#red hood is a worried mother hen but tries not to let it show
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i didn't choose this town (you're on your own kid, ch. 1)
Look. He didnât ask to be stuck in some scummy city in New Jersey of all places. If it was up to him, heâd still be in his momâs apartment in New York, in the only home heâd ever known. But that was over. And he could never go back. Smelly Gabe would never let him back, not now that his mom was gone. And he definitely wasnât gonna go back into foster care. Both of the houses heâd been in since getting to Gotham had been pretty bad. Like cigarette burns on his clothes and no dinner during the weekend bad. But that was fine. Percy was a New Yorker, and more importantly, he was a Jackson. He was more than capable of taking care of himself. Besides, it was New Jersey. He wasnât going to let it best him.
---
Percy glares at the dog sized rat in front of him.
âLook, man, back off. This is my food.â He says, frowning at the animal. It hisses at him. Honest to god, the rat hisses at him. Percy jumps back, holding the sandwich higher up. Can rats jump that high? He glances at the fire escape ladder, noting how far off the ground it was. Sticking the sandwich in his mouth, he sprints over to it and jumps, just barely pulling himself up before the rat leaps and bites at where his ankles had been moments before. Grinning, Percy takes the sandwich out of his mouth and nods down at the rat. âLater, asshole!â He calls before scurrying up the ladder and flopping onto the roof. Letting out a huff, he stands and saunters over to the opposite edge and sits.
Letting his legs dangle off the roof, Percy takes a small bite of his sandwich as he glances out over the city. It was no New York, but it was his home now. Heâd probably never make it back to New York, not until he was old enough to live by himself. Too many people would ask questions in New York, if they saw him wandering the streets. No one in Gotham cared though. Made it easy enough to do what he wants. Also made it a little lonely, but Percy was getting used to it. Just as heâs shoving the last bit of his sandwich in his mouth, thereâs a big thud behind him. He whirls around, gripping onto the ledge for stability. He wasnât really in the mood to fall off a roof. Tilting his head at the man, he turns around completely and plants his legs back onto the roof. All else failed, heâd make a run for the fire escape.
âThis your roof or something?â He asks, trying to sound tougher than he felt. The man wasâŚintimidating. He was way taller than Percy, with a red helmet and visible weapons and Percy felt uneasy. A staticy snort escapes the man, making Percyâs hand twitch.
âYouâre in Crime Alley, kid. All of these roofs are mine.â He says, his stance loose.
âCrime Alley? Who named it that?â Percy asks, frowning. It seemed like a way to just invite trouble. The manâs head tilts to the side, and Percy has the feeling that the man is studying him for some reason. And whatever heâs trying to find, he doesnât.
âYouâre not from around here, are you kid?â Percy stays quiet. âYou visiting Gotham with your parents or something?â The man adds, and Percy grits his teeth. He couldnât answer. Couldnât risk getting pulled back into the Gotham Foster System. Not again.
âYâknow, Iâm really not supposed to be talking to strangers. So, uh, thanks for letting me know that this is your roof, but Iâll just be headed out now.â He says, starting to move in a big arc around the man, towards the fire escape. The man clears his throat, or thatâs what Percy thinks he does, and Percy pauses.
âLook, I wasnât trying to scare you or anything. But if you are new and you are sticking around, you gotta know that this area isnât safe at night. Try and hole up somewhere if you can.â He says. Percy nods. Obviously this place wasnât safe. Between the rat from earlier and the dodgy guys heâd avoided trying to get the sandwich, he knew that. But he guessed it was pretty nice of the guy to tell him.
âTotally. Uh, thanks MrâŚâ Percy raises an eyebrow expectantly.
âRed Hood.â
---
Percy shivers, wrapping his arms around himself. He really needed to find a coat. Or even a heavier jacket. Heâd been running around Gotham (mostly Crime Alley) for a little over a month. Honestly, he was pretty proud of himself. Gabe had always said that Percy was a wimp, but heâd been surviving on his own in one of the most dangerous cities in the US. He didnât really wanna see the man ever again, but he also kinda wanted to rub it in his face. Well, if he could find a way to keep warm that is. Heâd been living in an abandoned fire station, but he still didnât have enough blankets or anything to get through actual winter. Heâd probably have to try and pickpocket some more. He didnât really like doing it, but he was small and people tended to not notice him. And he never tried anything with the people in Crime Alley. He knew better than that.
âLittle cold to be hanging on rooftops.â Red Hood says, his boots thudding with every step as he walks towards Percy. Heâd discovered early on that the man could be silent when he walked. But after Percy had almost fallen off a roof twice, the man had taken to making noise when he saw him. Percy shrugs.
âNot like Iâve got anything better to do.â He says. The man tosses something at him and Percy reacts immediately, snatching it out of the air before frowning. âWhatâs this?â He asks. The man shrugs.
âJust a hoodie and some more socks.â Hood says.
âYou said-â
âI agreed not to give you food, kid. Never made any promises about clothes.â Hood says, and Percy can practically hear the smirk in the manâs voice. Percyâs stomach churns uncomfortably. Itâs not that he didnât want to accept the hoodie. He did. But he also hated the idea of owing someone anything. Nothing in the world was free, no matter what anyone told you. Percyâs grip on the plastic bag tightens as he tries to figure out a way to decline the clothes that wonât seem too ungrateful. âIf it makes you feel better, I didnât go out and buy them.â Hood says.
âWhat?â Percy asks, the mental image of Hood grabbing someoneâs clothes off a laundry line popping into his head for some reason.
âThe socks were a donation I picked up from one of the shelters I check in at.â
âOh.â Percy says, some of the weight of debt lifting off his shoulders. Hood nods.
âYeah, and the uh, the hoodie is a hand me down. Hope you donât mind.â He adds. Percyâs eyes widen.
âItâs yours?â He asks, the worry shooting through him once again. Hood shakes his head.
âNo, not anymore. Thereâs no way itâd fit me now. But itâs getting colder, and you need something. It was that or throw it out.â Hood says. Percy falters again for a moment before tugging the hoodie out of the bag. It was thicker than heâd expected, and the faded Wonder Woman symbol on the front made him smile a bit. Heâd used to be a big fan of heroes. Back before his mom died. Pushing down the wave of grief, he lets his resolve falter and tugs the hoodie on, making sure to keep the hood on to warm his ears. It helps immediately, and he glances over at Red Hood, relieved for the first time that he couldnât see the manâs face. Heâd definitely caved way too quick, but it saved him from another cold night, so it was mostly worth it.
âThank you.â Percy says, pulling the ends of the sleeves up so that his hands would poke out. Hood nods.
ââCourse. You know how to find me if you need anything, right?â He asks, and Percy nods. Heâd learned pretty quickly after their first meeting that Red Hood cared about keeping kids safe. âSpecially kids like Percy who were on their own. âGood. Look after yourself, okay kid?â
âAlways do.â Percy says cheerily, saluting the man before turning and scurrying down the fire escape. Time to head home.
---
Percy was screwed. Heâd managed to make himself comfortable in the City of Crime, and had let his guard slip. And now he was gonna pay for that mistake. Somehow, he hadnât managed to see any major bad guy attacks in the almost three months heâd been in Gotham. He shouldâve known that couldnât last. Darting into the first warehouse he sees, Percy runs to a corner and tries to calm his frantic heartbeat. His vision already looked weird on the sides, and he really wished he wouldâve found a mask or something sooner like Red Hood had told him ages ago. But he hadnât, and some dude with a freaking sack on his head had sprayed some crap in his face.
âWell, look at what we have here. Genius boy came crawling back.â Gabe grunts, cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Percyâs eyes widen and he tries to scramble back even more.
âI, no. I didnât- how did you-â
âCanât even talk right, can you? Must be why your mom left you with me.â Gabe taunts, pointing his cigarette at Percy. He could feel the phantom pains of the burns on his arm, as well as the not so phantom tears rolling down his face.
