#but this person swore up and down that they did. said it had our cups and everything.

[orcelito]

Today was the most tiring fucking day of work and at least 60% of that is bc of One customer

[woso-dreamzzz]

Second Time's The Charm V

Alexia Putellas x Reader

Summary: You feel terrible

"Mama! Mama! Maaama!" Little Maya said.

At two years old now, she was fairly active and enjoyed such things as continually saying your name and poking you in the cheek.

"Maya-bear," You croaked out," What is it?"

You felt horrible. A sudden bout of flu came over you this week leading to you spending all Thursday and Friday in bed and not coming into work.

Alexia had been out of her mind but you'd still insisted on making her go into work.

"Mami made pancakes." Maya wiggled her whole body in excitement and you allowed yourself a weak smile, reaching a hand out to cup her face.

"That sounds nice Maya but I'm still feeling sick."

"Feel sick?"

"Yes, Mama is feeling sick. My tummy is being mean."

Maya waved an accusing finger at your tummy. "Bad tummy!"

"That's right so Mama can't have pancakes right now."

"No pancakes?"

"None for me. Why don't you head down and tell Mami that I'm giving you all of mine?"

Maya was loathe to leave you but after much coaxing, she disappeared from your room. That let you bolt off to the en-suite to throw up your guts.

You'd spent most of last night hunched over the toilet bowl so it wasn't much of a shock that you found yourself there now.

"Amor?" Alexia asked, creaking the door open," Maya said you still felt ill?"

"I'm fine," You insisted," Go and help Maya with her pancakes before she gets all syrupy."

"Amor..." Alexia looked close to tears. She'd always been like this whenever you got sick.

Eli used to joke that Alexia would come it in a sympathetic sickness whenever you were ill.

She took it as a personal failing whenever any of her family were ill, always stressing about what she could have done differently even when none of it was her fault.

Just last week Maya had gotten a bad case of the sniffles and Alexia refused to touch her after remembering that Pina had sneezed in her general direction which prompted Alexia to blame herself as to why Maya had gotten ill.

"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.

"Ale, I love you but please go downstairs. I don't want to get you sick too. You've got matches coming up."

"Amor, I will gladly get sick if it means helping you."

"Alexia, go. We've got a little girl who I know is about to cover her head in syrup. Go look after her please."

You remained hunched over the toilet as Alexia pressed a firm kiss to the top of your head before retreating out of the room.

As soon as she was gone, you reached for the cabinet under the sink.

It was long shot and you knew it.

The rate of first round successful IVF was stupidly low. You were a doctor. You knew that.

Fertility was never your speciality but you knew the statistics. You knew the process. You know all the risks attached and everything that could go wrong.

But, still, you reached for the pregnancy tests that Alexia kept there.

You had been a little confused when you first moved into the house to find Alexia was keeping pregnancy tests in your bathroom. When you questioned her, she'd confessed it was make her come on her period.

She swore up and down that when she was late, she would pee on the stick and suddenly start her period the next day. Apparently Alba did the same and Eli swore by it.

You'd never heard of such a thing but you were glad for your wife's absurdity in this moment as you tore open the packaging.

"Maya-bear!" Alexia said," Let's keep the syrup in our mouths please."

Maya didn't answer her, merely shovelled more and more torn up pancake down her throat as Sinky and his sisters padded around ready to catch any dropped pieces.

Lady sat at the bottom of the stairs, pawing at the closed baby gate.

"I'm sorry, Lady," Alexia said," But she's sick. She can't have any visitors right now."

Alexia felt so defeated as she stared up the stairs. She was meant to be the family protector and she prided herself on doing a good job but this whole week had been one defeat after another.

First, Maya got pushed over at nursery and came home with a big bump on her head. Next Mr Stinky had to be taken to the vet for a strange lump on his legs that the results for still hadn't come back. Then Sinky and his sisters had lost their favourite ball toy at the park and some disgusting boy dog tried to mount Lady while Alexia was looking for it.

It seemed to be a terrible end to a terrible week when you suddenly fell ill and had to stay home.

You'd barely moved since getting sick, barely able to gather enough strength to shower or eat before hunching over the toilet to throw it all up.

Alexia swiped her tears away furiously as she dragged a wet cloth over Maya's chubby cheeks.

"Mami!" Maya giggled," No!"

"No?" Alexia repeated," You're all covered in syrup!"

"I like syrup!" Maya insisted," Syrup, my favourite!"

"Don't tell your Mama, she will be sad if you don't like her cooking anymore."

Maya looked like she was considering it but turned her head immediately at the sound from upstairs.

"Alexia!"

Lady barked loudly at the noise, jumping up and down and Sinky and his sisters joined in as well. Even Mr Stinky looked up from his regular napping spot at the noise.

Alexia nearly tore a fingernail off trying to unclip Maya out of her high chair and practically vaulted over the still closed baby gate to hurry towards you.

The last time she had heard you so panicked was when you were nearly married and appeared at her house in tears after being kicked out by your parents.

You were sitting on the toilet when Alexia and Maya burst in.

"Amor?" Alexia fell to her knees in front of you, still balancing Maya on her hip. "What is it? What's wrong? Tell me, it's okay. I'm here!"

In answer, you showed her your positive pregnancy test.

"I...You're?"

You nodded through your tears.

"We're having another baby, Alexia."

[sunnys-out]

Not a Fairy Tale Ending | Ali Krieger x Reader

A/N: Hello! Thanks for the kind messages while I have been away studying for the LSAT. Just also want to say that this is completely fiction and Ali would NEVER act this way. Again requests are closed...thanks for understanding.

From prompt list: 20. "And I… I still love you, even after all of this time".

TW: Emotional manipulation, anxiety/panic attack symptoms, NSFW alluded, no happy ending...well kind of

WC: 2420

My face remained calm as I looked towards the teleprompter and not at the newer pundit on the other side of the table. My knee quietly bounced under the table and did not stop until one of the other pundits leaned over and said “hey, you never get nervous…I get it but you got this like always”. I only nod as my attention does not waver from the teleprompter. 

God, I wish it was nerves…it was more like years and years of emotions physically manifesting themselves. Sadness in my chest, anger in my arms, fear in my legs, and finally yearning in my eyes.

The director behind the camera signals me to start.

“Welcome to Morning Footy here at CBS Sports, where you get all of your football news. If you are new here, My name is (y/n)/(l/n),  former two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the USWNT, and former midfielder for Arsenal and Wolfsburg”. 

I finish introducing my fellow pundits and then subtly take in a breath before I start, my knee beginning to bounce betraying the calmness in my voice as I begin.

“And today we are introducing our newest pundit for the month, fellow two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and recently NWSL champion, Ali Krieger” I could not feel my hands as I clapped as I looked over at Ali. The last time I had seen her in person was at my retirement game that we had with Ireland and I could not even remember when that was.

Her smile was cordial and genuine from what I could tell from across the table. 

“Ali, you’ve played with and against (Y/N) before, it must be nice to see a familiar face here huh?” the pundit beside me patted my shoulder, bringing me out of my slight daze.

“She's been an amazing player since the beginning and now a pundit! I tell you she swore up and down that she would do coaching and never be a pundit” she teased as the pundits looked at me as I just shrugged my shoulders.

“The way life works you know” I said sheepishly, my knee not bouncing any slower than it was a minute ago.

Ali continued, “Still I would love to go back and just partner up with her in training again like old times.”

A little laugh escaped me as my fists were clenched underneath the table

 “Sure you would,” I thought to myself.

______________________________________________________________

I had my first cap with the USWNT in the 2007 Algarve Cup in Portugal…fresh out of UNC and was signed by Wolfsburg. I hadn’t had any serious relationships and I was fully out. I think then I was the happiest I had ever been…then I met Ali Krieger. It was from a distance and by that I mean the passing glances and touches from when I would either get a ball from her or she would get the ball away from me. 

She was at Frankfurt and I was at Wolfsburg and we were eventually introduced by our teammates solely on the basis that we were two new Americans in Germany. I remember only bits and pieces from then but I remember that she looked at me with admiration as I already had a couple of caps with the USWNT and that was something she was aiming to do in the next year. I liked the attention that she gave me after that match because it was genuine.

I was called into camp for the Four Nations Tournament in 2008 and for the first time I was not considered a bubble player. I had proven myself worthy enough for a semi-permanent spot on the team and that was truly an honor. Ali also made it to the camp meaning I was no longer the baby of the team. 

We were all gathered around and Rampone started her usual speech before the practice and introduced the new debutants at camp. 

“Ali, you’ve played against (Y/N) before. It must be nice to see a familiar face here huh? You both can pair off since you’re familiar with each other” Rampone patted her shoulder after the talk. 

Ali nodded towards me, “Can I see if anyone else is available, I don’t want to bother (y/n)?” Rampone shook her head.

“She doesn’t bite I promise…right? (y/n) you don’t bite?” She says towards me as I take a drink from my water bottle.

I respond with a confused look towards her, “Uh….no?” and with that Rampone gently pushes Ali towards me.

I toss her her water bottle, “Rampone likes to stick the babies of the group together on the first day of camp, sorry about that” 

Ali sighs, “Nah it’s no problem…just want to get to know more people here…not that you’re not great or sorry… I’m being stupid”

I shake my head, “hey no I get it, I mean it took me a bit to get to know people, but if you can’t find another partner, I’ll still be here to take you so don’t worry”

Ali smiled at me and said thanks before leaving and pairing up with Wambach…I did wish that Wambach turned her down but it’s alright because Ali did come to me after Boxx rejected her partner offer a couple days after.

______________________________________________________________

I was always the backup for Ali, I didn’t mind it…camp was lonely at times and when she would be with me I felt less alone. I let myself be there for her when she was sad, lonely, angry at the world, but she never did so for me…I didn’t realize that until much much later.

“So, as former national teammates y’all were close right? How was (Y/N)? Any dirty secrets you can spill?” the pundit beside me joked as he elbowed me once again. I only, playfully, roll my eyes at him as Ali answers the question. 

I did not look at Ali as she said the following, my refusal to look at her could easily be interpreted as shyness or not being able to take praise.

“Oh (y/n), she was such a great player both on and off the pitch. She was always there for me especially when there was nowhere else to go. I was so glad to have been able to celebrate with her at her last game ever. She means a lot to so many people…(y/n) you mean a lot to me especially”

I did not feel my body at that moment as I slowly breathed in her words, my body now felt like I was in the middle of the ocean and I did not feel the bottom. 

______________________________________________________________

I don’t know why it always happened while we were with the USWNT…club was when I had some reprieve from Ali but I also missed her…it was such a double-edged sword. She was a drug and I was addicted to her.

We were called up for the 2011 World Cup in Germany. I remember Ali talking to me sharing that she was talking to this other footballer during the camps leading up to the World Cup. 

 I did my best to hide the jealousy I held when she spoke about the player with such admiration…I was just there to hold all her love for another…and then be there to hold the pain when caused by another…

I heard a small knock on the door of my hotel room, I looked up from my book and looked at the clock, 8:42 PM…

“Tobs? Don’t tell me you lost your key card again?” I call out but get no immediate answer.

A small recognizable “It’s me” sounded through the door. Tossing my book onto my bed and opening the door to only be engulfed in a hug by Ali was what I distinctly remember.

Her tears wetting my old UNC shirt as I immediately pulled her in, “Hey, Hey, hey…what’s wrong?” My hand gently rubbed her back as she continued sobbing into my chest. 

“She broke up with me” came out muffled as I felt her fist gripping at my old shirt leaving it wrinkled when she finally let go.

I did not say anything and just led her to sit at my bed while I stayed crouched in front of her.

“Ali, I'm so sorry, you really did not deserve that, honestly. Who in their right mind would think to do that while you're in a tournament… ” I say softly as I grab her hands and warming them in my own. 

Ali looked at me, tears streaming down her face, “I thought I meant a lot to her you know…like you have always been there for me and I thought she would too but she left me”.

My body moved on it own as I engulfed her in a hug and saying, “I will never let you go, you mean a lot to me and you will find someone who will also show that”

My memory becomes unclear because when I pulled away she had my face in her hands as she brought me into a kiss. I had dreamed of that moment for so long and it was happening. My thoughts at that moment were that she had chosen me…she chose me…

A quick call to Tobin to let me have the room for the night and everything seemed to be my fairy tale ending as soon as she kissed me again and saying “ (y/n) you mean a lot to me especially”

She would come to me the next morning before the Brazil/US match to say that she made a mistake and that she hopes that I can just forget about it and that we can still remain friends. I nodded and saw her walk off to eat with some other players while I elected to go back to my room saying I needed to call home…my eyes burned as the tears filled my eyes once I was out of sight.

We won that game…but I agree with the critics…it was my worst performance of my career…so much so that I was subbed off at the 70’ minute.

I got so much backlash from the media for my “attitude and lack of decorum” when I was seen kicking my seat before sitting down at the bench…I was frustrated, angry, and sad…not because of my poor play but because of how much Ali had affected me. 

She did not see the look I shot her when she turned away from me after patting me on the back after the game going , “Hey we all have bad games, don’t think about it too much”.

______________________________________________________________

I quickly turned away playing the shy card as best as I could.

“Nah, don’t say that…we were all like family on that team…I’m not special” I say with such a fakeness that it actually made me feel ill.

The director finally signaled the end of the segment to break for a short snack and conversation. Normally, I would stay at the table and eat my blueberry Costco muffin while chatting about the Premier League with my fellow pundits…but I wanted to leave immediately and hide in my shared dressing room…

I got up from my seat at the table and before I could get 10 steps away from the set, Ali called my name. Before, hearing her say my name would make my legs buckle beneath me but now it made me want to walk away from her faster. I didn't. It seemed that my feet were frozen to the ground. 

She caught up to me and grabbed me by that arm leading me away even before asking. 

“Can we talk privately?” 

I sigh, as I lead her to my shared dressing room and lock the door behind us. 

Words of encouragement flooded my head as I finally turned around and with as much confidence I could muster.

“What did you want to talk about?” I say as I cross the room and sit down at the nearest chair in the room.

Ali, wrung her hands, “I just wanted to talk…the whole thing with Ashlyn has been hard and it made me realize how much I missed you…how you used to always care for me and life has been busy so we never really talked much since you retired…I just wanted to see if we could possibly try this again?”

She got closer to me and I immediately stood up which caused her to reach out to grab my hands.

I found myself back in that hotel room, back to teary eyed Ali Krieger begging for my comfort…knowing that I’d crumble and give in…

“Stop” my voice firm as I moved my hands away from her…

I step back and tried to keep my voice from cracking as she looked at me confused,

“Ali…I can’t…I don’t want to do this again…I was never your first choice always a back up until you found someone…” She steps forward trying to interrupt me and grabbing my hands again but I move away.

“Ali…no” my voice finally breaks…

“I loved you Ali…since we first met…And I… I still love you, even after all of this time but I can’t do this anymore”. 

She remains frozen as I continue, “You can’t just come to me after your heart is shattered expecting me to be there for you…expecting me to just give in and kiss you and so you can have a temporary happily ever after…this is not a fairy tale ending Ali…I don’t want to do this again”.

I grab something in the room to give reason to me being in here and get to the door, “I’m not changing my mind…I deserve to get the same love that I gave you for years…it just will never be with you…I’ll see you back at the table”.

Ali stayed behind…she returned minutes later…we never spoke about it or to each other again…the cordial smiles and banters on the camera that month would be the last time I ever spoke to Ali Krieger…and, for a moment, after her time as a pundit ended I felt that same feeling of freedom when I left UNC…before meeting Ali…and no one outside of us two, the public, my fellow pundits, the fans were none the wiser. 

Well until I told my, now, wife about it…because she became the true fairy tale ending to my story as we kissed at the altar and that’s all that really matters now.

[stardust948]

A prompt: Hakoda meets his grandchild, the first steambaby

Sequel to She Lives In You

The Fire Nation had strange traditions and customs.

Some more strange than others.

Hakoda tried his best to adhere to them for his daughter and son-in-law's sake, but this one was far more aggravating than strange. His spiraling thoughts were interrupted by Suki's light laughter.

"You two are going to wear down a trough at this rate."

"We can't help it!" Sokka said as he continued to pace. "Katara said the seventh night right? I heard seventh night."

"I should have been there with her." Hakoda muttered while pacing in the opposite direction.

"And this is," Sokka counted on his fingers. "Four, six, seven! The seventh night!!!"

"What if something went wrong?"

"Guys!" Suki waved her hands. "Everything's fine. Katara and Zuko have the best healers at their disposal. Besides, if something was wrong, they would have told us by now."

"She right. Our lovely grandchild is in the best of hands." Iroh said while pouring more tea. "Though I do agree the wait is maddening."

Hakoda and Sokka shared a concerned look.

Suki laughed again then beckoned them to sit down.

"C'mon before you form a hole right through the floor."

Defeated, the father and son joined the others at the table. Hakoda massaged his aching head. He swore the past couple of days added several new gray strands of hair to his already graying head. Iroh placed a cup in front of him.

"Mint tea for the nerves."

Hakoda quietly thanked him and took a sip. It did help. Somewhat.

"Wow Dad, I've never seen you this nervous." Sokka said.

Hakoda grunted.

"Gran-Gran said he acted like this when you and Katara were born too." Suki said. "Actually did wear a trough through the snow."

Hakoda downed his tea, then placed his cup down firmer than he meant to.

"Don't you two dare make me wait this long. Understand?"

Iroh laughed as Sokka placed a hand on Suki's baby bump.

"Promise."

Just then the door swinged open. Hakoda and Sokka were first on their feet followed by Iroh, who was still quite nimble in his old age. But instead of the royal couple or a heralder, two out of breath figures ran into the room.

"We're here! We made it!" Aang panted.

"Aw man it's just you guys." Sokka said disappointedly.

"Good to see you too Snoozels." Toph shot back. "We would have been here on time but someone took forever shaving."

Aang sheepishly rubbed his freshly cleaned head. "I wanted to make a good first impression."

Hakoda resumed pacing as the pleasantries continued. He was glad to see Aang and Toph of course. But they were down to the bare minutes now.

The doors opened again. This time, a royal heralder entered. Everyone jumped up immediately.

"Esteemed family of Firelord Zuko and Royal Consort Master Katara, my I present to you," He glanced down at the scroll. "Princess-"

"Wait, I want to tell them." Katara said from behind as she and Zuko walked in decked in flowing white robes and cradling a small bundle.

The poor heralder was practically shoved aside as the family crowded around the royal couple.

"Let us see!"

"She's so tiny!"

"Give them some breathing room!"

