second. “He won’t even call me ‘dad’, he just says ‘where’s Kokichi and Maki’ or ‘Kokichi will save me’!”

The name “Kenji” meant “an intelligent child” but also meant “ public prosecutor”. It all made sense in a way. Just like his own name, “Kokichi”, meant “little luck”. Right now he was having no luck. Maki was beginning to sweat too. From the corner of her eye she could see the news reporter and camera crew come closer. “This makes it even more curious. Years ago another child had been lost after his parents death. Kokichi Ouma, then three years old, was deemed lost as both his parents were killed by his father’s own gang. Another, Maki Haruwaka, the youngest of many children, killed her father in cold blood before leaving with her older brother Goro Haruwaka. Both these children have yet to be found, but law enforcement is still on the look out.”

Without warning Maki began to run. She knew this was a horrible idea! No one would even know their secret if Kokichi just did an inside Halloween party instead like they usually do. 

“M-Maki wait-”

But it was too late, she already ran too far. He tries to catch her, but was stopped by a big brawny man who held him by the shoulders. Kokichi kicked and thrashed, but the man had no trouble taking him to where he wanted him to go.

“Maki!!!”

The newscaster looks back at the camera, obviously excited by this rise in the story she was reporting.

“We have word that we might have just found the lost children Kokichi Ouma and Maki Haruwaka! Could this be a clue to find more missing children? We will give updates as soon as they’re avalible. Michiko Nakajima, Tokyo news.”

[harvestleaves]

Babysitting

Prompt by @ginghampearlsnsweettea​ : Mateo babysitting Isabella and Judd/Grace’s kid?

A/N: Bella, being the mischievous kid she is, decides to pull a prank on Mateo, with Tucker being her reluctant accomplice.  As always, you can also read this on Ao3 here.

Word Count: 1,221

Rating: G

“Mateo, are you sure you can handle both of ‘em?  I know Tucker’s pretty easy to watch, he’s not as rambunctious as I was.  I hear Isabella’s a handful though,” Judd teased as he set Tucker down, the 6-year-old grinning when he saw Mateo before rushing forward for a hug.

“Hey, our daughter is an angel,” TK pouted as he held Isabella close, gently running his fingers through her long brown curls.

“Judd actually might be right on this one Tiger, our daughter can’t seem to keep herself out of trouble.  Like a firefighter I happen to know,” Carlos joked as he pressed a kiss to TK’s neck before he held his arms out to take Bella briefly.

“Okay baby girl.  Be good for Mateo, don’t make him go crazy quite yet.  And don’t rope poor Tucker into any of your mischievous schemes,” Carlos stated firmly as he hugged Bella, laughing when she pouted and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Papa!  I’m not that ‘schevious,” Bella huffed out as she looked up at Carlos, mimicking his cop glare to a T.

“Sorry, we’re just kinda nervous, this is our first time having someone watch her since her asthma diagnosis.  I don’t even know why I’m worried though, you’ve helped me through attacks, I know you know what to do, I’m just freaking out I guess,” TK admitted to Mateo with a blush before he held out Bella’s inhaler for Mateo to take, smiling at the stickers Carlos had suggested they put on the object to ‘spice it up’ because Bella had thought it was too boring.

“Hey, don’t even sweat it.  You're a dad, it’s what dads do.  I’m honestly surprised Carlos didn’t get you surveillance gear so you can keep an eye on her,” Mateo laughed, taking Bella’s inhaler before he watched as Carlos set Bella down to race after Tucker into his living room.

“He tried to get some.  I told him no,” Carlos laughed, watching TK’s cheeks heat up in embarrassment before he looped an arm around his husband’s shoulders.  “The four of us are heading off to dinner.  Thank you again so much for babysitting Mateo, I know we all really appreciate it.”

“Of course, now go have fun!  We’ll see you all in a few hours,” Mateo smiled as he pocketed the inhaler finally before closing the door behind the parents.

“Okay kiddos, what do you two wanna do?  Order a pizza and watch a movie?”

“Can it be pepperoni pizza?” Tucker asked hopefully from where he was playing with Bella, hugging his stuffed bear to his chest before he looked hopefully at his friend.

“Pepperoni sounds good to me,” Bella nodded in agreement before she bit her bottom lip in thought.  “Can we watch Frozen?”

“Frozen?” Mateo cringed a little at the thought before he turned to Tucker.  “What do you think buddy?  Is Frozen okay with you?”

