#still trying to figure out Jay’s head shape mmm

[sp00kywashere]

These two are still occupying my mind 💥

[huffle-dork]

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Chapter 9

Setting the Stage

Chapter 8: [x] Read from the beginning here: [x]

“DAMNIT!!” Jackie screams as he slams his fist into the hospital wall, denting the plaster.

Schneep opened his mouth to scold Jackie but he didn’t have the energy. He was curled up where Jack just was- in between what’s left of his destroyed and smoking machines. The doctor stared at the black coating the floor with a distant expression. Chase went to sit by him and gently rubbed his shoulder. Schneep sighed then laid his head against Chase’s shoulder and the younger brother wrapped half an arm around the doctor. Chase was freaking out too, sure. But, He tended to be the emotional support his brothers’ needed. So, he comforted who he could.

The two of them watched Jackie pace back and forth across the floor, throwing up his hands as his eyes flared dangerously with energy. He was limping though, and blood was caked in his hair from where he was thrown earlier. Chase looked around to see Jamie leaning up against the wall, his hat hung over his eyes and his hands wrapped tight around his arms.

Chase rubbed Schneep’s arm one more time before getting up and walking over to the hero. Jackie didn’t even notice him, he was muttering to himself. Yanking at his hair and digging nails into his bruised and injured arms. It was hard for Chase to watch.

“Jackie…” Chase tried to call out. Jackie still didn’t hear.

“Jackie-!” He tried again. Still, only muttering.

Finally, the vlogger couldn’t take it and he steps in line with Jackie and goes to hold his shoulders. “Jackie! C’mon man-”

Jackie jolts, then looks at Chase with wide eyes. Then, he tries to shove out of his grip. He was losing it- “Let me go Chase- I- I gotta…!”

“Please Jackie, you’re injured- and you gotta take a breather….” Chase tries to coax him. Jackie shakes his head.

“I-I I can’t- I can’t…” Jackie whispers, looking away from Chase. Chase frowns and tries to look into his eyes. “Jackie… you gotta take a break. We’ll figure this out, okay? But you gotta-”

“I can’t Chase!” Jackie suddenly yells, blue silver flaring in his eyes. Chase feels anger flare in his chest too and he shouts back, “Why can’t you?!”

“BECAUSE THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!!” Jackie screams, his voice so loud the walls around them start to crack. The hero pulls away from Chase in the father’s shock and starts to pull on his hair again. He starts to hyperventilate, tears trying to escape his eyes as he gasps.

“I-i! I’m the reason Marvin got kidnapped by Anti in the first place! I was so angry i- I couldn’t see that he needed me! What kind of brother does that?! And- And! When he started acting weird i… i felt so bad about everything. I wanted to figure it out on my own! But then Jays… Marvin did something to Jays and- and he was using that weird magic and.. I did nothing! I could have stopped this! I could have saved Jack- i could have helped Marvin! But i’m such a bad fucking hero now, I couldn’t save anyone!” He starts to raise his voice again, his out of control power making the walls shake and leak debris. Chase watched this with worried eyes, then slowly makes his way towards the trembling hero. He leans down and places a gentle hand on Jackie’s face, and Jackie sucks in air and looks at Chase with teary eyes. He looks so lost, it breaks Chase’s heart.

Chase wipes at his brother’s tears, “Jackie...first of all, breathe for me, okay?” Jackie looks confused at first, but slowly he tries to focus on breathing, bringing up a hand to shakily hold into Chase’s arm.

Chase gently leads the hero to go sit down in one of the few chairs that haven’t been destroyed. Then, he kneels in front of him and places a hand on his knee.

“Jackie…” He starts, “I know it’s hard to not blame yourself when stuff like this happens. God knows, I feel awful that i couldn’t do anything about this either… But, you gotta ask yourself this: Did you kidnap Marvin?”

“...no..”

“Did you make him use this magic? Did you make him kill those people? Did you make him take Jack?”

Jackie swallows, then shakes his head.

Chase’s face softens as his grips a bit tighter onto Jackie’s knee. “Then...you gotta let that go, dude… Lamenting over what happened isn’t going to change anything. Believe me, I know. The only thing that should matter now is not blaming yourself- but working towards fixing all this. You aren’t a terrible hero, bro… but if you want more of a chance to prove yourself. This is it. But now, you don’t have to do it alone… we’ll be here to help you. We’ll save Jack… and hopefully Marvin too.”

The hero is quiet for second, letting the words sink in. Then, he takes a steadying breath before giving Chase a weak smile.

“...thanks, Chase...you’re right.”

The father grins then gets up, ruffling Jackie’s hair and knocking his shoulder with a friendly fist bump. “Hey don’t mention it, brah. Now, c’mon, we got shit to do, right?”

Jackie chuckles, rubbing his arm as he gets up. He studies the room, taking in the state of the others. His stomach churns with uncertainty. They’ll need time to recover… but who knew what Marvin was up to now? They’ll just have to take it a step at a time and hope that-

Wait a second- ”where’s the glitch? Where’s anti?!” Jackie suddenly cries, looking around the room frantically. Henrik and Chase exchange a frightened look before they too start searching.

The boys all look around wildly before realizing… Jameson is standing very still near the back wall. He lifts up his head, a crooked smile hidden behind his mustache as his arms and shoulders buzz with glitches. He lifts up his eyes to reveal two black pits.

“Oh I’m sorry- did you miss me?” Jameson mouths- but a voice is heard. Sounding- tinny and electronic. Jameson’s phone buzzes with pixels and green light shines from his pocket.

Jackie crosses his arms and gives Jamie a withered look. “Cut that shit out, Anti. This isn’t the time for your spooky cryptic shit.”

