#then i dunno what else i'd be able to tell the doctors.

[marclef]

ok i've just now realized a 1000x easier way to store all of the Gifted Eyhms i've been receiving

THE CAT BINDER ARRIVES TOMORROW (I HOPE)

[secretgaygenttomura]

A Life Worth Living - Chapter 3

TW for verbal abuse/manipulation

The walk home was one made in shame and fear, furtive glances sneaking up at the man. It'd been halfway there before Tomura actually decided to speak up and say something. "...Your name isn't actually Goemon, isn't it, Mister?"

Damn it, he was totally going to give himself away at this rate, but the allure to curiosity his younger state of being gave him was inescapable. You'd think you'd be able to advise your younger self otherwise? No, being young fills you with so many impulses that you don't know what to do with, you just have to go along with them sometimes.

It isn't that he hadn't learned how to filter himself, it's that often by reflex, humans speak before they think. It's a pretty dangerous habit of humans.

The man almost seemed to flinch at the mention, but it was just him being still for a moment too long. He looked down at Tomura with a wry, faux-relaxed smile, "Now, Young Shimura, why would you think that?"

Tomura took a deep breath in and out; watching the pavement pass beneath his feet as they walked, "You... You said your name was different, some other time."

The tall man's smile turned strained, "Did I? You'll have to tell me what it was..."

Tomura's heart was decidedly beating much faster than it should, now. He realized he'd messed up badly, "Um... I dunno it was like..." Tomura looked up at the man, only to see his red eyes piercing through him. Scared, Tomura's voice choked up, "U-Uh...?"

Tomura gulped, trying to look at anything else around him, "M-Mister, you're scaring me- I really don't know."

The man looked up and away, "Hm... You're an interesting one, Shimura."

Tomura let out a quiet sigh of relief, thinking the danger had passed... It didn't.

The man stopped them dead in their tracks, and said, "You are a very interesting one." He knelt down to Tomura, making direct eye contact. "Tell me, boy... you haven't gone to the doctor for your quirk yet, have you?"

Tomura took a step back, startled, "I-I dunno-"

"Good." The man regained a grin, "Because... May I tell you a secret?"

Admittedly, even scared half to death, Tomura nodded.

"They were going to tell you you weren't getting one anyway, Tenko... You're quirkless!" The man held up one of Tenko's hands, offering, "Unless... You'd want one of mine? I can give one to you with my quirk... All For One."

Tomura's stance was held frigidly still, as All For One stared at him with glinting eyes from under his fedora. This close of an encounter caused a wave of memories lost in dissociative fugues to come rushing back. This was exactly how it'd happened last time, why couldn't he remember? Suddenly he was back in the past as Tenko again, as the same All For One made him a deal for his new quirk... He mumbled, "All For One..."

The accidental absence of a questioning tone had All For One gaining suspicion, before he looked at All For One's hand, and quickly pulling his own away. "I- How do you know that, though? You're not a doctor... I could have a quirk! What kinda quirk would you give me, anyways?"

Besides his hate for the Decay quirk and what it did to him, Tomura couldn't stop staring at All For One's hand, thinking about it. Despite how dangerous it was, it was also... familiar. Maybe he could do it right this time...

All For One answered, waving his fingers to show off tiny lightshows dancing around his hand, "I'd give you... Something incredibly powerful. It would be so easy to become a hero with it, your father wouldn't even blink before getting you enrolled at UA."

"Really...?" Tomura's curiosity posessed him yet again, but he was still skeptical. His memories blurred just near the end of their encounter, as if...

"So, Tenko, do we have a deal?"

Dealing with the devil, of course. Even as Tomura knew what would come out of this, he knew how Decay worked, he could control it this time. At least, he hoped he could.

---

The next thing he knew, he was standing at the door of his house, looking up as Mr. Goemon walked away, and his mom ushered him back inside. "Tenko... Your father better not have heard that..."

She sighed, "Well, it's almost time for your medication cream anyway. Can you go find your toys and meet me in the living room?"

Feeling somewhat dizzy, Tomura nodded. He guessed he was just tired, not sure exactly why, though... His hands were kind of tingly, but that's probably from getting them all scraped up playing, right? Yeah...

But, when all things went quiet for just a moment, was when Tomura heard a terrifyingly familiar heavy footstep behind him. He felt like he was weightless again, but this time it was served alongside terror as he found himself being dragged across the house by his father.

"Playing hero again? What did I tell you, Tenko?!"

As Tomura flailed to reach the ground again and regain control of the situation he once again felt so utterly helpless in, Nao returned to the hall. Appalled, she cried out, "Kotaro! Stop being so hard on him!"

Tomura gave in to his instinct to cry, reaching out for his mother, but this time his sobs and whines were quieter... Almost sounding strangled. He couldn't tell you why or how, but he knew the last time, he had made much more noise.

Kotaro said, as they approached the sliding back door to their house, "Maybe you've finally learned your lesson this time."

Exiting to the backyard and leaving Nao behind, Tomura's flailing caused him to stub his toe on one of the steps. He whimpered, ironically getting quieter as he curled into himself from the pain. He was so used to reacting in anger and internalizing, now it was finally rubbing off on his new self.

Kotaro set him down on their patio across the yard, to which Tomura quickly scrambled back to the fence. Looking up at his father while he cradled his foot, he grit his teeth as tears cascaded down his face against his will. He cursed for his father's coming death, but couldn't muster up the courage to say it to his face.

Kotaro stated coldly, "You'll stay out here until I say you can come back inside, got it?"

Tomura furrowed his brows and looked to the side with a pained pout. That turned out not to be the right answer.

"Tenko!" Kotaro yelled.

Tomura immediately snapped back to attention, prematurely wincing back from the hit he was sure he was going to get. But he couldn't even be right about that, could he?

"You will not undermine my authority in this house, boy." Kotaro commanded, "Say yes."

"Y-Yes, Father." Tomura muttered.

The silence was so loud in those following seconds.

"Good." Without another word, Kotaro turned around and went back inside.

Tomura breathed heavily, as the tears continued to run down his cheeks, irritating his scratches and stinging his eyes and nose in the sharp, cold air of dusk. He did not need a reminder of why he never wanted to return here. Why this day?