Zuko eventually got them to settle down some by promising there was enough time for everyone to meet the new princess. Katara unwrapped her face and gently handed her to Hakoda. He couldn't take his eyes off the baby. Her soft brown skin and curious golden eyes warmed his heart.

"She's so precious..."

"Dad. " Katara said somewhat nervously. "Meet Kya."

The room fell into bittersweet silent as each person took in the gravity and importance of the news. The baby smiled and gurgled; eyes holding a sparkle Kya's used to. Long awaited tears trickled down Hakoda's face as he gazed at his granddaughter.

"Thank you."

___

Thanks for the prompt ❤️

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Steve smiled as he watched Eddie move around his kitchen. He wore his usual dark clothing. He wore an aged Led Zepplin shirt that turned into a crop top and a pair of cut-off shorts that showed off his skinny but long legs that Steve couldn't help but admire. He wore the apron that the kids bought Steve as a joke for Mother's Day, but the joke was on them when Steve wore it proudly whenever they came over. Then he went full mom mode to get back at them. He kissed their injuries and wiped dirt off their face with his thumb. He also got their homework from their parents and stuck them proudly on his fridge. The final kick in the bucket was when he tucked them all in when they spent the night. They swore to never get him another Mother's Day gift for him again. Steve smirked at the flowery apron. It contrasted so much against Eddie's dark clothing, but somehow, Eddie pulled it off.

"The pearls represent your mother's oppression in her marriage, how she gave up everything to chase after a man who doesn't love her. She even gave up her own son, and I'm telling you now that I'm not going to be like her. As your friend, I'm here, and I'm grateful for everything that you've done for me," Eddie said as he made him breakfast. "You pulled me out of hell, and then you nursed me back to health. Now, you're housing both me and my uncle until we get our new place. As your friend, I will not abandon you. You've got another person who cares for you, and I promise, I swear to the Metal Gods that I will not leave you alone unless you want me to."

Eddie had a string of pearls around his neck, his hair pulled into a messy bun so they wouldn't catch. Weirdly enough, they looked good on him. Eddie was getting angry on his behalf after overhearing a phone call from his mother, a mother who could care less that her son had gotten injured again. He had been trying to ask if he could keep the pearls that had been bought for Steve’s mother after his father cheated the first time. She had never worn them and probably never would.

Steve let him keep them, and now here he was, cooking him breakfast before he had to work. They had actually argued on it, and so, Steve finally caved into letting him breakfast for him. He watched as he ranted, a smirk on his lips. No, Eddie would not make a good housewife. He would make a good househusband. They both would, and Steve could see it now. The both of them taking turns taking care of each other, treating each other like equals as they broke away from the hierarchy that was high school. It would be a true partnership.

Eddie placed their plates and cups of coffee down on the breakfast table before sitting down in front of him. Steve watched him, taking a sip from his World's Greatest Brother mug. Eddie shoveled food into his mouth, his cheeks filling up like he was storing food away for winter. Steve smiled at him, and Eddie swallowed his food, glaring at him.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Eddie asked.

"No, you're perfect," Steve said with a fond smile.

What he meant to say was 'no, you're good', but it seems his mouth ran away from him. Eddie blushed and went back to eating, glancing at Steve every so often. Steve blushed and focused on eating. He was so focused on eating and thinking about Eddie that he lost track of time.

"Shit! I'm going to be late for work!" Steve cursed and began looking for his keys.

Eddie held them up with a smirk on his face. Steve took them gratefully before looking around the room.

"Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it," Eddie said. "Go."

Steve turned to leave but then stopped and looked at Eddie.

"I feel like I'm forgetting something," Steve said.

"Can't leave for work without your kiss, dear," Eddie said, batting his eyelashes, puckering his lips, and closing his eyes.

Steve furrowed his brows and put his hands on his hips for a minute. Did he really think he wouldn't do it? Steve grasped the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Eddie froze for a minute before responding eagerly. He wrapped his arms around Steve’s neck and pulled him closer. He nibbled on Steve’s bottom lip before breaking the kiss. Steve grinned.

"I wish I could take you and your pretty lips with me," Steve said. "It would make work so much more bearable."

"Maybe you can. What's a little rule breaking?" Eddie asked as he inflated his eyes.

"Fuck it. Yeah, you're coming with me," Steve said.

"Wait, what about - ?" Eddie asked, pointing at the dirty dishware.

"Go. I'll take care of it," Wayne's floated into the room as he walked in. "And I didn't hear or see anything that you didn't want me to."

"Thanks, Uncle Wayne!" Eddie exclaimed as he took off the apron. "I left some food for you too!"

Eddie allowed Steve to take his hand and pull him eagerly out the door. Wayne smiled fondly at his boys as he watched them leave. Meanwhile, Eddie was sprawled out in the front seat when Steve went to pick up Robin. She scowled at Eddie when she had to crawl into the backseat.

"Uh, I didn't realize it was take your metalhead to work day. If I had known, I wouldn't have left mine in Indie out by the dumpsters, you know, where they put the trash," Robin glared mockingly at Eddie, who flipped her off and reached behind him to pinch her leg causing her to shriek.

They didn't actually hate each other, but they did squabble like siblings, and in another life, Steve was pretty sure that they had been siblings.

"Behave," Steve scolded lightly.

"He stole my seat, Steven, but I'll let it go just this once since you managed to pull your head out your asses. . .the both of you," Robin said.

"How did you - ?" Steve asked.

"Your auras are screaming at me, my lovesick friends," Robin said and slipped on her sunglasses. "I'm going to get a few more shut eyes in. Wake me when it's time to actually do some work. You guys can just drag my unconscious body in, right?"

Steve laughed with Eddie as Eddie slipped his hand into his. Holy shit, he had never been happier.

[jessefandomunited]

Now you don't - love triangle OC Quinn, Spencer Reid and Daniel atlas

Quinn is the new escape artist in the group and is going to be tasked with escaping right from under special agent Spencer Reid who has just been tasked with assisting in tracking down the horsemen . However there may be some tension that neither of them were expecting when meeting . How will it all go when it seems that Spencer isn't the only one harboring feeling for them . Read and find out

Part one - the mission

My name is Quinn , or at least that's what I've told them to call me, and I've been in the eye for a long time now . After we had unveiled Walter Maybry and beat Arthur Tressler for the second time we were back in hiding and prepping for the new show. My part of the team was as an escape artist . I think ever since Henley left they've been looking for a new person to replace her and I was the fit. I got along fairly well with everyone aside from Atlas . He had this superior complex I didn't care for and i enjoyed messing with him much like Merritt did, though he didn't seemed to just brush it off like he did with Merritt comments. He never screamed or swore at me , he would go quiet and seethe . I didn't mind him and just tried to focus on the task at hand. It was a bit rough when we were all living in the same secret bunker.

I woke up slowly stretching, the oversized shirt I had on in place of pjs that had a large picture of Nicholas cages face wrinkled and folded as I got up and looked at myself in the mirror. I pulled on some plaid shorts and ran my hand through my fingers a few time to look a bit presentable for breakfast. We had been doing a few smaller shows in various locations to try and make the fbi think we were everywhere and nowhere so currently it was me , Daniel and Lula under the same roof while Merritt , Jack and Dylan did a show who knows where. It was a bit awkward since Daniel was often cold towards me but me and Lula got along just fine so it wasn't all bad.

As I went into the kitchen I was upset to see just Atlas sitting there drinking coffee. He looked up then looked quickly back down at his phone . " yeah morning to you too" I mumbled . I opened the cabinet and pulled out my coffee cup before pouring a generous amount into my cup. I squeezed my eyes shut trying to think of anything to ask him about ," um ...so ..any new updates from the eye on what the next step of our plan is?" I took the creamer out of the fridge as I waited for his response.As I poured it as I glanced over at him noticing he had this unnerved look on his face as if he was holding something back . " what is it" I asked a bit worried. " we will talk more about it when Lula wakes up " he said simply . I shifted a bit uncomfortably as he held his silence. " DANIEL" I insisted using his first name which I almost never do. He looked up a bit surprised and guilty like he had been put on the spot " I can't yet okay...just .. well wait on Lula to talk about it" he actually looked upset and it wasn't directed at me this time which was new to me. I sipped at the coffee and said " is this an assignment for me?" He closed his eyes briefly I think realizing I was not willing to wait for Lula. " have a seat" he said gently . I sat down and he pulled up something on his phone . I slowly sat next to him too anxious to drink more of my coffee. " the eye has noticed that the FBI is trying to crack down on us more than usual and has just recruited a new team specifically to help out in finally capturing us. A behavioral analysis unit no less" he explained turning his phone to show me the team. I flipped through the files of all the different agents now assigned to us. " so what's this have to do with me" I asked as I stopped at a specific agent names Spencer Reid. He looked younger than the rest with this soft face and messy brown hair. He wasn't too bad looking either . " You are our resident escape artist , so they think it would be a good look for you to get "caught" by them then escape right from under their noses ." I felt my heart pound a bit at the thought " what...I escape when we control the environment! You know that!" He sighed " the eye is going to have it so the environment has been adjusted to fit your needs. Why do you think I've been pushing you to do our fake interrogation room trick more than normal" he muttered. I had totally forgotten about that. We always had all these various tricks we would learn inside and out and one was a fake interrogation room esk skit where Atlas would be the police officer and I of course the one being interrogated . I thought we would use it to taunt the police a bit , not that it would be in an actual room . " when is this happening " I asked gently , trying to hide the rise of panic in my voice ." Two days" he mumbled . I rubbed my head and took a long swig of coffee before finally meeting his eyes. He looked actually concerned for once, he looked worried and almost gave off this protective aura around him. " I asked them for me to go but they said you needed to prove yourself " he explained. I felt a bit touched and laughed weekly " and here I thought you hated me ." His face twitched displaying a volley of unreadable emotions before insisting " I don't hate you you're just irritating sometimes." That made me laugh " well if you weren't so arrogant all the time I may be that less so" he opened his mouth to rebuttal but held back and instead said " you should practice." I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed " fine , but after breakfast " he nodded and we both sat in silence.

[oldiesstationlover11607]

Cookies - Tyler Joseph x Reader

Relationship: Tyler Joseph x Reader

Warnings: Fluff

Word Count: 1065

Summary: Reader teaches Tyler how to bake her signature cookies

Tyler Joseph loved eating cookies. And I loved making them. I’d made my brown butter chocolate cookies for him and Josh every week since we met. Except this time was different, because this was the first time Tyler and I were living together in our own house. And this time I was teaching Tyler how to make them himself. 

“Shouldn’t we be using a recipe?” He asked, grabbing out the ingredients as I called them out. I’d made these cookies more than 10 times, I knew the recipe by memory. 

“I’ve got it Ty, it should be fine,” I said, grabbing out measuring cups, bowls, and a pot to brown the butter. I measured out the butter before placing it on the stovetop to brown. 

“And what’s this supposed to do?” Tyler asked, standing behind me and looking over my shoulder. I could feel his breath on my neck and I smiled to myself, happy he was actually interested. 

“Browning butter makes it have this nutty flavor that makes the cookies taste so good. It’s hard to not burn it though so that’s why I’m doing it for you.” I continued to stir the butter until it foamed up, started to smell nutty, and was a golden brown color. Tyler’s eyes widened as I moved the hot pot off the stove to let the butter cool. “Can you measure out the sugars please? I wrote down the measurements for you,” I asked. He nodded and started pouring white and brown sugar into the bowl. 

“Hey Siri, play y/n’s (insert favorite non tøp band)‘s playlist,” he called out to our smart speaker. I grabbed out the eggs and cracked them into a bowl along with some vanilla extract which Tyler called ‘spicy’ when he dipped a pinky into the bottle. Once the butter had cooled enough I poured it into the sugar bowl and had Tyler stir it. I danced and sang along to the music playing in the background, waiting for him to finish mixing. I added in the eggs and vanilla, he continued mixing. I added the flour, salt, and baking powder. It always got harder to mix once the flour was added and I struggled to watch Tyler be so slow at something I’d done for weeks. 

“God could you stir any slower?” I laughed, snatching the bowl from him and folding the flour in. 

“Well, is there anything else I can do?” He laughed, leaning against the counter. 

“Uh yeah actually. Can you preheat the oven and line the baking trays?” I nodded towards our oven as I grabbed the block of baking chocolate and started to cut it into little chunks. Tyler looked entirely clueless but he was trying and it was cute. He ran a hand through his hair and squinted at the oven dial. “Shit!” I swore, feeling the blade of the knife nick me like a paper cut. 

“I swear y/n if you just cut off your finger with that knife,” Tyler turned around and grabbed my hand to inspect it. He squinted extra hard at the cut till he saw a couple drops of blood and ran to grab the first aid kit. 

“I’m fine, Ty. It happens all the time in the kitchen,” I say, slapping on a bandage and reaching for the knife again. 

“Ah ah, I’m not letting you hold a knife ever again babe. It’s not happening,” he stole it from my grip and started chopping the chocolate exactly how I had been. We finished mixing everything in and put the cookies into the oven. 

“Did you wash those?” I asked, pointing to the pile of dishes we’d been using. 

“Of course I did,” he smiled, pulling me into his chest. “Now we just wait for y/n’s amazing cookies to be done and we can send half off to Josh.” We sat on the floor in front of the oven, me in between Tyler’s legs and his arms wrapped around my waist. I could feel the rising and falling of his chest with every breath. 

“How’s the songwriting stuff coming along?” I asked. He’d been spending a lot of time in the home studio lately. Normally I wouldn’t ask, knowing that his process was very personal and that he’d mention it when he was ready but it felt right to ask. 

“Not too bad. I think you’ll like the new album if that’s what you’re wondering,” he responded. I’d missed spending time with him like this. The last time we properly got to spend time together was when we were on tour and the boys had a lot of spare time waiting around. I was grateful he’d taken the time off, the warmth of his presence filling my heart. 

“I love you,” I rested my head on his chest as he caressed and curled my hair in between his fingers. 

“You’re my everything y/n. I love everything about you,” he pressed his lips softly to my neck, a fluttery feeling running across my skin. “I don’t know where I’d be without your cookies,” he stopped, desperately trying to hold in his laugh and knowing full well that I was about to destroy him. 

“Oh fuck off,” I grinned, jumping up to check the oven, each cookie a perfect flat golden brown treasure. “They’re done if you want to call Josh and Debby to come over,” I placed them on the cooling rack and wrapped one in a napkin for Tyler to eat fresh out of the oven. He responded with a keen hum before taking a bite. 

“Ugh this is why I love you. Because you make the BEST cookies I’ve ever eaten in my entire life,” he groaned with satisfaction.

“Well now you can make them for yourself,” I felt my lips tug up in a smirk, knowing there was no way he’d ever make them for himself. He would just complain they didn’t taste as good if he made them.

“Or… you can just keep making them every week instead of paying rent.”

“I already don’t pay rent, we own the house,” I said, watching him take another bite. 

“Well if you don’t make these then I’ll start charging you, good enough?” He clearly hadn’t thought through the rent joke before attempting to crack it. 

I nodded, chuckling under my breath, “yeah good enough Mr Joseph.”

//

Please submit any requests y'all have! I love to write so let me know if you've got any!

[leoandraphssoulmate]

Warning!!!

You read at your own risk! 

I can’t possibly predict what may or may not trigger you!

So, with that being said, READ RESPONSIBLY! If something triggers you, STOP READING!

Also, if you’re a minor, and you continue reading, that falls squarely on you! I don’t work for Tumblr and refuse to stalk every single profile on here to see if you are in fact over 18!! 

I write for myself. If you like what you read, give it a like and a reblogg! No pressure! It just helps get the word out! 

Thanks for stopping by!

FLUX

Chapter 4

Star

Side Note: From this point on, FLUX will be written in different POV’s. I will title each chapter accordingly, so that you know who’s speaking when I use the first person perspective! 

Time. 

It isn’t promised. 

Sure, it keeps ticking, long after you're gone.

But it’s only a part of the beat.

It can be the bass, or it can be a tweet. 

It’s not sweet. It’s not mean.

And lord knows you can’t be in between. 

It sees nothing and it knows no one. 

Yet, it ravages you as though you are someone. 

A member of the tribe.

A flash of light.

Uncommonly dark or substantially bright.

In the end, time is always right. 

All I could do was breathe and stare down at my hands as I sat on a very worn couch, my eyes tracing over my fingers and down along the edges of my hands to my wrists. To use the term shell shocked would be putting it lightly.

I smirked to myself. Heh. Shell shocked.

Fuck. I silently swore to myself. If I was still human, my heart would have surely exploded by now! I was like them, yet something much more. I could feel a strange swell inside me. Like a power that had yet to emerge from its hiding place. 

I closed my eyes, trying to remember anything that happened before I found myself in front of Macy’s. I kept hearing what I thought was a male’s voice, niggling at the back of my mind, but I couldn’t quite seem to….

“What was it like, Star?” Mikey asked, invading my thoughts as he flopped down next to me, a wide grin on his handsome green face, sky blue eyes genuinely curious. 

“Yeah! What was it like?” Donatello crossed his arms over his upper plastron, curiosity also glistening in his hazel eyes. 

I blinked a few times, a shiver running through me as I recalled the quazi dream I had just before the portal spit me out into New York. Ugh! 

New York!

 “Unnerving?” I offered, not really sure what else to say as my hands now gripped my furry knees. I looked up at Donnie and he frowned slightly.

“Did you create the portal?” He asked, eye ridges raising. “Or did it just appear? If it just appeared, why then did you blindly walk through it?” His eyes darkened slightly.

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. I had clearly mistook the curiosity in his eyes for suspicion. 

“Why don’t we save the third degree for after she’s had a chance to catch her bearings, Donnie?” Leo said as he came around the couch, setting a cup of tea down on the coffee table in front of me. 

“The third degree?” Donnie huffed. “Leo, don’t you think it’s a little strange that the woman you’ve been dreaming of for months suddenly appears in New York, through a portal I might add, then somehow finds her way to our lair?”

Feeling suddenly small, I wrapped my arms around my waist, gripping the tip of my tail. 

“If anyone’s going to be asking her anything, it’s me!” Leo half shouted, his eyes narrowing. Donnie inclined his head, then turned to walk away.

“Yo, Fearless! Chill out!” Raph said as he walked up behind me.

I swallowed, harder this time. Both Mikey and I looked from Leo to Donnie as I leaned forward, reaching for my cup of tea. The heat felt good in my hands as I brought the cup to my lips. 

Almost instantly, my body seemed to uncoil as the golden fluid made its way to my stomach. I smiled, hugging the warm cup to my chest. “Thank you, Leo.” 

Leo pulled his gaze from Donnie, looking back down at me, his blue eyes fierce. “You’re welcome.” He said softly, his gaze shifting to Raph as he came to stand in front of us.