Jameson almost pouts, his mustache flaring up. “Well what am I supposed to do, hero? Your cat freak took my host after frying me! If I don’t possess something then I could fade-! Dumbass-“

Henrik backs away from the glitch, shivers racking his body. “C-could you not just use Jameson’s or another one of our phones?”

Anti opens up his mouth like he’s gonna snap at Henrik and the doctor flinches back. Then, he looks contemplative, wiggling Jameson’s mustache back and forth.

“...who knew you had a brain under all that hair, doc-“ The glitch mumbles. Schneep looks up to his hair and pats it down with a confused and bewildered expression. Jamie closes his eyes. Glitches fly off of him in a human like shape, like a shadow rising off of his body. Then they quickly dive into Jameson’s phone and it buzzes with Anti’s energy before going back to normal- though it does spark and twitch occasionally.

Jameson opens his eyes to reveal they’re blue once again. But, once he’s awake he starts to feel faint and he sways on his feet. Chase hurriedly catches him before he falls, patting his back. “I gotcha, buddy.”

The gentleman blinks up at Chase in confusion, using a speech slide since his fingers feel shaky. “Quite sorry, chap… did I fall asleep?”

“More like Anti’s a dumbass and tried to possess you when he could easily possess any electronics.” Jackie mumbles with annoyance.

Jameson’s phone buzzes and a static raked voice snarls, “I can hear you, spandex-“

“Good, ya fucking glitchy bastard-“ Jackie snarks back. Henrik gently lays a hand on Jackie‘s shoulder and rubs the bridge of his nose with a sigh. “Please Jackie- you both could do this all of the day- we have to figure out how we are going to get Jack back… and what is happening to Marvin.”

The phone buzzes with unhinged giggles, then it fizzles again- right before Anti pops back out and sits cross legged on the floor. He’s not completely solid- he looks like a hologram almost. He twitches and fizzles with static and glitches but he looks up to the others with a slightly twisted smile.

“Mmm kit kat’s finally fallen off the rocker, huh? Ain’t it a sight to see?” Anti grins, his eyes displaying madness. Jackie scowls then stomps over to Anti. He tries to grab the glitch by the shirt collar-

“You did something to him, didn’t you?!” The hero growls- but his hand just phases through Anti’s form and the glitch laughs madly.

“Mmm not so tough when ya can’t touch me huh?” Anti sneers. Then, he glitches around, finally going to lounge on one of the thrown beds. He inspects his nails with a bored expression.

“Did I do something to kitten whiskers? Mmmm that’s hard to say! I did make him put Jack to sleep~ then took his memories so he couldn’t use you all to come back and interfere with my plans.” Anti hums as he recalls, then turns his black pitted eyes back to the others. “But- i didn’t give him that freaky purple magic. I don’t have that kinda power. So- don’t assume every evil thing that happens is cuz of me, cardinal. Though, I am flattered.”

Jackie bristles, ready to charge towards Anti and punch the shit out of him. Chase and Jameson come over however and each hold one of his shoulders to dissuade him. Jackie snorts then looks at the ground, curling his hands into fists.

“Then… why did this happen?” He whispers to himself.

The room grows quiet- except for Anti’s glitching. But, then, Jameson’s head shoots up like a cartoon character with a lightbulb over his head. He eagerly tugs on Jackie’s jacket before rapidly signing to him. “Wait- Anti isn’t the only one who has manipulated Marvin lately…

...what if the answer lies with Phantom?”

--------

Marvin wandered around the recording room, pacing and running fingers through his hair. God, could he have picked a worse place to hide? What was he thinking? Jack’s recording room??

Luckily his girlfriend had decided to stay elsewhere since Jack had been asleep. But, it feels like only a matter of time before his brothers find him… try to stop him…

“Don’t they get it?” Marvin growls as he paces, “I’m trying to save them! I’m using all this new magic to help them, protect them! Be goddamn useful for once!”

He snorts and glares at Jack with blaring green eyes, “Cuz god knows YOU won't do anything!” He shouts at the comatose body, the machines taken from the hospital beeping softly as it keeps the youtuber breathing.

Marvin feels frustrated tears building up in his eyes as he continues to cry out at his creator, “Even if you weren’t asleep- where were you when we needed you Jack?! Where were you when Phantom found me? Where were you when I needed someone huh?? Not even my own brothers wanted to be around me but- i.. I always thought…” The wetness leaks out of his eyes, burning with purple light as he tries not to break down. He grips at his hair again- when had it gotten so long?

“Why did I expect anything different? You never wanted me! You never planned for me as well as you did the others- i… i was a mistake you just had to work around… Why even bother to name that useless magician huh?! He’ll never amount to anything!” Marvin started to laugh unhingedly to himself, hugging his stomach while the other hand gripped his hair. Once his fit is over, he becomes scarily stoic, looking back down at his creator with blazing purple eyes. He stands taller over the bed and snarls, gripping the rails with purple tinted claws.

“Well- just look at me now, Jack. The useless magician is making his own path now! And soon… none of us will need you- or the parasite you let live in your head.”

He lifts away from the rails to narrow his eyes at Jack, watching his chest just barely rise and fall. For a second- his eyes flicker blue and he looks almost- sad. Then the fire comes back and he hisses, “You kept us all in the dark for your little games and stories… a big strong creator like you can stand being asleep until I’m done with you-!”

He moves away from the youtuber now, starting to pace again as he rubs his chin with one hand and plays with his hair in the other. God- he really needs a haircut-

“I have to be careful… and do this right- I can’t let the others die… but as long as that- glitch! Is out there… none of us are safe… there has to be something i can do to put him in his place! Get him out of the way- powerless… defenseless! Let him know what it feels like…”

As Marvin is walking- he passes by a mirror hanging near the studio door. What he sees sends a jolt of electricity down his spine.