Only reflecting back, did Tomura actually remember the same day playing out in his previous life. Playing hero with Mikkun and Tomo-chan... All For One... Being kicked out of the house before dinner. His attention turned back to the house, the thought of his father briefly causing another wave of crying before he stabilized himself.

From across the yard, Tomura couldn't tell much of what was going on. There was the typical, Mom arguing with Father. His grandparents were also talking. He couldn't see his sister or Mon-chan.

He decided to look back up at the sky, try to pass the time by distracting himself with the many things outdoors. The clouds were scattered perfectly across the sky, the golden edges just starting to glow as the sun started approaching the horizon, though their suburban sprawl didn't allow Tomura to see it. The sight relaxed him, but only slightly. Maybe if he just kept staring, time would go faster.

And it did, but not in the way he expected. Left alone with his thoughts, some garden tools, and nothing more, his mind started to drift. The clouds became representations of his friends, family, memories; coloring the sky with several different scenes, all playing simultaneously. From one corner, he could see Kurogiri being introduced to him. From another, Toga was making silly faces behind Dabi while he talked. Looking through Mikkun's All Might collection, playing League Of Legends with Spinner, picking flowers with Hana while Mon-chan chased his own tail, Having a three-sided argument with Twice.

He didn't really realize how much his friends meant to him until they were...

Suddenly, his mother seemingly appearing out of nowhere in front of him startled him.

"Tenko!" She held a hand up to his cheek, gently wiping off a tear he couldn't feel before, "Sweetie, your father's been calling you for 5 minutes. Come on, lets get you some dinner."

The sky was dark.

---

The next day went roughly similarly to the former, though Tomura tried to stay away from playing heroes again... It's not like he'd become one anyway. Mikkun wasn't there that day, something about getting sick, so only Tomo-chan was there to talk.

"Your dad wasn't mean again, was he, Ten?" She pouted.

Tomura didn't return a response.

"Tenko, please, you gotta talk to me! You're acting really weirdly..."

With some frustration, Tomura raised his voice, "I just don't wanna talk about it...!"

Tomo-chan stood in stunned silence for a few moments, before hardening her disposition, "Well, now you really gotta tell me what's wrong. I've never heard you snap at someone like that!"

Tomura was surprised. He'd pretty much always thought of himself as some bratty, rude kid, because he'd always been told he was. "What do you mean...?"

"Ten, you're like the most kindhearted kid I've ever met! Just like I keep saying, 'you're just like All Might!'" Tomo-chan made the according pose, trying to strengthen her point. "Don't you get it? I haven't even seen you get mad at Ms. Sayaka when she's so strict on us."

Tomura ruminated on that, quietly.

He sighed before turning his head away, finally talking about it, "... Tomo-chan, I don't think I can be a hero..."

Tomo-chan's eyebrows furrowed, "Why not?"

"There's a lotta reasons."

"Just tell me, Ten." Tomo-chan urged, her tone quieter.

Tomura looked at her again, a steady, focused expression on her face. He searched for just about any reason not to tell her about what was going on, and... He found none. She had some of the most crucial parts of his friends in his past life: Toga's brashness, Dabi's pickiness, Kurogiri's calmness when things went wrong... and that was enough to give in, for Tomura.

"Tomo-chan... I..." This was difficult, "I think I'm gonna turn out to be a villain, a really bad one. But it's not all gonna be my fault.

I think when I get it, my quirk is going to hurt people when I get it, and that's gonna scare me into hurting more and more people, and then its gonna break things, and break and break and break them until theres nothing in the world anymore but dust...

And I think that man that took me home yesterday, Mr. Goemon, has something to do with it..."

"Ten...?"

Tomura gulped, nervous, "Y-Yeah?"

Tomo-chan exhaled quietly, a hint of disbelief glinting in her eyes, "This all sounds kinda crazy, Ten... I don't think you could harm a fly. But I can try and help."

[ficoandleo]

Could you tell us more about your stigma?

"There's not really anything more to tell you than you probably already know. It's pretty straightforward. I hear stuff louder and further away than is normal, and it makes me all sensitive to sounds even when it's not active. Lower volume, a wider range of frequency, whatever, I hear everything more than other people do, so everyone is always way too loud and there's always way more noise than people think there is. And I have autophony--that's where you hear noises your own body makes more than you're supposed to. Like, I hear myself blink or hear my eyes moving around or I hear my heart beating all the time.

"But I don't really get vertigo or have problems with my balance or have problems hearing and processing anything else unless something is super loud, I just hear that stuff too. Doctor Quack said I should get a CT scan anyway because my ears are fine so it's not, I dunno, pact-induced Patulous Eustachian tube? He wanted to rule out SDCS or something just to be sure. And I said fuck no because those things are so fucking loud I wouldn't be able to stand it. But since Darkwick General's out of commission, I was thinking they might be able to write me a med permit to go to an off-campus hospital for it. If I can be sedated for the scan the noise won't make me move around or get sick. And then I can just treat the rest of the day like I've got a permit and do what I want, y'know? As long as they get the scan results they're not gonna care where I was all day."

"I turn things into bombs." It's really a very simple stigma, or perhaps Romeo doesn't want to explain it more since it could be used against him if the wrong people hear. "The more attached I am to what I'm blowing up, the more intense the explosion. That's the only cost it has. If I want to do a lot of damage, I have to sacrifice something I'd rather not lose. Fortunately my goal isn't typically destruction, it's capture.

"The result of the explosion does depend slightly on what I'm blowing up--for example, I have smoke bombs which, obviously, make smoke rather than causing explosive force. What I was misled into believing was a prototype explosive ended up functioning as surprisingly harmless fireworks, which nearly got us killed thanks to that BB's negligence. Although I have to wonder what that PMS put in that bottle that it exploded like that at all. Anomalous as the medicine was, I would have expected smoke not fireworks. And he wonders why we don't want him experimenting on us. . . . I have other prototype anomalous charges and bullets as well--tear bombs, bombs that cause varying levels of disorientation, different net bombs for capturing anomalies, among others with more in development. They only work with my stigma that we're aware of rather than exploding when exposed to fire for example, so they're just useless, shady powders and substances for everyone else. I can activate my stigma without verbalizing my incantation, but right now I can only do it while using my gun to fire the explosive charge. It's a work in progress.

