#tired dad is holding his kiddo so he behaves

[phantom-of-the-ruckus]

Dadbastian Sketch!

I finished plotting the backstory/and prequel for probably a project for next year.

I wanted to do some de-stress sketch, but also wanted to join the cool Dadbastian kids (Can I join you guys?/nf)

IDK the contest, but Seb is just holding the angry brat XD

[lovehypegirl]

LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER (2)

SYNOPSIS: BEING MANAGER NAM'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER WARNINGS: NONE NOTES: NONE WC: 1.7K

In his opinion, you were easier to handle as a child since you were very predictable

He knew when you were hungry, when you were tired, when you were sick, when you were thirsty, when you wanted to play

But now you're a teenager, you weren't as vocal and a little more closed off

Until he got used to your new teenage mannerisms, he would have to ask you how you were feeling

Also, he did not put up with your attitude. He was a rather firm father and he had no problem with telling you when your attitude was out of line

"(name)" he said in a firm manner. "I'm not sure if my absence has caused you to think that you could act out of line but that is not what's going on" he looked you in the eye

You looked to the side trying to avoid his firm gaze "'m sorry". Your fifteen-year old self felt like a soldier under his disciplining gaze

"I know you are, so you need to change your behavior from now on, do you understand me?" he placed his hands on your shoulders

"Yes, dad" you nodded "I understand"

"Good"

He had placed you in martial arts from childhood and here you were in your teenage years competing

Whenever you stood in the center fighting against another teen your age he would always be giving you a critical eye and criticisms after your matches

But as always, he praised you. You were his daughter. The daughter of A.R.E.S' 'world class' fighter. His genes went strongly. No wonder you always won first place.

"Your arm could have been higher for your third block"

"Dad, this ain't a battleground...it's a martial arts match" you pointed your first place trophy at him

He ruffled your head messing up your hair "I know, I know. You did good, as always kiddo"

After Minjis kidnapping arc, his first idea was to make sure you never ran into Manager Kim, Jincheol Park, and Hansu Seong

Okay, so that didn't work

Apparently, you attended the same school as Dabin so Jincheol got a hold of you and told you that your father was in the hospital (he also included that he was the one who beat your father up)

Jincheol pulled him into the 'dad's-with-daughters-club' which Nam did not want to be in but really didn't have a choice since you don't exactly oppose Jincheol

You easily got along with Jincheol who was going on and on about how Nam had raised an amazing daughter who was mature and well-behaved and such and such and how he wished how that you were friends with Dabin and Jesus Christ his smile probably stretched over his face and around the world when you told him that you and Dabin had your duo

He went on and on about how much you looked like your father and how Nam should be proud of having a daughter like you

(They did apologize for beating up your father)

And GOD FORBID you date Taehun Seong, Nam would NOT be happy

I'm sure he'd live with it but would not like it. Like at all

"Really? Him?"

You blinked a few times "Were you expecting me to bring Choi San in through the door?"

"With how much you talk about him? Yes"

"Well- okay fair"

He doesn't really understand k-pop but he'll buy you albums whenever you ask, he'll get you everything you need for your photocards, he'll buy you concert tickets and whatnot

Anything to keep you from running your mouth about all the concepts he doesn't understand, granted he's an ex-mercenary

He loves you dearly, but he doesn't care about Wonyoungism. But he'll buy your skincare

Does he know what salicylic acid is and what it does? No, but he trusts you to know what you're buying

And although he loves you dearly, he DESPISES parent-teacher conferences (he's had a few of your female elementary school teachers hit on him before)

When he gifts you things for christmas it's gifts like vinyl, kpop albums, makeup (that you make a list for), new shoes, clothes, ect

But for your birthday, he gifts more precious items, as he sees your birthday to be of highest importance. He's gifted you Cartier, Van Cleef, and would have you

He encourages you to do what you want but there are some jobs he's restricted you from. Like the military. But he did allow you to join the JROTC since he thought it would push you towards ideas of valor and loyalty. He doesn't want you to end up like him, stuck in a mercenary group with killing everyone being the only way out. Doesn't matter if naval aviation is different from the AKL

"C'mon, I wanna be a pilot!" you said as you lifted yourself up and down on the counter in a vertical press-up fashion

"Then fly an airplane" he said nonchalantly

"I don't wanna fly a commercial plane! I wanna fly a fighter jet!" you leaned on the kitchen counter as he cut up the vegetables in precise pieces

"Doesn't matter, it's not happening pet"

"Ughhhh"

Imagine you're someone who enjoys true crime and you're sitting on the couch watching a particular gruesome episode of your favorite show while you're waiting for your dad to come home

You sat on the couch with your knees drawn to your chest as Chicago PD played on the screen. Your heard your father come in through the front door

You heard your fathers footsteps stop behind the couch as the tv screen showed the cops pulling a decapitated body out of the water and cutting to a scene of the decapitated head

"What on Earth are you watching" he said

"Chicago PD. It's getting good" you replied, not even turning around but keeping your eyes glued to the screen as they gave a close-up of the body

"Jesus. Whatever happened to Bluey or Kipper the Dog?" he asked as he tossed his suit jacket onto a nearby chair

"Dad quiet, they're examining the body" you held up your pointer finger to 'shush' him

He usually doesn't fuss too much over your grades (I don't think he did that well in school) but he just cares about the effort that you put in towards your grades more so than the result

When you were younger, you got a really bad grade on a certain subject so when you got out of school, you ran home and dug through your mailbox to find your report card and tuck it into your pants and you shuffled through the house heading through barricade "Dad" giving him robotic one worded response

You tucked the report card under your mattress and hid in your room the rest of the evening and shuffled downstairs for dinner

The entire meal you avoided his eyes and he had to bribe it out of you with cake and a trip to the zoo

He wasn't mad at you for the bad grade but he was disappointed that you hid the report card

You stopped hiding your report cards since your grades got better and in your teen years, you had no reason to hide report cards since your school had a website for parents to check on grades

Additionally, when you were little, he didn't know anything about what clothes little girls liked to wear so he bought what you pointed your finger at

You ended up with a leather aviator hat with goggles that you begged your dad for at the Intrepid in New York City, a baseball shirt, cargo shorts with a water gun tucked into your waistband

like this (You were also the pinnacle of Yotsuba from Yotsuba&! when you were a child)

or you would wear a tutu instead of shorts with knee-high socks with stripes and hot pink sneakers and it was fashion

In your teen years, he would just give you his card to shop with for all your clothes

Messy pigtails with bows that would be crazy lopsided at the end of the day turned into long hair pulled back neatly into a claw clip

Dirty fingernails from catching cicadas turned into perfectly manicured fingers wrapping your knuckles in tape after a match

Wet t-shirts from spending afternoons catching frogs turned into feet in the water while fishing with Nam in the summer

A portrait of you and him stood proudly on his nightstand. Him in his military uniform and you in your JROTC uniform. He looks at it every day and brought it with him to the A.R.E.S base

And cause you learn to fight, you've gotten into a few fights with girls at school who've tried to pour milk on you but you pulled a pocket knife on them

The car ride home was silent as Nam drove you back from school. Early pick up and a four day suspension. You poked at the leather of the BMW car seat mentally preparing for whatever lecture your father was going to give you He slowed the car down at a red light and let out a sigh The signature dad 'I'm gonna say something to scold you' sigh. Nam could swear up and down that he's never sighed like that until you came along "y/n" he began and you slowly looked over at him "If you were going to fight then you should've kept it under wraps. I thought that I had taught you to plan for damage control" "Um" how were you supposed to respond to that? "Now, I don't know what this girl did to make you lash out - so much so as you pulled a knife on her-" Nam said as the light turned green and he began to drive again "Oh please, it was a Swiss Army Knife. Those are lousy weapons" "Do you think the school board cares about that? Especially since "Her father is on the school board" "Her father is on the school board" You said as the same time "Yeah yeah" you waved it off. "He can't expell me I'm the best student AND! The school won't release this to keep their image good" you looked over at him "The only issue is shutting up the dad" you said as you pointed your finger at him "First of all, put your finger down. Secondly, don't change the subject - I'll deal with you at home. And thirdly, leave her father to me"

Tbh, he never understood half of what you did (or said) but you were his only daughter and he loves you so much

© 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙃𝙔𝙋𝙀𝙂𝙄𝙍𝙇 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 | modification and translation of my works on any platforms are strictly prohibited

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Two

~ The unusually warm end-of-April breeze caught your mousy brown hair, sending it fluttering around your face. You put the grocery list Gator gave you into your purse as you walked down the porch steps. When your eyes left your bag, they met Kayce's smiling eyes. 

"Violet!" Tate grinned as you walked up to him. He was with Kayce, John, and Lloyd, an older, grey-haired cowboy who worked on the ranch that you had quickly become friends with, watching as they saddled up their horses. 

"Violet." John greeted with a smile. "Since you have your bag, I'm guessing Gator's sending you grocery shopping." 

"Yes, he is." 

"You can use the truck parked by the house. The keys are in it." He pulled his wallet out and pulled out a credit card. "Remember the PIN?"

"Mhm."

"Can I come with you?" Tate asked as he hopped off the fence. 

John chuckled. "I thought you wanted to come for a ride while we check fences." 

"I'd rather go with Violet."

"She probably doesn't want to have to keep an eye on some kid when she can finally get some peace and quiet from the ranch," Kayce said with a crooked grin. 

"I don't mind."

"We'll be out there most of the afternoon though."

"It's okay." You assured the handsome cowboy. "I finished everything on my list for today so I was thinking of doing some baking when I got back."

"Ooo, I'll help."

Kayce leaned against the fence across from you. The sudden closeness caused your heart rate to increase. "You don't have to say yes."

You swallowed as your hands started to sweat. "He can come." 

"So, can I, dad? Please."

"As long as you behave and listen to Violet."

"Yay!" Tate's small hand grabbed yours. "Let's go before he changes his mind."

You laughed as he pulled you towards the black truck with the ranch logo on its doors. While you let Tate climb up and crawl across to the passenger seat, you glanced behind you. Kayce was watching you with a smile on his face. John noticed and nudged Lloyd, who looked from the boss's son to you, and grinned. You gave your head a quick shake and got behind the steering wheel. No, I can't. No...

*****

"So, what do you think?" Kayce asked.

"He's beautiful." You gushed while you pet his dark brown and khaki-colored horse. A small giggle escaped when it nuzzled its nose into your hand. "What's his name?"

He watched you with a smile on his face. "He uh, he doesn't have a name."

"He doesn't have a name?! I thought all cowboys named their horses."

"I guess I haven't found the right one yet." While you brushed the horse's velvety black nose, Kayce walked up beside you. "He likes you. Usually, he's not this calm." One hand reached for its halter while the other scratched its long face. His hand brushed against yours, you quickly dropped yours to your side. 

"Maybe he's just tired."

"Maybe he just likes you." He smirked playfully and you couldn't help but grin. 

"Well, I have to go pick up Tate. Have fun with your lazy horse." You teased but he quipped right back.

"Have fun with my crazy kid."

"Like father, like son." 

He started laughing. "Alright, you win this one."

"Name your horse!" You called out as you walked away with a smile on your face. The smile started to fade as memories of your past started seeping in. They took hold and filled your head with questions, doubt. So, you pushed aside the feelings that started bubbling up whenever Kayce was within sight and got in the truck, and drove off the yard.

*****

You walked past the barn to the corral where Lloyd, Rip, and John were leaning against the fence. John had agreed to take in a horse that had been severely mistreated and the vet dropped her off an hour ago. "Hey."

"Hey, kiddo." Lloyd, the sweet cowboy who reminded you of your neighbors, greeted. 

"How is she doing?"

The three men exchanged glances. "Well, seeing as the horse whisperer hasn't been able to get within ten feet of her, I'm gonna say not very good," Rip informed.

Your eyes went to Kayce, who was standing inside the corral. He had heard you talking and looked over, giving you a small smile before focusing back on the thin dapple gray horse. You watched him talk softly and slowly step closer but she would run to a different part of the fenced-in pen. When he tried again, she reared up. 

"That's all she's been doing. She's the frailest looking horse I've seen but she won't go eat." John looked over at the bucket of oats sitting in the middle of the corral.

Your eyes went to the horse again as she let out a scared cry when Kayce tried to step closer and your heart broke for her. You stepped through the fencing and started making your way toward her. 

"Violet," Lloyd called from the other side of the fence but you kept going. 

Kayce turned to see what was going on. His eyes widened when he saw you in the middle of the pen. "Violet." He hurried over while keeping an eye on the horse to make sure she didn't charge. "Violet, it's not safe for you in here." He reached for you and tried to turn you around and lead you back to where you crawled through but your feet stayed firmly planted in place. "It's dangerous for you in here. Please. I don't want you to get hurt."

"She's not dangerous. She's terrified." You placed your hands on his arms and gently pushed them off of your waist. The horse stayed frozen in place as you took a few steps toward her. "The person who had her was a man wasn't it?"

"Yes," John answered.

You exchanged looks with John before taking another slow step forward. "Hi, pretty girl." Your voice was soft as you continued to move closer. "You're okay." She neighed and took a step back so you stopped walking and sunk onto the sandy dirt.

"What are you doing?" Kayce asked from a few feet behind you. 

"We don't know what she went through with the guy who had her. You're expecting her to just get over it and trust you after an hour. Plus, you're a guy, so I'm guessing that's going to automatically be a point against you. I'm done everything inside so I can hang out with her. You probably have a bunch of other stuff to do anyway."

Kayce looked at three men standing on the other side of the fence, his dad nodded. "Okay, but I'm staying here." He looked back at John who nodded again.

You glanced over your shoulder to the worried cowboy in the pen with you. "I'm pretty sure if she wanted to trample me she would have done it by now." He didn't move so you sighed. "Could you at least go stand closer to the fence? I promise if she does decide to try and kill me I won't sue you." 

He gave you an amused smirk before walking over to where his dad and the other two cowboys standing and grinning. "That girl sure is something, isn't she?" Rip chuckled.

"She sure is." Kayce agreed quietly as he watched you sitting there drawing designs in the dirt with a piece of straw and softly mumbling to the horse.

After almost an hour, she took a cautious step toward you. "Whenever you decide to come all the way over, I have a treat for you in my pocket." You looked across the ten feet that still separated you. "I've never seen a horse like you before, grey and spotted. Once you get settled and gain back some weight you'll be the prettiest one on the ranch. Well, you already are but you know what I mean. All of the other horses are going to be jealous. Scratch that, all the other horses in Montana are going to be jealous." She took another small step closer. You looked at the pail of oats a couple of feet behind you then back to her. "If I get a handful and throw them over there it will probably scare you. Plus, I doubt you'd want to get a mouthful of dirt when you eat them off the ground. You're not a bird. They'll be waiting for you when you're ready." You smiled when she moved closer, stopping five feet in front of you this time. "Hi, there." You slowly reached into your pocket and pulled out five sugar cubes. "I brought these for you." You held your hand out. 

The mare looked at your hand then back to you for a few seconds before she came over and ate the sugar cubes. After she stuck her neck out so she could sniff your hair. "Hi, pretty girl." The hand that she ate from came up and rested on the side of her face when she smelled your leg. "Can I get up so I can properly pet you?" You asked as you ever so slowly stood up. She took a step back but when you held your hand out she came back. Now that she was close enough you could see scars scattered across her body and neck. Tears pricked your eyes. "He's not going to hurt you anymore." You continued to pet her face and neck while fighting back tears.

"I'm going to see if I can bring the pail over," Kayce said after a few minutes. 

"It's alright." You soothed when she whinnied after Kayce picked up the pail and inched closer. "He's not going to hurt you. Remember what we talked about, you getting better? He's going to help with it." 

When Kayce was within arms reach, he held the oats out to her. She warily sniffed at the pail and his hands and when he passed the test, she started to eat. "There you go, girl."

You shifted so she could eat easier, your hand sliding to the right side of her face. A lump rose in your throat when you found another scar between her mouth and eye.

"Violet?"

"Hmm?" You tore your eyes away from it and looked up.

"Are you okay?"

You looked past him and saw that John had come in and was a few feet away with a bucket of water. "Mhm, I'm fine."

Kayce stepped aside so his dad could take his place now that the oats were gone. "Hey there, girl." John's voice was soft and after cautiously smelling him, she took a drink. "I know you've been through a lot and it's hard to trust us but you're safe here. He's never going to hurt you again."

You looked at John who was standing on the other side of the horse. His eyes pierced yours and you knew he wasn't just talking to the battered mare. Kayce looked from his dad to you before your eyes quickly dropped. "I should go pick up Tate." 

"I already sent Rip to get him so you can be with her." He set the pail down and pet her neck. 

"What's her name?" 

"She doesn't have one," Kayce informed as he pet the mare's neck next to your hand. 

"I think you should name her," John said. "She likes you so I think she outta be yours." He added with a small smirk.

You looked up at him with wide eyes. "What?"

"You can't live on a ranch and not have a horse. You're the best damn housekeeper we've had so we sure as hell aren't going to get rid of you. Plus, I'm pretty sure Tate would kill us if we did."

"That he would," Kayce added chuckling. 

"The only reason you'd leave is if you decide you want to." 

You thought back to the conversation you had with him, Jamie, and Lee and to what he told the frightened mare. There's no paper trail, it's in the middle of nowhere...he could be right. I could be safe here... "Storm. She's weathered her storm and the color and patterns of her coat make her look like one."

"It's perfect." John nodded. "I'll leave you two to it." 

Kayce studied you while you were lost in thought, mindlessly running your fingers over the scar on her face. His eyes went to the scar on the right side of your face that ran from just above your jaw up to your cheekbone. He brushed his fingers against yours as he pet her and it brought you back to the present. "What's going on in that pretty head?" 

You glanced over at him and saw his gaze on the horse but you couldn't help but think the question was meant for you. Pink tinged your cheeks. "So, umm, now that she's not quite as scared anymore, what's next?"

"I'd like to try and get a halter on her." You nodded so he went to grab the one he brought out earlier that was hanging on the gate. When he came back, Storm squealed. 

"Shh," you soothed as you gently stroked her neck, "it's okay." 

Kayce reached out to pet her but she stepped back. "Easy girl." He stepped towards her again but this time instead of retreating she reared up. Kayce immediately wrapped his arms around you and pulled you out of the way. As he backed up, you stumbled over your feet and you both fell to the ground. He quickly covered you with his body, protecting you from Storm in case she decided to rear again. You both lay there trying to catch your breath from the sudden commotion. "Are you okay?" He looked down at you with worried eyes. 

"I-I'm good." Nervousness filled you as the cowboy hovered over you. Storm wandered over and sniffed at his shoulder and you couldn't contain yourself, a giggle left your lips and his concern was replaced with a warm smile. You swallowed when his eyes flicked to your mouth. The sound of your pounding heart filled your ears. 

"Dad! Violet!" Tate called out causing you both to quickly separate and sit up. 

Kayce cleared his throat. "Hey, buddy."

Your cheeks were on fire as Kayce held out his hand to you after he stood up. You placed your hand in his and he helped you to your feet. A shy smile graced your lips before your hand left his and you looked at his son. "Hi."

"Rip picked me up from school. He doesn't talk very much but he's pretty nice. Is that horse sick? It's so skinny you can see its ribs. What's its name? Can I come pet it?"

"Did you thank him for picking you up?"

"Yes." Tate groaned while rolling his eyes. 

You bit your lip to keep from laughing, Kayce gave you an amused grin before answering the rest of his questions. "She's not sick. The man who had her didn't take care of her and he hurt her. She's still pretty scared so you can't pet her yet."

"Is the man going to get her back?" 

"No, he's never going to get her back. She's going to stay here."

"And, she's going to be Violet's horse. She named her Storm." Lee added as he came up behind Tate. 

Kayce's son looked back at the horse. "She kind of looks like one."

"So, I picked the right one?"

"Yep." He grinned. "Are you done out here? Can you help me with my math homework?"

"Violet and your dad are still working with Storm so I can help you."

"It's probably a good idea your uncle helps you because I suck at math." 

"Alright." Tate sighed.

Lee chuckled and placed his hands on Tate's shoulders. "Come on little man. There are a couple of chocolate chip muffins left that you and Violet made yesterday with our names on them." He gave you both a cheeky grin before guiding Tate towards the house.

You took a deep breath before looking back to Kayce. "Well umm, that didn't go quite as planned."

"No, it didn't." His brown eyes sparkled as his hand came up. You stayed stone still. He smiled down at you while he pulled a piece of straw out of your hair. "Ready to try this again?"

"Mhm." His perfect smile formed and he picked up the halter lying on the ground. You walked over to the malnourished horse, talking softly. "You have a name now and from what just happened, it suits you even more." She took a step towards you and your hands caressed her face. "Storm. If you're feeling feisty, Stormy."

Kayce came up beside you and she backed up. Your shoulders slumped. "Try petting her again, I have an idea. Stay in front of her."

"I'll make you a deal," your voice was quiet as she let you come over and pet her face, "if you let him put the halter on you, I'll get you some more treats." You felt someone standing behind you and you stiffened. 

"Just keep doin' what you're doin'." 

The images of Nick that invaded your head scattered when you heard Kayce's voice and you relaxed. "I could get you a carrot or an apple this time." You offered as Kayce reached around you and started slowly sliding the halter on her. Storm whinnied but stayed in place while you stroked her long face. "Those are the only things I know you can eat but I think you'll like them." 

"Peppermints," Kayce said next to your ear as he buckled the halter. The butterflies in your stomach started flapping their wings. "Raisins are another good one." He scratched Storm's face before dropping his arms. 

Your eyes watched him as he went to get a lead rope he had draped over the gate but quickly looked away and focused on the horse in front of you. It wasn't a good idea, no matter how you felt when you were near him. 

After coming back and clipping the rope onto Storm's halter, he handed it to you. "Just take it slow. If she pulls back or rears up, drop the rope. I'll be right here." 

You nodded. "Come on, Storm. When you're done with this, we will get you settled in your new stall." After walking until the rope was stretched out you stopped. Storm stood there looking at you. "It's okay, girl. We're just going to go for a little walk." You held your hand out and she walked up to you. "Now you just have to walk with me. It'll be a lot easier for me to tell you about your new home if you do." You took a couple of steps while continuing to scratch her neck, and she stayed by your side. After a few more feet, your hand left her but she continued walking next to you. A smile lit up your face and your eyes shot to Kayce. He was grinning right back at you.

*****

"Are you ready?" Kayce asked as he pet the palomino horse he saddled up and brought out to the corral.

"Umm," you looked up at the saddle and then at the cowboy, "I don't really need to know how to ride a horse. I know I live on a ranch but I'm not a cowboy. I clean and bake."

"You don't have to be scared."

"Oh, I'm sorry, but have you seen the size of him?!"

He chuckled. "Blue Jeans is the oldest horse here. He's been around since I was a kid."

"I've heard stories of you and him from Rip and Lloyd."

"Yeah, and now he's old and lazy. You're going to be fine." 

You took a deep breath before putting your foot in the stirrup. As you went to pull yourself up, a fly buzzed around Blue Jeans' face before it bit him, startling the poor horse. He reared up slightly. It was enough for your hand to slip off the saddle horn and you fell backward. 

"Letty!" Kayce reached out and caught you, pulling you tightly against him. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" 

"I-I'm okay." After catching your breath your turned to face him with a furrowed brow. "Did you just call me Letty?"

"I uh...yeah, I did. I'm sorry, it just slipped out."

"No, it's okay. No one calls me that. I...I like it."

He smiled down at you. "Well, Letty, are you ready to try again?"

"You're joking, right? You saw what just happened."

"It wasn't his fault. Really, he's harmless."

"I don't think today is the right day for me to learn. I don't..."

His eyes went to your trembling hands. "We can call it a day and try another time."

"You're probably busy anyway and I have to go pick up Tate soon. He said he wanted to roast marshmallows this weekend. We'll be home a bit later than usual so we can pick up what we need. Plus, I need to get a few things for Gator."

"Yeah, no worries." He fell into step with you and headed back towards the barn. 

"You probably think I'm some dumb city girl who's scared of a horse."

"No, you're great with Storm. I have faith you'll get it."

"That makes one of us." You laughed as you stopped in front of the barn. "Thanks for not making fun of me," your attention went to the lazy horse and scratched his neck, "and thank you for not squishing me. See you later."

"Yes, you will." Kayce grinned as he watched you make your way to the house.

[cottoncandyreaper]

((I really do love writing Red as a dad, it's so fluffy and just super fun to see him in that light))

"I got a work function event tonight honey, ya ain't goin with me and I ain't about to not go cuz you're cryin' so ya better figure out what to do about those tears before Uncle Grillby gets here."

"B-but I don't w-want you to go!"

"Baby bones you're dustin me darlin." He sighed.

It had just passed five months being on the surface, there were still rough patches between the humans and more deadly monsters but after acquiring a good job and settling in things seemed to have calmed at least for the skeleton family. Besides Winfred having separation anxiety recently it hadn't been so bad given that Red barely ever left her at home. It was either school or always with him...yeah, something he needed to work on for sure.