They have brown hair, blazing green eyes, and black sclera.

Without thinking, Marvin yells and sends a blast of magic at the wall. The mirror splinters into pieces with an audible crack! The lights and computers in the room flickered with green and purple magic, crackling like metal stuck in a microwave. Marvin heaves, feeling his heart go a thousand miles per hour. He kept his hand out and powered, ready to blast the Glitch into pieces.

“C-Come out you coward!” The magician stammered, feeling his magic buzz feebly at his hands. He’s still drained from his trip here with Jack and all of his equipment. But, the Glitch doesnt have to know that.

As he creeps closer to the mirror- his eyes widen.

There’s nothing else in the mirror. It’s only him. His hair has started growing super long- and brown, mixing with the green in his hair- and almost eating it all up. His mask where it rests on his forehead is almost completely darkened into a purple black color, obscuring the white underneath. And- his eyes. Where there was once blue are now green with purple centered around his pupils- and his sclera has turned pitch black.

He scampers away from the mirror in shock, gripping at his chest and hair. He pulls a section from his face and looks at it in bewilderment. He watches as the green he’s touching slowly morphs to brown. Like Anti’s hair…

“I… I look like h-him-!” Marvin breathes in panic, feeling his stomach drop. Is.. what is he doing? Was his quest to keep his family safe from the glitch turning him into the same kind of monster? What if he’s been wrong this whole time??

There’s a soft laugh coming from the mirror that has Marvin stiffening. In slow motion, he turns back to the cracked surface- only to come face to face with a shadow. A shadow that has his face… and his previous blue eyes rimmed with purple.

The shadow grins at Marvin, cocking his head at the magician as a smooth mimic of his voice slithers out from the cracks. It seems like it’s reading his thoughts, everything he’s thought and is thinking- reading his very soul… as if it is him.

“Who cares if you’re becoming like him?” The dark being giggles into the air, yet his voice also echoes into Marvin’s mind. “Haven’t you ever heard you have to fight fire with fire?”

Marvin gapes at the mirror’s image- the gears in his head turning to figure out what the shadow could mean.

Fight fire with fire…? Maybe.. Using what Anti has used on him against him…

Then it hits him- and a twisted sinister grin spread across his lips, his eyes fully blaring purple. He has a plan now- something that Anti wont ever be able to recover from.

It was time to make a video… time to return to the stage.

[unapologeticallyjaylos]

descendants 12 days of holidays: baking

title: bad mood (only you make me feel good) 

rating: hints at sexual activity 

pairings: jay x carlos 

----

“Jay, I can feel you loitering.”

Carlos didn’t even have to turn around to know who was standing right behind him. The entire kitchen smelled delicious - mostly due to the sheets of freshly baked cookies sitting on the counter. And good food - any food, really - was a magnet for his boyfriend.

“I’m not loitering.”

Carlos slid the next sheet into the oven and straightened up, just in time to bat Jay’s hand away from a perfectly decorated cookie. “Mal is going to kill you if you eat those. She keeps calling them her ‘babies’.”

“Why?” Jay snatched one anyway, taking a huge bite. “You made them. She just put some frosting on top.”

“Jay!” Carlos tried to shove him out of the kitchen. “You know how she gets about her art! Even edible art! Go away!”

“Well,” Jay licked the frosting off his fingers. “I’ll be sure to tell her that her art is delicious.”

“You ass.” Carlos flicked his towel in his boyfriend’s general direction. “Go bother Evie. She’s putting up lights outside; I’m sure she could use a hand.”

“Already did that.” Jay lounged against the wall, still eyeing the cookies. “See, ‘Los, when you’re as strong as I am, you can - hey!”

Carlos had thrown a spatula in his direction.

“Carlos!”

“Don’t be so cocky, and I won’t throw things at you.” The freckled boy returned to his bowl of dough, rolling out yet another tray of sugar cookies. Evie had instructed him to triple the recipe; apparently she’d forgotten that there were only four of them living in this house.

A pair of arms wrapped themselves around his neck and Carlos paused, tipping his head back to see Jay who was now hugging him from behind. “Baby, don’t be pissy. Why’re you grumpy, huh? Can I cheer you up?”

Carlos’ lips twitched a little and he tried to ignore how cute Jay looked leaning over him like that. “I’m working,” he whined. “And you’re bothering me.”

Jay’s chin came down to rest on his shoulder, staying there as Carlos rolled the next little ball of cookie dough. His boyfriend was warm and smelled a little bit like pine, so Carlos figured he’d probably been helping Evie with the garlands, too.

“At least you don’t smell bad,” Carlos grumbled, working the dough between his palms.

“Mmm.” Jay pressed a kiss to the side of Carlos’ neck - just below his ear.

It sent shivers up and down Carlos’ spine, and he tried not to show how much he liked it. Unfortunately for him, though, he couldn’t hide much from Jay.

“Stop pretending you didn’t like that.”

Carlos squinted back at him. “Stop being annoying, and I won’t have to.”

Snaking a hand forward, Jay snatched a tiny bit of cookie dough and popped it in his mouth. “I can’t help it. You’re a damn good cook.”

“I saw that.”  

There was quiet in the kitchen for a few minutes as Carlos shaped the dough; Jay didn’t move from his position right behind him, and it was almost peaceful. Carlos settled into a nice rhythm with the dough, feeling Jay’s steady breathing against his back. He’d never been big on physical contact - mostly because he hadn’t really known it to end in anything other than violence - but he didn’t mind doing this with Jay.

“Pup?” Jay hummed after awhile, still resting on him.

“Hmm?”

“Can I have one more cookie? Just one?” Jay sounded so innocent Carlos might’ve believed him if he were just a tiny bit stupider.