“Ewww, no.  Can we watch Lion King instead?” Tucker asked hopefully, looking from Mateo to pouting at Bella, knowing she couldn’t refuse his charm.

“Okay, Lion King is fine,” Bella sighed before she smiled sweetly over at Tucker and Mateo, a look that TK and Carlos would call her ‘scheming look’.  “Can we have soda with our pizza?” she asked hopefully, batting her eyelashes for good measure.

“Yeah, sure.  Some soda wouldn’t hurt I guess,” Mateo agreed before he headed into the kitchen to grab the kids' rootbeer and to call the pizza order in.

“Look what Auntie Marjan gave me! She said to put them in soda an’ watch Uncle Mateo freak out,” Bella giggled as she held up half a roll of Mentos excitedly.

“What if the soda gets all over the place?” Tucker asked curiously tilting his head at how excited Bella was.

“Then we help him clean up.  C’mon, it’ll be fun!” Bella urged as she took one of the mints out of the roll before sliding the remainder into her hoodie pocket.

“Ugh, why do I think this is gonna be a bad idea,” Tucker groaned before smiling when Mateo entered the room with the cups of soda.

“Here you two go.  The pizza will be here in about half an hour.  Do you want me to start the movie or wait until the food gets here?”

“Ummm, we can wait.  Can we play tag?  Oh, or hide and seek?” Bella asked hopefully, wanting to get Mateo to have to stay with the sodas while she and Tucker ran off.

“Hide and seek sounds pretty safe.  How about I count and you two go hide,” Mateo suggested with a smile before he closed his eyes once he thought he saw Tucker and Bella run off, though he didn’t notice Bella drop the mint into the cup of soda in front of her before racing after Tucker.

“Let the chaos begin,” Bella giggled from the doorway to Mateo’s bedroom, unaware of the tightness that was starting to build in her chest as she watched the soda explode all over the living room table, fully dousing Mateo in the sugary liquid.

“Isabella!  What the heck?!” Mateo called out as he wiped the soda from his face.

“Oh no,” Bella squeaked as she dove underneath the bed to hide, rolling in a little dust as she did so.

Biting her bottom lip, she took a small breath through her nose, trying to stay as quiet as possible to not give her position away.  Her plan backfired however when she started to cough from the dust and she crawled out from her hiding spot, having to lean against the bedside table as she wheezed for air.

“Bella, I am so calling your dads about this.  Woah, you okay?  I think you need your inhaler.  C’mon, sit up on the bed,” Mateo said gently as he scooped Bella up to set her on the mattress, before kneeling down to her level as he shook up the inhaler.

“I-Is Bella okay?” Tucker asked nervously from the doorway, his brown eyes wide with concern as he stepped into the room.

“Yeah, she’s gonna be just fine.  She just needs her inhaler,” Mateo explained, keeping his voice gentle and calming as he helped Bella take the medicine, relaxing once her breathing evened out.

“Feeling better?”

At Bella’s shaky nod, Mateo realized he couldn’t really get mad at her, figuring she’d been punished enough with the asthma attack.  “Why did you put Mentos in my soda?”

“Auntie Marjan told me to.  She said it would be funny.  And it was, until I couldn’t breathe.  It was scary,” Bella whimpered with a pout as she reached out for a hug.

“I know, asthma attacks aren’t fun, your dad always gets scared when he has one too,” Mateo explained before looking up when the doorbell rang for the pizza, going to pay for it before setting it down in the kitchen.

Returning to where Isabella and Tucker were snuggled up to each other on his bed, he reached down and nudged them towards the living room.

“C’mon troublemakers, let's go eat dinner,” Mateo sighed heavily before changing into a dry shirt.  He’d let TK and Carlos know about the attack when they picked Bella up, but he definitely also needed yell at Marjan for teaching a 5-year-old how to make soda explode.

[chickensarentcheap]

Best Part of Me -Chapter 19

Warnings: none

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​, @alievans007​, @innerpaperexpertcloud​

“I don’t think your husband likes me very much,” Salena comments, as she and Esme lounge in the shade of the back patio.  

They share a pitcher of non-alcoholic sangria while watching as Chloe entertains the kids in the pool and Kyle and Tyler –chatting amicably- busy themselves at the barbecue; both shirtless and tanned and buff in their remarkably different ways, both clad in swim shorts that sit dangerously low on their hips.  There’s no sign of Ovi; he’d run into town on an errand over an hour again and had yet to return.