âMy mom didnât wanna leave me.â He says, his voice shaking. His mom didnât choose to die, she never would have left him. Right? Gabe snorts.
âYeah, sure, kid. Whatever helps you sleep at night.â He says, and Percy canât help the flinch as the man steps closer to him. Heâd never liked Gabe. Ever. But heâd never told his mom that, never thought thereâd be a day where he was left alone with the man. And now-
âIâm not going anywhere with you.â Percy says, his voice sounding much stronger than he felt. Gabe smirks.
âYou donât have a choice, brain boy. Youâre stuck with me. Iâm all the family youâve got.â The man steps forward so that heâs toe to toe with Percy, and the stench immediately invades his senses. Before he can protest, Gabeâs hand shoots out and grabs Percyâs wrist. He immediately pulls back, trying desperately to tug himself away. He didnât want to go back with Gabe. He couldnât go back there. Not without his mom.
âPlease, no! Let me go! I donât wanna go, please!â Percy pleads, his breathing getting faster as he tries to get free. A sharp pain in his neck makes him gasp before the world around him goes black.
---
A constant beeping wakes Percy up, and he immediately begins to panic. The walls were a sterile white, and he recognized the universal layout of a hospital room. He couldnât be here. He really couldnât be here. His eyes dart around the room, trying to take in everything he might need to know before trying to make a break for it. He frowns at the man slumped in a chair across the room. He didnât look like the usual DFC worker. The guy was in regular jeans and a sweatshirt, his dark hair much messier than the usual business-like people that Percy had talked to back when his mom first died. But if he wasnât part of DFC, then who was he? Before he can even attempt to get himself out of the bed, a woman in scrubs walks in, smiling softly at him.
âLook whoâs up! Howâre you feeling sweetheart?â She asks quietly. It didnât really matter though, because the second she started talking the guy on the chair jumped up and started blinking rapidly. The nurse raises an eyebrow. âAlright there, Mr. Grayson?â She adds. The man nods, rolling his shoulders before dropping back down into the chair, giving Percy a small smile. Percyâs eyebrows furrow as he turns back to the nurse.
âSorry, why am I here?â He asks, frowning.
âYou were dosed with fear toxin. Nightwing administered the antidote, then passed you off to Mr. Grayson.â She explains. Percy raises an eyebrow. Nightwing, the vigilante, passed him off to some random guy?
âIâm a police officer in BlĂźdhaven.â The man in the chair speaks up. âIâve worked with the bats a few times, so itâs not like Nightwing was just passing you off to the first person he saw.â Percy nods slowly.
âRight.â He says. The nurse finishes checking his vitals before giving him another smile.
âI know you must be missing your parents terribly. Do you know their numbers? We could try and call them for you.â She offers, and Percy feels the color drain from his face. This was not good. He was definitely going to end up back in the system. Or worse. With Gabe.
âThey uh, donât have cellphones and our voicemail is usually full. Itâd probably be better to call later.â Percy blurts out, trying to ignore the way Mr. Grayson was intently staring at him. The nurse frowns.
âAre you sure, honey? Iâm sure theyâre worried sick-â
âThey both work really weird shifts, so uh, they probably didnât realize I was even out. But we can definitely call them later.â Percy says. The nurseâs frown doesnât fade, but she eventually nods before walking out of the room. Percy lets his shoulders slump as he lets out a breath. One worried adult down, one to go.
âAre you afraid of how your parents are going to react?â Mr. Grayson asks, his voice softer than it had been earlier. Percy blinks at the man.
âHuh?â He says, intelligently.
âYour parents, bud. Are you- are you afraid of what theyâre going to do when they find out what happened?â Mr. Grayson asks, a concerned look on his face and-oh. Oh. Percy shakes his head rapidly.
âNo, they really are just hard to get a hold of.â Percy says. Mr. Grayson opens his mouth, probably to question him more, but Percy cuts him off. âCould you- do you know if Iâm allowed to have food? Iâm kinda hungry.â He says. It was the only thing he could think of that would get the man to actually leave the room. The manâs face softens immediately.
âI can go ask for you. Anything specific sound good?â He asks. Percy swallows, feeling a little bad for the disappearing act heâs about to pull.
âA burger?â He asks, and the man smiles.
âIâll see what I can do.â He promises before leaving the room, the door swinging shut behind him. Percy swings his legs off the bed, trying hard to push down the nausea swirling in his stomach. Heâd lucked out that they didnât have him plugged into anything besides an IV. It hurt, but it wasnât a big deal to pull that out himself. Glancing around the room, he spots his shoes and his Wonder Woman hoodie that Red Hood gave him. Slipping both on, he takes a deep breath before stepping towards the door. Hopefully, they didnât have much on him. He really didnât need people actually looking for him. Cracking the door open, Percy glances out of his room. He could see Mr. Grayson at the desk right across from his room talking to the nurses, and to the right, a door with a huge exit sign above it. Shaking out his hands, Percy takes one moment to ground himself before he moves silently towards the door. Heâd gotten good at sneaking around, since heâd been living in Crime Alley. It was easier that way. Fewer ways to get hurt. Miraculously, he manages to slip out of the door and into a lobby without Mr. Grayson or his nurse spotting him.
âYoung man, watch where youâre going.â An older nurse huffs as Percy almost runs into her. His cheeks flush red.
âSorry.â He mutters, continuing past her and out the doors at the other end of the lobby. He takes in a deep breath of the (not so fresh) Gotham air, his shoulders finally relaxing. But he didnât stop moving. He couldnât. Not until he made it back to the safety of Crime Alley, the place heâd definitely started to think of as home.
---
That night, Percy climbs onto the roof of the abandoned fire station and stares at the sky. He was sure there were stars up there. Heâd heard about them in school all the time, but heâd never lived anywhere where he could actually see them. He wasnât sure if heâd like them, if he was being honest. So used to the lights of cities and the noise that came with it, he wasnât exactly eager to ever go somewhere without all of that. A thud brings him out of his thoughts, but he doesnât turn to look.
âHey, Hood.â He says, tucking his knees close to his chest. He was definitely in for a lecture from the guy.
âYou okay, kid?â Hood asks instead of launching into the lecture that Percy had expected. Hmm. But maybe that was expecting too much. After all, Hood had a million street kids he looked out for. He didnât have the time to know what happened to each of them, or care enough to lecture them for making dumb choices.
âYep.â Percy says simply. Hood hums, the noise coming out more static than anything. Percy glances at him and raises an eyebrow.
âSo you didnât get dosed with fear toxin yesterday?â Hood asks, and Percyâs eyes widen. He did know.
âWho told you that?â Percy asks, before shaking his head. âDoesnât matter anyway, Iâm fine.â Hood snorts, dropping onto the roof beside him and dropping a bag of fast food between them.
âSure you are.â He says, before tugging his helmet off. Percy inhales sharply and turns before he sees the manâs face.
âDude, what-â
âI still have a mask on, kid.â Hood chuckles, and Percy blinks at the lack of static in the manâs voice. Slowly, he turns and relaxes at the domino still in place on the manâs face.
âScared the shit outta me.â Percy grumbles.
âLanguage.â Hood says, then frowns. âIgnore me. Canât believe I said that.â Percy snorts, then glances at the bag of food between them. âGo ahead, kid. Iâve got enough burgers and fries for the both of us. Guy at Batburger gave me extra for saving his cat last week.â Hood adds. Percy frowns, but tentatively reaches for the food. He didnât have the energy to try and scrounge for food today, not after everything that happened yesterday with the fear toxin crap.
âThanks, Hood.â Percy says quietly before taking a huge bite of the burger. It was still warm.
âNo problem, kid.â Hood says. And Percy glances at him, decides to trust the guy just a little more.
âPercy. My nameâs Percy.â
Next
---
Enjoying this fic? Head over to AO3. I'll add updates here as I remember.
