#oh hey I think I made Jason more of a freak than Grant for once

[autisticrosewilson]

In Trouble

Um. This is a joke that's not a joke that spawned from a conversation with @perseus-jackass about Nurse! Jason and Red X! Grant, that spiraled into a Miraculous Ladybug style love square situation lmao. OG's will remember when this was an ML blog, you could say I'm going back to my roots. Also this story is omegaverse! It's not really mentioned till Jason's pov but I don't want to blindside anyone

"Scream if you have to." Robin says gently, before wrenching his shoulder back into place. Grant does scream, he jerks and writhes but gloved hands hold him in place while his bones shift under the skin. There's a white hot pain that spreads through his arm, an aching relief as everything is realigned, and then everything goes prickly and numb.

Grant lays there panting, staring up at the smoggy night sky. Gotham doesn't even give him the courtesy of stars after subjecting them all to her madness. Robin had at least been kind enough to lay down his cape before his impromptu field med session, but goosebumps are spreading up his arms the longer his bare torso is in contact with the New Jersey air. At least Robin had helped him remove his shirt instead of cutting it off, as he'd threatened to.

"Good job," Robin praises, "you took that so well!" He grins, a certified Robin smile. Suddenly, Grant knows where all the stars went.

"Uh, thanks." Grant says absently, eyes tracing over the glint of too-sharp canines peaking out from cracked lips. Robin's a lip biter, he notes, the flesh has been scraped off. They'd probably bleed with little to no effort.

Grant wants to try, wants to taste it.

Slade clears his throat, and Grant remembers that his family is in the room, among several other hostages, and about twelve previously armed men who are now very unconscious. Robin himself has moved onto taking stock of everyone in the room, likely doing a head count and checking for any other injuries, but he signals for Slade to wait. He tilts his head slightly, finger coming to rest on the communicator in his ear.

"Okay folks, police are en route and the parameter has been cleared. I'm going to lead you all to the nearest exit, keep your head low and try not to make any noise. Listen carefully and stay behind me." Robin pops out of his crouch, helping Grant up as he gives the group orders.

"Look, kid-" Slade starts, and is promptly cut off by multiple snorts from the other hostages. The Gothamites, Grant realizes when he notices how calm they are. The collective reaction seems to throw his father off for a moment, but he continues. Grant feels a flash of second hand embarrassment. "Shouldn't you let the professionals take care of this?"

Robin smiles placatingly, it's got customer service written all over it. "I understand this is an upsetting situation, especially for a tourist, but we have everything handled." He assures.

Slade goes to say something else but Robin doesn't spare him a second glance, pulling out a handful of zip ties from one of the pouches of his belt. He gets to work ridding the men of weapons before tying their hands behind their backs, and then looping more zip ties through those to fix them all firmly together. None of them would be going anywhere anytime soon. He kicks all their guns to a far off corner anyway for good measure, but pockets a hunting knife one of them had been carrying.

"Secured," Robin chirps to whoever is on the other side of his comm, "Where to next?" He rolls his shoulders, resting his hands on his hips. After a moment Robin nods to himself. "Got it, meet you outside."

Grant watches as he heads towards the door, most of the hostages easily following his orders, they stay close together and seem to default to herding the omegas and pups in the middle. He almost gets swept up in it, shielded by the crowd, but then Slade's big hand is on his back bringing him and Joey to the front of the group just behind Robin.

He's shorter than he seemed earlier, when he was looming above Grant, backlit by flashing red lights like a blood soaked angel. He's slimmer without the cape wrapped around him, but with his gaze stuck to the muscle flexing in Robin's thighs he can tell the dark haired boy is stronger than he looks.

Robin leads the way, crouched low and keeping to the wall. The crowd does the same, unusually calm as they gently shush the children and tourists who aren't quiet enough. The implicit trust is breathtaking, the easy way that Robin commands the crowd with a cocksure smile and easy confidence. They only run into trouble once on the way to the exit and Grant barely has time to flinch before him and Joey are both shoved behind dad. Grant strains to see how Robin reacts to the two guards rushing at them but all he can make out is a flurry of movement and flailing limbs. There's the cracking of bone and then Robin's ringing laughter and then the hallway is still and quiet again. Slade's grip on his shoulder is still tight, Joey still pressed to Slades back. Grant nudges forward in time to see Robin securing the unconscious bodies.

He turns back to the crowd, hair a little messy and cheeks a little red but hardly even out of breath, and motions for them to keep going. They do, the group easily parting around the crooks before clustering back together. Like fish, Grant thinks, absently reminded of a trip to the aquarium not long ago.

They all file out in a straight line when they reach the exit, Robin holding the door open and checking behind for any stragglers before breaking away from the group to stand beside Batman. He looks even smaller next to the imposing figure of the Bat, but the cops seem to take his orders seriously.

Grant is pulled away by Slade and he barely realizes where they're going until he hears his mom's voice. She pulls him into a hug, all warm tobacco and vanilla but it almost doesn't register. She pulls Joey in next, peppering his face with kisses and surely staining it with her dark lipstick in the process. Her and Slade are talking about something over his head, but everything sounds like it's underwater. His attention is pulled back to Robin, sitting with some of the younger pups who are having their statements taken, someone's chubby toddler being bounced on his knee. He assumes the man in the nearby ambulance is the child's mother if his intent gaze and round belly are anything to go by.

Without thinking he clutches the fabric around his shoulders tighter. It's heavier than it looks, soft but tough. The outside is plastic-y, like a raincoat, but the inside is silky fabric slips pleasantly over his skin. He feels a tug on it from behind him, tuning back into the immediate conversation.

"Now what is this?" His mother frets.

His mouth opens but he doesn't say anything at first. "Robin gave it to me." He manages, the first thing he's said all night. He clutches the cape tighter, unwilling to let it go. It's a comforting weight, it feels like all that's keeping him on the ground, like if he lets go he'll simply float away.

His mother reaches for his face, tilting towards her. Her eyes are sharp but not angry, studying his expression and the look in his eyes carefully. Whatever she sees makes him purse her lips and glance towards the ambulance. "Oh my baby, you're in shock." She tells him, but the meaning behind the words doesn't register.

"First time getting his shoulder reset, he'll be fine." Slades voice, an attempt to be reassuring. Grant tenses before the words fully compute.

"WHAT!" His mom's voice is loud and shrill enough to make his ears ring and he knows they're going to start a fight.