“Don’t take it personally,” Esme says, as she stretches her legs and places her feet in the chair across from her; one hand nursing her own drink as the other holds the bottle Addie nurses from as she lays along her mother’s thighs.  “He doesn’t like anyone.”

“I’d laugh, but I don’t think you’re joking.”

“It’s not that he doesn’t like people. He’s just very...I don’t know...guarded. He doesn’t trust as easily and quickly as I do. And he has his reasons. Very valid ones.”

“From his military days?”

“That and what he did afterwards. It wasn’t an easy life. For him more so than me. I wasn’t as involved as he was. I was just the ‘brain side’ of things; he was all physical. And it did a lot of damage. Mentally.”

She refuses to delve further into it. It’s not her story to tell; finding it disrespectful - not only to Tyler himself, but the struggles he’s endured and the progress he’s made- to discuss it with anyone without his knowledge.

“And physically by the looks of it,” Salena says.

Esme nods. “The last job we were on...the one that nearly killed him...it caused the most issues. It was a long haul. Months in the hospital, months in inpatient therapy. If you could see what he was like then, you’d see how far he’s come. How hard he to work to get where he is now. I’m proud of him. I don’t tell him that often enough. I should pretty get on that.”

“Well I may not know exactly what you’re talking about or what happened on this last job you worked, but he’s lucky to have you. You’re strong as hell. If you’ve managed to stick around through all of that and through all of whatever happened in Colorado...”

“I guess maybe I’m old fashioned in thinking that you don’t just walk away from things...from people...without trying to work on them first. And I know he comes across pretty intense, but he’s worth it. I wouldn’t have put all the time and the effort into it if he wasn’t.  He’s a big man with an even bigger heard. You just have to give him a chance.”

“Think he’ll give me a chance?”

“It’s going to take some time. It’s just who it is. He doesn’t like people in his space. Don’t let him get to you. He’s not doing it to hurt you. He’s doing it to protect himself.”

“Men are brilliant at that, aren’t they?” Salena smirks. “Guarding themselves like that? “

“And he’s twice as bad as your average man,” Esme says. “I love him...with all that I am and all that I have...but he’s exhausting.”

The other woman laughs at that. “You know what’s exhausting? Your children. Are they always like this?”

“Always. From the time they get up in the morning. They can’t sit still. Ever. They're all energy, stamina, and fearlessness. Have you seen my son’s face? He got into a fight at school. Defending his brother. Four older kids jumped him, and he kicked their asses. All of them. AT the same time. And I’m not naming names or finger pointing but guess what parent he gets THAT from. Here’s a hint: it’s not me.”

“I don’t think they got anything from you,” Salena remarks. “Are you sure you gave birth to them? Because not one of them looks like you.”

“Right?! I told you. I wasn’t joking. They all look like him. They’re exactly like him; head to toe. Inside and out. How unfair is that? Mind you, it’s still touch and go with Tanner. Personality wise. He’s on the fence but he leans more towards me.  That other ones? All Tyler.”

“Strong genes.”

“Whatever you do, do not say that to him. Because we’ll get into a conversation about it and you’ll have to hear about his dominate DNA and his super sperm and no one...and by no one, I mean me...wants to hear that.”

Salena laughs and reaches for the pitcher of sangria and fills both their glasses. Well you did get one that looks like you. That little nugget is definitely all mommy.”

“So far,” Esme agrees. “But she’s a tough little thing. She probably should still be in the hospital because of how small she was when she was born and all the problems she had, but she was not having any of it. There was no way she was staying there, and she proved all the doctors.  She is a little nugget,” she leans down and presses a kiss to Addie’s forehead, then places the empty bottle on the table and lifts her to her chest. “Won’t be for long eating the way she does, mind you.”

“Speaking of eating,” Salena comments. “I see something I’d like to eat.”

Esme glances towards what has captured her friend’s attention; both Tyler and Kyle standing at the side of the barbecue, the latter talking animatedly about one of his especially daring fireman rescues and dramatically flexing his biceps.  

“Okay as much as it grosses me out because he’s my brother. I’m hoping it’s Kyle you’re talking about and not my husband. Because I have to draw the line somewhere on comments I won’t allow.”

“Honey, your man is fine as hell and I was not expecting THAT when I walked over here today. Not in a million years was I expecting him to look like he does. When you said retired, I thought you meant old man retired. But I’d never disrespect you by taking things too far. I definitely was talking about your brother.”