“What’s with Don all tha sudden?” Raph asked as he picked up a random magazine from the corner of the table, then began lazily flipping through it. “It’s not like him ta be tha one ta start a fight.”

“I’m not sure.” Leo breathed as he sat down on the other side of me. “But tell me to chill again and you and I are going to have an issue.”

The body heat from both Mikey and Leo was almost too much. I never imagined that two males could ever be this warm. My eyes widened with a sudden realization. Or maybe it was the tea? “Um, Leo?” 

“Yeah?” 

“What kind of tea is this?” I held the cup out slightly. 

Leo smirked. “A special kind.” 

“A special kind?” My ears twitched as I sat forward, my head swimming slightly.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t drug you if that’s what you’re worried about.” He smirked.

God I could stare at him for hours.

“I just gave you something to help you relax. You’ve been through alot in the past two hours.”

I nodded silently. He was right. Of course he was right. Giving in, I leaned back against the couch, resting the cup on my chest.

“Speaking of which, how long had you been here, in New York, before you sought out the lair?” He asked softly, his hand gently settling on my right knee. 

I swallowed, his skin finding mine just beneath my fur, burning oh so deliciously. “Not long.” I leaned forward, setting my cup down on the table, deciding I no longer needing its warmth. I felt ready and able to answer any and all of his questions. 

Leo leaned towards me slightly, his lips parting to ask another question, but Donnie interrupted him.  

“Star?!” Donnie shouted, making me jump, as he made his way towards us with his tablet. “Which Macy’s did you appear in front of again?” Leo started to say something, but Donnie quickly showed him his tablet, causing Leo to take in a sharp breath. 

“Please.” Donnie’s face softened as he then showed me what Leo had seen. “I’m sorry for being so insensitive before, but this is important.”

I stared at the information in front of me, my mind pulling a complete blank as my eyes trailed over the gray and black graph. “What is that?”

“Magnetic readings. Very strong ones!” He pointed to several green and yellow graphs just below the darker ones I had been staring at. “Stronger than any I’ve ever recorded. I don’t think your portal closed all the way, Star.”

“Dude!” Mikey tried to look at the tablet, but Donnie quickly pulled it away. 

“What does this mean?” I looked from Leo to Donnie, my heart hammering against my ribcage. 

“If you are in fact its creator, and we can’t get it closed, it can pull you back at any time. Ripping you from this reality.” He looked down for a second, then turned his hazel eyes back to me. “And possibly not taking you back to where you’re from.”

“Wha- “ I didn’t want to be taken away! I wanted to stay here! I wanted to be with- 

Oh god! My throat tightened just as Leo grabbed my hand as he simultaneously put a finger under my chin. 

“We’ll figure this out. I promise. We just found one another! I’m not about to lose you now.” His ocean blue eyes darkened as he looked up at Donnie. “Let’s let Donnie run some tests and maybe he can help you figure out how to close it. Permanently.”

“I think you guys have bigger things to worry about!”

Raph and I slowly turned our heads to see a woman walking towards us, wearing a dark blue tank top that revealed a chinese dragon tattoo on her left upper arm. Her blue eyes skimmed over me just before they locked on Leo.

“The lair’s been compromised.”

“Compromised? How?!” Leo said, instantly standing. 

“Huh?” Mikey and Raph said in unison. 

Donnie quickly swiped through his tablet, his eye ridges raising. “Yeah! How? My system hasn’t-” 

“Is it them?” Raph asked.

“Casey can tell you more once he gets here,” April snapped, “but we need to get you guys out of here. Now!” 

“April, where are we gonna go?” Leo asked, holding his left hand out to me. 

April smirked. “Who’s the new recruit?” 

“April, this is Star.” Leo huffed, pulling me up from the couch. “Star, this is April.”

“Detective April, but yeah.” She tucked a few strands of her long dark hair behind her right ear. 

“And one of tha best detectives!” Raph interjected. 

April’s eyes glittered as her cheeks turned a deep pink. “Thanks, Red.”

“How long do we have, April?” Donnie asked, reattaching his tablet to his arm. 

She squinted slightly. “I’d say no more than an hour.”

“Alright, let’s pack it up!” Leo ordered. “Raph, get Master Splinter and whatever he wants to bring with him.” Raph was in motion before Leo was finished telling him what to do. “Donnie, only take what you need! We don’t have a whole lot of room in the van!” 

“On it! Besides,” he shrugged, “I can just find what I need later.”

Leo tucked me into his side as he turned to Mikey. “Same goes for you, Mike. Only what you need.”

“I kinda figured.” He pouted as he headed for what I assumed was his room. 

“What about you?” I asked, looking up at him.  What the hell is going on?

“I have what I need.” He said, gently squeezing me.

My whole body instantly melted. I was a sheer puddle for this man. 

“As for your earlier question, Casey said that his grandparents own a cabin about forty minutes from here.” April’s left eyebrow raised. “He texted me the directions in case he couldn’t make it here in time.” She held her phone out to Leo and he took it. 

“If they found us here, then they’ll find us there too, April.” Leo huffed, studying the map. “We can’t keep running from this.” 

“That’s true, but I also know that you guys aren’t ready to face them. Not yet.” April frowned as Leo gave her phone back. “And I know Casey damn sure isn’t ready.”

“Who?” I asked, an unfamiliar burn making its way up my middle. Who could possibly be after them? Shredder?

Leo sighed. “I’ll explain everything once we’re safe. I'm sorry this is happening just when we found one another."

“April!” Donnie shouted as he came back with a bag loaded with tech slung over his shoulder. “Do you think a huge magnetic signature had anything to do with them being able to locate us?”

“What magnetic signature?”

Donnie’s eyes landed on me and April’s widened as it dawned on her. “Um, yeah! I’d say so.”

Well shit.

@thelaundrybitch @wynndigogh

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Guardian angel; Matt Murdock x teen daughter reader

*Author’s note*

Okay this little idea randomly popped into my head over the weekend so I decided to post it up here and see what you all think. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we NEED MORE DAREDAD FICS!!! Seriously this man DESERVES happiness *ted talk over*

Now the way I picture this fic is like PRE S.1 like just before the events of the first episode of the series. The early days of Matt being daredevil or in this case the Man in the Mask aka the Devil of Hell’s kitchen. 

Warnings: fluff, some angst, teen pregnancy (protection was used but remember kids wrap it before you tap it), some chaotic religious aspects shown but not acted upon, 

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@queensdivas​

@queen-paladin​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@gay-and-ready-to-cry​

@austynparksandpizza​

__________________________________________________________

I knew I couldn’t hide this forever.  It was only a matter of time before he got too suspicious or worse found out about me and Austin’s…..I took a heavy breath as I bounced my leg anxiously and rubbed my hands over my face.

I heard my phone rang and across the screen was my favorite picture of Austin playing his acoustic guitar and my name for him flashed across the screen, “The King” with three heart emojis and a king emoji.  He was asking for a Facetime which I accepted.

“Hi baby.”

“There’s my best girl.” I blushed as I ducked down.

“You know what that nickname does to me.”

“And I’ll still say it an infinite amount of times just to see you get flustered every time.”

Austin Callahan, probably one of the cutest boys at St. Maria’s Catholic School.  Captain of the swim team and the basketball team, honor student, and the nicest guy in the world who loves listening to Elvis music as well as all the oldies rock and roll? Could there be any other dream guy?

Not only that but we had been friends since we started our High school year until just last year at homecoming, he admitted to having feelings for me as he gave me a handmade rose he made from one of the napkins (I still have it to this day in my pencil cup on my desk at home).  From there our romance began to shine.

Of course being in a relationship, there was no hiding it from my dad.  Well when your dad is a lawyer like Matthew Murdock of “Nelson & Murdock” obviously you can’t hide anything from him.  Believe me I’ve tried in the past and he finds out every time.

Which is why I’ve taken up residence at my all-time bff Maddie’s place.  It’s not much (Hell’s kitchen never is) but it’s home, nevertheless.  The reason why I’m sleeping over at my friend’s house almost indefinitely is because—I’m pregnant.  Yep, 17 years old and I’m pregnant just short of a month and a half.

Past couple of weeks I’ve been getting really sick, like even just the smell of Hell’s kitchen’s smog is enough to make me puke my guts out.  I also began to realize that I hadn’t gotten my period yet.  So one day after school with Maddie at my side, we went to the local doctor’s office, told them about my symptoms and my late period and after some blood work and a pregnancy test, I came back positive.

Austin was the first person to tell and he was shocked at first but he took me by the hands, looked me in the eye and swore to me that he wasn’t gonna leave me like his daddy did him and his mama.  I was at least thankful to God above that I had the support of my friends and Austin, but the biggest hurdle was yet to come. My dad.

My dad is not just a Man of the Law, he’s also a Man of God. Not like holy religious that he beat the script of every verse of the Bible into me, or told me everyone is a sinner and everyone is going to Hell should they not repent (thank God).  But he did raise me to be a good Catholic girl ever since my mom died of cancer when I was only 2 years old.

He told me to always be aware of my surroundings, know the temptations, and don’t let anyone take advantage of you.  And just like that I gave into temptation and now I paid the price (before you say it YES we did use protection).

“How you feeling sweetheart? You ducked out of Chemistry class pretty quick.”

“I’d rather not relive that. I tried so hard to keep it in but that crap that Hilary was wearing as perfume became too much. I mean really there’s a reason why you don’t put on perfume in a classroom especially in a chemistry class. Can’t perfume catch fire or something?”

“Some can. But that scent she claimed she bought from Paris, she’d be a human candle if she got one knick of a Bunsen burner.” I laughed and said.

“Maddie gave me the homework for that class, god I still don’t get how you can understand all that stuff.”

“It’s not that hard really. I mean, we found good chemistry right?” I rolled my eyes and told him.

“That has literally got to be the worst cheesy pickup line I’ve ever heard.”

“Can’t blame me if I’m crazy positive about you.”

“Stop!” I whined as he laughed.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I swear I’m done now.” He said through his adorable laughter.  “So you at Maddie’s again?”

“Yep. Thankfully my dad seems to buy into the fact that we’re doing a project together for history class and I just keep falling asleep here.”

“Wait but didn’t you guys finish that project last week?”

“Yeah but my dad don’t need to know that.”

“Babe. How long are you gonna hide your pregnancy from him?”

“I was thinking….maybe by the time our kid’s out of high school?” he raised his brow at me. “Okay, okay fine! I’ll…..I’ll tell him tomorrow after school. Will—will you be there with me?”

“Anything to take the tension off. It took two to tango after all. Plus I met your dad before, I know he’ll be okay with this.”

“I just….” I trailed off looking down at the ground sadly.

“What? What is it (Y/n)?”

“What if he doesn’t?”

“Babe…..”

“No, no Austin just—just listen for a second. Sure my dad’s cool, he’s a kickass upcoming lawyer. He’s not embarrassing, he’s not overbearing when it comes to us being Catholic, but what if he doesn’t want me anymore? Teenage pregnancies are frowned upon and as soon as I start really showing the signs, those hens are gonna cluck.”

“Then let them cluck. It’s not any of their business. This is about us, about you. Our child. Yes we’re still kids and yeah we’re still in school just about to get into adulthood, this is our life. If you still want to have this baby, I’m in. But if you change your mind down the line, I’ll support that too. Because we’re in this together baby girl.”

“How did I ever get so lucky to get you as my boyfriend?”

“Believe me, if anyone’s lucky it’s me. How I ever managed to convince you to be my girlfriend is a miracle that only the good Lord knows.” I smiled and said to him.

“Goodnight king.”

“G’night pretty mama.” He couldn’t help but say in his best Elvis impression.  I smiled and kissed my hand before blowing him a kiss and he did the same for me before winking at me and we ended the facetime call.

“I swear the way you two talk to each other makes me want to puke out butterflies and rainbows.” Maddie’s voice said.  I turned and she came in with some tomato soup, saltine crackers and pickles.

Another strange thing during my pregnancy is that every now and then I’m getting these cravings for the weirdest shit.  Like just the other day, I had sliced orange slices as a side dish for my mashed potatoes and everyone knows how much I loathe oranges (even the smell of them has made me gagged for years).  And yet I needed them, or I guess the baby needed them.

“Well that is if your strange food combos don’t make me first. You know how I’ve hated even looking at pickles.”

“I know I’m sorry. But you’re the best for getting some for me.” I said as I took a sliced pickle and put it between two crackers and ate it like a sandwich.  Maddie gagged and turned away as she turned on her tv and switched it to MTV to see our favorite show Ridiculousness was on.

“Ohhh I love this one with Sage. The Jeremy category makes me die everytime!” I exclaimed.

“I know right! But you also can’t beat when Ryan Sheckler came on the show and the animal stalkers category. That cat one still makes me think it was a weeping angel.”

“Right!? I swear all cats are the weeping angels familiars. I don’t care what any whovian says prove me wrong.” I said after slurping up my soup.

“So were you like for real about not telling your dad about the baby?” I dropped my spoon back into the bowl and set the tray aside.

“I thought you said you’d work on your snooping in on other people’s phone calls?”

“I did but when it’s a call this serious about my future godchild, I should have some say in it. And Austin’s right, you gotta tell your dad.”

“I know I should but…..do you remember what happened when Katelyn first came out as bisexual. Her parents completely disowned her and now she’s living with her cousin MJ in Queens. I got no other family to go to, what if my dad isn’t cool with…..I mean yeah I’ll have Austin and you but—”

“I get it. Really I do. I’ve seen how close you and your dad are, hell I’d trade my dad for yours any day.” I playfully shoved her.

“Your dad’s sweet.”

“Yeah sweet like a fly buzzing around me every second. Constantly in my business, wanting to look through my phone, I swear he’s the definition of a helicopter parent.” I looked down as I placed my hands over my lower abdomen where the baby was slowly growing.  “Hey,” Maddie wrapped an arm around me and I looked up at her, “Your dad loves you. He’s not like those crazy parents we’ve seen that come to preach about the Lord’s will or the End of the world. He won’t give up on you, I can just feel it.”

“I hope your right Maddie. I really hope so.” I looked at the clock and saw that it was just after 10:30pm.  “I’m getting kinda sleepy, think I’ll turn in for the night.”

“Yeah I’m gonna head to bed myself. Night (n/n).”

“Night Mads.” We hugged each other and she went across the hall into her room while I snuggled into my bed in her sister’s room (she had left for college in LA so it’s been used as a guestroom) and tried to get some sleep.

Time ticked by and while I was asleep and my eyes were shut, my brain was just buzzing with so many thoughts, fear and anxiety.  I got up from the bed and opened up the window that was near the fire escape and decided I needed some fresh air.

The cold autumn night wind blew over my thin pajama bottoms.  I almost wish I had grabbed a hoodie or her sister’s old fleece blanket before scaling up onto the roof.  I sat along the edge and just stared out into the city as I listened to the sounds of the sirens that passed by, the occasional stray dog barking or people shouting at each other.

“A bit cold to be up here by yourself.” A voice said behind me. I jumped out of my skin and was surprised to see the latest vigilante that had been rumored to be running around Hell’s kitchen.

Unlike the Avengers, this man is said to be brutal against his enemies.  Unleashing his untamable wrath on the scum of Hell’s Kitchen but he never kills them (if you ask me from some of stories I hear, I’m surprised they aren’t dead).

The upper half of his face was covered with a black mask with no holes for his eyes.  Seriously how is he able to see through that material? His whole attire was black with a skin-tight black shirt showing off every bit of muscle on his upperbody, thick black pants and black combat boots.

“Coming from the guy wearing a skin-tight t-shirt.”

“You’ve got a quick wit.”

“Smart-mouth Murdock some of the kids call me at school. That’s why I’m co-Captain of the debate team.”

“Co-captain? I would assume you’d be captain.”

“Well there’s always someone clever than you, not to say he isn’t a good captain but he can be an asshole at times.” He turned to me. If I could see under the mask, I’d assume he’d be judging me for my foul language.  “Pardon my French.”

“I’ve heard worse. Mind if I sit?”

“I’d assume you’d be out there knocking out bad guys. You know kicking ass and taking names.” He let out a scoffed chuckle.

“I prefer not to take names. That’s one difference between the Avengers and me. I would prefer my name to not be publicly known. Not for my sake but for the people around me.”

“I get that.” I replied softly.  “I mean look at Captain America. He shouldn’t even bother with a mask cause everyone knows his name. And don’t get me started on Stark’s public announcement, “I am Iron-man”. No wonder why those aliens came for us if the heroes are publicly announcing to the world ‘hey we’re the big and strong Avengers and you can’t do anything about it’. And next thing you know BAM! Aliens are flying in kamikaze style and nearly blowing us all to hell.”

“A bit cynical for one so young.”

“Sorry. I get snippy and cynical when I’m anxious or stressed.”

“And why’s that?”

“I—” I trailed off.  He slowly scooted closer to me and said to me in a soft assuring manner.

“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. But I’ve been told I’m a pretty good listener. Plus with the mask you won’t get any judgmental looks from me.” I picked at my nails as well as stroking my lower abdomen with my pinkie and ring fingers.

“The whole aspect of catholic guilt it—it’s eating me alive.”

“Catholic guilt?”

“You don’t want to hear this. This is just dumb teenage drama that all adults try to pin us with even when we’re going through some really hard and tough shit. It’s not always just teenage drama we have our own problems that you folks don’t seem to get and—” I went on a ramble until I felt him ground me by placed a hand on top of my shoulder.

“Hold on now, take a deep breath.” I turned to him and even through his black mask, I could almost feel the gentleness of his eyes as he had his body fully turned to me, giving me his full attention.  I slowly but sharply breathed in through my nose before exhaling shakily.

I did this a couple more times until they became deep, steady breaths.

“There we go. I could hear your heart racing erratically and you were on the verge of a panic attack.”

“You—can you really hear a person’s heartbeat? Or are you just messing with me?”

“It’s a long story but I have enhanced senses that allows me to hear better than most.”

“Wow. That is both dope and freaky at the same time.”

“I apologize if it’s invasive. I don’t mean to do it on purpose.”

“Call me crazy but I believe you.” A slight smile came at the corner of his lips.

“So shall we get back to that spill on catholic guilt?” I bowed my head.

“I was kinda hoping you’d forget about that.”

“I don’t mean to push. But I just feel like you want to talk to someone about this. Someone who isn’t a friend.”

“It’s……my dad.”

“Your dad? Wait he—he doesn’t hurt you, does he?”

“No nothing like that. He’s the best. I swear he’s like my best friend, well after Maddie but still he’s sweet, he’s caring, he’s compassionate. He raised me all by himself for so long that I—I’m afraid he won’t be with me anymore.”