He's shaking, he realizes, gaze dropping down to the trembling of his good hand where it's resting on her elbow. He doesn't remember moving it. Her skin is warm under his hands, he can feel the way her muscles are tensing as the voices around him raise.

He turns back to Robin, but the boy is already staring at him. At least Grant thinks so, hard to tell where he's looking with the white lenses, but he's facing Grant's direction. His lips are twisted, displeasure or concern maybe, and Grant wants to soothe him but he doesn't know how. Then his head tilts, just slightly, and Grant realizes that Robin had been looking at his parents. He can feel Robin's attention on him fully now, settling over him like sunlight. It's warm and grounding and he can feel his body again. Robin smiles, small and proud and encouraging. A secret just for Grant, to keep and cherish and own. And then Robin is turning, attention maddeningly taken by the others that Grant has just remembered. He feels cold, the kind of cold you feel in the early morning when you've just slipped from your warm blankets, the kind that settles on your skin and then sinks into your bones.

Grant's eyes don't leave Robin until the car pulls away, and as he's craning his neck to catch one last glimpse he sees Robin standing on his tip toes to wave Grant goodbye. He waves back, but the windows are tinted and they're already too far away.

Jason has a secret, and an embarrassing one at that. He knows if anyone ever found out he'd never be able to live it down. Jason doesn't even know how it started really, it's not like he's ever been interested in the latest trends or celebrity gossip.

Jason will blame Rena, because it's easier than analyzing the alternative. Technically it started with a routine hostage situation, but for deflection purposes, it starts with a link to an app that's trying too hard to be Vine. He'd squinted at it, toothbrush still in his mouth, half convinced it was a rickroll.

Jay: Why are you up?

Ren: Why are YOU up?

Jay: I asked you first.

Ren: I messaged you first

Jay: Not how that works.

He had rolled his eyes at the time, finishing up his nightly routine, reluctantly chewing on the multivitamins he's supposed to take every night before bed. The gummies only, never the pills.

Ren: did you watch the video

Jay: I'm not clicking an unknown link, Rena.

Ren: wow full name

Jay is typing...

Ren: Not an excuse for you to use my real full name

Ren: seriously watch the video!!

Jason remembers huffing, he probably put it off till the last second, until he was curled up in bed and on the cusp of finally getting some rest. It's all secondary to the video though, the familiar face split into a wolfish grin, those pretty eyes catching the flash of cameras and sending a wink towards the viewer. It's obviously some kind of rich person event, paparazzi lined up and a carpet laid out on the damn ground, but you wouldn't know it from how the boy is dressed. The orange and blue jacket over the button up would probably make him snort usually, but all he can think about is broad shoulders and warm skin under his hands. Unwarded he remembers what Grant's bare chest looked like, and then the image of strong shoulders wrapped in Jason's cape. He doesn't know how many times he watches the video before the next message comes through.

Ren: isn't he hot?

Jay: Who is he?

Jason already knows of course, but Rena doesn't know that, and he's not keen on informing her. She might start getting ideas.

Ren: Grant Kane, he's some old money CEOs son from New York or something

Jay: And?

Kentucky, Jason corrects mentally, Adeline Kane is from New York but the Wilson family lives in Kentucky.

Ren: I heard his mom is coming to your charity gala next week

Jason's heart skips a beat, teeth sinking into his lip to bite back the giddy grin trying to break through.

Jay: Once again, and?

Ren: And? C'mon when do we get to see new faces at these things? Especially ones as pretty as his!

Jealousy twinges in his chest, churning hotly in his stomach for a moment before he's hit with a flash of guilt.

Jay: oh? You interested

Ren: Pft nah

Ren: this is for you

Ren: my ducks are in a row

Jay: Hurtful, but whatever. I don't even know him. Maybe I don't want that duck in my row.

Ren: Start being real with yourself rn

Ren: I'm coming over tomorrow so we can decide on what you're wearing<333

Usually he matches with Bruce, or Dick if he shows up. He can only imagine what Rena is going to try to talk him into. Technically, Jason is unpresented, even though everyone else his age has already. Most pups present around thirteen, Jason is turning sixteen soon. Leslie says it'll be any day now, that with time, and love, and a steady three meals a day Jason will come into his own in no time. Jason isn't so sure.

Rena herself is a beta, but she's always been a bit of a rule breaker. More so than Jason anyway. She always goes above and beyond with her outfits for these things, with the kind of passion obviously bred from living with the biggest fashion mogul in Gotham. He can only imagine what her plans to play matchmaker are going to entail.

Ren: I've enlisted Eddie to help me

Jason stops, fingers hovering over the keyboard, jaw slack. The indignity! He doesn't need a- an intervention to help him get a date!

Jay: When did you guys even start talking?

Ren: YOU gave me his number

Jay: That was a courtesy! You weren't actually supposed to use it!

Ren: 😜

Jason scowls at his phone. He switches over to his chat with Eddie, certain the omega is still awake watching a terrible obscure movie he's going to tell Jason all about when they see each other again.

Jaybin: I've been betrayed, forsaken, abandoned.

KD: Ok edgelord lmao

Jaybin: STOP laughing I've been the victim of a conspiracy!

KD: Are people on Twitter calling you guys vampires again or do they have something more interesting?

Jaybin: Not that kind of conspiracy.

KD: ???

There's a pause as Eddie stops typing, Jason assumes to go Google it, before his speech bubble pops up again.

KD: Is this about me and Rena wingmanning for you

Jaybin: SO YOU ADMIT TO IT! FIEND! SCOUNDREL!

KD: Weird way to say thank you but okay

Jaybin: I don't need help.

KD: ok well we would LIKE to help

KD: please let us

Jason purses his lips. He hates when Eddie does this. Like he's the one being difficult here. Sometimes he feels like everyone treats him even younger than he is. Just because he hasn't presented doesn't mean he's a baby. He can't wait to be sixteen, hopefully by then he'll know his designation too.

Jaybin: Fine, but I retain full rights to veto anything you pick or any plan you make.

Eddie's response is a gif of a cat doing a happy dance, and though he rolls his eyes he likes the message. He's added to a new chat immediately, one with the three of them in it. Rena sends the video to this new chat, apparently named Operation: HONEYPOT. Jason finds quickly that his lack of admin rights means he can't change it.