“You must think I’m a complete idiot.” Carlos’ let his head fall back against Jay’s chest. “One cookie. Ha. I - ” he broke off, sucking in his breath.

Jay’s lips were back, gently making their way down his neck. Damn him. It wasn’t intense, though - more relaxing than anything else. Carlos hadn’t realized how stiff he was from cooking all morning or how tense he got when he was trying to be perfect. Baking required perfection and perfection was exhausting. His eyes fluttered shut, letting Jay’s warm breath and lips kiss away the strain.

“Jay…”

His boyfriend looked up at him through lidded eyes. “You were saying?”

Carlos swallowed hard, suddenly finding it difficult to speak. “God, I hate you.” He didn’t mean it; in fact, it couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Do you?” Jay took another swipe at the cookie dough, keeping his eyes locked on Carlos.

“No.” The admission came without his approval, but Carlos didn’t really mind. His bad mood had mostly slipped away, leaving just a few dregs of cynicism and sass in its wake. He turned so their chests were pressed together, laying his head properly against Jay’s heart. “Sorry I threw a spatula at you,” he mumbled finally.

Above him, Jay laughed. “At least it was a clean spatula.”

“Steal any more cookies and it won’t be.” There was no animosity to his threat, though, and by the time Mal returned to the kitchen to finish up her cookie art (and yell at Jay for eating them), the boys were nowhere to be found.

[im-robins-bitch]

Yours | sugardaddy!ash 

warnings: implied smut, almost smut, this is sugar daddy ash so 18+ pls

words: 3.6k

this is my first time writing anything like this so feedback is appreciated

Ashton had a soft grip on your butt, holding you in place against his chest. He pressed a soft kiss to your forehead as you wove your fingers through his light chest hair. “Do you want me to get you anything after work doll?” Ashton hummed, making his chest rumble and you nuzzle your head against his shoulder releasing soon you were going to have to shake out of your post-sex haze. 

“Mmm...i can’t think of anything” You sighed, watching the way his chest rose and fell with his every breath. The sun was peeking through the curtains, casting a little light into his shadowed bedroom. 

“That’s unusual?” Ashton chuckled, “sure you don’t have a fever?” He said, pressing his hand against your forehead. 

“Ashton!” You giggled, batting his hand away, “I just haven't seen anything I want is all…” You thought back, trying to even think of the last time you went into town for anything but food, to conjure up the memories of the lively store windows lining the streets of LA. 

“How about I surprise you then,” He suggested. You didn’t reply, starting to pull yourself out of his silk sheets and warm embrace. 

“I should get going, I’m meeting some of my friends.” You shuffled out of bed, your toes digging into a familiar plush rug. You slowly made your way around his room collecting your clothes ignoring Ashton’s obvious staring as you bent down to pick each item up, wiggling your bum at him as you pulled your panties back up your legs, rolling your eyes at the small rip down one of the sides. 

“Are you sure you can’t stay just a bit longer?” Ashton whined, he had pulled himself into the sitting position but he still refused to leave the comfort that his large bed provided. 

“You have to get the studio” You reminded running your hands through your hair, trying to calm down the ball of frizz your hair had turned into. You turned to Ashton again, a smile dancing on your lips when you saw the sad pout on his face and his dramatic glare at the alarm clock.

“Bye daddy” You sang, grabbing your phone from the nightstand pressing a kiss to his lips. 

He shook his head, trying to suppress a smile “stop calling me that,”

“That isn’t what you were saying a few minutes ago” You grinned, giving him one more lingering kiss to the cheek. 

You wished you had stayed a little longer with Ashton.

 ou hadn’t been surprised when your friends turned up late, they usually did, but while Jay was spitting apologize and offers to buy you your drink, Corrina showed up as cheerful as ever in her signature cat eye sunglasses and red fur coat laughing at your annoyance “Babe, you should know we’re gonna be late by now, just come later or don’t complain” She was joking, mostly, but you couldn’t help but suck on your teeth. 

“I was going to, but I remembered the one time I came late and you didn’t and I had to spend the whole time making it up to you while you gave me the silent treatment” You grumped, crossing your arms and sinking further back into your seat. She only rolled her eyes, shaking her hand at you. 

“Because you’re never late, always such a good girl.” She teased making your cheeks turn crimson. Your mind couldn’t help but wander to last night, chills going up your spine as you recalled Ashton in your ear calling you the exact same thing over and over like a prayer. 

“How are the holiday's plans going?” You asked Jay trying to get the memory out of your head.

“Amazing, so we have 3 different countries planned, but we’re hoping to have more. Imagine, me, backpacking across the globe, Rob is so amazing did you know he’s done this two times already!” Jay rambled his head resting on Corrina’s shoulder as he dreamily stared at the muffins.

“He probably with his last two boyfriends.” Corinna laughed, “If you come back with dreads I won't forgive you.” Her laughter died as she hit the front of the counter, giving the barista a bright smile as she listed off all three of your orders. You bit back a smile, knowing this was her way of making up for being late although if you pointed it out she would deny it. 

“How about you?” Jay asked, “Have you managed to scrape together any holiday plans?” 

“Oh, yeah i sorta, figured something out.” You mumbled, chipping away at the nail varnish on your thumb. “I’m going to seoul…” 

“What?” Corinna said, spinning around to face you again, lowering her glasses down her nose. “Last week you said you couldn’t even afford a day trip to florida?”

“Corrina!” Jay scolded

“Who are you even going with?” She questioned, “cause no offence but aren't me and jay your only friends.”

“None taken.” you muttered, “I’m going with Ash, he offered and since it’s my dre-”

“You’re still doing that??” Corrina exclaimed, almost knocking out the barrister when he called her name. “I thought that was a joke? Is that actually how you got the money to go to italy with us?” 