#percy jackon and the olympians#batman#crossover#jason todd#dick grayson#percy jackson#kid percy jackson#ao3#red hood is a worried mother hen but tries not to let it show#smelly gabe sucks but what's new#percy doesn't know he's a demigod#this will obviously cause problems#hurt/comfort#sally jackson is dead oops#i'm sorry sally
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More Than Words Chapter Four
You can read it here on AO3, or continue below! My heartfelt thanks go to @britonellâ for her help with my faltering Japanese!
A sound had woken her, and for a moment she had no idea where she was, or what was going on. Then she heard it again, a shaking sound, like a box of cereal.
Kagome blinked herself awake. She could see Inuyasha standing a few feet away, lit by a shaft of early morning sunlight peeking through heavy curtains. His back was to her, and he was standing at what seemed to be a kitchen bench, pouring cat biscuits into a little bowl. She stared at him groggily as she tried to make sense of things, a headache pulsing away in the background making it difficult for her to think.
He was wearing the same t-shirt he had on yesterday, and a pair of soft grey boxer shorts, sitting low on his hips. She watched as he filled up another little bowl with water, then bent to place them both on a little mat on the floor. A tiny kitten sized ginger streak appeared out of nowhere, planting his tiny face directly into the little ceramic dish containing the cat biscuits. Shippou began eating his breakfast with gusto, making little sounds of appreciation as he chewed.
Inuyasha snorted as he watched the tiny kitten, his face still turned away from her. His long dark hair was in a low ponytail, but looked untidy, like he hadnât had a chance to brush out the tangles yet. Heâd obviously just woken up. Was this his place?
Then everything that had happened the night before came back with a rush. A manâs face shadowed by a hood, his voice guttural as he demanded money, the glint of street lights on a knife, a strong hand squeezing around her throat. Overwhelming fear. And then running here on pure adrenaline, that fear giving her feet wings. Inuyasha cradling her in his strong arms, caring for her, kissing her. She sat up unsteadily, and Inuyasha instantly moved to her side.
âKagome.â His voice was quiet, and he sat down next to her on the bed, leaving a small amount of space between them. He looked pleased to see her awake, but also a little uncertain. âGood morning.â
She smiled at him shyly. âGood morning Inuyasha. Thank you for letting me stay last night.â
âHow isâŚâ he grunted in irritation, then began again. âKagome, are you well?â
She nodded, then grimaced a little, the background headache that had been lingering suddenly pulsing as she moved her head. Inuyasha reached out towards her, his amber eyes filled with concern. She closed her eyes and let his hand take the weight of her aching head. His fingers passed gently over where the back of her head had smacked into the wall last night, his touch featherlight.
âIâm okay Inuyasha, just a little headache. I feel fine.â
He ignored her protest, moving his fingers down to her chin, pushing upwards gently until she bared her throat to him. He made a grumbling noise in the back of his throat.
âStayâ, he said, his eyes full of concern. She gave him a small smile, brushing her fingers over his and taking his hand and squeezing it.
âInuyasha, as much as Iâd like to, I really canât. I need to go home and feed my cat. I definitely need to have a shower and get changed out of these sweaty jogging clothes - I probably smell bad.â She lifted the front of her t-shirt to her face, sniffing it and wrinkling her nose, âIn fact I know I smell badâ, she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
He shook his head, his expression stern. âStay.â
She watched as Inuyasha walked over to his desk and retrieved his mobile phone to make a call, speaking at length in Japanese, his eyes constantly flicking over to her and then away again. She caught her name mentioned a few times, so he was obviously talking about her with whoever was on the other end of the line. Was he speaking to Sango? Her eyes widened in surprise when he suddenly thrust the phone at her, indicating she should talk.
âUh, hello?â she said uncertainly, taking the phone from him.
âGood morning Kagome. Inuyasha tells me you had a very interesting evening last night, and that heâs worried about you.â The voice was warm and friendly, but it was definitely not Sango. It sounded like an older woman, a voice that she didnât recognise at all.
âUmâŚâ She looked at Inuyasha trying to show her confusion with her expression, but he just nodded and pointed at the phone.
âMy name is Kaede. Iâm Inuyashaâs landlady, but I was also a nurse until I retired a year ago. He wants you to tell me about your symptoms, so we can work out if he needs to take you to your doctor for a checkup this morning.â
âOh, okay.â She rolled her eyes at Inuyasha and gave him a âreally?â expression, but he just crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her. Kagome huffed out a sigh â he obviously wasnât going to budge on this, so she decided she may as well go along with it. âWell, I think Iâm fine? I have a headache, but itâs not the worst one Iâve ever had.â
âDid you lose consciousness at any time during or after your injury? Any clear fluid or bleeding from your ears, or bruising behind your ears?â
âNo?â
âWhat about your balance. Do you have any ringing in your ears? Can you walk around the room without feeling dizzy?â
Kagome stood up and walked over to the desk and back, Inuyasha hovering behind her like a mother hen.
âNo dizziness, I feel fine.â
âNo blurred vision, no weakness anywhere else, like in your arms or legs?â
âNope?â
âInuyasha says you have bruising and scratches on your throat. Any difficulty swallowing? Any pain when breathing?â
Kagomeâs hand reached up to trace over her neck, and Inuyasha glowered.
âI havenât seen the bruises myself, but I can swallow fine.â
âWell, based on your answers, I think youâre right - it sounds like you should be fine. And a headache is to be expected if youâve taken a hard knock. But if it suddenly gets worse, or any of the other things I mentioned start happening, you should definitely go see a doctor. For today, I think all thatâs needed is for you to relax and take it easy. Take some ibuprofen to help with the pain and swelling. Inuyasha can go get some for you.â
âOh, butâŚâ
âHeâs also asked me to tell you that he wants you to stay at his flat until he finishes work this afternoon, and then heâll walk you home. Heâs a good man Kagome, very trustworthy despite his looks, and he seems to care a lot about you. Why not humour him, just for today, hmmm?â The voice was warm and soothing, very motherly, but also firm.
âI guessâŚâ
âGood girl. Put Inuyasha back on for me.â
There was another conversation in Japanese, a little heated on Inuyashaâs side, and then he hung up the phone, grumbling to himself.
A loud rattling noise followed by screeching metal came from the shop downstairs, and Kagome jumped, a little startled. They heard Sangoâs voice drifting up from below.
âKon'nichiwa Inuyasha? DaijĹbudesuka?â[1]
âKoko ni kite, Sangoâ[2], Inuyasha called out, and they heard her quick footsteps on the stairs.
âHeyâ, she said poking her head around the door, then she saw Kagome. At first she grinned, raising her eyebrows at their rumpled appearence, and then her eyes widened as she took a closer look. She was by Kagomeâs side in a moment, her eyes drawn to Kagomeâs neck.
âWhat⌠oh my god Kagome, what happened to you?!â
Kagome shrugged. âI got mugged when I was out jogging last night. It happens.â Now that it was daylight, she didnât want to make a big deal out of it, in fact she wanted to forget all about it.
They all heard a confused call of âhello, are you open?â from downstairs. Inuyasha glanced down at his grey boxer shorts and wrinkled t-shirt and tugged on the hem of the shirt, as if that would get rid of the creases.
âRightâ, said Sango in a business like manner. She pointed at Inuyasha âYou â shower.â Inuyasha opened his mouth as if he was going to argue, then rolled his eyes and shrugged as Sango continued to point in the direction of the bathroom. She turned to Kagome as Inuyasha grabbed clean clothes from the chest of drawers next to his unmade bed. âKagome, you - Â sit. Iâll deal with the customers until Inuyasha is ready, and then we can talk about what happened later.â
âBut I-â
âNo buts. Sit downâ, Sango said, with the air of someone who was used to having her instructions followed. She waited until Kagome sat down on the edge of the bed, then raced back down the stairs.
Kagome could just hear her talking to a customer over the sound of Inuyasha starting the shower. With a sigh, she slumped down on Inuyashaâs bed, closing her eyes against the thumping in her head. She placed her forearm over her eyes, trying to block out the daylight now filling the small room.
