#please santa i have been very good i did all my homework and have worked hard on becoming a better person

[very-grownup]

Papageno and Papagena duet.

[dreamkidddream]

I absolutely loved the doll! mc one with the brothers and diavolo. Could I ask for the same idea with the rest of the undateables and luke? If it isn't too much though. Thank you very much, don't forget to take care of yourself and stay hydrated!

I’m glad you enjoyed the first part!! I hope you’re staying safe through this pandemic and that you’re drinking plenty of water. I’m so happy that people liked the Doll!MC scenario so much (it even became one of my top posts and I was NEVER expecting that to happen 😳 click here to read it with the Bros and Diavolo). I got an UR card for Barbatos today and immediately thought back to this scenario cause I was just imagining the different situations with Doll!MC. Hope you enjoy!

Also, Luke’s part is strictly platonic, just FYI!

The Undateables (Minus Diavolo) with Doll!MC

Barbatos

Let me just say, you make this man’s day so much better

Your presence is just so calming for him. You could just be standing there (which is heavily enforced in the kitchen), not doing anything, and he would still be fully relaxed

Definitely loves you being in the kitchen with him, and will find ways to invite you so that you guys can spend time together

“MC, the young master has a tea party planned for this afternoon, and I’m afraid I may need your assistance to help prepare.”

“But Barb, I thought you didn’t want me touching anything-”

“I don’t want you touching anything that can cause you harm. I can easily handle the labor, but I do have a task for you...”

Cue to you sitting perfectly still and taste testing his sweets

“Barb, are you sure that I’m helping you like this? I don’t want to be useless to you!”

“Nonsense, MC. This is perfect. I needed someone with an exceptional palette, and you’re just the right person for me.”

Just you and him, and his sweet creations. What more could he ask for?

Maybe being in a relationship with you, but he is very sure that it’s going to be happening in the near future...and he didn’t even have to use his powers to know that

He stares at you a lot. He can’t help it, he loves to just admire you!

Barbatos is the type of guy where he doesn’t have to rely on words to express his love. His love language is acts of service: packing you lunch and extra sweets every week, giving you recipes that he wouldn’t even share with Luke, and gifting you mini accessories that you can wear with your outfits!

He gave you this adorable three-legged crow holding a cupcake hairpin and you’ve been wearing it ever since

He tries to hide his blush everytime he sees you and now he has to work even harder because of the pin lmao

HAVING YOUR OWN TEA PARTIES WEEKLY

You both have a designated day and time where you don’t plan anything in order to have your own tea parties

No Diavolo, no noisy demon brothers, no other exchange students (sorry Luke). Just you and him, enjoying each other’s company and him basking in your glow

If someone did try to harm you, he would already know of it and properly disposes of the problem. Lord Diavolo can’t afford to have any issues interfering with the exchange program, and he can’t afford to have anything happen to you so...no harm no foul, right?

Please continue to do what you’re doing MC. Stare at him with your bright, doe eyes and give him that lively smile everytime. It makes his day go by much easier, especially since he knows that you’ll still be there, waiting for him with your own desserts and that smile reserved just for him

Simeon

Was convinced that you were an angel

Lowkey still convinced that you’re an angel

Really, you just look so...angelic

Wasn’t upset when you revealed that you were in fact human; he was happy because this meant that he could show you around the Celestial Realm!

Speaking of Celestial Realm, be prepared for Simeon to be your very own personal tour guide everytime. This could be your 50th time up there and he’ll still try to point new things out

“And over here is-”

“Michael’s favorite resting place, since the lilies always seem to bloom whenever he’s around,” you giggled. “I remember Simeon, you tell me this everytime we visit!”

He’s a tad embarrassed

“Forgive me, MC. It seems that I get so elated over the fact that you’re here with me, I tend to repeat some things over.”

“That’s okay! I still have fun with you everytime!”

Oh MC, you’re too adorable!

Which causes him to worry over you. While he knows that the brothers and Diavolo (along with Barbatos) wouldn’t dare cause you any distress, the same couldn’t be said for the other demons lurking around, both in and out of RAD

But not to fear, Simeon your friendly guardian angel is here!

I am so sorry for the rhyme lmao

He may not have been personally assigned to you, but that doesn’t mean he can just let anything happen to you! He’s only doing his heavenly duties in protecting you! He’s also being a good friend by watching over you too, his little lamb

He wouldn’t attack anyone, but if he made a complaint or a very serious concern to the right person (Lucifer or Diavolo), consider the problem handled

You have your own tea time as well, and Luke would join you sometimes. But, every now and then, Luke would have to finish some homework or study, or Barbatos would miraculously call for him at the castle, or if it was just too late and Luke just had to go to sleep, then it would just be you two. Sitting by the fireplace, discussing matters ranging from RAD to your life in the human world, drinking tea that you would take turns preparing

Not to mention the downright dainty little cakes you would bring. One time you brought him angel cakes and he found so lighthearted and precious that he requested you bring them everytime, just for him

May or may not base a character in his new story around you

Simeon wants to shield you from the horrors that are surrounding you both. You’re so pure, he just wants you safe. From the way that you would dress to the way that your eyes would just look so amazed and innocent at him, he just knows that he needs to watch over you, always. The brothers do get a little wary when they see how much time you do spend at Purgatory Hall, but they know that Simeon couldn’t possibly have feelings for you, and you were always so giddy after leaving there, they couldn’t bring themselves to say anything

And Simeon knew that he was starting to feel more than he should. He couldn’t profess his love for you now in risk of falling, but he can wait until you get your wings. Just imagining you in your cute little Ceslestial Realm outfit (which he hopes still mimicked your current style) with your very own beaming halo was enough to keep him waiting and to make sure that you stayed on the right path

He deemed that you were worth the wait

Luke

BFFs! BFFs!

When he first saw you he could just cry

Someone innocent like you got sent down here with these monsters?! He had to keep you safe!!!

Simeon thought you were angel and then realized that you were not; Luke thought you were an angel and refused to believe that you weren’t

You didn’t have it in you to burst his bubble so soon, so you just let him run with it until Simon broke the news

It was like telling a kid that Santa Claus wasn’t real; you can only imagine how Luke took the revelation

Not well from what Solomon told you. Simeon kept saying he just needs some time to process things, and you just felt so awful about the whole thing

Which lead to you bringing him so much sweets that it made Beel jealous and very upset

But we all know how Beel can be around food, so it wasn’t a huge surprise. He chased you around all day and you had to use your pact to get him to stop!

And you promised to make him double the sweets in he forgave you so all is well

Luke was still obviously sad, but he wasn’t going to stay sad forever. Especially not after you brought this many sweets just for him!

Lucifer was not a happy demon when Simeon arrived at the HoL’s doorstep with you groaning and clutching your stomach. And Solomon took so many pictures of Luke while he passed out from his sugar high that he dedicated a whole album in his phone to it

Favorite activity to do together: Baking! (Obviously)

Trading recipes, shopping for ingredients together, baking things for each other to try (where really it was just to have double the desserts)

When you two are in the kitchen together, no one else is allowed (except for Simeon, but only if he’s looking and not touching). It’s now MC and Luke time, everybody else is gonna have to wait!

Luke only wants you to do the the activities that he sees as harmless: which is everything that doesn’t include sharp items and anything else that can hurt you

“MC get away from that! That can seriously hurt you! Let me get it for you instead!

“Luke, honey, it’s just an oven it’s not my first time using one-”

Too late, he already took it out of your hands into his own, mitts already on

Speaking of oven mitts

You guys have matching aprons and mitts!!

Barbatos may be a little bit jealous, but he likes the bond that you two have. And he knows that Luke won’t be a romantic rival so he’s alright lol

Luke is your deemed protector/bodyguard, and he proudly wears the title since no one bothers you because of him (or so he thinks). Everyone makes fun of him calling him a chihuahua, but jokes on him, when Luke complains, he complains

Won’t take long for Simeon or even one of the brothers to pick up on his whines complaints if he thinks someone is bothering you

Luke believes that while he’s small, he can protect you and try to keep you free from danger. He may be young, but he sees himself as the older brother out of you both (even though it’s really you being the older sibling and him being the baby). Always looking out for you especially since you’re too fragile to be left alone!

You’re one of the only people that genuinely likes him and don’t make fun of him. You’re dear to him MC, please don’t ever change!

Also, he definitely talks to Michael about you all the time so excitedly and sends him sweets that you both made together. Michael is a proud dad at this point

Solomon

Knew you wasn’t a doll but loved to tease you about being one anyway

Was there a spell that can really turn you into a doll? You wouldn’t mind if he tried it out on you, right MC?

Don’t tempt him please because he WILL do it

“Tell me, MC. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to purchase-”

“No Solomon, you can’t shrink me down to fit me into a dollhouse, no matter how nice it sounds. Besides, I can’t bake in a dollhouse, the oven wouldn’t work!”

“I can fix that.”

You’re very amusing to him for some reason. Was it because of how doll-like you are? The fairytale way that you dressed? How you were still human and was able to live with seven of the most powerful demons and not die? Maybe it’s the way that you still radiated such positivity despite being in literal Hell?

Honestly all of the above

TEACHING HIM HOW TO COOK/BAKE

Poor Solomon doesn’t realize that his cooking isn’t...the best

And you took the best approach in helping him atleast cook something that looks edible

You didn’t say his cooking was disgusting like some people (literally everyone else), so he took that you giving him lessons was a date of sorts

He wasn’t complaining. Your time spent in the kitchen was scenes straight of a romcom (no matter how cheesy it sounds); his arms wrapped around your waist and dotting icing on your pretty nose

May or may not have licked some icing off of you at one point, will definitely do it again

Solomon is a very confident man, borderline arrogant (Oh who am I kidding he IS arrogant). So yes, while people may see you as an easy target, he’s here to remind them that you’re not. And that if they want to try, chances are they won’t be walking away in one piece

He’s powerful, too powerful in fact. He may not be the strongest physically, but if even the entire student council recognizes his knowledge and what he’s capable of, no one should be dumb enough to test him (keyword: try)

But he wouldn’t mind showing off if it’s for you

You’re one of the only beings to ever peak Solomon’s interest genuinely. Yes, he loved to tease and bug you whenever he pleased, but you also made him want to come around you more and more. He was drawn to you, and that doesn’t happen a lot with him (at least without ulterior motives)

*coughcough* making pacts *coughcough*

You were the only thing that made Solomon feel weak, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Don’t get him wrong, he’s still The Greatest Sorcerer, but he couldn’t help but feel himself get weak in the knees when you gazed at him with so much sincerity. He loves it and loves you

Once your back in the human world, he’s going to be so selfish with you. I mean, he already kinda was now, but this time there won’t be any interruptions or distractions around to take your attention

Us humans have to stick together, and what better way to stick together than to be together, wouldn’t you say MC?

[shemarmooresfedora]

hi baby congratulations on 300!!!🥳 i’m so glad to be here ! 💗🤍💗🤍✨⭐️

you know i’m obsessed w ur fics so, i am gently begging you to write something w prompts “can i paint your nails” “i’m going to steal this from you” and “people don’t compliment you enough” (sorry i forgot the numbers :( ) pleeeease? 🥺🥺

(sorry if it’s too much) thanks, i love u <3

It’s a Love Story

Summary: It’s senior skip day and you’re determined to pull your best friend of 10 years (and secret crush) out of his comfort zone.

Pairing: High School Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader (but imagine Spencer is 18 so he is the normal high school senior age)

Content/Warnings: fluff, swearing, bullying

Word Count: 1.9k

A/N: this fic is very self-indulgent because my senior skip day was yesterday! :)

Masterlist



“Hey, Spence! Wait up,” you jogged down the hall to catch up with him.

“Hey, Y/N. How’d your math test go?” Spencer asked.

“I’d rather not talk about it,” you groaned, “Thank you for trying to tutor me last night but I think I’m a lost cause at this point. It’s too late in the school year to care.”

“Did you know that ‘senioritis’ can actually be categorized as situational depression? In 2009, 22% of colleges decided to revoke some admissions offers after students began to slack off at the end of their senior year,” Spencer stated.

“Oh, trust me, genius, I may not be as smart as you but I’m not dumb enough to lose my scholarship to UCLA. I did the math out and even if I completely bombed this unit test, I can still maintain my A average,” you replied.

“I never said you weren’t smart, I was just warning you. I don’t want you to lose your spot at your dream school,” Spencer explained, “People don’t compliment you enough for all the hard work you put in to get accepted there.”

“Well, thanks for looking out for me, Spence,” you smiled, taking a seat in the back corner of the classroom.

Spencer sat right in front of you and turned around in his seat, “Do you have any homework?”

“Nope. My study hall is wide open just as expected. The teachers are losing just as much steam as the students,” you grinned, unzipping your backpack and pulling out nail polish.

“Can I paint your nails?” you asked.

“Y/N, don’t you think I get made fun of enough?” he whispered back.

“Girls love when guys paint their nails and if any guys try to give you shit, I’ll personally kick their ass. I took a self-defense course but I’ll use those moves I learned however I see fit,” you said.

“Fine,” Spencer relented, extending his hand out to you.

Spencer was honestly sold once you said that girls love it. That must include you, right?

“It’s purple too. Your favorite color,” you smiled, shaking the bottle up and then beginning to paint his nails.

Spencer thought it was cute that you picked up on his habit of sticking your tongue out of the corner of your mouth when you were concentrating.

“Isn’t it pretty?” you beamed as you worked on the second coat of polish.

“Yeah,” Spencer replied, not looking at his nails but the girl directly in front of him.

You gently blew air on his nails to dry them, “All done!”

-

“Well, well, well if it isn’t the teacher’s pet?” Brad, the captain of the football team, smirked as Spencer passed through the hallways after his math team practice ended.

“Wow, nail polish? And to think you couldn’t become any more of a loser?” he sneered as the jocks began to encircle around Spencer.

“Spence, there you are! I’ve been looking for you all over. Let’s go, we’re going to be late,” you walked right into the crowd of boys, paying no mind to them and grabbing Spencer’s hand, pulling him towards the exit.

“Don’t look back,” you whispered.

“You know one day your little girlfriend there is going to realize what a pathetic nerd you are. I’ll be ready to show her what a real man is,” Brad called after you.

“Oh yes, Brad, a real man goes to community college to hang on to the scraps of his mediocre football career that is his only reminder of when he peaked in high school,” you laughed.

“Y/N, he’s going to kill me for that,” Spencer groaned after you exited the building.

“Relax, we have three days left and then we won’t ever have to see that dick again,” you assured him.

“We have four days left,” Spencer corrected you.

“No, three because we’re not going in tomorrow,” you walked into the diner and took your seat in your usual booth, “It’s senior skip day.”

When Spencer didn’t respond, you looked up from your menu, “Spencer Reid, please do not tell me you were going to go in on senior skip day.”

“Why would I want to miss school?”

“Because you already know everything they could possibly teach you and you can spend the whole day with your best friend instead?” you fluttered your eyelashes to persuade him.

“I don’t want to go to the beach with all the popular kids. I’ll get shoved in the sand,” Spencer grabbed some of the fries that the waitress dropped off for you and popped them into his mouth.

“That is why we are going all the way to Santa Monica. We’ll just get up a little earlier and drive a little further but then we won’t run into anyone from our school,” you proposed.

“Fine but you’re driving,” Spencer huffed.

“Well, I’m certainly not letting the guy drive who hasn’t driven since he got his license just to prove he could pass,” you giggled.

“Why do I need to drive when my next-door neighbor can be my personal chauffeur?” he grinned.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll pick you up at 7 on the dot tomorrow.”

-

You honked outside of Spencer’s house. He came scrambling out with a big canvas tote bag, a tan sweater, and lilac swim shorts that ended at his mid-thigh.

“Get in, loser. We’re going to the beach,” you rolled down the window.

Spencer furrowed his brow for a second before opening the door.

“It’s just a reference to a popular movie. I wasn’t actually calling you a loser,” you assured him.

“My mom made us blueberry muffins for the ride,” Spencer pulled a ziploc bag out of the tote.

“Oh that is so sweet of her! Please tell her I said thank you. She must have been having a good night then,” you smiled, accepting one of the muffins from Spencer.

“Yes, she has been having a good week overall,” Spencer affirmed.

“That’s so great to hear. Okay, we’re stopping for coffee but then we’ll get on the highway.”

The opening notes of Love Story by Taylor Swift began to play on the radio.

“Oh my god! Turn it up!” you screamed.

Spencer grinned and turned the volume knob up.

“Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run. You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess. It's a love story, baby, just say ‘yes’,” you sang.

-

You rolled down the windows as soon as you exited off the highway.

“Do you smell that, Spence?” you inhaled deeply, “Something about the salty air and sunshine just makes me feel alive.”

“You know it’s probably your increased exposure to the sunlight leading to an increase in vitamin D which can keep your energy levels up and enhance your mood,” Spencer stated.

“Well, whatever it is, I still love it,” you grinned.

You and Spencer made your way along the sandy coast. You parked in the beach parking lot and got out of the car, grabbing your mini cooler and chair.

Spencer grabbed the other chair and his tote and you headed down to the beach, walking a ways before settling on a spot in a less crowded area.

You took off your big t-shirt revealing your light blue bikini.

“Can we go in the water please?” you begged.

Spencer dug into his tote and tossed you a tube of sunscreen.

“Not until you put that on,” Spencer insisted.

“Fine,” you huffed.

“Sorry I don’t want you to be sunburnt for graduation,” he chuckled.

“Can you do my back?” you asked.

“I-um-yeah-yes I can do that,” Spencer scrambled to stand up from his beach chair.

His breath hitched in his throat as he applied the cool lotion to your back.

“All good,” he cleared his throat.

“Thanks, Spence! Do you need me to do your back or are you all set?” you asked.

“Nope, I’m all good. My mom did it before I left,” Spencer said.

“Can we go in the water now?” you pleaded.

Spencer gave a reluctant nod as you let out an excited squeal, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the tide.

You dove right into the cool waves, instantly relieving your body of the southern californian summer heat. Spencer was a bit more hesitant.

“It feels so good, Spence. Trust me,” you smoothed your wet hair back.

Spencer inhaled deeply and then sunk beneath the water as a wave passed by him.

“Yay! He’s actually having fun, people!” you cheered as he emerged from underneath the water.

Spencer playfully splashed water at you and you gasped.

“Oh Spencer Reid, you are so on,” you laughed, splashing water right back at him.

Spencer shielded it from his face with his hand and then started chasing after you. You shrieked in a giggle fit as he lifted you up in the water so you could no longer splash him.

“I surrender! I surrender!” you laughed along with him.

-

You and Spencer were walking on the basically deserted boardwalk by this time of night, licking your ice cream cones.

Spencer noticed you were shivering and pulled off his sweater, handing it to you.

“No, Spence. I can’t, then you’ll be cold,” you said.

“I really don’t mind,” Spencer insisted, wanting to have your scent on his sweater forever.

“Thank you,” you slipped it over your head, “I’m probably going to steal this from you because it’s super comfy.”

A reminder alert buzzed on your phone, “Oh shit. We have to sign up for tickets to go to prom by midnight,” you spoke.

Spencer shot you a guilty look.

“You’re not going?” you sighed defeatedly, trying your hardest not to tear up.

“Y/N, I don’t dance. I’ll make a fool of myself.”

“And I’ll be right by your side making a fool of myself too,” you urged, “Spence, it’s going to be no fun without you. I was going to ask you to officially be my date, you know? I had this whole complicated equation that I was going to have you solve and graph and the line spelled out ‘Prom?’. It’s stupid thinking back on it now, I won’t make you go.”

“I was going to ask you,” Spencer smiled softly, “but then I chickened out.”

“How about this? You give me one dance right now and then we’ll decide if we’re going or not,” you opened your phone and started playing Dancing by Mellow Fellow.

Spencer extended his hand and you accepted as he wrapped his other arm around your waist. You waltzed around the boardwalk in perfect sync as the neon lights from food stands and rides were shining down on you.

Spencer twirled you around and caught you in a dip. You let out a shaky exhale as you both stared into each other’s eyes.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispered.

“Please do. I’ve only been waiting 10 years for it since I moved in next door,” you smiled softly.

Spencer leaned down further and connected your lips. You pulled him even closer with your hands cupping his cheeks.

“I’ll go to prom with you under one condition,” he grinned, pulling away, “we go as boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“Absolutely,” you beamed and stood on your tippy-toes to give him another kiss that was long overdue.

A/N: i took a note out of my dear friend @samuel-de-champagne-problems ‘s book by naming the title after a Taylor Swift song

taglist (just ask to be added or removed!): @samuel-de-champagne-problems @g0lden-cth @spencerreid9 @averyhotchner @coldlilheart @k-k0129 @ickleronniekinsemotionalrange @harrystylesandthegoobs @cmily @rem-ariiana

[s-creations]

Oh, That Imagination

Kids will always have active imaginations. But how the adult handles it depends on what the child is afraid of.

Fandom: DuckTales 2017 / The Three Caballeros         Rating: General Audience         Relationships/Pairings:  José  Carioca/Donald Duck/Panchito Pistoles Additional Tags: Growing up, Uncles with their Nephews, Facing Fears, Worries, hunting a creature, Krampus (character), giving a speech, watching a scary movie, protecting the boys, the passing of time, names OCs.

Part of a Series Called: We’re the Three- Sorry, Six Caballeros!

Author Note: I finished Student Teaching and passed my Content Test, so I’m getting back into writing! I do have a new job lined up for the school year. We’ll see how consistent I stay with uploading. XD

“Unca Donald, Unca Donald, Unca Donald!”

 Even with the loud warning call, Donald still staggers when something blue collides against his leg. “Dishes! I’m doing dishes. Go and sit on the counter please.”

 6-year-old Dewey gave a quick nod before clamoring up. The older duck impressed by how quickly the duckling could climb. 

 “Now, what can I help you with?”