"Winfred go, let Daddy get ready baby bones and we'll talk before I go."

The crying only continued shaking her head reaching for him more.

"Oh man kiddo...what should I do with you honey?"

Scooping up his little human all he could do was coddle her swaying and rubbing her back. Little hands latched onto his clothes so tight while hiccuping with shakes hiding away in his neck.

"I won't be gone all night, I'll be back to tuck you into bed I promise."

"N-no!"

"No you don't want me to tuck you in?"

"N-no! D-don't go! Stay h-home D-Daddy!"

Leaning his skull against her head he shushed her gently moving to sit on the bed wrapping his arms more tightly around her hugging her as closely as he could.

"Breath Winfred...you're gonna get a head pain and then you really won't be happy."

The hard crying became a mix of hard choked sobs, coughing and whines. It took a good amount of time to calm her down when these panics hit but Red had gained a quick and effective method to deal with them. Nothing like being squeezed tight by your dad as he sways side to side humming your favorite lullaby. Little arms moved after a few quiet minutes drying stained cheeks and pushing messy red hair out of her face. The tension finally melted away as she leaned more comfortably into Red's frame laying her cheek on his shoulder twirling his shirt between her fingers as the final shaky breath was heard.

"Ya feelin better now baby bones?"

"....y-yeah..."

"Can we talk now without anymore cryin'?"

"Yeah."

He wanted to sit her up and have her look at him but some parental urge told him to keep on with the cuddles and nuzzles.

"This is the first time that my work is havin' a function for us. It won't be very long at all, two-maybe two in a half hours long tops. And you know I work really close to home and can be back super fast. So I need you to be good and hang out with Uncle grillby and make sure he behaves okay? I promise promise promise that I'll be home to tuck you in bed okay?"

She tensed up a bit whining but a reassured squeeze stopped it.

"O-okay...can I call you i-if I want too?"

"Yes you can. Uncle Grillby always has me on speed dial."

The nod was slow to be given but once he had it Red slowly eased his hold placing her on the ground as the booming voice of Grillby reverberate throughout the walls.

"Go get some snuggles from him Winfred and I'll be down in a second."

"Okay..."

Running phalanges through her crimson locks he noted that she looked so tired now that she might be asleep before he even got home as she pitter patted out the door closing it gently. This was at least a step in the direction needed to get the melt downs under control. Red knew he would manage, it would just be hard for a bit.

Later that night walking through the front door feeling more relaxed the moment he was home the scene he found melted his soul. Grillby leaned back in the couch propped up by a fist with Winfred curled up so nice and snug in his lap looking like a burrito in her favorite quilt.

"Damn, guess I missed tuck in time."

Not wanting to disturb the two he passed quietly back up to his room but kept his door open incase a certain baby bones decided to claim a spot in bed with him.

[kyber-crystal]

Baby Fever

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Words: ~2.4k

Summary: Sometimes, all you need to work up your courage is a little push. And Steve receives just that. When the two of you go to babysit Morgan, he gets a little sneak peek into what a future with you could be like - and he doesn`’t want to let that thought go.

Warnings: this sucks lol, but it’s just a bunch of fluff

A/N: so a lot of my oneshots are about getting INTO relationships instead of being in one prior, but I just couldn’t resist this trope ugh. I CANT RESIST DAD! STEVE UGHHH. also i decided to start making moodboards, inspired by @marvelsswansong teehee. dedicating this to @rynhaswritersblock​ , who recently joined tumblr! I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUU 

...

“Are you guys sure about this?” Pepper looked back and forth between you and Steve as she packed up the last of her things, rolling the suitcases to the front door. "She's a lot to handle...and I know you guys already have a lot on your plate and all.."

"I'm sure," you gave her a reassuring smile, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We're going to have fun, right, Morgan?"

"Yeah!" the little Stark giggled, raising her arms in the air, "We're gonna have so much fun together!"

"We'll be back by tomorrow night," Tony informed you, leaning down to kiss Morgan's forehead, "Bye, sweetheart. Make sure to behave for them, okay?"

"Okay!"

"I can't thank you guys enough," Pepper stated. "It's been forever since we were last able to get a break like this."

"You deserve it," you nodded, "now go! Shoo! Don't worry and just relax! That's the whole point of you going on this trip."

"Alright, alright," she chuckled, "see you soon, then!"

As soon as the door closed behind them, Morgan immediately jumped up into your arms. "Let's go play!"

"What do you want to do?" you asked.

"A tea party!"

"Well..." Steve looked down at his watch, "it's getting close to lunchtime, so how about we have something to eat first, and then we'll play, okay?"

"Yay!"

While you kept Morgan busy, Steve got set to making a simple lunch of grilled cheese for you all to eat. When he brought the plates to the living room, he saw saw you sitting in between Morgan's legs as she was plopped down on the couch, pulling your hair up into a high bun.

"Now, what's this?" Steve raised an eyebrow as he set down the food on the coffee table, ruffling Morgan's hair. "Did you bother her?"

"She didn't," you laughed lightly, "don't worry."

"Do you like it?" Morgan giggled. "I think she looks super pretty!"

"I approve," Steve nodded, giving the little girl a thumbs-up.

"So, Morgan," you cleared your throat, "Who's your favorite Avenger?"

"Daddy is!"

"Besides your dad."

"You!"

“And why is that?”

“Because you can shoot lasers out of your eyes and control the weather! And that’s really really cool!”

“I think you just hurt Steve’s feelings,” you reminded her.

“He’s my second favorite!”

“Really, kiddo?” Steve raised a brow, “after all I’ve done for you? Who took you out to ice cream after your dance recital? Who let you have dessert before dinner when your dad was too busy working? Who let you go sledding with their shield?”

“But Y/N is the cool auntie!”

"See that, Cap? She likes me more than you," you smirked, nudging Steve in the shoulder. "I'm her favorite."

Steve scoffed. “I’m right behind you. I’m her second favorite.”

"I'm better than you are, though."

After you were all done eating, Morgan grabbed Steve’s hand, then motioned for you to all follow her upstairs to her room. Within five minutes you were all dressed up with feathery boas, colorful scarves, bejeweled sunglasses, and bright pink birthday hats.

"You look ridiculous," you snorted as you adjusted Steve’s fuchsia feather boa and sunglasses. "I could just take a picture of you right now and store it for future blackmail use."

"Don't you dare," he warned.

Too late. You already had your phone out and he blinked in surprise as the flash went off. You giggled as you saw the surprise evident in his face.

"Ooh! Let's take a group selfie!" Morgan jumped up and down. Steve let out a sigh but as soon as he saw the eager look in her eyes he couldn't resist. You crowded together as you quickly took the group picture, making funny faces because she insisted on doing so.

Pepper was right in saying Morgan was a lot to handle. If being an Avenger was the most difficult thing to do, this had to be the second hardest job to take. By the time dinner rolled around, you were tired out of your mind from running around the backyard throwing a Frisbee back and forth, commentating on Barbie movies together, cartwheeling through the halls, climbing trees, and her undoing and redoing your hair.

"Why don't you take a break. I'll get dinner ready," Steve offered. "You need to rest."

"But St-" you began.

"It's fine," he waved you both off, "you deserve it."

"Thank you," you yawned, stretching your arms up in the air. As soon as you flopped down onto the couch, you drifted off.

“Auntie Y/N? Where are...oh!” Morgan hopped over and peered over the sofa, seeing that you were fast asleep. She picked up the blanket that had been strewn aside from earlier, and carefully pulled it over your body, before patting your forehead and skipping off to the kitchen to find Steve.

“Uncle Steve!” She tugged on the super-soldier’s pant leg, and he looked down from where he was chopping up cilantro at the counter. The heavenly smell of Italian spice blends began filling the air. “What are you making?”

“Garlic tomato basil chicken,” he responded with a soft smile as he set his knife down and washed his hands, crouching down to her eye level. “It’s almost ready. Is Y/N still asleep?”

“Uh huh.”

“Why don’t you wake her up for me, while I go set the table. Sounds good?”

“Yup!”

"Y/N, WAKE UP!" she began jumping up and down wildly. "Wake up wake up wake up wake up!"

You groaned and stirred awake, rubbing your eyes as you stood up. "Who woke me u- oh, hey!"

"Were you tired?"

"Yes, Morgan, very," you gave her a tired smile, "so I took a nap. Are you not tired?"

"Nope!"

“Alright,” you exhaled, picking her up. “Let’s go eat!” She instantly rested her head against your shoulder.

Steve watched you pick Morgan up and spin her around as she let out a squeal - and felt a rush of pride wash over him in seeing you being so playful with the little girl. You'd make an excellent parent to his future child, he thought to himself. All you needed now was a ring around your finger. 

He felt his heart race at the thought - since when did he start feeling this way about you?

"Dinner's ready!"

"Uncle Steve, are you one of those chef guys on TV?" Morgan's eyes widened in awe as she slid into her seat, looking down at her plate. "This looks super cool! How did you do this?"

"No, I'm not," Steve laughed, "This just takes a lot of practice."

For the majority of dinner, Morgan retold little memories along the lines of 'Remember when that one time you came over for Daddy’s birthday and then Uncle Steve came too and I went sledding with his shield? That was so fun!" 

The five year-old was definitely talkative, but nobody minded at all. She was too adorable that it didn't matter how chatty she was - even you, the tough, seemingly coldhearted Agent Y/N had warmed up to her.

After a long, jam-packed day, Morgan was completely knocked out, splayed out across the couch clutching her favorite stuffed duck. You quietly crept towards her and picked her up, carrying her upstairs to her room and gently laying her down in bed.

You lingered in the doorway for a moment, watching as her brown hair fell around her face like a little halo, her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. A small smile found its way onto your face as you stood there.

Suddenly you felt a pair of arms wrap around your waist from behind.

"Hey," Steve exhaled, resting his chin on top of your head. You could feel his warm breath against your neck as he spoke. "What're you standing here for?"

"Hmmm...just watching, making sure she's alright..." you hummed, placing your hands over his as he gently rocked you both from side to side. "Uh...what time is it?"

"10:30."

"Wow. Who knew she could tire you out so quickly," you let out a yawn. "I normally don't go to bed until 1 or 2, or at all for that matter."

"You should get ready for bed, too," he suggested, leaning down to kiss your temple. "Come on. You’re sharing the guest room with me, if you don’t mind."

"Sounds good," you yawned again as he released you from his hold, closing the door before turning around and following him down the hall.

You were too worn out to change or wash up, crawling underneath the covers and pulling them up to your chin. Steve slid into bed besides you, and within minutes you were both fast asleep.

"Yeah!" Morgan squealed, jumping up and down on the mattress. "Auntie Y/N! Uncle Steve! Stop cuddling and get up because it's time to eat!"

The two of you slowly stirred awake, then when you realized the compromising position you were in you quickly pulled apart, sitting up as you rubbed your eyes and ducked your heads slightly to hide the blush on your faces.

"Are you guys dating?"

"No, we're not!" you and Steve replied in unison. 

"Uh huh."

Much to Morgan's delight, you ended up eating Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes for breakfast. Afterwards you took to playing Frisbee and several other games outside for a couple hours before heading back in and bingeing several episodes of Sofia the First while eating macaroni. 

Though sometimes when you glanced over at Morgan laughing and enjoying herself throughout the day, you felt a pang in your chest. You'd missed out on so many years with your parents - your early graduation from Penn State, being promoted to commander of SHIELD’s strike team at just 21, becoming an Avenger - only being able to experience a fraction of your life with them before their lives were unfairly cut short.

"Are you okay?" Steve glanced at you worriedly, placing a hand on top of yours.

"Yeah...I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Come on...what's up? Just tell me," he pleaded. "I don't like seeing you sad. It makes me sad, too."

You bit your lower lip, squeezing your eyes shut. "I miss Mom and Dad...seeing Morgan reminded me so much of what I was like as a kid...the memories came flooding back. It’s been so long since then, but..."

"I know. I miss my Ma and Dad, too," he sighed. "I know it hurts, but...don't worry. Time heals all wounds. You’ll be alright."

You lifted your head from where it was resting on his shoulder, smiling slightly at him. "You know, I think that's the wisest thing I've heard you say. Not Captain America hasn’t said a lot of wise things, though."

"You think?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm happy to help...you know I'm always here for you, right?"

"Mhm. I love you."

"I love you too."

When Tony and Pepper arrived the next day, they saw all of you sprawled out across the living room, cuddled up together amidst fluffy blankets and pillows. You were clinging to Steve like a koala, while Morgan was using his arm as a pillow as she hugged her stuffed duck close to her chest.

"They must've been exhausted," Pepper chuckled, resting a hand on her husband's shoulder.

"They're completely knocked out."

Morgan was the first to wake up. "Daddy!" she giggled, rushing forward and jumping into Tony's arms. "You're back!"

"Hi there," he ruffled her hair, "how did you like spending time with them?"

"It was awesome! They were the best!"

Tony's expression immediately softened as he glanced over at the still-dozing you and Steve. "I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart. Now. Let's wake them all up so they can head back to the compound."

"Hey, Cap? It's time to head home," Pepper gently shook Steve awake. He stirred slightly before sitting up, blinking several times in confusion before he saw her in front of him. "Hey."

"Oh, hi, Pepper..."

"It looks like Y/N isn't about to wake up anytime soon, though..." her brows furrowed together in concern. "She must've done a lot, huh."

"Yeah...she did..."

You stirred awake, sitting up and yawning loudly. “Oh. Tony, Pep...hey! Did I...”

“You knocked out completely,” Steve laughed. “I’ll drive. I know you’re tired.”

"Thanks,” you yawned again, placing a hand over your mouth. “I owe you.”

“No worries.”

He nodded, carefully scooping you up into his arms as Bucky woke up.

"Alright...let's get going. And Tony...it was great seeing you again."

"Likewise, Rogers. We still up for Barbados next month?"

"Definitely."

After a last round of goodbyes, you were on your way back to the Avengers HQs, leaning your head against the cool glass of the window as Steve drove.

"So,” he exhaled, adjusting his grip on the wheel, “you did good over there, putting up with her. She was a lot to deal with.”

“But we had fun, didn’t we?” you turned your head to the side, giving him a soft smile. “I now have a dozen new perfect blackmail photos of you to bring back with me.”

Steve just laughed and shook his head, “I have some of you too, you know.”

“Are you serious.”

"It’s nothing bad, you just fell asleep and I took a picture. You looked cute, if anything.”

You felt heat rise to your cheeks. “Oh.”

“You’re really good with kids, Y/N.”

“...Thanks. You are, too...Morgan loves you.”

“I’d think you’d be an amazing mother to my child someday.” The words came out so swiftly, so smoothly that he didn’t realize what he’d said until he saw your reaction.

You froze in shock. “What did you...what did you just say?”

“When can we have kids?”

“Did I just...hear you correctly...”

“But if you’re not ready to start a relationship, then I understand...I’m in it if you are. When I saw you playing with Morgan...it was like getting a little glimpse to what life with you would be like in the future, of starting a family together...and I don’t want to let go of that idea.  I can't imagine doing that with anyone else other than you."

"What's with the...sudden...confession?" you spluttered, cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.

“I love you,” he said softly, gazing at you out of the corner of his eye, “I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know it seems early for me to be saying something like this but I couldn’t be more confident in my answer. And if you’re willing to let me in, then...I’d be more than happy to become that ideal man you’ve always wanted to have.”

“I think I’m falling in love with you, too.”

[a-pretty-nerd]

Tomura Shigaraki x AllMight!Daughter!Reader

Chapter 4

Premis:

When The League of Villains discovers that AllMight has a daughter, they are quick to snatch you up and hold you hostage. Shigaraki had a careful and thought out plan, but that was before you got there. Now you're in the mood for some not-so-healthy rebellion.

Word Count: 1,822

Warnings: Themes of Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Daddy/Mommy issues? Substance abuse? Etc. Later chapters will involve NSFW and violent content. 

A/N:

SIKE! Once a week? Nah I'm much too hyper-focused for that! Thank you everyone for your awesome feedback and support! You guys are the best! Check out my Patreon if you can, if not, just keep that awesome attention coming! Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day! ❤

Chapter 3 Chapter 5 

"Oh shit."

You said this out loud, to the room, without thinking. Toga turned to look at you, over the past few days she's grown quite attached.

"What’s wrong?" She asked.

"You didn't by any chance...take my meds when you kidnapped me, did you?"

"You're useless!" Your mother screamed.

"Useless! Ten days! It’s been ten days since my daughter was last seen alive and you can't find ANYTHING!?" She raged on, she's always had a bad temper. Poor Detective Tsukauchi held his head low in a lazy bow. He apologized repeatedly and insisted they were doing their best. There was just no trace of you or the league. They suspected it had to do with someone's quirk. 

"Please, don't yell. They're doing the best they can." Your father pleaded with her.

"Aren't you the least bit worried!?" She yelled at him.

"Of course I am! But they have the best on the case, something has to come up soon."

"Pitiful," she spat, "do have any idea what could have happened by now? Ten days without her meds!"

"I know! I know... But she's been working so hard, surely she has some control-"

"Hah! Control? Her? Have you ever even met your own daughter?" The room fell silent. Confusion and fear washed over your father. But you were always so well behaved. What was she talking about? 

"How long will it take?" Xavier asked. He sat peacefully, pouring over papers, wracking through theories and possibilities.

"Pardon?"

"How long will it take for her quirk to manifest without her meds?" He asked, but it sounded more like a demand.

"There's no telling. Her meds work to suppress her abilities, they don't halt them completely. By the time she came to Japan, her quirk was so suppressed that she could hardly use it at all. It may take some time for it to rise again, but I doubt it will be gentle."

"That’s it then. We just wait until her quirk manifests again, she’ll make a scene and then we grab her." Xavier's expression was blank, cold, and cunning. He creeped your father out, he didn't like him the moment he saw him. He was dead behind the eyes. 

"If this is the league, and All for One is behind this, we have to consider..." All Might trailed off.

"Toshinori..."

"They may have stripped her of her quirk entirely. With an ability like hers... I shudder to think of a Nomu with that power..."

"This is ridiculous. We have to release this to the public. Maybe someone has seen her or the league!" Your mother demanded.

"She's right. We have to alert the public, heroes are already on the lookout, but civilians help solve missing person cases every day. I'm sorry Toshinori, but we have to go to the public." Detective Tsukauchi admitted. Your father sighed and stared blankly at the table.

"Civilians find bodies, not people." Xavier spat. "If we really want to get her back, alive, we have to let her make the first move."

"And what if they've stripped her of her quirk?" Tsukauchi asked.

"I doubt they're even aware she has a quirk. It’s been suppressed for so long, not even she is aware of it anymore. I know Y/N, she's not a girl you mess with. Quite frankly I was surprised they got her in the first place, it's not like her to lose a fight like that. She's strong and smart. She'll figure things out eventually."

"But what happens then? How do we keep her from being taken again? How do we get her back?" Your father poked at his logic.

"For now we'll announce her disappearance and ask if anyone has any information. A reward for her safe return should be offered." Tsukauchi stated.

"And what do we say? The secret daughter of The Symbol of Peace is missing? It'll be madness, people won't know what to think." Xavier barked.

"No. We say she's an American tourist who went missing. Nothing more." Your mother declared.

"It's fine, really. If it would help the case any, I don't care if people know. We kept her identity a secret for so long to keep her safe, and now...it doesn't matter anymore! If it would-"

"I'm afraid she's right. If we let it out that the daughter of Japan's #1 hero has been kidnapped, it won’t look good."

"We interrupt this broadcast to bring you urgent news!"

"What now?" Spinner groaned from his seat as Shigaraki adjusted the volume on the television. At first, you didn't pay much attention, until you heard your name.

"American tourist, Y/L/N Y/N, is missing. Y/L/N was last seen-"

"American tourist? Is that all they're going to call her?" Mr. Compress hummed.

"Why? Why aren't they telling the truth?" Shigaraki mumbled to himself. He ran his sweaty palm over his neck before the urge to scratch became too much and he gave in.

"I'm sorry." You told him. He froze. Hand still dug into the flesh of his neck, the skin turning pink under his nails. He slowly turned to look up at you.

"What?" He asked.

"I'm sorry I'm not what you had in mind. Dad is either determined to keep me a secret or the heroes are onto you. Either way, you’re plan has been compromised. You might as well let me go and move on.” You watched him as he sat there scratching at his neck. He thought for a moment, then paused. 

“As frustrating as this might be, we’re not done yet. If they won’t tell the truth, I know someone who will. Isn’t that right, Y/L/N?” 

“And what if I don’t corporate?” You swallowed nervously. 

“Aren’t you tired of being All Might’s dirty little secret? Don’t you want everyone to know the truth about you?” You watched his lips curl into a smile under the hand. 

“No.” 

“Why?” You paused to think. It all left a bitter taste in your mouth. You had lived your life hidden away from a man you hardly knew. After years and years of keeping the secret, it got easier and easier to lie. After all, when you said you didn’t have a dad, you weren’t lying. 

“He’s not my dad, not really. He’s some glorified…” you looked down at your feet and curled your socks around each other, “sperm donor.” You muttered. Shigaraki stood and approached you again. It made your heart race, the way he slowly shuffled over. You were all too aware that he could kill you at any given moment, with a wave of his hand, you’d be gone. Would that be so bad? You thought. Your lip began to quiver and your eyes became red and sore with tears. Damn it, you didn’t want to cry again. 

“Are you crying?” His voice was quiet. 

“Just do it. Just touch me.” You whimpered to him. He froze. He watched you as you made attempts to cover up your face and wipe away the tears that refused to stop flowing. The tension in the air, though thick, began to swirl around. A buzz of energy filled the room as you cried. The hair on the back of everyone’s neck raised and their hearts began to flutter wildly. 

“Y/L/N…” Toga whispered to herself as she watched you. She stood and started to walk towards you. Shigaraki stayed still, taking note of the energy that came from you. 

“Go on.” You growled through tears as you reached out a hand towards him. He jumped back slightly, only to feel the back of a chair push against his back. Had it moved? Your whimpers became sobs as the furniture began to raddle and shake around them. The league watched in horror as you slid to the floor. The energy built and built as your panic attack washed over you, engulfing you entirely. You had cried a handful of times in the days you had taken, intense emotions had come and gone, but something about this episode was different. 

“Hey, kiddo! It’s alright!” Twice shouted at you as he tried to make his way closer to console you. 

“We won’t make you do anything you don’t want!” Toga followed. 

“Deep breaths, you’ll be alright.” Mr. Compress reassured. Their words hardly got to you as the assault on your mind went on. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” You sobbed uncontrollably. Shigaraki looked out into the room and watched as the furniture that shook began to shift closer and closer to you. He looked back down at you, his heart squeezed in his chest and his own emotions began to turn. Horrified by the way this made him feel, he moved to get away from you as others gathered to be closer. 

Toga’s hand met your back and rubbed soft circles there as they reassured you, and soon enough the furniture stopped shaking, the energy in the room dropped, and you started to calm down. You sniffled and wiped your red and puffy face as you looked up at the faces of villains. Villains that had comforted you and calmed you down during a panic attacked. You felt confused and concerned. Were they playing some kind of brainwashing game with you? But they looked so genuine. No one has ever been so kind before. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to break down like that, I just-” 

“Don’t apologize-Shut it!” 

“These things happen.” 

“You don’t have to be sorry.” Toga gave a kind smile. 

“I don’t understand, why are you so nice to me?” The three looked at one another before turning back. 

“We understand!” Twice shouted. 

“We know what if feels like to be in your shoes.” You stood on your shaky legs and looked out into the room. 

“What happened in here?” You asked when you noticed all the furniture had shifted. 

“You really don’t know?” Shigaraki asked from his place, far away from you. He was sufficiently spooked. No one had ever… 

“This is bad...this is really bad…” You muttered. You nervously chewed at your lip and tugged at your shirt. “It’s happening again. Please, please you have to let me go!” You begged him as he watched you shuffle towards him. 

“What’s happening again, Y/L/N?” Toga asked you, tugging back your arm. 

“I-I-I can’t explain, please, just let me go. For your sake, I need my meds!” Her grip on your arm tightened. 

“Why?” His eyes narrowed and she stared at you. 

“It’s her quirk,” Shigaraki noted. 

“I can’t control it otherwise, please, you’re not safe.” You begged him. The energy became to rise again, he felt it, it swept up the back of his neck and made his whole body tingle and ache. 

“Tie her down.” He ordered. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” Toga said as she pulled you in close and the others began to grab ahold of you. 

“No! Please!” 

Taglist: 

@craftybean13 @babayaga67 @imjustverable

@bat-eclecticwolfbouquet-love ​ @kamenoyaki @hentaiqween101 

[aloesarchives]

Dad Headcanons (Wakatsuki & Gaolang)

Word Count: 3998 words

Featuring these two men because they’re only ones that I can think of that like the idea of being a dad but and write a lot for them.