Last night, when sheâd gone to sleep sheâd been so happy, despite her terror prior to arriving at Inuyashaâs flat. Heâd kissed her, said she had pretty eyes, asked her to stay. But since theyâd woken up, he hadnât said anything about the kiss, so she hadnât said anything either. Now she was second guessing everything. What if heâd just felt sorry for her last night and sheâd made assumptions about where this⌠connection⌠was headed? She sat up again when Inuyasha came out of the small bathroom with steam billowing out behind him, fully dressed in black jeans and a red t-shirt, his damp ponytail clinging to his neck.
âThat must have been the shortest shower in historyâ, Kagome joked, offering him a small smile. She did her best to look cheerful, even though she felt anything but. Perhaps she should just go home, despite what Inuyasha had said. She was a big girl. Sheâd been taking care of herself for quite a while now. âYouâd better get downstairs to work, everyone will be waiting for you.â
He sat down next to her on the bed and looked at her seriously. She blinked, unsure of what he was going to say. He huffed out a breath, reaching out to stroked her cheek, his eyes roving over her face.
âKagomeâ, he said softly, âhataraku nakute ikenee, suman - hontoni zutto soba ni itaindaga...â[3] His thumb grazed over her lip, stroking the soft skin, and Kagome shivered. âItaino no itaino kisu shite tondeke.â[4]
He leaned in, his palm cradling her cheek, and pressed his lips to hers, the kiss soft, a gentle goodbye. She could taste toothpaste on his bottom lip, and without thinking she swept her tongue along the slightly chapped skin, licking at the corner of his mouth. He pulled back in surprise and then grinned at the mischevous look on her face, his light hazel eyes approving.
âYancha konekoâŚâ[5]
His kissed her again, firmer this time, his mouth slanting across hers and she couldnât help the small moan of need in the back of her throat, her arms winding around his neck to bring him closer. All her doubts vanished, burned away by the heat of his kiss, his tongue teasing hers, encouraging her to kiss him back. Then his mouth left hers and she almost whimpered in dismay, until he began placing tiny lingering kisses down her neck where she assumed the bruises were. She shivered at the contact, her fingers winding into his dark hair.
âInuyaashaa!â
The tone of Sangoâs voice echoing up the stairs was loud and determined, giving the impression that perhaps it wasnât the first time sheâd called out. Inuyasha rested his forehead on Kagomeâs shoulder, slumping his shoulders and sighing.
âFuck.â
Kagome kissed the top of his head with a disappointed sigh of her own.
âYes please.â
She giggled a little as his head snapped up in surprise. He blinked at her, his expression unsure, and she realised heâd heard what sheâd said but was worried he might have misunderstood, so she winked at him, her gaze teasing. He chuckled.
âBad girlâ, he said huskily, rubbing his nose against hers.
âSukebe Inuâ[6], she crooned back, and he laughed out loud, kissing the tip of her nose. She pushed him on his shoulder, grinning.
âGo on, go, before Sango akidoâs your ass.â
He got up with a sigh, and moved to the chest of drawers next to his bed, getting her a pair of his gym shorts with a drawstring waist and a clean t-shirt. He grabbed a clean towel from a cupboard near the bathroom, and placed them all on the bed next to her.
âShower. Rest.â he said, dropping a kiss on the top of her head, then sprinted down the stairs, taking them a couple at a time as Sangoâs voice echoed petulantly up the stairs again.
After that, Kagome couldnât stop smiling. She made Inuyashaâs bed, then moved into the bathroom, more than ready to get out of her crumpled running gear and get clean.
Her reflection in the mirror of the small bathroom cabinet made her pause for a moment. The dark fingerprint sized bruises were clear on her neck, along with the scratches of her attackers fingernails and probably her own where sheâd tried to pull his hands away. There were a few bloodstains around the collar of her t-shirt that she probably wouldnât be able to get out. But then she took a deep breath, nodding at her reflection. She was okay. That was last night, and now she was safe. Today was a whole new day.
Kagome stripped off, welcoming the heat of the shower, washing her body and her hair using Inuyashaâs bath products, and immediately feeling all the better for it. She put a small amount of toothpaste on her finger and rubbed over her teeth; not quite a brush, but better than nothing. After sheâd towelled off, braiding her damp hair and dressing herself in Inuyashaâs shorts and t-shirt, she snorted at her reflection in the fogged up mirror. She looked ridiculous; both the shorts and t-shirt came down to almost cover her knees.
Seeing a bottle of laundry detergent sitting on the bathroom floor next to the vanity, she decided Inuyasha probably wouldnât mind if she borrowed a small amount to wash her underwear. She washed and rinsed her bra and panties in the bathroom sink, squeezing out as much water as she could by hand then draped them over the shower rail, hoping that they would be mostly dry by the time she had to venture outside again.
Even though the shower had helped, her head was still thumping. She decided she would lay down again for a little while. She could hear voices downstairs, the hiss of the coffee machine, the regular beeping of the eftpos machine and till, the occasional jingle of coins. Inuyasha and Sango were probably dealing with the morning rush, so just closing her eyes for a few moments while they were busy would be okay.
When she woke again, there was a glass of water sitting next to the bed on the chest of drawers, along with a box of ibuprofen, and a toasted cheese and ham croissant. After taking a couple of tablets and eating, she lay down again, waiting for the medication to begin working. Sheâd go downstairs soon and thank whoever had got the food for her. Her eyes closed all by themselves.
The sound of laptop keys clacking woke her. Inuyasha was sitting at his desk, and the sunlight in the room had the deep glow of afternoon. Kagome sat up and rubbed her eyes.
âCrap, Iâm sorry Inuyasha. What time is it?â she asked sleepily.
Inuyasha turned sideways in his chair. He smiled at her, seemingly not worried that sheâd spent all day sleeping in his flat while he worked. âAfternoon. Shop is closed.â He glanced at his computer screen. â4.48pm.â
âEeep! Buyo is going to be so upset with me!â Kagome got up quickly and went into the bathroom, splashing her face with cold water. Her bra and panties were still a little damp, but she decided sheâd rather wear them than go outside without them and got changed into them quickly, putting Inuyashaâs clothes back on over the top.
âWho is Buyo?â asked Inuyasha as she emerged from the bathroom in a rush, clutching her dirty clothes and rummaging in the pocket of her leggings for her keys.
âMy catâ, she said in a distracted voice, âhe doesnât like being hungry. And if heâs upset he tends to pee on the carpet.â She looked around for her shoes, then spotted them lined up at the end of Inuyashaâs bed. She sat down, pulling the shoes onto her feet without socks. âI should be fine to walk home by myself Inuyasha, Iâm feeling much better.â
He shook his head, sliding his own feet into his shoes where they were sitting under his desk. âI am coming.â He snagged her hand as she stood and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her, and she squeaked in surprise.
âMissed you, yancha koneko.â She giggled as he tucked his nose into her neck, blowing a small raspberry on the soft skin there.
âIâm sorry I slept all day Inuyashaâ, she said softly.
He shook his head. âGood for you.â
She smiled. âI guess it was, my headache is gone now. But we really need to go.â
They walked slowly back to her apartment, moving aside to allow Saturday afternoon shoppers and harassed looking people with places to go to pass them by. Kagome reached out casually, taking his hand and entwining their fingers. She watched shyly as Inuyasha glanced down at their hands, and then looked around them to see if anyone was paying attention, then back to her. He grinned at her widely, squeezing her fingers with his. He didnât relinquish her hand until they were standing outside the door to her apartment.
âWhat are you doing tomorrow Inuyasha?â she asked. She really wanted to see him again, but if he was busyâŚ
He made a disgusted face. âKoinrandorÄŤ.[7]â She blinked at him. He tried again, slowing the word down. âKoin randoriâ, and pointed at her dirty clothes. âWash.â Her face cleared.