"As a first year the Boss. . .got ahold of fireworks from festival prep happening in Hotarubi, so I fired them into the air from the deck of the ship during the night to practice using my stigma with my gun. The sky in the desert is very clear since the ship doesn't produce much external light pollution, so the sky had some of the most stars I've ever seen before, along with the fireworks. It was. . .really nice."

[neuroborreliosis]

i can never fall asleep right when i go to bed. usually, it takes me between two and four hours. i know i have insomnia, but it's hard to reconcile that knowledge with the fact that i am so exhausted all the time. generally, these days, once i'm asleep, i can sleep through the night. i wake up partially through the night, i stir, i toss and turn, i adjust my position. mostly i move around so much because no matter what side i sleep on, or what position i sleep in, my back always always hurts. staying in the same position too long makes my back uncomfortable. but i don't usually wake up completely to shift throughout the night.

it wasn't always this way. insomnia is a beast with many heads and i've come face to face with all of them. for years, i would be able to fall asleep pretty quickly, but the slightest sound - a creak in the floorboards from another room as someone shuffled to the bathroom, for example - would wake me, and i'd find myself struggling to fall back asleep for hours. sometimes, i wouldn't fall back asleep at all. there have been times where i've been able to fall asleep and even stay asleep but never got deep sleep, never felt like i went into rem, or whatever. i'm not an expert. there have been periods where i can't fall asleep for hours and even when i do, i can't stay asleep. there have been times where i'm able to fall asleep but wake at least once a night to complete numbness in one or both forearms, hands, fingers. to the point that my own limbs would feel like they belonged to someone else and i'd have to carry them to the sink to rush steaming hot water over them until sensation returned.

i dunno. these days i just can't fall asleep until between 2 and 5 am, no matter how early i take my sleepy things, no matter how early i get in bed.

melatonin gummies. melatonin xr. passionflower. skullcap chamomile valerian. cbd. l-tryptophan l-theanine. homeopathic sleep tablets.

i always have some cocktail of sleep aids on deck, and i generally take several of them each evening. but STILL I CANNOT FALL ASLEEP UNTIL THE WEE HOURS.

i used to get prescribed ativan, then klonopin, both teeny-tiny doses. i used to get prescribed low-dose lunesta. i used to swipe my mother's ambien.

i hate relying on pharmaceutical medications. i am already chemically dependent on suboxone. it's the lifeline for which i reach every morning. it's the only reason i can do things in this late stage of lyme disease. so i'm wary of adding another.

but pharmaceuticals are really the only thing that has ever worked like clockwork for sleep, for me. i've been taking medical-grade melatonin xr every night for multiple weeks, since my doctor prescribed it to me, and i've been adding calming herbs and sleepytime tea and homeopathic tablets to the mix and STILL I CANNOT FALL ASLEEP.

i am SO TIRED ALL THE TIME.

during the day i try to be as active as i can, i try to pace myself, i try to tire myself out. i do yoga most evenings. i sometimes shower before bed so that my body temperature drops a little because jules told me that in order to get sleepy, your body needs to cool off a llittle bit.

i try to lull myself to sleep with all kinds of youtube videos, i rewatch netflix's "inside the mind of a cat" night after night because i wonder if maybe, when i've memorized the script, it'll ease me into slumber. but i guess it's not that easy.

i will say, there is one youtube channel whose videos can help me fall asleep pretty quickly MOST, but not ALL, of the time. her name is jody whiteley and she makes the only sleep hypnosis videos that aren't creepy or weird or sus to me. her voice is soothing and her hypnosis seems to work. i discovered her videos when i was 16 and i've used them ever since on nights when i'm afraid i won't be able to sleep. racing thoughts slowed by her suggestive cooing. but there are nights where i'm so wired that even jody whiteley can't save me from my wakeful state.

i dunno. i sort of hate when you tell doc you have insomnia and they go, "have you tried melatonin?" like YES I HAVE. WHAT DO YOU THINK I'VE BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME IF NOT TRYING EVERY GODDAMN SLEEP AID THAT'S AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER?

i need to ask my provider for something. something''s gotta give. because of my lyme, my severe fatigue, no matter what time i fall asleep i need a BARE MINIMUM of 8 hours of sleep, and i won't feel good the next day unless i get closer to 10 or 12. so, the fact that i can't fall asleep until the wee hours means that i never wake up early enough to really take advantage of the day. i absolutely HATE waking up as late as i do. and the only solution for me is to be able to fall asleep earlier. i need a prescription. i'm sick and tired of being sick and tired, like they say in 12 step. something's got to give.

[sarah-dipitous]

Hellsite Nostalgia Tour 2023 Day 65

Are You There God? It's Me, Dean Winchester/Gridlock

"Are You There God? It's Me, Dean Winchester"

Would I Survive the First Five Minutes??: If what that hunter(?) did didn't work against...ghosts??? What makes you think I'M gonna be able to take it down??

Look. Honestly? Dean's got a HELL of a point here. It's one thing for a church to preach that we all have a mission from god or whatever. It's QUITE ANOTHER to have a LITERAL ANGEL tell you that god has WORK THAT ONLY YOU CAN DO. I'd be freaked out, too, and Sam and Bobby are being really really casual about it

It's really weird that Ruby is now being played by Jared's real life wife. And...like...I just feel like if you didn't want people to ship your stars with supernatural beings you shouldn't have given Sam a flirtationship with Meg and then cast his wife as Ruby?? I dunno...

The script writers are magical. The boys and Bobby go to the house of the hunter from the first five minutes because she's not answering her phone and she wouldn't ignore something like this (allegedly. I don't know. We've never met her before now.) When they get there, Bobby tries calling other hunters for backup and tells the boys that no one else is answering either.

Sam: Somethings up, huh?

Bobby: (sarcastically) Ya think?

You didn't HAVE to make Sam sound absolutely idiotic, but you did it anyway

The hunters have become the hunted...but what is hunting them?