 “Benny said there’s a-a monster living in the sewage of Duckberg! I wanna go catch it!”

 Donald let out a low hum as he washed the soap from the glass. This was twice in two weeks that neighbor Benny had told some story about some ‘creature’ they had seen. Dewey, always on the lookout for new adventures, ate each story up with determination and gusto.

 “I see, very interesting. What does this monster look like?”

 “Like...Like an alligator. Only bigger!”

 “Ooooh, that sounds scary. And you’re going to catch them all by yourself?”

 “Yep!”

 “Well, aren’t you brave. Are you going to bring them back to be studied for science?”

 “I’m gonna do it to rub it in Huey’s face. Cuz he says the creature isn’t real. But I’m gonna prove him wrong!” 

 “It sounds like your afternoon is full.”

 “It sure is! Oh, wait, I wanted to ask you if we have a large net that I could use?”

 “I don’t think we have a ‘large’ net. You’ll have your bug catching net.”

 Dewey let out a contemplative hum. Hand resting on his cheek while his pointer finger tapped out some unknown tempo. A habit he picked up from José. “That’s not great. But I suppose it’ll have to do.”

 “Look at you compromising. What are you going to use as bait?”

 “Do we have any old lunch meat?”

 “No and you’re not using what we have in the fridge.”

 “You’re ruining the search Unca Donald! I need bait.”

 “How about you take Tio Panchito with you? He had to help his grandpa search for farm animals when they got out of their pens. Didn’t have to use bait to get those animals back.”

 “Tio worked on a farm?” Dewey’s eyes lit up hearing this new piece of information.

 “Spent a few childhood Summers there.”

 “What did he do?”

 “Why don’t you go and ask him? I’m sure he would be more than happy to share stories with you and your brothers.”

 “Okay, bye Unca Donald! I’m gonna learn about cows!”

 Donald silently laughed as Dewey raced out of the kitchen. Childhood stories continued during dinner and only ended when the triplets were put to bed. 

 “So...should I question why Dewey furiously ran at me this afternoon? All while screaming his demands for me to tell stories?” The rooster asked as Donald joined him and José on the living room couch. 

 “Apparently, Benny had seen some ‘creature’ in the sewer system. Dewey determined that he was going to hunt said being down. I told him you would help in the search because you’ve helped with finding lost farm animals. That caught his attention and now you know the outcome.” Donald sighed as he leaned against the other, relaxing. 

 “Do you think the thrill of the hunt will call out to Dewey tomorrow?”

 “We’ll see.” Donald replied back simply.

 The hunt did not call out the next day. Dewey focused on creating a backyard zoo, he didn’t have time to worry about some creature. A few days later, a pet iguana was rescued from the neighborhood sewers. It appears Benny had actually seen something. It just wasn’t the towering creature he’d claimed before.

 ________________

 The holidays were busy for all the adults in the household. Donald focused on getting the shopping done and holding down the fort while the ducklings raced around during their school break. Gleefully talking about Santa and what present they’re excited most about. José would be gone for weeks on end leading up to December 25, helping with numerous flights to make sure he had that day off. Starting from October through December, this time saw Panchito with booked weekends of different performances to help get other families into the festive feeling. 

 Even with having busy and exhausting schedules, they made sure to make time for the triplets. Baking, decorating the house, helping them pick out gifts for the other family members. Every year it was the goal to keep the ducklings as happy as possible.

 Which is why Panchito became worried when 7-year-old Louie started acting...strange. Almost what the rooster would call ‘stressed’.

 The duckling had started being overly helpful around the house. Doing more tasks than what would be required. Going out of his way to ask if he could help. And, most worriedly, he’d become quiet. Not in his normal way of just relaxing in front of the television. But almost fearful that he was being listened to by some unseen stranger. Eyes even darting around as he moved through the apartment. 

 Unfortunately, Panchito wasn’t able to approach this possible problem until a weekend late into the duckling’s break. 

 The rooster let out a sigh as he collapsed onto the couch. Thankful that he was done until the New Year’s celebrations he had the coming weekend. But he was able to relax for the rest of the week to celebrate Christmas. Cautious footsteps drawing closer caused Panchito to open his eyes. Finding Louis standing nervously in the middle of the room.

 “Hola Louie, what can I do for you?”

 “Um, do you need me to get you anything?”

 Panchito raised a brow. “No, I’m fine. Why don’t you join me until dinner’s ready?”

 “Oh, um, that’s okay. Maybe I should see if Uncle Donald needs any help.”

 “You’re on break. Why don’t you just sit for a while?” The duckling frowned, eyes darting around before settling onto the couch. Still tense. “So, how has school been? I haven’t heard you and your brothers talk about it for a while.” 

 “Uh...good.”

 “Just good? ...Try out any new schemes lately? I know Uncle Donald isn’t so thrilled when you do that. But you always have such clever ideas, makes me laugh.”

 “Nope, I’ve been good! No crazy plans from me!” 

 Panchito sat up a little more when Louie started shouting at the ceiling. “Okay Louie, what’s going on. Are you feeling okay? Did something happen at school?”

 The duckling dressed in green wrung his hands as he peered around. 

 “...Abby told me about the Krampus…” Louie eventually whispered.

 “The who?” 

 “The Krampus! He’s the opposite of Santa Claus! A big creature with long horns and wears a cloak! And he comes after bad boys and girls! He takes them away in his large, greasy bag and they’re never seen again and-” 

 “Okay, Louie, come here. You’re getting yourself worked up.” Panchito easily and quickly moved the duckling onto his lap. Wrapping arms around the smaller form to help keep Louie grounded. “Breath with me. We’re going to take a few deep breaths, okay?”

 Louie gave two quick nods. They remained this way for a few minutes, Panchito holding the duckling close and controlling his breathing for Louie to follow. The rooster only pulled away when Louie had calmed down enough to talk. “Okay, so, you were told a scary story. Why are you worried?”

 “Because he goes after bad kids and I know I’m...not good.”

 “Why would you say that? You’re a wonderful kid!”

 “But I get the most detentions and I’m lazy and I know I don’t do my homework when I need to and-”

 ‘Louie… Yes, we would like you to work a little harder than what you do now.  But you’re not bad. You...take risks. You have a point of view that I’ve never seen before. You’re a clever kid. And, well, between you and me.”

 Panchito leaned closer. Louie’s eyes widened with curiosity. “You fight the system and you don’t let them beat you down.” 

 “...Does that mean I don’t have to wash the dishes?”

 “Don’t push your luck. What I’m trying to say is that you’re not bad. You just think differently than others. Plus, if you’re this worried, this might be a sign you should help out more. But I doubt any Krampus will come after you.”

 “Really?”

 “Really… Also, you know your uncles and I would beat up any creature who dares try to hurt you.” 

 Louie laughed. Beaming and squirming as Panchito placed a kiss on his cheek. Christmas Day arrived with no mysterious creatures knocking in their front door. Louie was still safely tucked away in his bed. Joining his brothers with running out to the living room and unwrapping presents. Curling next to Panchito as all enjoyed the afternoon glow while watching a marathon of movies.

 ________________

 Huey took to the Junior Woodchucks like a duck to water.

 From day one it became a large part of his identity. He carried his handbook around with him everywhere. Writing his own notes and entries to add to the already thick volume. Gleefully patting his knees as he patiently waited for whatever uncle was going to take him to the weekly meetings. Even learning how to iron his uniform to keep it in tip top shape. 

 Dewey may complain that the eagerness was annoying. But nothing seemed to damper Huey’s spirit.

 Until Huey was tasked to write a speech. As he was top ranked among the troop, he was given the honor of addressing the new member that would be joining that year. A banquet being held with the duckling presenting a speech of his own at the beginning of the event. The duckling was absolutely thrilled at first. Telling everyone he could about the great honor bestowed onto him. 

 All in the family thought he would triumph over this just like many other things in his life. 

 José was humming softly one evening, making his way to the kitchen when he heard sniffing coming from the bathroom. The door opened a crack and, taking a risk, José peered in. He found 8-year-old Huey, curled up by the tub and far away from the door. A stack of paper was at the duckling’s feet. Red rimmed eyes glaring at said stack. 

 “Huey?”

 Said duckling’s head snapped up hearing José. Wiping his eyes frantically. “T-Tio José…”

 “Criança doce, what is wrong?” José  entered, leaving the door open in case Huey wanted out.

 The duckling sniffed weakly. “...I’m scared.”

 “Of what?”

 “My speech…”

 José frowned, knowing how excited Huey had been only a few days ago. “Can you tell me what you are scared about?”

 Huey let out another sniff. His hand starting to hit the side of the tub as time went on. Which José put a stop to by reaching out to take the duckling’s hand. “I’m scared...that people are going to laugh at me. I keep practicing my speech to make it perfect and I read a bunch of tips but… All I can think about is messing up and people mocking me. Then my scout leader will see me as a failure and strip me of my badges and-”

 The parrot pulled the duckling closer, humming a lullaby softly. Huey instantly clung to José, burying himself away in his guardian’s chest. It took a few minutes before the duckling finally relaxed, slumped against the older, hand still keeping a good grip on José's shirt. 

 “Huey, I would like for you to listen to me. Can you do that for me?” José received a nod, “I will help you with your speech. But you have nothing to worry about. Your scout leader seems to be nothing of the kind who would take away what you’ve achieved. And no one will laugh. We all know you will be doing your best.”

 “...But what if my best isn’t enough?”

 “It always will be Huey. Never doubt that.” José peered up hearing the floorboards creek. Finding Donald standing in the doorway wearing a look of worry. The parrot gave a quick shake of his head. A silent message that he had a handle on the situation. Donald gave a nod of his own before sneaking off. “Feeling better?”

 “...A little. I’m still scared.” 

 “That is fine. How about we make some cookies? I think I saw your Uncle Donald heading that way before. And while we are doing that, you can show me your speech.” 

 Huey sniffed weakly. Pulling back slightly to look up at José. “Chocolate chip?”

 “Of course.”

 The duckling smiled weakly and nodded. Donald greeted the two with wide arms and a smile when they walked in. Huey beamed as he was picked up and given a sturdy hug from his other uncle as José started the process. But uncles gave Huey their undivided attention when he gave his speech. The other members of the family joined them as the cookies started to bake. Dewey and Louie keeping their ‘helpful’ comments to themselves and clapping along when Huey finished. 

 At the night of the banquet, Huey beamed as he gave a flawless speech. His family cheered the loudest.

 ________________

 “This is such a bad idea.” 

 9-year-old Louie huffed, rolling his eyes as Huey bemoaned at his flawless plan. “If you’re going to be a stick in the mud, then don’t watch.”

 “But I want to see it.”

 “Then what’s the issue?”

 “The movie is PG-13! We need parental guidance to watch.”

 “You know they won’t let us watch.” Dewey added.

 “But-”

 “You get two options here Hubert,” Louie interrupted. One hand holding up a finger to keep Huey quiet. The other holding the latest zombie movie that had just recently been release to DVD, “You either watch with your mouth shut. Or you leave and keep your mouth shut in the bed while you listen to the amazingness that is this movie from the closed doors. What’s it going to be?”

 Huey frowned. But he ‘zipped’ his bill closed and crossed his arms. Which the green-hoodied triplet took as keeping his mouth shut. With a nod, Louie popped the movie in and sat next to his brothers. All three were huddled together in the closet. Eyes glued to the small t.v. screen that was crammed in with them as well. The movie menu soon appeared and Dewey pressed play.

  Donald let out a content sigh as he relaxed further between his partners. Panchito clinging to him as Donald’s head was tucked under the rooster’s chin. While José was curled up at Donald’s side, using the duck’s chest as a pillow. That night was quiet and calm. There was a weekend ahead of them that was just filled with nothing. A relaxing time with his partners and kids. It was going to be great…

 A chorus of screams sounded from the triplet’s room. All adults were up and racing out in only a few seconds. Even hard to wake José was on full alert. Donald reached the door first, flinging it open. Fully expecting to see an intruder standing in the middle of the bedroom. Only to find Huey and Louie, sobbing as they clung to each other on the younger triplet’s bed. Dewey was waving his plastic sword  at the open closet. His entire being was shaking as wide, fearful eyes were on the open space. 

 “What is going on here?” Donald called out over the noise. 

 “There’s a zombie in the closet!” Louis answered.

 “It touched me!” Huey added.

 “I’m fighting it off!” Dewey finished. 

 “What- okay- Dewey stop swinging that around!” Panchito walked over and pulled the sword from the duckling. Collecting the blue cladded triplet as he continued to shake.

 Donald gathers the other two. Both of them desperately slings to the protection that was their uncle. José took to the closet, making sure it was empty. The parrot raised a brow, finding the t.v. that was still on and playing a movie. 

 He reached in to eject the movie and brought it out for the other two to see. “Donald.”

 The duck looked it over. Frowning, seeing the topic, letting out a slow breath. It was clear the triplets were in no condition to have a stern talking to. Plus, he was honestly too tired to worry about it at the moment. “Okay...let’s go back to our room.”

 The other two adults nodded. José turned off the lights as he was the last to leave the boy’s room. Donald rested himself back into the middle of the bed, only with more bodies pressed around him. Panchito cleverly left the bedside light on before he laid down on the bed, Dewey resting on his chest. The triplets flinched when José walked in.

 “It is just me.” The parrot assured. 

 Donald let out a sigh as he gently preened the top of each head. “You’re safe here. Nothing’s going to get you.”

 The bed was pressed further down as José laid down. Huey clamoring over into the parrot’s hold. Donald was free to wrap both arms around Louie. Three voices began to hum a familiar lullaby in hope of calming the triplets further. Even with their comforting presence, it took awhile for the three to fall asleep. It was not the way Donald wanted to start his weekend. But he should have known nothing he plans ever goes his way. Even with this hiccup, he was happy to have his family close. Falling asleep with a smile on his face.

 Donald was able to take his pent up frustration on the idiot who had allowed children to rent a horror movie. Panchito coming as back up to make sure the duck didn’t kill anyone.  

[emmies-archives]

The Misadventures of Secret Santa

Kirishima Eijiro X Reader (Did I mention I reallly love to write for Kirishima…)

 Warnings: None

 Genre: Pure Fluff, soo much cute fluff. There is literally one line of veryyyyyyyy mild Angst, that is all then straight back to fluff.

 Summary: You bought Kirishima two gifts for Christmas, one genuine one for class 1a’s Secret Santa because you pulled his name. And the other a gag gift that was part of an inside joke between the two of you. You realized you brought the wrong one to the Christmas party at the exact moment you gave it to him, and it was a very embarrassing gift.

 A/N: I had an increasing amount of wine while writing this, please forgive any spelling or grammatical errors.

         You swept open the heavy curtain for what seemed like the millionth time. You and the girls from your class had planned to spend the day Christmas shopping. What you didn’t expect was Mina making you try on every single item of clothing that caught your eye. Even though you were going to buy yourself something new to wear for the Christmas party your class was holding, you weren’t exactly excited to spend hours trying on outfits.

 “Y/n! This looks so cute on you!!” Mina squealed, excitedly jumping up and down next to you.

 “It is a very beautiful dress,” Momo said.

 You looked at yourself in the mirror and you couldn’t disagree. It was a mid-length black dress, that flared out slightly at your waist. The top was fitted and sleeveless with a mock neck. The dress was simple but very flattering on you. “I think you guys are right,” You said turning to them, “I’m going get this one.”

 “Are you going to wear it for the party? It would look so classy I think” Momo spoke again with a finger on her chin. “I saw some simple necklaces that would pair well with it near the front of the store too.”

 “Yeah, I am planning on wearing it for the party. We’ll see though because I always seem to change my mind right before.” You said moving back into the dressing room to change into your clothing.

 “Did you find a gift for your secret Santa yet?” Mina asked once you pulled the curtain back again.

 You shook your head and laughed, that was the whole purpose of the day and you forgot.

 “Shoot, not yet. I completely forgot because someone started shoving me into every item of clothing they found.”

 “I wonder who that could be.” Mina grinned and you shoved her laughing again. “Okay, I’ll help you look around.”

 “Whose name did you pull?” Momo asked, “Mine is Sato, and I know exactly what I’m looking for. A nice white tea variety that pairs well with his baked goods!”

 “That’s perfect Momo,” Mina said and started to dig through the basket in her hands. She looked around for a second then pulled out a light purple record player. “I got Jirou, doesn’t this fit her so well. I think I am going to get her a couple of records too. What about you, Y/n?”

 Both girls’ gifts were picked so well for their Secret Santas, you didn’t know if you could top

it.

 “I pulled Kirishima.” You said quietly, blushing slightly when they gasped. Just a couple of weeks ago you had spilled your secret crush on Kirishima to the girls in a game of never have I ever.

 “Ooooh, Y/n this is going to be so exciting!”

Momo had offered the idea of a girl’s night one Friday after classes had ended. Of course, everyone had agreed right away, it had been a while since you all had hung out without the boys in your class. It wasn’t like the boys were annoying or not fun to spend time with, it was just sometimes it was nice to get away from all the testosterone and have a night to gossip without fear of any of the boys hearing juicy secrets.

 The night started with Mina begging Ochako to let her do her makeup. It didn’t take that much convincing; Mina was good at doing other’s makeup. Everyone was crammed into

Mina’s dorm room; she had insisted it everyone stay the night in hers.

 It wasn’t long before someone had thrown out the idea to play never have I ever. You guys played a different version of the game though. One person would say something they’d never done, and then the whole group would vote on one person out of everyone who had done the thing to do a dare.

 “Hmmm never have I ever…… gave myself a haircut,” Tsu said. Only Ochako and Hagakure spoke out that they had given themselves a haircut.

 “Wait, Hagakure how did you give yourself a haircut? You’re invisible.” You deadpanned at her, confused. She just laughed at your question.

 “I can see myself, it’s just that others can’t see me.” You always forgot that part of her quirk.

 “Alright, guys, who vote that Ochako should get a dare?” Tsu asked the group, getting everyone’s attention. All but Ochako raised their hands and she groaned. 

 “Ughhh come on, I was on a no dare streak,” Ochako whined. “Okay, what do I have to do?’

 “Ooh! I got one.” Mina said clapping her hands excitedly. “I dare you to text Midoriya goodnight!”

 “What?!” Ochako broke out in a bright blush. “Really?”

 “It’ll be so cute, Ochako!” You said nudging her arm with your elbow, her blush didn’t waver, but she pulled her phone out of her pocket. Her hands were shaking slightly but she had a smile on her face. You couldn’t help but wonder if Midoriya would match her blush when he received the text.

 “Okay, it's done.” She said and it seemed like her smile was a little bigger than before. “Now please someone else go, I need a distraction from my phone.”

 “I will go.” Momo set down her teacup and squinted for a second in thought. “Never have I ever had a crush one someone in our class.”

 Your heart jumped. So far, all the never have I ever were not juicy, the dares were a little bit, but you had been safe. Silence fell in the room and everyone just looked at each other. Ochako sighed again and shook her head.

 “This isn’t fair.” She said and raised her hand to say she had done it. Nobody was surprised at that one.

 Jirou raised her hand slowly too, “You guys already know, I don’t know why I’m so nervous still.”

 Hagakure jumped up and squealed. “I don’t know if I have a crush on anyone but all the boys are just so handsome! Does that count?”

 “No, I don’t think so.” Momo shook her head. “I hope you don’t count Mineta in that one.”

 “No, definitely not Momo.” Hagakure said seriously and sat down.

 You sighed; you had no more time to stall. Putting up your hand slowly trying to not get attention on it, but it failed. It was like all the girls had a radar on you because they all saw you at once.

 “Y/N!” Mina squealed.

 “Oh my goodness, I wasn’t expecting this,” Momo said with her hand to her mouth.

 “You have to tell us who.” Tsu smiled at you.

 “No. I can’t.” You shook your head and picked at your fingernails trying to get them to change the subject.

 “Okay then, I dare you Y/n. Tell us who you like!” Ochako said abruptly.

 “Hey! This is not how the game works.” You said back to her.

 “Does everyone agree on this dare?” Ochako asked looking around gaining a nod from all the girls. You groaned and laid down onto your back grabbing the pillow neck to you covering your face. “C’mon Y/n! You have to.”

 You mumbled into your pillow hoping they would take it as the answer.

 “Nope, not gonna work. You’ve got tell us outright.” Hagakure reached over and tugged on the pillow. Tsu also poked your side to get you to sit up, you yelped and sat up shoving her hands away.

 “Okay fineee. It’s Kirishima.” You mumbled grabbing onto your knees and pulling them close.

 “Did you hear what she said?” Mina asked Ochako, and she shook her head.

 “I didn’t either, Mina.” Momo agreed with them. They all stared at you waiting.

  “Kirishima.” You said louder this time. Just like Ochako, your face erupted in a blush.

“WHAT!?” Mina was the first one to scream.

 It was no doubt everyone was shocked. The two of you were really good friends, he was one of the first ones you had made in the class. He was hilarious and caring the two of you always had fun when you were together. You could say he was nearly your closest friend out of everyone in your class.

        Almost every weeknight you and Kirishima did your homework together, mostly it was you answering his questions and helping him with anything he didn’t understand. You would take breaks periodically, eating dinner together when the class didn’t make a big one, playing video games if you were in his dorm.

 Sometimes others would join your studying and you would take it to one of the common rooms in the building. A lot of times after both of you finished your homework, you’d watch Netflix or a movie, occasionally you’d play board games. It was some of your favorite times to spend with him.

 Kirishima told you one time after finishing your homework pretty late when you were watching his favorite Anime together that he loved to cuddle. You could tell that he was getting very tired, and so were you.

 “I didn’t want to say anything too soon because I didn’t know if you liked that. But I love to cuddle. Especially when I get really tired, it's my favorite thing to do.” He told you and yawned.

 “What do you do when you can’t cuddle with anyone? Do you spoon your pillows?” You laughed when he shoved your shoulder slightly.