He huffs, watching the two messages back and forth. Sending photos he's already seen and telling him information he already knows about Grant. The screen slowly goes dark as his eyes flutter closed, burying his face in the milky hazelnut scent just barely managing to cling to the shirt he's been using as a pillowcase, the MCTC logo pressed against his cheek.

It's a guilty pleasure, he supposes, Grant's smell in his nose as he imagines what his voice sounds like, of Grant pressing into his touch instead of flinching away. He switches to an app easily passing as a calculator, inputting the password without thought to pull up the tracking grid.

He skims over everyone else's - Bruce and Alfred are in the manor, Natalia is in her manor on the boundary of Little Italy and Summerset, Dick's phone is at least in his BludHaven apartment, Barbie is still staying at her dad's house until she gets used to her wheelchair - the one he's looking for is marked with the Robin symbol, blinking steadily, somewhere in Kentucky. The sky is probably clear for him, a star filled sky unobstructed by the pollution of the city. He imagines Grant staring out at the sky, red lip caught between his teeth, thinking about Jason. What he might be doing as he does.

Jason nods off, eyes fluttering shut, matching his breath to the gentle pulse on the screen.

[tinalbion]

Hey! First time asker here!This is kind of silly but in haunted houses my response to the scares is to growl, snap my teeth and try to scare them back, so... could I get the Unholy Trinity with an S/O whose response to fear is to react kinda like that? Like, instead of running away they go almost feral and attack them? 😅

Thank you for sending in an ask! I always see your support on my page and I appreciate you very much. I’m gonna call you Cal, is that cool?

I do something similar, except I laugh as if I heard the funniest joke ever, so I don’t think that helps whatsoever. The scare actors do the best job and I appreciate them! But imagine that, man, they’d be like, YOU’RE HIRED.

The Unholy Trinity

Michael

The fact that you drag him to a haunted attraction was a complete bore to Michael; what could they do that he couldn’t? It was childish and trivial, but every time Halloween rolls around, you get overly excited and want to go to one every single weekend. He finally breaks and allows you to take him to a local haunt where you knew that they went hard every year, changing the theme and making sure there was something new. You had been sure to dress up in a costume to make it seem as if you were both going before a party, making sure that Michael didn’t seem too out of place. 

Much to his dismay, the crowd was insane and he had almost gone back into the car, but you assured him that it was just a bit of a wait and you would both be in before you knew it. You had always grown anxious when waiting in line, but not due to the fear that most people felt when being scared, but you had grown incredibly excited for the new themed house you two were about to go through. Michael, as usual, displayed no emotion whatsoever and even brushed off a few of the actors that were trying to hype up the crowd outside. 

Though there was a thought that ran through his mind as he looked down at you, your face twisted into one of joy and patience. He had always snuck up on you as he would walk into other rooms, not purposely trying to scare you, it just happened to freak you out all the time. Did you act that way in haunted houses; a screaming, shaky mess? He would get a sliver of joy from this, he figured. 

Once you were both inside, it was already too much for him to even put up with considering he could easily spot each actor behind the billowing fabric or the loose panel on the wall, it was pathetic. You, on the other hand, had surprised Michael during the first few minutes upon entering the attraction. 

An actor had snuck up beside you and shouted something at you, to which you spun around and growled at him, baring your teeth. You looked like a feral animal as you balled your fists in an attempt to get the actor to drop his act and become the one who’s scared. It was your normal reaction, one Michael had never seen you do before when he was the one to sneak up on you. This was a whole other side to you that he hadn’t known existed, but he was quite entertained by the idea that you had become someone else completely.

After the house had ended and you both walked off ahead, away from the grounds, Michael turned to you and tilted his head in question, your eyes glancing up at his as innocently as you could. “What is it?” you would ask him, not giving any indication of what he would look at you that way for. “Oh, yeah, I figured you’d ask about it…”

If Michael had truly wanted to, he would have laughed, amazed at the sudden change in your demeanor, but instead he just chuffed as his shoulders moved slightly. You knew he was laughing at you in his own silent way, which you ignored and tried to hide your smile. 

“Shut up, Michael,” you chuckled and playfully pushed his arm.

  Freddy

You inviting him to a haunted house was an entertaining idea, but that meant pulling him from the dream world, he would be vulnerable, but you promised him it would only be for tonight. He knew how much you loved Halloween time, it was your favorite holiday and you loved to go all out. You were a young adult and you still took it as seriously as you did when you were a child, so he granted you this one night with him. He would have to use up a lot of his power to warp himself back into the human he once was just to keep attention away from him, which was something he had done in the past, shouldn’t be too hard, no?

You were giddy with excitement knowing he was going with you to one of your all-time favorite pastimes for the autumn season. You had on your favorite Halloween outfit and handed Fred his favorite leather coat once you were ready to head out. He made remarks about your outfit the entire way there, saying that you were trying to get him to keep you indoors with all that skin you were showing, but you shrugged off his teasings with a smirk. 

When you arrived, you were jumping up and down in place as you stood in line, watching Fred admire your child-like reaction. He could understand why you had clung onto the Halloween traditions since you had been one to grow up quicker than expected, but he was now curious to see how you would react to being scared. He couldn’t scare you much anymore; you knew his tricks and the feeling of when he was standing behind you, so he had figured you were just used to him. Were you used to scare actors? 

“Did you also know that there are intense haunts that could possibly use body parts in their decorations?” Freddy mentioned casually, trying his best to let you seep with growing fear. 

You scoffed and waved the thought away as you both entered into the attraction, your eyes as big as saucers while you took in the setup, the lighting and the decorations were incredible. Freddy smirked and slipped his arm through yours, escorting you around the corner where you both were met with a room full of dolls. You didn’t end up seeing the woman in the corner with the broken doll mask on, but as soon as she had made her presence known to you, you turned to look at you and tilt your head in that awkward, possessed way and smiled eerily, growling at the actor. 

Freddy was taken aback by your sudden change in behavior, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t turned on by just how you acted towards them. He wore that typical smirk the entire time as he watched how you would fight back, a few times almost having to drag you backward and away from the scare actors, but once the whole thing was over and you two left, he remained silent still wearing that smile.

“What?” you’d prod, looking at him with squinted eyes and a pouty face.

“Didn’t know you could be so wild is all,” he’d comment lightly, and you knew he was far from over. “It’s like I wasn’t even the threat, you were scarier than I was, and that’s sayin’ something.”