You looked away from her, deciding to look for a free table instead. 

“Wasn’t that two years ago?” Jay asked. You shook your head, surely it hadn’t already been two years since you and Ashon began you started counting the months on your fingers, eyes growing wide when you realised it was true. “Wish my boyfriend would buy me things..” Jay sulked. 

Corinna rolled her eyes “What’s the point in having a boyfriend if he doesn't buy you anything. That’s all boys are good for, and they aint even good for that, my girlfriend buys me things all the time, she even lets me borrow her clothes.” Corinna boasted a proud smile on her face as she played with the ring on her finger. ��and she’s not old.” She grinned looking at you like the Cheshire cat “But i suppose some people have to settle for a boyfriend who’s older than the earth itself”

“he’s not my boyfriend and he’s not old.” You pouted, the three of you spotted a table and sunk into the booth, you sitting in the middle of the sofa on your own not feeling like dealing with Corinna’s malting fur today.

“Isn’t it kinda gross though,?” Corrina pondered her eyes lighting up with mischief. “And wrinkly?” She giggled, making Jay snort in response.  

“I just said he’s not old, and he’s actually-”

“Oh god, Jay she’s starting to get a taste for old men.” 

“For the last time he is not-”

“I know! how about we set you up on a date? what was it you said again- oh yeah someone who could snap you in half that was it right” Jay suggested, as corrina laughed at your description of your type. “I think I know a guy we could even set it up for tomorrow”

“Not happening,” You said chipping  at your nail polish again looking down at the table, a light blush on your face. “I just-”

“Come on, you said it yourself, he’s not your boyfriend, he’s probably hooking up with old ladies all the time, one date can’t hurt,” Corrina said, putting her hands together, giving you the best puppy dog eyes she could muster while Jay looked up at you with fluttering lashes and an oversized pout.

The idea of going on a date made your stomach twist in knots, you had always hated dates, nervous beyond repair with new people. You had no desire to be with anyone at the moment, you had Ashton you didn’t need a boyfriend. You opened your mouth about to refuse when you suddenly you pictured Ashton out on a date, a girl running her hands through his dark red hair, you had seen them, in magazines. Pictures of him in clubs surrounded by pretty girls sometimes they made you wonder. 

Suddenly you heard Corrina and Jay screaming in delight, talking about planning outfits and how much fun you were going to have and you released you had agreed to go on a date. You were about to tell them you changed your mind when Corinna looked at you with a bright smile “You know what this means, we get to go shopping!” She squealed. You bit down on your straw taking a long sip of ice tea. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad. 

You got back home, expecting only to see Maurice curled up on the sofa napping away the day like he always did but instead, you were greeted by Ash, pulling you through your door by your hips, pressing a needy kiss to your lips. You put your hands on his chest pushing him away “what are you doing here? How did you even get in?” You asked, dropping your bag to the floor. 

“You left your door unlocked, you really shouldn’t do that doll.” He scolded, nipping at your neck. You bit your lip, you had been in such a rush to see him last night you had completely forgotten “And I remember telling you this morning that I would surprise you” 

You grinned, kissing him and grabbing at his shirt, pulling him further into the living room. “Well consider me surprised” You rubbed your nose against his jaw before going forward to kiss him again, but he only moved further away from you a smirk on his face. 

“ ‘fraid this isn’t the surprise Doll.” He smiled, grabbing your hands and tugging you through the living room and up the stairs towards the direction of your bedroom “Although I suppose it’s more of a present for Maurice” You raised your eyebrow giggling when he covered your eyes with his hand. 

“It better not be a new mattress, I know you hate mine, but i like the springs” You hummed, trying not to trip over the familiar bump in your bedroom carpet.

“No doll it’s not a new mattress,” Ashton’s other hand was still holding onto yours and he gave it a squeeze when he finally uncovered your eyes. 

Your eyes scanned around the room when you noticed in the corner of the room was a tall cat tower, shaped exactly like Sleeping Beauty's castle. Your eyes started to water as you rushed towards it, your fingers dancing across the roof. “Where did you get this? I’ve been dreaming of this my entire life” You gushed the familiar castle filling your heart with warmth and nostalgia.

Ashton grinned, crouching down with you throwing his arm over your shoulder squeezing you tight. “I had it made for you, I remembered you talking about it and so-” He was cut off when your body slammed into his, sending him crashing to the floor as you hugged him tightly, covering his face in kisses “thank you, thank you, thank you.” You chanted between kisses. He laughed, wrapping his arms around you. 

“Welcome baby” He hummed, he cupped his hands around your face staring deep into your eyes moving to kiss you when your cat jumped onto your head and then to his new castle making you headbutt Ashton. 

You both groaned, grabbing your heads in unison. “Are you ok?” Ashton asked. 

You nodded “are you?” 

Ashton smiled “I think you might need to kiss it better.” You laughed before planting a loud kiss against his forehead. “Still hurts a little I think I need one more.” You kissed him again more softly this time.

You sat up, resting against his large thighs. His hazel eyes sparkled with mischief.  He flexed his thigh making you squirm in shock when you got an idea. You wiggled against his lap, shifting when he sat up as well, wrapping your arms around his neck threading your fingers into his hair, tugging on it slightly. “Doll?” 

You hummed in response, rolling your hips against his thighs, tugging his hair a little harder this time. 

“Baby?” He said again, his hand grasping your cheek pulling you to look at him, a teasing smile tugging at your lips. 

“Yeah?” You replied, innocently batting your lashes. “Do you need anything?” 

“You know exactly what I need baby.” He growled, his grip on you tightening making your thighs clench. 