(A/N): I had to put in default names because when writing this I had a hard time writing without giving names to the kids since I kinda gave them a personality and stuff.

Gaolang

You two have a daughter and a son who are three years apart, Lawana and Kiet.

Since he’s an ideal house husband, being a good dad isn’t out of the question.

Gaolang is different around his kids well like, not really, but it’s pretty obvious to you. He smiles so much more when he holds them, talks to them a little more when they ask him something, comforting them when they have nightmares. His stoic facade is gone and it’s emotionally more expression Gaolang.

There is this tenderness he has when he’s with his kids. The soft look in his eyes and the gentle aura is enough to tell you that he really cares for his kids.

Gaolang isn’t really an overbearing parent but he’s always keeps an eye out for his kids and looking out for them.

Gaolang is pretty chill parent. Strict isn’t the right word for him though, but will be authoritative to his kids when things happens. Not yelling and full on rage, he just knows how to put it in the manner that his children will get the message. I’m guessing Gaolang’s aura but idk.

Yeah, between the two of you, he is the disciplinary one. Again, no hitting of any sort or negative reinforcements, but Gaolang knows how to talks to his kiddos when they done something wrong/or stepped far over the line.

It’s a given that you and your kids watch Gaolang’s boxing matches. There’s no if or buts, you never miss any of his matches because your daughter and son would always remind you to turn on the tv and watch him fight. Gosh, the look of awe and amazement in their eyes makes you smile so genuine. They love rooting for their papa whose fighting in the right. When Gaolang does his flash, the kiddos squeal with excitement. More so, when Gaolang wins his matches, your kids are jumping for joy and chanting their happiness on their papa’s win.

Lawana: Mama, Mama, Mama!!! Did you see that?!? Papa won, Papa won!

(Y/N): Yes, sweetie, Papa indeed won.

Kiet: Woah, Papa is so cool! Look how he hit the guy in the face and he hit the ground with a BAM!

(Y/N): *chuckles* Isn’t your Papa amazing, you two?

Lawana & Kiet: YEAH!!!

When Gaolang gets back from being abroad, he is off for a few days and stays home to which you let him sleep in the morning due to his jet lag. During those time, your kids stumble into your room and climb onto the bed to wake the two of you up. You’re always awake first since your sleep schedule isn’t as messed up as Gaolang’s and gently tell Lawana and Kiet to let their dad sleep some more. Surprising enough, your kids behave and not bother Gaolang when he’s sleeping.

Gaolang is that type of parent that teaches his kids life lesson in any shape or form at any given time. Not like the bs type of try hard quirky quotes 14 yr old girls would say, he teaches them that aren’t opposites of each other. It’s the more simple one that he teaches them at a young age but gives out more complex ones as they get older. They learn a lot what your husband says and have so many epiphanies growing and experiencing life as it goes. The two will thank their dad (and you, don’t worry) later on for teaching those life lessons/ passing down some simple wisdom.

I would like to propose a headcanon that Gaolang gets souvenirs for them kiddos. He gets them stuff animals and small gifts when he’s put abroad. Your kids have a lot of stuff animals. Your daughter has this cute elephant she carries around and your son has a dragon he got while he’s in Japan. Since it’s from Gaolang, they always are holding it with them every time they’re in the house. It never leaves them because they love it so much.

Gaolang likes to carry his kids around in his arms. His absolute favorite moment when he comes home from work/abroad and your kids running towards him with you trailing behind them. He then smiles at his children and scoops them up in his arms as they hug him and tell him that they’re happy he’s home. Gaolang loves these moments. Sometimes when he’s awake in the morning and one of your kids is somehow up, he’ll hold them in one arm while fixing coffee(if you drink it) and breakfast. But it’s evident when they love being held by Gaolang because they would get fussy when Gaolang leaves them for a few seconds before being placed back into his arms again when they were really small.

Lawana is daddy’s little girl. Gaolang have no favorites between the two but since Lawana is older by three years, she does have a closer relationship to Gaolang than Kiet does. But this is because ever since you had Lawana, she’s always with Gaolang. Well wants to be, anyway. When she was little, he also followed Gaolang around the house whenever he’s home, minus when he needs to use the bathroom and she just hangs out with you until he comes out. Oh my god, when Gaolang has to go to work, she doesn’t want him to leave. She always is tugging at his pants and saying he shouldn’t leave because then you and her would be left alone. Then it’s up to Gaolang to gently tell her that has work to do and will be back later. Once Gaolang leaves for work, she gets pouty for a bit and you have to comfort her and said that Gaolang will always come back home. She gets over this as she grow older and only gets happy when he returns.

Kiet is more of a momma’s boy but still has a good relationship with his Gaolang. They get along pretty well because they’re both silent and don’t talk so much. They have this thing where they just stare at each other but you can tell that they are having a conversation of their own that you don’t even know what they’re saying to each other. He really respects Gaolang by a lot and wants to be a respectable man like him.

Both Lawana and Kiet idolize Gaolang;however, Gaolang is Lawana’s role model. She wants to become a great Mauy Thai fighter and boxer just like him. Although Kiet highly respects his father, it’s not a strong enough force to have the same effect on him like his sister.

For some reason, your children instantly fall asleep into Gaolang’s arms. You don’t know what but your kids instantly become calm when done so and the the next thing you know they’re dead asleep in his arms. At times you envy him for having this ability but Gaolang, himself, doesn’t know this since he just thinks that they are just tired and need to sleep.

Since Gaolang’s a godly chef, you’re kids aren’t picky eaters. They’ll eat whatever Gaolang cooks, which is more than okay with you since you like his cooking as well.

Speaking of cooking, Gaolang would sometimes let the kiddos help out with cooking. He doesn’t make them touch the stove, fire, knifes, practically anything dangerous until they are quite older (Maybe around like 10-12). He believes that they should know how to cook or basics so they know how to feed themselves when they’re on their own. Then again, Gaolang is more than welcome to cook for his children.

Knowing this, Gaolang and you have them get involve in chores to teach them responsibility and be productive with their time. He wants to teach them good habits.

Gaolang’s Lock screen is a family portrait of your family, which looks sophisticated but sweet. Then his home screen is you smiling in the background while your children are playing in-front of you.

Bruh, When they say “I love you Papa”, it’s literally endgame. Gaolang.exe stopped working. On the outside, he smiles or chuckles at his kids and saying “I love you too”. But on the inside, his brain stops working and he kinda just goes soft in that moment. His kids are so precious and adorable that the even the stoic Thai God of War can’t help but smile at them.

Gaolang will tuck Lawana and Kiet in bed if you’re too tired or finishing up something and you can’t do it yourself. He’s the type of parent to place his children to sleep, kiss their foreheads, lovingly stare at them and turn off the light in their rooms before leaving. I like to think when Gaolang has difficulty sleeping, not common but it happens from time to time, he sometimes walks over to the kids’s room to check up on them. He just leaves the door ajar enough for him to see them sleeping. It’s not creepy but he can’t help but experience a small amount of sentiment. It’s not a bad feeling, but it is a different feeling that would be hard to describe in words, even in Gaolang’s standards.

If your kids show interest in fighting, more specifically in Muay Thai and Boxing, Gaolang is fine with it as long you’re okay with it as well. If you allow them, Gaolang will teach them to the best of his abilities, basically really good teachings. I wouldn’t say Gaolang is super strict on their training, but there are some points where he has to use tough love on them to help push them past their limits and strengthen them. However, Gaolang does tell them from time to time that he’s proud of them and that the tough training he put them will bear fruit, and they’re be rewarded the fruits of their labor.

I just want to put it out there that you and Gaolang’s kids are powerful fighters. I mean with your children’s father/your husband being the Thai God of War and the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, your children have high fighting potential. Gaolang is aware of what his name brings and sits his kiddos down to tell them he doesn’t want nor expect them to be just like him and fulfill his legacy. Rather, he wants them to make a name for themselves that they can be proud and not become pompous and greed in the process. That’s all Gaolang really wishes from them. But either, your kiddos have not disappointed you nor Gaolang one bit.

One of your favorite moments is when your kids try to imitates Gaolang’s expression, which is most likely always the stoic one. You find it cute and funny how your kids to look like their father and at one point you joked that if they kept doing it that would be their regular facial expression. Gaolang doesn’t really mind his kids doing this, but he does get a kick out of it when he does see them doing it.

At some point, your children have been meet and interacted with King Rama. It was also him wanting to see you and Gaolang’s children and holding and interacting with them, but you didn’t hear it from me.

Proud Husband and Family man, you couldn’t ask for a better man. Gaolang loves his kids and you, you love Gaolang and the kiddos, and the kiddos love you and Gaolang very much.

Wakatsuki

At this point, we all knew he was going/wanting to be a dad for a while.

You have Twin boys, Katashi and Tadashi, and a daughter, Kei, with a five year gap.

For the first few months when they’re born, Wakatsuki doesn’t really hold them that much out of fear that he would hurt them due to his superman syndrome. It took you awhile to convince him that he would never hurt them since every time he has held you he never hurt you at all, and that his control over his strength has improved over the years. Once he’s comfortable to hold them, he’s world just stops. Since he’s a pretty big guy, his kids look so tiny in his arms, the size difference makes them so precious that Wakatsuki gets a flurry of emotions from just holding them.

Wakatsuki, like Gaolang, isn’t an overbearing parent. He gives them some good distance and watches on the sidelines. He’ll give them some advice when they ask him for some.

He likes to watch his kids play video-games and ask them what they’re doing. It’s a good way he bonds with his kids since he grew up playing video games. It’s so wholesome to see them interact with their father and Wakatsuki learning and understanding certain aspects of the game. I like to think Wakatsuki is really good at video games and sometimes he helps his kiddos out when they need to(to the best of your abilities, of course)

Wakatsuki has a hard time setting his foot down when it comes to his children. The man can’t help it though. The small pout they have, the big teary doe eyes, and small sniffles, he can’t help but not get made at his kiddos and processed to comfort them. You know this because you walked in on him doing this on more than one occasion. Due to this, you are, unfortunately, the disciplinary when it comes to that point. Sorry about that.

The kids basically use their dad as a jungle gym. Wakatsuki is pretty strong so he doesn’t really mind them doing this, hell Wakatsuki actually enjoys them doing this even though you told them to not bother their dad. The man is so sturdy, there’s no way that he will be in any sort of pain or exhaustion.  

You caught your kids sleeping on top of Wakatsuki on more than one occasion. When you come home from work, most of the time you see your kiddos napping on husband on the sofa. It’s so cute you take a picture before they wake up from their small nap. This also applies when they sleep in your bed when they were younger. Before Kei was born, the twins would always climb into bed with the two of you. Most of the time, they slept in between the two of you in the small space in the middle. It was a wholehearted moment for Wakatsuki, the sight of you laying with the boys had him getting all soft and emotional. But when your daughter is born, the level goes up to never before seen heights. When it’s just her and not the boys, she quietly goes to Wakatsuki’s side of the bed and softly pokes him awake. To which he opens one eye to see it’s her, picks her up, lays on his back with her placed on his chest. The man couldn’t keep his eyes off of her, she really precious to him. You know what really gets his soft and sentimental is when all the kiddos are sleeping on his chest and with you tucked into his side while using his shoulder as a pillow. The man is literally is having an emotional crisis by looking at your small family, he’s almost in tears. He’s so grateful and blessed to have such a beautiful family and you as his wife/spouse.

Wakatsuki is a doting father for sure. Not like in the Mae Hughes type of way, he’s knows how to control himself when it comes to his kids and is subtle when he’s doing it. But he really loves his kids and you so much.

Tadashi and Katashi are kinda similar to Takeshi but are more expressive and outspoken than he is. And they seem to know how to blend in with the crowd. They are both gentle boys, like their father.

Kei is always the one that’s getting the attention of Wakatsuki. He loves the boys but having a daughter hits different for Wakatsuki. She pretty much gets spoiled by you and Takeshi, hell even by her own brothers. She’s kinda has your hubby wrapped around her finger since he can’t say no to her. Absolute sweetheart though.

I had this headcanon where you and Wakatsuki’s kids have something similar to him where their muscle mass is denser than the average human. Not like Wakatsuki’s, probably even way less than that, but it’s enough to be more than the average person. The twins would probably almost be as tall and built like him if they ever hit the rack/gym. While your daughter is slightly taller than your average female and is strong and toned. In short, your kids can be absolute powerhouse if they decided to take up fighting but it depends if your husband and you allow them to do so.

Since he likes baseball by a long shot, he probably will play catch with his boys and Kei if they ask him. His throws aren’t hard, he ain’t about to destroy his kids with his inhuman strength, that’s his worst nightmare. In its simplicity, this is how he bonds with his kiddos most of the time. It’s also good too because they need some sunshine and not be stuck inside all the time. Sure, it looks boring but it gets fun as time goes that you have to call them to come inside most of the time.

Just like with you, he loves to cuddle with his kids. He just likes holding his kids, in general. With the twin boys, one in each arm as he walks around the house. His daughter though, always wants to be held by her dad. There is not one moment where you didn’t see Kei hugging or being held by Wakatsuki. As they get older, he gives them space and isn’t as affectionate with them like when they were younger. However, it doesn’t mean they’ll refuse a hug from him because, let’s be honest, he gives out really good hugs and you are a witness to it.

Due to him being so big and strong, your kids ask him to crush cans, bottles, or even lift certain boxes. I believe it was @kengan-ass that said that Wakatsuki would this to keep their attention and have them not get distracted. Your kids love when he does it since he can do it was such ease, it almost makes him prideful to have such strength.

Tadashi: Hey Dad! Can you crush this can? Takeshi: Sure thing, son. Takeshi: *crushes can with minimum effort Tadashi: Woah... Katashi: Dad, what about this one? Takeshi: Sure Takeshi: *crushes the can with ease Kei: Daddy, what about this one? Takeshi: I got it, Kei Takeshi: *literally flattens it the can into a thin disk The kiddos: Wow, Dad’s so strong! Takeshi:*dying from their praise and cuteness

He relies on his kids a lot to help him with understanding technology and slang these days and it’s so funny to watch. It’s like a complex problem to him but it’s so simple to your kids that you’re watching a generational gap or something. Bet Wakatsuki says things like “kids these days” or “back in my time” and your kids unironically calling him “Old man” or “Boomer”. You saw this once and you couldn’t control your laughter. But it’s just playful banter between the kiddos and their father, no harm is done there.

At some point when your children were fairly young and sleeping in the night, Takeshi talked to you about his thoughts and him contemplating on still being a fighter. You listen with open ears and mind to him as he explains to you that he has you and a family to take care, and with the uncertainty of the kengan matches, he doesn’t wanna risk himself dying you and your kids would lose him. You struck you hard, not in a bad way but more on shock value, you knew fighting was everything to your Takeshi because that’s all he had before he had you and his kids. Even with you though, he still continue to fight but when you had your kids it became a whole different story. The thought of his kids and you losing him in one of these matches gave him an unholy feeling and the thought of leaving you all behind was enough to stress him to make grow silent for a few minutes. This was serious because you can tell in his eyes that it was hard for him and the thought of it could put him on the brink of tears. After some thought, you told him that he can still fight in the Kengan matches because of only a handful of fighters that can rival him as a fighter. You also reminded him of the promise that he made where he can still keep on fighter but he has to be careful and not die. After you said that, it give Wakatsuki more than enough reason to continue fighting and not die.

When the kiddos say “I love you” to Takeshi, it’s literally game over for him. After hearing those words, he hugs them and says “I love you too” back but he’s brain kinda stops working and just internally screaming. He just really adores his kids.

They calls Cosmo “big bro” and Adam too when he’s with Cosmo. You can bet that Cosmo, and eventually Adam, babysits your kids. Tadashi and Katashi are rough housing with Cosmo while Kei, for some reason, hangs out with Adam. Oddly enough, Adam doesn’t swear around them at all and is actually the more authoritative than Cosmo since Cosmo is still has a mindset of a child. But you still care for and appreciate him and Adam for doing this.

Your kids also know Sekibayashi, who they call “Uncle Seki”, and Kaede and Sakura. They’ve meet them enough times to remember and be familiar with them. They probably watch pro wrestling because of Sekibayashi.

Your kids will not find out that their father was a underground fighter until they’re 18 or older. He doesn’t want them to know and be dragged into this and you couldn’t blame him. It’s safe to say they won’t know until he either tells them about it or you tell them.

I don’t know why, but I feel like your kids would be protective of you when you go out with them without Wakatsuki. This is a thought I had where since Wakatsuki isn’t always by you all the time he asks his kids to watch over you even though you’re okay. This mostly happens in grocery stores or shopping. They kinda watch from afar but don’t like it when men talk to you because it’s aren’t their father. It gets worse when they’re older aka teenagers, Kei knows you can take care of you but Tadashi and Katashi are a different story. Since they’re almost as tall as their dad and are kinda look/built like their dad, they can intimidate the hell out of people, specifically scummy men that won’t leave you alone. They won’t hurt anyone;however, they will tower over them and ask them to leave you alone to which the guy would leave. It’s strange to you because Takeshi isn’t like that most of the time but it does happen that he does steps in. You guess it’s something they picked up from their father. (I wrote this because I’m like this with my mom even though I’m not that tall).

He love you and your kiddos so much, he never expected himself to have this type of life but you gave him the chance to have one and he’s so blessed and grateful to have such a wonderful family.

There are so many heartwarming moments in this family, omg, you might as well die from how cute it is.

The man fights for you and the kiddos. Them and you are what keep him going during his matches.

Bona fide family man, father, and husband. Such a wholesome, gentle father and husband.

[ericsonclan]

Do Re Mi

Summary: Louis and Prisha prepare for some music time with the little kids.

Word Count: 2374

Read on AO3:

Prisha took a deep breath as she looked around the music room. Her eyes traveled over to Louis, his fingers  brushing over the top of the piano keys. Resting on the music desk were the sheets to a musical number they had worked to write down the notes for years ago.

“You ready, my music confidant?” Louis smiled over towards Prisha who returned his smile.

“Are you kidding? I’m beyond ready. To tell you the truth, I’m quite ecstatic to be singing from The Sound of Music again,” Prisha readjusted her braid, her excitement radiating off her body.

Louis gave a laugh then spun around on the piano bench. “I can tell! I can’t blame you, I’m really excited to be playing for all the kiddos again too!” Louis’ fingers danced on the keys for a minute to double check that the piano had been tuned properly.

“Already playing I see,” Clementine’s warm voice drew her husband’s attention to the door. He was immediately greeted by Maisy who barreled forward and jumped onto the piano bench to hug her dad.

“Yay! Music time!” Maisy yelled happily then looked back to see her little brother Lee Kenny walking forward to reach Louis and his sister. Clementine shook her head good naturedly as she strolled forward, Juliet resting peacefully in the sling across her chest.

Louis swept Maisy into a hug and held her in his arms before leaning down and scooping up Lee Kenny as well. He kissed the pair’s foreheads and nuzzled his face against theirs.

“Stop, that tickles!” Maisy pressed both of her hands across her father’s mouth.

“Sowwy,” Louis’ reply was muffled behind his daughter’s hands.

“Maisy, what did we say about using your hands to cover people’s mouths?” Clementine’s tone was calm yet serious.

Maisy let her hands fall as she frowned. “That's bad. Sorry,”

“That's okay, just be more careful next time,” Louis smiled over at his daughter who returned the gesture in an instant. Soon Louis’ attention turned to Clementine who moved forward and captured his lips in a tender kiss. Louis hummed happily, a goofy smile on his face as he pulled back before stealing another kiss. Lee Kenny covered his face at that which seemed to amuse his parents as they shared a laugh together.

“I can take that little ray of sunshine,” Louis gestured toward Juliet, placing down Maisy and Lee Kenny who seemed sad for a moment before they noticed Prisha. While Louis worked to get the sling on and pressed a kiss to his youngest child’s forehead, Maisy and Lee Kenny scampered over to their aunt and began to fight over which one Prisha would hold. Prisha nervously tried to explain that they would both get short turns of being held though her voice was mostly drowned out by the quarreling. Louis and Clementine watched their friend for a few seconds, enjoying how overwhelmed Prisha was getting.

“Now hold your horses, Savannah,” Ruby’s booming voice made the others look to see that the loveable redheaded doctor was struggling to get her rambunctious two year old to slow down a bit so she didn’t hurt herself.

“Savannah, slow down for Mama,” Zachariah scolded his younger sister as he walked into the room while holding his father’s hand. Aasim smiled down at his son then looked over to see that Ruby had picked up Savannah who had a big pout of her face.

“Don’t make that face with me. You gotta behave or you can’t have music time with Uncle Louis and Aunt Prisha.” Those words made Savannah calm down a bit as she held onto her mother tightly.

“Heya, ‘Sim!” Louis smiled over towards Aasim. Aasim smiled back and moseyed into the room. His hand that held Ruby’s swayed back and forth as they walked forward together.

“Hello,” Aasim glanced over to see that Prisha was trying to calm down Maisy who was upset that Lee Kenny got to be held first.

“I’ll help, Prish,” Clementine walked over to run interference.

“Come on, Zachariah, let's get seated along with your sister,” Ruby instructed and her son gave a short nod before running forward, his tiny notebook tucked under his arm. Ruby shared a quick kiss with Aasim then headed over to settle her kids down. Zachariah immediately sat down and held out his arms to hold his younger sister. Savannah smiled and wrapped her arms around her big brother’s neck.

Soon Clementine had gotten Maisy to calm down and she guided her two oldest children to sit beside the others on the music room floor. Clementine said her goodbyes, giving all her kids a soft kiss then stealing one more from Louis before exiting the room. Aasim and Ruby soon began to say their goodbyes as well.

“Now both of you behave and Zachariah, be sure to look after your sister,” Aasim calmly told his son who gave a firm nod, his eyes shining with determination. After that was done Ruby wrapped both of her kids in a hug and peppered their faces with kisses then left, hand in hand with her husband.

“Well, looks like everyone is here!” Louis put his hands on his hips and gave a big smile to the kids.

“Not everyone,” Violet’s tired voice appeared in the doorway.

“This is fucking stupid,” Allison grumbled as she walked forward, one of her hands resting on top of her pregnant belly.

“Allison, language.” Prisha looked towards Allison who frowned. Her feet whacked against the floor as she made her way to the rocking chair.

“Sorry. I don’t know why I have to be here though; I’m not a little kid. I’m married. It's insulting being lumped in with them,” Allison gestured to the little kids. Lee Kenny was currently trying to sit in Maisy’s lap who kept pushing him away while Savannah was trying to put her foot in her mouth.

“Savannah, no! Mama said that was unsani- unsanit- it's not clean!” Zachariah struggled to help his little sister stop her bad habit.

“Because you’re a kiddo just like them!’ Louis beamed. “You’re Prisha and Violet’s kid,”

“I know who I am,” Allison groaned as she readjusted her position on the rocking chair. “But if that's the case, why isn’t AJ here?” She let out a tired sigh. It would be more fun with her best friend here, especially since Willy was out hunting with Jesse.

Louis’ eyes grew large at that as he realized that Allison had made a good point.

“Because you’re pregnant and besides the books show that the child’s ears have formed. I thought it would be nice for them to hear some music,” Prisha looked over at her daughter who saw the hopeful excitement on Prisha’s face as well as the ever prevalent concern in both her and Violet’s eyes.

“Fine,” Allison leaned back, forcing the chair to start rocking.

“Plus, AJ isn’t pregnant,” Louis added with a grin.

Violet gave a sharp yawn causing the conversation to stop.

“Are you sure you’re alright? You haven’t been sleeping well lately,” Prisha rested her hand on Violet’s face as her eyes searched her love’s.

“I’m fine. I’ll take a nap later, promise,” Violet leaned forward and captured Prisha’s lips in a warm kiss then sharply turned around on her heel to leave.

“Be careful!” Prisha called out to Violet who spun around and readjusted her glasses.

“Always,” With one final soft smile Violet left to go help out around the school.

“Shall we get started?” Louis stood up to push back his tailcoats and dramatically sat down on the piano bench again.

“Is it safe to have Juliet there?” Prisha’s question made Louis glance down at his daughter nestled in the sling against his chest then up at his friend.

“Yeah, totally. I’ve done it with Maisy and Lee Kenny when they were younger.” Louis had a casual smile on his lips as he responded.

“Music!” Maisy’s hands shot up and she bounced impatiently on her spot.

“Alright, alright, missy. Let’s calm down a bit, we’re gonna start soon. So, ready?” Louis glanced over at Prisha who gave a confident smile, her excitement quickly returning.

“Hit it, maestro,”

Louis beamed at those words and began to play the tune. It started with only a few notes and quickly Prisha’s voice joined in.

“Let’s start at the very beginning,

A very good place to start.

When you read you begin with,” Prisha gestured over to Zachariah who was surprised that the participating was already beginning but he quickly remembered this song.

“A-B-C,” Zachariah spoke slowly and clearly, his smile growing when he saw the proud look on Prisha’s face.