“Oh shut up, Fred-”

“Oh no, no, I’m definitely not done.”

That night, he made joke after terrible joke at your expense, but you had to admit, it was pretty funny. 

Jason

This boy wasn’t one to partake in going anywhere like a haunted attraction, especially with all of the people around who were most definitely going to comment on his appearance, but you assured him that going during the weekday was going to be more bearable since it was rather slow. He hesitantly agreed and he trusted you completely to guide him without allowing him to overstep his boundaries in front of a crowd of people. You easily assured him that you would both fit in well.

Once you were inside with Jason, he held onto your hand firmly, not being afraid of the house itself but of the circumstances. He barely had time to react when you had snatched your hand from his and snapped at one of the actors, your teeth bared as you growled ferociously. Jason was stunned at your odd and out of place behavior as you tried your best to scare the actor as he leapt out at you, but Jason backed away from you and tilted his head quizzically.

You walked away from the room and caught up with the large man, slipping your hand once again in his. He stared down at you through the eyeholes of his mask, looking at you as if he hadn’t known you had another side to yourself. 

His gaze was strong as you felt the hairs stand on the back of your neck, so you peeked up at him and smiled warmly like you always did. “I’m sorry about that…” you laughed nervously. “I tend to get a little...into the scares and try to scare ‘em back, I didn’t mean to.”

Jason still looked at you as if he now needed to study your behavioral patterns, his eyes filled with concern. He gently placed his hand on your shoulder and squeezed, assuring you that none of them would have the chance to make you act like that again. He figured it was your fear that fueled you to react the way you did, and he vowed that you wouldn’t have to feel that way. 

“It’s fun to see them react that way like they’re the ones being scared, though,” you confessed with a smirk, “but I got a little ahead of myself, didn’t I?”

Jason nodded and let his hand slide to the small of your back.  

[transboygenius]

SE4SON: Chapter 20

Jimmy, Nick, and everyone else sat at the main dining room table, helping themselves to a bowl of warm soup, and leafy green salads. Diana refused to eat anything prepared in the king's domain. Benson was sipping his soup slowly. Rodent Girl slurped hers in one gulp, then asked when's dinner ready. Sally merely swayed her spoon back and fourth in the bowl. Jimmy and Nick hardly touched their soups, for they were too disturbed by the painted portraits of the king. He was even naked in some of them. Despite Nick's lost of appetite, he felt like he needed something to drink. He slowly reached his hand towards the wine glass, before having it slapped by Jimmy's. No matter what century they're in, Nick is still too young for the consumption of alcohol. Jason was getting testy over this silence.

"Hmmmm... Seems to be getting awfully too quiet in here. I know! How 'bout a little story to lighten the mood? *Ahem* One time, on a dull summer of July, I had evicted a family of six because of a two day rent due and-"

King Jason's story was cut off as the servants carried the dishes to the table. There were large assortments of meat, vegetables, seafood, and dessert. Some dishes looked scrumptious, while some looked disgusting. Although, the "disgusting" ones were considered normal to medieval standards. The new cook, Stuart, helped Jimmy and Nick to his special of the day: Stewed rabbit meat served in bread trenchers.

"It's really badger meat. I couldn't catch the little rascal. But hey, fast food isn't good for you anyways. Please don't tell the king."

Every meal made it to the table, but King Jason wasn't ready to let anyone eat yet. No, ever since that incident with the last cook, the king came prepared. He called in the royal taste-tester. The royal taste-tester was a skinny, pale 17 year-old young man who looked like he hasn't been fed enough. When granted permission by Jason, the royal taste-tester was very excited to check for poison, as if he hasn't ate all day. One dish by one, he took a tiny sample from each of the food, trying it, and savoring it. Jimmy and Nick were weirded out. After letting Jason know that the cuisine is safe, the king asked him to leave. Everyone, excluding Diana, dug in. Jimmy and Nick started with their stewed badger meat, which was very hard to work down due to its "unique" taste. Nick traded in his stew for a turkey leg, and managed to feed himself without revealing his face. He just stuffed the drumstick into his helmet, then 10 seconds later, he pulls out a clean bone.

Benson was trying to decide on what he wanted to eat, before Rodent Girl eats it first. Speaking of Rodent Girl, she's just enjoying herself like a hungry hog, with the most ghastly table manners Jason ever witnessed. Diana stubbornly sat in her seat, arms crossed, refusing to touch the tainted food in front of her. Butterscotch took big bite chunks out of any dish he looked at, without even bothering to finish the whole thing. He delivered a forthright critique to the king about how his cook's meals tasted cut-rate compared to Nick Dean's gourmet art of gastronomy, but of course Jason only heard "Neeeiiigh whiiiineeey." Sally, being such a child she is, decided to skip to dessert, and grabbed an entire plate of shortbread cookies. She then accidentally dropped her napkin. Sally dove under the table to retrieve it, when suddenly, she saw that Jimmy and Nick were holding each other's hands. It was out of intimidation, but it looked like intimacy to her. She covered her mouth to drown out her squeal of excitement. Meanwhile, the king spoke silently among his chancellor.

"Look at them, Richard. Look at them. *At Rodent Girl* Disgusting. *At Diana* Arrogant. *At Sally* Immature. They're all a bunch of circus freaks. Who ever gave them the right to exist? But it's okay. I can tolerate their actions a little longer, *Points to Jimmy and Nick* just as long as these two sickos will take me to my awaited treasure. You can't find the nest unless the PIGEONS lead you to it. After that, I won't have to deal with them, or their reject friends, anymore."

Jason shifted an eye to the right to find that Benson was sitting at the far right of the table, close to the king. We all know what he was doing.

"Were you eavesdropping on the king, peasant?!" Asked Jason, in a strict tone. "N-no, your greatness! I j-just wanted to get away from Miss Oona's messy station!" Stuttered Benson. "There are plenty of empty chairs around! Now begone, before I have my guards escort you out!" "Y-yes, your greatness!"

Benson got up and ran to the farthest seat of the table. Meanwhile, the king was ready to make his proposal. He tapped his spoon on his wine glass to get everyone's attention.

"Good now. As did promise-"

Jason was then interrupted by Rodent Girl's noisy eating. That died down eventually.

"As did promise-"

This time, he was interrupted by Rodent Girl's loud slurping. That died down, too.