Bobby telling the boys that a couple of other hunters that he visited redecorated...in red, and my first instinct is "oh, do they run a children's hospital?"

Uh oh...The drop in temperature can't be good. I don't believe this is strictly vengeful spirit shit. There's gotta be something BEHIND that.

Who're the creepy The Shining (not really) twins that came after Bobby??

Oh...REAL Meg's here. Oh that poor girl.

So, it is just people they failed to save? There's something about the symbol on Meg's hand...I know that's gonna be important, but what IS it?

I KNEW it wasn't REAL vengeful spirit shit. Someone DID THIS to them. And now we're getting closer to the end game of what was supposed to be the full run of the show...you know, before they tacked on ten. more. seasons.

Sitting in 2023 hearing Dean scoff at gas being $5 a gallon as a sign of the apocalypse is very *stares into the middle distance* (sure, right now it's under $3.50 for me here, but......)

I'm sorry to say this on International Women's Day, but...the actress who currently plays Meg is not a pretty crier. She's got an off-brand Renee Zellweger way of crying that's just not eliciting the emotions it's trying to from me.

I'm not so predictable that I'm gonna comment on whatever the concoction was that Dean threw into the fireplace turned the fire BLUE because I know it had nothing to do with Dean and everything to do with the properties of the concoction plus the incantation Bobby was doing BEFORE Dean had to be the one to throw it....but....I will MENTION it JUST A LITTLE BIT

Dean: I almost got my heart ripped out of my chest!

Cas: But did you die??

I can't help but ALSO contextualize alongside Good Omens. Almost half expect Cas to say that god's plan is ineffable

The softening of Castiel's character is so funny. Because right now, I'm legitimately intimidated by him saying "I dragged you out of Hell. I can throw you back in." But I also know that later he's going to interrogate a cat and call *checks notes* the archangel Michael an assbutt

"Been On My Mind...": No, unless you count Dean's denial that he got "groped by an angel." (We're definitely winding down to the end of this segment, me thinks)

"Gridlock"

The only thing I remember about this episode is there's a scene with kittens crawling all over the Doctor...but then...that might have been strictly a behind the scenes gif I saw. We'll find out!

Oh, Doctor...it was cute to take Rose to New Earth after what your earlier regeneration did to her on their first trip, but taking Martha there...come on.

I know the Face of Boe is an ally to the Doctor, so why...is he sending the cat lady with what I can only assume is a laser gun after him??

Also, fitting (in a "the Doctor treats Martha like a poor replacement for Rose and not her own person" way) that they've been dropped in the lower levels of New New York *rolls eyes* I honestly just get mad at him for his treatment of her.

Yeah, bet you feel like shit now, Doctor...

Look, I'm not saying I'd buy feelings (literally, purchase emotions or statuses), but how is this the vendors' fault? They didn't do anything that got Martha kidnapped. They're simply providing a service

Wait. Wait. Wait. Is the implication that the human woman and the cat man had a litter of straight up kittens two months ago? Someone get me a Punnet Square!

How are married lesbians such a "modern concept" when you ARE A CAT MAN MARRIED TO A HUMAN WOMAN?! He literally called them SISTERS. BRUH.

There's something oddly reminiscent of the early days of covid with this episode, and it didn't hit me til the broadcast started playing a song that everyone on the motorway started singing. Everyone's in little pods sanctioned off from every other being, you never even actually see the people you're closest (physically or emotionally) to unless they're in your very small circle (of literally one or two others), there are superficial shows of being together (with some genuine ones), but there are still enough people who will take advantage of anything and everything they can get their hands on to make their own life easier...and also?? the government is completely failing them. The Doctor questions whether ANYONE has ever seen a police vehicle or ambulance.

Amazing how the Doctor forgot for a second that the cat nun nurses were growing people to hold all of New Earth's diseases...............

Oh fuck. I 1000% forgot that this was an episode about a virus that mutated...well, no fucking wonder the covid parallels stood out...

OH! OHHHHH!!! THE WAY THE ONE LOW KEY ON THE PIANO IS PLAYING IN SUCH WONDERFUL PERFECT 4:4 TIME!!! AS THE FACE OF BOE TELLS THE DOCTOR HE IS NOT ALONE. True, it's not the exact tempo as the sound of drums but FUCK is it delicious anyway

Ugh...THANK YOU, MARTHA. THANK YOU FOR DEMANDING BETTER FOR YOURSELF.

Episodes Since the Doctor's Last Attempted Genocide: 3

[katedrakeohd]

Like Father

Word count: 2908

.......

Author's Note: I wanted to get this posted for Father's Day but I got lost in Cordonia 1885 along the way, and had to make my way back. 😏😂

No warnings needed for this one, it's all emotional fluff and good feelings. You might need to keep a tissue handy though. I know I needed a few.

[Jackson Walker face claim: Jason Behr]

[Bianca Walker: Jason's wife KaDee Strickland]

[Young Drake: Atticus Behr]

Thank-you @ravenpuff02 for being my taste tester and giving me the thumbs up. 😊😂

.....

Summary: Drake and Kate are just settling in after welcoming home their newborn daughter Brooklyn. Drake receives a package from his Mom, that hits him right in the feelings and helps him reconnect with his Dad.

:: ♡♡♡ ::

- Like Father -

In the nursery at Valtoria manor, Drake and Kate Walker are spending some quiet time with their newborn daughter Brooklyn. Kate is sitting in the rocking chair cradling their little Beanie in her arms as she nurses. Drake is sitting on the rug nearby leaning up against the crib, watching them. Kate gently curls a lock of her daughter's silky fine hair around her finger, marveling at her delicate features as her tiny mouth and plump cheeks draw nourishment from her breast. She catches Drake's look of adoration and gives him a gentle smile.

"Hi there, Daddy," she says quietly.

Drake smiles back, whispering, "So how's our little girl doing?"

Brooklyn pauses her suckling, breathing a little sigh out of her nose, and then reaches out her tiny fingers to grasp the edge of Kate's robe. She looks up at her mother and blinks sleepily a few times before closing her eyes again and resuming her feeding.

Kate readjusts her hold on Brooklyn and gently rubs her back as she starts to rock, "We're doing just fine. She's looking sleepy but still seems to be hungry. Do you want to come over closer to see?"