 “Actually yes, I do.” You burst out laughing at his answer, he started laughing too. “Hey, don’t knock it till you try it Y/n.” He defended himself and pointed at his pillows. “It's comfortable snuggling into them.”

 “Okay, I trust you.” You said after shaking your head, and you noticed him staring at you with literally almost puppy dog eyes. “Do you want to cuddle, Kiri?” 

 “Oh my gosh, yes. I thought you’d never ask.” He immediately wrapped his arms around you and pulled you to him, leaning back into the wall behind you. You wrapped your arms around his waist and laid your head on his shoulder. Kirishima was right, it was very comfortable. Especially he was, you had thought that he’d be kind of hard considering his quirk and his muscles, but he was incredibly good at cuddling.

 “Kiri, you’re so comfy.” You said after a few minutes, and you felt his arms squeeze you closer.

 “So are you. It’s so nice to have someone to cuddle with that’s not a pillow.” You laughed again and he rested his chin on your head lightly, “You think we could work this into our

homework routine?”

 “Yes. Every night.”

 “What if we’re studying with someone else?” He asked and you moved to look up at him.

 “Hmmm, pretend we’ve never studied before so then we can just cuddle instead.” You said and cuddled back into him.

 You could feel his chest vibrate when he laughed at your answer, “Okay, that works for me.”

      The girls made you spill everything after your dare. They completely ditched the game and started asking you questions. You told them about the cuddling and the homework nights. About the times Kirishima had helped you train your quirk. The girls didn’t spare any questions at all.

 “So when did you realize you had a crush on him?” Momo asked.

 You had to think for a second. “Maybe it first happened when we started to cuddle, but I don’t think I realized it until a little bit ago. I started to get excited to study or train with him. Or spend time with him at all, but then I started feeling nervous too. I think it was butterflies, and one weekend we went shopping together, I don’t know what for but I remember in one of the stores looking at him and I could hear my heartbeat. Kirishima was so cute, he was looking at Crimson Riot merch and he was so excited about finding something new. I’d say I realized that day, that I liked him.”

 “Oh my god. Y/n that is so cute I could die!” Hagakure squealed and Ochako hugged you laughing. Soon after that everyone decided to go to sleep for the night, the excitement had worn everyone down and it had gotten very late, it was past midnight.

 You curled up in your sleeping bag and picked up your phone. You had put it on silent so it wouldn’t annoy any of the girls during the games you played. A few notifications were on the screen, and you saw Kirishima texted you.

 The first one said, “Hey! A new season of my favorite Anime was just released!”

 Almost immediately after that a second one he sent read, “Whoops I forgot you’re having a girls night. Sorry! Have fun.”

 A couple of hours later he sent a final one, it was a picture of his pillows along with a text, “I miss cuddling with you, my pillows don’t laugh at my jokes :( Goodnight y/n, see you tomorrow!”

 He was so cute you thought you were going to melt.

       The night of the Christmas party came faster than you expected, your last present for Kirishima finally arrived that morning and you barely had any time to pick it up after classes ended. The whole day went by in a blur, and you were left with just enough time to get ready and wrap the presents. You had gotten Kirishima two because you couldn’t resist once you saw the second one.

 The gift for the Secret Santa was a nice gift, and you were excited to give it to him. The other one you were going to hold off until after the party, it was a little bit out there, but you knew he’d find it hilarious.

 After wrapping the gifts, you got ready. It didn’t take long until you did the finishing touches to your hair and makeup, then you put on the dress you bought with Mina and Momo. Then you thought maybe you wanted to wear something else. That caused you to change in and out of four different outfits several times, it was almost time to go down for the party.

 Kirishima had texted you before you got ready if you wanted to go down to it with him since both of your dorms were luckily on the same floor. Of course, you said yes, you were excited. But because of your rushed idea to change outfits at the last second, you missed his text saying he was outside your door, and you also didn’t hear him knock on it either. You finally picked the first dress you put on and as you started to pull it up, your door opened. You froze when you locked eyes with Kirishima as he stepped into the room. After a second of staring his brain registered what he saw, and his hands flew up to cover his face.

 “Oh my god, I am so sorry!” He exclaimed, turning around and you yanked the dress up, trying to zip it in the process. “I texted you and knocked, but I got no answer, so I got worried!”

 “No! It’s okay! It’s my fault I missed it.” You tugged at your zipper again, but it stuck in place. You paused for a second and kicked yourself, if you hadn’t switched your dress a thousand times you wouldn’t be in this, and Kirishima wouldn’t feel guilty. “Um, Kirishima?” Your voice cracked at your nervousness.

 “Yeah?” He said, still facing the other way.

 “Can you help me with my zipper, I got it stuck.” You could feel your face burning as you asked him.

 “Oh, um, yeah.” He stood facing the wall for a second, “Can I turn around now?”

“Mhmm.”

  “Okay, let me help you.” He took his hands away from his face and turned around. You spun around once he got to you, you didn’t want him to see your face flushed. The warmth of his hands went through the thin fabric at your waist and you shivered at it. He was so gentle pulling the zipper loose from where it was stuck and pulling it up all the way, being careful to move your hair out of the way. “All done.”

 You smiled and turned to face him; the blush felt less than before. Hopefully, he didn’t hear your heart racing now though. “Thank you. I’m sorry for before, I should’ve looked at my phone. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

 “Hey,” Kirishima grabbed your tense shoulders and smiled softly, “It’s not your fault, it was mine.” He pulled into him and wrapped his arms around you. All the awkwardness drained

from your body at the hug. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

 You laughed and hugged him back, “You didn’t, Kiri don’t worry.”

He squeezed your shoulders and brought his head close to your ear and whispered. “Good,

because you looked really good, Y/n. So beautiful.”

 Chills went down your body and you felt your blush come back. Kirishima pulled back like it was nothing and walked to the door. He opened it and held out his hand towards you.

 “Wanna go to the party now that we’re all dressed?”

 You couldn’t believe what just happened, but Kirishima’s grin towards you caused you to giggle. “Okay, yeah let’s go.” Grabbing his hand, you began to leave your dorm. At the last second, you remembered the gift you were supposed to bring and you quickly grabbed it before you left.

     The party went by very smoothly, the food was so good, and the decorations were fantastic. Bakugo and Sato prepared dinner along with a few other classmates. Momo, Jirou, and Sero had put up the decorations. Everyone went through a game of Candy Cane Olympics, Bakugo was the winner and he had nearly trampled Midoriya for the title. Kaminari and Jirou won the Karaoke competition. It was nearly time for everyone to pass out presents.

 You were so excited to give Kirishima his gift. You had been getting butterflies the entire time, especially every time you caught him staring at you and then one time that he winked while smirking. It was a good thing you were sitting down for that one, it hit you hard. You were not expecting it, but it was a good surprise.

 After a bit you sat on one of the couches by the tree with a few of your classmates, setting your gift on the table next to you. Not long after you did, Kirishima came up and plopped onto the couch next to you. Immediately he put his arm around your shoulders and squeezed you close to him.

 “You’re so warm, did you swap quirks with Todoroki?” You asked quietly, nestling into his side.

 “Hah, maybe I did on accident.” Kirishima laughed.

 “Good, I like it warm.” You said.

 “Oh, you like his quirk? Are you cuddling with someone else?” He pretended to be shocked.

 “Maybe… You didn’t know?” You feigned innocence, “Dang, I thought this was a multi-person cuddle thing. My bad.”

 Kirishima moved his mouth close to your ear, whispering deeply “Well, we’ll have to change that, won't we? I don’t like to share.”

 Before you could say anything back to him you caught Mina staring at you grinning and nudging Jirou. That couldn’t be good.

 “Okay, everyone! It’s time for Secret Santa exchange!” All your classmates started moving excitedly, and you were confused when Kirishima didn’t move.

 “Don’t you have a gift for someone?” You asked him.

 “Oh, yeah I had Tsu. I gave her my gift for her earlier this week. It was a couple of really cool wool sweaters I found, and it got really cold this week I figured she could use them.”

 “Awe, you are such a sweetheart. Who would’ve known Kiri.” You laughed at his fake offended face.

 “I am hurt that you think so little of me, Y/n.” Kirishima laughed.

 “I’m just kidding, you’re the nicest person I know.” You said and his expression softened.

 “Shouldn’t you give your gift out? I don’t want to be keeping you stuck here.” He started to get off the couch. You grabbed his arm, stopping him from moving.

 “I got you for Secret Santa.” You grabbed the present from the table beside you and handed it to him.

 “Awe really?! That’s so cool, y/n.” He smiled at you and looked down to the present in his hands, then it hit you, you grabbed the wrong gift. The one that was meant for him to open in front of everyone during the party was up in your dorm still. The present he was holding was bigger and more square than the actual gift. You had given him the gag gift, the inside joke one. Your stomach dropped to the floor. You must’ve grabbed the wrong one when you hurried out of the door.

 “Wait! Kirishima, don’t open that.”

 “What do you mean, of course I’m going to open it.” He didn’t waste a second and tore into the green wrapping paper. This was going to be embarrassing. It didn’t take long at all for him to open the gift at all. Your nerves were soaring when he finally turned it over to the front side.

 “Oh my god, Y/n…..” Kirishima said staring at the gift. It was a pillow. You wished that was the only thing, but the pillowcase over it was the best part of the gift. It was black, and a picture of you in the middle of it. You held up peace signs and your tongue stuck out. The words ‘hug me’ under the picture of you. He was so quiet, you realized he probably hated it.

 “I’m so sorry! That wasn’t the right gift… I-“

 Kirishima cut you off, with a loud bark of laughter. “Holy crap this is amazing! How did you even do this?”

 You looked at him in shock. “What?”

 “Y/n this is so fricking cool, now I can sleep with you every night!” He said very excitedly. That gained your classmate's attention. Mina stared at you with wide eyes and your cheeks flamed. You jumped up and grabbed his hand pulling him up.

 “Follow me.” You said quickly and rushed towards the elevators.

 “Where are we going?” Kirishima laughed trying to keep up with you.

 Once you made it to the floor of your dorms, you went straight to yours. “When we had our little incident earlier I grabbed the wrong gift. I got you that one to give to you in private.”

 “Oh, you don’t want others to know about our cuddle sessions.” He said smirking.

 “That’s not it at all,” You spoke coming to your door and going it. Kirishima followed you, still holding onto the pillow. You were glad that he didn’t leave it on the couch next to him.

 “When I pulled your name for the Secret Santa I was a little disappointed.” His smile faltered a bit, “No! Not like that, I just was excited to get you something special for Christmas. I wanted you to open that in private because it is really special to me. The time you spend with me.”

 “Y/n,” He said softly and walked closer toward you. “I know, it is really special to me too.”

Your chest warmed when he said that. You reached to grab his other gift. “This was the one I wanted you to open for the Secret Santa. I think you’ll really like it, but I didn’t want you to think I just got you something because I pulled your name, Kiri.”

 He took the gift from your hands, looking at you before opening it. His hands were so gentle pulling apart the wrapping paper, very different than downstairs. The first thing he saw was the manga set of his favorite anime the two of you had watched every night together.

 “Wow, thank you.” He said smiling up at you.

 “There’s something else, open the little box.” You said the butterflies in your stomach had flown to your heart now. Kirishima slowly took the lid off the white box. You heard him gasp slightly when he saw what it was. Inside the box were two things, a necklace, and a small keychain. “The keychain is the first-ever merch for Red Riot.”

 He looked stunned. “How did you get this?” His voice was so soft, and quiet.

 “A few months ago right after your first patrol with Fatgum that went viral, I looked up to see if you had merch. There was a preorder for a small company that produces Fatgum’s and Suneater’s merch. It was this keychain, I bought it right away.”

 The key chain was the R from his hero costume. It was red, there was a thin outline of black and an outline of white around the R. Inside the R was his name and hero name.

 “I didn’t know if you’d be interested in it, but there are matching keychains of Fatgum and Suneater. I got them too for you if you want them.’

 Kirishima ran his hand around the R, admiring the keychain. “Y/n. This is perfect. I can't even tell you how much I love it. What’s the necklace? Is it merch too?”

 “Oh. No, I made that one. My mom helped me with it, she makes jewelry.” You said you could feel tears pricking the back of your eyes at his reaction. “I, um. It’s made out of ruby beads, and black chain.”

 It was a necklace with a black chain, in the middle was a red RR pendant, on each side of it were three glass black beads.

 “I wanted you to have something else that no one would have. Something only from me. Because both you and Red Riot are one of the most important people in my life.” You whispered; your hands were starting to shake from the butterflies fluttering wildly inside you. “I have a matching one too. It’s a bracelet though, so it’s not the exact same.”

 You took the bracelet out of the bowl on your nightstand, showing him.

Kirishima was completely quiet for a moment, just staring at the necklace. You began to get worried.

 “Kiri? Do you like it?” He didn’t answer your questions. “You don’t have to keep it! I can take it back if you don’t like it. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t-“

 You were interrupted when his hands softly grabbed your face. Then he kissed you. It was slow at first, you were caught off guard. When you realized what was happening you kissed him back. His arms moved to wrap around your waist, and he deepened the kiss. You could feel your flush. Your arms moved on their own and wrapped around his neck, once buried in his hair, the Santa hat on his head fell to the floor.

 He pulled back very slightly for a breath and went back in for a kiss again. It was breathtaking and you felt like you were floating. After a few more seconds you pulled back to breathe. Kirishima rested his head against your forehead. His red eyes staring into yours, the butterflies in your bodies felt like they were breaking free.

 “Y/n. Don’t ever apologize for a gift again.” He said pulling you to sit on the edge of your bed.

 “Do you like it?” You asked hopefully.

 “I am not kidding when I say this is the best gift I have ever gotten in my life. I can’t even believe you got all this for me. There are so many meanings within these few things. I love them.” He cupped your face again and reached for something in his pocket. It was a small white box with your initials on the left corner of it.

 You took it from him when he held it out to you. “What is this?”

 “So, I don’t have the skills to make you something special, and also you don’t have any merch out yet. Sorry, this is awkward…” He laughed and rubbed his neck.

 “Hey, no it’s okay.” You said, moving your free hand and placing it on his cheek. You opened the box, inside was a ring. In the middle of it was a small gemstone of your birth month, on each side was a small clear crystal. Tears pricked your eyes once again, “Kiri..” You whispered you took it out of the box and it was a perfect fit. You looked up at him once again, “I love it. Thank you!”

 “Y/n, you are so welcome. You deserve so much more than I can give you right now.” You leaned in to hug him and he returned it immediately. His large arms wrapping around you, warming your whole body. When you both pulled away he grinned at you, “I also got you a year membership for your favorite café, it’s one drink or food item free a day but I think it’s worth it.” He laughed and laced his fingers through your hand. “I want to take you there for the first day though.”

 You waited a second before you got the courage, “Kiri?”

 “Yeah?”

 “Do you want to go there as a date?” You could practically see the butterflies from your stomach in the room now.

 “I was just about to ask that,” He said grinning again, “Are you psychic, y/n.”

 “I am actually, I didn’t think you’d ever find out!” You gasped, Kirishima laughed at your response.

 “I may not be book smart, but I can read you like a book.” He said, “Wait, don’t say anything that didn’t make sense.”

 “I like you so much Kiri, I wanted to tell you for a bit but I didn’t know if you liked me back.” You said looking down at your hands, when he squeezed your hand you looked up again. “But I don’t know how I didn’t see it this whole time, how much you meant to me, and how you feel about me too.”

 “Y/n, I have never felt so many feelings for someone before,” Kirishima said, his eyes seemed to sparkle when you met them. “I care so much about you, more than anyone.”

A huge yawn ripped from your throat breaking the trance the two of you were in. You laughed and stood up, pulling Kirishima along with you. “I’m really happy that you liked my gifts.”

 “I loved them; they were all so special to me in a different way.” He said looking softly at you, “Just like you, y/n. The pillow though was so great where did you even find it?” You just grinned and shrugged at him. He shook his head leaning down to the floor, he grabbed the pillow you gave him. “Can you stay in my room tonight? I really want to cuddle with you right now, more than ever.”

 “Let me change first.” You said smiling at him.

 Without missing a beat, he leaned in placing a kiss on your lips again. You deepened it, grabbing his shirt pulling him closer. After a second, he grabbed your hand and pulled you to the door. “You can wear my clothes, I can’t help myself you’re too cute. He then pulled you out of your room. You left the butterflies behind in your room, no longer nervous just very excited to wake up in his arms, not having to pull yourself from his grasp at the end of the night like before.

[artycreaty]

You’re okay, you’re safe

(ShinRanSonoko Friendship for @everyday-thursdays )

Hello Thursdays! I am your @dcmksecretsanta this year! 🎅🏻 🎁

I deeply apologise for this being late! I didn’t get good ideas for writing this fic, but then imagined stuff and tried to write them down days later, and what I thought would be like 1.5k words turned into this monster of a long fic! How scary is that? 😱  I sure did scare myself! 😂  I hope the fact that this got made extra long makes up for my tardiness! 😇 🙇🏻‍♀️ 🙏🏻  I hope you enjoy this gift! Because of you, I loved ShinRanSonoko dynamic the more I wrote it!

Wishing you a very Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! May 2021 bring you hope, creativity and health! 🎆 📣 ✨

Special thanks to Gisa ( @meitanteisachi ) for everything you’ve done for me! ✨ If we hadn’t had discussions about a certain Heiress, this fic would’ve been way late or, god forbid, never been formed! 😱 😅  Thank you also for having shared your thoughts on my fic! You’re the best! 💜

Also special thanks to Blender ( @blenderfullasarcasm ) for beta-ing my work! ✨ Without your help, this fic would’ve been cringey, so Thank You! You’re the best! 💜

Now then, please enjoy!

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Relationships: ShinRanSonoko Friendship, background ShinRan Rating: T (for language and panic attack) Words: 16.8k Additional Tags: Friendship, Panic Attacks, Fluff, Best Friends, Good Friend Suzuki Sonoko, ShinRanSonoko Friendship, Humor, Sassy Suzuki Sonoko, maybe? - Freeform, DCMK Secret Santa, DCMK Secret Santa 2020, Gift Fic, Gift Giving

Summary:

“We’re not leaving you,” Ran says with determination.

“You’re stuck with us,” Shinichi snorts.

And Sonoko? Sonoko wants to cry. She just wants to stay with them, like this. Forever.

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Twelve.

It is warm inside the Suzuki residence. Feeling extremely bored, the young Suzuki suddenly decides to do an activity which involves water guns. Having already done their homework and revisions, and with watching TV mindlessly boring her, she just feels like doing something physical. So Sonoko convinces Ran to play, and they wear swimming costumes under casual clothes so as not to catch a cold before grabbing their water guns. It has been thirty minutes since then.

However, there is something missing from this scenario. She ponders the thought. What is it?

It feels like there is someone missing from this group… Ah, yes. Shinichi! She’d forgotten!

She turns around to see Shinichi sitting on a bench, reading another mystery novel that he had borrowed from their library, having already refused to join in on their activities. 

Why is he reading that book and not joining in?

Ah yes, because that little brat has ‘better things to do than get himself drenched in cold water from a fake gun’. His words, not hers. Sonoko is annoyed. Very, very annoyed. 

So when she impulsively decides to forcibly bring him into the ‘pointless’ activity with herself and Ran, the world need not blame her. 

She shushes Ran, then slowly and sneakily walks towards the wannabe detective who is looking at the back of the book with a contemplative expression, and when she arrives at the destination, she raises her hand up, pointing towards him. Barely holding in a giggle, she pulls the trigger. 

SPLAAASH!

“UWAAH!”

A steady fountain of water lands on his head, wetting his hair and splattering onto his clothes, a few touching the book. Ah well, it’s on the back, so it’s going to be readable. Even if it isn’t, her library has one or two extra copies, so it’s fine. He still instinctively puts the book out of the way while shielding his face, so there. A few more seconds, and she stops.

A long silence.

Shinichi is the one who breaks it. He puts his arm down, gawks at her. His mouth opens and closes like a gaping fish. “Did you—” he clears his throat. “Did you just splash water on me?”

“Yup, I did!” she says cheekily, popping the ‘p’.

Somewhere in the background, she hears soft, suppressed laughter at the display.

“...” He looks down, his wet hair covering his eyes. “What the hell?” Sonoko remains silent, not gracing him with an answer just yet. “What the hell are you doing, Sonoko?”

She raises her eyebrow. “Playing water guns. What else am I doing?”

“Well then,” Shinichi’s voice is low, “riddle me this. I have not done anything to you today or ever. I didn’t want to come here but you dragged me here anyway so I borrowed this book and left both of you alone to play whatever it is you like to play with. But then you came sneaking on me, involved me in your game without warning, and ruined a perfectly written novel. So tell me…” His head raises ever so slightly, giving her a glare. “What did I ever do to deserve this kind of treatment?”

Having been around him for long enough to be immune to his glares, Sonoko just deadpans and gives him a glare of her own. “Oh, you’ve done plenty. First of all, you’re boring. Second of all, you left us alone and read whatever that is in your own solitude. I don’t know what the heck is up with that. Third of all, I dragged you here for a reason. And finally, that book is still intact. It isn’t the end of the world if a few droplets just happened to land on that book. Oh, and did I forget to mention that you’re boring?”

“Oh, am I?” He slowly stands up from the bench, still glaring at her. “And what do you want me to do about that, oh gracious heiress?” The last lines are dripping with sarcasm.

“You’re forgetting,” Sonoko drawls as she steps backwards a little, the corners of her lips twitching up, “about the fact that it’s currently the winter holiday, we’re 12, in middle school, we’re still young, and we have perfectly logical reasons to partake in fun activities like this one?”

His eyebrow raises into his hairline, tone curious despite the glare intensifying. “Oh? I didn’t know that you knew such big words.”

“You’re the one to blame. I’ve been infected with your loquacity.”