“Ewww,” she wrinkles her nose in disgusts, then holds Addie out at arms lengths, one hand under her bum, the other supporting the back of her head. “...can you believe that, Addie?  Someone finding Uncle K attractive? Uncle Shrek is more like it.”

“I know you aren't talking about me,” he comments, as he steps up onto the patio, a slight sunburn gracing his broad shoulders, ball cap backwards on his head, sunglasses on.

“You’re the only uncle here so if the shoe fits...”

“See what I put up with?” He winks at Salena. “Thirty-five years of this. Her talking shit about me like that. You think she’s all sweet and cute? Try growing up with her. Pain in the ass.”

Esme smirks. “Kyle used to undress all my Barbies and put them in compromising positions together all over my doll house. And then he’d try and convince our mom that I did it.”

He grins at the memory. “You were a twisted little thing. Even then.”

“I was five! You were eight and sneaking peeks at Mike’s porn collection he kept under his mattress. Don’t even try to deny it. Perv.”

“I was...curious...” he reasons.

“He also used to like walking around in mom’s high heels. He used to steal them out of her closet and parade around like RuPaul.”

“Why is why my calves and my ass are as fabulous as they are,” Kyle concludes. “You ladies need anything? Kids want something to drink.”

“I’m fine,” Esme says. “But Addie needs something?”

“What’s that?”

She holds the baby out to him. “You’ll smell it in about five seconds.”

“Really, bean?” he grimaces as he takes her from her mother. “How does someone so small smell so bad?”

“Because she’s a Rake and they’re all rotten inside. Big and small. Thank you, big brother. You’re a gem.”

“And you’re still a pain in the ass,” he playfully retorts, and then disappears into the house.

“Oh yeah,” Salena sighs. “I would definitely eat that.”

“Please tell me you’re not talking about my brother’s ass when you’ve only known him for two days.”

“I don’t mean eat in a literal way. Or maybe I do. Because I’d let him eat mine like a cupcake.”

“Oh my God,” Esme nearly spits her drink across the table. “That’s my brother! And I have my kinks but...ewwww....” she gags. “...even I draw the line somewhere.”

“Oh, come on! You mean you’ve never done it or had it done?”

“No. Hell no. Just....” she makes a retching noise.  “...I think I’m going to puke.”

“Does he do that sort of thing?”

“I don’t know. He’s my brother. I don’t know what he does in the bedroom. I don’t even want to think about it. He did have an ex-girlfriend that was a dominatrix though.”

Salena’s eyes widen.  

“He met her when there was a fire at a sex show. I do not make this stuff up. It’s the honest to God truth. He’s a fireman. He has met women in the weirdest situations.”

“Has he ever been married? Any kids?”

“No and no.”

“Single?”

“Sadly, no. But he can be. Do you want him to be? I can make it happen.”

“I do not want you breaking him and his girlfriend up just for me.”

“Oh, I don’t like her anyway. We have history. And not good history, either. I can hook you up. Want me to take one of the team? I’ll do it.”

“You’ll do what?” Tyler asks as he joins them on the patio, Declan on his hip, wrapped in an oversized beach towel.

“Nothing,” she quickly and innocently replies. “I’m doing absolutely nothing. What are you doing?”

“I’m bringing you your kid. He wants mommy.”

“Sure he does. You’re his favorite. Don’t bring him here.”

“I’m busy doing shit. Here... go see mommy...” he places Declan in her lap then places a hand on the back of her neck and a kiss to her cheek. “Do I even want to know what you two are doing?” he asks, as he grabs a disposable plastic cup from a stack on the table and pours himself some of the sangria.

“We were just talking about eating ass,” Esme replies, and he scowls. “Were your ears burning, honey? Because they should have been.”

“We do a lot of weird shit, but we don’t do THAT.”

“Salena wants Kyle to eat her ass like a cupcake.”

He nearly chokes on a mouthful of sangria.

“You never learn your lesson about walking in on girl talk,” Esme says. “You wanted to know what we were doing, now you do. Hey,” she snags him by the wrist before he can walk away. “I need you to me a favor.”

“If it involves THAT, you married the wrong guy.”

“Salena wants to feel you up. Let her touch your arm.”

“What?” he laughs. “Why?”