Drake grins, an eager expression on his face as he gets up. "I'd love to. I can't help but feel a little envy at only being able to watch."

Kate giggles softly as she watches him come over to stand behind her chair. "Don't worry you'll have plenty of your own Daddy and daughter moments too."

Drake bends down to kiss Kate's cheek, placing his hands on her shoulders, and massaging gently with his thumbs. "Yes, I know. So how are you doing? Do you need anything?"

Kate sighs, enjoying the feel of Drake's warm hands. "Mmm, I could definitely get used to shoulder massages. I'm still adjusting to holding the weight of her in my arms for long periods of time."

Drake strokes his hand through her hair, dividing her long lengths and enjoying the way it waves and curls so easily as he coils and releases it from his fingers. Although it was too soon to tell, he hoped Brooklyn would have hair like Kate.

"Do you want me to get you a pillow? It would give your arms a break."

Kate tips her head back and gives him a grateful smile. "That would be wonderful. Oh, and a bottle of water?"

"Of course, anything for Mommy." He leans down to give her a kiss on the lips.

"Be right back."

On his way to the master suite, Drake meets up with his head housekeeper Marie in the hallway.

"Good morning Your Grace, how are Her Grace and the little one fairing today?"

Drake smiles at the older woman. Her jovial nature was a calming and supportive presence to have around during the settling in period for Kate and their baby. She was a mother herself and Drake appreciated her advice and suggestions.

"We're all doing well thanks. We even managed a few hours of sleep last night."

Drake rubs at the stubble on his cheek self consciously, knowing how tired he must look. He usually tried to maintain a semblance of tidiness and decorum around his household staff but Brooklyn's arrival had meant adapting to her needs over his own.

Marie juggles the laundry bundle she's carrying to hold it against her hip. She reaches out to pat Drake on the arm, giving him a warm sympathetic smile.

"I'm sure you'll do just fine. Being a new parent is an exciting and challenging time for everyone. If you need anything don't hesitate to let me or Gladys know right away."

"We will. Thanks Marie." Drake's conscience reminds him he was supposed to be doing something for Kate, and he tries to step by his housekeeper.

Marie snaps her fingers, as she remembers something else, "Oh speaking of Gladys, she wanted me to tell you that a package has arrived for you from your mother."

Drake can't hide his look of surprise, "Oh? Please have it sent up to the nursery for me."

Marie nods as she resumes her duties, "Right away, Your Grace."

Drake walks into their bedroom and makes his way to the wet bar he recently had installed. Since Christmas he'd overseen many renovations to the Manor. Despite it's stony castle type walls and grandeur the Manor at Valtoria was lacking in some modern comforts and amenities. Some bedrooms had only been heated by fireplace and were lacking any sort of heating in the bathrooms. Now they all had infloor heating.

Opening the mini-fridge behind the counter he selects a bottle of water, a cereal bar, and a cheese snack for Kate. When he had the fridge installed he'd imagined having alcohol in it, but thinking about it now he didn't see that happening anytime soon. He was a Dad now, and would probably have to keep his whiskey locked away. But that was ok. Whistling to himself he grabs a pillow off the bed and heads back to the nursery to his family.

Returning to the nursery he finds Kate lowering Brooklyn down into her crib. She smiles and beckons him over, whispering. "She just fell asleep. Is all that for me? You're so sweet honey."

Drake drops the pillow onto the rocking chair and slips his arm around Kate. "I brought you a little snack to keep your energy up."

Kate takes what he's offering and settles down onto the rug to eat her snack. Drake grabs the pillow and lays down beside her, propped up on his elbow. He lifts the hem of her robe and gently strokes her thigh as she opens her bottle of water.

Kate catches him staring at her, and reaches over to mess up his hair. "What are you staring at? I probably look terrible because I've barely slept."

He shakes his head and pulls her over to lean against him, folding his body around her. "No way. You're beautiful Kate. I could just sit here and watch you do anything all day."

Kate breaks off a piece of her cereal bar and feeds it to Drake. "Oh shush. You're just saying that because you're still traumatized from watching me squeeze out a baby."

Drake glances up at the crib as he chews, and then grins at Kate. "Seriously though, you're like my super hero. I'm never going to be able to look at your..uh. you know the same way again."

Kate pats him on the shoulder, "You'll get over it, and before long we'll be able to do things like we used to."

"How long do you think Brooklyn will sleep?"

Kate shrugs, biting off a piece of cereal bar. "It's hard to say, why?"

Drake hugs Kate around the middle and pulls her down to lay next to him. She giggles as he tucks his face into her neck and snuggles in close, his voice is muffled as he kisses her skin, "I say we should have a nap too."

"Right here on the floor?"

Drake nods, closing his eyes with a sigh. "Mmmhmm, and if she wakes up we won't be far away."

Gripping a handful of his shirt Kate soaks up Drake's body heat as she strokes his hair and kisses him on the forehead. She can't help but smile about the way Drake cuddles into her in the same way that she had just been cradling Brooklyn.

Drake inhales deeply, appreciating her scent. "Damn you smell good, different but good, it's almost like vanilla ice cream."

Kate laughs, "I've been breastfeeding. You probably smell the milk I've been leaking."

Drake shifts his position on the floor, running his fingers along the open edge of the silky fabric of her robe. "May I?"

Kate bites her lip as she feels his fingers graze against the delicate skin of her breast, seeing the curious look on his face. "You want to taste it don't you?"

Drake grins as he unties the belt on her robe and delicately lifts it away to expose her breasts. They're so beautiful and round and he gently cups one in his hand and marvels at the weight of it.

"Do they feel different? They definitely look different to me, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a guy who really likes his wife's boobs."

Kate laughs, "Of course they feel different. I need to buy a whole bunch of new bras to keep these puppies contained. And the leaking is totally random and I have to keep changing my shirt or whatever."

Drake gently strokes his thumb around the dusky pink rim of her areola and smiles as he sees a drop of milk start to form. Leaning in he collects it on his tongue, and then closes his lips around her nipple. She draws back when he tries to suck on it.

"Hey there Daddy. You only get a taste, so you better save the rest for Beanie."