“Ah, thank you for the compliment, Your Graciousness.”

Sonoko’s eyebrow twitches. “The hell’s with that?”

He skillfully ignores her. “So…?”

She deadpans at him and just sighs as she raises the hand holding the gun, pointing at him. “So, a little bird told me that you’ve learned how to shoot with your dad in the middle of nowhere?” Shinichi’s stare is all the answer she gets. “Won’t you show me those lame skills of yours?” And before he can reply, Sonoko immediately pulls the trigger.

SPLAAASH!

Cold water hits his head, splashing droplets everywhere. Once again, he raises his hand to shield his face. And once again, silence.

“Oh. You actually want to do this? Fine.” Shinichi mutters as he lowers his arm, his glare at Sonoko intensifying once more. His lips curl into a smirk, his teeth showing. For once, Sonoko feels a tiny bit of fear growing from her being, but she skillfully rids herself of it. “Let’s play.”

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(Continued in AO3! Please click the link above!)

[kaiparker-avengerssmut]

CURSED: CHAPTER TEN

"the angels never arrived"

Kai Parker x OC!Mack Grace

Series synopsis: "We're both cursed, in a way."

We all know the story of Kai Parker, but he once lived in a very different life. Do you ever wonder what that life looked like?

Chapter summary: Christmas get a little...deadly

Warnings: violence, death

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

VIOLENTLY bright and tacky lights were strung through the halls, spare corners and classrooms decorated with paper snowflakes and plastic Christmas trees and the general spirits of student was lifted at least thirty percent by the approaching break. Mack sighed and closed her locker, turning to face Jo as she filled her in on everything that happened when she was away.

"So who's this mystery guy that keeps coming up then?" Jo urged with a raised brown, poking Mack in the side playfully with her elbow.

"Just that. A mystery." Mack retorted, scoffing and rolling her eyes at the overly invested girl.

"A mystery, huh? Well I do love a good problem to solve." Jo teased. "If I can't know who he is, at least tell me what happened." No suggested. After a long pause to mill it over, Mack finally caved.

"Okay, so - don't freak out, but I may have slept with him." Mack all but whispered. Jo cupped her ear with her hand and said:

"What was that? I couldn't hear you." Mack chewed her bottom lips before repeating.

"I slept with him. Twice." Jo's eyes went wide.

"Twice?!" Mack but her lips and nodded. Suddenly an arm was thrown over her shoulder and Mack turned to see a grinning Kai.

"So what's this?" He asked, mock shock on his face.

"Mack finally found a way to forget Ben." Jo stated.

"Ooooo, so Kenz's finally getting some?" Mack rolled her eyes. "It's about time really, I was getting fed up with her cranking attitude and-" he cut off when Mack hit him in the shoulder and he retracted his arm, shooting her a knowing look.

"It's not like that. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing, I doubt it will happen again." She dismissed, giving Kai a warning look.

"If you say so. Hey, this is me. Catch you guys later!" Jo said as they reached her class.

"Won't happen again, huh?" Kai husked lowly in Mack's ear once Jo was gone.

"Yes. So don't try anything." Kai's mischievous grin worried Mack and before she knew it he had grabbed her hand and pulled her into Janitor's closet and pressed her against the closed door.

"Like this?" He whispered, nibbling softly at her earlobe. She put her hands on his chest and pushed Kai back slightly.

"Yes, like this."

"We have a free period, may as well use it." He shot back with arched brows. He stepped closer to her again. "I know you want to." His minty breath fanned over her face, intoxicating her further. Mack looked away, and before he could get another word in she smashed her lips to his, her arms wrapping around his neck.

Kai was taken back at first but he quickly melted into the kiss, bracing a hand on the door beside Mack and his other settled on her hip after running over her curves.

"This is the last time this happens." Mack mumbled against his lips, gasping as Kai picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist before crashing her back to the door again.

"Okay." He murmured back, knowing full-well it wouldn't be.

...

"So what are you guys doing for Christmas?" Mack wondered aloud as Kai drove her and Jo home.

"Yeah, our family is going to San Francisco to see our cousins." Jo explained. "Well Kai isn't, as usual." she added almost accusingly.

"So you're gonna be on your own for Christmas?" Mack's question was directed at Kai now. he scoffed.

"So?" he seemed completely disinterested. Mack's eyes were wide.

"So?! What are you on about? It's Christmas!" Mack exclaimed, shocked. After a moment of thinking she came up with a solution. "Why don't you join my family for Christmas? It's only my dad, my sister and me but it's normally quite funny and we could always use some extra company." she quickly added, "and you can probably cook better than any of us."

After a moment of no answer Mack spoke again.

"You don't have to, I just didn't think you'd want to be alone. Think about it." She said as Kai pulled up to he house. "Thank you for the lift, bye!" and with that she climbed out Kai's car, slinging her bag over her shoulder and opening her front door.

"Hey dad." she said, dumping her bag on the table and grabbing an apple from the fruit bowel.

"Hey sweetheart." he chimed back, focus still on his notepad in front of him. "have a good day at school? How's Kai?" Mack took a bite of her apple.

"School's..." she trailed off, thinking about the Janator's closet, "fine, I guess. And Kai's good too. Speaking of Kai, can he spend Christmas with us? His family is going away and he'll be alone." Mack put her pleading face on.

"Of course he can, that boy has been a great help to you these past few months and I'd love to finally meet him. Do you want to give him a call?" he suggested, finally looking up from his work.

"I'll call him later. I've got homework to do, so I'll just be up in my room if you need me." Mack said, walking towards the stairs.

"Oh honey," her dad started. she turned back to face him.

"Yeah, dad?"

"Kim's boyfriend is also joining us this year."

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah, they started going out recently. I think he's younger than her - maybe your age. I am yet to meet him, so she thought Christmas would be the perfect opportunity."

"Okay." Mack walked up the stairs, the cogs of her mind churning, trying to figure out who her sister was dating.

...

"Kai! Finally, I thought you'd never come." Mack greeted cheerfully, smiling widely at Kai would held a few stacked trays covered with tea-towels in his hands.

"And miss seeing you in this little get-up?" He gestured to her red dress and Santa hat, "not a chance in the world, sweetheart." Kai grinned back, placing a quick kiss on her cheek as he walked into the house.

"You must be Kai!" Her Dad said as he saw Kai, Kim taking the plates from him as he mouthed a thank you before returning to her dad.

"Correct. You must be Mr Grace." Kai mentioned, shaking his hand firmly.

"Oh, please call me Ian." Ian waved off, releasing Kai's hand.

"Well, it's good to meet you, Ian. Thank you so much for having me." Kai thanked.

"Oh, it's no big deal. It's nice to have some more company for a change." Ian smiled. Kai turned to Kim.

"Ah, the sister." He said with a tight smile.

"Ah, the boyfriend." She mimicked. Kai had an amused smile at that.

"Not quite, just the best friend for now. I don't think she's quite over-" he was cut off when he heard Mack's horror filled voice whisper.

"Ben." She stood completely frozen, the door wide open and a smirking Ben stood on the other side, a small box tucked under his arm.

"Hey doll, how are you?" He said with a sickeningly cheery smile that made Kai clench his fists. After the moment of awkward silence, Kim walked over, pecking Ben on the lips and taking his hand, leading him into the house.

"So, everyone. Ben is my boyfriend, we started talking a few months ago. And we're really happy." Kim announced, standing hand-in-hand with a grinning Ben. Kai put his hands on Mack's shoulders, looking into her eyes with concern.

"You gonna be okay?" He whispered, thumbs stroking her shoulder soothingly. She swallowed thickly before nodding, still looking straight ahead with a look of emptiness in her eyes. She closed the door, sticky heading towards the sofa and pulling Kai down to sit next to her.

They zoned out the interaction currently happening, Mack's body slumping against Kai until she laid down, her head in his lap. He played with her hair, trying to quell the building anger inside him.

"So, Ben - long time no see?" Ian said with a bright smile and mockingly-sad tone. Ben smiled at the man from where he sat beside Kim, his arm slung over her shoulder.

"Yeah, well, after me and Mack decided to end things, it got lonely for me. Then I bumped into Kim at the diner down the road and we just got to...talking." Ben mused, but Mack could tell by the mischievous glint in his eye they did something, but talking was not it. "And ever since then, we've been practically inseparable." He finished, entwining his hand with Kim's and smiling down at her with warmth, but a dark undertone still lingered in his gaze.

"Well, I hope it isn't awkward between you kids." Ian joked, gesturing from Ben to Mack with his hand, which had a bottle of beer comfortably settled in it. Ben chuckled and Mack forced a smile, but Kai was practically seething, it glare emitting nothing but anger as he shot an icy stare at Ben. Mack noticed this and gently tugged him away.

"We'll go get dinner ready." She said with a small smile as she pulled Kai into the kitchen, slamming the door behind him and looking into his eyes - which remained fixed on the door as his nostrils flared and his face burned crimson. "Hey, hey. Look at me." Mack soothed as she placed her hands on the sides of Kai's face, stroking his cheekbones softly with her thumbs. His gaze broke and he looked down at her, his expression softening at the sight of Mack.

"I'm sorry, Kenz. I just- I can't stand him." Kai seethed and Mack shushed him gently.

"I know, but I need you to stay calm for me." She whispered and he nodded slowly. "Now, how 'bout we get this food ready?" Mack suggested and Kai's anger seemed to melt away at the mention of food, his shoulders relaxing and a wide smile replacing his frown. He leant down, kissing Mack languidly before pulling away and walking over to the oven.

"You do the veg and I'll handle the Turkey?" Kai grinned and Mack smiled warmly.

...

"This is delicious, Kai. Thank you so much for bringing it." Ian commented, mouthful of food as he eagerly wolfed down the plate of Christmas dinner Mack had served him.

"Yeah, I guess you can cook much better than you can throw a punch, huh?" Ben jeered with an amused grin. Mack and Kim grimaced and Kai had to stop himself from dropping his fork. Or stabbing it into Ben's hand, for that matter. Kai looked up at Ben with a fake smile.

"I guess so." He chuckled and Ben followed, the tension melting as they all continued to eat. "But, you know, just for the record." Kai started and Mack put her knife and fork down, burying her face in her hands as Ben raised a brow and Ian looked between the two boys. "I think you're a much better conversationalist than boyfriend." Kai mused.

"And what makes you say that?" Ben prompted.

"Well, from what I  can tell you can make it through a whole conversation with out hitting someone, unlike your relationships." Kai snapped and Ian's eyes widened, Ben's jaw ticked and he gripped his fork tightly. "Notting to say to that, sick bastard?" Kai taunted and Ben's jaw clenched and he abruptly stood.

Kai followed soon after. Mack reached out for him, placing a hand on Kai's arm but he shrugged her off. Kim seemed to be frozen and their dad looked completely lost. Ben made the first move, stepping around the table. Kai was soon to copy him but as Ben threw his fist Kai caught it with ease. He smirked at Ben.

"Still wanna tell me I can't throw a punch?" Kai asked with raised brows and Ben's angered face melted into one of fear and he coward away from Kai. "Didn't think so." Kai muttered before twisting Ben's arm round and holding it against his back as Ben cried out in pain. "Now, why don't you leave and stay the fuck away from Kenz, huh? I know how much you like to lay your hands on her.." Kai trailed off and let Ben go, who stumble forward and practically bolted from the house, the door slamming with a bang behind him the reverberated from the walls like thunder.

"Get. Your. Fuck-buddy. Under. Control." Kim spat at Mack before storming off, the sound of the legs of her chair scraping bitterly against the floor was punctuated awkwardly but the slam of the door behind her. A thick tension rose, thick enough that a knife could slice straight through it like it was cutting cheesecake.

"Well.." Ian began but Mack was gone, the last thud of the door causing both Kai and Ian to flinch as the wood smashed against the battered frame.

"I'm sorry-" Kai tried to apologise, turning to face the man but Ian held up a hand, halting Kai's words.

"No. You did the right thing, boy. I can't believe I let that boy in my home - near my daughters!" Ian gritted out and Kai's jaw clenched. "I should have been a better father..."  he murmured.

"No." Kai said harshly, making Ian's head snap up to look at him. "You are not at fault. Ben is a vile creature who deserves to rot in hell." Kai spat and Ian nodded. "And if you think you're a bad father, you are strongly mistaken. If you knew how much Kenz appreciates you,     you'd-" Kai's little sprang was cut off when a violent buzzing echoed from his pocket. Kai pulled out his pager to see Mack's number and instantly rushed to the phone.

"Kenz? Oh my god, Kenz! You had us worried sick! Where are you? I'll come pick you up-"

"I killed him, Kai. He's - he's dead."

[wososage]

Surprisingly a Great Mom: USWNT x Reader (I’ll be your mom continuation)

Request: Hey dude! I was hoping you could do a part 2 to “I’ll be your mom (well sue will)”. Where It’s a holiday and the team is invited to Pinoe and Sue’s house and they can see that R is really thriving in the environment and isn’t skinny anymore. Ft responsible parent sue and crackhead but responsible pinoe. Thank you in advance and I love your writing. Hope you are doing good! Love you!

Warnings: talk of sex

Word Count: 1133

Just an update for everyone: my body aches so badly from laying in a hospital bed for a week. overall treatment isn’t too bad and I’m gonna go home for a few days at the end of the weekend. thanks for all of the well wishes, I really appreciate it.

Sue’s POV

The children are too busy playing FIFA to help clean up the house before the team comes over. I knew I was dating a child, but I didn’t know the extent of it until there was another child in the house to encourage her antics. There is twice the Pinoe energy in our house, just one person is a grown woman and the other is an impressionable teenager. 

“That’s not fair,” (Y/N) shouts. “Sue! She’s cheating.”

“Am not,” my girlfriend yells. 

Then I can hear them running towards the kitchen the I am currently mopping.

“Sue, tell her to stop cheating,” (Y/N) whines.

“Tell her to stop being a baby,” Megan complains.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a deep breath. Why am I the only adult in this house?

“Both of you are done with video games,” I tell them in an even voice. “You need to clean the living room and the video game room. All of the pillows and blankets need to be picked up. Both rooms need to be vacuumed.”

“But I don’t want to,” (Y/N) whines. I give her a pointed look and she just sighs.

“If I see either of you playing video games before the team comes over you will not like the consequences,” I tell them with finality.

“Yes ma’am,” (Y/N) says. “I’ll clean the living room.”

Both (Y/N) and Megan do their work without a fight and everything is ready by the time the first members of the team arrive. 

“Can we play video games now?” (Y/N) asks after eating all of the food Megan put on her plate.

“You can but if you start yelling then you are cut off,” I tell her.

“That’s fine,” (Y/N) says excitedly. “No one over 30 is allowed to play so that doesn’t leave anyone to yell at.”

As (Y/N) runs out of the room with her rainbow hair flopping around I grin and shake my head.

“Got your hands full Sue?” Carli asks with a smirk.

“No one could ever give me enough warning for how chaotic (Y/N) and Megan are when they are together,” I tell her while grabbing a beer. “I didn’t realize how much of a child my girlfriend was until there was another one exactly like her.”

“They aren’t giving you too much trouble are they?” Becky asks with genuine concern.

“It’s not too bad,” I say. “Megan knows I won’t have sex with her if she gets too out of line.”

“And that works?” Christen asks with a look of disbelief because she knows Megan all too well.

“I’ve grounded her to the guest room a few times,” I explain. “And honestly, if I ground (Y/N) then Megan will actually act like an adult. And I have found ways to use their competitiveness against them. If I am tired of them scheming with each other then I bribe them with some prize for the person who runs the fastest mile or something like that. Then I get about 10 minutes of peace and when they are done they both take a nap on the couch.”

“How does it feel being a mom to two teenagers?” Kelley asks with a grin because she acts just the same as them.

“Megan is actually an adult most of the time,” I tell them. “She is more strict about (Y/N) doing her homework, eating enough food, and getting enough rest. I know that I don’t have to worry about too much trouble happening until the afternoon because Megan hates the mornings and (Y/N) is actually really great by herself. But get the two of them together and you need to be worried that the house is going to burn down.”

“(Y/N) looks happier,” Ali comments. “And healthier. And like she has been lifting a lot so she can be stronger than you.”

“We may have an agreement that has to do with working out,” I say with a chuckle. “Whoever maintains the necessary body fat percentage doesn’t have to do dishes for the week. I don’t think (Y/N) has had to do dishes in two months.”

“Yeah because she rides her bike to school and does extra flights of stairs at school for the fun of it,” Megan complains walking in the room with Ashlyn and Tobin. “We’re getting bored because the children are playing video games and (Y/N) won’t let me play. Can we do secret Santa now?”

We get everyone gathered around in the living room and everyone grabs the gift with their name on it. As soon as I see everyone settled down I realize that Megan and (Y/N) are staring at each other with very evil grins on their faces.

“Pinoe and Pinoe junior,” I say in a sharp tone. “If either of you even think about pulling anything you will be doing all of the chores around the house for a month.”

Both of their faces fall and everyone else snickers at the situation.

“You’re no fun Sue,” (Y/N) grumbles. “This is perfect pranking conditions.”

I raise my eyebrow and she looks down at the ground.

“I won’t pull any pranks, Sue,” she mumbles with a sigh. “But I make no promises for January camp.” 

“Megan?” I ask turning to my girlfriend.

“Hey I want this sex ban to be over,” she says putting her arms up in surrender. 

“Please don’t talk about your sex life,” (Y/N) groans hiding her face in her hands. “Sex is gross.”

Everyone chuckles at (Y/N)’s antics, not surprised at all by what she is saying.

“Can I open my present now?” she asks like an impatient little kid.

“Nope,” Megan says popping the p. “We are going who has been on the team longest to shortest.”

Carli begins opening her gift and guessing who got it for her. There weren’t really any surprises on what everyone got but when we got to Ash, we were surprised by who got her the gift. 

“I promise I didn’t get Ash that,” Ali says blushing. 

“No, but that would be really hot if you did,” Ash says with a wink. “But really who did get me a shark-shaped dildo? Kelley? Pinoe? Pookie?”

Everyone looks really confused then I see (Y/N) with a horrendous look in her eyes.

“You okay there (Y/N)?” Alyssa asks concerned, seeing the look in her eyes too.

“I didn’t know it was a dildo!” (Y/N) exclaims with her face turning bright red. “I saw a shark and thought it looked cool. No wonder the cashier looked at me weirdly.”

I sigh and shake my head. Only my kid wouldn’t be so innocent yet still be so chaotic.

[epic-potato-crisp]

Caramel Syrup

Note: Dear @gingerrhd, I was your secret santa this year! You mentioned KouKei, autumn, sarcasm, and the worst coffee date ever in the prompts, so I decided to go with a coffeshop! AU for the story. I hope you enjoy!  ^-^

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The bell jingled over his head as Kei pried open the heavy door of “Fantôme.” There weren’t many customers around, which is what he had been going for for when he decided to pick a small, secluded coffeeshop to study in favor of the larger franchise store down the road. It had been his go-to-place, before Kei discovered just how many students from his High School spend their free hours and afternoons there.

No thank you. Kei could do without the obligatory socialization every time he tried to get ahead in his homework. Also, their management had changed and for some absurd reason he had a strange feeling about the new shift manager behind the counter, an old man approaching pension age who graced him with a downright unsettling smile every time they met. So Fantôme it was. As it turned out, not only was the store empty, and offered “Free Wifi” if one were to believe the obnoxious signs plastered throughout, it also held a large amount of seating opportunities. That was welcome news to Kei, who despised encountering his classmates almost as the lack of free tables. “Welcome!” The red-haired boy behind the counter shouted as soon as he spotted him, bowing promptly. Kei grimaced at the ear-splitting volume. “A gingerbread latte please.” he ordered, after a customary glance at the menu. “That will be 600 yen.” Kei nodded, and handed over the required amount. “Alright. Please take a seat. Coming right up!!” the barista responded, flashing him an irritatingly cheerful smile. Kei rolled his eyes and went to find a table.

  “Here you go, sorry for the delay.” A good ten minutes later, a steaming cup of coffee was placed in front of him. Kei had already spread himself out over the desk, his laptop turned on and class notes on his side. “Thanks.” Kei graced the barista-server-whatever he was with a court nod, before turning back to his screen. “Oh, what are you doing there?”

Someone save him.

“Homework.” “Oh, cool, for what subject?” The redhead didn’t seem the slightest bit deterred by the venomous look Kei shot him, sliding into the empty next to him. On the contrary. “History.” “Oh man, I hate that subject. But you know what I hate even more?” Kei did not remember asking, but the barista generously provided him with an update anyway. “Biology. Seriously man, I didn’t know there were so many complicating things to know about plans. Don’t you just water them?” He gestured wildly as he spoke. “Oh, and don’t get me started on Japanese Literature-“ “Don’t you have work to do?” Kei cut across him. “Nah, actually, my shift break just started. Lucky, eh?” the barista grinned.

Oh God, he should have gone to his old place. Not even his classmates talked this much.

“I’m Nakano Kou, by the way! Nice to meet you!” He held out his hand. Kei grimaced, but forced himself into the polite response and shook it briefly. “Likewise.” He replied monotonously. Nakano tilted his head, his bushy eyebrows travelling skywards. So much for privacy. “I’m Nagai Kei.” Kei grumbled, “And I have work to do, so if you excuse me-“

It was at that moment a tall man with glasses and silver hair appeared behind the counter. “Nakano!” he barked, as soon as he spotted the pair of them, “If you have time to harass the customers, you might as well get to work! The tables won’t clear themselves.” Nakano winced, caught and got to his feet with a sigh. “Sorry, my shift manager is no fun. I’ll see you around, yeah?” Kei didn’t dignify that with a response. He got to work.