“She told me that she asked you earlier today and that you said no. Because you said it was disrespectful towards me letting another woman do it. Which is very sweet, and I love you very much for, by the way.  So she asked me to ask you. If she could touch your arm.”

Tyler glances back and forth between the two women. “You’re kidding, right?”

“She’s curious. She’s never seen arms like that. She’s lived a sheltered life. If I didn’t know you, I’d want to touch them too. Please? Make her day. Just flex and let her feel them. I promise I won’t get mad.”

“You’re both fucked,” he declares, but relents; quickly flexing his left arm and allowing Salena’s hand to explore. Starting at the shoulder and travelling over both bicep and tricep before ending up on his forearm. “You’re lucky I love you,” he says to his wife, palms coming to rest on the arms of her chair as he leans down to kiss her; long, soft, and enough to make her toes curl.

“Do I get kissed like that too?” Salena inquires as he walks off, frowning when she gets the middle finger in response.

“That wasn’t so bad was it?!” Esme calls after him. “I love you! Just so you know!”

“I now understand why you have five kids,” Salena says. “Because if I had a body like that next me in bed every night...”

“Sorry. He’s taken. He’s all mine.”

“Lucky bitch.” Salena mutters, and then playfully digs her elbow into Esme’s side. “This must be the bonus kid.” she says, as Ovi steps through the sliding doors; giving a sheepish smile and a small wave, clutching a colorful bouquet of flowers in his other hand.  

“This one is my favorite,” Esme declares. “Just don’t tell the others.  Why are you all dressed up?” she asks him, studying the short-sleeved button down and his neatly pressed khaki pants. “You clean up good.”

“Just wanted to look good, I guess. These are for you,” he offers Esme the flowers. “Just because.”

“You didn’t have to do that, Ovi,” she presses a kiss to his cheek as he leans down to embrace her. “I wasn’t THAT mad at you. You didn’t have to get me flowers.”

“I know. But I wanted to.”

“I’m going to go and get a refill,” Salena announces, as she stands and grabs the nearly empty pitcher of sangria. “Seems like you two need to talk. And who knows, maybe Kyle needs some help.”

“My brother knows how to change a diaper,” Esme retorts. “No groping him in front of my kid!”

“I make no promises,” her friend laughs, and then disappears into the house.

****

Ovi slips into the chair alongside of her, greeting Declan enthusiastically as the toddler climbs off Esme’s lap and into his.  He’s a favorite with all the kids; affectionate and compassionate and possessing the patience of a saint.

Smiling, she lifts the flowers to her face and inhales deeply, then leans sideways in her chair and presses a kiss to his cheek. “They’re beautiful, thank you. That’s very sweet of you. Tyler’s going to be worried you’re setting the bar too high for him.”

Ovi chuckles at that.

“You didn’t have to do this,” she insists. “You know that, right? I don’t you buying me thing to get back on my good side. You could have just come and talked to me.”

“I know. I guess I was just afraid to. After what happened the other night, I was worried I’d only make things worse. I never meant for things to come out like that; I wanted to talk to you myself. I didn’t want you finding out like that.”

“Well Chloe has a real way of making a mess of things.” Esme concludes. “I guess she told you? That I confronted her. Gave her shit?”

Ovi nods.

“She said a lot of things that were out of line. About me. About my kids. About Tyler. And you know defensive I get. Especially about him. He’s the person she should be talking shit about. Considering he’s the reason you’re even here. That he nearly died making sure you even got to see your fifteenth birthday.”

‘I know. And I told her that. That she had no right saying things about him. That he doesn’t deserve it.”

“No. He doesn’t. And you know what else he doesn’t deserve? Getting dragged back into this bullshit. He gave it up, Ovi. The job. He walked away. Not just to save himself, but to keep his family together. You know important that is to him. Having a family.”

“I do,” Ovi confirms.

“Then why couldn’t you just let him have a life? Why couldn’t you just let him rest? He deserves that. Hasn’t he done enough? Hasn’t he sacrificed enough for the job? For you?”

“I didn’t mean to drag him into it. I just thought he could help with some things. Maybe do some easy jobs from time to time. Until we could get things off the ground.”

“There is no such thing as an easy job,” she argues. “There’s always a chance that something will go wrong. That you could get hurt.  Or worse. But then you went to Nik? Before you even talked to Tyler? What the hell? He’s the first person you should have went to.”

“I just wanted advice,” he attempts to explain. “About how to talk to him about it. And I figured...”