“When you sing you begin with Do-Re-Me,” Prisha’s warm voice danced around the room as she held out her hand to signal for the kids to repeat the final part she had sung.

“Do-Re-Mi!” the kids all sang together. Zachariah and Maisy tried their best to sing it while Savannah and Lee Kenny were shouting the three words with determination.

“Do-Re-Mi,” Prisha repeated the line. “The first three notes just happen to be... Do-Re-Mi,”

“Do-Re-Mi!” The kids joined in once more, some of them bouncing excitedly from the joy of getting to sing along. Prisha glanced over when she had heard Allison’s quiet voice join in, causing the musical enthusiast’s eyes to sparkle with happiness.

“Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti,” Prisha sang each note as Louis went up key by key while she sang it. “Oh let’s see if I can make this easier,” Prisha paced back and forth and gave a bright smile to the kids who seemed overjoyed.

“Do, a deer, a female deer.

Re, a drop of golden sun.

Mi, a name I call myself.

Fa, a long, long way to run.

So, a needle pulling thread.

La, a note to follow So.

Ti, a drink with jam and bread.

That brings us back to Do, oh, oh, oh.” Prisha’s finger bounced to the tune as Louis played it lively. Juliet squirmed around in the sling but she soon settled, seemingly calmed down by  her father’s presence and the sound of music.

“Do!” the kids all yelled. Lee Kenny and Savannah seemed really proud about getting the word on the right beat before Prisha and Louis finished the line “a deer, a female deer.” With each note the kids chimed in then let their aunt finish the rest of the line.

Re, a drop of golden sun.

Mi, a name I call myself.

Fa, a long, long way to run.

So, a needle pulling thread.

La, a note to follow So.

Ti, a drink with jam and bread.

That brings us back to Do.”

Louis immediately started the next part of the song and Prisha took a break as all the kids began to repeat the chorus. Zachariah and Maisy seemed to keep on the beat, their voices working in harmony while Lee Kenny and Savannah only shouted out the name of the musical note in each line. Prisha soon joined in once more and smiled happily when she saw that Allison was rocking back and forth in the rocking chair as she sang quietly.

“Now is the fun part,” Prisha walked towards the kids while Louis’ fingers dramatically played the key as he gave a playful smile. “We can now mix up the notes. Ready?” “Ready!” The kids spoke in somewhat unison.

“So, Do, La, Fa, Mi, Do, Re,” Prisha’s voice rang throughout the room then she held out her hand for the kids to join.

“So, Do, La, Fa, Mi, Do Re,” the kids followed along and bounced happily in their spots.

“So, Do, La, Ti, Do, Re, Do,” Prisha’s voice went up and down with the notes she sang.

“So, Do, La, Ti, Do, Re, Do,” Maisy sang the loudest at this part and smiled proudly at her dad.

“Okay, now let's put it all together,” Prisha instructed, then took a deep breath. “So, Do, La, Fa, Mi, Do, Re. So, Do, La, Ti, Do, Re, Do,” The kids’ voice joined and melded with hers as Louis continued to play the piano.

“When you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything,” Prisha’s alto voice danced through the room as she spun around once. She was starting to become lost in the joy of music. The sight made Allison smile softly. “Together!” Prisha instructed and the kids all immediately joined in.

“When you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything,”

Soon the chorus started again and Prisha held out the music note as the kids finished the rest of the line before she moved on to the next one. Prisha pointed from child to child and they began to sing out the individual note as the music range grew higher and they approached Do. Then they went down the music notes one by one. After this the music notes jumped from one to another as Prisha pointed to each kid including Allison to let them know it was their time to participate.

“Do-Mi-Mi

Mi-So-So

Re-Fa-Fa

La-Ti-Ti

Do-Mi-Mi

Mi-So-So

Re-Fa-Fa

La-Ti-Ti!”

“When you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything,” Prisha sang slowly and Louis joined in once more as the kids added in the music notes’ names here and there. Once that had finished up Prisha, Louis and the kids sung the chorus once more before finishing with a mixture of the music notes. Soon the song was reaching the final notes and everyone hit the final note together. Prisha belted it out, letting her voice ring throughout the music room as the last few piano keys were played. Just as Louis pressed the final key, Prisha finished the note and let herself catch her breath.

“Again! Again!” Maisy clapped her hands together and beamed at Prisha and Louis. The two friends shared a smile.

“What do you say, Prish? Once more from the top?” Louis held his hands over the piano, his fingers hovering mere inches from the black and white keys.

Prisha’s smile grew and she gave a short nod. “Let’s do it!”

The kids all exclaimed excitedly at that and the two music confidants shared a soft smile. There really was nothing like the joy of music.

[eatsleepandsupernatural]

No Second Chances

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Reader / Castiel x Reader / Sam Winchester x Reader

Warnings: Angst, some cursing, angry Dean, runaway

Word Count: 1266

Gif Prompt:

A/N: I’ve decided to make this one into a small series, so I left it hoping it leaves you wanting more! Hopefully, it will be up on the weekend. 

“You can’t be serious!” Your eyes widened as your Dad ignored your outburst and continued to fill his duffel bag with clothes and weapons. “I’m old enough to do this.”

Dean squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath before turning and walking out of the room, tired of repeating himself, leaving you standing alone in his bedroom.

It was only ten minutes ago, you were sitting in the library reading a book about Djinn. You moved in with your Dad when your mum died when you were twelve, and you had been learning about all the monsters that crawled the earth and how to kill them ever since. You were seventeen now and well trained and were ready to start hunting. So you were excited when your Uncle Sam caught a case you quickly asked to tag along.

“I’m sorry Kiddo, but you’re not ready yet. You aren’t going out in the field until you beat me or Sam in a fight.” Your Dad was prepared for your request and spoke before you had even asked.

“You’re kidding me, right? You and Sam have been fighting for years, how am I supposed to win against you?” You stared up at him incredulously. Forget experience, they would kick my ass due to the height and weight advantage alone.

Your Dad turned away from you to grab his duffel off the floor, place it on his bed. He continued to talk while looking for things to pack.

“You practice. Look (Y/N), this isn’t up for debate. You’re just not ready. Cas should be here soon, he’s going to watch out for you while we’re away. You’re to do exactly what he says. You understand?”

You shook your head to clear your thoughts of the argument and run down the hallways after your Dad. Unfortunately, just as you reached the library, the ‘front door’ to the bunker slammed shut. You were too late and now stuck in this bunker until they came back, knowing that it’s locked from the outside.

About an hour later, Cas came through the bunker door, key in hand, you noticed that he didn’t re-lock it, you knew that this could mean a chance of escaping and finding your own hunt to prove to your Dad and Sam that you were ready.

“Hello, (Y/N).”

You widened your eyes at the trench-coated angel, your regular babysitter and raised your eyebrows, feigning a look of shock. Usually, when Castiel looks after you, you behave, so you hoped that you could trick him.

“Cas, what are you doing here? Dean told me the hunt was going to be too difficult, that something was off about it and that he was going to call you for help.” You increased the panicked look on your face. “Oh my god, Cas, what if they are already in trouble?”

Castiel immediately began to worry, and you performed a victory dance in your head. “I will call them.” And he walked out of the room to take the call in private, glad that he had picked up that habit from Sam.

Beyond thrilled, you picked up the ‘go bag’, the bag that was always ready for last-minute departures and ran out the door.

You knew you had to move fast if you wanted your plan to succeed. You knew that your plan did have one major flaw, and that is that you have no head-start at all. As soon as Dean tells Cas you lied, they’ll put the pieces together, and Cas will go back to the library and find that you’re gone. This means you have maybe five minutes to get out of sight.

You walk into the woods that lined the road and used it for coverage. Your estimations were correct, and five minutes later you heard the slow roaring of an engine as it drove along at walking speed. You recognised Castiel’s car and were suddenly grateful that he hid you from angels so long ago.

An hour later, you found yourself in a deserted cafe searching for potential cases on the phone from the ‘go bag’ and drinking soda water. You were reading an article on the death of a young boy whose body had been drained of blood when the door to the cafe opened, and three sets of heavy footsteps quickly approached you. 

You raised your head slowly, confident that you didn’t want to see the expression on your fathers face. 

You were right.

Your Dad, Sam and Castiel stood next to your table glaring down at you. The thought dawned on you that you might have just permanently lost the right to privacy of any sort. 

“How did you find me?” You asked meekly

Sam shook his head in disappointment and snatched the phone out of your hands, holding it in the air like it was obvious. 

And you realised it was. Your face flushed red with embarrassment. How many times have you all sat around the library and discussed the emergency ‘go bag’. How the GPS on the phone is always on in case of emergencies so that the person who had to leave suddenly could be found. It was supposed to be drilled into your head. 

Not only had you run away, taken the ‘go bag’, but you had forgotten one of the most important things about living in this family. 

“Get up, we are going home,” Sam said, grabbing your arm. You obliged, too surprised that your Dad had been so quiet. You tried to meet his gaze, but he turned away from you. You flinched as if you had been slapped in the face. 

“Excuse me miss, do you know these men?” You turned around to find the waitress eyeing your family distrustfully. “Do you need me to call the police?”

You sighed and attempted to relax into Sam’s arms which he had wrapped around you at the sound of the woman’s voice. “No ma’am thank you. That’s my Dad.” You said gesturing to a fuming Dean who was now glaring at the woman. “This is my uncle. I ran out of the house when I shouldn’t have. They’re just here to take me home.”

The woman looked at us for a few more seconds before nodding her head. “Okay. If you ever need anything honey, I’m always here.” 

You gave her a brisk nod as Sam led you out of the cafe with an arm around your shoulder. It remained there until he helped you into the backseat of the Impala. 

“Sam put child-lock on. If she wants to act like a child, she gets to be treated like one.” You Dad called from the front seat. 

You swung your head towards him in disbelief. You met his livid gaze that had you shrinking back into the leather seat. 

Sam got into the passenger seat, and your Dad didn’t hesitate to start the engine and begin the journey home. 

“Where’s Cas?” You asked, noticing that the angel wasn’t in the car with you.

After a minute of silence, Sam answered, “Cas was still driving around when I told him I tracked the phone and found you, so he met us there in his own car.” Sam turned around to face you. “The first thing you’ll be doing is apologising to Cas. You have no idea how worried he was, he felt like he had failed us, because you had lied, and ran away.” 

Sam didn’t get angry at you often, that was your Dad’s job. It was when Sam got mad that you knew you royally fucked up. 

Second Part Here

[thepatricktreestump]

You’re Okay: MCU imagine

Tony Stark (dad) x Reader (daughter) x Peter Parker (boyfriend) x Quentin Beck (villain)

A/N: after seeing Spider-Man far from home i definitely needed a breather of fluff to get over it, but not gonna lie, this includes some angst too. also sorry for the random uploads, i’ve been working and running errands constantly but writing when i can, usually on my novel, but sometimes on fanfics. love you all. 

this is part 2 of Anyone Else: which you can find here

          Closing the algebra textbook on your bed, you sighed heavily, glad you were finally done with your homework for the night. Thankfully Tony had allowed you to drag your textbooks to the dinner table so you could study while you ate, and that had allowed you to get to bed at a halfway decent time. You shoved the textbook and notebook off of your bed into your bookbag, making a mental note that you’d clean it up in the morning, then shrugged off your shorts, tossed them in the hamper, and rolled over in your sheets. With the snap of your fingers, your lights turned off, and you smiled a bit to yourself, glad that the work for the day was done and you could finally relax. Your brain was exhausted, mind filled up with different equations and theorems, and as you closed your eyes, you wanted nothing more than peace and quiet until tomorrow’s sunrise. That was, until you heard a knock. You groaned, sitting up, wiping the grogginess out of your eyes. “Tony? Seriously?” you whined. “I was already half asleep.” That’s when the knock came again, and you snapped the lights on, confused as to why the door hadn’t opened. “Dad?” You whipped your head to the window, eyes widening at the masked boy on the other side of the glass.

               “Hey!” he waved to you, glad to see you were awake and attentive, but you were ever the latter.

               “Peter?” you hissed, flinging off your sheets and racing to the window. “What the hell?” You unlatched the sill and slid it up, staring at him, still bewildered and frustrated. “Peter, it’s a school night! God, school night? Forget that, that doesn’t even matter right now.” You shook your head, staring at him once again. “My dad is literally going to kill you!”

               “And lose one of his best avengers?” he teased. “Nah, don’t think so, y/n.”

               “Oh shut up,” you rolled your eyes, allowing him to climb into your bedroom, still donned in his suit. “So what’s the special occasion, Spider-Man?” You folded your arms, looking him up and down, trying not to blush. You had been dating Peter Parker for almost two weeks now, but still, every time you saw him in his red suit, you couldn’t help but try to hide a squeal. It was sometimes hard to picture the ever amazing Spider-Man and your nerdy dork of a boyfriend Peter as the same person.

               “I wanted to visit you,” he shrugged, sitting on the edge of your bed. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other outside of school.”

               “It’s cause you work all the time,” you frowned, poking a playful finger into his chest. “With your superhero adventures and all of that.” You huffed. “Honestly sometimes I think you spend more time around my dad than you do me.”

               “Not my choice,” he put his hands up in surrender. “Trust me.”

               “Yeah, yeah,” you sighed, finding yourself crawling up into his lap, linking your arms around his neck, smiling. “You should take your mask off so you can kiss me.”

               “Hmm?” he tilted his head to the side, making you giggle.

               “You heard me,” you told him shyly and he laughed a bit too before reaching up to tug his mask off of his head, exposing his messy brown curls and his tired eyes. “Aw baby, you look exhausted.”

               “I’m fine, really,” he reassured, shaking his head. “Just a late night mission, that’s all.”

               “I’m sorry,” you looked down, feeling guilty. “You probably don’t have time for me, you know. You’re already busy with school and the whole Spider-Man thing…”

               “Hey,” Peter lifted your chin to look at him, saddened. “Don’t say that, y/n. I love you. I will always have time for you. Even though it might not be as much time as I want, there will be time. I’ll make time. Anything for you.”

               “Okay,” you managed a small smile. “I love you too.”

               He leaned in for a kiss and you melted into him, letting yourself relax, his hands pressing into your back. He was right. You hadn’t seen him outside of school for a couple days now, and it was eating at you alive. Much less, most of the time he was around, Tony was watching both of you like a hawk. “I can’t stay long,” he apologized. “I still need to finish my homework.”

               “Just stay here,” you begged, wrapping your arms around him tight, burying your face in the crook of his neck. “Forget the homework.”

               “I know. I wish I could, love,” he hushed. “But Aunt May is waiting for me and she still thinks I’m over at Ned’s.”

               “Alright,” you sighed in defeat. “Well… promise to visit me like this sometime again?”

               “Promise,” he nodded.

               Peter gave you one last kiss before you slid off of his lap and handed him his mask, watching as he fixed it on and climbed out the window, then shot a web and swung away. You watched half in awe and half in longing, wishing he could’ve stayed even maybe just a minute more. He started to disappear into the distance of skyscrapers and towers, and you slid down the window, crawling back into your bed and resting your eyes, ready for school tomorrow.

                “You’re not going to school,” is the very first thing that comes out of Tony’s mouth when you arrive downstairs the next morning.

               “What?” you stare at him blinking, still clutching the straps of your bookbag. “Seriously? Do you know how late I stayed up last night working on those math problems?”

               “We’ve got a mission and I don’t feel comfortable leaving you home alone, so I’m taking you with us,” he stated. “Get packed. We leave in two hours.”

               “Is Peter coming?” you asked eagerly and he looked at you, disappointed.

               “It’s not a family vacation with your boyfriend, alright kiddo? It’s a serious situation we need to take care of,” he scolded. “Go up and get your bags. I’m taking you with us for safety reasons.”

               “Safety reasons,” you mocked under your breath as you walked away and you could practically envision him scowl.

               “You better behave young lady or someone’s going to get their window privileges taken away,” he warned and you stopped dead in your tracks, eyes wide.

               “Excuse me?” you turned around, shocked.

               “What?” he stared back at you, a bit prideful in himself. “You didn’t think I’d catch little Spidey-Boy crawling through your window last night?”

               “Dad,” you groaned, frustrated. “What did I say about invading my privacy?”

               “What did I say about the rules?” he cocked his head to the side, obviously annoyed. “I told you no seeing the Parker kid after midnight. And he’s definitely not allowed in your room.”

               “He wasn’t in my room!” you tried to protest with a lie and he narrowed his eyes.

               “Your window is part of your room,” he argued. “And last I checked, two in the morning is past midnight.”

               “Fine,” you grumbled, turning on your heels and walking back towards the elevator to go upstairs and pack.

               To be completely honest, you weren’t really sure where you were going, but from what Tony had told you, it seemed like the rest of the Avengers would be there. You’ve met them on a couple occasions, but Tony highly discouraged getting too involved. You understood to an extent, but you didn’t see what was so harmful about having a little fun. You were already dating one of them, and the daughter of another, why couldn’t you just be friends with the Hulk or Black Widow? What was so wrong about that? You sighed, pondering about it as you flung open your suitcase and looked for a couple good outfits to bring along. You didn’t know whether it would be warm or cold, so you decided to pack for both just to be safe.

               That’s when there was a knock on your door and you sighed once again, trudging to go open it. “Who are you?” you stared at the two men donned in suits strangely, seeing as you didn’t recognize them from anywhere before.

               “Come with us,” they simply stated, and you raised an eyebrow, twice as confused.

               “Did Tony send you? Are you going to take my bags?” you inquired.

               They shared a look, then nodded, going back to facing you. “Uh yeah, Tony told us to take your bags. You’re coming with us,” the first one announced, holding out a hand to grab your suitcase.

               “Oh,” you gave a second look, unsure at first, but noted the professionalism and the suits. “Alright.” You handed over your luggage and stepped out the door with them, wondering where Tony or Happy would be. They usually were right by your side during these types of excursions.

               “Keep up,” the second suited man encouraged, noting the way you seemed to be distracted as you followed them down the hall.

               Before you knew it, they were escorting you into the back of a limousine, then to a building. “Soooo…” you drew out the word as they took you down a series of hallways. “Where are we going?”

               “You’ll see soon enough,” one of them mumbled.

               “The way my dad made it out to be I thought we’d be going to London or Tokyo or something,” you laughed and they paused, turning around.

               “Your dad?” they asked at the same time.

               “Well yeah, Tony,” you clarified. “Uh, you know. I’m y/n. Y/n Stark.”

               “Right,” the first one nodded carefully, although looked surprised at the information. “Just down this hall, it’s the last door.”

               “You all keep acting strange,” you hummed. “Something doesn’t seem right.”

               “Just go through the door,” the second one groaned, opening it up and shoving you through. The doors clicked locked behind you and your eyes widened, seeming to realize this was probably a trap. Goddamn it, y/n, you were so oblivious sometimes. You instantly turned around, miserably trying to flail open the door, fingers gripped tightly at the handles, but you heard a tsk, tsk noise from behind and you rescinded, facing another suited man across a desk, this one with an aftershave and slicked back hair, looking particularly smug.

               “Ms. Stark now, is it?” he smirked, making you feel particularly uneasy. “Well, I thought you were just Spider-Man’s girlfriend, but now, what’s this? Iron Man’s daughter? How riveting.” He gestures to the chairs gathered around the conference table. “Why don’t you have a seat?”

               Panic seized your body at the realization and you instantly pressed the charm on the bracelet Tony had gifted you, the one he had urged you to wear in case of any emergency. He had crafted it himself with a tracker and alert system in case you ever were in a time like this. You clicked the button three times, expecting it to light up like it usually would, but nothing happened. You cursed, shaking and sweating, clicking it wildly, but the man just threw his head back in a laugh. You paused, looking at him, disgusted and terrified all at the same time.

               “That pretty little technology won’t work here,” he chuckled. “Give up already, there’s no escape. Nobody’s coming to save you, princess. Not your Spider-man boyfriend, and definitely not your Iron Man dad. It’s just you and me now. So why don’t you have a seat and let’s talk this one out?”

               “What do you want?” you scowled, crossing your arms, refusing to sit down.

               “Let’s be civil now,” he narrowed his eyes. “Wouldn’t want things to get ugly.”

               “Who are you?” you pestered him with another question, sick to your stomach that you were stupid enough to find yourself in such a shitty situation. Tony would be so disappointed.

               “Quentin,” he gave a sinister smile. “Quentin Beck.”

               “Am I supposed to know who you are or something?” you tilted your head to the side, clearly unimpressed. “Because I really don’t.”

               “I used to work for your daddy’s company,” he teased. “Stark Industries? Ring a bell?”

               “Yeah I’m not a dumbass,” you argued. “I know his company. But what does that have to do with me being here?”

               “You, my darling,” he begins, hardening his expression and pulling out his wrist, staring at it as if to check the time, but that’s when you realize the contraption fixed to his arm. “You are my chess piece.” He clicks a button and the entire scenery shifts, conference tables and seats fading away, making you scream and curse in confusion, until you focus upon a new scene with a dark sky. You’re in an alleyway.  Alone. “You didn’t want to take the easy route, so I guess you’ll have to play my little game, hmm?” His voice echoed in your ears, but you didn’t know where it was coming from. He was nowhere to be found.

               Surveying the area, you began to notice someone at the very end of the alley, a small boy with messy brown hair carrying a bookbag. As you approached, he looked familiar, and you began to run to him, eyes widening at the connection. “Peter!” you called his name, running faster towards him. “Peter!” But no matter how fast it seemed you ran, you were getting nowhere, the distance between you refusing to lessen. You called his name louder, hoping he would hear you, but a dark shadowy figure came into view at the end of the alley, pulling some sort of weapon out of his pocket, pointing it at the boy. “No! Fuck, Peter- no!” You ran as fast as you can, your lungs seeming to collapse and your legs burning with exhaustion, but it happened before your eyes. A zap of blue lightning seemed to shoot out of the weapon, causing the boy to tumble to the ground clutching his chest, then crumble to the gravel motionless while the shadowy figure walked away. Tears formed in your eyes, you screaming out, still trying to run towards him, but it was no use. He slowly closed his eyes, lips parted open, still. Was he-? No. He couldn’t be.

               As you ran faster you found the scene changing, and you were atop a glass bridge, high above a city full of lights, stomach feeling queasy. “What?” you looked around, panicked, wondering what had happened to Peter and the alleyway. You stared down the side of the bridge, head spinning. You must have been at least several miles up, everything was so small. You took a step back from the railing and felt the brittle glass underneath you crack, your heartbeat pounding in your chest. “No, no, no, no-” the glass shattered and you felt yourself falling down below, shutting your eyes tight, screaming as you fell, until you opened your eyes, the dropping sensation stopped all of a sudden.

               Everything was gone. You were in your bed. “Huh,” you laughed a bit to yourself. “God, I’m glad that was just a weird ass dream.” You sat up from where you were laying down, looking around to make sure, and you saw everything in place like usual. You sighed of relief, then heard a tapping at the glass, raising an eyebrow and going to check. It was Peter. Your eyes lit up and you raced towards the window, opening it up and greeting him with a smile, tugging him into your room. “God, I’m so glad you’re here,” you practically cried from happiness, embracing him tightly. “I was so confused, and I thought you were hurt, but I guess-” Suddenly he shoved you back and you paused, offended and scared, looking at the masked boy you loved. “Peter what are you doing?” He shot a web straight at you, pinning you the wall, practically suffocating. “Peter! What the fuck?” He shot another web. And another. And another. Each one suffocating you more and more. You felt like you might pass out each minute. Why was he doing this? That’s when he reached up to pull down his mask and you saw a ghastly face, skin peeled off, eyes bleeding, jagged teeth, a monstrous sight. You screamed and closed your eyes but when you woke up…. You were back where you began.

               You struggled to catch your breath, staring at the man who had caused you such worry, Quentin Beck. “You fucking prick!” you shouted, clutching your chest, trying to keep calm. Your head still felt like it was spinning, a dizzying sensation coursing through your body as you tried to reel back into reality. “Why would you do that? Why would you mess with my head like that? Why would you-”

               “Oh Ms. Stark,” he simply chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t you know? The game has just begun.”

               “Stop!” you raced towards him but it was no use, his fingers already tapping at the device on his wrist, scenery changing.

               Though this time, it was at an incredible pace. There was Tony, screaming at you, telling you he hated you, that he wished you had never come crawling back to him. There was your childhood bedroom, the screaming from your mother and stepfather being heard echoing down the halls. There was your school, bullies pushing you into lockers and tugging at your hair, laughing at you and calling you names. There were monsters from your nightmares, your worst fears come to life, visions so terrifying you felt as if paralyzed. One after another, small snippets crushed your soul, making you feel overwhelmed, scared, alone, questioning one after another. They all felt so real. Despite Beck’s machine and the conference room and the memory of being kidnapped, you felt each and every scene. Frustrated and confused, tears began to stream down your face, you screaming for him to stop.