"As did promise-"

Now Rodent Girl was hacking.

"SILENCE, VERMIN!"

Rodent Girl then hesitated.

"As did promise, we shall be discussing the other half of our negotiation! Richard! Present to them the diagram!"

Richard was excused from his seat, then he gave Jimmy a piece of paper with a sketch drawing on it. It seems that Jason has never improved, cuz the boy genius thought he was a bad artist himself. He couldn't make out the object in the sketch.

"You want us to get you a headband with a heart patch on it?" Asked Jimmy. "No." Replied Jason. "Maybe he wants us to draw a better picture." Nick added. "NO! You mean you don't recognize it?" "Well, sometimes we have trouble reading certain art styles. We're not saying it's bad. *Nudges Nick* Wouldn't you agree, my fair knight?" "For crying out loud. You should know by now, you made it! It's the Amulet of Bind!" "Oh! That! Now rings a bell! That thing I made, a long time ago! For a special happy time!" "I hope it isn't too much to ask, but, I need this amulet. Please, this amulet is worth more to me than my own life! Ever since as a child, it's all I've been thinking of! Please, noble ones!" "Alright, it's yours!" "You mean... ...just like that? You want me to take it off your hands?" "Yeah, of course! Why would we miss one piece of jewel? I make plenty of other jewels for a living, and thinking of opening a jewelry store! We allow credit." "If there's anyone who knows how to turn coal into diamonds, it's him!" Nick added again. "Then what, after we retrieve this so-called amulet, bright eyes? You'll 'redeem yourself and become a more gentle king of milk and honey?'" Diana questioned the king. "Nah! I wast bethinking of packing up everything I owneth, departure this fusty village, and then opening up a new kingdom someplace else! I couldst make a much bigger one, with the fortune pawned from that rare amulet! It's worth at least a billion nowadays!" "You mean... ...you'll be leaving us?!" "That, and thee shall be free to doth whatever thee wishes! I'm taking everything, and throwing away the key! You could even elect a new king!" "YIPEE! *Jumps up from her seat* Boy, that sounds-! Wait a minute, your greatness. Why the heck would you want to leave your own village anyways? You were here long enough for the cemetery to run out of spaces, and burial was replaced with cremation! You said so yourself that you devoted your name to this village!" "Well that devotion was a lie, woman! I'm tired of being cooped up in this stinking four wall prison you call a township!" "(Even though you constructed those walls yourself.)" "I wanna step up my game! I want a big land to take charge of! Millions of people to worship me! They will be my new walls! I want not to be superior of just some dinky dram village! I want to be superior of a whole land, and then allow my kingship to grow until I'm known throughout the world! Wherefore am I talking to you anyways, mistress?! I shouldst be talking to them!"

Jimmy hesitated for a moment, before he was ready to say something. Nick stopped stuffing bits of food into his helmet and joined his friend. Everyone laid eyes on the two carefully, except Rodent Girl, who was still eating. With the king gone, everyone can now live in peace. The Faithful Five may never have to steal again. Of course, they may need to elect a new decent king, just to keep the whole village system arranged. This sounded like a too good of a deal to demur at. Having Jason out of everyone's hair could be what the peasants need. Jimmy was about to come to terms, but then he began to have a second thought. Jason may leave these people alone, but will he put his newfound town through the same jeopardy? What if he resorts back to hanging, capitalism, and leaving misfits to die? Rulers like him, who commit terrible atrocities, don't change that easily.

"Your greatness!" Jimmy spoke up. "Yesssssss?" Answered Jason. "You can have the amulet if you promise your new citizens: No more strict rules with overzealous penalties! Nourishment, medical management, and housing must be affordable! You have to provide equality for all if you're gonna be a good republic representative!" "Well,I'll be blown. What shall befall of me if be true I hold not my gage?" "Then I'll... ...summon my magical spies on you! That's right! I have spies everywhere! In the trees! In the skies! Did I mention they're also invisible? Once they report your actions to me, I'll cast a spell that'll morph you into a big pile of cow pie!" "Besides, the more people die, the less of the population to worship you!" Said Nick.

The guards felt threatened, but the king managed to calm them down. After that, Jason got up from his seat, and walked towards Jimmy. The boy genius began sweating in anxiety. Nick also got up from his seat, then stood in front of his friend with his life. The king looked very menacing. Nick was so scared, his armor was clattering. Jason shoved the tiny knight aside, and then offered Jimmy his hand.

"It's settled."

Forcing a smile upon his face, Jimmy shook the king's hand out of respect.

"Alright! *Claps hands* Chop-chop! Dinner is officially over! Time to give me what I've been patient for!" Shouted the king. "You want it now?" Asked Jimmy. "No, I plan to wait another year- Of course, I mean now! We're heading straight to your Research Edifice!"

...............................

The king invited everyone on a carriage ride. Butterscotch, already being a horse, had to walk on foot. Jimmy read through Mr. Philips' diary again, so he could learn anything about this Amulet of Bind, and the history behind it. Sure, it's worth a fortune, but the king acted as though it was much more important than that. Not even Sally knew about this amulet.

"Are you really gonna turn the king into cow pie?" Whispered Sally. "No, but I thought I could scare him into believing me." Jimmy whispered his response. "Ughhhhhhh, I hope you guys gain your memories back soon."

The carriage eventually came to a stop, and everyone stepped out. They made it. They've reached the Wise Wizard's Research Edifice. At least that's what it said on the sign. Jimmy and Nick studied the building up close. It was shaped differently from all the other architecture in the village. This tower was built in a cylinder form. The building had been abandoned for so long, it was now covered in moss and flowers. It was also huge. Almost bigger than the king's castle. It was tall enough to reach the clouds. The boys were both surprised King Jason hasn't torn this place down yet.

"Sure takes you back, doesn't it?"

Sally accidentally startled the two boys. Jason then ordered everyone to enter the edifice, and then brought his guards in with him. The place was all gloomy from the inside. There was dust, cobwebs, withered flowers, and rats everywhere. Rodent Girl didn't mind. She made new friends. Sally looked around for a while. There were some painted portraits of the Wise Wizard and Silver Knight, either holding hands or hugging. Benson stayed close to Diana as possible, in case anything decides to jump at him. The building looked haunted from his point of view. Jason commanded the squad to stop sightseeing and said they should stay on task. The king then led them to a staircase. There were so many flight of stairs, they couldn't see the top. Rodent Girl just scurried up ahead. She was particularly fast.