  “Welcome! Oh, Nagai, it’s great to see you back!” “Likewise.” Kei ground out between clenched teeth, cursing his luck. The shop was fuller this time, the tables being occupied by elderly people enjoying their afternoon treat and college students typing away at laptops alike. Did the Fantôme not employ anyone else? Either Nakano was the epitome of obliviousness, or he purposefully ignored Kei’s hostile tone. He took his order- Kei went with his regular, with an extra helping of caramel syrup- chatting away merrily as he did. “Honestly, I’m really glad you chose our store. You know, the bigger franchise one down the road?” “Hard to miss.” Kei deadpanned. “Yeah, that one! So, they drive away most of our customers. But Hirasawa-san- that’s my boss, you know- he says not to worry. That the Phantom has its own unique charm, ya know?” The coffee machine beeped shrilly. “Oh, whoops, gotta refill the water tank. Just a second!” “It’s Fantôme.” Kei couldn’t help himself. “What?” Nakano appeared genuinely confused, as he filled a large container under the sink. “The shop. It’s pronounced Fantôme.” Correcting other people’s pronounciation had always been one of Kei’s biggest pet peeves. It hadn’t exactly helped him in making friends at school. “Sure, if you say so! French confuses the heck out of me.” Kei was about to spitefully remark what doesn’t, but held his tongue.

Nakano, who had meanwhile successfully managed to get the machine working again, turned his back on the cup filling with coffee and grabbed a chocolate pastry from showcase, placed it on a tiny plate and handed it to Kei.” “Voila!” “I didn’t order that.” Kei said. “Yeah, I know. Consider it on the house.” Kou winked and rang him up.

Kei managed about an hour of successfully typing away at his essay before a certain redheaded menace decided to join him again at the table.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind!” He declared energetically, before taking a seat next to Kei, armed with a piece of cake and sparkling glass of soda. Kei did mind, but apparently that was obsolete.

“So what are you doing today?” “History again. Citing my sources.” “Ugh, that sounds boring.” Nakano said emphatically. “Tell me about it.” “So you’re going to Kaisei?” Nakano said, with a nod to his blazer. “I guess.” “Isn’t that crazy hard to get into?” Kei shrugs. “Maybe. I didn’t think the entrance exam was that difficult.” “Woah!” If Kou’s eyes widened any further, they would have popped out of their sockets. “You’re really fucking smart, aren’t you?” Kei, much to his disagreement, felt his cheeks warm at the unexpected praise. “So, you’re in High School too? What year?” Kei asked, in an attempt to redirect  the conversation towards Nakano himself. “Year 2.” “Same as me.” Nakano groaned pitifully. “End of term exams are going to kill me once I start studying for them.” Kei stopped his typing. “What do you mean once you start studying for them? They’re in February.” “Yeah, so? “It’s December.” Kei knew it wasn’t his place to advise the other boy on study methods, but he was adept at spotting a train wreck in the making. Or perhaps, that was just his OCD talking. “When were you going to start?” “End of January?” Nakano responded. It sounded like a question.

Oh dear God.

“Anyway.” Nakano said, misinterpreting his stunned silence for agreement, “You know how I said that the larger store drives our customers away? Know why that is?” His eyes sparkled excitedly. Kei glanced at the counter, hoping the coffee machine would decide to act up again and save him from the rest of this conversation. “Other than that they’re an internationally renowned franchise with stores all over the world? No. Couldn’t possibly imagine.” Kei replied sarcastically, which went right over Nakano’s head. “Nah, that’s not it.” Nakano said, dismissing Kei’s perfectly logical statement with a wave of his hand. He grinned conspiratorially. “Listen to this. There are rumors that their new manager is cahoots with the yakuza. The Yakuza! Crazy, right?” “Wow.” Kei said, not knowing what else to respond to this. Indeed, the grandpa behind the counter did look like he could murder his him in his sleep and get away with it. It would probably a merciful death by comparison, he thought, side-eyeing Nakano, who rambled on as though there was no tomorrow. A few minutes later, he was saved by the same sour-faced shift manager that had come to his aid the other day. “Stop trash-talking the competition, Nakano! Table 3 wants to order!” “Ah, yessir!” Nakano yelled, making Kei wince. He jumped up and gave a wave. “Laters!” Kei pinched his forehead, and returned to his sources.

For someone who had vowed to never return here, Kei thought glumly to himself, as he walked into the Fantôme a week later on a rainy Thursday afternoon, he was really bad at keeping promises. Even to himself. The lady behind the counter was tiny. “Good afternoon.” She greeted him monotonously, staring at him with dark, soulful eyes that looked like they’d seen enough. “What would you like?” Kei thought decisively that he didn’t miss the exciting chatter that had accompanied his earlier orders, and got out his wallet.  

“Oh, hey! Nagai! Izumi-san, I’m taking this one.” Kei didn’t know what exactly possessed him to return the very next day, but there was work he had to yet finish, and the atmosphere of the coffeeshop had provided to aid his levels of productivity. Well, for the most part. “Alright.” The petite woman from yesterday replied, eyes even more weary than the day before, and moved on to the next customer. Fridays were busy, even at the Fantôme. “Gingerbread latte?” Nakano asked, as soon as Nagai reached the counter. Nagai nodded. “And, one of these pastries, please.” he said. “Coming right up! And, sorry, but I guess I’ll have to charge you for the pastry this time. Tosaki-san- that’s my shift manager said I’m not allowed to give out freebies.” He shrugged. “That’s fine.” Kei said. “But I’m starting to convince him of the fact that you’re a regular, so that might change!” Nakano winked. “Don’t count on it.” “Yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say.” Nakano said teasingly, and rang him up.

Kei was impressed to learn that even a rush on a Friday afternoon was not enough to deter Nakano from bothering him at his table. Strangely enough, he found himself not really minding the company. Even if it did keep him from his statistics homework. “Fun fact.” Nakano said, “You know that this store was originally gonna be called IBM? But you know, that’s trademarked, so Hirasawa-san didn’t go ahead with it.” “What the hell would IBM even stand for?” Kei shut his laptop screen, deciding that perhaps a small break would not completely ruin his progress. He took a bite out of his pastry, which tasted more delicious than it had any business being. “I don’t know, man. International Brewery Masters?” “You literally have one store.” “Point taken.” Nakano grinned.

Kei rolled his eyes. “Shouldn’t you be at the register?” “My coworker’s handling it.” Nakano said, making large puppy eyes at him, “I have a double shift on Saturday, give me a break.” “Your coworker?” “Well, yeah, Izumi-san. You’ve met her, right?” Nakano’s voice picked up, excitedly. “She’s really hot, isn’t she?” “What exactly is hot, Nakano-kun?” a quiet voice asked behind him asked. Nakano choked on his soda. The woman in question had approached with the stealth of a panther. She narrowed her eyes at the younger employee. “I-Izumi-san!” Nakano responded, flustered, “I, uh, I meant the coffee! Right, Kei? It’s really nice and hot, isn’t it?” “It’s very good, indeed.” Kei responded, after a delighting moment of watching Nakano struggle in embarrassment. Izumi left, but not without shooting last glare in Nakano’s direction. “I feel like she doesn’t like me.” Nakano whined, as soon as she was out of earshot. “How on earth did you reach that conclusion?” Kei asked, raising an eyebrow. He glanced at his watch. It was already close to 6 pm. “I’m sorry, but I’m leaving in a bit.” Eriko was home from the hospital for the weekend. And as strained as their relationship might be, Kei did feel guilty for not spending as much time with his little sister as he probably should have. “Oh, that’s perfect!” Nakano replied, “I’ll get off in half an hour. Want to walk to the station together?” Oh well. He needed to catch his train either way. “Sure.”

   Nakano, predictably, talked the entire way to the station. Which suited Kei well this time, as it saved him from having to make awkward small talk. He learned that Nakano had been working at the Fantôme for a year already. He was one of two High Schoolers the shop’s owner, Hirsawa-san had employed. Most other employees were college students. There was Tosaki, who was studying for his masters at Keio University, and Izumi, an undergrad student at Sophia. He also learned that Nakano lived on his own, and had barely scraped by his first year in High School. When asked about his parents, he shrugged. “They didn’t pay the rent, and got us kicked out of our place. My uncle’s helping me pay for a room, but I’m pretty much on my own with all other expenses. Sucks, but that’s the way it is.” “I’m sorry.” Kei answered, not knowing what else to say. “Don’t be.” Nakano gave him a smile that seemed genuine, “I do like my job. Even though Tosaki-san can be a pain at times.” An awkward silence fell between them. “Want to exchange LINE ID’s?” Nakano asked, just before they reached the station. “Sure, whatever.” “You can call me Kou, by the way. Nakano’s so freaking formal. And can I call you Kei, too?” “Whatever.” Kei repeated, ignoring the pleased feeling in the pit of his stomach when he realized Nakano had bothered to remember his first name.

Ten minutes later, on a crowded train heading back home, Kei muted his phone notifications when Kou wouldn’t stop spamming their chat with rilakumma emojis.

  Despite his better judgement, Kei started showing up at the Fantôme once a week. His visits fell mostly on Mondays, which was coincidentally also the day that Kou was on his regular shift. Kei blamed it on the workload the school assigned with the beginning of every week.

He had slowly developed a craving for the Fantôme’s coffee specials, and the place did offer a rather peaceful study atmosphere, if he left aside Kou’s chattering during his impromptu visits at Kei’s table.

But even those, he secretly grew to like. Not that he would ever admit to it.

  “Welcome! Your order?” The barista at the counter was not Kou. A shadow fell over Kei as the man towered above him at what was easily two meters of height. The Fantome’s signature apron barely reached his midriff. The accompanying cream-coloured frills provided a striking contrast to his perpetual scowl. Tanaka, the name tag read. “I, um-“ “Oh, hello Kei.” Izumi greeted him, emerging from the kitchen with a rare smile. He did know when exactly she had learned his name, but somewhere between his first and his fifteenth visit, he had apparently made an impression. It was what came with being a “regular” , he supposed, which wasn’t nearly as beneficial as Kou made it out to be. Even though he enjoyed the occasional complimentary pastry. Where was he, anyway? It was a Monday like any other. “Nakano’s not working today.” she said, apparently having read his thoughts, “He’s at home studying. His exams are coming up soon.” “Oh, I see.” Kei said, “Then, well…” he glanced at the mountain of a barista that looked like he could take him out in one ill-timed blow, “I just wanted to get drinks for takeaway. One gingerbread latte, please.” he said. “600 yen.” “Actually, can you make that two?” Tanaka grunted, which Kei understood as a confirmation. “Visiting a friend?” Izumi-san asked, a knowing look in her eyes. “Just for my sister.” Kei responded. His heart was racing, which was a little odd, he thought. He was yet to consume any amount of caffeine. “I see.”

  This was most likely a bad idea, Kei thought. In between spamming him with memes, links to prank compilations on youtube and various emojis, Kou had also written his address.

“What would I need that for? ”Kei had texted back. “In case you ever wanna hang out!” Kei had left him on read.

Now, standing in front of his door, he considered turning around. But he had already come all this way, to a ward on the suburbs of Tokyo. Also, the coffee was getting cold. He sighed, and pressed the doorbell. “Kei!!” Nakano’s surprised expression gave way to a joyful one when he noticed his unexpected visitor. “Come in, please!” He beckoned him inside eagerly. “Please excuse the intrusion.” Kei mumbled, taking off his shoes and stepping into Nakano’s apartment. It was tiny. There was bed and a dresser, a floor table and seating pillows. A fridge, and a single stove with a microwave took up one corner of the room. Kei spotted a door in the another one, probably leading to a bathroom. Also, it looked like a bomb had exploded in here. “Please have a seat. Sorry, it’s not very tidy.” Nakano said, That put it lightly, Kei thought, stepping over books, socks and empty bottles. Nakano brought him a glass of water, and they sat down at the table. “I heard you were studying for exams.” “Yeah, I have some tests coming up.” Kou sighed, “Tosaki-san told me to take the week off and study. When I came into work this afternoon, he yelled at me, so… I guess I’m here.” He laughed embarrassedly. “When are your exams?” Kei asked, with an impending feeling of doom, taking a sip of his water. “Thursday. Friday.” Nakano said. “This week?” “Yep.” He should have just gone home. “Do you have trouble with any of the material?” Nakano flashed him a saccharine smile. “Perhaps you could tutor me?” Kei could feel a headache coming on. “Depends on the subjects.” “Math, I can mostly do, but I am struggling with biology.” Nakano said, giving him the largest puppy eyes Kei had ever witnessed. “Alright, fine. Let’s do this.” Kei agreed with a sigh, opening a textbook. How hard could that possibly be? He aced biology every time. Surely tutoring someone else was not that vastly different.

One hour later, their styrofoam cups were empty and Kei was about to lose his sanity. “What exactly are you not getting about the polymerase chain reaction?” He snapped, twisting a pen in his hand, ink smudging all over his fingers, “It’s not that hard!”

“Yes, it is.” Nakano yelled, desperation clawing its way into his voice. “Well, what part?” “Everything.” Nakano moaned, burying his face in his hands. “Oh man, I’m sorry. Nagai. I’m a lost cause. You should just go home.” Kei felt very tempted to do just that, but he took a way at Kou’s room and the tense way he hunched his shoulders and the staple of bills on the corner of the desk, and felt like an asshole for even considering it. But wait. He still had an ace up his sleeve. He stepped out onto the balcony, and made a call.

“I came as fast as I could.” Kaito leaned against the doorframe, motorcycle helmet underneath his arm, “Lucky I live nearby.” “Thank you. I owe you one.” Kei said. Kaito waved him off. “No, believe me, you’ll call in that favor once you see what I mean.” Kei said dryly. Kaito laughed at his pained expression. “It’ll be fine.” “Kei, are you leaving?” Nakano called, emerging from the bathroom. He paused in his tracks once he saw Kaito. “Oh, hi, you are-“ “Your new biology teacher.” Kei said coldly. Kou tilted his head in confusion. “A friend of mine. Who’s good at biology. He agreed to teach you. That’s all.” Kei grumbled. Immediately, Kou’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Hey! Wow, thanks for doing this! I’m really an idiot, so sorry in advance for taking up your time. I’m Nakano, by the way. Come in!” “Kaito. Pleasure.” the blond replied, giving him a warm smile. “I’m gonna go and get some food from the conbini down the road.” Kei responded, “Have fun.” “Get me some tuna onigiri, yeah?” Kou called after him. “In your dreams.” Kaito laughed.

  Three hours later, they sat at Kou’s table together, feasting on rice balls, soba noodles and lemon tea. “Kaito, you’re seriously the best.” Kou said, mid-chew. Kei turned his face away in disgust. “I feel like I really understood the stuff for the first-time!” “You’re welcome.” Kaito replied, “And by the way, Kou, don’t be so hard on yourself. You do understand more than you think. I think you just have trouble remembering the detail, but that’s okay. It’s what you study for, after all.” “You’re so nice, Kaito.” Kou fawned, “You’re much nicer than Kei.” “Hey. Remember who got him here in the first place?” Kei snapped, irritated. “I know, sorry. That was pretty great of you.” Kou said apologetically, grinning at him cheekily. Pretty great of you. Kei felt his cheeks heating up. “Bathroom.” he said, leaving as quickly as he could, and ignoring the smile on Kaito’s face.

  “So, what’s the result?” Kou’s shift manager had apparently been waiting for them already when they walked into the store on Monday. “Hello, Tosaki-san, nice to see you too.” Kou said, rolling his eyes. Tosaki glared at him. “Okay, okay, fine!” Kou held up his hands in defeat. “I passed. Both exams. B in maths, C in biology.” “Just a C, after all the tutoring that Kaito gave you.” Kei comments acidly, “Were you even trying?” “Hey, I passed, okay? Wasn’t that the goal?” Kou pouted at him. Kei sighed, wishing that his puppy eyes didn’t have that much of an effect on him.

“I guess you did. Well done.”

Kou smiled at him. Kei felt his heart flutter, and looked away. “Well done, Nakano-kun.” Izumi said, who’d apparently overheard a part of their conversation, “Nagai’s drink is on me.” “Thanks.” Kei said. “Well then, get to work.” Tosaki adjusted his glasses. “Seriously, that’s all? Don’t I get a reward or something?” “Your reward is the tables you’ll be clearing.” Tosaki says haughtily, crossing his arms in front of his chest, “You’re late, so get moving.” “Yes, boss.” Kou sighs. “…Well done.” Kou turned in his tracks. “What was that?” “Move it!”

“Your regular?” Izumi asked, just as Nakano trudged off to get changed, “It’s on me.” “Is the gingerbread latte even a seasonal item anymore?” Kei said, seriously. “We make exceptions for our frequent customers.” Izumi responds, lowering her voice secretively. “Well, then I won’t say no.”

Izumi hummed and got to work preparing his drink. “Oh, in case you were worried. Nakano-kun still has all his vacation days. I guess that’s a type of reward, isn’t it?” “Hadn’t crossed my mind to be worried at all.” Kei answered, too quickly for it to be true. “I see.” Izumi said, with this knowing smile Kei hoped he interpreted too much into. “Here you go.” “Thank you.”

Kou came out from the staff room at this very second, wearing his work-shirt and apron. “Grab a seat, yeah?” he told Kei, “I’ll be with you as soon as I get a free minute.” “You don’t have to-“ His voice cut off, his brain short-circuiting in shock once he realized that Kou had kissed his cheek. “I-“ “That’s your reward.” Kou said, smiling at him, gentle and invigorating like summer rain, and for the first time in months, Kei was speechless.

[popculturebuffet]

Paul Dini’s Jingle Belle: The Mighty Elves (Comissoned by WeirdKev27)

Well well boys, we’re back to Jingle Belle with another kevmission, though per his request i’ll be getting back to Life and Times Of Scrooge McDuck at long last. I also have some other stuff planned and all that, but for now, let’s focus on everyones faviorite elfen hellion as we dive back into Paul Dini’s Jingle Belle. 

I covered most of the behind the scene’s stuff last time so in short in case your just joining us, since this one’s got a bit more stuff to tag: Jingle Belle is an indie comic book character created by animation god Paul Dini, the daughter of Santa Claus and the Queen of Elves who acts like a standard rebellious teenager sterotype and causes trouble for her dad.  Last time I touched on the character a good two days ago, we looked at her first appearance, where she sent her family to Family Therapy. At the time I’d ONLY read that story, and hadn’t gotten that far into Jing’s world just yet. As you probably guessed despite plugging a decent amount of time into re-reading the rest of Scott Pilgrim (shout out to my good friend Mike for the early christmas present), on digital and in color and into the Switch port of the first Fire Emblem, I still got 2/3 of the way through the omnibus Kev gifted me of almost all her stories up to 2018′s The Handmade’s Tale.  Honestly not a lot has changed from the pilot.. while Jing’s designs changed a bit, she’s still more of a rebellious hellion, and while Santa’s no longer a slut shaming jackass, he’s still hard on her while her mom tries to keep the peace, The humor’s still edgy, if toned down enough to support returning whenever Dini felt like it but it’s largely the same for better or worse.  Overall the stories haven’t been bad but have been a bit reptitive to read in one giant omnibus. This really is down to the format they were made in: These were one off stories spread months apart meant to be picked up off the shelf with no real ongoing stories or character development and only some slight worldbuilding here and there. In short not bad stuff, just clearly not built to be collected in a huge omnibus like it was and not the first comic collection i’ve encountered with this problem and definitely not the last. 

That being said the stories are creative and still well put together. It is Paul Dini and he has wrote pretty much every story collected here with few exceptions, so it’s still good stuff, just as I said clearly not meant to be read all in one block like i’ve been doing. And today’s story happens to be one of my faviorites so far, breaking the formula up a bit by having Jing do something a bit diffrent and also involving hockey, a sport this story made me realized might actually intrest me on some level.. if in part due to letterkenny. 

God bless those two handsome idiots. So let’s ice up or skates, get those letterkenny refrences at the ready and see what the Mighty Elves have to offer. 

We start at Hockey Practice for Santa’s Hockey Team, The Elves, the kind of sentence that makes me really happy to type for money. Santa’s team is naturally for this kind of story and what the title references, are the last place in the bi-polar hockey league their in.. presumably ran by commissioner bi-polar bear. 

Again, I really love this job and that i’m actually getting paid for this this go round. Anyway, Santa’s team isn’t all that agressive because.. well i’ts a team coached by Santa, why would they be? But Santa’s still proud of his boys... as for his girl on the otherhand he gets a call and we soon find out via mugshots Jing dragged her two friends, up from just one in previous stories, to an air force base, somehow got arrested for hitting on enlisted men, not a crime, and stealing and crashing a helicopter, very much a crime.  Naturally Santa isn’t pleased, so we cut to a few days later where he’s letting her friends off making robo kitties, damn I want one of those now, while leaving Jing to do the packaging, though like most stern but fair dad’s he admits he dosen’t like punishing her and is right in saying there’s more to do with her summer vacation than you know, piss off the military. Santa needs his flight clerance dammit. Jing complains there isn’t much to do but feed the reindeer and make toys to which I say.. really santa? You haven’t set up anything else for your eleves to do? Making toys is their job. Build a fucking movie theater. And at the very least if not for them than for your bored and rebellious daughter to distract her from doing crimes. She’s still likely got a few hundred years of teenagering left, give her something else to do other than piss you off.  Santa does have a least a little something: Hockey! Which Jing’s cousin Rusty has taken up. Rusty showed up in the first story but I kind of glossed over him, he’s basically Jing’s Dorky cousin she frequently abuses. Not really much more or less to him. Jing isn’t on board mostly because their team always looses, to the other teams: The Penguins, the Polar Bears, The Snow Leopards and the Eskimos because they don’t really have killer instinct, which yeah is kind of necessary for hockey. To her..

But during her rant she does show Santa she’s got genuine talent for the sport, so he makes her a deal: Do a little favor for him, and she’ll swap that for making toys.. it’s a deal.. one she soon regrets but hey. 