“I’m sorry. I mean eventually we all have to die at some point in our lives. But I’m sure that won’t be for a long, long time for your dad. Unless he’s—”

“I’m not talking about losing him to old age or cancer. I’m talking about that he’ll never speak to me again!” I snapped.

God this pregnancy already has got me so antsy that even the slightest thing in my already stressed out mind, can make me explode. He froze in his spot and it looked like his body was tense at my sudden outburst.

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered burying my face into my hands.  “The truth is I—I found out just a week ago, that I’m…..I’m a month and a half pregnant with my boyfriend’s baby.”

If I could see under his mask, I’d bet his eyes are bulging out from underneath the satin material.

“Yeah. Pregnant at 17. Go ahead and make assumptions, call me names.”

“You’re sitting next to a guy who goes around wearing a skin-tight shirt and a mask that beats up bad guys late at night. As far as I’m concerned, I am the last person who should be judging you.” He adjusted in his spot as he asked me, “Does the father know?” I nodded.

“Yeah. He was the first person to find out after my best friend. And he’s been nothing but supportive. Even though we’re just about to graduate high school, he’s willing to help out with anything.”

“It’s just you’re afraid to tell your own father about your pregnancy.”

“Don’t get me wrong he’s a great guy. Like I said never once raised a hand to me, was fair in his punishments when I needed them. And he’s not like those so called ‘preachers of God’ that you see out in the streets proclaiming the Lord’s Will and the End of the world. But—he always told me to be careful especially around boys.”

“Were you careful?”

“Yes! Austin had the condoms and everything! But it still happens you know.”

“No I know. I remember my days in health class.” I shook my head shamefully.

“I just…..it’s always just been me and my dad. My whole life he’s always been there for me. Whenever life got tough, no matter how busy he was, he always took the time to check up on me. Even if it’s just a quick hug or a peck on the nose before calling me his ‘guardian angel’. What if—what if he hates me? Or decides I’m not his sweet guardian angel anymore but a shameful harlot of Lucifer?”

Tears stung behind my lashes and I harshly tried to wipe them away but that caused them to start falling down my face.  I curled myself inward before choking out.

“I need him now more than ever but I—I feel like he won’t be there for me this time. That when I reach my hand out for him, he’ll turn me aside and I’ll be drowning in the unknown world of parenthood. The guilt, the anxiety, forcing us to drift further and further apart from one another until I…..” I sniffled and wiped more tears as well as my nose with my sleeve. “I feel so alone.”

I felt his hand gently stroke down my hair before it moved down to my back, his gloved hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

“He won’t abandon you. I promise.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“Yes I can.”

“How?” I choked out as I looked up to him.  I saw as his jaw tensed up before he said.

“Because…because I have a daughter.” I looked at him surprised. Of course, superheroes and vigilantes can have their own lives they don’t have to be full-time superheroes 24/7.

But who would’ve thought that the Man in the Mask aka the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen was a parent.

“You’re a……”

“She’s just around your age. And she means—the world to me. I would want her to be able to come to me for anything, to not be afraid to speak to me. But if she ever did feel the same fear you are now, then I’ve failed as a father.”

“No I—I’m sure you didn’t. It would have nothing to do with your parenting skills, it’s just…..I’ve had friends who had parents just as loving as my dad is. But when they admit to something that goes against their religious code, they disown them or try to repent their sins.”

“But you said your father isn’t like those types of people, right?” I nodded.  “I won’t lie. He will be shocked at the news, but give him time to process things and he might just surprise you for what he has to say.”

“I know I should tell him. I can’t hide at Maddie’s forever. But there’s still a lingering voice in my head telling me that when I do tell him, it’ll be the last time I ever see him. I’d give anything to shut that voice up.”

“If you’d like, I could have a word or two with that nagging voice in your head.” That brought probably the first real laugh out of me ever since finding out about my pregnancy.

“I hope those words aren’t with your fists.” He softly laughed.

“No, I mean a real talk. I’d tell it, ‘Alright you negative worm. Stop filling this poor girl’s head with scenarios that aren’t true. Go make like a tree and get out of here!’”

“It’s leaf. It’s make like a tree and leaf.”

“Right that’s it.” I shook my head as I kept laughing.

“You know, you’re not what I’d thought you’d be like.”

“Mean and scary?” I nodded. “Oh to most I’m terrifying but—I have a soft spot for those that are lost. Don’t tell anybody though. Can’t have the scum of Hell’s kitchen thinking I’m too much of a softie.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.”

“As is yours. Now you promise me you’ll tell your father in the morning?”

“Yes. First thing after school.”

“Good.” He said patting my knee.  “It’s late, you should get some sleep. You’re not just sleeping for yourself anymore now.” I rubbed my lower abdomen.  As he walked away and stood along the edge of the roof I told him.

“Thank you.” He turned to face me and gave me a soft nod before leaping off the roof and he disappeared into the night.  I scaled back down the fire escape and re-entered Maddie’s sister’s room and got back into bed.

As promised after school I stood by mine and dad’s apartment and took a deep breath in before exhaling.

“You sure you don’t need me to go in with you anymore baby? You know I don’t mind.” Austin told me.

“No sweetie, I—I need to talk to my dad about this alone.”

“Okay. If he shows leniency, give me a call later?” I nodded. He leaned forward and we kissed each other before he continued on his way home.  I took another deep breath and entered the apartment and headed for the elevator.

Once the elevator dinged on our floor, I walked down the hallway until I reached the apartment room.  Taking out my key I took another deep breath in and muttered.

“Okay, he won’t get mad. He won’t get mad. Just—tell him the truth. He’ll understand. He’s cool, he’s my dad and he loves me.” I placed the key into the lock, turned it to the left and heard the click and opened it up.

“Uh-huh, yeah. Alright yeah we can make it. Yes of course, thank you. Yes and have a good afternoon to you too, bye.” I heard my dad’s voice say as I walked through the front hallway until I got to the spacious (as spacious as a New York apartment in Hell’s kitchen can be).  “Well look whose returned. Finish your project already?”

“Dad I—I gotta tell you something.” I came right out with it.

“Okay, and what would that be?”

“Can we sit down on the couch?” he nodded before walking from the kitchen to the living room as we both sat on the couch.  

“Is everything okay? Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?” he asked as he reached his hands out to cup my face.  I took his hands and held them between us.

“I’m fine dad. Physically I am.”

“And what about emotionally?” he asked concerningly.

“Dad, I…..I lied to you. I wasn’t at Maddie’s for a project.”

“You-you—you lied to me? Then where were y—you weren’t at Austin’s were you? (Y/n) we’ve talked about this you’re not old enough to sleepover at a boy’s……”

“Dad I wasn’t at Austin’s either. I was at Maddie’s just not for a project.”

“Okay then I’m lost. (Y/n) sweetheart you’re starting to scare me. Whatever it is you can tell me, you know that right?” he asked as he scooted himself as close as he could get to me and wrapped his arm around me.

“Dad I—the reason why I was at Maddie’s was because I……I’m—” come on just say it.  I swallowed a large lump in my throat and felt my leg beginning to bounce anxiously. “Promise you won’t get mad.”

“Go on.”

“You didn’t promise.”

“That’ll depend on what news I’ll be hearing. If it’s something illegal you know I won’t be happy.”

“Not really illegal. God I don’t know why I can’t just say it! Why can’t I tell you that I’m a month and a half pregnant!? I—” my mouth stopped as I realized how I had said it.  I looked at my dad anxiously and saw how he just sat there flabbergasted.

“Y-you-you’re…..” he leaned back against the couch and just sat there limp like a ragdoll.

“Daddy? Are you—okay?”

“Just….need to process this.”

“Okay.” I muttered as I fiddled with my uniform skirt.  We sat there in silence for a few minutes before he finally spoke out.

“Is it Austin’s?”

“Yeah. I swear dad we used protection but it—” he held out his hand telling me he didn’t need to hear anything else.  Oh shit this is it. He’s gonna flip his lid, he’s pissed now. Way beyond pissed!

“And you’re sure you’re really pregnant? How did you even get an appointment and why wasn’t I notified?”

“Maddie has an aunt. Her aunt Claire performed the test and she was sworn to secrecy to not notify you.” He rubbed his hands against his face as he let out a deep sigh, his leg bouncing rapidly.  Whether in anger or anxiety I couldn’t tell.

“Baby girl, why-why wouldn’t you tell me when you first found out? Why did you go through all of this trouble to lie to me about it?” my heart ached with guilt as tears began forming in my eyes.

“I’m sorry daddy. I—I was scared. Scared that you’d disown me or kick me out with no remorse or hesitation. Everytime I wanted to tell you, my brain kept showing me all the possibilities of you never wanting me to be in your life ever again. That you’d hate me or never say you had a daughter.”

I couldn’t look at him anymore so I closed myself into the edge of the couch and sniffled as I wiped my tears away.  I felt dad’s hand gingerly stroke down my hair before coming down to lift my chin up.

I noticed how he had taken his red shades off and placed them on the table.  Very rarely does he ever take them off, even around me but when he does, it’s always because he wants to connect with me (even though he’s blind).  His unfocused gaze was staring in my general direction as he said to me.

“I’m not mad at you.”

“Y-you’re not?”

“No. I’m—taken by surprise don’t get me wrong. But it takes more than you getting pregnant at 17 for me to ever, ever, ever, think about disowning you or telling you you’re no longer my child.”

“Really?” I whispered.

“Yes.” He said giving me a nod.  “So don’t ever go thinking like that again, okay?” my lip trembled as I nodded. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” I choked out.

“Okay.” I immediately hugged him as tightly as I could as I buried my face into his shoulder.  His arms immediately wrapped around me as he chuckled softly.

“Oh daddy I’m so sorry I hid this from you!” I wept.

“I know you are angel. It’s okay now, it’s okay.”

“It’s just….I love you so much and I thought you’d—”

“Hey none of that now. There will be no more talk about the paranoid ‘what if’s’ in this apartment. There will never come a time when I tell you to get out of my life or that you aren’t my daughter anymore.” He said as he had me look up at him and he wiped away my tears.  “You’re the most important person to me angel, and nothing will ever change that.”

I buried my face into my dad’s shoulder again and hugged him once again.

“I love you daddy.”

“And I love you my little guardian angel. I love you so, so much. And nothing will ever change that.” He said giving me a reassuring squeeze before kissing my forehead as many times as he possibly could.

[mexxs-blog]

Heyo! Another preview of the AU coming at y’all!

(These are snippets of what the AU looks like btw.)

It was only several weeks until they would all arrive at for Wrestlemania 40.

Most were prepared for what was about to come. Others had their nerves who got the best of them, but regardless, they were more than ready. Others were determined to finish their stories.

That was until that place crash happened.

————

The last thing Seth was thinking about was him, along with all the other known superstars, to be stranded in the woods right in the middle of nowhere. What he also least expected? Everyone surviving the damn plane crash while suffering some injuries.

Regardless, he knew that they would come and get them back. They were still a week away from Wrestlemania 40. The media would assume that they might be goners, yes, but the company? They would be found in less than three or two days to say the least.

Plus, that weird symbol that was carved in that tree nearby definitely did not mean anything. Right?

Right?

——————

“To summarize, our plane crashed. We starved, scavenged, and survived for 19 months until they found us… or more like what was left of us.”

Rhea had promised her and Liv specifically- literally to Liv, moments before her own death- to not utter a single word about… that time.

So why was Raquel looking at the live interview that she was witnessing from the same person who promised not to open her mouth in the first place six years later?

Why?

Why, Rhea?

After everything they’ve all been through…

“Miss Rhea, can you tell us more about what happened back there? What really happened six years ago?”

“… that is confidential information that I wish not to disclose at the moment.”

—————————-

“Dominik.” Finn began, looking down at his own cup of coffee, speaking in a low voice amidst the crowd of other people’s voices within the coffee shop before he looked up at the younger male. “Do you know if… anyone who was with us six years ago said anything?”

Dominik furrowed his brows as he spoke. “No. Not that I know of at least, why?”

At that, Finn shifted in his seat to grab something from his pocket. When he did, he gave it to Dom as he gaze at it.

The second Dominik saw what it was, his heart stopped.

It was a postcard, but it had a symbol.

The symbol that they used for protection when they were stranded on the woods.

“… Finn. Finn, I don’t understand, what is this…?”

“Dominik, one of us told someone about what happened years ago.” He told him as he looked around, making sure no one was listening before he turned back to the shocked male. “Someone knows. And we all agreed to not say a word of it.”

“Wait, but… hold on, none of us would’ve been willing to say anything about it.”

At that, Finn gave him a knowing look. “None of us, except Seth.”

“What- dude, come on.” Dominik sighed. “I get you and Seth had your issues, but he swore not to tell anyone.” He tried to explain to Finn, who seemed very unconvinced.

“He swore for Dean’s sake, Finn. As well as for Becky. You know that.”

At that, Finn went silent as he looked down at his cup before he took a sip from his coffee before he continued to speak. “Well, what about Damian? Raquel?”

“Hold on there. Damian would never say a word. On top of that, Raquel SWORE for Liv’s sake not to say anything. Even Rhea swore for Liv’s sake as well.” Dominik began to speak more firmly, yet he still maintained a low tone. “Finn, we can’t accuse anyone who’s ever been with us during those moments, because we all shared that same pain, trauma, and struggle six years ago. We never talk to each other as often as we did years ago, but… we would never stab each other in the back.”

Finn gazed down. “Well… what about of those who died? Huh?”

“…”

“They trusted us, all of us. We trusted them too…”

“Finn, now’s not the time to dwell on the past. Please.

“Dwell on the past? Dominik, they died because of us—“

“We wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for them.”

At the interruption, Finn stared at the younger male, who sighed deeply and rubbed his face. “Look… sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. What I’m trying to say is… if I would’ve gone back in time, and if there was a way to stop all of it, I would’ve been the first person to tell everyone to not get on that damn plane. Trust me, Finn. I still remember them, I do… and I know you remember them still as well.”

Finn pursed his lips as he inhaled and exhaled through his nose. “… look. My thing is, if any of this comes out to the public, we’re screwed. All of us. No one can know… and I’m gonna start finding the asshole who decided it was a good idea to tell everyone about our past.”

HOW ARE THESE LITTLE PREVIEWS OMG 😭

[sai-of-the-7-stars]

MORE Silly Our Life AU Stuff: My Girlfriend is a Witch, But I’m Just a Marine Biologist!!!

Thanks for the love on the previous post! Honestly, this is a fun way for me to just jot down fun, silly things in a more informal way than I usually do. It’s a great break from the corporate writing I do as a day job, too, haha.

I’m not sure if we’ll flow in any sort of timeline with My Girlfriend is a Witch, But I’m Just a Marine Biologist, let alone any particular style, but I think that’s OK, don’t you? Something fun and organic.

And who knows what the future may look like, right?

For now, I’ll address an elephant-in-the-room question: How did Cove learn that Sai was a witch?

Well…

Well…it was already a magical night, after all

Dating for the last year and hiding her magic and introducing the people from her coven and any other folks involved in the life as non-magical folk had been exhausting for Sai.

Of course, she didn’t get to have a dramatic reveal to Cove – “Look, honey, I’m a witch!” – with flashy fanfare and effects. Nor did Sai even have a more mundane ‘he caught me enchanting a wood spoon to stir the soup for me’ or ‘I accidentally lit up a dark room with a bauble of light’.

It was a simple, quiet moment, lying comfortably in his arms after making love for the first time. (Sai had never pressured Cove to have sex yet it only took him two months after a mutual love confession for Cove to initiate.) He had been tracing soft circles on the back of her shoulder blades, smoothing her long hair away and kissing at the curve of her neck, while they listened to the timbre of rain against the window glass.

The blue-green of his ocean tattoo cradled her cheek. He was her personal ocean, beach, and sky. Seeing how soft his aquamarine eyes peered into hers made her chest ache with love and further longing. It was now or never.

Her heart hammered. They’d said “I love you” and had just made love – and she knew she had to tell Cove now before their relationship got any more serious or they fell any deeper in love with each other.

Sai’s voice was soft against the now-familiar span of Cove’s shoulder.

“Cove?” She waited until his eyes shone with focus, eyebrows knitting up with unspoken curiosity. Her tongue pressed against the middle of her pursed lips. “I…”

Stars and stones, this is hard…

Her eyes met his again. She felt tears prickle at the corners of her eyes.

Concerned, Cove gently cupped her cheek, soothing the tears away with the pad of his thumb. “You can tell me anything, Sai. I love you.”

That broke her already fragile heart. If he rejected her now…

Sai wasn’t sure she could endure it. But she couldn’t lie by omission. Not any longer.

Not to him.

Not to Cove.

“I’m a witch, Cove,” whispered Sai, finally. She waited. He peered at her, expression gentle and serene. She went on. “Not just a religious witch like I’ve always shown you and the others. I mean…I can use magic. Real actual magic. I know that sounds nuts! But it’s true.”

She sat up quickly, dislodging herself from the comforting warmth and feeling just how cold the November rain had made the room.

Still, Cove simply watched her. Even as she spread her arms wide and transformed his bedroom ceiling into a velvety black night sky, bright with a spray of silvery, twinkling stars.

And still, Cove simply watched.

Trembling, Sai looked to him. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

Seeming to understand her silent question, Cove sat up and pulled her into his arms. “I…kinda figured you were.”

It was her turn to remain silent. He knew?

Cove continued. “You did a really good job at hiding it, and so did most of your friends and family you introduced me to. Oh, but, don’t think I’m saying any of them blew it. I mean, those triplets your sorta-aunt is keeping need to work on not, you know, implying stuff so much but…”

Sai watched, rapt.

Smiling, Cove pecked the top of her head. “You always seemed magical. And, out of the corner of my eye, I always swore I saw something. I just didn’t know what. So…this doesn’t surprise me.”

Tears welled up in Sai’s eyes, faster than she could quell them. Like cool ocean waves on a hot summer day, relief washed over her.

“...You’re pretty observant, Cove Holden.”

Cove’s grin widened. “Yeah, I can be.”

“So humble, too,” she said with a shaky laugh.

“I’m sure…” he paused, seeming to choose his words carefully, “...your people endured a lot of unwarranted hatred and persecution.”

“Salem was no picnic,” agreed Sai. “My mom’s from the Bishop line, actually.”

“Wow, no kidding?”

“No kidding.”

“Wow…” Cove chuckled. “I’m sure you expected me to freak out more – and maybe I would’ve if I didn’t already, you know, have this sense about you and the magic. But I did, so…I don’t know. It probably sounds crazy.” He turned his face towards their personal night sky. His expression was remarkably serene.”It doesn’t scare me at all. If anything, it’s really cool.”