"THIS ISN'T A RACE, VERMIN!" Jason screamed his lungs out. "Do this wizard and knight fella live like this everyday?" Nick sassed.

Later, the squad had been climbing up the stairs for about an hour. Even Diana herself was hitting exhaustion. Jason was being lifted up the stairs by his two faithful sentries, who are now in great pain due to how much he weighs. Richard was glad he didn't have to take part this time. Sally hitched a ride on Diana. Nick supportively carried Jimmy on his shoulders.

"I can walk on my own, Nick. No need for this." Said Jimmy. "No... You have... ...the shortest legs... I won't let that happen." Nick breathed.

As soon as the squad made it to the top floor, everybody, who'd been walking, laid flat on the floor, taking a break to rest for a moment. However, Jason wouldn't let them. Both Jimmy and Sally helped Nick back onto his feet. HIIIIIIIII! They heard Rodent Girl's voice. She was waving at them. The squad, seeing her, all groaned in annoyance. Not because she made it before them. Rodent Girl was waving at them, from the other side of a bridge, dangling over a black pit that led to who knows where.

"This is suppose to be their security system?" Nick groaned. "No, I think it's yours." Replied Sally. "Can you stop talking for 10 minutes? Please?" "Okay, everyone! Ladies! Gentlemen! Listen! This faulty bridge can only contrive enough density to hold together. It'll be safe if we all walked across one at a time!" Jimmy explained.

The squad agreed to Jimmy's notion. Jason made the children cross the bridge first, since they were the lightest. Jimmy went first, then Nick, Sally, Benson, Richard, guard #1, guard #2, Jason, Diana, now it's Butterscotch's turn. Diana was giving him emotional support from the other side. Nick promised he'd cooked something for him. Rodent Girl started motivating him like a gym coach, in order to get him to "horse-up." Jason then insulted Butterscotch, calling him a "filthy animal." That made the stallion mad enough to gallop across the bridge. His stomping hooves, combined with his rage, applied too much pressure.

"BUTTERSCOTCH! NOOOO! THE BRIDGE WILL-"

Jimmy tried to warn the horse, but it was too late.

"BUTTERSCOTCH!!!" Diana cried, trying to get to him.

The bridge broke, and then Butterscotch met with a falling fate. She dropped to her knees, with tears cascading from her eyes. Her friends immediately showered her with comfort, but Jason and his authorities were getting impatient.

"LET'S GO! We're way behind schedule!" Barked Jason. "Can you be anymore INSENSITIVE?! We've just lost a trustful steed!" Diana replied. "It's just a horse! You can just get a new one!" "Just a horse?! Mister, Butterscotch was family! You can not replace family, or a scrapbook full of memories!" "You can, if you were living the majestic life like me!" "That's it! I've darn had it with this skin flint ficklepuss!"

Diana was about to charge Jason with her fist, but her friends, including Richard, had to restrain her. The two guards pointed their spears.

"A BUNCH OF POINTY STICKS WON'T SAVE YOUR HIDE FROM ME! YOU'LL BE ALL OVER THIS PLACE BY THE TIME I'M DONE TEARING YOU LIMB FROM LIMB! HANGING OR NOT, DEATH WOULD BE BETTER THAN SHARING THE SAME PLANET WITH YOU!" Diana raged. "Diana! It's not worth it. You don't wanna prove you're just as bad as him. C'mon, we're almost there." Said Jimmy, trying to calm Diana. "But, Butterscotch! IF NOT FOR HIM, HE'D STILL BE HERE!" "I liked Butterscotch just as you did. He was the second best four legged friend I've ever made. When this is all over, I promise there will be a funeral arranged, in honor of a brave, fun horse." "Yeah, and we can invite everyone in the village! Horses, too! I'll even cook up a collection of his favorite foods! Anything for Butterscotch's good name!" Nick added.

Diana took a couple of deep breaths.

"Okay. I'll keep my cool. Butterscotch was a pacifist anyways, so he wouldn't like seeing me kill a man." Said Diana, with pride. "Maybe when your amnesia is cured, you could probably bring him back." Sally whispered to Jimmy.

The squad then entered the next room, which appeared to have light. It was an empty library, and the room was lit from the sun shining through a strained glass window, also providing some color. All the books had been packed, and the shelves were left empty. A big vault door sat in the center of the room. A door King Jason tried to open for years. When Diana turned the handle, it didn’t budge, not even from her strength. She tried harder, but only succeeded in tearing it off. The door can only open from a password. Jimmy found writing was increst on it. A hint, maybe?

A special profound charm, in no need of a spell, that unites us together. It makes the world go around. This emotion is the strongest fuel of human power.

"Go on!" Jason commanded. "What?" Jimmy blurted in confusion. "Feed it the password! You still remember it, right?”

Jimmy hesitated, while sweating. Nick placed an arm around him, giving the boy genius a pat. If Jimmy doesn't know the password, then they're sure to expose themselves as frauds. Jimmy decided to do what he hasn't done in a long time.

"Think... Think... Think..."

Based on the info he learned from Joseph's logs: The Wise Wizard, although happy with his formal life, was extremely lonely. The Silver Knight, a well known celebrity at that time, was one of the most miserable men in the village. Ever since they met, they found themselves to have comfort in one's company. They were both powerful in their own ways, but they also had flaws that the two acknowledged with one another. The knight would put his life against his wizard, and the wizard would do the same. They cared for each other very much, for it was fate that united them. The pair has made themselves one. The Wise Wizard and Silver Knight cared for each other romantically. Joseph cared for them like fathers. Diana cares for the Faithful Five as family. Jimmy and Nick cares for Diana, Rodent Girl, Benson, and Butterscotch like they were best friends. Jimmy cares for Nick from the pumping feeling in his h-

"BRAIN BLAST!" Shouted Jimmy. "Is that the password?!" Asked Jason. "No! But I figured it out!"

Jimmy cleared his throat before saying

"L-O-V-E! Love!"

A few seconds later, a golden light started illuminating from the gaps of the vault door. Everyone stepped back as the door slowly opened on its own. The glow eventually stopped, and the object was revealed. There was the amulet, sitting on a display. It was a beautiful golden chain necklace, with a heart shaped ruby in the center. It looked nothing like the one presented in King Jason's drawing. It was better than imagined. Shedding tears of joy, Jason grabbed the amulet for keeps, then placed it around his neck. Other than the amulet, there was also a piece of paper lying around. While the king modeled around with his new jewelry, Jimmy and Nick read the paper together. It was a log, written by the Wise Wizard himself!