               This time when you returned to the conference room you barely even had enough energy or willpower to stand, instead tumbling towards the floor, a sobbing mess, trying to form a coherent sentence. He had ruined you, messed with your mind, made you question everything. You just wanted to disappear. “Oh, sweetheart,” he teased in a patronizing tone, walking over to you, staring down at where you had collapsed. “What happened to that spitfire stubbornness you inherited from your daddy? It’s gone all of a sudden? What a shame.”

               “Fuck you!” you spat, still crying, eyes stinging from tears, heart racing, body aching. “Fuck you and your games! What do you want?”

               He knelt down beside you, clutching your face and tugging up your chin to look at him, making you feel helpless. “I want you to give me access to the room,” he whispered and your heart sank in your chest. “You know which one.”

               “N-no,” you sputtered out. “I can’t, I’m sorry, I really can’t do that-”

               “I know you can,” he insisted. “I know you and your little Spidey-boyfriend broke in once. You can break in again.”

               “That’s for the Avengers, that’s not for me, it was an accident the first time, I couldn’t have possibly done it on my own,” you rambled but he pressed a finger to your mouth to hush you.

               “Enough talking,” he silenced. “Take me there.”

               You bit down on your bottom lip, staring at him, trying to think of something, anything, but he was right. You were out of options. Defenseless. There wasn’t any other way. “Okay,” you surrendered.

               “Affirmative,” Beck spoke into an earpiece you just now realized he was wearing. “Task accomplished, voluntary captive, proceed.”

               He let go of your face, forcefully tossing you back to the ground, standing back and smirking, making you hate him even more. The conference doors swung open and the two suited men marched in, collecting you up from the ground, and you gave in.

               “Drive faster,” Beck snarled as the two suited men occupied the front seats of the limousine and he accompanied you in the back.

               “We’re driving as fast as we can, boss,” the one in the passenger seat reassured. “We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention towards ourselves.”

               “If Tin Man or Tarantula Boy comes crashing down on top of this limousine, I swear to god I’m going to wring your throats,” he threatened. “Drive faster!”

               You looked out the window as the skyscrapers and towers passed, wondering and hoping and praying that it would happen. That your dad would swoop in and scoop you right out of this limo, blast Beck in his stupid sorry face, and then beat the suited guys to a pulp. You had never seen him in action before. He had strictly kept you away from his whole superhero persona and business. But you secretly always dreamt of what it would be like to watch him save you from danger. You had only seen him wear the suit and use his powers in YouTube videos or on news snippets. If you weren’t so winded yourself, you’d try to unlock the door and tumble out onto the street and then race towards the nearest help. That was, if Beck didn’t catch you and strangle you to death beforehand. Instead you sighed, slumping down in your seat, defeated. The evil man sitting beside you failed to hide a slight smile upon noting your negative tone before gazing out his own window.

               That was, until the entire car jostled and both of you stared at each other for a second, the tires screeching and everyone in the vehicle shouting, jerking to the left. You crashed into the nearest parked car, your eyes readjusting as the broken glass collected in your lap and the airbags went off at the front. You tried to catch your breath before the car jerked towards the right, signaling this was only the beginning of the attack. “Who the fuck?” Beck cursed beside you, holding his hand to his forehead that was now bleeding, unbuckling and jerking open his car door. You watched carefully, then came to your own senses, crawling out of the car and looking out.

               “Y/n?” Spider-Man stood in the middle of the street, staring at you, head tilted. “Oh god. No, you were in that car, you could’ve been hurt, shit, I didn’t know-”

               Caught off guard, he was tossed to the ground with a single blast of Beck’s device, skidding across the asphalt of the street. “I am Mysterio!” Beck roared, shooting another blast, causing Spider-Man to come tumbling down once again, this time into traffic. “Fear me!”

Cars swerved, a couple honked, others turned around, some parked and people got out to record the chaos on their phones. You stood in shock, scared he would be hurt by this maniac. “No!” you raced towards him before Beck got in your way, shouting out his ridiculous villain name before shooting another blast as your boyfriend got up, slinging a web up towards a street light and swinging away.

               “Come back here, you stupid insect!” Beck roared.

               “I’m actually an arachnid,” Spidey shrugged, shooting at web towards his arm only to miss, catching the wall beside him. He was such a fucking dork. You couldn’t help but giggle to yourself despite the stress of the situation. That was, until you felt two arms come up behind you and put you in a headlock.

               “Hey!” you screamed, causing your boy to whip his head around to stare at the scene.

               “Y/n, no!” Spider-Man’s eyes went wide and as you began to choke you watched as he was swept off his feet from distraction once again, Beck stepping on his chest, pointing the weapon to his face.

               “S-stop! D-don’t h-hurt him!” you shouted out a strangled cry, but the arms squeezed harder. It was the henchmen, the suited ones, they must’ve gotten out of the car. You eyes teared up and you began to feel lightheaded, trashing and kicking about as much as you could, blurry vision watching as Beck kicked Spider-Man in the face, making your chest heave up with emotion.

               “Hey asshole!” you heard a familiar voice and instantly the arms dropped you, causing you to collapse to the ground. You groaned to yourself, realizing you had found yourself suffocating on the floor far too many times in the past three hours, before looking up, coming face to face with your father, fully suited. Your frown broke out into a grin.

               “Iron Man?” you raised an eyebrow, a bit eager to see how this would play out.

               “Hey Princess Peach,” he gave you a nod before extending his palm and blasting the suited man in the chest, sending him skidding down the asphalt. “You alright?”

               “Y-yeah I’m fine,” you replied, a bit shocked at the brutal violence and crazy technology, but amazed all the same. Also, a bit annoyed at the nickname, but your clapback could wait for later.

               “Good, cause I’ve got to go save your fool of a boyfriend,” he responded. “I’ll be back. You wait somewhere safe.” He zoomed off, rocket blasters lifting him up off the ground and soaring into the sky, then crashing down on top of Mysterio or Beck or whoever the lunatic was, sending Spidey free.

               “Hell yes!” you did a fist pump before racing towards the nearest awning.

               “Douchebag, why don’t you learn to leave my kids alone, huh?” Iron Man blasted him in the chest again, sending him towards the nearest building, but not nearly done with him yet. You almost wanted a bag of popcorn to munch on while watching the battle. Your eyes were fixated on the robot suit and the crazy screaming man until something out of the corner of your eye caught your attention. Fuck.

               “Pe- I mean, Spider-Man!” you caught yourself, looking around, realizing you couldn’t shout his name, swallowing down the rest of your words before racing towards him.

               The poor kid was sprawled out on the concrete, hacking up blood, and you raced faster, kneeling down beside him, gasping when you saw his suit. “Fuck, Peter-” you could barely breathe or speak. “A-Are you okay?”

               “Hey…” he weakly responded, barely even able to lift his head.

               “Jesus,” your face fell. His suit was torn in some places, blood stained in others, sticky webs tangled in other parts, and even some fabric singed. “Are you bleeding? Is that your blood?”

               “I’m fine, y/n,” he whispered but he clearly wasn’t. Sounds of screams, blasts, and crumbling buildings surrounded you, but you didn’t care. You needed to make sure he was okay.

               “Come on, we’re getting you out of here,” you insisted, trying to pick him up, but unable to do much but lift his torso. “I’m sorry, I’m going to have to drag you.”

               Struggling but persistent, you took him to the nearest building, thankful most people had already evacuated due to the violence in the streets. “Let’s go to the back,” Peter suggested. “I can’t have anyone see me.”

               “Right, right,” you nodded, helping him towards the back of the store, helping him sit up behind a couple aisles before rushing to the front door and locking it for your own privacy, then racing back to him. “Come on baby, let’s take off your mask.” You carefully helped pry the fabric of the suit off of him, letting him gasp for air, but frowned upon the sight of the gashes on his jaw and the already forming bruise on his cheek. “Shit Pete, it’s so bad-”

               “I-I’m okay,” he insisted, still coughing up a lung, clutching his side.

               “I’m so sorry,” you apologized. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, I should’ve been smarter, I didn’t know…”

               “I’m just glad you’re alright,” he reassured, putting a hand up to your face, holding your cheek softly. “As soon as Mr. Stark and I realized you were missing, we rushed out to find you. We didn’t know that you were with Mysterio, I would have never crashed the car, I didn’t know you were in there-”

               “I’m fine, really,” you gave a soft smile. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

               “I’ll be okay,” he smiled back. “I’m Spider-Man.”

               “Yeah,” you grinned. “I know.” You pressed a soft kiss to his forehead and sighed, hugging him gently towards you, letting him lean his weight onto your shoulder.

               “Y/n, c-can you maybe get m-me some water? Is that okay?” he stuttered out and you nodded quickly.

               “Of course,” you replied. “God, I should’ve thought of that. Yeah, one second.” You slowly got up and looked for the nearest fridge and then pulled out a couple bottles, taking it back to him, uncapping one before handing it off. “It’s really important you hydrate.”

               In that moment it was quiet. Silence. Peter leaning on you, occasionally coughing, slowly sipping on water, you playing with his hair while staring at his mask on the ground. This is what Tony meant when he told you that knowing was dangerous. When he had said that there were people who wanted to hurt you, to hurt Peter, to hurt him. You were part of this now, like it or not, and it was part of your responsibility, as well as his, that nothing happened to you. And you just went and ruined it. You pressed your lips together, feeling slightly guilty about it all, hating yourself. Not only were they constantly chasing after villains and going out on missions, they were now cleaning up after your mess. You lowered your head, feeling down, and Peter looked at you, concerned.

               “It’s not your fault,” he whispered. “You didn’t know.”

               “Yeah but I should’ve been smarter,” you mumbled. “I should’ve been better.”

               “Hey,” Peter frowned. “Don’t say that. Anyone else would’ve done the same. I’m just proud you didn’t give up. You kept fighting.”

               “Y-yeah,” you nodded, thinking back to when you had given up, when you surrendered, when you agreed to take Beck back to the tower. You were weak.

               “I’m just glad you’re okay,” he gave you a soft hug, smiling, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “That’s what’s important, alright? Not what happened, not who was involved, just that everything’s better now. Okay?”

               “Mhmm,” you replied, starting to get his point. “I guess you’re right.”

               “Hey Romeo and Juliet!” you heard a knocking at the storefront window and you both groaned. “You gonna thank Prince Charming, or what?”

               “I’ll get it,” you rolled your eyes, giving Peter another kiss on the cheek before heading to the door. “Yeah, yeah, thanks.”

               “We are going to have a talk, young lady,” he pointed at you, and even in the Iron Man suit, you could envision him narrowing his eyes.

               “I know,” you sighed. “I know.”

               “Where’s Spidey-Boy?” he asked, looking around.

               “In the back,” you motioned. “Gave him some water and let him take off the mask so he can breathe.”

               “That’s good,” he nodded. “I called Happy, he’ll be here any minute now to come pick us up.”

               “What about the mission?” you asked, a bit panicked as you walked with him to the back of the store.

  ��            “Honey, that was the mission,” he explained. “We were supposed to track down Mysterio because he had stolen some high tech advanced weapons from me and was planning on stealing even more. Apparently we got the location wrong because, well hell, he was here with you instead of where we were headed in Berlin. Strangely enough, you getting captured was helpful, in a weird twisted way. Uh, anyways.” He clears his throat. “Don’t worry about the mission, we got it covered.” He pauses. “You okay, kiddo?”

               “I will be,” you reassured.

               “Good,” he put a hand on your shoulder. “Let’s patch up your boyfriend and then we can get home and talk.”

               The lecture Tony gave you was not nearly as bad as you thought it would be. Rather than scolding you for irresponsibility and stupidity, he reprimanded you for giving him a whole ass heart attack and a half. He reinstated just how important you were to him, and Peter too, saying that he’d do anything to keep you two safe or if need be, save you. He also explained a couple more things about the case, detailing his past with Quentin Beck, who had coined the name Mysterio and foiled several of the Avengers’ and Tony’s plans in the past, as well as stolen his achievements and inventions. He gave you a big hug and then promised to update your emergency bracelet before giving you permission to hang out with Peter Parker, although a bit hesitant. Honestly, he wasn’t half that bad as a father after all.

               “Hey,” you gave a half smile as you noticed Peter enter the lounge, holding a cold pack to his face. “How’s it going?”

               “Got a lengthy talk from your dad,” he laughed, shrugging his bookbag off his shoulder and sitting down on the couch next to you, stretching an arm around your waist and planting a kiss on your forehead, tossing the cold pack to the side.

               “Oh god,” you rolled your eyes and groaned. “I’m so sorry. What about?”

               “He said I can’t let you and my emotions get in the way of my work,” he chewed on his lower lip. “He noticed how I would get distracted whenever you were involved. With the car and then with the suited guys, I was always knocked to the ground whenever I was vulnerable. He said it wasn’t acceptable, no matter who was on the other end of the line, that I had to keep my head straight. Because in the process of saving you, I might lose you, and I might end up dead myself.” He shakes his head, clearing his thoughts. “It’s ridiculous, seeing as I’d do just about anything for you, but… yeah. I guess he does have a point. People need me.”

               “Of course,” you agreed, although warm hearted at his reflection. “There’s a world that needs saving.”

               “That job’s for your dad,” he chuckled. “Me? I’m more of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

               “Sure…” you replied sarcastically. “As if you’re not a web slinging Avenger in your spare time.”

               “Shhh!” he tickled your side playfully. “That’s a secret! How do you know?”

               “Peter! Peter!” you laughed, pushing him away until he rescinded. “Don’t you know my weakness? How dare you defeat me with your tickles!”

               “My bad,” he raised his hands in surrender, laughing a bit himself. He slowly trails off, staring at you, pressing his lips together. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

               “Same,” you whispered. “And for you too.”

               “No matter what happens, we’ll get through this,” Peter promised, smiling at you. “Together.”

               “Absolutely,” you nodded, breaking out into a grin. “It’s not like I’m dating a superhero for nothing.”

[acrobaticcatfeline]

Logan and His Little Bumble Bee (Single Dads AU)!!!

Word Count: 2170

TW: Breakup mention, uhhh, Logan has a major distaste for his ex? Oh Logan is pan in this and his ex is a female. Minor character death mention, bad self care, I think that’s it? And most of that is in the second paragraph and doesn’t come up again, but let me know if I missed anything!

Notes: This was produced in spite of my brain not wanting to create. I have a week off I’m not letting it go to waste stupid writers block! Pardon me as I go do... more research and writing for the hogwarts au fic I’m writing. I hope y’all enjoy this!!!

Pairings: past Logan and a female unnamed character that I suppose I will have to make now, slight mentions of pining logicality, familial logince, familial moxiety

Summary: “Roman darling, we have to wash your prince outfit ok?” logan sanders is having a heck of a month you know? suddenly hes a parent and has a promotion and honestly its the most stressed hes been since he was in college but you know he gets moments like these sometimes where he can just hold his little bee and maybe things will be alright.

“Roman darling, we have to wash your prince outfit ok?”

Judging by the screams, it was not ok, and Logan was at the point of sticking himself in the washing machine. He’s tired and the past month of his life has been hell. Last month his ex-girlfriend dropped Roman off at his house as a surprise. Yeah imagine how surprised you’d be to now be the sole guardian of a child you didn’t know existed because your ex was petty enough to keep it from you until she got bored of him 2 years later. So he became a father in a matter of minutes, he got a promotion at work, but that involved working more hours, leaving him with the problem of how the hell was he going to be taking care of a 2 year old when he had work usually 10 hours a day instead of what he used to do. Then he had a bomb dropped that his uncle died. That was… not easy news to take for certain. It was worse that his funeral was halfway across the country, meaning he couldn’t go, and he was stuck at work with a baby and was mourning the loss of his family member and at this point he wasn’t sure if he was able to take it anymore. He hadn’t had a full nights sleep in two weeks, he hasn’t eaten properly for just about that long as well, eating fast food on his way to work every day, usually having coffee for lunch and having something weird thrown together from what he has in his house which for the past week has been cheese ramen while his kid gets the perfect diet because yes, he’s currently a hot mess of the highest caliber, but he refused to let himself be bested by a toddler. He refused to let his ex be a better parent than him, which just so happened to make him love the kid out of spite. And that’s how he got here.

“roro, please? I’ll let you wear your bee onesie?”

And the screams stopped in their tracks. Thank god, Logan had already taken the largest dose of ibuprofen he allowed, and he could still feel the migraine approaching. The baby boy in question was sitting in the grass in Logan’s backyard, playing with some dolls and cars. He turned towards Logan and started crawling over to the tired man sitting in the grass. When he got to him, he sat again and reached up with grabby hands, signaling he wanted to be picked up. Logan obliged, swooping up the little kid and starting to stand up. Roman poked Logan’s cheek softly before planting a big kiss there. He smiled widely, very proud of himself, and Logan felt his cold unfeeling heart melt at the sight.

“oh gosh how could she have given you up. Even if you are a little terror sometimes,” he pinched Roman’s cheek softly with a smile as the little one giggled cutely. “you’re still so sweet and cute. Yes, you are Ro! So sweet and cute! Just like a little bee huh? Ready to be a little bee roro?”

The toddler giggled loudly and nodded before making a grab for Logan’s glasses. Logan quickly twirled him upside down for a moment before swooping him back up.

“no no no! no grabbing dads glasses Ro! I can’t see without those! No no, but we can play with yours okay? You want your glasses?”

Logan had made it into his old office, now a nursery for Ro, and grabbed his bee onesie and his fake glasses that Roman loved to play with. He sat Roman down and changed him rather quickly, luckily once Logan convinces him to listen, Ro is very obedient and behaves very well. He’s a good kid, Logan gets livid thinking about what possible reason she had for giving him up. He picks up Roman again, laughing slightly when Roman tries to wrap his tiny arms around his neck. He quickly grabs Roman’s prince outfit and drops it in the wash with the rest of his clothes, starting it finally.

“what do you wanna do little buzz boy? You wanna go to the park? I have time to go to the park. Hasn’t your sitter taken you before? Do you like the park Robee? Hmm?”

Roman giggles and nods. Logan feels a slight tinge of sadness at the simple response. Roman was 2 years old and babies were supposed to be able to say things that sounded like words by 18 months old. Roman never spoke, he giggled and nodded and shook his head, and understood what Logan said, but he never tried to speak back. The bitter part of him wanted to blame his ex, pretend it was her bad nurturing that led Roman to choosing not to speak, but he knew rationally that sometimes kids had speech impairment and wouldn’t start talking until maybe even 3, but it still worried Logan. Everything he read said it might be autism, but he had his doubts as he worked with autism regularly and had to be well versed with the DSM-5 for his career. He would often repeat words a lot, say the words for what Ro wanted, hoping that he would at least say something. He was going to go to pre k this year, but Logan didn’t feel ok with sending him off to school without any form of communication. That was a set up for something to go wrong, what if the other kids teased him? What if the teachers were bad to him! He would have no way of knowing! That terrified Logan, so he decided he would wait. He had enough money to hire a sitter for another few years while he helped Roman speak. He did fear that he would miss his first words, but he had to work, if he didn’t there was a lot of things he would do instead of… being in Florida psychoanalyzing people all day.

Don’t get him wrong, he loves his job, but it was stressful, and he was regularly reminded that just because he’s a qualified professional, doesn’t mean he isn’t more similar to his patients than he was comfortable with addressing.

Logan grabbed his baby bag, refilling whatever the sitter had used the day prior. He strapped Roman into the backpack sling he had, put it on so Roman sat on his chest, preferring being able to actually see his kid, and grabbed the bag and a few other things, being his phone, wallet, and keys. The park was a short walk away and his weekend adventures with Roman were usually the most exercise he got during the week, so he slowly made his way there, stopping occasionally to make a silly face at ro.

“you wanna go to the playground Ro? Or the field?”

Roman held up 2 fingers, and there it is again. Yeah Roman may not talk, but he definitely understands what he’s saying. He’s a really intelligent kid, and Logan may or may not be ridiculously proud of him. They found a rather quiet area in the field and Logan took off the sling and let Roman out of it, letting him wander around. Roman pressed on Logan’s leg softly to help him stand up. He then takes off running, and Logan stays seated, watching his little bumble bee play. Its not until he hears someone clear their throat next to him that he sees another man, a quite handsome man actually, with a baby that seems to have a question. He stands hurriedly.

“oh my, I'm sorry I zoned out a bit I'm running on 2 hours of sleep please forgive me, is there something I can help you with?”

“oh yeah! Oh, sorry to disturb you, you do seem exhausted. Um I was just wondering if you know whose little boy that is? My kiddo is being fussy and wants to play but I always want to check with the parents first, heheh!”

“huh? Oh, that one over there is mine, if your son wants to play, I'm sure my Roman would be happy to join him! How old’s your little one?”

The other mans smile widens and he sits down, letting his son go off to play with Roman. Logan sits down next to him.

“oh, my little Virgil? He’s almost 4! Also, hello, my name is Patton! How old’s Roman?”

“nice to make your acquaintance Patton, I'm Logan. My son is a little older than 2.”

“aww! Really, I thought he was at least 3! He’s pretty big for his age, he looks strong and healthy!”

Roman and Virgil come running over, and Roman is giggling heavily and runs straight into Logan’s arms eliciting a small ‘oof’ from Logan as he wrapped his arms around his child. Virgil also was giggling as he ran into Patton's grasp much faster, knocking them both over. He looked over concerned but lost the worry as he saw Patton laying down and laughing twice as hard as Virgil was, hair sprawled around his head and oh hey there's Logan’s gay showing oof. He turned away, hiding his face in a hug with Roman.

Of course, Roman had to be the curious tike he is right then, pulling out of the hug and patting Logan’s cheeks in confusion. He poked and prodded and pinched because he was Logan’s little scientist and that’s how you figure out things you’re confused by. Logan had a mind to be embarrassed but gosh his Roman is just so cute and curious and man he loves him.

“daddy daddy!!! He’s so funny, he doesn’t talk but he’s funny!!! He’s like me!!! can we play again later?”

Patton sits up, and Logan restrains himself from pulling the leaf out of his hair.

“aw we have to ask his dad first but maybe! Logan, could we set up a playdate later?”

Heck Logan stop being gay for a second, staring at him is creepy, answer him you doofus!

“uh, yeah sure! Ro seemed to enjoy himself, so why not. I only have weekends off, but he has a babysitter that would love to have another thing to do with the little bug. Um, here, let me give you my number and theirs.”

Logan quickly repositioned Roman so he could reach into his baby bag for a pen and paper. He quickly scrawled it out then handed it to Patton.

“oh, you’re left handed? Neat so am I! can I see that paper too? I should probably give you my number so Ro’s sitter knows it.”

Logan hands it over and a few minutes later Patton's phone starts going off.

“oh geez that’s my alarm, I gotta go, some family is visiting for the weekend, it was nice meeting you Logan! I look forward to seeing you and your itsy-bitsy bug boy again! Bye bye Roman! Virgil say bye!”

“BYE ROMAN BYE LOGAN!!!”

And they turn and leave, and Logan lets himself watch for a few short seconds before turning back to Roman. Roman’s face becomes a smile again and he hugs Logan tightly.

“what's up bug? You wanna keep playing or do you wanna go home and take a nap with dad?”

And Roman giggles and hides in his chest before-

“DAD!!! Play dad!!!”

And Logan can feel his jaw drop and he has to quickly fix his expression because Roman starts looking shy.

“Roman! You just! Oh my god you just said your first words!!! Roman I'm so proud of you my little love bug!!!”

And Roman smiles widely again and bounces up and down.

“bug!!! Bee bug!!!”

“yes Roman, yes bees are bugs oh I love you so much roro I'm so happy! You make dad so happy roro!”

“happy dad!!!”

“I, I need to tell your mom! She’ll be so proud of you Ro just like me!”

“noooo! No mom! Mom… mom bad!”

And Logan’s face drops. He swoops up Roman and hugs him tight. He doesn’t want Roman to think that, his mom, his mom still loved him, he’s sure of it… she was being responsible and having someone else take care of him… or at least that’s what Roman should think.

“no, no Roman she… Roman she loves you so much you know that. She’s not bad she’s just not ready to take care of you.”

“you too! You too but… I… here. You here. Mom bad. Mom gone.”

And if Logan started crying that was no one’s business but his own. Besides, this wasn’t the time, right now he had to deal with a ridiculously self-aware 2-year-old.

They would play in the grass for another hour, and Logan would blink the tears in his eyes away and prepare to have one heck of a conversation with his ex when they got home. Right now, though? Right now, he was reveling in the short amount of time he had with his son.

Let me know if you want to be tagged in my writing!!!

Thank you for reading I will see you later ladies lords and nonbinary royalty!!!

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

All In The Family

Summary (request): can you do a jared x reader where the reader is dating jared secretly and her brother Jensen finds out and is not thrilled about it

Pairing: Jared x reader (with brother Jensen)

Word Count: 3,700ish

Warnings: language, angst, fluff

A/N: Why did this get so angsty...sigh...

“We had too many kids,” you heard your dad mumble, your mom laughing quietly before she whacked his shoulder. “At the time it seemed great but now...“

“We can hear you dad,” said your oldest brother.