âLaundromat! You need to wash your clothes?â He nodded, glad sheâd understood.
She tugged on his sleeve excitedly. âDonât waste your money on that â come here! You can use my washing machine! Iâll make breakfast!â
Kagome squealed as he suddenly picked her up off the ground and hugged her tightly.
âKagome! Thank you!â
She giggled at the look on his face. âSo you really donât like the laundromat huh?â
He shook his head emphatically. âDo not likeâŚâ he tried the word sheâd used, knowing heâd have trouble with that first sound, but uncaring, because it was Kagome, ârandoromat.â
âOkay, itâs a date then!â she smiled.
âI will bring coffeeâ, he said carefully, and she smiled even wider. They were interupted by the sound of frantic scratching on the door behind them, interspersed with plaintive mewing sounds. Kagome groaned.
âI have to-â, she pointed at the door behind her.
He nodded and leaned in for a quick kiss, and then another, and then one final lingering press of his lips. âGood night Kagomeâ he smiled. âSee you.â
âSee you tomorrowâ, she agreed. â8am.â She watched as he jogged down the stairs, then turned to open her door. Buyo rubbed himself frantically against her legs as she stepped inside, closing her front door behind her. She picked him up, rubbing her cheek against his, and walked straight into the kitchen where his food was kept.
âSorry Iâm late babyâ, she crooned apologetically, smiling at the deep vibrating purr. âMama had an interesting day.â
âđâ
Inuyasha looked with a puzzled expression at Kagomeâs washing machine. It was a lot more complex than the one heâd used previously at the laundromat â those just required coins and a push of a button to begin washing. Start was easy, because he recognised the icon for pause/play, but there were all these other buttons. He poked at one hesitantly, and grimaced when it made a blooping noise. âKagome?â
âWhat is it Inu?â she called back from the kitchen, raising her voice over the sizzling sound of cooking. Sheâd been busy making breakfast when he arrived, and heâd decided to get his washing out of the way quickly so he could go watch her. She obviously loved to cook; he could hear her humming songs under her breath as she cooked whatever was on the stove.
âKagomeâ, he called, âhow⌠uh⌠fehâ, he grunted, putting down the washing detergent and just going to the kitchen himself.
She was busy flipping pancakes, all her attention on the frypan. He couldnât help but grin at the way she was dancing on the spot, that cute rounded peach of hers just out of sight in her shortie pyjamas, swaying in time with whatever she was singing. He was seriously hoping this Sunday arrangement would become a regular thing, especially if it meant he caught her wearing outfits like this. He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
âIs everything okay?â she giggled, rubbing her cheek against his affectionately. âDo you need to borrow some of my detergent? I have plenty.â
âNo, I buy detergent. Button?â he asked, hoping she would understand.
âOh, sure.â Kagome lifted the pancake pan away from the heat and switched off the gas so the batter wouldnât burn while she helped him with his predicament. He followed close behind her as she walked to the desk in her bedroom first, grabbing a pen and a post-it-note from the drawer, then out onto the balcony where the tiny laundry room was. He watched as she drew pictures of the buttons and then numbered them in kanji, so he would know what order to press them.
âVery goodâ, he praised, rubbing her shoulder.
She grinned at him. âThank you. I only know up to five off by heart; I have to look at the others.
âSorryâ, he said, gesturing towards the buttons on the washing machine.
âNo worries, itâs fineâ, she smiled. âIf we were in Tokyo and I was looking at a Japanese washing machine, Iâm sure Iâd need to ask for help too. Was yours back home a lot different from this one?â
He shook his head. âNo machine.â
âOh, did you use the laundromat there too?â
âSometimes. Not many.â He sighed, and looked at her, his mouth straightened in an expression of frustration. He shrugged.
âHey, itâs okay, weâll get there.â She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. âHow about you do your washing and Iâll finish making breakfast, and then weâll go for a walk. Iâll teach you some English words and you can teach me some Japanese words.â
He hugged her back, dropping a small kiss to the top of her head, then released her with a smile. âOkay.â
When heâd finished loading the washing machine and set it to a warm wash cycle, the sound of running water indicating his success, he walked back into the kitchen to see Kagome flipping the last pancake.
âItâs such a nice morning! Should we sit out on the balcony to eat?â she said, pointing towards the small table and chairs.
He nodded, grabbing the plates, cups, knifes and forks sheâd set out already, along with the thermos of black coffee heâd brought with him, and took them out to the tiny table on Kagomeâs balcony. He poured himself a cup of coffee, then sat down to wait for her.
There wasnât a great view from her balcony, mostly other apartment blocks and a busy side street, but if you stood on a chair and leaned way out you could see the big clock tower at Central station. He grinned, remembering Kagomeâs shrieks of dismay when heâd done that when she gave him the tour earlier.
Her place was nice. A bedroom with a walk in closet, bathroom, a lounge room which led onto a small balcony with a laundry room, and a kitchen with a little eating area. He sat sipping his coffee, watching the traffic and listening to the more muted sounds of a Sunday in the city.
Buyo wound his way around Inuyashaâs legs, purring loudly. They had made friends quickly when heâd arrived, and he already liked the fluffy calico cat. He reminded him a little of Japanese cats heâd seen on the street in Osaka, with short stumpy legs, and black and tan markings colouring his cream body.
âHullo Buyoâ, he said, reaching down to scratch the calico behind his furry ears. As soon as he sat back up, Buyo jumped up on to his lap. âHey fat cat.â
Kagome laughed as she walked through the open glass sliding door, carrying the stack of pancakes and the maple syrup.
âWhat did you just call my cat?â
He grinned at her, lifting Buyo up under his front legs to reveal the cream coloured fur on his rounded stomach. Buyo purred even louder.
âShippou is a little shit. Buyo is a fat cat. Better.â
Kagome sniggered, sitting down at the table. âBetter? Because heâs a healthier weight or because he doesnât bite you.â
âBoth.â
He poured Kagomeâs coffee, then watched hungrily as she moved a stack of pancakes onto his plate. He poured a steady stream of syrup over his pancakes and dug in eagerly.
âMmm, sâgood Kagome!â
âYokatta â wait, is that right?â She sighed, sitting down to begin her own breakfast. âSo many different ways to say âyouâre welcomeâ in Japanese.â She giggled as he gave her an emphatic thumbs up, his mouth too full to answer with words. He swallowed.
âIs correct. Yokatta meansâ, he scrunched up one eye, while thinking for the English words he wanted, âyou are happy for me to like it.â
âDid you eat pancakes for breakfast in Japan, or is that not a thing there?â asked Kagome, still smiling at him.
A sudden memory of the sparse breakfasts of his childhood came to mind. And afterwards, he was usually too hung over or injured from his fights the night before to eat. He shook the memories away, not wanting to spoil the happy sunny atmosphere at the table. Kagome put down her knife and fork, a worried expression on her face.
âOh, Iâm sorry, did I say something wrong?â
Inuyasha sighed, not noticing how hard his fists gripped his own knife and fork. âKagome⌠I want to forget Japan. I want to be here. I want to live here. A new home, not-â he stopped as she reached out to touch his hand, stroking her fingers gently over his knuckles until his tight grip relaxed.
âWas it really bad, the life you left behind in Japan?â
âYes.â
âOkay thenâ, she smiled. âIâll stop asking questions. I understand wanting to leave the past behind and try something new to get away from painful memories. Itâs one of the reasons I moved to this city too.â He put down his fork to squeeze her fingers gently.
âThank you, Kagome.â
They resumed their breakfast, Kagome looking thoughtfully out past the buildings surrounding them, into the intense blue sky and bright sunshine. Then she smiled at him, a full beaming grin that crinkled up her eyes, and his heart thudded. She was so beautiful when she smiled at him like that. Not just her appearance, but the pure emotion behind the smile, aimed right at him.