That earned a relieved smile out of Sai. The final vestiges of anxiety were ebbing away. “I can do a lot more than that but I’m glad you like this. All things celestial body related are mainstays in my magical wheelhouse. It’s not all I can do but it is my specialty.”

Cove marveled. “I want to hear all about it.” His voice was eager, like a little kid. His eyes sparkled. “Can you tell me more about it?”

Sai leaned up and rubbed noses with him, making her adorable, huge, hunky surfer/scientist boyfriend giggle. “Anything you want.”

“Then…are there specialties?”

“There are.”

“What’s yours?”

Wrapping her arms around his neck and holding close to him, Sai kissed his cheek. “Cosmic. I’m a cosmic witch.”

[harleychick91]

SuperCorptober Day 27: Cardigan

A Coveted Cardigan

Kara’s POV

Arriving at the outdoor cafe, I waved when I saw Lena at our normal table. “Hey, I’m glad you could step away from the office.” My brow creased at the two cups and pastries that were on the table.

“I should be thanking you. I know Snapper has everyone on a short leash right now.” Taking a sip of coffee, Lena continued. “I know your go-to order so I went ahead and placed it. I hope that’s okay.”

“Definitely.” Taking a seat, I took a long sip of coffee. “Perfect. How’s your day been?”

“Besides an incident outside my office, fine.” Lena rubbed her temple. “Ken from accounting is very lucky that I can take a joke.”

“Oh, no. What happened?” I wonder if it has to do with the heart rate spike I heard this morning.

“Ken set a spring release box on the floor next to Jess’ desk and made it look like it had fallen so she’d pick it up. Being the nice person that I am, I picked it up to put it on her desk and a fake spider leapt up from it.” Covering her face, Lena shuddered. “I love Halloween but I hate spiders. Even the ones that look fake, I can’t stand.”

“Oh, goodness. Alex did that to me once when we were kids,” I grumbled. “She had extra chores for a week. How did you know it was from Ken?”

“There was a note at the bottom of the box. I guess it’s common knowledge that I’m a decent person and Ken rushed towards my office to pick up the box. The elevator doors opened when I shrieked and he approached with caution.” I tried not to laugh as Lena told the story but I couldn’t help myself. I know the glare he got. I’ve seen that bone chilling glare. “He started apologizing as walked up. Swore up and down that he was going to get fired and blacklisted.”

“You are so much more than a “decent person,” I smirked. “But I could see how someone would think they’d be fired for that.”

“He told me to steer clear of the employee break room and kitchen. After promising to not do it again, I let him go back to work. ”

“I’m sure he felt terrible about scaring you.”

“The look of horror on his face spoke loud enough,” Lena chuckled. “How’s your day been?”

“Pretty good. Like you said, Snapper is keeping everyone on a short leash. For a few minutes, I thought I was going to need a rain check for today.”

“If you did, I would have just brought it to you,” Lena smiled. “You always bring me food when I’m too busy to leave the office.”

“You’re the best.” Finishing my pastry, I remembered the first time Lena brought me lunch since I moved floors.

“Kara,” Lena gained my attention as I darted from desk to desk.

Stopping, I smiled. “Hey! What are you doing here?”

“You said you couldn’t step away for lunch so I thought I’d bring it to you.”

“Thanks!” I smiled. “I finally got a desk so we can eat there if you’re able to stay. I need to give these to my boss. I’ll be right there.”

“Sounds good.”

Entering Snapper’s office, I could feel his judgmental scowl. “Ponytail, what have I said about non-CatCo people on the floor?”

“Technically, she still owns CatCo. So she is a CatCo person.”

Grumbling, he glared. “No fraternizing with the higher ups either.”

“We’re not…it’s not like that,” I stammered.

“Mmhmm. Whatever you say, Ponytail. Eat and get back to work.”

He would not let up on me after that. I had to prove we weren’t in a relationship so I could continue covering Luthor stories. “Soon, I may get an actual office if I decide to become chief editor.”

“You’re thinking about going for the promotion again?” I nodded. “You’d do a fantastic job. I know you would miss reporting though.”

“Thanks,” I blushed. Realizing the time, I pouted. “I hate to eat and run.”

“Duty calls.” Getting to her feet, Lena wrapped me in a strong embrace. “I’ll toss everything away. I don’t want you getting in trouble again.”

“I appreciate it.” Reciprocating, I squeezed gently. She gives the best hugs. I hate when they end. “Oh! Friday, will you bring my cardigan to game night?”

“Sure. After you left, I hung it next to my coat in the closet.”

“Thanks! See you later.”

Xxx

Lena’s POV

After a long day, I took a much needed soak in my tub. When I finished a few chapters, and a glass of wine, I placed a bookmark and stepped out of the now lukewarm water. Drying off, I slid into my favorite purple lace nightgown. I don’t get to enjoy relaxing, self care nights too often but after the spider incident this morning, I needed it. I shuddered remembering it.

Feeling the cool air of the bedroom, I slid into the long cardigan Kara left behind. Nuzzling the fabric, I smiled. It still smells like her. Sadly, she remembered it. My stomach dropped. Loving Kara from the shadows makes me feel terrible. I need to tell her how I feel. Sighing, I smirked at myself. I’d rather do this than lose her forever.

Entering the kitchen, I put the kettle on and prepared my nightly cup of tea. Turning back, I saw something scurry across my counter. Screaming, I darted across the apartment and felt a gust of wind come from the balcony.

“What is it?” A familiar voice asked.

“Kill it! Please!” I pointed towards the kitchen.

Moments later, the balcony door closed. “It’s gone, Miss Lu-,” Supergirl’s voice trailed off.

Opening my eyes, I was met by a stupefied hero. Eyes wide, mouth agape, and no words to be had. “Supergirl?” That’s the same look she gave me on the Daxamite ship years ago. Looking down at myself, I realized the cardigan was open revealing my nightgown that didn’t leave much to the imagination. So she is attracted to me. Why must it be the wrong blonde? Sauntering over, I pressed the woman’s chin upwards. “You may want to close that.”

“Y-Yes, Miss Luthor.” Supergirl stammered, trying to look anywhere but at me.

She’s so flustered. Buttoning most of the cardigan, I spoke. “Better?” All she did was nod. “I appreciate your help.”

“You’re welcome,” she cleared her throat.

Entering the kitchen, I poured myself a cup of tea. “Would you like a cup?”

“That would be nice. Thank you.”

As I fixed both cups, I kept an eye on the Super. She’s keeping her distance. That’s not normal for her. “I hope we can keep this between us.”

“Of course. No one else needs to know you’re scared of spiders.”

My brow rose. “How did you know that I’m scared of spiders? I didn’t see what exactly scurried across my counter but it wasn’t a spider.” My head tilted. “There are only five people who know I’m terrified of spiders and I don’t think you’d talk to most of them.”

“I…um…” The blonde tried to come up with an explanation but failed.

“I’m fairly certain that you’ve not had a conversation with my mother, brother, Jess, or Ken and Kara wouldn’t have told you.” Offering a steamy mug, I examined the Super’s face closely. No. How have I never seen this before? “Kara?” Panic washed over the blonde’s face. I spoke before she could open her mouth. “Don’t you dare lie to me.”

Hanging her head, Kara took the mug. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “I’ve wanted to tell you but my sister and boss-,”

“Want you to keep your secret identity a secret.” Taking a seat on the couch, I sighed. “Even from me.”

“They gave me the green light to tell you yesterday.” Kara stared at her tea. “I’ve been too scared to tell you because I’ve been lying to you for years now. Ever since we became friends, that’s the one thing you’ve asked me to never do,” her voice shook. “Everything else has been true. I wanted one person that I could just be Kara with.”

“Come sit.” I patted the seat beside me. “I understand where you’re coming from. I’m desperately trying to not be hurt by this but I can’t help how I feel.”

“I understand.” Placing her tea on the coffee table, Kara sat beside me.

“Good.” Wrapping my arms around the blonde, I pulled her close. “You will always be Kara to me. The only thing that changed is that you have a few new tricks up your sleeve.”

Carefully, Kara wrapped her arms around my waist. Her head resting against my chest. “You’ll always be my Lena too.”

“Your Lena?” I questioned with a grin. Every muscle in Kara’s body tightened. “When did I become yours?” Not that I’m complaining.

“N-N…th…that’s not….” Kara stammered. She began to relax as I rubbed her back.

“No more secrets?” Kara nodded, unsure of where I was going. “I know you love me as a best friend but are you falling in love with me too? I’m fairly certain you’re attracted to me by a few of your reactions,” I paused. “Especially tonight.” The woman’s grip tightened on my clothes. “We’re going to be okay no matter what your answer is.”

“I’ve already fallen for you…” She swallowed hard. “And yes, I’m attracted to you.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Thank God!

Meeting my gaze, Kara whispered. “You’re okay with that?”

“Yes, because now I don’t have to secretly snuggle or wear your clothes because they smell like you. Now, hopefully, I can just snuggle with you.”

Heat burnt the Super’s face as a goofy grin appeared. “I may or may not do the same thing…”

“Kiss me, you beautiful goober.” Tilting Kara’s chin upwards, I pressed a gentle kiss against soft lips.

Story also on AO3 and FFN

[secondgenerationnerd]

Only Love Can Hurt Like This

I’d say I’m sorry…but that’d be a lie

——————

When the Justice League has a party, they party. The younger heroes had convinced them to do an early Valentine's party, with live music. They agreed, letting it be more of an open mike...until Lian talked them into giving her band, KML, a longer slot. Swore up and down it would be worth it.

Lian might bullshit many things, but her music is not one of them. The moment she steps onto a stage, her personality shifts. She commands the audience with each chord. Her raspy voice drops low before she belts out jaw-dropping notes. Her bandmates, Mags and Kat, feed off the energy of their singer and crowd. Kat's fingers fly over the keyboard, harmonizing with Lian, curls bouncing around her. The lights make her dark skin glow, piercings flashing as she dances in place. In comparison, her girlfriend, Mags, is the rock of their group. The makeshift stage shakes with each beat of her drumming. Her silver hair glows like Kat's piercings. Together, the three girls are unstoppable.

"Damn," Roy looks at Dick with a grin, "I've got a cool kid."

"Remember when she was scared to sing in front of us?" The former boy wonder asks, snorting into his cup.

"Now look at her. My little badass."

“For our last song of the night, we’re doing something a little different.” Lian’s dark eyes take in the crowd, “With Valentine’s day right around the corner, we thought the world needed a reminder of what love is. I could recite a poem about patience and kindness, but that's only half of love."

A chorus of murmurs fills the room.

"Love hurts. When you have it, when you don't, when it leaves. It's messy and complicated and, honestly, it fucking sucks sometimes." She searches the crowd, looking for someone. But she doesn't stop when she sees her father. "Love makes good people do bad things, bad people do good. I should know better than anyone."

Her voice wavers, but she continues on, "I have so many people who love me and who I love. Like the best fucking dad here. Sorry, not sorry everyone, I have the mircophone so I'm right."

That gets a laugh. Roy smiles to himself. He's done pretty well with her if he does say so. With a subtle nod to her bandmates, Lian takes a deep breath, "This is for the people we love who can't be here...this is for my mom."

Absolute silence falls over the room. It's not like everyone here doesn't know who her mother is...but it's definitely the first Lian's said something like, well, like that.

As the first notes of the song begin, Mags and Kat harmonizing the vocals, Lian takes a deep breath. Another. A third, then--

I tell myself you don't mean a thing

And what we got, got no hold on me

But when you're not there, I just crumble

I tell myself I don't care that much

But I feel like I die 'til I feel your touch

A young Lian flashes through Roy's head. Shrieks of joy, padded feet running to the door, a go bag dropped. MOMMY'S HOME! Jade hugging her so tightly, Roy thought it would leave bruises.

Only love, only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Must've been a deadly kiss

Only love can hurt like this

Say I wouldn't care if you walked away

But every time you're there, I'm beggin' you to stay

Her voice breaks, just for a second, but it's gone the next second. A lump forms in Roy's throat. He swears he can hear her sobs, young voice asking why Mommy keeps leaving. Did she do something to make Mommy go?

And when you come close (when you come close), I just tremble

And every time, every time you go

It's like a knife that cuts right to my soul

How old was she when the tears became anger? When did the shrieks of joy become skeptisim?

Only love, only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Must've been a deadly kiss

Only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Your kisses burn into my skin

Jade always put Lian to bed when she was home. Roy would find them curled up together, Lian fast asleep, Jade taking their daughter in.

Only love can hurt like this

But it's the sweetest pain

Burnin' hot through my veins

Love is torture, makes me more sure

The pause is deafening. Lian's eyes had closed, losing herself in the music like she so often does.

Only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Each time the words leave her lips, the more they sound like a battle cry. Lian loves her mother, Roy knows she does...but she loves like her too. A deep, consuming love that was hard to earn.

Must've been a deadly kiss

Only love can hurt like this

Only love can hurt like this

Your kisses burn into my skin

Only love can hurt like this

(Only love can hurt like this)

Only love can hurt like this

(Only love can hurt) save me, save me

Tears blur Roy's eyes. Remembering Jade's screams, her tears, her collapsing to the ground, when he had to tell her...when they had to... His breath shakes. A familiar hand slides into his.

Only love, only love

'Cause only love can hurt like this

And it must've been a deadly kiss

The lights cut out as the final notes fade. Just in time too. The second she’s off stage, Lian’s legs give out. The tightness in her chest too much. But Mags and Kat are right there. They catch her and hug her. Hot tears roll down her face.

“You did it, chica.” Kat murmurs, squeezing her tighter. "We knew you could."

"Never doubted you for a second," Mags agrees with her girlfriend. "You good, Red?"

Swallowing hard, Lian nods, "Just...just wiped. You two were fire."

Kat squeezes her shoulders, "Helps when you whip the crowd up."

"She's always had that ability." Roy's soft voice relaxes Lian. Her dad will make things better, he always does. When she turns to face him, her whole body freezes. She knows the tall woman standing with her father. Knows those dark eyes, exactly like her own, and the dark curls beneath that ratty baseball cap. So you match me and Daddy when you're gone.

"Mom?"

Holding a lotus in her hand, Jade offers her daughter a soft smile, "Hi, Baby Doll...I was going to call, but wanted to surprise--"

The assassin doesn't get to finish. In a fast, Lian's arms are around her mother. Face buried in her neck as she cries. Jade hugs her back just as tight, lowering them to the ground.

"I know, Baby Doll, I know." Rough hands smooth Lian's hair. "I love you too."

Lian feels her father's arms wrap around them, squishing her between her parents. Maybe she's emotionally drained after the show. Maybe the last song was too much. Maybe she's still that little girl who missed her mom so much, it hurt to breathe. Lian's not sure. She doesn't really care.

She just lets her parents hold her. Who knows how long it will last?

[the-red-mafia]

The Plea

After L'arj Mahnnnh landed on the Red Mafia's planet, the group is forced to make a choice: risk their lives to help him or let hundreds of people perish because of it. What will happen? Also available on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/TheRedMafia Next Update: [Updated] Word Count: 3947

L’arj Mahnnnh sat on a couch in the living room, slowly sipping a cup of tea, courtesy of Mad. He set his black cowboy hat next to him before continuing to drink. Velvet stood in front of the archway that led to the rest of the mansion while holding Kil-layye Mo’ore in her right hand. Solana also blocked the way to the kitchen with her spear. The rest of the mafia sat on the other couch, eyes locked on the man in front of them. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a sigh and set the cup on the side table. 

“Now, onto business,” he said, placing his hat back on, “I should catch you up on what I’ve been doing since our last meeting.”

“Or your whole life, considering the only thing we know about you is that you’ve tried to kill us on multiple occasions,” Velvet mumbled. 

“If you insist, Velvet Bolton, daughter of Unor Bolton.”

“Oh dear gods.” L’arj Mahnnnh cleared his throat.

“It all started when I was born…”

“I wasn’t always the pride of my family. I had seven siblings, so I had to make a name for myself quickly. By the time I was 10 years of age, I had already begun climbing the ranks of my clan, the Mahnnnh Klahnnnh.”

“What a name.”

“Wait for it. L’arj Mahnnnh, how do you spell Man Klan?”

“M-A-H-N-N-N-H K-L-A-H-N-N-N-H.”

“Of course.”

“Guys, let the man tell his story.”

“Don’t you mean the-”

“Thorn.”

“I soon made it up the ranks until I reached Ti-Tahnnick Mahnnnh, our previous patriarch. It was a gruesome battle that lasted for days on end. After all, I am very strong. As predicted, I came out on top and was soon named the patriarch of my clan. I was ceremoniously granted Kil-layye Mo’ore, the ancestral sword that has been passed down through the patriarchs for generations.”

“...why is everyone looking at me? It was Maroon who stole the sword.”

“We all know they did that to get on your good side.” “That is not- Maroon, that’s not what happened.”

“Uh- right. Yeah.”

“See, told you.”

“You are literally holding a weapon, of course they’re going to agree with you.”

“L’arj Mahnnnh, please just continue.”

“Of course, robot. I soon became a successful bounty hunter, bringing fame and fortune to my family. After I married my wife, we had fourteen children. I was known and feared by those involved in illegal schemes. I even did a few jobs for your father, Velvet Bolton-”

“Don’t even start.”

“That’s what I was doing when I first met Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. A buyer was offering a large amount of money for the Custodio power gem. Little did I know that the mission would be my last. After being defeated by Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee, I returned to my home in shame and defeat. After being saved by modern medicine and my faith, my wife divorced me. I was shunned from my clan. I was forced to beg for food and shelter every night and eventually turned to crime to make money. After weeks of living on the streets, I swore vengeance on the child who ruined my career.”

“L’arj Mahnnnh, I’m really sorry that happened-”

“Hush, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. I don’t need your pity. I have been shamed enough.”

“I wasn’t-”

“I soon encountered you again, on my home planet, Pu Llannette, no less. I thought that I finally had the upper hand on you, but your robot assisted you in defeating me. Then you stole my family’s sacred sword, the last remnant I had of them. As you flew away, I awoke and swore that you would be my nemesis until the day I bested you.”

“Oh, I remember that mission.”

“Do you, Solana? I’d fucking hope so, considering you were the reason we were being attacked in the first place.” 

“You were also being paranoid.”

“I’m not paranoid, I’m insightful.”

“Exactly what a paranoid person would say.”

“I was soon banished from Pu Llannette and forced to wander the universe. Eventually, I found a small start-up town on a newly discovered planet rich in natural mining resources. When I arrived, they were under attack from a horde of wild beasts. I slayed them all and was soon welcomed into the town. They made me their sheriff, and here I stand before you today.”