Before the Wise Wizard and Silver Knight were ready to leave the village and travel the world, they presented King Todd with the Amulet of Bind, something they made together. Todd's 14 year-old son, Jason, seemed to have found interest in the jewel. The two had told the king that their love was extracted into the amulet, which possessed a far greater power known to man. It is to be used for an emergency only, in case the whole village gets caught under carnage. They also noted that the amulet must not fall into the hands of evil. If it does so, then the amulet must be touched by a pairing of two, who hold a strong built-up bond. It is their love that will drain the evil of its magic. The two then whispered the password to the king, for Todd could be trusted. However, they never thought about his power hungry son.

"Pffffffft. Magic." Jimmy joked. "Yeah. An amulet that stores powers made by love." Nick joked back. "It's absolutely ridiculous."

Just then, Jason pointed his finger at the two boys, and conjured up a chain, linking them together. A cage appeared around Sally. Diana was about to strike, but the king used a stun spell on her. Rodent Girl scurried over to Jason, ready to bite. With the magic point of a finger, Rodent Girl's leg was suddenly shackled, attached to this heavy ball. Also, her mouth was muzzled up. He didn't have to do anything with Benson. The man just got petrified with fear.

"What the heck is this?!" Questioned Jimmy. "It's magic, you bafoon." Replied Jason. "Not that! Is this suppose to be the other end of our deal?!" "Young man, when will you ever learn that there are certain people you're not suppose to trust? You should know that people like me don't change their heart overnight! It seems to me you don't really know me at all!"

Jimmy looked at the friends he got in danger, also he thought about the one horse they just lost. The boy genius was so up in his pride, he didn't bother with the facts. His friends tried to warn him about this man. The red flags were right there. All he thought about was outsmarting the king into having a heart with his psychology. Jimmy needs to learn that it's his friends he should listen to.

"You know what's so precious about magic, Richard?" "Uhhhhhhh, it can give you anything you desire by just a slight gesture of the hands, sire?" "Correct! You get a raise!"

The king snapped his fingers and a bag of money appeared in the chancellor's hands.

"Wow! Bless you, sire!" "Don't mention it. Magic could make me a whole new man! For instance, I could change my shape into something I've always dreamed of!"

The king turned his tubby figure into a more muscular shape.

"It can also enhance my senses! *Sniffs the air* Let's see, *Points at guard #2* you had a tuna hero for lunch!" Said Jason. "By George, he's got it!" Spoke guard #2. "And, uh... *Sniffs again* Hold on."

There's something about the way the "Wise Wizard" and "Silver Knight" smelled that puzzled the king.

"You're not the noble Wise Wizard and Silver Knight, aren't you?" The king asked in an ominous tone. "What makes you ask that? We are wearing the clothes, and my partner here did figure out the password!" Said Nick. "Silence! If you were the legendary heroes, you'd have their scent! I've been there, and you two smell nothing like how I remembered them! As a matter of fact, I think I smell a little fear in you."

Jason lifted up Nick's visor, so he could look at both of their faces of shame. He glared at the boys with red eyes.

"You two are just a pair of pathetic, scared, commoner children. And to think I let you go, trespassing in my domain, posing as fake authorities! If I knew, I would've had your skinny necks hanged by then. But good news: It's your lucky day today! Since you've led me to the power that's rightfully mine, I'll give you a whole day to live before I ready the gallows. Your friends can join you, like a big happy family! Now's the best time to use that dungeon." "Your greatness?" Asked guard #1. "What?" "How are we going to get them out of here? The bridge is done for, and there's no way I'm carrying her down the stairs. *Points to Diana*" "Have you fools learned nothing on what magic can do?"

King Jason then teleported everyone out of the library.

[pandoraxharlow]

I Am the One // self para

“Hey, Harlow, where the hell have you been?” Pandora quit trying to light the tip of the cigarette hanging between her lips to turn around, the sight of Jason making her stomach plummet harshly. Jason, ex-boyfriend, all around douchebag she popped her cherry to, Jason. The very same one who couldn’t seem to leave well enough alone. He started out as one of those high school friends Pan either got high or drunk with on the weekends before those weekends turned daily and the partying turned into more than just simply sharing the joint. Jason may have thought they were serious and, okay, she might have given him the impression, but the relationship fell apart once she realized how undedicated to commitment she was. Not to mention, how toxic he became. “What’s it to you, asshole?”

“Ouch. You didn’t answer my question.” Jason breathed a chuckle and shoved both hands in his pockets as he approached the blonde, eyeing her with immense appreciation. That was another thing about Jason Pan could not stand, he couldn’t seem to resist staring at her like she was a piece of meat. “The fuck you disappear to? Me and Beca both tried calling you.” It’s how he and Pandora met. Through his younger sister. “I mean, you’re not even in Newford anymore.”

“That’s none of your business, okay?” Pan gave up on her smokes and stuck the unlit stick in her bag, “Since that bullshit with Vincent, my parents were up my ass more than usual. If I had to deal with another fucking boring lecture, I swore to all that is holy I wasn’t sticking around.” Liar, dirty, dirty, liar, thought Pandora, you know the real reason you stayed away from the faction and it had nothing to do with the folks. She didn’t want to keep her and Benji between her and Benji. She wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed even if she didn’t know what they were. All she really knew is how she felt, how she felt about him. All Pandora really wanted was something she could call her own. 

“You were never good at poker face, sweetpea.” Jason’s mouth turned in a curious frown, masquerading what he already knew with a faux pondering. “Is this the part where you pretend you weren’t in greenpoint? Or are you going to straight up lie about spending all of your free time hanging with Davenport’s ex golden boy?” Shit, he knew. Pan hadn’t made it that obvious, honestly, she was careful to cover her tracks and practice discretion. Maybe she didn’t try hard enough. “You realize what kind of company he keeps now, right, the band of psychos we all know do terrible shit for the dough.”

Pan couldn’t place her trust denying the truth would work in her favor, but it hadn’t stopped her nonchalant shoulder shrug, “Who I’m seeing or giving my attention to no longer became your concern the very second we broke up, Jason. We all do terrible things and we’re all terrible people, sweetpea, so how about you worry less on whose bed I’m warming and more on keeping your pecker away from my general vicinity.”