âIâve got an idea!â she squealed excitedly. âWeâll finish tidying up and hang your washing on the drying rack, and then Iâm going to take you to a fun place. Iâm gonna help you make some amazing memories Inuyasha!â
He leaned across the table, his hands leaning either side of her plate, and kissed her, joyful teasing kisses. He couldnât help it. He didnât have the words to tell her how happy she made him, but he knew this would get the idea across. She giggled as he licked at a stray spot of syrup on the corner of her mouth.
The pedestal table rocked a little with his uneven weight, and Kagome squealed, her hands moving to the edges to hold it steady. He sat down again, laughing at her.
âBehave!â
âWhy?â he said, laughing again at the sudden blush turning her cheeks rosy. Â
She made a grumbling noise, then sat sipping her coffee, looking out at the sunlight bouncing off the windows of the other high rise apartments surrounding them. He grinned as he finished his own pancake. They would make today a good day, together.
Translation Notes: Â Â Â Â
[1] âHello, Inuyasha? Are you okay? [2] âCome up here Sango.â [3] âIâm sorry I have to work Kagome - I really want to stay with youâŚâ [4] âPain, pain, fly away with a kissâ (the Japanese version of âkiss it betterâ) [5] âNaughty kittenâŚâ [6] Sukebe means lewd, but in this context you could perhaps say âdirty dogâ [7] An english loanword â literally âcoin laundryâ
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Heya. I'm the sibling asker ! H/s = honorary sibling. Hope you're doing fine
i love deep friendship gimme gimme
and there are NO MAYBESÂ YOU WILL HAVE THE BONUS BOY ALWAYS especially with cute asks like these omg i love
i donât know too much about MT!Paps though, so iâm sorry if my interpretation is a lil wonky. also h/s is teen, sorry if it isnât apparent
UF!Sans: Heâs really concerned about your low mood spell, but isnât really sure what to do about it. As much as he relates to your apparent anxieties, he doesnât know what to do to make you feel better. Heâs not usually good at comforting words. What he will do is check in a lot. Make sure youâre generally doin okay and have everything you need. Again, if you need to vent, heâll listen.
But he really doesnât get why the cuddles make such a difference. Sure, heâs become a bit of a cuddlebug himself, but the way you completely relax like that? Unnatural. Especially since itâs the only thing that seems to be cheering you up. But then again, who is he to question what works? He wonât exactly cling to you from then on, but heâll start following you around the house a bit more, snagging every cuddle opportunity. Itâs still a little weird, but itâs a lot better than seeing his kid sibling all skittish. Eventually though, curiosity gets the better of him, and he just has to ask.
And your answer?
Congratulations, you have floored your big bro. Beet red in the face. Absolutely no composure. What did he do to deserve your trust?? Why are you so sweet?? Aaaaaah?!? He pets your head and tries not to let you hear his wheezing, but itâs obvious, heâs really moved and has no idea how to deal with it.
âh-heh⌠watch where yer aiminâ that sweetness, kiddo⌠iâm gettinâ a toothache⌠jeezâŚâ
Anyway, was he tailing you before? Welp, now heâs become your guard dog. It doesnât matter where youâre going, heâs cominâ with you.Heâll always be by your side, gently holding your arm and keeping his head on a swivel for shifty characters. If you ever need to navigate a crowd or a tight space, heâll usher you behind him and get you to grab the fluff of his hood while he leads the way. He canât exactly follow you to school, but heâll shortcut to walk you between classes if you let him. Your teachers hate him. Heâll stop following you everywhere if you fend him off with a stick, but until your mood improves⌠well, heâs your personal escort now, deal with it
UF!Papyrus: Heâs always wanted a little sibling. He loves helping people, and shows love through physical care.Heâs a bit of a mother hen. Itâs part of why he took in his cat, Doomfanger. To him, you are an absolute blessing.
So heâs already got some huge maternal instincts, but your mood has got him sent into overdrive. Heâll always be asking you if you need anything, fixing you comfort snacks, asking if you need help with homework, doing a chore or cleaning a room so you donât have to. It might feel naggy or get a little overwhelming, and heâll dial it back if you tell him to, but his first instinct will always be to take care of possible stress sources directly. It helps him feel better, too.
So when you settle down to cuddle and just⌠completely deflate, he asks about it immediately. He must know. He must help.
And when you answerâŚ
His face is deep maroon. If anybody else had said that, he would have dismissed it. But coming from you? Wowie. He feels like heâs succeeded as a caretaker. Heâs about ready to squeal with joy, but he contains himself. Smiling from ear to nonexistent ear, he loops an arm behind you and pulls you closer. He tries to mask his joy with a confident air, but the grin betrays him.
âWELL! THATâS⌠PERFECTLY NATURAL!! AS THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE PAPYRUS HAS TAKEN YOU UNDER HIS PROTECTION!!!â
From then on, every time he starts an activity or chore, youâre invited. Help him put away groceries! Help him do laundry! Help him cook! Also, if you accompany him on errands, hand-holding is required.
âI HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF YOU SOMEHOW! STOP GIGGLING!â
He just wants to make sure you feel safe. Even if it means walking you to and from school, fixing you lunches with positive sticky notes in the bag, and taking you with him everywhere he goes. Itâs not cute!
MT!Sans: Heâs not around as much as either of you would like, but he knows youâre feeling down. He remembers seeing his brother with such a similar look on his face. Young fool that Sans was, he started taking him with on small jobs to keep him company. And now Pappy deals in some of the same dirty business he does. Heâs promised himself not to make the same mistake with you.
He does his best to help you take it in stride while heâs around, but he knows thereâs only so much he can do. He feels a twinge of guilt every time he has to leave you in that state. He knows it probably doesnât have much to do with him, but he feels responsible. Maybe if he were around more, or even just in a safer profession, you wouldnât seem so worried all the time.
Cuddles are solace for both of you. He gets to relax and feel like heâs doing something, and you donât seem half as rigid. Smiles all around! He already sort of knows why you relax so easily in his arms, or thinks he does, but he feels he should still make sure.
AndâŚ
Well, he didnât know what he was expecting, but he canât keep his grin from widening a touch. Youâre the light of his life, you know that? Honestly, what did he do to deserve you? But the guilt sets back in. No wonder youâve been feeling down⌠heâs been particularly busy lately, and he really should make more time for you. And if you didnât normally feel safe, whose fault is that? Well⌠nobody feels safe in this part of town.
âwellâŚâ Heâll plant a small kiss on the top of your head. âtake it easy, kiddo. i promise, someday, weâll all get the hell outta here.â
Heâll get somebody to watch the house while heâs gone. He knows he canât be there all the time, but heâll be damned if he doesnât know you arenât safe. Heâll call you more often to check in, too. Also⌠heâll start putting a little extra away, start saving for a little vacation. Maybe some time out of town will do all of you some good. Youâre family, and heâll take care of you no matter the risk or cost.
MT!Papyrus: Heâs around more than Sans is, thankfully. He sticks around to fix you meals and offer cuddles and make sure the house is safe. Itâs given him plenty of time to notice one of his favorite siblingsâ low mood.
He does his best to help out in indirect ways, checking the house for wires and cameras and sweeping the perimeter every so often. He knows this helps with his brother sometimes, when he gets paranoid. But he isnât sure thatâs your problem. He feels a little lost, but is upbeat as ever. He has to set a good example after all.
He most likely wonât ask about the cuddles for a while. Heâs more concerned with what more he can do to make you comfortable, and if this works, it works. Besides- openly nosy folk are seldom rewarded in his line of business. Eventually though, heâll push back the instinct. He trusts you, and this could make a lot of difference in helping you cheer up.
And when you tell himâŚ
Heâs beaming at you with such genuine joy, he looks like he might just start crying. Just⌠wowie! He doesnât really understand why youâd feel that way, heâs only decent in crisis situations, but the fact that you really trust him that much? Well, itâs not something he gets a lot of. He must be doing something right if you feel this way.