“Good. Let this be a lesson to you all,” he said.

“Hey, as youngest I take offense,” you said.

“As youngest you know you were unplanned,” snickered Jensen. You hit his arm, Jensen frowning and pulling you into a headlock. “I was kidding!”

“Jensen, behave. Her hair is done nice,” said your mom.

“Ha,” you said, getting a wet silly before he released you. “Gross!”

“Ha yourself you- Josh!” said Jensen pawing at his ear, Josh smirking as he walked away.

“Remember who taught you, little bro,” he said.

“Actually I taught Jensen that,” said your sister.

“No you didn’t,” said Josh. “Besides, you’re way too young.”

“No I’m not,” said your sister. “Y/N’s younger than I am.”

“We weren’t even talking about that,” said Jensen.

“Two kids we said. Two kids,” sighed your dad. “Thank you for getting your mother a nice family portrait for her birthday, Jensen. Really brings back those memories of you four being demon spawn.”

“I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic,” he said.

“I know,” he said with a smile.

“Okay, Ackles family,” said the photographer, coming out from the studio. “We got all the spouses and kiddos settled so let’s get you guys in there front and center.”

“Mom,” you said. She shook her head at you. “He totally doesn’t have to be in the photo. He’s only a boyfriend, not...”

“I keep telling you he totally is going to be in the photo. You’ve been dating the boy for ages. He can be in the photo,” she said with a smile.

“I didn’t know little Y/N had a boyfriend,” teased Jensen.

“Really?” asked your other siblings. Jensen frowned. He hung back a moment and nodded for you to stay. You got a reassuring smile from your parents that only made Jensen scowl harder.

“Jens,” you said when you were alone. “You know how you get with me and boys.”

“You still always talk to me. God, besides Jared, I’ve probably not talked to any other human being on the planet more. Even De,” he said.

“We’ve been talking. We talk every day,” you said.

“I get not telling me about a new boyfriend but he doesn’t sound so new,” said Jensen, kicking the floor.

“Jensen-“

“As long as he’s good to you, it’s none of my business,” he said. You pursed your lips, getting a smile from him. “It’s alright kiddo. I forget you ain’t my kid sister sometimes.”

“I mean, I’m still your kid sister,” you said.

“Good point,” he said, your dad whistling.

“Slackers, come on,” he called. You took a deep breath and headed inside, listening to the photographer show you where to sit. You were right in front of your guy, Jensen pausing before he sat down in front of Danneel.

“Jared,” said Jensen.

“Hi,” he said a bit quietly. You saw your brothers shoulders tense as he sat in front of Danneel. He leaned over to you, so close you were pretty sure only you could hear.

“When we get back to the house, us three are having a talk.”

“Hey, babe,” you said, giving him a hug and kiss when Jared walked in the front door to your parents house.

“Hey,” he said, looking around.

“Jensen’s up in his old room. We got a minute,” you said.

“He looked pissed at the pictures,” said Jared, following you back through the house, avoiding everyone and heading straight for the backyard. You slipped outside with him, taking a seat on the swing set, moving slowly as Jared leaned against the support. “I think he’s pissed at the keeping it a secret thing, not that we’re actually dating.”

“I know. You’re his best friend. He knows you’re a good guy. Hell, he knows you better than anyone,” you said.

“I know we kept it secret at first from everyone but I can’t even remember why we never told Jensen,” he said. You glanced up at him, Jared knowing somewhat why you had never talked to your brother about it. “Y/N.”

“I love him, Jared, I do. But I am not the little girl he thinks I am,” you said. “I don’t need him to save me anymore.”

“Well what’s he supposed to be saving you from?” asked Jared. “Living your life?”

“No. No,” you said, closing your eyes. “He’s just...he’s so fucking protective of me is all.”

“There’s a story there,” he said.

“He’s overprotective is all,” you said.

“Alright,” said Jared. He hummed and sat up on ladder wrung, taking hold of your hand as you swung lightly. “Do I make you happy?”

“More than,” you said softly. You gave him a smile, squeezing his fingers. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said. You saw the backdoor open, Jensen hard faced as he walked across the grass. “Hey.”

“You be quiet,” he said, pointing a finger at you before turning to Jared. “Who’s idea was it? Keeping me and De in the dark on this?”

“I know you’re mad but we’re all adults, Jensen,” said Jared.

“Who?” asked Jensen.

“I did,” said Jared.

“No, he didn’t. I did. I told him not to say anything at first and then we just never told you,” you said.

“That’s what I thought,” said Jensen, turning around, pacing around the swing set for a moment, pausing in front of Jared. “I get it and we’re fine.”

“What’s with the scary face then?” asked Jared, breathing a sigh of relief.

“I said you and I were fine,” said your brother, glaring at you. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Jensen, you’re acting like a child,” you said. He scoffed, walking away. “Jensen!”

“At least I don’t hide my relationships from other people,” he said. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” barked Jared. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

“There’s a reason she’s always single, Jared,” said Jensen. You widened your eyes, Jensen cocking his head.

“Why are you being such an asshole? I didn’t tell you I was dating your best friend because I was afraid of the reaction,” you said. “It’s not like you’ve ever been afraid, right, Jensen?”

“Shut up,” he grit out, looking around. “Don’t you dare bring up that.“

“Maybe I will!” you said, looking back at the house.

“Don’t speak to me again,” he said, storming off back up to the house.

“What the fuck was that,” said Jared.

“Can you please get my bag from my old room. I’d like to drive back to Austin tonight with you,” you said.

“Y/N-“

“Please, Jared. I don’t want to be here anymore.”

Two Weeks Later

“Hi,” you said when Jared walked in the apartment after work. “Dinner’s almost done.”

“Thanks,” he grumbled, taking a seat at the counter, frowning at you. “I talked to Jensen today about what happened.”

“Did you now,” you said. You very quickly got pissed off at your brother. Maybe you had made a mistake, maybe you hadn’t, but there was no reason for him to go off on you like that. It was so completely out of character you almost called De to ask if Jensen was going through something. But the thought had passed and now you were as every bit as angry as he was.

“I really think you should apologize,” said Jared. You stared at him, Jared inching back in his seat. “I did for lying and he forgave me. I think that’s all he wants.”

“No. What he wants is me out of his perfect life and now I am,” you said. “Good for him. I already apologized once. I ain’t doing it again.”

“You two just basically yelled at each other,” said Jared.

“Did you tell him to apologize too?” you scoffed, walking out of the kitchen.

“Yeah, I did,” he said, watching you go to the foyer. “Where are you going? You just said dinner-“

“I had a long day at work. I need a drink.”

“This seat taken?” asked a voice at the bar. You started to growl when you recognized it, a tired looking Alex taking a seat next to you. “S’not like you to sit alone in bars.”

“Did Jared send you?” you asked.

“He was trying your regular place, asked me to check on your backup bar,” he said. “So want to tell me what happened?”

“I got angry and took it out on Jared,” you said, rubbing your face. “He’s been having a bad few days too and I had to fuck that up worse and worry him.”

“Just because he’s having a bad day means you can’t have one too?” asked Alex. You sighed and rolled your eyes, Alex stealing the rest of your beer. “Didn’t even finish your drink.”

“I’m sure you’ll take Jensen’s side too. He’s your friend after all,” you mumbled.

“So are you,” he said, leaning against the bar top. “It’s not my business. Now come on, let’s take you home and give Jared a call so he stops freaking out.”

“Hey,” you said when Jared walked into the apartment. You stared at your feet, his own appearing in front of you. “Sorry.”

“Don’t do that again. You need to have a bitch fest about your brother and get loaded, fine, but do it here at home. Or let me go with you,” he said.

“You hate me too?” you asked. He shook his head and pulled you into his chest, kissing the top of your head. He shushed you for a few minutes, running his hand up and down your back. “Did you save the leftovers? I’m starving.”

“Yeah,” he said, releasing you but holding onto your hand still. “I am not taking his side. I let him know how pissed off I was for how he talked to you. That’s not him. But until I know the full picture, I can’t help you and him fix this.”

“There is no full picture, Jared. He doesn’t want to talk to me, I don’t want to talk to him. You can be his friend and hang out with him. I just don’t want to, alright?” you said. “Now I’m going to have dinner. Come on. I’ll make you some dessert when I’m done.”

Two Weeks Later

You stopped dead in your tracks when you saw Jensen in the hall. It was work. You should have realized he’d have to stop up in the production offices for something at some point. He stilled for a few seconds before he kept walking. You held your head high and walked to the stairs, a sigh behind you. You glared over your shoulder, Jensen rolling his eyes.

“Excuse me but I work here. Why don’t you go look pretty in front of a camera?” you said. He scrunched up his face, bumping your shoulder hard once you were on the landing and up on the second floor. “Asshole.”

“Bitch,” he shot back, heading down to a conference room. You glared at him. Who the fuck was he to call you that? “I can’t believe you.”

“Believe what, dickhead?” you snapped, spinning around, Jensen almost looking like Dean Winchester for a moment. He stormed over, staring down at you.

“Stay away from me,” he growled.

“It’d be my pleasure, pretty boy,” you said. He bit his bottom lip and walked away. It was a low blow and you knew it and you felt a bit bad about it. You knew he had issues over that, way down deep that hardly a soul knew about.

“Y/N,” said your boss, poking his head out from his office a minute later. “All set?”

“Yeah. You know how Mondays are,” you mumbled. “Always a pain.”

“Congratulations, baby,” said Jared that night, picking you up in his trailer. “Your pilot got picked up!”

“It’s not my pilot. I just wrote it,” you blushed, Jared spinning you around. “Jare!”

“I’m so proud of you,” he said, kissing your cheek hard. “How many episodes?”

“13. Kids shows are normally shorter seasons since they repeat them so much. I won’t be writing all of them but it’ll be good to have the job security for the next year or so,” you said. He squished you until you needed to breathe, smiling when he set you down. “My boss said I can work from wherever so that’ll be great for traveling with you too.”

“I’m so happy for you,” said Jared, swinging your hands in his. “I am taking you out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate.”

“It’s really no big deal,” you blushed, Jared shaking his head. “Alright, alright. But maybe an early dinner since you got night shoots tonight.”

“Nah. I’m taking my girl out someplace special,” he said. You leaned up and gave him a kiss, Jared smirking at the end of it. “Drive home safe.”

“Will do, babe.”

One Month Later

“Honey, I’m home,” said Jared as he hopped in through the front door. You glanced over the top of your laptop at him and went back to writing. “Still working?”

“No. Working on a new novel,” you said. “I’m five chapters in.”

“Oh. You know someday, we’re going to have to publish one of these. Or at least bundle your shorter stuff together,” said Jared.

“S’not good enough,” you said, already back to typing.

“You always say that. Your stuff is better than pretty much everything I’ve ever read,” he said. “I’m still waiting to see how Peak Mountain ends.”

“I have to edit it,” you said with a smile. “I printed out the first two chapters of this one and put them in your spot if you want to take a look.”

“Yes please,” he said. He moved around the apartment for a few minutes, you and Jared both aware that you were settling into domesticity nicely.

You’d only been living together a few months but you wouldn’t have been surprised if Jared popped the question soon. Everything had been pretty fast. You’d known him for a number of years, meeting him at a con once. But one of you had always been dating someone else and when you were both single, those little sparks finally caught.

“Hey, Y/N?” asked Jared. You glanced up, more time going by than you thought. Jared was holding his chapters, giving you a strange smile. “This is a little dark for you, isn’t it?”

“I’m experimenting,” you said. “I don’t just write cute stuff.”

“I know. You’ve just been a little off lately...and you typed Jensen in this,” said Jared.

“I can’t name my villain after something stupid?” you asked. Jared took a deep breath and held up his hands.

“Have you guys spoken since your parents house?” he asked.

“We got in an argument in the hall at work a month ago,” you said. “But no, I haven’t.”

“You two haven’t spoken in two months?” he asked quietly. You shrugged, focusing back on your computer. “You two talked every single day. Since you were a little kid, Y/N.”

“So?” you asked. “He’s the one that won’t let it go. I love you. You’re amazing and exactly the kind of man I want to be with. If he can’t get over what happened, that’s on him.”

“It’s not just a secret, Y/N. Something else happened and no one in your family knows what the hell is going on except for you two,” he said.

“He is too protective. I can’t help it,” you said, slamming your computer shut. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore.”

Two Months Later

You were at Jared’s in Austin, smiling happily in bed. He was out getting breakfast and had ordered you to stay put. The night before had been amazing, the happiest of your life. You stared at your hand, smiling at the thought this house would be yours forever too.

The doorbell rang, more than once and you sighed, rolling out of bed and grabbing your robe, tying it before you went and answered.

Jensen was standing there, looking on the verge of tears.

“I…” he breathed out, biting his bottom lip. “I-I know...help me.”

“Okay,” you said, pulling him inside, Jensen shaking. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Hospital,” he said, blinking at you. “I need to go to the hospital.”

“Let’s call an ambulance. I-”

“Not me. De and the kids...car accident. I gotta...they didn’t have any details...I tried to drive myself but couldn’t get…” he trailed off.

“Two minutes,” you said, sprinting upstairs and getting dressed. You texted Jared quick and grabbed the keys out of Jensen’s hand, leading him outside and climbing inside his truck. “What hospital? Jens.”

“Um, N-north,” he said. You pulled out of there, Jensen quiet as a mouse.

“Didn’t know you got engaged,” he breathed out.

“Happened last night. No one knows yet,” you said.

“He’s nice,” was all Jensen said, staring blankly out the window. You reached over and held his hand, giving it a tight squeeze.

“You’re gonna be alright,” you said. He didn’t speak again but the grip he had on you was verging on painful. You were barely parked before he sprinted out of the vehicle and you had to jog to catch up.

“What?” asked the nurse that Jensen was talking to, Jensen groaning.

“Ackles. An adult woman, 3 small kids. This is her husband and I’m her sister-in-law,” you said. “They were in a car accident but he wasn’t told anything.”

“The Ackles family was discharged about ten minutes ago,” she said with a smile. “Everyone seemed okay. Very minor bumps and bruises.”

“Thank god,” said Jensen, resting his head on the counter, taking a deep breath. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“Sir?” she said.

“Sorry,” he said, shaking his head. “Sorry.”

“Here,” you said, giving Jensen your phone. He typed away for a minute, smiling when the other end answered. “Hi honey...yeah...you guys okay?...good, good...no, I’m fine...yeah, just got to the hospital but everything seems okay...no, no, I’m okay...yeah, I’ll be home soon...love you too.”

“They all good?” you asked. He nodded and handed your phone back. You texted Jared that everything was all good, Jensen already outside by the time you looked up. You followed after, climbing back in the car and heading for home when he pulled off the road and into the local park. “Jensen?”

He got out and walked away, taking a seat on a bench near the pond. You followed him, taking a seat beside him, his head turning to you slowly.

“Thank you,” he whispered. You nodded, sitting with him in silence for a while. He shifted in his seat and pulled out his wallet, thumbing through it and pulling out a photo. “Remember this?”

“Yeah,” you said, running your thumb over it. “My fifth birthday party. You drove all night from LA just to see me for two hours.”

“You only turn five once,” he said, tucking the photo away. “Jared’s a good man. He’ll make you happy.”

“I know,” you said. Jensen stood up and stretched.

“Now what?”

“I’m going to drop you off and then go home,” he said.

“I meant…” you trailed off. He kicked the ground and sighed.

“Can we stop fighting?” he asked. You nodded, Jensen returning it.

“I am sorry we kept it from you so long but-“

“I have a habit of chasing off boyfriends. I know,” he said.

“You didn’t get in that car accident on purpose, Jens. Back in the day,” you said. He blinked slowly, nodding his head. “I didn’t even get hurt.”

“You almost did,” he said quietly. “I was supposed to put the car seat in mine and I didn’t and you almost got hurt.”

“You were grounded for leaving the house without me,” you said. “We both lied about what happened that night.”

“So?” he said. “I should have-“

“Just let it go, Jens. I’m not four anymore. You don’t have to protect me from the whole world, even guys,” you said.

“I know. This morning...we’re okay again?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you said. Jensen smiling at you. “What?”

“Nothing. Let’s go home. Maybe you and Jared will want to come over for dinner tonight if you want,” he said. “Celebrate.”

“Yeah, we’d really like that.”

“Baby,” said Jared as you were walking home from dinner that night. “You okay?”

“For sure,” you said, leaning against him. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been the past few months.”

“I’m thrilled you and your brother are getting along again but you weren’t the only one being thick headed,” he said. “Plus I really like your new novel.”

“I got to change the bad guys name,” you said with a giggle. “What about Clyde?”

“No. Too western. I always pictured him as a Lucian,” said Jared.

“No. Luke?” you asked. “Lyle.”

“Oh, that’s good. You ever going to publish one of those books?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” you said with a shrug.

“Maybe just one for me?” he asked.

“One for you I can definitely do,” you said. “Love you, Jare.”

“Love you too, baby.”

[impalababe-67]

Guardian Angel

What happened after Sam died in Cold Oak? Where did his soul, his spirit, go? And what did that have to do with what happened the day he was born? And the events that connected Dean to the supernatural back then, where no one could have imagined what the future held for the Winchester family.

My little idea of what happened while Sam was dead. I am someone who likes to see happy endings, who can do without blood and drama. There are plenty of those at SPN. Still, it got tense. And come on, who can resist a toddler Dean?!

“Ka was like a wheel, its one purpose to turn, and in the end it always came back to the place where it had started.”            ―  Stephen King,         The Waste Lands    

May 2nd, 1983    

The little boy looked around in confusion, he had only turned around for a moment to look at the colourful pictures on the wall and now his dad was just gone. He turned and looked around, hoping to find him among all the other people. But no matter how hard he tried he just couldn't see him anywhere. He felt fear creeping up inside him because he didn't know what to do now. So he waited. After a few minutes his heart was beating up to his neck and his eyes just wouldn't keep the tears in.

>Maybe his dad didn't come anymore ? Or maybe they had already forgotten about him because mommy had a new baby today. No, his dad would never do such a thing, he had promised him tomorrow to help him put the bed together for his little brother. <

Suddenly a woman was standing next to him. Her black hair was strictly tied back and although she smiled, she looked somehow scary. He flinched as she bent down and touched his shoulder.

"Hello, Dean," she said, still smiling.

"How do´ya know my name?" he asked in surprise.

"Your daddy sent me, he's been looking all over for you. Come with me, I'll take you to him." She grabbed him by the arm and took him with her.

Dean followed the stranger, let her guide him through the turmoil of people and was more than surprised when he returned to the parking lot. She now walked faster and led him further away from the hospital. He got a strange feeling, because he should not go with strangers, but when the woman said she would bring him to his dad he just didn't think about it anymore. But when she now headed towards a strange car with him the strange feeling changed into fear. And when a man dressed all in black got out of the red car, Dean only felt panic. Desperately he struggled against the grip of the stranger, but she was too strong for him and just pulled him along.

"Help," he began to scream as loud as he could. Unexpectedly the woman turned around, her face was no longer friendly. Dean looked at her with shock widened eyes as she grabbed him by his jacket andstarted to lift him up. He was petrified, he was hanging stiff in the grip of the stranger, could not understand what was happening to him here. Where was his dad? Why didn't anyone help him? That´s all he could think about, when the stranger was above him.  

Suddenly a shadow appeared above them, two big hands grabbed the woman's arms and loosened her grip from Dean's parka. The little boy was so surprised that he stumbled backwards against the stranger's legs. Astonished, he looked up to see who the other one was, but was distracted by the angry scream of the woman.

"How dare you?" she nagged the man who was still holding her arms. Her face was a grimace of spite and Dean saw that something was wrong with her eyes. They were all black.

"You better get lost now Demon and tell that yellow-eyed bastard to find someone his own size," said the man as he grabbed Dean gently by the shoulder with one hand and pressed him even closer.

"You worm, who do you think you are? You will not deprive me of my prey," she cried out, "I will..." Suddenly she stopped. She jerked back in fear of the man. Dean could hear him say something to her, but it was words he didn't understand. It sounded strange, but the woman backed away even more and pulled a face as if she felt pain, even the man at the car behaved like that.  Then the black-haired woman spun around and ran to the red car and before Dean knew it, it raced away with squealing tires.

The little boy was still standing on the spot, overwhelmed with the things he had just seen and experienced. He stared up at the stranger, undecided what to make of him. Dean was about to run away when he looked down at him. Dean had to stretch his head far back to look into the face of the stranger. The stranger smiled, but unlike the woman, it was not wrong.

"You okay, kiddo?"

Dean wanted to say 'Yes' but his head shook to a very determined 'No' he sobbed and hot tears ran down his face.

"I wan´my daddy." Was all he said before he buried his face in the man's jeans. He felt himself being lifted slowly and the other one stroked him in little circles across his back. He did it the way his dad always did with him. He needed something to calm him down until he could be sure that he was no longer in danger. On the arms of the stranger he felt safe and when he looked at him now he didn't find him so strange anymore. The man smiled at him again and this time Dean smiled back.

"Shall we go and find your dad?"

"Do ya know where he is?" Dean asked.

"No, but I think he's still in the hospital."

"How do you know?"

"Because his car's still there." The man then pointed in one direction and Dean immediately recognised his father's black car. "And I hardly think he'd go anywhere without you."

"Ya twhink so?" Dean asked astonished. "Cause I twhink he's forgotten me. He was jus´ gone earlier and I waited, but he didn't come, just dis woman and she has... and she has." Dean's throat was suddenly tight as the experience reappeared in his mind's eye, he felt tears rising up again. The man stopped and held him tightly.

"Hey, buddy, don't cry. Everything went well after all. I was there. "And Dad didn't forget you. Why would you think that?"

Dean looked at the man's face again with a blurry look.

"Mom had a new baby today and maybe they don't wanna anymore. Dad was so happy, he ploably hasn't even noticed that I'm gone," he said in a husky voice while pulling up his snot.

"You believe that? I rather think he's already turned the whole hospital upside down. He certainly didn't forget you, he probably just couldn't find you. You know, sometimes people lose track of each other, even when they don't really want to. And it takes a while for them to find each other again. You know what I mean? He didn't do it on purpose, you're the best he's got."

"Really?"

Dean pushed himself a little further away so he could get a better look. Though long locks of hair hung down his face, he could see the soft features behind it and a strange glint in his eyes. He believed him. Dean smiled and the other smiled back broadly. Dean liked that smile.

"Sure!" he said. "Besides, today is a very special day."

"It is?"

"Well, now, look. Didn't anyone ever tell you? You had a little brother today, didn't you?"

"Yeah?"

"And that automatically makes you his big brother!"

"Is twhat good?" Dean couldn't quite follow the man, and was amazed when he rolled his eyes, like he was saying something stupid.

"Of course it's good."

"Why?"

"Well, I have a big brother. And it's the very best thing that can happen to you."

"Why?"

"Because big brothers can show you everything, because they already have knowledge and can explain a lot of things. You can play with them and have fun and they'll take care of you. So if I didn't have my big brother, I'd be pretty much screwed sometimes..."

Dean had followed the man's words with open mouth, what he was telling him were things he didn't even know yet. He had to tell his parents everything when he got back to them.

He was back at the hospital with the colorful pictures, he hadn't even noticed how they had come back here. He had not noticed the many people around him. He felt safe and secure in the arms of the man who still told him how great it was to have a big brother.

"...and you know what the best part is?"

Dean shook his head.

"You're never alone!"

The stranger took a long look at him and Dean found that he suddenly looked kind of sad. He was about to ask him about it when the man blinked and looked away.

"Hey, buddy, look over there. It's your daddy."

The blond boy tilted his head that way and then he saw his dad. He was standing at the end of a long hallway talking to some people, waving his hands wildly. Dean screamed as loud as he could for his dad but the noise around him was too strong and he didn't seem to hear him.

The man put Dean on the floor and he wanted to go immediately, he had to tell his dad so much and he wanted to see his little brother and his mom. But he had forgotten something else. He spun around and threw himself around the big man's neck. He lifted him up again and pressed the small thin figure firmly against him.

"Twhank you," Dean whispered in his ear.

"I have you to thank, Dean." Came back even quieter before the stranger released the boy from his embrace.

Dean now looked at the man with a tilted head.

"How do ya know my name?"

"Well you told me your name yourself earlier!"

"Really?"

"I think so," the other laughed.

"And what´s your name?"

The man seemed to think for a moment, then reached out his hand to him, just like the grown-ups did.

"Sam" Dean shook his hand as best he could because Sam's hands were huge. Which meant he wrapped his hand around Sams index finger.

"Now you better run along before we have to find your dad again."

Part of Dean wanted to rush right in, but he wanted to ask Sam something else.

"Will I see ya again?" He had this serious look on his face. Sam was still kneeling, a big dimpled grin on his face at the question.

"I'm pretty sure we will."

Seconds later, the boy made his way through the grown folks' legs. He missed Sam already, because if he was still being carried by him, he certainly wouldn't have such problems. He heard his dad before he even saw him and started calling out for him again. Unexpectedly strong hands tore him into the air, for a moment he thought Sam had followed him, but then he looked into his dad's eyes.