Your hands uncurled from his neck, trailing down his sides to rest at the waistband of his jeans. Your fingers trailed across the waistband, before landing on his belt. You looked up at Ashton asking for permission when he nodded and your hands grappled with his belt buckle sighing with relief when you finally pulled his belt off, throwing it across the room. 

You pulled down his zipper tugging his pants down his thighs. His hands snaked to your hips and he attached his lips to your neck, undoing your pants with ease, dragging them down your legs letting you kick them off. You let out a whimper when he bit down on your sweet spot. He grabbed your ass dragging you closer on his lap squeezing hard. 

“A-Ash.” stuttered, as his hand smacked against your ass thrusting you forward. 

“Such a good girl for me.” He mumbled against your skin. He dragged his hands up your side only to bring them back down to hook his fingers around the waistband of your panties, slowly dragging them. “Did i rip these doll? Gotta get you something new.” 

Your eyes widened, pulling away from his touch. “I-I-I just remembered I need to go and do something.” You sputtered, pulling your panties back up your legs. You looked into his eyes, remembering the girls from the magazines all over him, picturing him running his hands up their bodies, kissing their lips.

“What? Go where?” He questioned watching you put on your jeans for the second time today. 

“Jay’s I was gonna stay at his today, we’re having a film night” You dashed out your bedroom when Ashton's hand wrapped around your wrist. 

“Y/N, are you ok? I haven't done something have I?”

“I’m fine, you’re fine, it’s all fine, I’m watching films ok.” You explained, your words coming out a mile a minute. You wiggled out of his grasp running down the stairs to the living room. 

“Baby!” Ashton yelled, sighing when you didn’t stop. “Baby!” He huffed, finally catching up to you at the front door while you were trying to your shoes back on. “Look, Y/N if you don’t want to do this anymore I understand, I know-”

“Do you not want to do this anymore Ash? Because it sounds like that's what you want me to say? I know you see other girls-” 

“Y/N what are you talking about-” 

You huffed, cutting him of not liking the direction of this conversation. You darted out the front door slammed the door, hoping Jay would be cool with your impromptu movie night trying to ignore the uneasiness crawling up your throat. 

Your date was going awful.

At first you were quite hopeful, he was the type of guy that used to send to your knees. Broad shoulders, big hands and a nice smile, but your wheelie bin had more personality than he did.  You assumed he must have been shy at first, but when he got the waiter's attention by snapping his fingers at them you knew this was going to be a long night. 

You leaned back in your chair, picking at the stiff fabric of your dress. Deciding not to wear anything Ashton had bought for you had been a struggle as he had somehow managed to fill up the entire contents of your wardrobe, leaving you with a stiff black dress you had worn once to a job interview.

Just as he began to raise his hand to ask, well click, for the cheque you noticed a waiter close to you and asked for dessert, the only redeeming feature of this restaurant was the chocolate orange brownies and you were determined to enjoy something today. Your date sighed in response, but you were over caring about his feelings when his responses had evolved from yeahs to the occasional hum.

The silence between the two of you was becoming unbearable and you were about to try and start a futile conversation again when a group of four rowdy guys came in, laughing with each other. You felt the atmosphere of the room instantly lifted when you heard a familiar giggle. 

Your heart began beating out of your chest when you turned and spotted a familiar head of red hair. You tried to shrink in your chair, pulling up the menu and propping it up on the table trying to cover your face. Suddenly you felt awful, picturing him yesterday when you ran out on him and now you were on a date. You shook it off reminding yourself that you weren't together, he had explained it himself when you first started your relationship. As long as you told him you were seeing someone else he wouldn’t mind...you hadn’t told him. 

“One brownie,” The waiter announced, placing the plate down in-between you and your date. 

“Thanks,” You smiled tugging the plate towards yourself. You looked over at Ashton, almost hoping he had noticed you, but of course, he hadn’t. You felt your jealousy creep up behind you again, he never said that he had to tell you, what was stopping him from doing this same thing, after all, you were doing it. 

You looked from your plate of brownies to your shit date. You remembered when Ashton had brought you some of these because he knew you would like them, you wished you were here with Ashton, you wished you were home with Ashton cuddled up in bed, you wished you had never gone on this stupid date. Never argued with him this morning just because you were jealous. you felt your eyes begin to sting and before you could help it you were crying your tears dripping onto your brownie diluting the thick chocolate sauce.

Your date looked shocked, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish before he raised his and started clicking. “We’d like the cheque please.” He grumbled. The waiters rushed over, rolling their eyes.  

“It’s already been paid, sir,” 

“What? By who?” Your date questioned while you continued to sob into your plate. 

“That gentleman over there.” The waiter explained, pointing over at your red-haired lover. Making you cry even louder as he asked you if you wanted your brownies to go. 

It felt like Deja Vu as you walked through your door two days later, Ashton standing in your living-room countless shopping bags swinging from his arms. “Ash?”

“Doll! You’re home!” Ashton greeted, holding his arms wide, trying to embrace you but being held back by the bags hitting against you. “Oops.” He smiled dropping the bags to the floor and going to embrace you again this time succeeding. You cherished the moment, wrapping your arms around him taking in his scent. 

“I missed you,” You mumbled, nuzzling your face into his chest. 

“It’s been two days baby, how can you miss me already.” He laughed. You shook your head, pressing a kiss to his chest. “Ok, ok, how about you open your presents.” 

You whined, holding onto him tighter, refusing to let go. 

“Babbby.” Ashton scolded.

“Daddddyy,” You countered making him shake his head and wrangle himself out of your grip. 

“I told you not to call me that,” He said trying not to smile. He sat down on your sofa, pulling you onto his thigh, he wrapped his arms around your waist making you relax against him. “Ok come on baby, how about you open something?” 