“So, you’re not even going to pretend that science freak hogs your efforts at normal romance. Come on, Pandora, you were never slow and steady.” Jason inched closer, too close for the young woman’s comfort, but she couldn’t stop him as she felt the small of her back gently press into the side wall of a brick building. His voice had always been silky smooth, seductive, demanding enough to make her do as he pleased. Some called it wrapped around his finger, she now saw it for what it truly was. Control. “You were always hot and heavy. Always in the moment. Impulsive. You lost your fun, Pandora, but you’re not going to find it with Evans.”

Pan breathed a shaky sigh and ran a tongue along her lower lip cautiously. “You want my confession, fine, here it is. I’m seeing Benji. We watch movies, we cuddle, he talks all adorable and nerdy and I’ll listen or I talk and he listens. He doesn’t pressure me. He doesn’t use sex to pull me under, in fact, we’re taking it slow. And I like it.” She pressed her head against the brick, almost hoping she could sink into the wall and disappear from this conversation as she shoved him backwards. “And he especially doesn’t treat me like his toy.”

“Look who turned into their sister.” Pandora watched the disbelief mar Jason’s expression. She couldn’t predict correctly what was going through his head, but she could guess he was in complete denial that is the way he treated her. A toy he could sweet-talk and reel in anytime he so desired. “That’s not who you are, Panny. Does he know who you really are? The drugs? Every nasty fantasy I fulfilled in that little head of yours?” Jason reached out a hand, gliding his fingers along her cheek delicately, the action sending shivers down her spine, “He doesn’t fuck you like I can and we both know it.”

Pan reacted to the touch almost instantly, instinct coming before thought as she pulled back an arm and sent her fist flying straight into his nose. She heard something snap satisfyingly, a small groan, and if the appearance of blood is any indication, Jason’s response told the blonde she broke it. “What’d you think was going to happen? You’d remind me of the good old days, dangle the many times I faked every orgasm in front of my face, and I’d come crawling back on my hands and knees? You were a piece of shit before, J, and you’re still a piece of shit now. You never deserved me, you self-righteous fucker.”

Jason’s already short fuse came to a sizzle since the first Benji mention, yet, the temper halted to a head as he shot out a hand and wrapped his fingers around Pandora’s throat. He ignored the gasp and even ignored as her hands moved to clutch his wrist tightly, and, while Pan may have tried, she didn’t possess the strength to pry him away. “Remember who was there when Mommy and Daddy thought you were the invisible girl? Remember who cared about you more than your own sibling? Who gave you the jacket, Pan, hm? You can tie your hair in a ponytail, ditch the heavy makeup, and lose the leather, but that doesn’t hide the fact, babe.” Jason tightened his grip exponentially, “I made you, Pandora, don’t you ever forget that.” He pressed a harsh kiss to her lips and released his hold altogether before taking one step back.

Pandora sputtered a significant gulp of air, the oxygen soothing relief as it filled her scorching lungs the second he let go. A hand lifted to wipe her lips, a hope to scrub the kiss away quickly fading. This is why she left. This is the reason why she avoided Newford at all costs. It may have been her family or the growing complications with Rosie, but with that relationship on the possible mends, it was Jason she was running from. “Fuck you.” She spat the words venomously, “If you ever touch me again...”

You’ll what? Rat on me to Benji?” He might take the risk, though, it never slipped his mind the rumors surrounding the kid’s new place of residence. Assassins capable to make it look like an accident? No one cared for Benji enough to grant his little lady friend a favor. “Oh, no, wait, you’ve been hanging around Cabello princess a lot too. You could spill the beans to your new bestie Eleanor and she’d pay to make me disappear. That’s how it goes, right? Doubt you’d want blood on your hands.” He scoffed, “Better yet, I’ll let slip to Savitri what a whore you’ve become, Pan. What certain disgraced scientist you’ve spread your legs for this time. Especially his personal connection to the same asshat who attacked your very faction. Naughty girl.” The man tsked, “What a conspiracy.”

“Of course, you could stop all of this if you just came and stayed home.” Jason continued, “You don’t need him or Cabello, Pan. I’m the one who’s here, I’m the one who knows you, and you know deep down I’m the only person who has ever cared about you.”

“Go ahead, tell that bitch what everyone probably already knows with their two damn eyes.” Pan’s eyebrows lifted as her voice barely made it past her lips, “I don’t hide who I’m friends with in this city unlike the entirety of St. Cascadia. I’m an open book. Oh, no, wait,” Her croaking tone turned mocking, “I’ll tell them myself because you know what? Even a disgraced ex scientist who never deserved banishment and a fucking hot ass Cabello doesn’t evoke half the vomit-inducing embarrassment being seen in public with you does, Jason.” 

“You’ve always hid the doubt and self-loathing pretty good, Harlow, I’ll give you that. You know where you belong.” He hissed through gritted teeth, blanching at the iron metal taste of the blood dripping into his mouth, “You’ll never be his, gorgeous.”

“And I’ll never in a million years be yours.” Even the attempt to swallow sent her throat screaming, “Jason, just get out of here and leave me the fuck alone.” He looked absolutely grotesque standing there, nose bent in several places, the scarlet red streaks causing a horror movie effect that pinched her nerves in real life than it did with a television screen.

“We’ll see about that, Pandora.” Jason began taking the slow steps backward, pointing his index finger to his nose as he did so. She tried ignoring the charming twisted smile he plastered on which hardly seemed to match the crooked state of the shattered body part he called a nose. “Fat chance you’d ever kiss this and make it better, right? I’ll forgive you when you get back.”

Pandora watched Jason’s figure grow smaller and smaller as he walked away, feeling herself fully breath a sigh of relief for the first time since he showed up. She was better than this, she was far from falling for his manipulative charisma. What if he was right? The leather jacket Pan was infamous for came from Jason’s collection and she didn’t truly don the black until he came crashing into her life. She did act in rebellion, but he pushed it further. Pandora slowly lifted a hand to her neck gingerly, knowing very well the physical attack would leave bruises. It was a strange thought considering how Rosie would respond or Benji or, hell, even Eleanor if she ever truly cared, but the first person to pop in her head she needed to tell, to ask for help, was Derek.

This, all of this...wasn’t over.