“The last person you should be going to about how to deal with Tyler is Nik. Trust me. She doesn’t even know how to deal with Tyler properly. She just knows how to take advantage of him and manipulate him. You realize that’s what she did, right? That she used his PTSD against him and all the fear he had about not being to provide for his family. She completely fucked with his head. That’s not okay, Ovi. That’s nowhere near okay. Yet you turn around and trust her before you trust him?”

“I never thought about all of that,” he admits. “And I really did only go to her for advice. And then she offered me a job and...”

“Did you really tell her that you felt you something to prove to him?”

Ovi blinks. “What?”

“She told Tyler that he’s the reason you started thinking about the job.  That he made you feel as if you needed to prove to him that you were worthy of his love. That you were worthy of being treated like one of his kids.”

“I never said that. I would never say that.:

“Are you sure? Because that’s what Nik told him. That he’s the reason you wanted to do the job. That he made you feel like you had to.”

“I would never say that!” he insists. “Not everything he’s done for me. Not just in Dhaka but when he came to Mumbai to help, when he talked to my father about letting me live with you, everything in Colorado, and now here.   I would never say that about him. And he’s never made me feel like that. Ever.”

“Are you bullshitting me? Because if I find out you’re lying to me and you did say all that about him...”

“I swear! On my mother’s grave. I never said anything like that. And I never will. Why would Nik tell him that?”

“Because she’s Nik,” Esme grumbles. “Because she wants to manipulate him into her helping. And it worked. You know he agreed, right? To help you. To train you?”

He nods.

Esme scoffs. “You’re going to need a bigger set of balls because he is going to hard core on you. He won’t show you any mercy. You think basic training for the military sounds tough? This will be ten times worse. And when he’s in that ‘zone’, he’s ruthless. Savage. He will break oyu. I’m not even joking. You really think you’re ready for that?”

“I guess I’ll find out.”

“Oh you’re going to find out. When he has you passing out or puking all over the place. I am telling you; you need to be prepared. You need to be ready. Because he will not go easy on you. He might even go even harder on you than anyone else. Consider yourself warmed.

Ovi sighs heavily.

“Why are you even doing this?” she asks. “Getting involved in the job? I don’t get it. I can’t even wrap my head around it. After everything that happened in Dhaka. Everything you saw. Why? Was that not traumatizing enough? Because it sure as hell was for me. And I already had firsthand experience in absolutely shit shows. But that? On the bridge? That was fucked up, Ovi. And I don’t think I’ll ever get over that.”

“You went through more than I did,” he attempts to reason. “You stayed there. With him.”

“Well someone had to because Nik sure as shit wasn’t sticking around.  And this isn’t about me and what I did. This is about you wanting to do the job and me not understanding why. Is it Chloe? Did she put you up to this?”

“I swear it was not her.”

“Then what the hell? It’s not Tyler. It’s not Chloe. Is it me? Did I say something or do something because I...?”

“No!” Ovi interjects. “It’s definitely not you. You’re my mom. The only mom I’ve ever had. That I remember. It’s not you.”

“Then help me understand this,” she implores. “Because I don’t get it. I don’t get why...after everything you’ve been through and after everything that Tyler’s been through...you’d want that life.”

“I honestly don’t know,” he admits. “I just want to do it. I have to do it.”

“That makes absolutely zero sense. Ovi, you need to listen to me. Because I’m going to talk you like a mother. Actually, I am going to resort to begging you. Forget about this. The job. Don’t do this. It is not the life you want and it’s not the life I want for you. I’ve lived that life. Long before you came along. Before Tyler even came along. I have seen what happens to people. Good people that thought they could handle the job and couldn’t. And it didn’t end well. The job destroys you. Slowly. It kills you from the inside out. Until you either put a bullet in your brain or someone else does it for you.”

He nods slowly and swallows heavily, considering her brutally honest words.

“The job never lets you go,” Esme continues. “Even when you walk away. You see that. You’ve been with us for five years now.  You see what it’s done to Tyler. You know the demons he battles with every minute of every day. You’ve seen him when he’s been in the darkest possible places and he’s wanted to kill himself. You’re here on the days he can’t even get out of bed. Why would you want that for yourself? I don’t want that for you. And I know Tyler doesn’t want that for you.”

“I’m sorry,” he chokes back tears. “That he’s gone through all of that. That he still goes through it.”

“But you’re still going to do it, aren’t you.  You’re still going to go through with this.”

He nods.