Drake chuckles, then wipes his mouth. "Ok, I know she needs that more than I do. But damn that was sexy. How long before I can have you for myself?"

Kate sits up and reties her robe, smirking at Drake as he caresses her thigh. "Give me a few weeks, and let me consult my doctor. I know you're anxious, but Brooklyn is my top priority right now. Be patient."

Drake rolls over onto his back, folding his arms behind his head with a sigh. "I can be patient, dunno about lil Drake though. He has a mind of his own."

Kate gets up from the floor to check on Brooklyn. Out of the corner of her eye, she notices what Drake's talking about. "It's simply a mind over matter type of thing. Here's a suggestion, think of changing dirty diapers."

Drake grimaces, closing his eyes and chuckling quietly, "Oh yeah, that'll do it.

Kate strokes her finger down Brooklyn's soft cheek, watching her tiny hands flex and relax in her sleep. There's a quiet knock at the door and Drake sits up. "Oh right, my package."

Glancing at his lap, and raising an eyebrow Kate giggles, "Your what?"

Drake gets up and goes over to the door, "My Mom sent me a package."

Upon opening the door, Drake is greeted by a smiling Preston holding a cardboard box. "You opened it didn't you?" Drake frowns.

Preston nods, "Sorry Sir, I had to make sure it wasn't tampered with. Would it satisfy you to know there was nothing threatening inside?"

When he holds out the box, Drake takes it with a sigh. "Ok, fine. Just quit smiling at me, it's unsettling. Thank you, Preston."

Drake steps back and closes the door. When he turns, he sees Kate holding Brooklyn cradled to her chest, swaying her gently side to side.

"Oh, was that Preston?" she smiles, seeing Drake's stormy expression.

Drake doesn't answer, just rolls his eyes. He carries the box over and sets it down in the crib and opens the flaps. Kate peeks around Drake to see what's inside.

On top of various envelopes of pictures, a few smaller boxes and what looks like a folded up shirt, there is a folded piece of paper that looks like a letter.

Kate walks over to the changing table to check Brooklyn's diaper, leaving Drake alone with his things. Picking up the letter he reads:

Over at the changing table Kate hears Drake clear his throat, and when she glances over her shoulder she sees him fold up the letter and drying his eyes on his sleeve.

"Drake, honey? Are you ok?"

Leaning on the crib, and looking down at the box, Drake sniffs then mumbles, "I..I'm fine."

Kate shakes her head and then goes back to changing Brooklyn, "If you say so, but those are some fine looking tears. Seriously, what's in that box?"

Drake straightens up and tucks the letter into his back pocket, "Stuff that belonged to my Dad, and some photos and shit. Bring Beanie over and let me show you."

Kate uses a wet wipe to clean her hands, and then sanitizes before dressing her little Beanie in a fresh diaper shirt and then scoops her up into her arms. She kisses her on the forehead and then carries her over to see what has gotten Drake so emotional. "What's up Pop?"

Drake pulls an envelope of photos out of the box. "You never met my Dad, so I guess photos will have to do.”

The first photo they see is of Jackson and Bianca holding a very young Drake. He immediately blushes and tries to shuffle onto the next one.

Kate gasps putting her hand on his arm to stop him, "Awww, is that you? Oh my goodness look at those cheeks."

What about my cheeks?" Drake asks, feeling defensive. "They're perfectly boyish cheeks."

Kate giggles, "Oh I know."

Bringing Brooklyn up to her face she makes smacking noises as she smooches on her chubby cheek. "They're perfectly scrumptious. I bet your Mom gave you kisses and hugs all the time."

Drake shrugs, "I guess so. Doesn't every Mom?"

Kate shifts Brooklyn onto the other arm, untying her robe and letting her have some skin to skin contact up against her chest. "Not all Moms are the same."

Drake flips through more photos, stopping on one of his Mom and Dad kissing under one of the big trees at Walker Ranch.

"Heh, I know this tree." Drake chuckles, holding it out for Kate to see.

Kate smiles, "So do I. We kissed under it too."

The rest of the photos in the envelope show pictures of the ranch, including a young Drake sitting on a pony with a cowboy hat on his head and a big smile. He flips it over and sees cowboy Drake on Cinnamon written on the back.

Drake slips his arm around Kate's waist, pulling her to his side. “I loved that little pony.”

Kate smiles, leaning against his shoulder. “And some day Brooklyn will have her own little pony to love too.”

After looking through some other photos they swap it for another envelope. This one has fewer pictures in it. “Oooh,” Kate says, her face lighting up with surprise. “Is that really your Dad? I can definitely see the resemblance now.”

Drake rolls his eyes and tucks the picture back in the envelope, “Are you seriously going all weak in the knees for my Dad?”

Giving Brooklyn a gentle kiss on top of the head, Kate lays her down in her crib and grabs the envelope from Drake's hand and goes over to sit in the rocking chair. “Wow, you really do have the same Walker frown, and his smile.”

Drake just shakes his head and looks into the box for something else to look at. Picking up a familiar looking blue velvet box, he opened it to find his Dad's Guardian of the Realm medal. Lifting the medal away from the padding, he feels a sense of pride knowing he shares something in common with his Dad other than his genes. Closing the box again he tucks it away and takes out another rectangular shaped box. Opening it he finds his Dad's watch. Feeling a tightness in his chest, Drake chokes back a sob and his eyes start to burn with tears. Although he hated making a fuss about his own birthday as a kid, his Dad's birthday had always been a special occasion. Since his Dad was born in June, it usually meant taking a family camping trip on the weekend nearest his Birthday.

The watch he was holding in his hands was the last Birthday gift he'd ever received. Turning the watch over he sees the engraving that his Mom had gotten done on the metal case. A capital J and W were intertwined in a delicate script. Putting the watch away again in the box, he looked forward to storing it away with his own few pieces of jewelry in the wooden box on his dresser. Wiping his eyes, he realizes that Kate is watching him again.

“Must you stare at me when I'm feeling my most vulnerable?” he smirks, rubbing at the back of his neck and looking away.