Jing naturally makes an ass of herself pretty quickly beating the shit out of Rusty with her dad repremanding her and threatning to throw her off the team if she has another outburst like. That is until she runs into the Huskies Coach, Stan. 

I mean i’ts a hairy old man who makes a side bet with Santa Claus despite it technically being against commission rules, might as well be. So Santa tells Jing screw it, as long as it’s the opposing team violence is a-okay.  And naturally our first target is the world famous hockey player, aka snoopy aka a snoopy stand in. And being a big fan of peanuts i’m a sucker for a good peantus parody. Doubly so since Dini did his homework, and as I’d remembered and a quick google confirmed “The World Famous Hockey Player” was indeed one of snoopy’s many personas.

 Not that it was much of a stretch: just about any time snoopy played a sport he was “the world famous X player”, but still it’s a nice little nod. Not so nice is Jing within seconds slamming him into the air and under a Zamboni and getting sent to the box for it naturally. So clearly she’s the shorsey of this team, all chirps and ultra violence. 

Snoopy is thankfully still alive, if barely, though he’s off course been through much worse.

But while in the Box jing helps advise the team and a presumed combination of her beating the shit out of the other team’s best players and her team now not only having something to inspire them but a strategy means the Elves win for once! Santa and Jing share a hug, though Santa advises her not to go for his wallet, it’s still a sweet moment as she’s genuinely invested now.  So we cut to..

Okay Hank Ribbon seal is genuinely one of the best things humanity has made but as for Quiki I just... wow that joke is mildly racist at worst, confusing and unfunny at best. I mean... it really just makes no sense on any level and that’s with me not knowing a lot about hockey, but knowing just enough to know Kathy Lee Gifford existed. Just.. what even was that? I know Paul can do better than this.. because as my first review outlined he wrote a LOTTTT of Tiny Tune Adventures including my favorite episode. He also wrote most of the best Joker episodes for BTAS, so it’s not like the guy CAN’T be funny.. so I have no idea how he could fail so hard with this. Just.. what is this. Who thought this was funny? what was the joke? 

That.. utter bafflement aside, this newscast is used to push things ahead as the elves are on a winning streak, having also beaten the Polar Bears and the Penguins.. though weirdly we DON’T get a cameo by this guy despite having already had Snoopy show up. 

That’s my boy. But yeah there’s only two teams left with this, the Eskimos and tonight’s matchup the Snow Leopards, aka snow catgirls lead by Tashi Ounce, who Jing met at the winter games last year and lost too and thus has a whole rivlary thing going. In a really nice moment Santa stops to make sure Jing is okay going into the game. 

It’s part of why I REALLY like this story: Santa instead of just being disapointed in his daughter genuinely bonds over her over something and Jing shows she has a softer side to her. It’s some good character stuff, helps shake up the normal formula nicely. Back to the usual though she and Tashi naturally go at it, phrasing, and fight the whole damn time, with Belle eventually scoring the winning goal. Though noticably while Tashi is just as competiive as belle and lost this time.. she’s fine with it, knowing she’ll win next time and congradulating the opponent.  But before she can leave the rink, Tashi is approached by a mysterious figure with an offer and we cut to said figure’s lair... it’s THE BLIZZARD WIZARD! dun dun dun!.... yeah I haven’t introduced him the Blizzard Wizard is.. well exactly what he sounds like, as well as the former ruler of the North Pole. He enslaved everyone there to do his bidding and was essentially, a butt till Santa showed up, united all the various animals and kicked his ass. Since then he’s been reduced to basically a rankin bass villian, lurking near bye and scheming to get petty revenge on Santa for it. So essentially....

Minus the tragic backstory. He offers them a deal: The championship cup for him defeating the elves. As he puts it the cup symbolizes hard work, respect and team work.. i.e the things their throwing out to get payback. Tashi wants none of it, but the blizzard wizard has his slush minons capture her and with the rest willing to sell out, he gets to work. 

Bliz snows out the eskimos, and brings up accusations of Santa gambling, which he gets away from by.. having his wife donate the money real quick don’t ask just go. But he has a waiver signed by the other coaches so their playing his goons. But Jing isn’t phased and Santa asks her to give the lockeroom some inspiring words. 

10/10 no notes. But naturally Bliz has a sneaky trick up his sleeves.. to win.. specifically a hot french canadian player which.. makes jing fall to pieces flirting with him and makes her entirely ineffective. Okay time out.... huh so this is the timeless void known only to zack morris, that girl from the reboot I haven’t watched, and Regis Filbin. But yeah while I wouldn’t expect Jing to slaughter the guy it feels out of character for all she’d do is to giggle like an idiot instead of making a move. She’s been established as forward and knowing what she wants. I’m not against her being distracted by this it’s just the how that feels off especially since the opening reinforces this. She hit on air force guys. She’s not going to just be giggly and awkward. Jing may not be the most complex charcter but she’s better than this. Aside from the baffling Kathy Lee Gifford gag, this is the only thing I really don’t like abotu the story, and it lasts two pages before it’s resolved and in a 22 or so page story, that’s a good chunk of it spent on something that isn’t funny and that’s out of character even within story. That being said it dosen’t drag the story down entirely, still a good story. Just a bit uneven is all. 

But unsurprisingly Tashi escapes her earlier imprisonment offscreen to let Jing know not only the full extent of Bliz Whiz’s machenations, i.e. that the other coaches are in on it, but that the hockey player is really just one of Bliz’s minons uner a glamour. WIth that knowledge Jing asks why she’d help and Tashi shows her inner honor beneath the whole rival deal, pointing out she wants to win from a GOOD team next year. With the jig up Jing pulvirzes her former crush, claims to have been under a spell (no one byes it) and the elves clean house and win. Super fuckin shooter. As for Bliz Whiz he tries to steal the trophy but instead gets booted into the snow leopards box, phrasing... it doesn’t end well for him. 

And yeah while he comes back eventually, some how, apparently, for most of the stories after this he’s just.. dead. He was killed and then his remains eaten. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

But Jing admits she had fun, she and her dad bond and we get one last gag as he assumes she learned not to showboat only for her to block everyone else in the team photo. Falalallal we’re out. 

Final Thoughts: As I said, one of my faviorites. It’s really well paced, has a good premise and only one part drags at all and only that part and one gag really don’t land. The rest of it is really funny, nice and touching, and overall a nice shakeup from these stories usual pattern of “Jing getting into hyjinks”. While she DOES here, her and her dad are literally and figuartvely on the same team, and she does show a sweeter side genuinely bonding with her dad and it’s nice to see them actually enjoy each other’s company for once. It’s a nice change of pace and one I wish more of the stories had. I’m not saying they all have to be holly jolly but i’d be nice if more of them had a bit of heart to them is all. Tis the season and all that. Still for what it is, it’s a fun ride and I highly recommend it. We’ll probably see her again sometime this season but that’s a bit off.  For now coming up I have some ducktales to tell, a chapter in a man’s life story that’s long overdue, a holiday mess I wish I didn’t have to clean up, and in the distant future.. an old friend to reconnect with. Until then if you liked this review reblog it, comment etc all that good stuff, and you can send me asks with suggestions fo ra review or direct message me, or ask for my discord, to comission a review yourself. Until then, happy holidays. 

[a-little-dreamer-s-world]

Desperate Times and Desperate Measures (Can Lead to Good Things)

So, this was my secret santa gift for @lovebug5151! I’m so, so sorry that this is so late, and I hope I got what were some of the things you wanted. I’ve been under a lot of stress recently, but now it’s behind me so I was finally able to post this! For anyone else wondering, this was a sanders sides g/t secret santa event held by @secret-sanders-sized!

Warnings?: Sickness mention, Loceit, Deceit as a character, allusion to past trauma with no description to it, anxious thoughts,

_____________________

It was quiet within the walls.

Dee wasn’t sure if he should be bothered by that fact or not. The boys, Roman and Remus, were both asleep in their beds. Normally, they would both stay up to talk and giggle with each other; the last few days had been rough, though, so he could understand why they weren’t in the mood to be playful. But for now, that’s not what he could focus on. No, there was something else entirely.

Logan was ill.

Now, if  they were human, it wouldn’t be a big deal; take some medicine, a lot of rest and fluid, and you’d feel better after a few days. But Dee and Logan weren’t human. They were borrowers.

Dee sat beside their shared bed, a bowl of cool water next to him as he used a scrap of cloth to wipe at Logan’s forehead. Lo was currently asleep, a fever coursing through his body that was almost painful to watch. When he finished, he put the cloth back into the bowl to soak as he tenderly reached over to hold his hand.

“What am I going to do, Lo?” He asked quietly, trying to keep him from waking. They weren’t human beans; they couldn’t go out of the house to get medicine. Whatever was in this house was in their grasp, but that came with its own risks. Much more likely to get caught, much more likely to get stuck, and worse of all, much more likely to overdose. 

Dee froze when Logan’s head moved toward him, blinking slowly at him. “Honeybee?” he asked, his voice raspy from sleep and from sickness.

“Yes, Logan?” he breathed out, squeezing his hand.

“Are the boys okay?” He tried to sit up, but he groaned as his very bones seemed to protest at the movement. Dee quickly got him to lie back down, petting his hair.

“Yes, they’re both in their beds, I made sure,” he said to him, trying to smile a bit. Logan shakily reached out and rubbed a thumb on the large scar that covered the side of his face, making him close his eyes and lean in the feeling. His hands were ice cold, much colder than they usually were. 

“Dee, do me a favor,” Logan said, his voice hushed. 

“Anything in my power,” he immediately said, looking at him with an aching worry.

“Go grab me a piece of paper and some lead,” he said, letting go of Dee’s cheek. The other man nodded, getting from the bed. He swiftly left to go down the hall towards the living room, but he paused at the boys’ room.

Roman and Remus were fast asleep, Roman’s bed empty and Remus’s holding double the amount of sleepers. He smiled softly at the sight of them; they liked to sleep together when one of them had bad dreams, or when they stayed up talking and scheming.

His smile fell as he left, going into the next room to grab what Logan wanted. He made his way back quickly, trying not to wake the boys up. When he came back into their shared room, Dee sat down next to the bed in his spot from before, handing Logan paper and lead.

Logan reached over to their bedside table, a spool of thread that had been cut in half (the other half being in the boys’ room), to put on his glasses. He blinked a few more times to get readjusted, looking down at the paper and getting to work.

Dee watched him write strings of numbers he could only wish to understand; before Logan had to move and found himself here, he had lived at a college professor’s home. It was there that he used the textbooks to learn much more complicated math than the simple adding and subtracting many borrowers knew.

When he was done, Logan flipped the piece of paper over and started writing normal words; he wrote simply, and Dee was grateful for that. He had grown up in the country; specifically in a barn, and it wasn’t until he moved into the more urban areas that he started learning to read.

“Here,” Logan whispered, handing him the paper. He took it, and his eyes began to widen as he understood what he wanted.

“Lo, are you sure?” he breathed, looking at the answer to what would hopefully solve their problem; an exact amount of how much a painkiller he could take. 

Logan nodded, taking his glasses off again. “It will help me be well again, so then I’m not a burden.”

“Never,” Dee reached over to squeeze his hand. “Never to me. Never have been, never will be.”

His love gave him that small, rare smile he loved to see, though to see it on a face so pale made his throat close up. Dee leaned over to kiss his forehead once and got up, getting his borrowing bag ready. He had medicine to get, afterall.

_____________________

Within one of the bedrooms of the Sanders’ home, a teenager lay on his bed with his headphones in, listening to punk rock music as he worked over something he hated with a burning passion: algebra homework.

Virgil sighed out as he sat up, rubbing his temples for the umpteenth time since he started this an hour ago. The fourteen year old may have been smart, sure, but even he didn’t think he could keep doing this for a minute longer.

He paused his music to take off his headphones, stretching his arms out and arching his back backwards. He stood up and went to his backpack against his dresser, pulling out a battered sketchbook. He snatched up a pen off his dresser and began to pace around, trying to think of anything to sketch.

His dad was downstairs making dinner, so he couldn’t do anything with him at the moment. Normally he’d help him, but this was something new they were trying, and his dad liked to know what he was doing so he knew how to teach him. He did offer to bake cookies with him after though, so he would probably take him up on that offer.

He groaned even more when he tossed the sketchbook on the bed, changing his mind to go get some pjs and take a shower. If he couldn’t draw, and he really didn’t want to go back to algebra, he could at least get himself cleaned up and ready for bed a bit early, right?

He went out into his hallway to go grab a towel out of the linen closet, light footsteps barely heard over the sound of clanking pots further away in the one-story home. When he got into the bathroom, he paused to notice that the medicine cabinet above the sink was cracked open. 

Virgil frowned as he set his clothes on top of his toilet, going over to open it up. Did his dad get cut or something and he left the door open? There wasn’t any blood in the sink, so he didn’t think so. When he opened, nothing seemed to be out of place, which confused him even more. The cabinet door was sturdy; it didn’t just swing open on its own. So what…?

As he was about to close it again, he thought he saw something move inside, making him stop to open it again. All was still once more, but now his suspicions were raised as he carefully started to move things around.

When he got to a bottle of cough syrup a sudden sharp pain came from his index finger, making him yelp as his hand pulled back with the bottle. He dropped it though, with growing eyes and his mouth starting to hang open, when he realized what was standing in the cabinet.

It was a tiny man, maybe a bit taller than his finger, standing there with a safety pin in his hand and a glare in his eyes. Virgil didn’t know what to say, taking a single step forward as all his brain could make him say was, “Uhhh…”

“Don’t come a single step closer,” the tiny man spat out, and Virgil couldn’t help but listen as he took in what he was seeing. This man was standing so close to the edge of the shelf, pointing out that safety pin right at him. The whole half of his face was scarred (burns, maybe?) and twisted in anger. No, it wasn’t anger at all.

It was fury.

“W-Wait, don’t move,” he finally said, worry starting to seep out as he realized just what kind of fall at that height would really hurt the man, and he didn’t want him to do anything like that thanks to him. 

“Don’t talk to me like that,” the man said, taking another step closer, another step to teeter on the edge. “I can and will make your life a personal hell if you try to lay a finger on me.”

“Please don’t move,” Virgil pleaded, his arms waving a bit in an attempt to calm him down. “I-I don’t want to do anything to you, so please—”

“Don’t think I don’t know your games, bean!” He yelled at him, making Virgil freeze at just how much hatred was in his voice. “You say you won’t do anything, but then you’ll set up traps to get me out, or better yet, you’ll do something like this,” he pointed at his face where the scar laid, “just because you can!”

Virgil felt confusion and anxiety and who knew what else course through at the tiny man’s words, but he couldn’t say anything when nothing came to mind.

“I’m not going to let that happen! So, get—” his tone changed to surprise and fear as his footing slipped, making him wobble over the edge and start going down. Virgil worked on pure instinct, rushing forward with his hands out, feeling a very small weight land in them. He slowly opened his eyes, peering down at the small man in the dark clothes, the smallest pack he’d ever seen by his side and spilled out.

Their eyes met, and for a solid minute the whole world felt like it had gone still. Virgil could barely breathe, but his brain was starting to process the whole fact that this tiny man, so impossibly small, was now in hands. He realized something else too: he was trembling, trembling with a fear he was trying so hard not to show.

The teen reacted quickly and carefully, leaning forward to set the man down on the bathroom counter. He happened to glance down and see that one of the things that had come out of the bag was a painkiller; that was probably why the man was in the cabinet in the first place.

“I’m so sorry, are you okay!” he blurted out, his hand slapping over his mouth. For reasons he didn’t know why  himself, he turned around and went out the bathroom door, closing it behind him to dash back into his room. He got to the side of his bed and slid down, his hand still over his mouth. 

He sat there in silence for a while, rubbing his temples as he tried to process everything he saw. As he did, other thoughts came into his mind. Where did the man come from? Had he always been here? Why was he taking a painkiller? What was he, and were there anymore?

He shook his head as the last question entered his mind, standing up. He didn’t know, and it wasn’t any of his business. He slowly went back out of his room, going to the bathroom door once more. He rapped a knuckle against the door and pressed an ear against it, listening for any movement. Nothing.

He opened the door to peek inside, finding it completely empty. He looked around, finding nothing that showed that the tiny man had been there. He did find the bottle of cough syrup on the ground, picking it up to put away.

He was starting to think that maybe he’d imagined the whole thing up somehow when something caught his eye. Curled up in the corner of the cabinet was a pile of string with a metal piece at the end. He picked it up carefully in his fingers, examining it. It looked like… a rope and hook. It clicked to him then that that must have been how the man had gotten inside in the first place, but now he had left it behind all thanks to him.

He chewed on his lip as he thought of what to do when he heard his dad calling him. “Hey, kiddo! Dinner’s ready, do you want to eat?”

Virgil quietly pocketed the tiny man’s hook and got out of the bathroom, calling back, “Yeah, one sec!” He glanced at his clothes on the toilet seat, his shower long forgotten. He could take one when he was done eating, and he figured he’d put the hook on the floor somewhere hidden, so that maybe the man would find it again. As much as he wanted to meet him again, he didn’t think it would be a good idea.

Unaware to him in that moment, Dee had made his way back home, a bit shaken up, but happy to be back safe and sound. He’d spend the rest of the evening to take the pain killer and scrape off the amount Logan gave him to help get better. This would make Logan better by the next day, and the day after his fever would break for good, but he didn’t know that yet. 

And unaware to the borrowers that lived in the Sanders’ home, Virgil’s sketchbook would start filling with doodles of a strange tiny man with a scar on his face, as well as lists of things he could try to leave for him, for the next few weeks to come.

[cursed-ice-spirits]

Their Mothers’ Love

During the night of Mother’s Day Rebecca and Lauren ( @strawberrysunrisewitches ) talk about their mothers and how much they love them. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be asleep?”

“Yeah, but I just couldn’t I guess.”

Lauren’s frown peered out from the two-way mirror they shared, her arms folded. Rebecca paused as she adjusted the mirror from where it was set against the wall and frowned right back. 

“Don’t look at me like that. I haven’t been able to sleep for more than an hour.”

Lauren’s frown didn’t let up, still looking concerned. “Bex, please, what’s wrong? You usually can’t sleep when something’s troubling you.”

Caught. Rebecca gave a frustrated huff, glaring down at her Potions homework, the words starting to spin together from how tired she is. ”I don’t know.” She messed with some of the pages, her eyes averted away from her friend. “Today has been... complicated.”

"Complicated how?" Lauren asked. "Did the fucker Lockwood do something"

Rebecca laughed, her mood lifting slightly. “No.” She dripped her quill in her inkwell and wrote a note down. Valerian sprigs can be used in several potions such as the Forgetfulness Potion, the Sleeping Draught, and the Fire-Breathing Potion. “It’s Mother’s Day in the UK. My dorm mates were talking about their mothers a few hours ago and I guess I just felt weird about it.”

"Is your relationship with your mother not very good or is she not in the picture?"

“Neither.” Rebecca gave a frustrated sigh and lifted her gaze up, rubbing her eyes. “She’s there and she loves me but at the same time, she’s not all there. It’s... complicated.”

Lauren pursed her lips and sighed. "I think I understand. My dad is the same way. He loves me, but he's not there in terms of affection for years now. So I can see why you would feel weird about your dorm mates talking about their mothers."

Rebecca paused, her lips twitching into a frown. Lauren never mentioned that... she shrugged it off, promising to ask about it later. Lauren will tell her when she’s ready. “Yeah, I guess parents can suck sometimes.” She continued to work on her homework. “It’s not my mum’s fault. I don’t think she even can fix her mistakes. The process of forgiving and forgetting is a little complicated with that in the way.”

"Forgiving and Forgetting is always complicated even without their inability to fix their mistakes,” Lauren agreed, her face softening, “but it takes a lot of courage and compassion to do so. It's always hard being reminded about what you are missing."

“Yeah,” Rebecca nodded, a faint smile on her face. 

A comfortable silence settled between them. Rebecca continued to struggle through her homework, eyes drooping as her handwriting continued to grow more sloppier. She can hear rustling of papers from Lauren’s end, and guess she was working on her own homework as well. She pursed her lips, pushing her fingers through her long hair. Despite how tired she is, her mind is still racing that she couldn’t sleep even if she tried.

This is why she hates Mother’s Day. She can never sleep that well. It had her thinking about her mother and how she may never be able to recover from her madness now that her father and brother are gone. The Vaults and her curse are hard enough even with a full night of sleep. 

Her friends always said she can’t always keep everything in and expect herself to be okay. She’s pretty sure Ethren agrees as well. He always looked more at ease after telling everyone about his curse back when the Fear Vault was still active. Like a small weight of his burden had been lifted from his shoulders. She had yet to tell anyone about her own curse but…

Maybe she can start by telling Lauren about her mother.

It’s a start. Sure, it’s not her curse, but she hadn’t talked about her mother in six years, so maybe it’ll help talking about her. 

The scratching of her quill slowed to a stop. Lauren looked up at the sudden silence, raising her eyebrow. 

“I…” Rebecca shifted, wondering if maybe it’s not too late to back out and say she’s just tired but the look in Lauren’s eye stopped her, encouraging her to open up. 

Finally, she sighed and set down her quill. “My mum used to work for noble families. It wasn’t that that bothered me, it’s just that she was very secretive during my childhood. I had this... problem that she tried helping me with, but at the same time, she tried to protect me by keeping secrets all the time when being open to me would have helped me a lot more than just keeping secrets. I loved her, but it still hurt. I just wanted her to be honest for once.” She turned away. “In the end, it didn’t matter. She went mad a couple years ago.”

"Oh, Rebecca,” Lauren said, looking pained. “I’m so sorry; that must have been incredibly hard on you. You just wanted her to be open about everything, but she went the completely opposite direction and now she can't make up for that. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Rebecca reached toward the mirror. “You just being there to listen helps a lot. I can forgive her all I want, but I’ll never forget, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to. Forgive and never forget, y’know?”