“So that’s why you’re wearing the cowboy hat.”

“Thorn, quiet.”

“Last week, the mining company of Veris arrived on our planet and has been tearing it open for its resources. We’ve lost twenty-seven people to accidents they’ve caused. Our mayor has tried to diplomatically solve the issue, but asked me to handle it from now on. I refuse to lose another home, so I ask you to assist me in expelling the Veris pests from my soil.” 

The Mahogany Mansion’s living room was quiet as L’arj Mahnnnh took another sip of his tea. Both Maroon and Mad glanced towards Velvet, Mad’s screen blank. The teen narrowed her eyes at them. 

“You two want to help him.” Maroon nodded.

“People are dying, Velvet,” Mad began, standing up, “We can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“I mean, we can,” Solana chimed in, “But I agree, there’s really no risk for us. It’s not like the Veris Mining Company has great security.”

“And I can call…you know. I’m sure he’d love to help us mess with Veris,” Mad added. Velvet rolled their eyes. 

“Don’t do that. L’arj Mahnnnh, where’s this planet?” 

“Not too far, Velvet Bolton, daughter of-” 

“You know, I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t say that every time you refer to me.” 

“It’s respectful.”

“It’s annoying.” 

“Mad, are you not concerned about Maroon going after…all of that?” Thorn asked. The droid turned to it.

“I am, partially. I want to do a full medical exam before we leave, but whatever magic L’arj Mahnnnh used seems to be working well.” 

“Well, you must get started. We must leave as soon as possible,” L’arj Mahnnnh said, standing, “I will take my cup and wash it while you do so.”

“Oh, I can get it-”

“Nonsense, robot. Go do your medical check on Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee.” L’arj Mahnnnh quickly disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the Red Mafia alone in the living room. Velvet looked at each of their teammates before sighing.

“You all really want to do this?” Maroon stood, but looked towards the floor.

“I have to make it up to him, Velvet,” they began quietly, “I’ve ruined his whole life. This is the least I can do.” The assassin narrowed their eyes at them.

“...okay, fine.”

Maroon stared at L’arj Mahnnnh’s ship as it landed next to the Umbrella. White rocks flew in various directions when the landing gear slammed into the ground. Once his door was lowering, Mad began opening theirs. Velvet attached Kil-layye Mo’ore to their mission belt on their uniform before leading the way out of the ship. A town sat in the distance, its brown walls surrounded by mining equipment. The humming from the machines echoed faintly in the youngest mafia member’s ears. 

“There it is,” L’arj Mahnnnh stated, stopping next to Maroon, “My town, Vil-Idgh.” Velvet groaned.

“I swear to gods.” 

“So what’s the plan, L’arj Mahnnnh?” Mad asked. He started forward, motioning for the Red Mafia to follow him. 

“Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee, you follow me. We will sabotage the mining equipment. The rest of you, split up and evacuate the citizens to the outskirts of the city. No more casualties.” 

“Do you have a map?” Velvet asked. L’arj Mahnnnh nodded before reaching into a bag attached to his hip. He pulled out a small, rolled-up scroll and handed it to the teen. She quickly unrolled it and began scanning the page.

“Wow,” they mumbled, “This place is small.” 

“We are a new city.”

“City is a generous descriptor.”

“Velvet, chill,” Solana mumbled. The assassin rolled her eyes but remained quiet. 

“I’m going with L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon,” Thorn stated. L’arj Mahnnnh looked down at him.

“No, Thorn Alviar, child of Eilon Hollis. This is a mission for the two of us alone.” Velvet looked up from the map and narrowed their eyes at him. Maroon looked towards Thorn, a look of confusion on their face. 

“I thought your dad-” Thorn looked away, cutting them off. Solana rested an arm on the prince’s shoulder.

“It’s all good, Thorn. The two of us can go destroy some shit too.” The teen looked up at her and smirked.

“Hell yeah.”

“I guess that leaves me and Velvet as the other duo,” Mad said, glancing at the young assassin. Velvet nodded slightly, once again returning her eyes to the map. 

“Alright, we’ll evacuate the citizens here,” they began, gesturing to a point on the map, “There’s no equipment over there. We’ll have to wait until they start destroying things to justify the evacuation-” They stepped onto the stone pathway of the city, where L’arj Mahnnnh immediately took a left.

“I will give you all deputy badges so they will trust you.” 

“I can’t believe we’re becoming law enforcement. We were arrested less than 6 months ago,” Thorn joked, “Solana and Velvet are literally wanted criminals.”

“Shut the fuck up, Thorn,” Velvet said coldly. Solana, however, let out a chuckle.

“Yeah, it is pretty ironic.” L’arj Mahnnnh stopped suddenly, opening a door in front of him. 

“Wait here.” The Red Mafia watched him enter the building before Velvet quickly turned to Maroon.

“Maroon, listen to me,” she started, “If L’arj Mahnnnh tries anything, let us know on your comms. I don’t trust him right now.”

“When do you ever trust people?” Solana muttered.

“Shut it. Do you understand, Maroon?” The teen nodded.

“I don’t think he’s going to, Velvet.”

“I have returned!” The door swung open again, nearly hitting Velvet in the face. The assassin jumped back, glaring at L’arj Mahnnnh. He gently handed a badge to each of the mafia members before turning to Maroon again. 

“Are you ready, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee?” Maroon looked up at him. He had a smile on his face and a determined look in his eyes as he rested a hand on his gun. 

“Yes.”

The machine exploded in front of them as a mushroom split it in half. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a laugh as various people ran out of the fire. 

“There were people in there?” Maroon breathed. L’arj Mahnnnh shook his head.

“They are just robots, Margaret Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. Do not worry.” Maroon looked away from him and crossed their arms.

“...L’arj Mahnnnh, you know…that’s…not my name.” The man turned to look down at them.

“Sure it is. That is what your soul says.” 

“What?” 

“That is how I know your name. I read your soul.” 

“But it’s not my name.” L’arj Mahnnnh frowned.

“I do not understand.” Maroon sighed and turned back to him.

“Margaret was the name I was given when I was born, but it’s not the one I use now. My name is Maroon.” The sheriff stared down at them for several seconds.

“I see. Alright, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee.” Maroon smiled up at him.

“Yeah, that works.” 

“Put your hands up!” A voice shouted behind them. Maroon quickly turned around to see about a dozen or so Veris guards pointing their rifles straight at them.

“I should’ve known you’d cause trouble, L’arj Mahnnnh!” one of them shouted. L’arj Mahnnnh pulled out his gun.

“I refuse to stand by while you hurt the people of Vil-Idgh!” 

“So you dragged a child into helping you?” Another guard shouted. Maroon raised their hands, causing L’arj Mahnnnh to let out another laugh.

“I suggest you back off, Veris!” 

“We’re not scared of a teenager, L’arj-” Mushrooms quickly surrounded them, locking the guards in a cage. A large smile was plastered across L’arj Mahnnnh’s face as he turned towards Maroon. The guards shouted from the cage but L’arj Mahnnnh set a hand on Maroon’s shoulder.

“It won’t be long now, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee. Soon we will have them exactly where we want them.” A chill went down their spine as they looked up at him, but they remained quiet.

Rhyme plopped down on her sofa, a bowl of oranges in her arms. He picked up the remote and navigated through various channels before a bright red “Breaking News” alert popped up in the upper left corner. The thief raised an eyebrow and clicked on it. 

“We’ve recently received word of an attack on mining equipment belonging to the Veris Mining Company around a small town called Vil-Idgh…am I reading that right?” A spokesperson began before glancing away from the camera. Rhyme began peeling the top orange in her bowl.

“Yeah, you’ve got it, Jude.”

“There’s no way that’s the name. That’s not a town name.”

“You’re being politically incorrect, Jude.”

“I- moving on,” Rhyme let out a chuckle before popping the first slice in her mouth, “It appears the sheriff of Vil-Idgh, a man named…fucking hell…L’arj Mahnnnh, is leading the assault, with his deputies evacuating the citizens. We go to live drone footage now.”

“You’re gonna get fired, Jude.” 

“Shut up, Derek.” The screen cut away to an explosion on the outskirts of a city, debris flying off into the distance. It then cut to the road, where dozens of people were screaming and running. Someone stood in the middle of the road directing them…Mad?

“Oh you’ve got to be joking,” Rhyme breathed, quickly pulling out his phone. The phone rang a few times before the droid picked up.

“Hey Rhyme, this…isn’t a good time right now-” Mad’s robotic voice began, but the thief cut them off.

“‘Cause you’re fucking messing with Veris without me!” Mad was quiet for a moment.

“In my defence, I wanted to get you to come help. Velvet just-”

“Mad, what the actual fuck are you doing?” The voice of Velvet caused the teen to jump slightly but he quickly sighed.

“Rhyme called and-”

“Oh my gods, really? Give me the phone.” There was some movement on the other side of the line and it was quiet for a second.

“Rhyme, fuck off. We’re busy.” The thief’s eyes widened before she frowned.

“How does she know my name?” Mad sighed.

“Turns out they followed us to the roller rink.”

“Bolton, you fucking dick.”

“Are you that surprised?” 

“Nah, but I kinda hoped you were better than that.”

“Sure Reuter, sure.” Rhyme frowned again.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Don’t call me Bolton.”

“No.”

“Then deal with it.”

“If you guys are done,” Mad interrupted, “Velvet’s right, we are kinda busy-”

“Destroying shit without me,” Rhyme countered, “Should’ve just invited me.” Velvet groaned. An explosion went off in the distance, causing the Red Mafia members to go silent.

“Why are you blowing shit up anyway?” the thief questioned, setting the phone down on her couch’s armrest. 

“Helping out a…friend.”

“Friend is generous. We’re helping out someone who said Maroon was their fucking nemesis,” Velvet added. Rhyme suppressed a laugh.

“Now how did that happen?”

“Mad cares too much.” Rhyme raised an eyebrow.

“Do I want to know what that means?”

“We’re helping out a town who’s under the control of Veris,” Mad began, “Which Velvet thinks is ‘caring too much’.”

“No, it is.” Rhyme paused for a moment before smirking.

“Eh, I think Mad caring about people is kinda cute, actually.” It was quiet on the other end for a few seconds.

“Uh, you guys still there?”

“Yeah,” Mad stated. Velvet groaned. 

“I’m on my way, Maroon. Tell L’arj Mahnnnh I said not to do anything stupid until I get there,” she muttered. 

“What’s she talking about?” Rhyme questioned. 

“Maroon just radioed saying they needed Velvet for their friend’s plan. She’s gone now, so.” Rhyme chuckled.

“Peace and quiet.” Mad also let out a robotic laugh.

“Yeah, I guess,” Mad paused, “So, what was that about me being cute?” Rhyme’s face went a light pink.

“Uh- just something I said to piss off Velvet. Yeah, annoying Velvet. Definitely.” Rhyme turned back to the TV. It was back to where the machinery was on fire, with Maroon and another man off to the side. A spaceship entered the planet’s atmosphere, catching their attention. Rhyme’s eyes widened.

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong?” 

“Eliza’s there.”

“What? Where?”

“Looks like she’s landing by Maroon.” 

“So that’s why he needs Velvet…” Mad’s voice trailed off, “I’ve gotta go help Velvet. If something else happens on the news, let me know?” 

“I gotcha. Tell Velvet to not kill Eliza.” Mad was quiet for a moment.

“Yeah, I’ll do that. Bye, Rhyme.” The call ended and Rhyme looked up at the TV. Eliza Gracy stepped out of her ship, a face of annoyance on display.

That’s my job.

The ship’s door slowly lowered and slammed into the grey dirt. A woman stepped out, dressed in a tight light blue dress decorated with clouds. Velvet gripped her sword tightly behind a group of bushes, Mad behind her. A tall man helped Eliza off her ship as she glared daggers at L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon. 

“Don’t kill her,” Mad mumbled. Velvet rolled their eyes.

“Whatever.”

“Now what is going on here?” Eliza’s high-pitch voice echoed against the fallen machinery. L’arj Mahnnnh cleared his throat and stepped forward.

“Eliza Gracy, daughter of Adnan Gracy and CEO of the Veris Mining Company, I order you to dismiss your troops from my land and never return!” Eliza blinked a few times before laughing. Velvet groaned.

“Gods, her fucking laugh,” the teen hissed. Mad nodded their TV.

“Wait, how come her guards have guns? I thought it was illegal for civilians to-” “Aw, Mad thinks the law applies to rich people.” 

“Listen very closely to me,” Eliza began, cracking her knuckles, “This land is uninhabited, therefore it-”

“Clearly it’s not,” Maroon interrupted. 

“Fuck, shut up,” Velvet breathed, their hand shooting up to their comms, “Stop talking, Maroon.” Eliza stared at them.

“Now…where have I seen you before?” She wondered aloud, drawing a pistol from inside a silver handbag hanging on her shoulder. Velvet took a deep breath as Maroon froze. 

“Mad, get ready.”

“For what?” The assassin didn’t answer.

“Oh well,” Eliza muttered, raising the weapon. Velvet jumped out of the bushes and threw Kil-layye Mo’ore towards her. The blade knocked the firearm to the ground before zooming back to the teen’s hand. Mad hastily followed, nearly tripping over a branch but joining L’arj Mahnnnh and Maroon. Eliza looked down at her fallen gun before locking eyes with the robot. 

“That’s where I recognise you from,” she called out, “Mad, was it?” Mad’s screen went blank as Maroon looked up at it.

“Mad, you know her?”

“Know is a. Strong word.” 

“Fuck off, Eliza!” Velvet shouted, raising her sword, “This land is taken.” The woman frowned, finally looking at the teen a metre or two in front of her. 

“Velvet, Velvet, Velvet. You are so much better than this. What did you do to your poor hair? It was so-” She was cut off by Kil-layye Mo’ore slicing the side of her own hair. Eliza let out a shriek. 

“There, now we match,” Velvet growled. L’arj Mahnnnh let out a loud laugh.

“You are no match, Veris! Surrender and leave now!” Eliza glared at him.

“Do you think two teenagers and a robot scare us? We have nearly half a thousand personnel arriving here shortly. I’ll offer you the same deal: surrender and leave now or face the authorities. And I’m not sure little miss Velvet here would survive that…interaction.”

“You won’t fucking-” Velvet threw the sword again, but Eliza bent over and picked up the gun. She fired a shot at the assassin that grazed their left arm. A mushroom quickly shot up in between them as Velvet stumbled back a metre or so. 

“Velvet!” They shouted. Velvet bit the inside of her cheek as the pain throbbed.

“Fine!” the older teen summoned their sword back, “Take care of the soldiers!” Kil-layye Mo’ore flew towards the woman again as a bullet barely missed Velvet’s head. Mushrooms sprouted up around the whole field as Mad’s voice came through comms, asking for Solana and Thorn to join them. Velvet paused for a moment until pain erupted from her lower left leg. She quickly fell to the ground before bringing their sword up to block two more bullets. 

“Velvet!” Mad called out. Maroon turned to her and their eyes widened. Another mushroom erupted as the two mafia members ran to their side, L’arj Mahnnnh not too far behind. 

“I’m fine, it’s not too deep-” Velvet breathed, inhaling sharply as the pain spiked. Maroon looked them up and down before locking eyes with her. Their eyes seemed to glow a dark red, sending a chill down her spine. The younger teen turned away and raised a hand. Mushrooms sprouted on Eliza’s left leg, causing the woman to shriek and fall to the ground. The other soldiers laid on the ground useless as Maroon stepped forward.

“Maroon, wait!” Mad grabbed onto their right arm, stopping them in their tracks. 

“Mad, careful, something’s wrong,” Velvet said, shooting up. L’arj Mahnnnh offered them a hand, which they took. 

“Maroon, look at me.” Maroon shook their head, but Mad just repeated itself. 

“Finish her, Maroon Pembrooke, daughter of Maximillian Buysee!” L’arj Mahnnnh called out. The mushrooms on Eliza’s leg slowly crept up, reaching her upper body. She continued to scream out for help, but none of her personnel could do anything but watch. 

“Maroon, listen to me. Don’t kill her.”

“And why not, droid?” L’arj Mahnnnh shouted, “Let her pay for my twenty-seven fallen citizens.”

“Murder is not the answer!” Mad countered.

“It will avenge them!”

“But it won’t bring them back, L’arj Mahnnnh.” The mushroom growth slowed slightly, causing a small smile to appear on Mad’s screen. 

“Maroon, everyone is okay. Just turn around and look at me.” Maroon shivered before slowly turning to look at their friend. Their eyes glowed a dark red as they shook. Mad quickly pulled them into a hug.

“What’s happening?” Solana’s voice shouted from behind. Velvet turned to see Thorn and her sprinting at them. Velvet stepped away from L’arj Mahnnnh and used Kil-layye Mo’ore to steady herself.

“There’s still time, Velvet Bolton, daughter of Unor Bolton. Throw Kil-layye Mo’ore and finish her off.” 

“Velvet…” Mad began. Velvet sighed, turning to Mad.

“Nah, I’m good.” Maroon’s eyes were shut tight as they gripped the droid. Thorn ran straight past Velvet and L’arj Mahnnnh and grabbed Maroon from Mad. Solana stopped by Velvet and quickly steadied the teenager. 

“Literally, I’m going to start making you wear body armour,” the elf muttered. Mad turned to them.

“You don’t already wear body armour?” it demanded. Velvet shrugged.

“Don’t gotta wear armour if you don’t plan on getting hit.” Solana stared at them for several seconds.

“We are just... not even going to start unpacking that right now.” Velvet shrugged before jumping onto Solana’s back.

“Come on, we’re leaving.”

“Wait-” Velvet sent a glare towards L’arj Mahnnnh.

“Most of Veris’s troops are incapacitated right now. Feel free to do what you want with them, but we’re done here.” 

“Maroon passed out,” Thorn breathed, turning to Mad. The droid carefully picked them up before turning to Velvet.

“What…happened there?” The teen took a deep breath and sheathed her sword.

“I don’t know. Let’s focus on getting the metal, you know, out of my fucking leg. Then we’ll worry about whatever the fuck happened with Maroon. Deal?” Mad sighed.

“Right, yeah. Let’s go.” 

[cyn-write]

Oc x Canon Week: Day 2

Emlyn Soairse (Merida Twst) x Riddle Roseheart

"Dancing..."

Riddle was a well-known stickler for the rules and enforcing them the T. Whether it was grammar, school, or the Queen's rules, he knew and followed them all, but he still struggled with one set of rules: social gathering rules. Now for events like the Unbirthday Parties and Tea, that he understood, but at a "party", he found himself more flustered than a hatter without a hat.