Getting up from the rocking chair, Kate walks over to hug Drake from behind, and hands him the envelope of photos. With her cheek pressed up against his back, she rubs her hands up and down his chest. “It's ok Honey, you can cry in front of me whenever you need to. I'll never feel any less of you, or tease you about it.”

Drake clears his throat and glances over his shoulder at her, “But you already sort of did tease me about it not too long ago.”

“Well, yeah. Because you were trying to hide it. Just let it go Drake.”

Drake breathes in a shaky breath and covers Kate's hands with his own, his words coming out thick with emotion as he exhales. “Do..do you want to see what else is in the box?”

Kate gives him a squeeze, and sniffs back a tear of her own. “Ok, sure.”

“Let's turn on the baby monitor, and bring the box back to our room.” Drake suggests.

Kate nods, turning on the monitor hanging on the side of the crib and then follows Drake as he picks up the box and leads the way.

:: ☆☆☆ ::

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[books-and-dragons]

Congratulations on 400 followers! If you're still open to taking prompts, I got an AkiRyu idea in my head of Ryuji sending Akira text messages and voicemails while he's in prison after Christmas, just like general things of how things are going with him and the rest of the gang and of course telling him how much he misses him. Don't feel obligated but I thought I'd give it out!

THANK YOU!! And g o d when I read this prompt I fell in love with it, I am really sorry if it reads disconnected or anything along those lines at all…..this was such a good prompt and wow thank you for sending it to me!

Fandom: Persona 5Summary: Maybe, if he rang Akira’s number, he could pretend that it was all okay….that Akira could hear him, listen to him from Juvie. That he’d respond with snarky comments and carefully calculated plans to escape. Instead, he gets the same message every time.

‘You person you are calling is currently unavailable. Please leave a message after the tone’

The attic of Leblanc was empty, the only sign someone had been living there the odd trinkets lying around the room. Bedsheets folded neatly at the end of a bed, all properties orderly and clean. Crafting tools hidden away.

The one thing lying out of place was a phone, plugged in to the wall, abandoned.

Accidentally left on sound.

The first time it rang was just a matter of hours after the phone’s owner had left, gentle chiming breaking through the silence of the attic, past the loud outcries and sobs from downstairs.

“Hey, Akira? This is just some stupid prank, isn’t it- well you can stop it now! Come on dude it’s Christmas- let up the jokes for one day. We’re all waiting on ya- well, I am- but you’ve really convinced the others, they’re cryin’ and all. Talk about a harsh prank dude. Just get back here already, we’re waiting with your presents!”

The next time the phone rang, the voice on the other end wasn’t so cheerful.

“….Boss wasn’t joking, was he?…. DAMN IT! Why the HELL do you always have to turn yourself in?! Who gave you the right to decide what was right for the entire team?! We’ve just killed a God and now you’re leaving? To make some shitty police officers happy, are you kidding me?! Why do you ALWAYS have to do things on your own- did you ever even think to talk to us about it. Hell I was with you last night- what do you not trust me?! Is that was it is?! I-“

Another voice interrupted. Higher pitched, more feminine,

“Ryuji? RYUJI! Come on hang up-”

“No, Ann, get off!”

Something thudded to the ground, there was a flurry of rustling. The sounds of a struggle, a fight.

“Can’t you see we’re all upset-”

The line was cut off.

“A-Akira? S-sorry for the call earlier….I-I guess I got a bit worked up, huh?….Geez…”

A shuddering breath.

“Dude, this is my third call today….your voicemail’s gonna get totally packed….when’re you even gonna get to listen to them….”

A sniffle.

“Talk about a shit Christmas. We could barely focus, nobody was really in the mood for celebratin’….”

He took a deep breath, when he spoke again his voice was thick with emotion.

“Why did you have to go?”

“Hey….it’s me. Again. We held a meeting today, it’s not the same without you at the head of the table. Makoto keeps stopping to hear your confirmation but-” Another deep breath, “But you weren’t there. Between you and Morgana….the thieves feels empty.”

“We’re gonna get you out of there. Even if I’ve gotta do it myself.”

“Futaba asked me to go talk to her today, we met at Leblanc for coffee and curry. I think Boss has been hiding how much he misses you, today when he was serving us he went to tell you it’s your turn on dishes-”

There was a pause.

“He didn’t say much after that, but apparently he’d been all ‘mopey’ too- Futaba mentioned adoption. I dunno if it was a joke or not, but I think he should. And not just because that would mean you’d stay with us- with me- once you’re back. I mean…there’s still your parents, but you don’t mention them at all. I know we already talked about this, but I mentioned it to Ma and….well….dude, do they even know what’s happened to you?”

“Anyway, Futaba’s apparently been going through your phone and she saw all my voicemails. I thought she was gonna laugh at me, but she just wanted to talk it over, she reckons it’s a good idea, and promised she wouldn’t mention it to anyone else.”

“She’s called for another thieves meeting tomorrow, apparently it’s about what she found on your phone. But you know Futaba, she’ll not say anythin’ just to watch us suffer…..I’ll call back tomorrow and tell you what she says.”

“We’re getting you out.”

Unhesitating, the words rushed out in a flurry of excitement.

“Futaba found the contacts of all those friends of yours on ya phone, and we’re gonna try recruiting them to help out! By the way dude, just how many people do you know?! An effin’ fortune teller? Really?”

The laughter was light, relaxed, a tone completely contrasting from past calls.

“Apparently Makoto wants ‘words’ about that guy from Untouchable, but I dunno why she was so surprised. Maybe it was when Futaba mentioned he probably had been in the Yakuza- by the way, if that’s true, you gotta tell me everything!…Right after I kick your ass for associating with the Yakuza to start with.”

“We’re all meeting up tomorrow to make an actual plan.”

There was a long pause.

A deep breath.

“It’s New Years tomorrow.”

When the voice returned, it was back to the heavy, emotive tone the voicemail system had been receiving so frequently

“It’s New Years and you’re stuck in a jail cell. Cold and alone. It’s complete BULLSHIT!”

Something clattered in the background.

“We were supposed to spend New Years together! Share one of those stupid kisses that all couples do for the new year, and you’d get all blushy about it because you’re such a sap for romance, and we’d be together and happy and for FUCK SAKE IT ISN’T FAIR!”