"I will always be here to listen and talk with you, Bex," Lauren said, smiling slightly. “And yeah. You can forgive someone, but you can never forget what they did.”

“I guess you’re right.” She paused, then smiled. “Thanks Lauren.”

"Anytime Bex," Lauren smiled. She took off her hat, looking at it with a wistful look. “Have I ever told you why I wear this hat all the time?”

Rebecca peered curiously into the mirror, staring at the Stetson resting in Lauren’s hands. She was always very fond of it, and Rebecca never saw her without it. She wondered why she’s bringing it up now. “No, you haven’t actually. Why?”

A sad smile flashed over her face. "Since we are talking about family and forgiving but not forgetting, I felt it was about time I did. It was a gift from my mom, the last gift she ever gave me. She was killed in a car crash when I was young. I was in the car too and she died almost instantly. The other driver was drunk driving and you'd think i'd blame them to this day but I've forgiven them. I will never stop wearing this hat until I die and I mean that. Not even my family are allowed to wear it most. That’s how much I’m protective over it. I will never stop wearing this and I will never forget my mom."

Rebecca closed her eyes, taking it in, a rush of sympathy surging through her. So they both lost their mothers in two different ways, huh? Opening her eyes again, she reached out, pressing her palm against the mirror surface. “She sounded wonderful if she brought you into this world, Sunshine.”

"She really was,” Lauren rubbed at her tears and reached out, pressing her palm against the mirror as well, right over Rebecca’s. Rebecca ignored the tears streaming down her face. “Her death really affected my family before I met you. It’s been years since I was hugged by my dad or my brothers.”

“Your dad and brothers are dicks.” 

Not giving a hug in years is something they shouldn’t have done. Rebecca didn’t care what excuses they have, they shouldn’t have done that. To her Sunshine. She couldn’t imagine a life without physical affection. Before Jacob vanished, her life was filled with it. She couldn’t remember a moment with her family that wasn’t them at least touching each other in some way. Back then, she needed affection. She’d suffer without it. 

She wished she could go back to the times when she could be hugged from behind and not flip out but she supposed living with her uncle for the past six years just ruined it for her. 

Lauren laughed, snapping her out of her thoughts. Bless that sound. “I know they love me, but I wish they’ll hug me, y’know. It’s hard. I miss her too. I will always miss her.” She paused. “I wish you could have met her. She would've loved you a lot."

“What’s she like?” 

"She was loving, very compassionate, and never hid secrets from me or my brothers unless it was like Santa or the tooth fairy stuff. She was the reason why I’m obsessed with butterflies," Lauren said, smile faltering as she reminisced about her mother. "I miss her.”

Rebecca took a deep breath, rubbing at her eyes with her free hand. How… how sad. It seems at least once of her friends in either country either has a complicated relationship with their families, or a dead parent. Lauren’s family has never shown affection to each other since her mother died and hers… hers has been messed up from the beginning. She’s just been too blind to see it.

 “I’m sure she misses you too. Who wouldn’t? You’re incredible.”

Lauren flushed. "You are more incredible, Rebecca. I’m just a simple witch from El Paso who hasn't really done anything that special in her life at all," she countered.

“Except get me out of my depression,” Rebecca shot back. “You’re also the first person I opened up to about my mother after six years.”

"I could say the same thing about you,” Lauren pointed out. “You are the first person outside of my family that I’ve told about my mom and you are the first friend I've had since I was six." 

There was something unsaid following that, but she couldn’t put a finger on it. Rebecca shook it off. 

“You also convinced me to get help,” She smiled. “Face it, Sunshine. You had a bigger impact on my life than you thought. I guess we both are.”

"Yeah, maybe so,” Lauren said with a grin as she wiped away her tears, “but I will never say I’m more incredible than you are, just so you know.”

“Alright,” Rebecca chuckled, moving her hand away. “I won’t either. How about this? Let’s make a promise.” 

“What kind of promise?” Lauren raised an eyebrow. 

She pressed a hand over her heart. “A promise to never forget what our mothers did for us, how much they love us, and how much we love them.”

Lauren’s face exploded into a warm smile. She placed her own hand over her heart. “It’s a promise.”

Rebecca went to reply, but broke into a wide yawn. She can hear Lauren giggling in the background and made a face. “I better get some sleep. It’s—” she checked the time, “—3AM, and Lucia and Jason will kill me. So—” she turned back around and gave her a smile, “—talk to you soon?”

"Talk to you soon, Dragon girl,” Lauren smiled, her hand covering her mouth. 

Rebecca paused as she went to cut off the connection, then quietly whispered, as though the next words she spoke were sacred, “I love you, Lauren.”

Lauren’s eyes widened briefly, before softening as she replied. "I love you too, Rebecca."

She shut off the connection and set the mirror down with a soft smile, pulling her covers over herself and falling asleep for the first time since this whole night started.

[bigskydreaming]

The Ric Grayson AND Talon storylines both end at the same time, and in the same way:

Great Grandpa Creeper Cobb successfully manipulates Ric into position to be brainwashed and become the Talon that Willie the Weenie has always wanted him to be.....this happens for like, two issues.

Then Grandpa Get Ye To A Graveyard Already fucks up....he accidentally brings Talon Ric within sighting distance of the Court’s latest crop of prospective Talon recruits, including a wee baby ten year old orphan being trained to be a future Talon.

And the essential corn kernel of Dick Grayson’s essence, deep down in his psyche, just fucking POPS like its Orville Redenbacher and someone just nuked it in the microwave.

And the real Dick Grayson comes SHRIEKING to the forefront of Talon!Ric’s brain, nothing subtle about it, and the next thing his Rancid Relative knows, he’s being fucking impaled by his great grandson’s blades as said great grandson, who is SUPPOSED to be docilely brainwashed, wtf, is already halfway across the room, diving into the mass of other Talons like they’re a collection of bowling pins and he’s a wrecking ball straight out of a Miley Cyrus music video, but instead of the caterwauling lyrics “I never hit so haaaaaaaard in love,” Dick’s accompanied by a soundtrack of him screaming:

“I WILL PROTECT YOU SMOL CHILD!!!”

As said smol child is just standing there, staring, like....dude, wut?

And then Dick finishes absolutely DESTROYING everything undead and nefarious in sight like he’s the Tasmanian Devil on meth, and he turns to said smol child and begins the process of Smothering, as his hands flutter all up and down checking for injuries but not touching, like: 

“Did they hurt you are you alright you’re safe now cough once for I’m all good or punch me in the no-no’s if I’m making you feel unsafe, I will make sure you are totally safe from here on out, you are my baby now, I have decided, but like, only if you want to be.”

And smol child is decidedly overwhelmed but Man-Who-Speaks-Like-He-Has-Pixie-Sticks-In-Place-Of-Blood-Vessels seems harmless, if weird, and is definitely preferable to the weird Bird Men who kidnapped him off the streets and tried to teach him how to kill people and make death threats out of nursery rhymes. And he doesn’t have a lot of experience in OTHER subterranean lairs to compare this one too, but he’s decidedly not a fan, so when Dick asks if he would like him to take him to see Batman and Batgirl and Robin and other superheroes who can also reassure him there will be no more homework on How To Torture People Good, he’s like....”yeah I guess. If you want.”

And so Dick scoops him up with glee and takes off through the tunnels, yelling back over his shoulder: “Bye Greatly-Gross-Grandpa, hate you lots, don’t call, don’t write, you’re officially off my Christmas card list, hasta la neeeeeeeeeever.”

Thereupon swiftly grappling across the Bludhaven rooftops, yelling PARKOUR! just because he can and its fun, and its weirdly relaxing for his wee passenger, because look, this dude may be weird as fuck, but he’s clearly got the moves to protect him from the Undead Legions of Ornithologists and he seems too....fun to be evil, like not in the Joker kinda way like he’s seen on TV in previous foster homes where its like, jeez dude, try hard much, but more like an adult who just quit a soul-crushing cubicle-dwelling corporate-craphole job and has suddenly been reminded that the sky is blue, flowers smell good, and there IS a Santa Claus, Virginia.

Thus by the time they arrive at Wayne Manor, with no attempt made to hide where they’re going from his wee passenger’s eyes - Dick has already decided he’s keeping the kid, pending said kid’s approval but look, kids like him and he’s determined to bring his A game to the pitch meeting, so he likes his chances - said wee passenger disembarks in the Batcave but stays close by, clinging to Dick’s side in an ever so slight way that allows for plausible deniability later, once he gets his bearings and also his bravado back.

“Dick?!” Comes the chorus of voices from the rest of the family, who are all there already, by great coincidence and in great defiance of the crapfests in their own individual titles, but also who the fuck cares. And Dick puffs out his chest, cuz he’s putting on a good show for his new kiddo, first impressions are important...

“Tis I, fam! The one true Dick Grayson has returned! Huzzah!”

Look, being completely oblivious to his Greatest Dork Energy coinciding with his Times He Most Attempts To Be Impressive, is like, Peak Dick Grayson characterization, you can trust me, I’m a doctor. 

And Tim’s like, “Why are you dressed like a Talon?”

And Dick’s like, “Isn’t the better question why AREN’T you dressed like a Talon?”

Which makes no sense but shhh, I’m running out of steam here, don’t question the atmosphere, just let it be.

And Bruce is like, “Who’s your friend?”

With like...designs and agendas already in mind, because said wee Talon-to-be is cute and adorable and bravely trying to act like he is not at all intimidated by his surroundings and is in total control of what’s going on like, he meant to be here, this is all according to plan, yes, excellent, everything is progressing nicely....

Which as everyone knows, are the three key essential traits Bruce looks for in prospective adoptees....

So Dick snarls and later blames it on residual Talon-ness, they’re very territorial bird...assassin....people....anyway, the adrenaline is still high and also he has swiftly become attached because whether kiddo knows it or not, Dick 100% credits him with the brainwash-breaking and thus when factored in with the cuteness quotient, what we have here is an instant recipe for Protectiveness slash Possessiveness that would be creepy and inappropriate if this wasn’t pure crack. 

But crack it is, and thus Dick curls a protective arm around the kiddo like the lap-bar on a particularly turbulent roller coaster and applies G-Force sufficient to keep even Superman from prying him out of his hands - but in a gentle, non- ’crushing kinda way that might hurt the kiddo,’ even though physics doesn’t work like that, except look, these are CRACK PHYSICS, they can and they do work like that. 

And he’s all, “I already adopted him, so back off, Bruce, I’ll cut you. But also hi dad, I missed you. In spirit I mean, like I had amnesia and then I was brainwashed so technically its probably a reach to say I missed anyone but just roll with it. Also I can haz hugs now, please?”

And then Damian apparates in front of Dick amid a cloud of Disapproval that’s really just a cover for OMG-I-Was-Without-You-And-It-Was-Terrible-And-I’m-So-Glad-You’re-Back-But-Also-Who-Is-This-Interloper-And-Why-Is-He-Stealing-My-Hug.

“Tt. Grayson. Your absence was...less than desirable. See to it that this doesn’t happen again. Also what is that and why is it here.”

“Aww, Dami, I’m sorry. I promise to install a “please have the nearest available psychic reboot my brain in case of future brain damage slash amnesia” clause in my living will, and soon as I get a free second, I’ll break the fourth wall and blackmail the DC editorial staff into declaring me off-limits for all death, brainwashing and/or kidnapping plots for at least the next four major crossover events. I have naughty pictures. They’ll cave.”

“Hmph,” Dami says. He resumes staring pointedly at the kiddo, who juts his chin defiantly and stares back while clinging more tightly to Dick, because he may have very little clue what’s going on, but he’s a quick one and has at least picked up on the fact that Dick wants him and this other kid wants Dick. Which combined with the rescuing and the kicking of bad guy ass means Dick is probably Quality and In Demand and Of Value, and thus he might as well stake a claim now and worry about whether or not to act on that or skedaddle later, once he’s got more intel. He’s a natural Bat, this one, but then, that’s probably why he was in Toddler Talon Boot Camp, he scored high on whatever weird aptitude tests they used to scope out talent, and by talent we mean murder-skills.

“Dami,” Dick admonishes then, “This isn’t an it, he’s a person, and he was recently traumatized so promise me you’ll be on your best behavior or at least your ‘engaging in shenanigans with Jon’ behavior. And he’s not competition, you’re my Dames and my little bro, and he’s potentially your nephew, which is a whole separate category and no threat to you and your baby bro status at all, so retract the claws. If anything, the real danger is Pops adopting him and thus supplanting you as the official Baby Bird of our generation, so make like an ally and help me get that dangerous “I’m gonna adopt this kid so hard” gleam out of Bruce’s eye before it gets any gleamier. We’re still only halfway through my tearful reunion and having to cut Dad before we even get to cake would be a major mood-killer, but I’ll do it, I swear. Also, get your Baby Bird behind over here and hug me already, I have two arms.”

Damian rolled his eyes but obediently disappeared and reappeared nestled against Dick’s other side in the blink of an eye. The proper application of ninja skills has always been the pursuance of hugs and cuddles. Thus sayeth the crack.

“Hey, I do get cake, right?” Dick asked suddenly, looking around dangerously. “I was amnesiac and also brainwashed, I deserve cake, TELL me there’s gonna be cake.”

“Well that answers whether or not we should be worried about this being an attempted infiltration or not,” Jason says, strolling over casually. “No impostor or brainwashing script-writer could ever duplicate the Essence de Dick so perfectly. Hey squirt. Welcome to the madhouse. I’m Jason, what’s your name?”

“Oh right,” Dick realized, cocking his head. “Hey, what is your name?”

“Really, Dick?” Tim sighed, fondly exasperated. “I realize you like to jump from A straight to Z whenever possible, but steps B through Y aren’t usually just mere suggestions.”

“It hadn’t come up yet,” Dick defended himself.

“Yes, why would it have,” Duke mused from where he was leaning over and snapping his fingers in front of Bruce’s eyes, in a futile attempt at tearing his gaze away from the viable adoption candidate within 20 meters from him. It was probably best that they get this adoption thing inked out and signed off on as soon as possible - it was the only thing that was definitively going to get that “Argh, I’ve spotted treasure ahoy” look out of Bruce’s eyes. And Alfred had been very clear :Bruce was forbidden to adopt any more kids himself until he got a better handle on juggling the six he already had. Which. The past year had...probably not met Alfred’s standards on, so it didn’t seem likely he’d be waiving that requirement any time soon. 

(And nobody wanted to get in between the Unstoppable Force that was Bruce’s ‘must adopt all the orphans’ and the Immovable Object that was Alfred’s ‘must maintain at least a reasonable fascimile of order in this household, even if it is a total sham, appearances matter.’)

“Hey!” Dick protested. “I’ve been busy, okay? There was fighting and then there was parkouring and now we’re reunifying, and it wasn’t like I was just calling him ‘that kid’ in my head, I was calling him ‘my kiddo’ which is a perfectly reasonable identifier and thus more specific detail just....hadn’t been relevant yet!”

“So uh, bee tee dubs, what is your name, buddy?” Dick asked, looking down. His kiddo looked back up at him for a long, measuring moment, and then he shrugged.

“I’ll tell you in exchange for some cake. You said something about there being cake, but I don’t see any.”

Dick got misty-eyed at that. “See? He already prioritizes like me. This was destiny! Also, you heard my kiddo, do we not deserve cake? It has been a very long day, there was murder and mayhem and more. Also, my creeper great grandpa was there being icksome, and you know how much that weirds me out.”

“Come along, Master Dick,” Alfred said then, appearing out of nowhere thanks to his Bat-Butler Magic. “And your young charge as well. I already have your favorite baking in the oven and it should be done shortly. Lemon meringue with raspberry layers.”

“That’s disgusting and I will not participate in any ceremony that treats that as part of a celebration instead of just a weird kind of laxative,” Jason said loftily, though it escaped no one’s notice that he was the first to the stairs.

“Shut your facehole, its delicious and amazing and you will like it or I will kick your ass,” Dick said, equally loftily.

“Boys,” Bruce said with a long-suffering sigh, as the threat of brotherly bloodshed was enough to finally shake him out of his orphan-induced stupor.

“At MARIO KART. I will kick his ass at MARIO KART, ugh, jeez, B, why do you always assume the worst of us?”

“Precedent,” Tim said dryly.

“Who the hell asked the Oompa Loompa Brigade to weigh in with all ninety of his pounds?” Jason called back from the top of the stairs. 

Cass came up on Dick’s left, where the kiddo was one half of the sandwich made by him and Damian on Dick’s other side. She smiled down at him when he directed his still very wide-eyed gaze at her, landing on her after his latest sweep of the cavern and all its contained chaos, as if trying to take it all in - most likely in the hopes that if he could manage that, somehow the last 72 hours of his life might suddenly make sense. He really was adorable.

“Don’t worry,” she beamed at him, reaching out to pat him comfortingly on his shoulder, right above where Dick’s arm was still curled around it like a warm blanket - albeit one with the tensile hold of a python. “They’re all crazy, but only in the good ways.”

Duke scoffed as he slipped ahead of them and started taking the stairs two at a time. “It’s funny how you say that like you’re some kind of exception to the rule.”

“Bold words, little brother,” Cass called after him. He only shouted back from the top in a booming voice, his words echoing down the narrow stone stairway dramatically.

“Am I not Batclan?”

“Oooh, is that a new thing we’re doing?” Dick asked excitedly. “Somebody catch me up, I demand context. I smell a story there.”

“It was Jason’s fault,” Tim said automatically. Dick nodded.

“Sure, that tracks. Continue.”

Bruce trailed after his brood of batlings and birdlets, sidling over to where Barbara was waiting for the elevator. The latter having hung back to watch the commotion with the air of one taking notes for repurposing in the form of future blackmail material. Her ever extending network of spies and informants made so much more sense, suddenly.

He cleared his throat while they listened to the hum of the elevator’s machinery as it descended to their level.

“I wasn’t really thinking of adopting the boy,” he said. Not at all sullenly, nor with a trace of defensiveness to be found.

“Of course you weren’t, Bruce,” Barbara said. She patted his arm fondly, with all the conviction of a kindergarten teacher whose student was attempting to claim innocence on the matter of a paint disaster perfectly matching the paint stains on his hands.

“I wasn’t,” Bruce muttered as she preceded him into the elevator. 

Why did nobody ever believe him?

[onceuponaloonatic]

uwu omg the triplets being all hyped up for presents and sae being all shy with telling santa what she wants while the other two are excitedly ranting😂 then there's sai just brooding and whining that she's embarrassed and too old for this while secretly enjoying watching her sisters being so energetic. And lastly there's nico all wide-eyed and giggly looking at the lights around them until she's put on santa's lap and she starts screaming and crying😭 Christmas is always chaotic for them 😂 -💜

“Are you girls excited?” Sana asked as she turned to her daughters in the backseat.

“Yeah! Santa!” The Saya and Sae both chanted.

“Why do I have to be here? I’m too old for this sort of thing.” Sai pouted.

“Come on Sai don’t be grumpy. It’s christmas and it’s Nico’s first time visiting santa.” Mina scolded.

“Yeah a mall santa.” Sai groaned. “My friends invited me to go to the new Marvel movie today and instead I’m here.”

“Stop it Sai.” Mina threatened.

“Yeah Unnie you have to be good or santa won’t give you lots of presents.” Saya explained.

“Yeah you’ll get coal.” Saki added.

“Can’t you turn coal into diamonds?” Sai asked no one in particular.

“Yeah under intense pressure conditions like what happens in the earth's mantle. The high pressure of the mantle forces carbon dioxide from the coal into iron rich minerals, which strip away oxygen, leaving the carbon to form a diamond.” Saki explained.

“Nerd.” Sai scoffed.

“Hey be nice. And Saki that was very informative, thank you.” Mina smiled at Saki as she parked the car. “Tzuyu should already be here with Nico and Sae.”

“I can’t believe my little sister is such a nerd.” Sai looked at Saki.

“And I can’t believe I’m eight and already smarter than you.” Saki stuck her tongue out at Sai. “That fact came from your science homework. Which you clearly did not do.”

“Ooh burn!” Saya laughed.

“Why were you looking at my homework you little-” Sai reached over to try and strangle her sister, Saki jumped back.

“Girls please.” Mina groaned. “Sai stop being annoyed. You can hang out with your friends later. Saki play nice. You two never fight.”

“She started it.” Saki whined.

“I don’t care who started it, also we’re here, so let’s go.” Mina opened her door and was relieved to be out of that car. She had worked the morning shift to get this afternoon off and the last thing she needed was the kids fighting. Ever since Sai had turned thirteen they had been dealing with her angsty teenager phase. Mina was beyond done with it.

“Mommy!” Tzuyu, Nico, and Sae were waiting for them at the entrance to the mall. Nico ran to Sana and held her arms out for her mommy to pick her up.

“Look at you, you're so cute in your new jacket.” Sana smiled as she adjusted the bottom of Nico’s white dress, which was barely visible because of her long pink button up jacket. “My adorable princess.”

“Mommy mommy santa!” Nico excitedly told Sana.

“Yeah we’re going to see santa.” Sana giggled. “How were they Tzuyu?”

“I mean I got the good ones.” Tzuyu joked. “They were fine. They had a lot of fun.” Tzuyu had taken Sae and Nico to do some volunteer work at the old people's home near their house for Christmas as part of Tzuyu’s company’s charity organization. They always did stuff like this so Tzuyu rotated which kids she took with her. Last week she had taken Sai, Saya, and Saki to pass out food at the foodbank. And the day before christmas eve they were all going to give out presents at the toy drive. Mina, Sana, and Tzuyu loved getting their kids involved in charity. “All the old people loved them.”

“They gave me lots of candy.” Sae looked up from her DS. “And they pinched my cheeks a lot.”

“That’s great sweetheart.” Mina smield at Sae. “Now, let’s go inside before the line gets too long.”