Heâll rest his chin on your head and give you a hearty squeeze. âWELL! I SUPPOSE!! YOUâLL JUST HAVE TO STAY IN THIS HUG!!! FOREVER!!!!â
He wonât move for a while, get used to him, he lives there now. From then on, heâll start taking every opportunity to come home early and see you. Heâll ask you to cook with him, heâll ask you to read to him, heâd even try to sneak you with him on jobs if Sans didnât always seem to stop you. He tries to be around the house more in general, he wants his little sibling to know that heâs always around if you need him.
HT!Sans: He understands your mood all too well. Heâs been through plenty of periods of fear and depressive episodes in his day, and he knows how it feels. Sometime he feels like the only way he can perceive the world is either through an all-consuming fog or with painful knife-point precision. But itâs hard for him to think back to what he wanted during more desperate times. Food? Safety? Heâs pretty sure youâve got those covered already. Maybe your head just acts up a little sometimes, like his.
Heâll make sure you have everything you need, regardless. You hungry? Tired? Heâll take care of it, just you relax. If you need to talk, he may not understand or remember everything you say, but heâll do his best to offer comfort.
It doesnât quite register how much you relax when you cuddle him, not for a while. He can be a little slow sometimes. Heâll get it eventually though, and heâll ask about it. This seems important, had he asked before?
And what you tell himâŚ
It almost brings a tear to his eye. He may have a trauma-induced forgetful streak, but he remembers a lot of things. He remembers a lot of nasty, horrible things. He remembers the taste of human flesh. He remembers the strain of keeping his guard up at all times. He remembers watching his brother slip away.
But you? Youâve been his second chance. You gave him the opportunity to make things right with himself. A sibling he didnât have to fail. He most definitely felt he didnât deserve you or your trust... after all, he had eaten people like you without a second thought. But you gave your trust just as freely.Â
âhehâŚâ He ruffles your hair. âhope that works out for ya.â
Heâll do his best to be available for cuddles (not that he has much to keep him away) and heâll try to take you with him if he has to go somewhere. He always makes an effort to ask about your day, if anything bad happened, if anything good happened. He doesnât feel like he can do much, but heâll do what he can to make things easier on you.
#asks#imagines#undertale#undertale au#underfell#underfell au#mafiatale#mafiatale au#horrortale#horrortale au#underfell sans#uf sans#underfell papyrus#uf papyrus#mafiatale sans#mt sans#mafiatale papyrus#mt papyrus#horrortale sans#ht sans#friendship#siblng#honorary sibling#cute#this wasn't the horrible thing btw#trust me you'll know that when you see it
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Keeping up with the Joneses
Part 3
Jughead smiled. Not his typical crooked half-smile/half-smirk, but a real smile, that was so rarely present on his face that his cheek muscles actually ached with disuse. He clung to his sisterâs small, familiar frame. A swirl of memories and emotions crashed through him like an invisible force. Flashes of pain, anger, despair, and longing all mixed together in an undertow that made remembering to breathe difficult. Tears of joy and pain of the long separation landed from Jellybeanâs eyes onto her brotherâs jacket and from his eyes onto her hair and shoulder.
Archie watched the long wished-for moment with happiness. There was nothing in the world that his best friend had wanted more than to be with his baby sister again. But she seemed older to Archie⌠not in age, but in her eyes. Eyes of someone who had seen more than she was ready to see⌠Like her brotherâs eyes, when his father entered the same room that he was in; resolved and with an almost feral preparedness for some terror or pain that may suddenly come from some unknown source.
Archie swallowed those musings down deep inside of himself. He had more pressing concerns⌠like the clumpy white blobs falling gently down from the night sky. Archie looked down at the pavement which was beginning to get a dusting of snow. It was sticking.
âHey, Jellybean!â He approached the siblings slowly, reluctantly. The young girl smiled broadly, wiping unshed tears from her eyes,
âHi Archie! Long time no see!â
âWhat? No hug for your âadoptedâ brother? See if I let you beat me at Super Smash Bros. laterâŚâ
He teased.
She gave Archie a huge smile, âLike youâd have to let me⌠Iâll beat you even if I play cross-eyed.â She gave the red-haired boy a warm hug.
The two older boys laughed at the boast.
Archie jerked his thumb towards Main Street,
âWe better started heading back, the snow is already coming down pretty good.â He eyed Jughead meaningfully.
The dark-haired boy nodded, the unspoken warning accepted. The street lightsâ yellow glare showed snow on Archieâs sweatshirt hood which poked out from under the collar of his bomber jacket. Jughead sniffled liquidly, wiping his nose on his sleeve as subtly as he could; repressing a shiver. The snow was melting quickly into his coat collar, icy water trickling down his neck and upper back. He pulled up his collar against the cold, wet invasion. He instantly thought of Jellybean.
Jughead reached over, pulling her puffy winter coatâs hood up and over the purple woolen beanie and in the same fluid movement, zipped her jacket up higher. She rolled her eyes at his hovering, but allowed her brother this small victory. He smiled at her reaction, satisfied that she was guarded against the elements. But his traitorous nose seemed to notice his distraction, and forced him to sniffle again quickly. The sharp rush of cold air set a tingling buzz coursing through his nasal passages. He winced, shaking his head and sniffling again trying to dispel the sensation.
Jellybean watched this event play across her brotherâs face with curiosity, but said nothing. He rubbed his nose with the edge of his coat cuff again, which proved to be the turning point of his battle. He gasped as the fiery tickle intensified and two rapid hitching breaths later,
âHeh-Heh-HEDDDTSSSHHAAH!!!â Jughead spun on his heel away from his sister as the sneeze overtook him and ducked into his shoulder to avoid spreading this virus further. He cringed inwardly and turned back toward Archie and Jellybean with a forced smile. âWhoo⌠That came out of nowhere!â At least it was only one this time. He stole a glance at Archieâs face. The red-head sighed and returned his glance with one of apprehension and pity.
âBless you, Juggie⌠Are you okayâŚ?â Jellybean searched her brotherâs face for answers. He just grinned at her, seemingly amused by her concern,
âIâm just fine, Jellybean, or should I be calling you âJBâ now?â He attempted to change the subject of discussion.
âAre you sure?â came the persistent question, along with a small tilt of her head that reminded Archie of a small bird.
âIâm fine. Donât worry so much. Youâll get wrinkles.â He playfully pulled her hood down over her eyes.
Anxious to return home (and to get his friend out of this weather) Archie took matters into his own hands with an exaggerated shiver,
âBrrrr! Guys, itâs freezing out here⌠Letâs head back to my house.â The ploy worked and the trio began the trek back to the Andrewsâ house.
Jellybean hesitated, âWe arenât staying with DadâŚ?â she asked her brother slowly. Jugheadâs face darkened,
âNo, sis, heâs not at home right now,âsaid Jughead, avoiding the questions that he could not truthfully answer without hurting her more: Where was Dad? Didnât he want to see her? Did he know she was here? He tried to put a positive spin on the situation,
âArchie missed you too, so we planned for us to stay at his house. He has all the fun video games anywayâŚâ
Jellybean nodded. Her small face, was all at once, alight with evil plotting, âCan we have pineapple pizza, too?â
Archie pretended to throw-up noisily, at the mere mention of the unique pie-ingredient. She shoved him away, as equally disgusted by his evaluation of her preference, as he was pretending to be of her tastebudsâ poor lifechoices.
Jughead put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her to his side,
âAnything you want.â He was rewarded with a bright smile.
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By the time they turned onto the quiet old street, the snow was coming down heavily. The muffled sounds of their laughs and joking falling flat in the cold, dry air. Jellybean held the hands of both boys, relishing their kindness, and company. Every so often, Archie glanced over to watch her as she looked towards her brother, full of joy and contentment.
They tromped up the porch stairs kicking clumps of snow from their boots. The stripped off their cold, drippy jackets, hats, and coats, hanging them on the coat rack behind the door. Archie went to start heating the pizza and Jughead helped Jellybean unpack her things, badgering her to take a warm shower before the pizza was ready.