                +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Oh God boy! Where have you been?" was all John could say before he hugged him tight. He ignored the questioning looks of the hospital staff who he had just yelled at because they told him not to worry. He held Dean as tight as he could and almost ran back into the room where his wife was lying. He heard his son saying over and over again that he was fine and that he had to tell him something. But that could wait, first Mary had to see that her angel was with them again.

Mary was still quite battered from the birth, and when Dean disappeared, John thought his wife would collapse. But when Dean came running towards her with a bright "Mommy" and buried his face in her curls, all the worry lines on her face disappeared and she was as beautiful as ever.

"Jesus, John! Where was he? I nearly died of worry! Is he all right?"

"I think so." Then he pulled the little one away from Mary to have a closer look.

"Dean are you all right? What happened?"

Dean's eyes lit up like emeralds as he took a deep breath and began to talk.

He told him that he couldn't find John anymore, that a strange woman just wanted to take him away, that Sam had suddenly shown up to help him, that Sam had explained to him that he is now a big brother and that this is something very important and great and that Sam helped him to find John again.

"...and Sam is huge, I coulda see over all da people. Daddy? You listening?" he suddenly asked insecurely.

John kept giving his wife looks. He had expected everything, but nothing like this. Dean was only four years old and as strangely as the story that had just been told to him sounded. He could hardly believe that his son had made it up. He absolutely had to talk to this ominous Sam.

"Yes, I am listening to you. Tell me, is this Sam still here?"

"Maybe. I twhink you'd like him!"

"Come on, let's take a look. If he's really that big, we should be able to find him easily."

He took his boy in his arms and a little later he was searching the hallways with him.

"Sam!" Dean suddenly screamed in a frenzy, before John could react, the boy wriggled out of his grip and flew towards the exit. He followed him as best he could without knocking anyone down. Then he saw him. Tall, slender, brown hair that hung almost like a curtain on his face, beige jacket, light-coloured shirt, hands buried deep in his pockets. He stood leaning against the wall next to the entrance, although he was truly tall, somehow he hardly stood out. Had he not been drawn to him by his child, he would not have noticed him at all.

The man bent down and picked Dean up. Dean seemed to say something to him, because suddenly his child turned around and waved to John. The latter now stopped and smiled at his son. The man also looked in his direction. John didn´t know what to think of him, this Sam just stood there and looked at him. At least he thought so, he was still quite a distance away from them and the other one was standing in the shadows somehow, so he couldn't see much of his face.

Then the stranger detached himself from the wall and turned to face the exit, when John's gaze fell on his broad back, his breath faltering. John had been in the war, he had seen enough wounds to know one when he saw one. This one was fresh, and it had to be deep. The beige jacket and part of his jeans were soaked in the shiny red liquid.

"Hey! Stop!" he shouted. But the probably badly injured man just kept walking until he disappeared in the night with Dean seated on his hip. John started fighting his way through the E.R. no matter what the cost. The boy needed help and as soon as possible. Why wasn't one of the doctors here aware of this injury?

Finally, he stormed out the electric door. He let his eyes wander and found Dean. His child stood alone under one of the lanterns just a few meters away and seemed to be all in his thoughts.

"Dean, where's Sam?" he asked as he knelt before him.

The boy looked at him sadly.

"Gone."

"Gone?! Where did he go?"

"He said he can't stay."

John didn't understand what the boy wanted to tell him, so he quickly searched the area. After a few minutes he gave up, there was no trace of the man. He had hoped to find blood on the ground, but there was nothing, it was as if the stranger had vanished into thin air. He returned to Dean.

"Did he say anything else?"

"Yeah, he said to give ya something else." Dean looked at his father strangely. John felt goose bumps running down his body. He didn't know exactly what had happened today, but it scared him somehow. And the way Dean was looking at him now, that's a look no four-year-old should ever get.

Dean suddenly hugged his father, he squeezed him so tightly that he knew he would bruise. He could feel Dean's heartbeat, it was fast and light, as if a hummingbird was trapped in his chest. Then he released the grip.

"Was that it?" he asked him, more than astonished.

"Yes."

"And he said nothing else? He just walked away?"

"Yes, he did. He said he misses you. "But ya shouldn't worry about twhat. And he'd like to change it all, but he can't. He was only allowed to change twhings once. Uh, kinda like dis. Sorrwy, Dad, I didn't get it all."

"And that one time was today?!"

"I guess so."

John looked at the boy with big eyes, he couldn't make any sense of what had just happened.

"Dad?"

John looked back at his child.

"Can I see ma wlittle brother now?"

A feeling of electric shock came over him, he'd forgotten his wife and newborn baby because of the incident.  All of a sudden, all his worries were just gone. He got up in a hurry, grabbed Dean by the hand and ran back.

"Dad?"

John stopped and stared down at Dean.

"Yes?"

What´s his name?"

"His name is...... Sam."

24 years later...    

The awakening was abrupt, he didn't know where he was. Images shot through his brain like from a dream, he briefly saw a hospital, a little blond boy smiling, his dad. The impressions faded too quickly, he couldn't hold them. They were completely blocked out by the agony he felt in his back. He lay still, trying to breathe through the sharp pain.

Then he straightened up, oriented himself. He was in a room that smelled old, the wallpaper was already peeling off the wall. He lay on a bed and he was alone. Slowly he sat up, carefully taking off his jacket. It was full of blood, just like the bare mattress he was sitting on. Memories flooded back to him, the demon, Ava, Andy, Jake. Slowly he walked towards the old mirror, he could now remember the pain and Dean.

"Dean?"

No answer. And that scared him. He was afraid of the memories that were becoming clearer, of what was under his shirt and the fact that his brother wasn't there.

He gritted his teeth when he pulled up his shirt. He discovered a long red scar that seemed to be healing, but the pain was so strong that it felt as if it was still fresh. Confused, he pulled his eyebrows together and had to swallow hard several times.

Unexpectedly the door opened and Dean appeared. Sam looked at him in surprise when he saw his strange look.

"Sammy?" he asked softly.

"Hey." He could only answer.

Seeing his brother standing there like that, he couldn't understand why he was just afraid to be alone. A strange feeling came over him, like he'd forgotten something. But when Dean suddenly came up to him and hugged him, it disappeared. He was not alone.

When you have a brother, you're never alone.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think.

I wrote this little story, way back in 2008.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25357453

[cottoncandyreaper]

(Heisenberg's Child part3)

This place was a maze! How would anyone live in it!? I kept getting turned around repeatedly and it was really starting to become a bother. I'd turn left and have to go right or right then have to take a left; it was a horror maze.

"Hey kiddo~ you don't know this place like I do so I suggest to stop running."

"Shut up old man!"

The echo of a growl bounced against the walls as I kept on wherever I could to get away and hopefully out all together. I could hear more footfalls catching up with me rapidly; assuming lycans as I grabbed anything metal near by and threw it behind me. Right at the throw as the item left my control something like static hit me in my back sending me down to my knees. It made my arms feel like rubber and hurt my head.

"Aww~ all pooped out of energy there? Sucks to be a kid huh?"

Heisenberg had caught up way to quick reaching down grabbing my arm with a tough yank only to twist me around and put me in a head lock as Mother Miranda seemed to only appear from the shadows that dripped around the edges of the hallway with the others approaching not long after. I latched my hands on his arm clenching at the fabric of his coat giving the strongest yanks I could muster as the smell of oil and cigar smoke filled my nostrils: he didn't budge.

"You've caused a vast amount of damage in the span of thirty minutes already dear."

The last word held venom as she reached out grabbing my face, a stinging sensation pricked my cheeks letting me know that her nails had left their marks.

"You will do best as to listen and behave...you are my granddaughter...I'd like to keep you around as such, being apart of this family will be your salvation child so hold it tight."

She released my cheeks as the stinging persistenced against reddened flesh while she walked away as the others moved to the sides letting her pass.

"Heisenberg I'm sure you will be able to place some much needed manners into your daughter. I trust you to handle any more tantrums from her."

"Of course Mother."

Those were the final words as he turned from the group still choosing to keep me in a headlock and left them but what pissed me off the most was that we turned down two simple hallways and out a door then we were outside. What the hell!? I was so close!! But now that we were outside the struggling intensified trying to wrestle away but the more I struggled the less air I had.

"I can't kill you...but I'll knock ya out to make it a quiet trip back home, choose your poison."

"G-get the f-fuck off me! This is...bullshit!"

"Yeah I know but now you're just shit out of luck and until Mother Miranda does whatever she wants with you you're stuck with your old man till then."

"Y-your not my dad...my dad, died in war!"

He went silent as the walking picked back up down a hill towards a large iron gate with a crest in the front and back of it. There were too many details going on for me to care.

"Don't touch the gate...I'll cut your hands off if you try."

"Bet."

Releasing my hand from his sleeve reaching out towards the old hinges holding the gate up he didn't even have time to grab my wrist when a pain filled gasp crumbled my legs making him drop me as the static filled my bones to the brim.

"What the hell was that? Dropping you on the ground fuck up your back?"

"N-no..."

The static was lingering longer then normal but I guess trying to use my abilities to soon after the first attack was a big no go.

"Looks like your other 'family' locked up your full potential...they were scared of you even as a child."

I sent up a glare his way as he grabbed my arm focusing me to my feet ignoring the very obvious fact that I was having a hard time walking until the static left.

"Hate to break it to ya kid but I can prove I'm your dad rather you want me to be or not...and I really don't want to be but now we're stuck together because of it."

"Oh well that just sounds so delighful."

"Your attitude is annoying."

"Your face is annoying."

I could see his eye just barely look at me from the corner.

"Really? That's the best come-back you got?"

"For now sure."

He grumbled a few chose words forcing the rest of the walk into silence which honestly was just fine with me. I was tired and in pain...the silence was a blessing but the walk was long and kinda hard since he never let loose the hold on my arm until what felt like hours later and we stood infront of a similar giant gate with a different crest on it depicting a horse. He used his ability to open it, walk past it and closed it once more before choosing to let go.

"Walk straight up to that factory kid, this time the playing field is even ground."

"Sure, I'd love nothing more then to be in a factory full of metal with you, sounds like a great playing field."

"Oh it will be."

Giving a shove to my shoulder I started on up the hill watching as the size of the factory became more intimidating the closer we got.

"You live here?"

"Yep."

"Ya know isn't it a oh I don't know...a bad idea to have me here with all the metal? Sure, let's go with the thought that maybe you are my dad and I didn't get these abilities out of no where but ya know...metal. Isn't that a red flag for a prisoner?"

"Damn I wish you'd stop talking."

"Damn I wish you'd answer a simple question!"

He growled kicking the back of my knee sending me down to the dirt and rocks adding blood to my jeans from the inside.

"Listen here ya little shit; we're doing a fucking DNA test once I get you pass those doors, I hate to believe that in all of hell I'd be the lucky old bastard to somehow become a father 'cuz I sure didn't ask for you. Secondly; I control metal. You control metal. You cant fight what you can't win against and obviously you have a limit and I don't...I'd kill you in a second in this factory if that crazy bitch didn't want you for whatever sick reason she has in her mind. So shut the fuck up, get up and get in the factory."

Tears were stinging the corners of my eyes as I mustered the strength to get up dusting off my pants a bit before crossing my arms and started back up the hill. He was right...he could kill me in seconds and I had a limit. I was fucked either way until Chris found me. He rushed me too and through the doors quickly as lycans began watching from the fields around...that was unnerving. Getting pass them via Heisenberg and his newly found shoving nature I felt a little bit more of my hope cut away as my eyes stared at everything around. This place was huge, much bigger then it appeared from the outside with stairs leading to unknown destinations and doors sprinkled about.

"Come on kid, we have shit to figure out."

Grabbing my wrist almost to the breaking point he pulled me along to a elevator that had definitely seen better days as we stood inside its rusted cage and he smacked the shit out of whatever button he needed to get it moving miraculously. It was a rough start but smoothed out as it made its grand descent away from probably the only exit I'd ever see.

"Are you really going to make me do a DNA test?"

"Damn right I am and didn't I tell you to shut the fuck up?"

"Little conversation never hurt anyone pops."

[rosesisupposes]

Ordinary Night

“send me a made-up fic title and i’ll tell you what i would write to go with it”

Prompt Tag

word count: 3,875

pairings: Ex-Anxceit; Background Remile;

warnings: divorce/abandonment; lost child; mentions of depressive and manic episodes; distressed nonverbal episode;

reader tags: @residentanchor​ @royally-anxious​ @bewarethegrammarpolice​ @jemthebookworm​ @arandompasserby​  @sparkly-rainbow-salt​ @astral-eclipse​​ @thelowlysatsuma​ @adorably-angsty​

I came up with the Single Dad AU a while ago but it’s never emerged from Discord to become a full story, but I love it very, very much. So thank you, nonny, for the excuse

Read on Ao3

“Give it back!”

“No, Dad said it’s my turn to pick the movie!”

“You always pick the same one! I’m tired of Winnie the Pooh!”

“But I like it!”

“Can we at least watch the Tigger one?”

“No! Pooh Bear!”

Young voices whined back and forth in an argument that had been held at least once a week for the last three months in the Sanders household. Six-year-old Patton was climbing on top of the couch cushions, brandishing the remote as eight-year-old Roman tried to reclaim it. Their younger brother, four-year-old Logan, watched from the corner in silence.

Their dad entered the room and, with practiced ease, plucked Patton from his teetering perch on the couch.

“Hey, hey, buddy, careful, okay? You might fall from up there!”

“Daaddd, Ro is trying to take my night again!”

The single father balanced his middle son on his hip as he looked sternly down his eldest.

“Roman, what have we talked about with movie nights?”

The second-grader sighed heavily, crossing his arms. “He gets to pick whatever movie he wants,” he recited, blowing strawberry blonde hair out of his eyes. “Even if it’s boring.”

“Pooh Bear isn’t boring!” Patton objected loudly, making his father wince from the volume.

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Boys. We will skip movie night entirely if you can’t behave,” Dad warned. Both children immediately went silent, but stuck tongues out at each other when they thought Dad couldn’t see.

“I’m going on an adventure, so that at least not all of today is boring,” Roman announced, running to the toy box for his tiny foam sword. “Where’s my noble steed?”

“I wanna come!” Patton cried, wriggling out of his father’s hold. Taking the remote back, Dad let him go as a small smile crept up at the corners of his mouth. How quickly they went from feuding to playing.

“Let’s go slay a dragon!” Roman cried, stabbing the air.

“What if we fight a witch?” said Patton with huge eyes, grabbing his matching foam shield.

“A dragon-witch!” Roman announced happily. “Lolo, wanna come?”

The youngest looked at the floor through glasses he already needed. “…don’ wanna”

“Aw, Lolo, you sure?”

“…scary,” the toddler said.

“We’ll protect you,” Patton said, crouching to look in his brother’s eyes. “Roro is the best knight ever! And I have a shield!”

Logan shook his head. Patton sighed and carefully patted his hand. “Next time? But only if you wanna, okay?”

Satisfied at the small nod, Patton trotted upstairs. Roman cast around before crouching behind the couch. “Ah! My steed!” he said happily. He stood with a cat in his arms. The tom bore being carried with long-suffering patience, held around the middle by small arms that could only just make it all the way around.

“Ro, be careful with Thomas, okay?” Dad warned. “Pat’s taken his medicine, but don’t let him bury his face in fur again.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful,” Roman said with all the indignance a eight-year-old could muster. He jauntily strode up the stairs after his brother, arms full of cat and sword.

His father watched him go as he settled on the couch. Logan crawled up into his lap and settled there, sitting up straight but balanced on his dad’s knee.

“Hey there, L. No adventure today?”

Logan shook his head.

“Just don’t want to, or something wrong?”

The little boy was silent.

“How is touching today? Thumbs up?” his dad asked, hand creating the gesture he referred to. His son responded in kind. Moving slowly, Dad pulled Logan into his chest, resting a hand lightly in the boy’s dark brown hair.

“Do you have the words for the something wrong, or is it just bad?” he asked softly.

“…miss Papa,” Logan replied, turning his head fully into Dad’s chest.

His father kissed the top of his head and held him close. He knew of his son’s tears from the dampness on his shirt rather than any sounds or shaking. When he could finally speak evenly, he replied, “I miss him too, Lolo.”

“When does he come back?”

“Maybe never.”

“Why?”

“I wish I knew, kiddo. I’m sorry I can’t give you a good reason.”

Logan clutched at the fabric of Dad’s shirt, still not looking up.

His father kissed his head again and leaned back against the couch, looking up at the ceiling as he blinked away tears. He was so tired of crying, so tired of knowing neither he nor his sons might ever understand why their other father had left. But it had been months without any communication, since they came home from the park to an empty house and a missing suitcase.

Three young boys, one beloved cat, one father who’d just lost the love of his life and his partner parent all at once. That was the Sanders household now. A night of childish yells and tears from the boys and their father alike: this was an ordinary night.

So how was Dad doing? He was a nervous wreck, of course. If he’d been a bit on edge before, it was nothing compared to the absolute personification of anxiety Virgil had become now.

As he breathed deeply to calm himself, Virgil ran a hand lightly through Logan’s soft, wavy hair. “What do you say to some Magic School Bus before dinner, Lo? Would that be good?”

“Mmhmm,” the toddler said with a nod, sliding off his dad’s lap.

As Virgil stood, Logan reached for his hand and pulled him towards the stairs. Virgil let himself be led to the smallest bedroom, where Logan immediately went to his small but growing book collection. He pulled out a CD that Virgil then placed in the small speakers he’d bought, back when he and his ex had adopted Roman. The “Baby Boombox,” Ethan had called it, as he filled Ro’s room with all his favorite Broadway soundtracks and Disney ballads. Then had come Patton, with Raffi songs and lullabies because they were the only things that would send him to sleep smiling when Roman was still active during naptime. And now there was Logan, who was soothed by the smooth strains of classical musicals and who listened with rapt attention (if not complete understanding) to audiobooks of all kinds. Virgil popped in Logan’s choice, “Lost in Space” and set it to play. Logan scooted his tiny plush chair as close as he could to the speaker and sat, staring up in wonder as his favorite narrator read about Ms. Frizzle’s class and whirling planets. Without interrupting, Virgil slipped out of his youngest son’s room and made his way to the kitchen to start dinner.

The pasta was cooking and the sauce bubbling on the stove when Virgil’s phone buzzed against the counter. He glanced at the screen and smiled.

If the past year had taught him anything, it was just how important family could be. He and his brother use to have a rather rocky relationship, never spending much time together. Unfortunately, Ethan had been part of the reason for the rift - Remy had never liked his brother-in-law and was never any good at hiding it. Normally when he was proven right about anything, Remy held it over his younger brother’s head for the rest of their lives. But not this time. Not when they’d sparked into full-on screaming matches over the years as Virgil asserted that Remy was wrong about Ethan. He was a good partner and an amazing father. He’d even said it, hadn’t he? His biggest ambition in life was to be a good papa.

Guess that had been a lie, too.

But no amount of friction and distance could have kept Remy away the night Virgil had called in tears. “Nuncle” Remy had been a near-constant fixture in the Sanders house ever since, particularly in those first couple of months. It had been Remy who’d suggested Virgil get the boys to therapists early, right after the split. It had been Remy’s husband Emile who’d found them matches among his colleagues, ones who made the boys feel safe and heard. It had been those therapists who discovered the reason behind Roman’s mood swings, identifying his bipolar personality disorder early and helping Virgil to get him the appropriate treatment. It had been Emile who’d cautiously suggested he get Logan fully evaluated for autism, and found him compassionate parenting resources to help relate and communicate with Lo better. Virgil would be a wreck without his brother and brother-in-law – or, rather, he’d be more of a wreck.

Which is why, when Logan went missing, Remy was the instinctual first call.

He’d heard Roman and Patton bounce down the stairs into the den, making dramatic sound effects as they fought their dragon-witch. He hadn’t heard the door open, or the soft steps of Logan following his brothers downstairs. He hadn’t seen Thomathy the tomcat be loosed into the yard as Roman cried, “Ride into the sunset, noble steed!” He hadn’t seen Logan stand on his tiptoes to re-open the door and follow the cat outdoors.

He’d just called for the older two boys and gone upstairs to get Logan when he’d found the CD player off and the chair empty. And that’s when the panic had kicked in.

“Lolo?” he called upstairs.

“Buddy?” he asked the den.

“Logan?!” he almost screeched into the basement.

Roman and Patton were obediently sitting at the kitchen table, fidgeting, when Virgil re-entered, eyes ablaze. “Where’s your brother? Was he playing with you?”

“No, he was too scared,” Roman scoffed.

Patton, on the other hand, looked concerned. “I think maybe he followed us? He was trying to pet Tommy.”

“Where is Thomas?” their father asked, the edge in his voice rising. “You were playing with him, where did he go?”

Roman shrank in his seat as he realized this was more than just make-believe. “He… I wanted him to be free?” He pointed to the back door with a shaky hand.

Virgil stared at his eldest son, biting back harsh words of frustration. He was eight, he didn’t know better yet. But the panic was rising, thrumming through his veins and disrupting his ability to think straight.

He grabbed his phone and hit the speed dial to Remy.

“Rem? I need you here,” he said the minute his brother picked up. “Logan got out of the house chasing the cat.”

“Shit, okay, I’ll be there in 5,” Remy said, already hanging up before Virgil could point out that he lived a ten-minute drive away. He arrived in three. Normally his driving habits pissed Virgil the hell off, but at that moment, it was all he can do to not cry in relief as he grabbed a flashlight and his extensive first aid kit from under the sink and ran out the back door.

Remy was soon placing himself bodily in front of the door to prevent either older brother from charging after.

“I’m a bad prince, I’m the villain,” Roman choked out through his tears. “It’s all my fault.”

“I gotta keep him safe!” Patton said. He tried and failed to climb onto the counter, but grabbed what ‘supplies’ he could reach into his school bag, a collection of juiceboxes and goldfish and band-aids.

“Hey, hey, little dudes, c’mon,” Remy said, trying to sound as soothing as possible. “C’mere.”

They were just small enough and he was just big enough to gather them both into his arms at once, even as they wriggled and tried to escape.

“Dad’s gonna get Lo back, okay? They’ll both be back soon,” he said, carrying the boys to the couch. “And Tomma-llama-ding-dong too.” He placed them both on the couch. They were both red-eyed and drippy-noed, but no longer trying to make a break for it. He grabbed tissues and wiped their faces and noses, moving gently. He watched Roman particularly hard. He’d been present for downward spirals before, when the mania and hyperactivity fell, gradually or suddenly, into dark days where the boy could barely get out of bed.

Remy ran soft fingers through Roman’s light hair, remembering. The worst depressive episode had lasted a full week and a half, and Virgil had been despondent. It was right after that bastard Virgil’s ex had walked out on them, and of course Virgil had blamed himself, telling Remy that Ro’s depression was all his fault for not being a good enough father. He would have curled up around his boy and begged him to be okay, if Remy hadn’t sat on his chest reminded him that he had two other sons that needed him. Childish? Yes, quite literally, sitting on him was Remy’s favorite way of picking on his little brother when they had been children themselves. But it had worked, and Roman was getting treatment now, both medications and therapy, and both his uncles and his dad had learned strategies to help keep him from getting trapped in his up- and down-swings.

Now, Patton imitated Remy, patting a slightly-stick hand on Roman’s shoulder in a sweet attempt at grounding techniques. More than any of the boys, Patton took after Virgil, always trying to keep his brothers safe. He was fierce in his defense of them towards others, but gentle and soft when he saw them sad. Remy ruffled Patton’s honey-gold curls with his free hand and stood. He had Roman and Patton Sanders in his care, and they were sad and worried. It was time for some Disney movies.

The sun was falling below the horizon as Logan followed the family cat into the woods behind their house. He trotted as fast as his still-chubby toddler legs could carry him, following the brown-and-black striped tail of the big tabby. Galloping paws quickly carried the pet out of sight, but Logan kept plodding along in the same vague direction. Scarcely noticing the growing dark, he clutched his worn, stuffed octopus tightly in one hand as he walked further and further into the forest. When Papa had asked when he wanted to name it, he’d looked up and said “Octopus.” His tone had been one of “Well, duh,” and his voice had been so deadpan for a three-year-old that Virgil had fallen into intermittent fits of giggles for hours after. But he’d carried it continuously ever since, particularly as he listened to his books on the deep sea. He clutched it tight as he finally caught up to Thomas. The tabby had found a mossy patch under a tree, caught in the last patch of sunlight, and curled up contently. Logan sat next to him and patted his head, content that he’d finally done what he set out to do. But looking up, the toddler realized he could no longer see the edge of the forest and wasn’t sure which direction he’d come from. He was in the middle of the forest, alone, with no notion of how to get home. Logan didn’t cry, or yell, or flail. He just froze, everything locking down in the face of a situation he didn’t understand and couldn’t solve. He might have stood like that for minutes or hours, but Thomcat chose that moment to stand with a stretch and wind his way around his smallest family member, purring as he rubbed up against Logan’s short legs. The warmth drew him out of his paralysis, and he sat heavily on the mossy stump. The cat leapt into his lap, covering most of his tiny torso in warm fur as the beloved pet continued to purr. Clutching tufts of Thomas’ fur in one hand and Octopus in the other, Logan’s emotions thawed and he started to sniffle, then cry aloud. His hiccups and sobs reverberated off the unfamiliar trees that surrounded him.