“Mommy mommy down.” Nico wiggled in Sana’s arms, holding Sana’s hand when she put her home. Nico used her free hand to grab Tzuyu’s hand and she swung both their hands as they walked. Mina was in charge of keeping Sai from running off, while the triplets were all talking about what they were going to ask santa for excitedly. Thankfully there wasn’t too much of a line for the pictures with santa area. As they stood in line, Nico looked at all the light with wide sparkling eyes.

“Do I have to do this? I’m thirteen.” Sai complained.

“You’ve gotten a picture with santa every year since you were three years old. You're getting one.” Tzuyu nodded.

“Who’s going first?” Sana asked her family.

“I want to go first!” Saya raised her hand.

“Okay Saya can go first, who wants to go next?” Sae shyly raised her hand. It was then decided the order would be Saya, Sae, Saki, Sai, and finally Nico. Nico wasn’t even really listening as they decided their order, too overwhelmed with all the decorations around her.

Saya eagerly ran up to Santa when it was her turn. She happily listed off what she wanted for christmas. After getting a good picture, they sent Sae up. Sae seemed a bit more apprehensive about it, shyly telling Santa what she wanted for christmas. After getting a good picture they moved onto Saki. Saki was quick, already knowing exactly what she wanted for Christmas. She got a quick picture they moved onto Sai, who just groaned and got the picture over with.

Finally they moved onto Nico. Nico was a bit confused on this whole sit on Santa's lap thing, so she just let her mommy take her to Santa. She was a bit excited at first, until her mommy left her with him. Nico’s brain immediately started to panic and she started crying.

“Mommy!” Nico screamed.

“Aww sweetie shh. Mommy’s just over here so we can get a good picture.” Sana ran back to Nico. “It’s okay. Mommy’s right over there.” Nico sniffled and Sana wiped her tears. “Okay now big smile okay? Then we can go get some chocolate milk.”

“Okay.” Nico nodded. Sana stepped back, smiling at Nico to reassure her she wasn’t going anywhere. Once the picture was taken they looked through all their photos and went and bought all the kids hot chocolate, buying chocolate milk for Nico so she couldn’t burn her tongue on the hot chocolate.

Christmas had been chaotic for them every year since they had kids. Something always happened that made someone cry. But they loved it that way, it made their lives much more fun and colorful. And it made their holidays that much more fun.

[risottostitties]

Secret Santa!

I’m back from vacation woo!

This is a secret santa thing I participated in with @staruplatinum‘s discord. This is actually for @staruplatinum because I was her secret santa lol. I hope you enjoy it! I tried my best I promise!

Please check the tags before reading

Discovery

It was the third day in a row that Abbacchio had been awoken by the sound of vomiting from the bathroom connected to the room he shared with Nina. While normally such a sound wasn’t new to him, they both enjoyed their alcohol a bit too much if he was being honest, they hadn’t had any the previous night. Or the night before, out of concern that she might be getting sick. So the fact that Nina was waking up in the morning and immediately vomiting immediately put the lilac haired man on edge. What could be causing this? She didn’t feel feverish.

“Have you considered going to a doctor?” He asked, rolling out of bed to gently scoop his girlfriend’s hair out of the way as she heaved. They hadn’t eaten yet, so mercifully this spell of sickness would be brief.

It seemed like she was getting sick more and more often lately. Buccellati had to stop ordering shellfish because the smell made her sick.

“I already considered that, appointment’s this afternoon. I figured that if it was something important I’d tell you after.” Nina admitted, standing on shaky legs and flushing the toilet before going to clean her mouth out.

“Do that.” Abbacchio hummed, watching as she brushed her teeth with an expression softer that what people would expect out of a man like him.

It was hard not to feel soft, not to look at her with such complete adoration. After all, he’d never have anticipated finding himself in such perfect domesticity. It made this bout of illness all the more concerning for him. He hopped to hear nothing but good news from the doctor soon.

 Month 3

Well, as it turns out, it was news alright.

“What do you want to do about this?” The unsure waver in Nina’s voice made his heart clench.

Pregnant.

She was pregnant, and unless there was something else going on it was his. According to the blood work, and the imaging she’d gone in for, she was about twelve weeks in, or approaching the end of the first trimester. There was time, theoretically, to end things before they became a real problem. Kids were never in the picture. In their line of work it was far too dangerous, and what’s more to have him as a father. To come into this world in the shadow of a failure such as himself. To grow up knowing your dad was not only a criminal but a coward and a disgrace as well; wasn’t that just too cruel?

What was he supposed to do? On one hand it would be easier to tell the kid everything from the start, to not allow them to idolize their father and grow up with the false notion that he was a man worthy of their admiration. If they were going to hate him anyway, why would he prolong the inevitable. Was it not cruel to allow the kid to build up a version of him in their head only to have it torn down as soon as they were able to investigate their father’s name?

Of course, this was assuming there would be a child at all.

“We should-“

“I want to keep them.” Nina’s voice prevailed over Abbacchio’s reluctant admission.

It startled him into silence.

“Why would-“ Why was he getting choked up. “It’s a bad idea, with our lives. They’ll be in constant danger.”

“We’re strong enough to protect them. Leone-“ Oh god, there she went. Using his first name. Even after all this time, he still felt his heart skip a beat when she said his name with such a reverent, adoring tone. “I want this. Us. Our family.”

Who was he to say no when she looked up at him like that. Eyes dewy, expression both hopeful and unsure. If he really wanted to, he could probably talk her out of it. But then for a brief second he pictured it. A little boy with her eyes and his nose, chubby and healthy in his mother’s arms. And he wanted it so much, it caused him to ache.

And although he was still wildly unsure… he found himself nodding.

“Our family.” He agreed, closing the distance between them with a quick step and leaning down to capture her lips with his.

He couldn’t tell if the salt he tasted was from her tears of his.

 Month 4

Emotional announcement aside, Abbacchio still had his doubts about the whole pregnancy thing. Morning sickness was killer, and he couldn’t do much to fight off the mounting guilt when he awoke in the morning to his girlfriend hunched over the toilet heaving on an empty stomach. He did this to her after all.

But as though she could read his mind, Nina was always there to reassure him. And soon, he started to warm up to the idea of being a dad. Even as the cravings started to kick in and he found himself up at odd hours of the night, Leone Abbacchio couldn’t remember ever feeling happier. They had decided to keep it their little secret for as long as they could.

Their friends were good people, but they were loud people. And, something about the quiet domesticity the two of them shared together; the beginning of their own little family, something about that was just too nice to give up quite yet.

Although it was only a matter of time before someone found out.

 Month 5

“Nina, did you want any wine with your meal?” Bruno’s good natured question caused the woman to pause, and for Abbacchio to tense up.

“Oh no, no thank you. Not this time.” Her response was just a touch nervous, and Bruno honed in on that like a blood hound. Sometimes his ability to read people was a curse to all of them.

“Is everything alright?” He asked, softly. A question that was quickly overshadowed by Narancia’s boisterous proclamation.

“You haven’t been drinking much either Abbacchio, what gives? Finally going back on the wagon?” The young man adjusted his bandana as he looked up from his homework. “Can’t manage without your little girlfriend?”

The smug smile on the teenager’s face immediately put Abbacchio in a bad mood, but instead of retaliating he simply reached for his glass of water. They had been told to try and reduce stress on Nina as much as possible, it wasn’t good for the baby. And Abbacchio snapping at people did little to relieve stress.

“None of your business.” He settled on that, which only seemed to fuel the fire.

“What, you pregnant or something Abbacchio?” It was meant as a joke obviously, but the silver haired man almost choked on his water; sputtering as he tried to catch his breath.

“Shit man I’m kidding! I didn’t think it’d get you that bad!” Mista was quick to offer his apologies, and a napkin.

“Abbacchio?” Bruno’s soft, but pointed question, left little room for the silverette to worm his way out of things.

Thankfully, Nina stepped in before he could mutter something under his breath.

“They’re due in December.”

And with that, all hell broke loose.

 Month 6

Between the obnoxious ribbing from Narancia and Mista, there was a genuine happiness that filled the small private room in the back of their favorite restaurant. It wouldn’t be easy of course, raising a family in this kind of life. But with an army of over protective uncles it seemed like the kid would have a good start as any.

Nina was starting to really show now, as the doctor had warned them. Once the second trimester reached its end things would progress much faster than they had before. Nina had been removed from active duty because of her condition, something she protested greatly about. But Bruno would be hearing none of it. She had a child to nurture, he chided, she couldn’t be putting her life at risk anymore. Neither of them could. Soon, they would have someone very precious relying on them.

So both Nina and Abbacchio found themselves on ‘light duty’ so to speak. Abbacchio rarely rent on any dangerous jobs anymore. Bruno had taken to using Mista as his back up in Abbacchio’s place. Which, he supposed, was fine. Despite being dense, the gunslinger had a good head on his shoulders, and he was dependable. And, as much as the former police officer and his partner hated being left out of things it certainly wasn’t the case that they had nothing to do.

“I don’t have any fucking idea how this works. This is stupid, they won’t even remember the damned nursery why does it have to be so complicated? Just put them in a fucking box or something and be done with it.” He’d been working at this crib for over an hour now, and frankly Abbacchio was starting to lose his patience.

“Leone. If you imply our child deserves to sleep in a cardboard box in front of me one more time, you’ll be the one sleeping on a box.” Nina sat happily in a rocking chair (the first of many gifts from Godfather Bruno) munching on some plantain chips.

“Do you want to help then?” He asked, pulling back to adjust the bun he’d thrown his hair into.

“Hmm… no. I’m good thanks. I’m busy growing a foot.” Nina’s grin split wider at the exasperated expression on her partner’s face. “Besides, if you really hate the crib we can always co-sleep.”

The crib was finished later that evening.

 Month 7

“So you don’t want to know the gender? Why not? It’d be a pain in the ass to buy all these new clothes if it turned out you had the wrong one.” Narancia asked, watching as Nina opened his gift.

Somehow he’d managed to get a baby onsie emblazoned with ‘All Eyez On Me’ album cover. Very much a little boy outfit. Complete with the sneakers and a hat.

“You fucking moron, this is why I told you to find something gender neutral. I knew I should have bought your present for you.” Fugo grumbled, shoving his present towards Nina next.

“Oh yeah, a strawberry outfit is totally gender neutral. What little boy would be caught dead in that?” Narancia snapped back, and Fugo jumped from his chair. The clattering sound made Nina wince.

“You spoiled my gift before she could open it you cretin! I’m going to end your whole bloodline you filthy fucking-“ And there he went, Fugo was pissed again.

“Oi! If you’re going to fight take it outside!” This, thought Abbacchio, was why they had tried to keep it a secret for so long.

Thankfully though, that seemed enough to stop any further altercations and Fugo muttered an apology before fixing his chair.

“You sound like a dad.” Mista joked, already on his second slice of cake.

“That’s because he is one. Thank you Narancia, Fugo, they’ll love the clothes.” Nina spoke, admiring the cute strawberry printed onsie (and lamenting the fact that it was mostly white, that wouldn’t last long) before putting it carefully with the other gifts.

Mista had given them blankets, five of them (a good number! He claimed) and had even taken the time to show Abbacchio how to swaddle a wine bottle in them. Apparently, Mista was quite good with kids. He never talked much about his former life, but he admitted to having several younger siblings. The ex cop found himself impressed. Although the thought of asking the gunslinger for any help made his stomach coil. Nina on the other hand, seemed to have none of those qualms.

“Mine’s a bit big. I’ll help you get it back to your apartment, but please open it here. I’d like to see what you think.” Bruno spoke up last, offering up a box larger than the others they’d seen before.

“You already bought most of the nursery furniture, Capo. You really didn’t have to get another gift!” It was true, as Nina had said. Bruno had taken it upon himself to furnish the nursery. They should be saving their money, he said, and he wanted to make sure his godchild had appropriate furniture.

“It’s the last one, I promise.” Abbacchio had the feeling it wasn’t the case, but as he helped Nina cut the tape off the box, those thoughts faded.

It was a mobile, with fish and boats and other aquatic creatures carefully hand crafted from wood with sea glass safely secured and dangling from fishing wire. It looked lovingly made and Abbacchio had to do a double take.

It wasn’t until after the party that he had the chance to ask Bruno what the deal was.

“Did you buy that yourself? The mobile. Its beautiful but, you didn’t have to go out of the way for that. The brat won’t remember it anyway.” He asked, taking one last cig break before he and Nina returned to their apartment.

“It was mine.” That gave the taller man pause. “My father held on to it. I found it in the attic a few years ago, and didn’t have the heart to throw it away. I’m happy to know it’ll get good use again. It deserves to be hung up, instead of collecting dust.”

“You should save it for your own kids.” Abbacchio spoke, before taking another drag and offering it to Bruno, who declined with a wave of his hand.

“It’s better put to use now, don’t you think?” Bruno’s expression was far off, and Abbacchio couldn’t read it. So instead of responding is simply shrugged, exhaling his final drag and putting the smoke out with his foot before returning to the restaurant to collect his pregnant partner.

Bruno followed and helped them load everything into the car. The unreadable expression gone from his face.

 Month 8

It was getting close. Braxton Hicks contractions were starting to appear. They had scared the shit out of the two of them the first time it happened. It was far too early and they had panicked, rushing to the hospital despite having been told what to expect this late into the pregnancy.

Nervous energy was abound between the two of them. Nina was officially on bedrest. She had been getting weaker and the doctors erred on the side of caution. There was little to worry about, they assured, they just decided to be safer rather than sorry. Leone couldn’t disagree with that, although he was glad that the whole pregnancy thing was almost done. Nina looked like she would kill someone if she had to remain cooped up in their bedroom for too much longer.

It was late, and while Leone had stopped drinking in solidarity with Nina he couldn’t help but want a sip to calm his nerves. Instead though, he walked around the apartment (trying to mind his feet so he didn’t wake his sleeping partner, the pregnancy made her a light sleeper) and took stock of their little home. Their life together.

It was new, better than the one bedroom they’d shared. Bruno helped them get into a neighborhood with a good school. Their rent was affordable, and their neighbors were friendly. IT was all so domestic, it felt like a dream. Or a cruel prank. He half expected to wake up on the couch hungover but that had yet to happen.

He paused, looking into the nursery. Bruno’s mobile was strung up over the crib. The room was simple, white furniture with light blue walls. With the mobile they added a few more ‘nautical’ things into the décor. Striped sheets in the cribs, some bubble decals on the wall, but over all it was a simple and calming room. The shelves were lined with books and blocks and other baby toys, and the stuffed animals they had been gifted were safely tucked away out of the crib. In less than a month there would be someone living here.

Leone took a seat in the rocking chair and observed, not even noticing as he nodded off to sleep.

In the morning he awoke with a blanket covering him, and he got up. Nina had no business being on her feet covering up her idiot partner. Ah, partner. That needed to change soon. Husband sounded better. But that was for later. Once the kid was born, then Abbacchio could worry about making his girlfriend his wife. Some would say it was out of order.

Abbacchio hoped to encounter them one day so they could say it to his face. See how well that worked out for them.

 Month 9

How did it come to this? How had he allowed it to come to this? Abbacchio knew the kind of man he was, the kind who took the cowards way out of things. The kind who would rather turn to underhanded bribes than admit the futility of his work. The kind of man who allowed an innocent man to die for his mistakes. The kind of man who fucked up everything he touched. It only stood to reason that someday, eventually, he would ruin this as well.

He should have put an end to this when the problem first reared its head. Instead here he was, taking a drag from a rancid cig he bummed off a nurse to try and take the edge off of things. It was snowing, almost Christmas. This would have been their first Christmas.

Everything was wrong.

It all happened so fast. Things were going fine, labor was long but not unnaturally so. It was about five hours in when the baby’s heart beat started dropping. Emergency c-section. She seemed fine. The baby came, a girl, shockingly enough. And then Nina started slurring her words. It all happened so fast, he was being rushed out of the room by a nurse and the last thing he heard was the slowing of a heart monitor.

Twenty minutes later a doctor came to offer his apologies, and a child. Abbacchio had turned and left then, unable to handle the weight of what just happened. Shoving past Bruno (the only one allowed to be there for the birth) he ran from the hospital; coward that he was. And here he found himself, smoking to try and… what? Numb something? He was already numb. The cold helped with that. Perhaps if he stayed out here long enough, he’d risk hypothermia. He’d be doing everyone a favor right, freezing to death outside the hospital. It was abundantly clear to Abbacchio that he ruined every good thing that had the misfortune of encountering him.

Perhaps it would be best if he vanished from this kid’s life before he had the chance to infect that too. Or perhaps he’d doomed the kid of a life full of hardship by virtue of being the son of a bitch that fathered it. Her. It was a her. They had a name picked out. It was-

“Are you going to keep the name Sophia?” The only person capable of piercing through Abbacchio’s haze of self-depreciation had come outside to meet him.

How Bruno managed to get the baby out of the hospital so soon after it was born, who knows. Or perhaps he just became numb to the passage of time along with the cold. How long had it been already? Who knows? Who cared. But there she was, bundled up tightly in her hospital blankets and Bruno’s own coat for good measure.

“I’m not keeping anything.” Abbacchio huffed a long drag from his cigarette, having the decency to at least blow away from his friend and the child he held.

“Leone.”

“Bruno.”

His friend’s normally gentle face was furrowed into an expression of distaste. Always so righteous, of course Bruno would take issue with his decision. He still clung to the belief that Abbacchio was worth something, a dangerous notion considering that now there was a child in the mix. Bruno was a smart man, but perhaps their friendship had blinded him to the reality of the situation-

“She loved you and Sophia very much, you of all people should know that.” Bruno tried, only for Leone to take another drag from the smoke.

“A horrible choice on her part.”

“Leone.”

“What, Bruno? What do you want?” That was it, Bruno had found Leone’s breaking point and fuck, if he wanted a reaction out of him so bad, he had it. “Do you want me to be on my knees bawling in the hospital room? Should I be clinging to her hand, shaking her body, begging for her to wake up? What kind of reaction would please you Bruno?”

He threw the cigarette down and stomped it into the slush.

“What am I supposed to do?” Abbacchio could hear his voice crack, knees hitting the cold snow as his legs gave out.

It was amazing, how quickly rage could turn to sadness. Nina had borne witness plenty of times, as had Bruno. This was nothing new for either man, but there was a certain weight to it now. Nina was gone. She wasn’t coming back. If she were here she would be on her knees with him. She’d hold him close, let him scream into her shoulder and cling to her hard enough to bruise (something he always felt horrible for after). And in the end, she’d be there to fix his makeup. Sometimes they’d both need to touch things up; she wound up crying with him.

He’d have her sit on the bathroom counter as he fixed the delicate wing of her eyeliner. They’d tease each other over their puffy eyes and still runny nose. It was like a ritual between them almost, doing each other’s makeup. It wouldn’t happen again though, and the realization washed over him like a cold wave. He missed the numbness then, as he choked out an undignified sob. It was so much easier to be numb.

“Leone.” He could hear the crunch of slushy snow in front of him as Bruno knelt, careful not to jostle the child too much. She was already getting fussy from her father’s loud outburst. “I can’t help you. You need to help yourself. But I can be there for you, and for Sophia.”

“I’ll fuck that up too.” Abbacchio managed, unable to lift his eyes from the ground to look at the child beginning to fuss in Bruno’s arms. She already hated him it seemed. The sound of his voice was enough to make her squirm in discontent. He couldn’t blame Sophia.

“Sophia doesn’t seem to think so.” Bruno’s soothing voice did little to calm the infant, but it began to work on Abbacchio. The tears had yet to dry, but a feeble hiccup signaled the end of his sobbing.

“She’s trying to get away from me.” As if on cue the baby squirmed more, turning her head from her father.

“I think she’s just scared.” Bruno corrected, shifting the baby in his arms. “Leone, try holding her.”

“What?” That caused Leone to snap to attention. “You can’t be serious.”

He had very little time to react though, as Bruno deposited the infant into his arms. Abbacchio had to fumble a bit to support the head, but once things were in order it felt almost… natural.

He stood then, trying to dry what wsa left of his tears off on his shoulder. The kid looked kinda like both parents. She had some wispy pale hairs. Were those from him? Or would she grow dark hair like her mother? Sophia was still fussy, a spirited little thing it seemed, and although her eyes were mostly shut against the cold he could see the tiniest little sliver of purple and gold. She had his eyes.

She had. His eyes.

It was a simple realization, nothing remarkable. It didn’t do anything to quell the ache growing more and more apparent in the place in his heart Nina had occupied. It didn’t lead to any grand epiphany of how he was going to handle the future without her at his side. Nina had been his rock, his confidant, the person he loved most in the world and the one person capable of making Abbacchio see through the haze of self-loathing to imagine a better future. And she was gone. There was nothing that could replace her, and he didn’t want anything to replace her. If he hurt, it meant that she had been there once, right? The fact that her passing left such gaping hole was proof, in its own way, that she had really loved him. And that he, the failure Leone Abbacchio, had been capable to returning that love. Worthy of accepting that love.

And the physical proof was here in his arms. A mixture of Nina and himself. A gift that she had lavished so much time and love on, and had worked so hard to bring into the world. And what a job she did. Sophia was healthy, and energetic if the way she squirmed was any indication. Nina would have been so proud, so happy to have been her mother. Sophia couldn’t replace Nina. She couldn’t do anything to fill the voice her mother left behind. But it was strange, there was a new spot now. A new hole, but instead of emptiness it overflowed. He had to take a shaky breath to try and steady himself. It was overwhelming, the feelings of grief and loss and love mixing together. He could feel himself crying again, although for a new reason.

“Leone?” Bruno asked, having gotten up out of the slush himself.

“I’ll try.” It was all Abbacchio could manage as he again used his shoulders to try and dry his face. It was enough though, and as the new father began to bounce his daughter to try and soothe her, the two men headed back into the hospital together.