Laughing at his mother-henning, Jellybean finally conceded,
âFine, Juggie! Iâll go. CriminiesâŚâ
Only she had pushed the old creaking bathroom door shut and he heard the water running, did Jughead finally release the breath he didnât realize he was holding. He checked out his appearance in the hall mirror, making a face. The mimed image grimaced back at him, pale with a violently rose-colored nose, dripping curls, and wind-chapped cheeks. His nose was running again.
âCrap.â He muttered, thoroughly perturbed with his bodyâs crummy immune system. Jughead swiped his nose on his long-sleeved black shirt. He sighed, running a hand absently through his unruly, wet hair; hoping against all odds that he could keep this weekend as a truly happy, carefree memory for Jellybean and for himself.
Jughead shivered again, his dark-hair shaking droplets of snow melt onto his shoulders, causing him to rub his arms to ward off the chill that still lingered. He grabbed his obligatory commemorative sweatshirt from the Blue & Gold, pulling it over his head. He smirked at how much he had argued against this trite ritual of school activities, citing the wearing of such a piece of clothing lacked originality and was just another way that the school was encouraging voluntary conformity. He had never loved the ugly blue sweatshirt more than he did at that very moment.
 He went down to the kitchen quickly, knowing Archieâs home-economics skills left much to be desired. Jughead had found, through trial and error (mostly error), that it was best not to leave the red-haired boy in charge of anything flammable for too long.
The kitchen was not on fire. This was a good sign. Jughead walked into the kitchen, smelling sweetness and savory smells emanating from the oven. Suddenly, there was a flash of color as his vision disappeared. A huge towel swallowed his head with a âthwuffâ sound.
âOof⌠Damnit, Archie!â
Hands rubbed his damp curls vigorously, but not roughly.
Archie, moving the towel as he dried, eventually came eyeball to eyeball with a miffed Jughead. Struggling not to grin at the expression of annoyance on his friendâs face, Archie continued his way along the back of the smaller boyâs neck and ears.
âAre yâdone?!?â came the irritated question, half-muffled by the towel.
âI didnât think youâd have enough sense to dry off, so I decided to be prepared.â said the larger boy with a shrug and a smiled creeping over his face. Jugheadâs hair, notoriously stubborn, (due to itâs proximity a stubborn mind) had gone the way of the late eighties hair bands and was sticking up at odd angles, being statically charged from the towel.
Jughead sniffled, rubbing his nose gently with one finger,
âDoes that include not burning the pizza?â Archie looked into the oven worriedly, but without cause: the pizza was perfectly golden brown on the edges. He removed the pizza, placing it on the island on a potholder. He gave the dark-haired boy a withering look over the slight against his non-existent cooking abilities.
As Archie began to slice the pie, he discreetly tried to figure out is their trip to the depot had taken its toll on the smaller boy. Jughead still looked pale, he wasnât coughing as much now, and he didnât seem feverish when Archie had toweled him off. Reassured that, at least, for right now, Jughead was holding his own against his sickness, the larger boy breathed a sigh of relief.
A cry of âPIZZA!â carried through the house, as Jellybean dashed down the stairs and into the kitchen. Vegas trotted beside her, equally enthused about the choice of food.
The simple dinner was quickly demolished by the hungry quartet (Vegas scarfing down every unwanted crust and occasional dropped pepperoni that his newest best friend passed along to him.) Archie pulled out the sofa bed and made it up for Jelly bean while her brother microwaved hot chocolate in the kitchen and she selected âCats & Dogsâ. Archie raised his eyebrows at her choice; she simply smiled,
âWhat? I love talking animals!â
âI didnât say anything⌠but itâs good to know you havenât changed that muchâŚâ Archie bent down and messed up her hair.
âHey! Iâll get you back when we play Nintendo later!â She declared. Archie tossed two pillows onto the sofa bed and plopped onto the floor beside her, pretending to yawn.
âIâm not even sure Iâll m-make it⌠(Yawn) through the movie at this rate. Iâm beat.â The earlier he got everyone to get to sleep, the better the chances that Jugheadâs body would have be able to beat this cold.
Jughead brought in the steaming mugs of chocolate, nose twitching with irritation. He set down the mugs and mumbled,
âI-Iâll b-be baaahckâŚ(Sniifle) Bathroom-break.â
âHurry up!â yelled Jellybean, distractedly, putting on the DVD. Archie frowned, unable to hear over the DVD advertisements. He got up, making an excuse of finding popcorn, and took a right down the hall to the downstairs bathroom.
The muffled explosions that he heard through the door came rapidly,
âHEH-GSSSHMMF! HEHHCCT! heh-EH-GHmmmft! HEShccmmmf! UghâŚeh-heh-Hehhh-ggggshh!!!â This unsettling chorus of sneezes, began violent and urgent and trailed off into a deep, gurgling nose blow followed by an exhausted-looking Jughead opening the door. He jumped about a foot, causing the door to jerk.
âGeezus, Arch!â He bit back a yelp of surprise which dissolved into a small fit of dry, painful-sounding coughs. Jughead ducked his head into the collar of the sweatshirt, so that it covered his nose and mouth, quickly silencing the fit into the hoodieâs lining, his hands pressing the fabric to his face.
âSorryâŚâ said Archie, looking at his friend with no small amount of worry, âYou sound awful⌠I thought you were doing better than this. I shouldnât have let youâŚâ
âHold itâŚâ said the dark-haired boy, âIâm gonna stop you right there. You didnât let me⌠I went, Iâll deal⌠Got it? Staying here wouldnât have made much of a difference anyway. Guilt-tripping yourself needlessly wonât fix it either. Iâve been through worse, hell, youâve seen me go through worse than this. Iâll be fine. Iâll call it an early night after the movie.â
âOkay.â Archie said dejectedly. He let Jughead push past him and watched as the tired boy sat heavily on the sofa bed next to Jellybean. She was so absorbed with watching the movie, that she didnât notice her brotherâs dark hair duck twice in quick succession as he pinched his nose in two completely silent stifles. He shook his head to clear it briefly and pulled the old afgan and quilt a little more snugly around her sister. He stroked her hair and pulled her closer to his side. Archie rejoined the group, and passed around the nearly forgotten hot cocoa, trying to lose his worries in the ridiculous movie.
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Before the ending credits, Jellybean was asleep, in spite of all her late-night plans of videogaming.
Archie watched as her brotherâs head came to rest on top of hers, Jugheadâs clear eyes drooping. The red-head got up careful not to disturb the sleeping girl. He gently roused Jughead, who blinked in confusion. Archie put a finger to his lips and gestured to Jugheadâs left. Suddenly, the dark-haired boyâs tiredness was forgotten. Jughead smiled, easing Jellybeanâs head off his shoulder and laying her down onto the sofa bed softly. He pulled another blanket over her sleeping form and quietly left the darkened room with his best friend.
 Once upstairs, Archie tried to get Jughead to take his bed,
 âAt least for tonight!â He argued. Sadly, whether he didnât get his motherâs skill at pleading a case or whether Jughead just knew his tactics too well, he still couldnât convince his friend.
 âItâs better this way. Sheâll come tearing in here tomorrow and jump on you by accident trying to wake me up! Iâll be fine on the air mattress. I swear.â
 Archie sighed and passed Jughead a couple of Nyquil capsules and a glass of water,
 âFine, but you are taking these.â The implied âor elseâ was clear.
 Jughead swallowed the pills in one gulp with a healthy swig of water.
 âDone. Happy now?â
 âYeah, for the moment.â
 âWell, I hope the moment lasts a while, cause Iâm going to sleep. Night.â Jughead crawled under the comforter and unceremoniously passed out.
 Archie stayed up a bit longer, watching the snow fall outside and listening to the soft, congested snores coming from the sick boy on the air mattress. He wished he could take this sickness from the smaller boy, but he would do everything he could to make sure that this cold didnât get any worse.
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End of part 3
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