He was invited to this gathering by his lab partner for enchanted botany, Emlyn, who was one of the transfers from Thatch Academy for Unique Mages. At first, he was nervous about having one of the kids from the delinquent school as a lab partner, but his fears were unfounded, as Lyn was an amazing partner. She was very nice and had a vast knowledge of magical flowers and herbs that the two often discussed while working together, but it wasn't until she caught Ace and Deuce for him that they really started to bond.

Apparently, she looked out for two freshmen in her dorm as well and faced similar issues with them as Riddle did with Ace and Deuce. They started swapping war stories and became very close in a matter of weeks. He learned that she actually use to be a rule breaker, but after an incident that landed her at Thatch, she swore to become a better person and help others away from the delinquent lifestyle.

Riddle had a great respect for her, and soon that respect turned to something else, something deeper than and stranger than any other connection he had. It wasn't until she invited him to a "party" that Ramshackle was holding that he realized he had fallen for the redhead.

Now here he was, gripping a cup of water and a plate of excellent spinach puffs in the kitchen as he watched Ace and Grim compete against Grace and Epel in pictionary. Apparently, this 'party' was their annual game night at Ramshackle. The dorm of 12 each invited a friend to join and they competed in silly games as teams. They pulled pieces of paper out of a hat to decide what game and who was playing. So far, he had witnessed Cyn and Jack competed in a game called twister with Lucif and Kalim, Nora and Deuce beat Ivy and Ortho in a pie-eating contest, and Third year Hank and Trey play VEE-tenis against Rhea and Jade. The group of people was odd, but it was... fun.

He was so out of it that he hadn't realized his team was pulled out of a hat.

"Hey Riddle, can you dance?" Lyn asked as she held up a piece of paper.

"huh? Yes- Kind of." He answered, "Why?"

"We're playing Just Dance," She said with that gap-toothed smile that made his head feel light.

"Just Dance? What's that?" he asked putting down his snacks as the group packed up pictionary.

"It's pretty simple, you just do the moves the screen tells you while holding the remote." Lyn explained and handed him a remote.

"Riddle is dancing?? This is gonna be fun." Ace remarked as his mood instantly shifted from grumbling to eager.

"My bets of Jezie and Floyd!" Lucif called out with a choir of agreements.

Riddle felt his nerves start to gitter as an oyster in a walrus' house. He reverted to his defult: rules police "Betting is against the-"

"The rules of Heartsyble, not the rules of Ramshackle. Your in our house so our rules," Ivy snapped back and Lyn placed a hand on Riddle's shoulder.

"Ignore them, I bet your a great dancer," Lyn smiled and helped Riddle fix the safety strap onto his wrist.

"Thank you," Riddle muttered as his face started to blush at her touch. He had the love bug bad.

"Alright, enough talkin' more dancing! What song we doin' Jezie!" Floyd called out to his eel cousin.

The very tall Jezabelle navigated the game to the random song selection. Riddle watched the screen nervously as a multitude of songs he didn’t know flashed across the screen till it stopped and the song lit up the screen: "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing .

"Oh, I love that movie," Cyn remarks as Jez and Floyd snicker.

Lyn smiled and saw Riddle's nerves in the form of the blushed on his face.

"Let me guess, you haven't seen Dirty Dancing?" Lyn asked.

Riddle shook his head and fiddled with his sleeves.

Lyn tilted her head for a moment before leaning down and whispering something into his ear. In just a few words, Riddle went from a nervous to determined. He nodded to the smiling Lyn and she called over to the eels, "We're ready when you are."

Floyd and Jez smiled as she pressed play. The characters came up on the screen and Lyn helped Riddle get into place and navigate the screen to the male player.

"Just focus and copy him. Don't pay attention to anyone else. We got this." Lyn said with a smile as she stood next to him.

"Ready?" Jez called and the two nodded.

Riddle was still nervous as a late hare, but he was determined to win. He had to win. He couldn't let Lyn down. She had trusted him to be her teammate so he was going to be the best teammate he could be.

The music started and his person appeared on the screen. At first he struggled to follow the moves as the music started, but once he realized it was a pattern, he got the groove of it. He didn't even realize he was starting to have fun!

"Groovy Hearts! Groooovy!" Someone shouted behind him as he smiled and kept dancing. Lyn has at his side, following the girl and smiling as she followed the lady.

Riddle began to block out the noise, all he heard was the lyrics and all he saw was the screen and Lyn. Her red hair bouncing in their ringlets, freckles like stars as she smiled, she was beautiful in Riddle's eyes. As the music died down, he heard some of the comments:

"FLOYD! Your doing the wrong moves!!"

"What are you doing! There Winning!"

"Ehh- I wanna be the girl! Jezzy lift me!!!"

Before he knew it, Floyd and Jezzy were on the floorrustling around trying to get up.

That is when he realized they were winning. "Come on Rids! We got this!" Lyn commented, a slight accent slipping that she often covered.

Finally, the came to the final pose, he held hands with Lyn, and then the two shuffled back. They were done. On the screen the coupled did an impossible lift, but in the living room of Ramschackle, Lyn ran up to Riddle and captured him in a tight bear hug.

"We Won!!" Lyn cheered.

"W-we did.. WE DID!" Riddle hugged her back. He was smiling and laughing and didn't realize what he was doing till Lyn kissed his cheek.

"Told you we could do it!" She cheered as the group chatted, congratulating the two.

But Riddle didn't hear anything... all he heard was Lyn's whisper as he stood in shock:

"Just follow the rules and you'll be okay. And If we win this, we can watch the movie together, just the two of us. As a date... so dance with me."

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

This is day 2 of the @theocxcanonweek !

I know I am very late to the game, but I want to complete what I started! So expect more from these challenges and please like and reblog!!

[phantomtwitch]

So, uhhhhh, I wrote a thing for this as my backup Invisobang fic in case I couldn’t finish that, but I feel pretty good with the progress I'm making on that one and I'm basically past the point of no return. I didn’t follow the prompt above exactly, but I did follow the same basic outline, I think. Anyway, it’s split into three parts, I’ve posted the first part today. You can read it below or read it on AO3 here.

 Past

Maddie sat in the lab, her goggles pulled down as she worked on fixing the Fenton Bazooka. The weapon had been a bit erratic lately since they started experimenting with a more concentrated form of ectoplasm for their power cells. She suspected it might be getting overloaded, the power too much for its outdated systems to regulate successfully, but that was easily corrected. 

“Mom?” Maddie jumped, almost dropping her tools as she glanced over her shoulder and pulled up her goggles. She still didn’t know how Danny managed to be so silent when he came down the lab stairs, which echoed even beneath her and Jazz’s feet. His hands gripped two mugs of hot chocolate as he smiled at her. “You know it’s pretty late, right?”

“I do. I also know it’s a school night, so why aren’t you in bed yet?” she asked as she took one of the mugs. It wasn’t her favorite - she much preferred coffee - but drinking that much caffeine so late would definitely turn this project into an all-nighter she didn’t feel up to at the moment, and she wasn’t about to make Danny feel bad about doing something nice for her.

“I can’t sleep,” he said with a shrug as he sat down across from her. 

“Are you worried about something?” Danny’s finger traced the rim of the cup slowly as he gave a non-committal hum in response. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

“I know, but it’s not–do you ever just get a bad feeling?” he asked slowly, staring off to the side as she put her goggles back on and continued to work on the Bazooka. “Like there’s something wrong or something bad is about to happen but you don’t know what it is?”

“I think everyone does. There are actually some really fascinating studies about it, too, such as cases where a plane crashes and there are higher numbers of cancellations and passengers missing the flight,” she said as she picked up her soldering iron to connect the wires for the new circuit she installed. “Not all of them hold up to scrutiny, but it does suggest that at least some people might have some heightened awareness pertaining to personal risks. Your father and I have our theories about it and how it might work, but it’s not really our specific area of research even though most would argue that it falls under paranormal studies.” Maddie took a sip of her cocoa as she looked up at Danny. “But most of the time a bad feeling is just that, hon, and you really should try to get some sleep.”

He was silent for a moment as he stared at the portal. The doors were sealed shut, the swirling green ectoplasm hidden away behind it, yet for a brief second, she swore she saw a hint of it impossibly reflecting in Danny’s normally blue eyes. “It feels like the day before I had my accident,” he said as he looked back over at her, and the green light she thought she saw was gone. It was probably a trick of the light or her own exhausted mind hallucinating. “And I’ve felt something like this a few times since then, of things just not being right, I guess, and something bad has usually happened afterward.”

“Are you telling me you think you’re psychic?” she teased gently, and he shook his head. 

“No, it’s not–I know–” he stopped as he looked over her shoulder for a moment, frowning, but when she turned to look there was nothing there but an empty staircase. “It’s stupid.” 

“It’s not.” Maddie reached out a hand and gently placed it on his arm. Despite being in a heavy sweater, Danny’s arm still felt cold to her, unnaturally so. It was a side effect from his accident, but it always worried her. “I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t listen when my gut said something was wrong. If you want, you can stay down here with me for a bit while I finish this, and with any luck by the time I’m done, the feeling will have passed and we can both get some sleep.”

“Thanks. What are you working on, anyway?” 

“There’s an issue with the bazooka right now. The circuits in it have been overloading, likely because of the new power source your father and I installed. We thought it could handle the load from it, but clearly, we miscalculated somewhere,” she said as she connected the two wires together. Danny drank his hot chocolate, watching her while she worked for a bit. She found herself paying more attention to him than she probably should while doing something so delicate, but it was hard to ignore all the signs that something was wrong with him and had been for a long time, especially when he was sitting right in front of her.

They knew Danny was struggling - how could they not? The dark circles under his eyes suggested more than one or two nights with no sleep, but even when they took away access to his computer and electronics so he couldn’t play video games until three in the morning with his friends, things didn’t improve. His teachers mentioned that on his best days he was usually late to class, and on his worst, he didn’t make it at all. They tried to have Jazz bring him to school rather than letting him walk, but somehow between her car and his first period class, he still vanished. Sometimes Maddie would notice a bruise or two, which Danny shrugged off as his being a bit awkward and careless sometimes. A part of her almost believed it since he’d been banned from handling the lab equipment in school after breaking over a dozen beakers during his freshman year chem classes, but she suspected he might be getting bullied, too. His teachers insisted they saw no signs, but it was hard to believe that such regular bruises could come from being clumsy alone.

His grades were poor enough that Mr. Lancer mentioned Danny might need to repeat a year. She hadn’t broken the news to her son, knowing it would crush him to not move on to his junior year with his friends, but no doubt Danny had a hunch. No amount of punishments or support seemed to help him. Part of the issue seemed to be his confidence - Danny never believed he was as smart as his sister, though Maddie and Jack knew otherwise - but the rest of it? Not doing his assignments, missing classes, staying out late? They had no explanation for it. Maddie searched his room once, looking for potential signs of drug use or literally anything that might explain what was wrong with him, but she found nothing.

“Mom?”

“Hmm?” she glanced up at him.

“There’s something I need to–” he began, when suddenly her hand slipped and an explosion rang out. She saw Danny’s eyes go wide as he lunged across the table at her rather than away, even as she herself was flown back from the force. Pain blossomed in her chest as she felt her organs rupture, her bones breaking, and–

–and then she was standing next to herself, the pain gone as the scene remained frozen in front of her. She glanced down at her hands, oddly translucent, and swallowed as terror blossomed within her. “Am I . . . ?”

“Dead?” finished someone, and turning around she saw a ghost hovering by the staircase, red eyes gleaming at her from beneath a dark purple hood. His hand gripped a staff with a clock on it, and there was, impossibly, another clock in his chest behind a glass panel. He wore large gloves covered in watches, and with his free hand he picked up his stopwatch for a moment, flicking it open before letting it fall back to his side. “Probably not. That potential exists, but it’s rather unlikely. A fraction of a percentage at best.”

“But the explosion, it–” she stopped, looking back at the scene unfolding in front of her, aware for the first time that it was moving but ever so slowly. She knew what happened, that she must have accidentally caused the new power source to explode when she looked up at Danny, and then her heart ached as she saw him in mid-flight, leaping over the table. “Danny?” There was no way he would live, not when he was so close, and if she could cry, she knew she would, but no tears came to her in her incorporeal state. 

“We’re not here to discuss him,” said the ghost, and her heart sank, as good a confirmation as any that her son wouldn’t survive this, that for the second time in his life one of their inventions would be the cause of so much pain. They should have abandoned their work after the portal started or at least moved the lab off site so the house would be safer for their kids, but they hadn’t. Jack and Maddie thought Danny would be more careful. They thought they all would be more careful. “He’s not important right now.”

Suddenly the ghost’s form shifted, turning into an elderly, hunched man with a long white beard, and Maddie flinched but stood her ground. “There’s nothing more important to me than my family.”

“Oh? I suppose we’ll see,” he said, his odd grin sending chills down her spine.

“What?” Maddie stared at him. “Who are you? Are you supposed to be Death?” She never believed in Death before, or at least, not as a sentient being. Death was natural, an ordinary part of existence for all things and all people. Anthropomorphizing it was common, with various depictions and iterations over the years including the infamous Grim Reaper, yet giving it form was simply a way for people to find comfort in their end, the hope that the loneliest moment of their existence would be met with someone that would calmly and quietly guide them to whatever particular afterlife they believed in.

Or so Maddie thought. “Technically, I am Clockwork, the Master of Time, but any ghosts or spirit can be called upon to act as a guide in the moment of death. Or near-death, as the case may be here. The one who would usually accompany you right now is a bit preoccupied at the moment.” He smiled like it was an inside joke of sorts even as his form shifted yet again, this time to that of a young child. “But as his guardian, I have the right to stand here with you in his stead.”

“Whose guardian? Who should be here?” she asked. “And why–why is this happening at all if I’m not actually dead?”

“Because your heart will stop beating for a moment. Your organs have ruptured and failed, and your bones have been broken. The blood that flows through you will cease its movement, if only for a few seconds, and you will be functionally dead,” said Clockwork. “Walking the path now, despite this not being the end of your life, presents an opportunity for growth and for change, for understanding as your life flashes before your very eyes. The general hope is that you’ll take this experience and return with a different perspective on things.”

He frowned, suddenly, rolling his eyes in exasperation. “Of course. A moment, if you will.” Clockwork vanished, leaving her alone, and carefully she walked through the lab, her body intangible as she went to Danny. Even if she survived this, the damage that Clockwork described, that she’d felt in that moment before her spirit or ghost was whisked here outside of herself? There would be no true recovery from it. At best, she’d be comatose, forever dreaming in a hospital bed as the world moved on without her. At worst, she’d be stuck with crippling injuries for the rest of her life that no doubt included significant brain damage, rendering her into a mere fraction of who she was. If those were the options, she would much, much prefer to simply be dead and to move on to what, if anything, lay beyond.

“I’m sorry, Danny,” she whispered. No doubt if he survived this, he would end up no better than her, but the likelihood of him living through the explosion seemed impossibly small. That the ghost wouldn’t answer her directly about Danny’s condition only reinforced her belief that he wouldn’t make it out of this alive even as she did. 

Clockwork returned his form that of an adult, and he scowled at her. “What are you doing?”

“If my son–if he’s going to die–could I guide him? Do whatever it is you’re going to do for me?” she asked.

“You are neither a ghost nor a spirit in truth at this point,” said Clockwork, his tone softer. “Too connected to your own body, still, to act in such a role. And even if it were possible, I don’t believe Danny would want that.”

“How dare you act as if you know what my son would want?!” she snapped, jabbing a finger hard in his chest. “What could you possibly know about him compared to me?! I’m his mother! I love my son, and if anyone has a right to be there with him, then it’s me!”

The ghost didn’t flinch. “I am the Ghost of Time. I can see every moment, every second of all that has passed. I can see all of the other branches that never were, the twists and turns in the timestream and every possible timeline. This is not about whether you love him or not. If anything, your love for him is precisely the issue. He knows you care deeply about him. He knows that you love him, and he loves you, too. If he didn’t believe that, he wouldn’t be here with you now. He would not have thrown himself into danger to try to save you. Your son would not want you at his side because he fears that he is undeserving of the love you have given him and that seeing his life, the moments that have made him, would only help you come to that conclusion.”

“There’s nothing my son could do that would make me stop loving him,” said Maddie, but it hurt her that Danny didn’t realize it, that he believed that there was something about him that could make her hate him.

Clockwork rubbed at his temples, finger pressed against the scar over one of his eyes. “So I’ve told him many times, but the boy’s rather stubborn.”

“You know my son?”

“Did I say that?” he said as she crossed her arms, staring at him, and he sighed as he shifted into his elderly form. “Fine. Yes, I know your son. He’s had more than a few near-death experiences, and I have acted as his guide during those moments.”

Her eyes drifted to the sealed portal on the wall. “The portal accident?” 

“Amongst others.” He waved his hand as Maddie’s stomach clenched. What others? How many near-death experiences could her son have possibly had? “But we are not here to talk about your son. We are here for you, and we have a schedule to keep. So come with me.”

In any other circumstance, Maddie would not have let him lead her anywhere, but so far at least the ghost hadn’t attacked her, and clearly, he knew something about Danny. Maddie didn’t need to relive her life or whatever this was to understand who she was as a person. She knew herself better than anyone, and there was a very, very real chance that this was nothing more than a mere hallucination conjured up by her brain as she died. But if it meant a chance to figure out what happened to Danny, she would take it even if it felt like too little, too late.

 Swallowing, she took his offered hand as he tapped the ground with his staff, sending a ripple through the lab, and Maddie blinked as she found herself back in her childhood home in Spittoon, Arkansas. Her Dad was standing at the stove working on making some sauce for lasagna, and a small Christmas tree remained tucked in the corner. A gentle fire burned in the fireplace, and despite her incorporeality, Maddie swore she could smell the smoke, that she could feel the warmth from it spreading through her once more. 

Seeing her father made her chest ache. She missed her parents terribly. Her father passed away six months ago from pancreatic cancer, and her mother was in hospice at the moment, suffering from severe dementia. Maddie tried once to visit her, but the way her mother stared at her, as if she were a stranger . . . she couldn’t bear to do it again, leaving her care mostly to Alicia. She rationalized it by saying that Alicia was closer, that she could send money and support and it would be fine, that it would be easier and better for everyone if her mother remained the person from her memories and not the ghostly, fragmented woman she was now, but Maddie knew she was being selfish. 

“I remember this,” she said softly to Clockwork as she spotted herself sitting in a big armchair, a notebook in her lap. She was four, almost five then. “Mom and Alicia went shopping. I didn’t want to talk about it in front of them since I knew Mom would lie to me and Alicia would get upset.”