You sighed, turning to face him. You cupped your hands around his face, your eyes scanning over his every feature, your thumb rubbing against his cheek. You tried to remember everything, the curve of his nose, the curl of his smile, the exact shade of hazel that made you fall in love with his eyes. You brought your lips together, memorising the feeling of his lips against yours, you nipped at his lips, begging for entrance. When the two of you kissed it felt like two waves crashing into each other. You only pulled away when you had to your body desperate for air. 

You took a deep breath “Ashton I don’t want to be your sugar baby anymore.” 

The smile fell from his lips, his mouth curving into a frown. His hands barely holding onto your waist. “I-you-we-...” He was speechless his eyes growing dull, beginning to sting.

“I don’t want you to buy me anything anymore, I don’t need extravagant gifts, I don’t need any gifts.”

“I-” He interrupted only to be cut off. 

“I just need you.”

Tears dripped down Ashton’s cheeks as his mind tried to process what you said,  “Just me?” He whispered, his lips ghosting yours. You pressed your lips to his so hard you knew they were going to bruise. 

“Just you.” You confirmed. His arms were tight around your waist as he pulled you both off the sofa, swinging you around making you squeal as your legs flailed out. “You don’t mind?” 

“MIND? I’ve never wanted anything more.” He sniffed, “Fucking hell baby, I thought I was about to lose you, why would you word it like that?” 

“Hey, i thought i was gonna lose you too!” You scowled, pecking him on the lips.

“Baby, I love you more than anything how could you ever think I would let you get away.” He croaked. 

“You love me?” 

“Was it not obvious? I built your cat a fucking castle,” Ashton giggled.

You pecked his lips again. “I love you too,” and again “so” and again “so” and again “much”

“Be mine? properly this time.” He asked, his eyes staring deep into yours, his breath panting against your lips. 

“I’ve always been yours”

[silver-ninja-of-the-tides]

Silver and Gold

Chapter 9--Rising Tension

(AO3 ver.)

(Prologue Tumblr ver.; AO3 ver.)

Janet's POV

“Can you tell us who you are?” Sensei asked as we removed our hoods.

The gray-eyed guy exhaled as his fists clenched. “. . . Blake . . . Where am I?”

“A safe place.”

Blake’s eyes skimmed over all of us, but they lingered a little longer on Des. “You’re . . . you’re the ones who saved Ninjago from the Overlord.”

“Well, all of us except these two,” Jay said. “New recruits.”

“And technically Lloyd defeated the Overlord,” Zane added.

“Well it’s nice to meet all of you,” Blake replied.

Des strained to keep herself from pulling her hood back on. “Ahem, so, what happened to you?”

“I . . .” He trailed off. “I can’t remember. Everything happened so fast. It was impossible to fight back. But I’m glad the heroes of Ninjago found me. I thought I was done for.”

“Well you’re safe now.” Garmadon looked to Misako coming in. “Those burns of yours will be taken care of. As for the rest of you, I believe we have one more thing to take care of before we call it in tonight.”

While Blake was being handled, the rest of us followed Lloyd's dad and crowded into the study harboring Nya and Zane’s dad.

Kai came in last before closing the door. “All right, look—”

“Ssshhh!” almost everyone scolded.

“All right, look,” he repeated quieter than before. “That guy has to be the Overlord right there.”

“But his eyes are a light gray. Not dark,” Cole objected. “And the guy’s calling himself Blake. Besides, we don't know much about him.”

"And we don't know for sure if it's him or not," I said. Even though I have my suspicions . . .

"Even if Blake was associated with the Overlord, how would we know for sure?" Zane asked.

“We’ll have to look for clues,” Cole said.

“And we need to keep an eye on him as much as we can,” Lloyd added. “We can’t just leave him how he is now.”

“Uh, yeah we can. It’s called ‘This is our apartment and we’re kicking you out,’ ” Jay retorted, making Nya elbow him.

“My nephew is right,” Sensei said. “As high as our suspicions are, we can’t leave him out there in his current state. It would not be right.”

“But he could be the enemy, Sensei. The enemy!”

“Ssshhh!” we all hissed, and Jay crossed his arms.

“May I remind you how to defeat you enemy?” Sensei said.

“Ugh, don’t tell me we have to befriend the Overlord,” Kai scoffed.

“Whether or not he is the Overlord, and whether or not he may have ties to him, turning him into a friend may be the best way to go about this," Garmadon said. "Now all of you go get some rest.”

The guys mumbled complaints as they wormed out of the room with Misako, Nya, and Dr. Julien following behind them, but a gentle hand on my shoulder stopped me.

“There’s . . . something I’ve been meaning to tell you, Janet,” Wu said, and his brother glanced to us before leaving.

I turned to the younger brother. “Yeah?”

“I have a reason for holding you back.”

“You don’t trust me, do you?”

He nearly let his surprise come to his face. “No. I did not trust you.” He pulled a small chest out from underneath the desk, and inside was a gold ninja suit. “I refrained from giving this to you because I thought you were not ready. It turns out I was the one who was not ready. I should have trusted you from the beginning, and for that I apologize.”

I picked up the suit to get a better look at it. It was a metallic gold with the armor being a darker shade. Like Des’s suit, there was a headpiece on the hood the color of the armor. Gray straps were on the sleeves and pants, and two more gray straps intersected over the torso. Holding those two together was a symbol in the center—a distorted figure that reminded me of a butterfly.

“As you already know, you are the Gold Ninja, a master of wind and the four elements. Many questions of you remain unanswered for the time being, as is the same for your sister. But I’m sure the answers will come when they are ready to present themselves.”

I locked eyes with him. He seemed pretty honest about this . . . “Thank you . . . Sensei.”