Sighing heavily, she shakes her head in disbelief, then places her elbow on the arm rest and her cheek on her palm.  She glances out towards the pool where Tyler now stands at the edge; arms crossed over his chest as he looks down at Millie, who's in the midst of a rather animated tale, hands wildly moving and gesturing with nearly every word. She’s tall and lanky yet still looks so tiny alongside of him, and when stops talking she copies his stance of arms over chest, hip slightly cocked to the side.  Their resemblance uncanny as they stare one another down; same color and texture of hair, same skin tone, same facial expression.

He breaks first, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. And Millie giggles when he effortlessly scoops her up off the ground with one arm, then shrieks when he tosses her into the water. The twins want in on the action and they quickly scramble for the ladders on the sides of the pool, their bare feet smacking against the deck as they rush towards him.  The fun lasts for several minutes; the kids squealing and each time they’re hurled into the water, making it a competition on who can make the biggest and loudest splash. There’s a smile on Tyler’s face. A genuine smile. For a long time, he’d had to force them for the sake of the kids; the depression so powerful and profound that most days just putting one foot in front of the other was considering tremendous progress. But it’s real now; lighting up his face and crinkling the corners of his eyes. And it’s so beautiful.

“Ovi,” Esme begins, as she struggles to hold back the fold of threatening to me. “I need you to listen to what I’m about to say. And it’s going to sound super harsh and I’m sorry for that and you know that I love you like you’re one of my own.”

He nods.

“But if something happens and you fuck up and you need Tyler to come and save your ass, you better make sure he comes home. Alive. Because if he doesn’t, I will never...ever...forgive you. Do you understand me? If something happens to him and he doesn’t make it out of there and you do, I will spend the rest of my life hating you. Because that is my husband. The father of my children. The love of my life. And if he dies, I will hold you responsible and I will make sure it haunts you until you take your last breath.”

The sliding door opens and Salena and Kyle step out, chatting and laughing as if they’ve been friends forever, Salena now sporting his baseball hat.  And Kyle frowns when he sees his sister’s tear stained face and her attempts at brushing away the remnants of her emotional meltdown.

He glares at Ovi. “What the hell did you do to my sister?”

“Nothing,” Esme answers for him, using the back of her hand to clean up the last of the tears. “You know how I get; how I cry for the stupidest reasons sometimes. I just had a baby three weeks ago. My hormones are still messed up.”

“You sure?” her brother asks. “Because...”

“Because what? What are you going to do, K? Beat him up? I already have one overprotective man in my life, I don’t need another. I’m fine. It’s just my emotions; all over the place.” She gives him a reassuring smile as she pushes her chair away from the table and stands up. “I’m going to go in and start bringing things out. If you want to hold onto little bean there...”

“You kidding? I’m going to hold her forever. I’m never giving this one back.”

“You might have to fight her for over that.  He’s sort of attached to her. That’s his last one and he’s enjoying it all he can.”

Kyle shakes his head. “I keep telling you both. Go for the even half dozen. The procedure can be reversed and then just get it done again after the sixth.”

“Yeah, that’s a no from me, Kyle.  We’ve reached our limit. Five is fine. Neither of us are OCD enough to make it an even number.”

“One more,” he encourages. “A boy.”

“You’re insane. Three boys are enough. More than enough. You want babies, you have them. Find someone that’s actually willing to have sex with you and put your spawn in them. My baby making days are over, thank you very much.”

“I’m kind of one Kyle’s side here,” Salena says. “One more wouldn’t hurt. And you guys make really cute kids, so...”

“No more babies,” Esme insists. “That’s it. We’ve reached the end of the line. And don’t even think about putting this bullshit in Tyler’s head because he comes to me and suddenly thinks another one is a good idea, I’m coming to kick both your asses.”

“Do you want some help?” Salena inquires as Esme heads for the door.  “I don’t mind.”

“I’m fine. I’ll call you if I need you. You’re a guest. So just sit down and do guest stuff. Or get Kyle to flex and feel up his arm. So you can see the difference. Boy versus man. And you’re the former, Kyle. In case there was any doubt.”

“That’s harsh,” he complains. “My arms are just as big.”

“Sure,” his sister agrees. “If you put both of yours together. Then they’re as big as one of Tyler’s.”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “You’re a savage, kid. A straight savage.”

“Personally. I think your arms are just right.” Salena drawls, then gives him a wink before following her friend into the house.