Her younger self jumped out of the chair, running right through her and over to her Dad as she tugged on his sleeve. Maddie shivered as she passed through her, but her younger self appeared not to notice. “What, Mads?” he said. “Do you want to help?”

“No. I need to talk to you,” she insisted. 

“Oh?”

“Santa’s not real,” she said immediately with a sly smile. “Neither is the tooth fairy or the Easter bunny. It’s just you and Mom.” She remembered this moment, how proud she felt. The problem was laid out before her, and she knew if she could see her notebook, it would be filled with all the proof she accumulated, the logical inconsistencies she stumbled across. 

“Santa isn’t real?” Her Dad turned to her and squatted down, getting eye level with her. “Why would you think so?”

“Because everything about it doesn’t make sense. No one can live forever, Dad, and no one can get to every house around the world in a single night. It’s a mathematical impossibility,” she said, the big words tripping over her tongue in excitement as she thrust the notebook at him. “See?”

Her Dad took it from her, his eyes scanning over it. “It’s magic, love, not science. Though your math is impressive.”

Present Maddie snorted. She was a brilliant child, but she doubted there was much merit to her childhood self’s calculations, even if the conclusion remained accurate. “There’s no magic, Dad. I’m almost five. Don’t lie to me.”

“Of course there’s magic. That’s not a lie, Mads,” he said. “What would you call love?” 

“Brain chemicals. I read about it,” she insisted. She had, hadn’t she? In some science book that largely went over her head, the overall specifics too complicated, too complex for her young mind to truly grasp, but that didn’t matter. The ideas were what stuck. 

“How sad,” mused Clockwork, his form that of a child again as he watched. 

“Sad?” repeated Maddie. What could possibly be sad about it? But Clockwork didn’t answer. 

“I suppose you’re too smart for me,” teased her father as he patted her on the head. “You’re right. Santa, the Easter Bunny? None of it’s real, not in the way you think. But there is magic in the stories. They give people little pushes, make them be better, feel better, when the world is very hard and might push us to do otherwise. They make them believe that things are possible. Stories have power, a kind of magic, even if you can’t always recognize it.”

Her past self scrunched up her nose, scowling. “That’s stupid.”

“Maybe so, but . . . please don’t tell Alicia, at least,” he sighed. She recognized the look on her father’s face, one that she had worn herself all so many times since her own kids were born. The one that said she hadn’t expressed what she needed to, hadn’t gotten her point across clearly, and didn’t think she could because they were being too stubborn. But while there was a little truth to what her father said, her younger self wasn’t wrong. There was no magic, not really. It was a lie. A comforting one for a child, and a frustrating one her own husband bought into despite being an otherwise incredibly rational person. “Let her believe in Santa and magic a little longer, at least.”

Maddie huffed, crossing her arms. “Fine, Dad. But she’s older than me. She should know better.”

“Maybe she does,” he suggested. “But you let her tell you that. Although I think now that you know Santa isn’t real, I don’t have to bring you presents on Christmas anymore.”

“Hey, that’s not fair!” she shouted as her father laughed, and then she looked up and saw Clockwork holding out his hand. 

“Come along,” he insisted, and Maddie reached out, taking his hand once more as the world swirled around them. She blinked as it coalesced and took shape. They were outside of her childhood home this time. It was clearly late summer, the sun sitting high in the sky, and she could feel the heat or at least the memory of it on her skin. Her older sister was there, her overalls stained as she carried a bucket over to a much younger Maddie. She looked to be about seven or eight now. It seemed like quite a jump forward. 

“Why now?”

“Why any memory?” said Clockwork, waving a hand. “You’re the one picking the moments. I’m merely here as an escort.”

Was she? Somehow she doubted it. There was no reason to trust the ghost was being honest with her, after all. 

“Now what?” asked Alicia. Her sister looked frustrated, but she always helped her with her experiments when she was younger, and as Maddie looked over she recognized which one it was.

“I want to see if they do it on purpose,” said Maddie.

“Do what?”

“I left a glass of soda in my room. The ants went in it and built a bridge made out of their own bodies,” said past Maddie. “I read about it, too, where ants will kill themselves and sometimes form a thing called ant mills.”

“Ant mills?”

“It’s a death spiral,” said Maddie with a shrug. “They follow pheromone trails, and sometimes they can lead back into themselves and the ants will keep spiraling around and around until they die. I wanted to see if I could get them to do that on purpose. That’s why I need the bucket.”

“You’re just going to kill them?”

“They’re ants. There’s hundreds of them, and it’s not like it’ll hurt the colony,” she insisted, and her younger self rolled her eyes at Alicia’s horrified expression. “They’re not people, Alicia.”

“But it’s–you already know that this happens. Why do you have to do it?” argued Alicia. 

“Because science is full of studies where you do the same thing again just to make sure the first experiment was right and not a fluke or whatever,” said Maddie with a shrug. “You don’t have to help if you don’t want to, but if you can’t even kill ants, I don’t know how you’re going to go hunting with Dad next fall.”

“That’s different! We hunt for food, for–”

“--food that we can get at the store? Come on, Alicia,” she huffed. “Your reason isn’t any better than mine. You’re just curious, too.”

“It is, though! This–this is sick. It’s some kind of sick experiment and it’s cruel, Maddie!” she snapped, but her past self simply returned to prepping the experiment, ignoring her sister as Alicia stormed off. 

“Are we ants to you?” asked Clockwork suddenly as they watched her younger self together. There was no judgment, no condemnation - merely curiosity. 

“Ghosts?” He nodded. “Ghosts clearly have more awareness and intelligence than ants, but they still act primarily on impulses, on inclinations that are tied to their obsessions, even if they lead to self-harm in the process. Desiree is the best example of that. She’ll grant wishes that actively cause herself harm because she is, ultimately, subject to the specific impulses that don’t allow her to act in the interest of self-preservation. So in that respect, I suppose you are little more than ants.”

“How fortunate for you. It would no doubt cause you much grief to believe otherwise, given the experiments you’ve performed,” mused Clockwork. 

“Are you suggesting I’m deluding myself?” said Maddie. She silently wished that whoever else was supposed to be with her now was here instead of this odd, cruel ghost, and wondered what could have been so important to keep them away. Though, she supposed, there was always a chance they would be even less kind than Clockwork had been so far.

“Am I?” His form shifted as he smirked at her. “Let’s move on.”

They traveled through a few more moments from her childhood. Her first kiss, under the stars, when she was eleven years old, with a boy she never liked or loved, but Maddie by that point wondered so much about what being kissed was like that she let him kiss her anyway. She found it a bit unappealing and wet, the kiss sloppy and gross. She decided she would never let herself be kissed again, and adult Maddie laughed at her younger self. Perhaps in another world she kept to that particular pledge, but she certainly hadn’t in this one.

She saw herself firing a gun for the first time at twelve, practicing her target shooting for hours. She went hunting only once with her Dad and Alicia, finding the overall experience a bit dull as they spent hours sitting in the woods in a cramped deer stand, and the brief thrill that came with a successful shot wasn’t enough for her to want to go through with it again. But learning how to use a weapon properly still mattered to her, and she spent hours at the range, improving her marksmanship until she won several state competitions. 

She started taking martial arts lessons. They went to the moment when she finally earned her ninth-degree black belt at eighteen, and even her grumpy companion appeared impressed. That moment swirled into the next when she received her acceptance letter to the University of Wisconsin. She didn’t know what she wanted to study, but she was thrilled at the idea of leaving behind the small town of Spitoon, of finally getting to be on her own, unlike Alicia who stayed and moved into a small cabin a few miles up the road from their parents. 

All of these little moments, she realized, contributed to her being a scientist. A ghost hunter. And when the scene changed again, when the memory that came up was of her with Jack Fenton and Vlad Masters at an old, abandoned house, Maddie smiled despite herself.

“Ghosts aren’t real,” she said, full of the same certainty her younger self had when she declared Santa wasn’t real. She knew what was coming, what would happen here. The moment that changed her future so profoundly that it would be impossible for her to ever forget. “And even if they were, nobody takes paranormal science seriously, Jack.”

“But with so few studying it, there are plenty of opportunities for us to make a name for ourselves if you’re wrong,” offered Vlad, smiling at her, and Maddie blinked as she saw the faint touch of red in his cheeks, the blush her past self missed. Did he have feelings for her even back then? They’d only known each other for a couple of months, and it made her a little queasy as she remembered Vlad’s uncomfortable confession to her last year. She thought his feelings then were recent, not that he’d been carrying a torch for her since their college years.

“My ancestor was interested in the paranormal. It runs in my family,” said Jack with a grin. “I’m not gonna let the skeptics stop me.”

“And some of our ancestors believed that the Earth was the center of the universe,” she said pointedly, which made Vlad snort. “That’s an appeal to tradition, Jack. A logical fallacy.”

“Which is why we’re here, Mads. To prove if it’s real or not,” he argued. “And if the most haunted house in Wisconsin isn’t enough to convince all three of us, then I’ll stick with just being a regular engineer.”

“I’ll set up the EMF meters,” she offered. “You and Vlad should take the infrared camera and set it up in the daughter’s bedroom upstairs.” They only had a single infrared camera, the cost of more too prohibitive from her perspective for an experiment with a high likelihood of failure, especially as she and the others didn’t have a lot of extra money right now. 

“On it, Mads,” said Jack as he hurried upstairs with Vlad, and she saw the latter cast a forlorn look in her direction before he disappeared out of sight. 

“I’m surprised you agreed, given your skepticism,” said Clockwork, watching her past self position the EMF meters throughout the house.

“I had a crush on Jack,” she admitted. “I didn’t realize it back then, but if not for that I think I would’ve skipped it. Because he was interested in it, though, I wanted to learn more about it, too, and doing an experiment felt fairly harmless.”

“How very illogical of you,” he chuckled. “Yet you think love isn’t magic, or that ghosts are the only ones that work against their own self-preservation instincts given the right motivation.”

She opened her mouth to argue for a moment before snapping it shut. He had a point, albeit a small one. “It’s not the same,” she insisted eventually. “I wouldn’t deliberately harm myself.”

“What about doing so to save another?” asked Clockwork as they followed past Maddie up the stairs. “As your son tried to save you? Would you do so even if it brought harm upon yourself?”

“But that’s your proof that ghosts and humans aren’t of a similar level of sentience or complexity,” said Maddie. “Self-sacrifice isn’t something ghosts are capable of. They make foolish decisions with respect to their own well-being on the basis of selfish, irrational impulses. They would not make decisions for the good of ghosts in general, or another ghost in particular unless their obsession was specifically rooted in such a thing as it is with Phantom and his own obsession with protection. They simply lack the complexity to be capable of it.”

“Well, if you’re so certain,” he said, giving her yet another irritating smirk as they entered the room with Jack and Vlad and her past self. 

“Mads, look!” exclaimed Jack, waving her over to the camera, and she saw herself shiver as she walked over. The temperature in the room grew cold, their breath fogging in front of them despite the warm fall day outside, and on the camera, a cold outline appeared of a figure directly across from them. Both her current and past self saw nothing, but she knew it was a ghost.

The ones that they found on Earth prior to the opening of the portal were typically very weak, barely Level One or Level Two specters at best. With no continuous source of ectoplasm to draw on from the Ghost Zone, they were forced to survive on the emotional energy from humans alone, which proved too weak a source of continuous energy for most ghosts to continue to exist in the long term. The ghost in this house was an exception, powerful because of the number of teenagers and even adults that dared each other to spend time here, their fear providing a source of constant energy.

“It can’t be,” she heard her past self whisper as the ghost flew towards them, and then the ghost stopped, possessing her for a moment. Past Maddie grasped at her chest, collapsing to her knees as tears poured from her eyes and she whispered something over and over again while Jack and Vlad shook her shoulders, trying to get her to snap out of it. 

“How can I see this?” she asked. “Aren’t these my memories? I never–I didn’t remember this part. The overshadowing. I remember it happening, remembered how I felt after, but this?”

“I am the Ghost of Time,” said Clockwork once again as Jack and Vlad forced her to her feet and quickly rushed her out of the house, the overshadowing ending abruptly once she crossed the threshold. “We are in the past. The moments we’ve chosen have been selected by you, but we’re here in truth. You cannot interfere with the moments, cannot change anything given your current state, so there’s little risk to be had in actually taking you here.”

“So I could walk off at any point? See something else outside of my own experiences?”

“You have already seen things your past self missed, have you not?” he asked, his eyes flicking briefly over to Vlad, and she nodded. “But I would not advise running away from where your subconscious has taken us. I cannot guarantee your safe return if you do. Your presence is insubstantial enough that I might be unable to locate you and return you to the present moment and you would become lost, possibly for eternity, in the past until you faded.”

Something clicked for her then. “That less than one percent chance of death you mentioned?” 

“Indeed.” The scene shifted again, and she was in a lab with Jack, working on the proto-portal. 

“Maddie, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time,” said Vlad, reaching out to her, and she waved her hand.

“One second, Vlad. Jack, did you remember to fill the filtrator with ecto-purifier?” her past self asked as she reviewed their calculations.

“On it, baby!” he said, and her past self turned away even as Maddie watched in horror as Jack poured a can of diet cola in instead, realizing now one of the handful of reasons the proto-portal failed so spectacularly, the reason behind Vlad’s case of serious ecto-acne. They assumed some type of contaminant made it in and caused the experiment to fail, but seeing her husband’s error made her wince painfully. 

“I’m telling you, Jack, it won’t work,” said Vlad as he leaned over in front of the portal to inspect it, her past self too distracted to talk about whatever Vlad wanted to say mere moments ago.

“Bogus, V-Man, it totally will. This proto-portal is guaranteed to bust open the wall into the ghost dimension,” he insisted.

“Jack, these calculations aren’t right–”

“Bonzai!” he cried enthusiastically as he activated it, and both present and past Maddie covered their mouths in horror as they watched Vlad scream, caught in the blast, his body doubling over in pain. The scene around her swirled, changing to the hospital a month later. She was alone. Vlad refused to see Jack but agreed to let her come visit him once. She knew he blamed Jack for his accident, despite not knowing about the soda, either, but it wasn’t entirely Jack’s fault. Vlad had also carelessly walked too close to the proto-portal while they were prepping for activation. It wasn’t as simple as Vlad made it out to be, and despite Jack trying to apologize repeatedly to him, Vlad didn’t want to hear it. 

“Vlad, I’m so sorry about what happened,” she said softly, squeezing his hand. 

“It’s not your fault. You tried to tell that bumbling oaf–”

“--please don’t insult him. I know Jack can be careless sometimes, but he never meant to hurt you,” she insisted.

“Hardly an insult if it’s the truth,” grumbled Vlad. “If you keep working with him, at some point I won’t be the only one that ends up in a hospital bed, Maddie. He’s a careless fool. He’ll only hurt you.”

“Vlad, I didn’t come here to talk about this. I wanted–I wanted to let you know that he proposed to me,” she said, holding up her hand to show him the ring. “I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else, and I–you’re one of my closest friends, Vlad. I understand if you can’t forgive Jack enough to come to the wedding, but–”

“--get out,” he interrupted her, his tone icy. 

“Vlad, I–”

“GET OUT!” he roared, and her past self fled, running through the hospital door. Maddie stopped, wondering if she should follow, but then she found herself staring at Vlad as the man’s eyes glowed a brilliant, impossible red. 

“Let’s go,” insisted Clockwork, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“But Vlad–”

“--is none of your concern,” he said as the world around them swirled, and Maddie’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Was he possessed back then? Overshadowed? Was it a side effect of the contamination from the proto portal? But it couldn’t be that. Danny had a similar accident with the new portal in their basement, and his eyes never glowed with such an unnatural light. She shivered, not sure what it meant, not sure she wanted to know. It wasn’t something she was meant to see, but if she did remember, then maybe she could try to find a way to look into it. They were on friendly terms with Vlad again, despite her rejecting him after he declared his feelings for her. He might tell her the truth, assuming he knew what it meant.

The next memory, at least, was a happy one. There was no part of Maddie that felt sad about reliving her wedding day, and this time there was no rush as the ghost let them linger throughout the evening. The weather was perfect, the sun shining brightly overhead as she and Jack held hands, reciting their vows in front of their families and friends. Her parents and Alicia sat in the front, Alicia with her now ex-husband, and she saw her tough older sister cry a little even as she tried to hide it. 

Clockwork said nothing as she lived through the night again, as she watched herself dance with her father and Jack and her friends, smash the cake in her new husband’s face, and as her sister gave an  awkward, stuttering, yet incredibly heartfelt speech. She thought back then that it would be the happiest day of her life.

And then Jazz and Danny were born.

Maddie has a near death experience when an invention blows up on her.  Her soul was suddenly thrust from her physical form and time slowed down to a snails pace as she watches her body very slowly being thrown across the lab.

Death appears to causally explain everything. 

“Don’t worry.  This isn’t the day I take you. I’m just here to walk you through your memories. This is just the whole ‘life flashing before your eyes’ bit. We’ll go over your human existence, a second will have gone by in the real world, and you’ll be right back in your body only remembering all of this in flashes. The general aim is that you’ll go back to your life with a different perspective on things”

They try to show Maddie her life ‘Ghost of Christmas past’ style but during the tour of memories Death slips and calls her Danny.

“Sorry” they respond.  “I’m used to dealing with THAT Fenton.”

Maddie wants to know what that’s supposed to mean but Death is casually illusive on the subject, constantly trying to bring the woman back on task, focusing on her own life

“Huh? Danny? He’s just a guy I know. Anyway…”

“Don’t worry about it.  Lot’s of people have near death experiences. Let’s stay on track.” 

“This is about you. Your turn this time, Maddie.  Focus.””

Maddie only becomes more and more concerned over her son, and Death just won’t give her a straight answer.  Whenever Danny is apart of the memory, she takes notice of her son’s depressed look, subtle injuries, and how frustrated she is watching her past self not react to anything off about her son at all even when it’s obvious something’s wrong.

Often Danny would wander off somewhere on his own and Maddie tries to follow him.

“You can’t do that.” Death explains. “We’re in YOUR past.  You can’t go off to see what he’s doing. You’re not apart of that. If you want to see what the kid is up to, it can only be through moments when you were together.”

At first Maddie tries to do things Death’s way, but it seems like Danny is only getting worse every time he reenters after going off somewhere, leaving her with more questions.

Eventually Maddie can’t take it anymore.  She tries to ditch Death and follow Danny.

“No!” Death Warns “If you stray too far, I can’t guarantee this will ONLY be a near death experience!”