Choked sobs broke him off, before the message was promptly cut.

In the pitch-black of the Leblanc attic, the screen of a phone broke through the darkness, chiming ringtone cutting through the silence.

A minute passed, and the alert of a voicemail pinged.

“Happy New Years, Akira!”

The voice, initially cheerful, fell flat. Dull and tired.

“….I miss you. It was worse, being in Shibuya, watching all the other couples kiss with the New Year, knowin’ you’re not there. Knowin’ that your miles away, locked awa-”

The voice hitched. A deep breath.

“No. I’m not going there again. Our plan!  Let’s focus on the plan….” Another heavy sigh, before his voice lightened, “We’re all goin’ to track down and talk to your ‘friends’, try persuade them to campaign for your release. Hell it’s you, as if they’re gonna say no. How can anyone say no to you….”

In the background, cheers of merriment echoed.

“I swear Akira, we’re going to get you out of there.”

“It took us a few days- but we found everyone! And they agreed to help! Dude, this is great!”

A light chuckle and whooping cheer of victory.

“I dunno what stuff you’ve been up to, but they all claimed they were in your debt- you’re incredible, ya know that?  You’re finally gonna get outta that hell hole!”

…

…

“Hey….Makoto mentioned something today, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it….the police, they’re treatin’ you okay, right? I-I mean, last time they had you-”

A hitch of breath, ragged breathing,

“I-I can’t take that again Akira, I can’t. Every time I think about it all I see is you, all bruised and brok-broken-”

A cry,

“This is all my fault. I shoulda stayed with you that night, stopped you goin’ the next mornin’. I knew somethin’ was wrong and I said nothing- godDAMMIT!”

A dull thud cut through the sobs, as if something had just been kicked.

“Some shitty boyfriend I am, can’t even protect you from this. How useless.”

There was a soft flump, as if the speaker had taken a seat.

“I miss you. Shit Akira I miss you so much. Nothing’s the same here with you gone. Shujin’s so much more quiet, sure there’s Ann and Makoto and Haru, but it’s not the same. I never know what to do with myself, I can’t go the the gym because we always train there together, the Arcade is too empty without you there….I forgot how alone I was until I had you, and now I don’t know what to do without you.”

More sniffles, a muffled whimper,

“I’ll get you back Akira. I promise.”

The January chill was only broken by the sun breaking through the windowpanes of Leblanc’s attic, the cold being of little deterrence to the functionality of the phone on the workbench, as it began to ring again.

“Hey man, you wouldn’t believe the gossip at Shujin right now. Apparently, word got out about you bein’ in juvie, and at the same time as people started hearing that you were testiyin’ against Shido. Those rumours started last week, but it’s gotten worse…..everyone’s pretty much convinced you’re leader of the Phantom Thieves.”

Briefly, there was a jingle, as if something were being fidgeted with.

“It got outta hand before we could do anything about it. Besides, since those rumours people are lookin’ at us even more weird than usual- it’s kinda creepy. At least you don’t have to be dealin’ with that right now…. Makoto says it’s only a matter of time before someone asks us about it though. Geez can’t people mind their own business….”

A loud bell chimed, deafening even across the phone.

“Well, that’s the end of classes. I said I’d meet Ann, we’re gonna go check up on the progress with that weird doctor round the corner from Leblanc. By the way, we’ve gotta talk about that when you get back, doing shady ‘clinical trials’…. what the hell man….”

“It’s been a week since I left you a message….sorry about that man. Everything’s been so busy, plannin’ the whole campaign and shit to get you outta juvie, never had time to make a call….but it’s all worth it, because once that journalist finishes her article, the campaign will be finished! All those friends of yours really pulled through. Hell, you’re all buddy buddy with a politician?! Dude!”

“I can’t believe it’s nearly over.” They sighed, “We’ve been working to this for weeks. Once Sae hands over the case file, there’s no way the judge won’t overturn your arrest! She doesn’t know much about what they’ll do with the whole ‘record’ thing, but still….”

“I can’t wait to have you back.”

The attic of Leblanc was spotless, polished and dusted surfaces, fresh linen sheets over the bed in the far corner of the room, ordered stack of ‘borrowed’ DVDs on the side. Various trinkets reflected the light from the sun streaming in through the windows.

All ready for the return of its inhabitant.

The only current occupant of the room grinned around at it, slumping onto the worn sofa as he dug out his phone, one hand tapping onto the phone number was was all too familiar, the other running through his bleached locks, fingers lightly tugging at strands as he hit the green call button.

Ironic, he couldn’t help but think, as the phone rang just feet from him, that default pinging sound Akira seemed to use for all his alerts. He let it ring.

Eventually, he was sent to voicemail.

“Well dude, today’s the day! You’re gettin’ outta juvie!” Ryuji grinned, “Everyone went all out, we’re gonna surprise you when you get here- Boss is already on his way. He’s gonna be hours early but when Futaba pointed that out he didn’t really seem to care. The sooner you get your ass back the better, if ya askin’ me!”

Ryuji played with a loose hem on the sofa, “It’s just gonna be the thieves, and I mean don’t get me wrong I love those guys but….is it selfish for me to wish they weren’t coming over? That it was just you and me?”

He sighed, pulling at the thread, “I haven’t seen you in nearly 2 months, all I wanna do is pull you close, and spend all night cuddlin’ and holdin’ you under the blankets, make up for all them days we lost while you’ve been gone…but no. I have to share. I’m your effin’ boyfriend, don’t that mean I get boyfriend privileges? Like the privilege to kick our friends outta Leblanc?”

Ryuji dropped the thread, a soft smile on his face.

“Suppose if you were here you’d tell me to be patient right? Well, I’m done being patient! When you get here, I ain’t lettin’ you go! Screw anyone else feelin’ uncomfortable or shit!”

It was at that moment that a chime rang throughout the cafe, and Ryuji groaned.

“Bet that’s Yusuke, why the dude always turns up early I dunno…..”

Slowly, one thumb ran over the back of his phone.

“I suppose I oughta go say hi, right? Fine. But only cos I know next time I talk to you, it’ll mean I can hold you, you’ll be here, with me, back where you belong…..and I ain’t ever letting you go again.”