Blake's POV

The Ninjas had already left the building for the morning, and as much as I would love to see what they’re up to, I’m stuck here.

Sighing, I sat up with difficulty to carefully unwrap some of the gauze on my arm. Whatever substance that woman used on me definitely healed most of my injuries.

“Looks like you’re up and at ‘em!”

I jumped and jerked around to see the old man with glasses pouring himself a glass of milk.

“Ooh. Didn’t mean to startle you. Eh how’d the night go?”

“Well. I was hoping to start moving today.”

“You sure? I heard you had some pretty bad injuries last night.”

“I’ll be all right.” I stood up. “So, any idea where those Ninjas might be?”

“Mmm probably training over at Dareth’s dojo. You know those youngsters—always have to be in tip-top shape!”

“Thanks.” I walked out the door and closed it with a sigh. A biting cold feeling spread all over my legs, but I ignored it as I started walking. Then the sensation spread to my arms almost stronger than before, making me clench my fists. I’m hoping that’s the last time I feel that.

As I walked, I couldn’t help but enjoy the comforting feeling of the sun on my skin. I enjoyed it so much that I almost missed the place. Backtracking, I looked into the window to see the Ninjas training, and the Gold Ninja now had her suit on. Well you can’t miss her now.

After fixing my hair I stepped inside only to avoid the end of a water whip just barely.

“You’re up! Already?” the Blue Ninja asked, and he bent back to avoid a sword from the Gold Ninja.

“Whatever ointment they put on me must’ve really worked.”

“Yeah, well, I suggest you head back outside,” the Red Ninja retorted. “The place is occupied.” Well somebody’s not too happy.

“I do happen to know a thing or two.”

“Oh really?”

“Could you guys focus a little?” the Green Ninja grunted, his wrist between his shoulder blades as courtesy to the gold one.

"How about after your session I take ooonn the Silver Ninja?"

“What?!” both the red and silver ones blurted.

Within seconds weapons were pointed at their targets, and the entire group was at a stand-still.

“This is new,” the White Ninja concluded, and the group eased off each other.

“By the way, I never got your names,” I said, and they seemed hesitant. “I don’t bite.”

They eventually introduced themselves with Destiny going last. Seeing that hint of anger in Kai’s eyes is very entertaining.

“Now, shall we, Silver Ninja?”

She was quick to refocus before assuming her position.

“You sure you want to be doing this?” Jay asked skeptically.

“I’ll be fine,” I said.

Cole’s POV

The two of them stood there for a couple seconds before Des whipped water at Blake's side, but he darted to the left before rolling forward to meet her in hand-to-hand combat. He threw a punch that she easily avoided, and she countered with a punch to his stomach that he simply hopped away from. She dropped down to swipe her leg under his, and she was about to elbow him down when he rolled to the left. Seconds after she hit the floor she flipped herself back up before going at it again with Blake.

“He’s not bad,” I said to Kai.

“I still think we should keep an eye on him," Kai said.

“Well if he’s trying to bring our guards down, he’s doing a number on Des.”

“Hmph. I’ll show him how to do a number on someone.”

I gave him a side glance. “Someone’s upset.”

"What? Pfft, I'm not upset. Upset of what, him? Ha. Don’t make me laugh."

I shrugged. “All right, if you say so.”

Swords clashing brought me back to the fight, and Blake was soon overpowering Des.

"I have to say, you're pretty good," Blake grunted.

Des flashed a smirk and slowly pushed him down, but he kicked her arm, kneed her stomach, and pinned her down all in one blur of movement. Both of them were breathing heavily.

"Well aren't you fresh," she remarked.

Blake got up and helped her stand, but she rolled to the side as Janet flew over his head and landed. Immediately she started throwing punches left and right almost as quickly as Jay. Before he knew it she kneed his gut hard, swung her heel onto the middle of his back, and forced his wrist between his shoulder blades.

"Wow, that hurt," Blake grunted.  With a smirk Janet let him up.

"Pretty good for someone as patched up as you,” Kai said, his arms crossed.

"Thanks. I try," Blake said. "And these ladies here are in training?"

"Yeah. Still in training, yes I—I mean we are," Destiny stammered.

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Oh-kay, I think we have enough time for another round before Dareth has his classes,” Kai interjected. “How ‘bout one on one with me this time, Des?”

The other guys, Janet, and I exchanged looks before we split off, and Blake decided to watch. Those two are really something together. No wonder Kai’s so uptight.

3rd person POV “Why do you like singling me out so much?” Destiny asked as the two of them got into position.

“I like seeing you fight,” Kai simply replied, to which she raised an eyebrow.

“That sounds bad. Uh I meant I like the way you fight. That’s worse. Uh I meant—”

She threw a punch that he barely caught. “Is it because we have opposite elements?”

“Yes! That’s it. That’s--totally the reason. Heh heh.” Meanwhile with the others, they were discussing their “guest” of the day.

“When can we kick him out?” Janet asked lowly as she avoided a punch from Cole.

“See? I’m not the only one!” Jay replied in the same tone.

“He seems focused on Destiny, especially,” Zane added as he bent back from a kick.

“Guess he’s playing favorites today,” Cole said. He glanced to the other two Ninjas. “And he’s not the only one.”

“Whatever happens, we can’t let our guards down,” Lloyd said.

“And we have to act like he’s a regular guy,” Jay commented. “I say we catch ‘em in his sleep and—”

“We’re not kicking him out, Jay.”

“But we’re Ninjas, Lloyd! We can make it quick!”

“You’re forgetting what Sensei and Garmadon told us last night,” Zane said.

“Can't we?”

“Jay,” the rest of the group warned, leading him to scoff.

“Fine, but when he pulls something I’m saying I told you so.”

(First chapter) (Next chapter) (Previous chapter)