Virgil crashed through the trees, flashlight and first aid kit in hand, trying his best to keep a level head. Logan was missing. His little boy, the tiniest, quietest member of their family, was alone, somewhere probably dying in the forest definitely kidnapped by child stealers lost in the unfriendly woods. He’d made that promise, over and over again through the long adoption process: he would keep his sons safe. He would protect them. He wouldn’t let anything dangerous happen to them. Ethan may not have meant it, but Virgil had, with every fiber of his being. He would keep his family safe, every single member.

He trusted Remy to be a good caretaker to Pat and Ro right now, but he worried for his eldest. He just dashed into ideas and plans without thinking, so much more than either of his brothers. And of course, Virgil knew why. A memory sprang to life like a film reel in his head without his bidding.

“Papa, look at me! I’m gonna be just like Peter Pan! I can fly!”

“Of course you can, Roro! If you wish hard enough!”

A summer day, lazy and bathed in golden light. It had been magical in a way - no wonder Roman had believed in super abilities. But that moment, Virgil had finally seen what was happening as he rounded the corner, an infant Logan strapped to his chest and Patton holding his hand.

“Fly- Roro! Kiddo, please get down from the roof!”

Ethan had just chuckled. “Shhh, V, he’ll probably be fine. He’s gotta learn somehow, right?”

Patton, all of three years old and still lisping, had shook a finger at his older brother.

“Wowo, get down fwom thewe!”

“You can’t stop me, ‘m a PRINCE!” the five-year-old had yelled back, approaching the edge of the shed roof.

Virgil had dropped Pat’s hand to run, shrieking more than speaking as he yelled, “Roman Sanders, do not jump off that roof! You’re going to get down safely!”

Ethan had barely budged, too busy laughing his ass off. It had ended up being Virgil alone who helped Roman get down, letting him be Dad the Downer while Papa stayed ‘the fun one’ in Roman’s eyes. Was it any wonder he’d blamed himself for Ro’s bipolar swings?

But he’d learned better since then. Being a ‘fun’ dad didn’t matter at all if he couldn’t keep them safe, first and foremost. He would find his little boy, and their cat, and he would bring them home. He checked his first aid kit as he walked and sighed with relief. He’d remembered to re-stock it recently. In addition to the bandages and ice packs and ointments and band-aids in everyone’s favorite characters, he’d packed everyone’s favorite treats. He had cat treats for Thomas, which he immediately took out and started wafting, and he had tiny containers of Crofter’s jelly, Logan’s only favorite food that he always wanted to eat, no matter his mood. Virgil listened to the forest hard for any noise besides the rustling wind. He had his flashlight turned on even before the sun fully set, to make sure Logan would see him coming. His heart still raced, frantically pointing out every passing second and minute that his son remained missing. Every moment he was out here was another moment he could be tripping over roots or eating poisonous berries or getting a rash or being abducted or hitting his head or…

Deep breaths, Virge, he reminded himself. In for four. Hold for seven. Out for eight. The calming reminders in his head spoke with Emile’s voice, gentle and soothing. He could only do his job as Dad if he kept his head and stayed alert. He listened hard again, noting small animals, leaves falling, choked sobs, branches cracking, distant cars, and -

Sobs! Where were they coming from?

He picked up his pace, needing to double back a couple times before he was heading in the direction of the noise. He swept his flashlight in front of him with one hand and shook the cat treats with the other as he called out.

“Logan? Is that you? Logan? Thomas?”

The sobs stopped abruptly, and the flashlight beam illuminated a tiny form unraveling itself from a fluffy one almost the same size. “Dada?”

Virgil sprinted the last few yards. He worried for a moment that Logan might need to avoid touch right now, but that fear was dispelled with the toddler threw himself into his father’s arms.

“Lolo, are you alright? I was so worried, kiddo! Did you hurt yourself? Were you scared? I’m here, I’ll get you home, okay?”

“Dada, ‘m sorry.”

“Why sorry, Loberry?”

“I was bad, an’ I got lost,” Logan said, gripping Virgil’s jacket and Octopus with equal tightness.

“Oh, my little Lo, no, you weren’t bad. We should have been with you, I should have been watching. I’m so sorry, honeybear. But you’re safe now, okay? We’re gonna go home.”

Virgil knelt, picking up Logan and balancing him on one hip, then picking up a long-suffering Thomas and draping the cat over his shoulder. He was a bit encumbered by his first aid kit, but nothing could bother him now that his little boy was safely in his arms.

Searching for Logan had felt like an eternity, but had been less than 20 minutes. When father and son and cat entered the back door, the Disney movie (Sleeping Beauty, Remy’s choice) hadn’t yet finished. The door closing woke up Roman and Patton from where they had dozed off, but they were immediately up and hugging Virgil’s legs.

Their father ruffled their heads as he gentled let Logan stand on his own, then pulled them all into a group hug.

“We’re gonna talk tomorrow, okay, kiddos? About Thomas safety and Lolo safety. But tonight we’ll just relax together, now that we’re all home. I love you all so much.”

“I love you, Dad”

“Love you too!”

“Me too, Dada.”

By the end of the night and the second movie (Atlantis, Logan’s request, and Patton had conceded that he didn’t want any movies with woods), the Sanders house had quieted. Virgil could feel his heartbeat return to normal for the first time in hours as he gazed fondly at his sons. All three had fallen asleep, sprawled across the couch and Virgil’s lap. Remy had helped them change before heading home with a last firm hug and reassurance that, “You done good, bro.” Logan’s head rested on Virgil’s thigh, the horn of his unicorn onesie flopping over as he slept. Patton was snuggled up as close as Logan had okayed, cat ears folded over on his one onesie. And Roman had pulled a pillow on the ground so that he could be next to all of them, a tiny lion defending his pride in the onesie that he was practically “too old for,” but that he’d still wear when Pat asked him to. Thomas the tomcat, exhausted by his forest adventure, was curled into a ball in a laundry basket.

So how was Dad doing?

He’d never be completely at ease, not with so much depending on him, not with so many obstacles to overcome. But for tonight, Virgil was content.

[hymn2000]

Hope I’ve Got Something To Lose - MCU AU fanfic - C18

Story overview: Peter has an accident, and Tony makes a drastic decision. In the midst of everything, a face from the past reappears - but Peter isn’t too sure about reconnecting after everything that’s happened.

Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  10  11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Part of my irondad and spiderson series.

Warnings/themes: injury, hospital stuff, hurt/comfort, mental health stuff, family stuff, corporal punishment, friendship

You can also find me on AO3

Chapter 18 - Finest Hour

-

It was quiet when Tony was out of the bath and dressed. Suspiciously quiet, he thought. He ventured downstairs, and found Loki in the living room with his book and a mug of tea.

“Where are the kids?”

“They’ve gone out” Loki said, lowering his book. “Shopping, I think”

“Oh. Right”

“Should I have kept them in?”

“Hm? No, it’s fine” Tony sat down next to him. “You’re shaking”

Loki looked at him. 

“Loki? Are you ok?”

“I’m tired” Loki said. “Don’t look so worried”

“...What do you want to do today?”

“I don’t mind. You choose” 

“Well, we could always get on the train to the next seaside town. I bet we can find a rough and ready pub for you”

“What about the children?”

Tony paused for a moment. “I’ll ring Peter and let him know. We can go and find them and give them a key, in case they need to come back at all. That’d be ok, wouldn’t it?”

“Whatever you think, darling”

-

Loki and Tony passed a key onto Peter and the girls, and then headed for the station. 

“What if we have an emergency?” Flo said.

“What are the chances?” Peter said. “They’ll probably only be gone a few hours. Come on, I thought you wanted to go shopping?”

“You worry too much, Flo. That’s your problem” Liz said. “We’re more than capable of looking after ourselves”

“Exactly” Peter said. “We can do whatever we want today. Enjoy it!”

-

Loki fell asleep as soon as he and Tony got back to the house that afternoon. Tony left him to it, and went for a little walk. He thought he could stroll down to the sands and enjoy the sea air. He managed this for a little while, aided by the beach being virtually empty. 

Tony spotted three figures on the rocks in the distance. ‘Idiots’ he thought, continuing along in their direction. He narrowed his eyes, peering at them.

“Oh god, those are my idiots”

Tony’s slow, relaxing walk was cut short, and he marched over to the rocks, got the three teens down, and scolded them for their reckless behaviour.

“Those signs are there for a reason, you know”

“Look, dad, everyone climbs on the rocks at the beach. We weren’t exactly in mortal danger”

“Don’t you answer back like that! It only takes one little slip. You might not have been hurt this time, but-” he stopped, noticing Peter’s leg. “You have hurt yourself!”

“Dad, it’s just a scratch”

“You’re bleeding!”

“It’s nothing! It’s not gonna kill me”

“Stop being cheeky” Tony said. “I think it’s time you three came back to the house. That wound needs a proper clean, Peter”

“I told you!” Flo said. “We should’ve gone back as soon as it happened”

“Flo, stop acting like a little old lady” Liz said, starting to get annoyed. “Are you seriously telling me you’ve never ended up with cut knees before?”

“Falling off a scooter is different! You two were jumping between those rocks like stepping stones”

“Yeah, and you were the first one to start climbing them” Peter said. 

“Wait, you were jumping between them? You really are a fool” Tony sighed, looking at Liz. “What’s up with your arm?”

Liz reluctantly moved her hand, showing him the large cut across her elbow. 

“Oh for the love of-”

Tony turned round, closing his eyes and counting to ten. He took a deep breath, and spun back round to look at them.

“Right, you silly lot; back to the house. We need to get you patched up” He took Peter’s hand, giving him a little tug. “Let’s go”

Peter looked at Liz and rolled his eyes, but he didn’t protest. His leg was hurting quite a bit now, and he was tired. A little rest at the house didn’t sound like a bad idea. 

-

Tony woke Loki up and roped him in to help when they got back to the house. Loki sat Peter on the kitchen unit and tended to his leg while Tony sorted Liz’s elbow.

“Honestly, Mr Stark, you don’t have to do this” Liz said.

“I do: your mum left me in charge of you. Hey, don’t look so worried: I’m not new to first aid”

“I’m embarrassed more than anything” Liz admitted. “I-... I’m still a bit nervous of you”

Tony looked at her for a moment. “Darling, being in the limelight doesn’t make me any less human. You should know by now that I’m just as much of an idiot as everyone else”

Liz couldn’t help smiling. “I wouldn’t say that... Why are you cutting the plaster like that?”

“It works better like this. It’ll stay in place without peeling off when you move your arm. Loki taught me this one. Only he’s better than me at it: he can cut it while it’s still in the wrapper and it’ll be the right size. Still doesn’t make any sense to me”

“It’s practice, my darling” Loki said, securing the dressing over Peter’s wound. “Every good nurse can do it”

“Yeah, I know. Still...”

“Right” Loki said, grabbing Peter under the arms and setting him back on his feet. “You need to be more careful: I don’t want to spend this whole trip patching you up”

“Ok, ok. It was an accident” Peter said, going over to Liz just as Tony finished. “How’s your arm?”

“It’s fine” she smiled at Tony. “Thank you, Mr Stark”

“No problem, kiddo. Hey, where’d Flo get to?”

“She’s writing postcards” Peter said. “She bought lots today”

“Ok. Good” Tony said, snapping the first aid box closed. “Right, you two, I need you to behave yourselves”

Liz and Peter looked at him.

“Loki and I are gonna pop out for a bit. Stay in the house, be good. Sort out those bags of yours or something. Can I trust you?”

“We’ll be good, promise” Peter said, crossing his heart. 

“Now, hold on” Loki said. “We’ve only just gotten back. You never asked me about going out again”

“Lolly, my darling, you love the coast, and you haven’t even been down to the sea yet. Come on, humour me. Romantic walks along the beach are right up your street”

“You’re an idiot” Loki said, sighing. “I’ll get my shoes on”

-

Tony sat on the beach, blinking in the evening light, and watching Loki, who was busy skimming stones across the water. They’d had a nice walk, stopping for a Mr Whippy partway down. They’d walked all the way to one end of the beach path and back again, and had settled on an empty stretch of coastline. 

“You know, I’ve been thinking” Tony said.

“That’s dangerous” Loki replied, skimming another stone.

Tony smiled. “I’m being serious, chick”

“Ok, so what is it?” Loki asked, crouching down to find some more likely stones. 

“Come here, and I’ll tell you”

Loki went to his side, half-lying, half sitting. “What is it?”

“Well, it’s sort of about us” Tony said, stroking Loki’s hair back behind his ears. “And sort of about Peter. And sort of not”

“Tony, darling, don’t turn this into a riddle”

“Sorry. It’s just, well... We’re doing ok, aren’t we?” he said, continuing to stroke his hair. “We’re pretty much there, aren’t we? Where Peter’s concerned?”

“I think we’ve been in the swing of things in that department for quite a while now, darling” Loki said. “Yes, he might still be a little cross about the suit, and a little poorly, but he’s ok. We’re ok. I like to think we’ve built a nice home life for the three of us”

“Three... Yeah, that’s what I wanted to talk about”

Loki took Tony’s hand. “What’s the matter? Are you worried about something?”

“No. No, not really. We’re settled, aren’t we? You and me and...”

“And the baby?” Loki said. 

Tony nodded. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe, we’re ready to... Maybe in a few months, we should start talking again”

“Tony, what did I just say about not turning this into a riddle?”

“Sorry, sorry” he squeezed Loki’s hand tight. “I don’t know how to say it”

“Whatever it is, just come out with it”

It still took Tony a little while to find the words, and to pluck up the courage to say them.

“Maybe, in a few months, we should start talking again” Tony repeated. He took a deep breath. “Maybe we could go back to the clinic”

Loki stopped and stared at him. “...You mean... you mean the IVF clinic?”

Tony nodded. “Yeah. Yeah. I think- I think we’re ready again, don’t you? I mean, we’re happy, we’re doing ok with Peter and everything. We could pick up from where we were before we lost May”

Loki could hardly speak. “You mean..?”

“Let’s do it, Loki. Let’s have a baby”

A sound that was a mix between a laugh and a cry escaped Loki, and he threw his arms round Tony. Tony hugged him tight, and he started crying too. 

“I know it’s still basically at trial stage, the whole three person thing” Loki said. “But it could work. It could-”

“Hey, hey, oh darling” Tony kissed him. “Don’t cry!”

“You’re crying!” Loki said, and he started crying properly. “Oh Tony-! Oh, but Tony! What about Pepper?”

“We’ll talk to her, of course we will” Tony said. “She might still be on board. If not, we’ll find someone else. We could do this, Loki. We’ll tie up some loose ends, and then we’ll make that call”

“We got so close before” 

“We just needed to get tested” Tony said, stroking Loki’s hair. “It’s just a formality. We can do this, Loki. Me and you. We can have a baby, we can make a scientific breakthrough, expand our family. You can put the baby moodboard to good use”

Loki buried his face in Tony’s shoulder. “I love you so much..! Thank you”

“What are you thanking me for? We both want this. Oh darling” Tony squeezed him tight, breathing in the cool sea air and trying to stop himself shaking. 

“Oh Tony” Loki kissed his neck firmly. “I don’t know what to say”

Tony moved back slightly, looking him in the eye. “I know. Neither do I! Lolly?”

Loki looked at him. “We’ve really ready for this, aren’t we?”

Tony grinned. “We’re gonna have a baby”

Loki laughed, still crying, and kissed Tony hard. Tony kissed him with just as much force. He pushed Loki onto his back, and they kissed and hugged and laughed and cried, perfectly happy with themselves and with the world.

-

Bumping into Peter in the street on the way back to the house was a bit of a shock. Tony darted and grabbed him by the collar before he could run away.

“And what exactly are you doing, young man?” he said. “We told you to stay in the house”

“I know, but, well, we, uh, we...” Peter stammered, trying to think of a valid excuse. “We were hungry! So we thought... uh, chip shop?”

Tony sighed and ruffled his hair fondly. “That’s probably not a bad idea. Ok, we’ll go down the chippy, and that’s tea sorted. What do you think, Lolly?”

“That’s fine with me” Loki said. “Perhaps we can get that fire pit out tonight”

-

Flo and Liz thoroughly enjoyed their first taste of real English chip shop food, and Peter, Loki, and Tony enjoyed revisiting it. They went out onto the back patio, where Tony set up the fire pit. He made everyone a hot chocolate, and supplied big bags of marshmallows and wooden kebab skewers to roast them on. The kids lounged on blankets and pillows, while Tony and Loki relaxed on two woven deckchairs. Loki had found a perfectly good guitar in one of the cupboards, and was sat strumming away at it gently, exploring the options.

“I never knew you could play the guitar, Loki” Flo said. “Who taught you?”

“I taught myself. I might not be able to read music, but I can play it”

“He’s right” Tony said. “He’s one of those people who can just listen to a song, and then be able to play it without much thought”

Peter blew out the fire from his marshmallow. “Dad, is that ‘Crocodile Shoes’?”

“Well spotted, chick” Loki said, continuing a moment, and then stopping. “Do you still remember all the words?”

“I do” Tony said. 

“I’m sure you do, my love” Loki said, playing the first few chords again, humming along softly.

“I think we can pick a happier song” Peter said.

“Oh? How about this one?”

Peter listened, and his eyes narrowed when he recognised it as ‘Troubled Man’.

“Dad, I said happier”

Loki just laughed, and started another tune. 

“I don’t think I recognise this one” Peter said, listening.

Tony listened, and then a grin spread over his face, and he started singing.

“She sent him scented letters, And he received them with a strange delight,  Just like, his wife But how she was before the tears, And how she was before the years flew by, And how she was when she was beau-ti-ful She signed the letter: All yours Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!”

Loki laughed, but Peter nearly died on the spot, burying his face in his hands.

“You’re so embarrassing” he whined.

Liz and Flo just laughed.

“Hey, who doesn’t love a bit of Kate Bush?” Liz said, putting a hand under Peter’s chin and making him lift his head.

He smiled at her, and Loki noticed how they were looking at each. However, forever the gentleman, he chose to remain silent.

-

They seemed to settle in well together as the sun started to go down. They were warm enough by the fire pit, the kids full on hot chocolate and marshmallows, cuddled together in a sleepy heap. Tony had found himself unable to resist the urge to sing along to the soft tunes Loki was playing, and together they continued to provide a happy little soundtrack to the night.

“Oh, I know this one!” Peter exclaimed. “It’s Simon and Garfunkle, right?”

“Originally, yes, I believe” Loki said, eyes closed. “I must admit I prefer the Mumford and Sons version”

“Oh yeah, you like them, don’t you?”

“Shh, pet” Tony said.

Tony was also a fan of Mumford and Sons, and he knew why Loki had chosen this song - they always used to listen to it together, and Tony had always sung along. Which was what he did now.

“I am just a poor boy, Though my story's seldom told, I squandered my resistance For a pocketful of mumbles Such are promises, All lies and jests Still the man hears what he wants to hear And disregards the rest”

Had the girls not been so happy with the situation, Peter wouldn’t have been able to relax. But, they were happy, and he was too. He looked at Loki, playing so expertly even with eyes closed, and at Tony, also with his eyes closed, singing softly, happily - and quite well too.

“Asking only workman's wages I come looking for a job But I get no offers, Just a come-on from the whores on Seventh Avenue, I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome I took some comfort there”

There was something about being sung to that just warmed Peter’s heart, and he couldn’t help feeling that the conversation he’d had with Liz not so long ago had been fate - and that now, he was able to prove the point. There was something about Tony’s voice that just radiated feeling. And sharing that with his friends felt incredibly important.

“In the clearing stands a boxer And a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminders Of every glove that laid him down Or cut him till he cried out In his anger and his shame; I am leaving, I am leaving But the fighter still remains” 

-

Peter was so contented and relaxed by the fire that it came as an unwelcome shock when Tony said they needed to think about going to bed.

“Oh dad, please, it’s not so late!” Peter protested. “Just another hour?”

Tony laughed, exchanging a look with Loki. “Ok, half an hour, chick. Just because it’s you”

Peter nodded, relaxing back against Liz, while Loki resumed playing, and Tony started singing their funny little songs again.

“And the women tug their hair Like they're trying to prove it won't fall out, And all the men are gargoyles Dipped long in Irish stout” 

Liz and Flo looked at each other, giggling.

“The whole place is pickled, The people are pickles for sure And no-one knows if they've done more here Than they ever would do in a jar”

And with that, Loki found himself joining in with the singing.

“This could be Rotterdam or anywhere, Liverpool or Rome, 'cause Rotterdam is anywhere Anywhere alone, Anywhere alone”

Liz tried to catch Peter’s eye to laugh with him, but he had his eyes firmly fixed on his parents, a beautifully calm look in his eyes. Looking over at the grown-ups, she could see why: their love radiating in the most calming, yet enticing fashion.

- 

Tony finished tidying and locking up, and went upstairs. He knocked on the twin room door and went in.

“Hey, you three” he said gently. “Peter, darling, you need to go to your own room now. It’s bedtime” 

Peter allowed himself to be taken to bed. Tony quirked an eyebrow at him as he was tucking him in.

“What’s that look for, eh?”

“I’m just happy” Peter said. “It was nice hearing you sing”

“Aww. You’re so cute, did you know?”

“Yeah, you say that a lot” 

"Only because it’s true”

“I really do like it when you sing...”

“Are you hinting for a lullaby?” Tony said.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, stroking Peter’s hair gently.

“A gentle breeze, from Hushabye Mountain, Softly blows over Lullaby Bay, It fills the sails of boats that are waiting, Waiting to sail your worries away”

Peter went quiet. He wasn’t sure he’d heard this song before. 

“It isn't far to Hushabye Mountain, And your boat waits down by the quay. The winds of night so softly are sighing, Soon they will fly your troubles to sea”

Tony sang so gently, stroking Peter’s hair all the while, making him feel so calm.

“So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain, Wave goodbye to cares of the day, And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain Sail far away from Lullaby Bay”

Tony bent his head, and kissed Peter gently on the cheek.

-

Tony crawled into bed, careful not to wake Loki. He cuddled close to him, running his fingers though his hair. He was warm, unusually so. Tony wouldn’t pretend he hadn’t seen the signs: the look in his eye, the fight to stay awake, the gazing off into the distance. Somehow he had a feeling Loki might not be up to adventuring for a few days. But somehow, after the day they’d had, that didn’t matter. They’d explored the next seaside town, they’d had another walk here, they’d agreed to try again with the whole baby thing, they’d had the evening round the fire pit. Tony was perfectly happy just how things were.

-

Liz woke up around 1am. She lay there in happy silence, thinking about everything she’d felt over the past couple of days. She was enjoying this trip. She was happy. She was happy having this serene, night time moment to herself.

The quiet didn’t last long. The scream made her jump. She decided straight away that she didn’t care what anyone else said: she couldn’t just sit by with her head under the pillow. She got up, ignoring Flo’s hissed protests, and rushed straight to Peter’s room, pulling her friend into her arms.

She’d expected the crying. What she hadn’t expected was everything else: Peter’s hands feeling like claws gripping the back of her pyjama top; the damp hotness as he cried into her shoulder; the heat of his body; the shaking; the pure desperation and terror in his cries. 

Despite how scary it all was, Liz held him as tight as she could.

“It’s ok. I’ve got you” she said. “It’s ok”

Peter clung to her. 

“Liz... Liz..!” 

He choked out her name, and that was all he had time to say before Tony’s strong arms were separating the pair, and he pulled his son into his arms. Liz stood trembling for a moment, before Loki appeared and guided her from the room, shutting the door behind them.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

It was the softest voice he’d used to address her. She looked at him, and all at once started crying. Loki hesitated, and then put an arm round her shoulders.

“Come with me”

-

Liz sat in the living room, curled up under Loki’s arm, crying softly into his chest while he held her close. 

“I’m sorry...” she said once she’d managed to stop crying.

“Don’t be” Loki said softly. “It’s not nice, I know”

“I-... I thought it was night terrors. You know, when people scream and stuff, but don’t actually know what’s happening, and don’t remember it” she said. “This is so much worse”

Loki kept his arm round her shoulders, and remained silent.

“Is it always like this?”

“No”

“Has he always had nightmares?”

“No” Loki was quiet for a moment, and then said; “He used to have them very occasionally. After the accident, he had them lots, and I really mean, lots. Multiple times a night. He’d been getting better. I don’t know what’s set him off this time: it’s been a while since he’s had them, especially to this extent”

“I don’t get it. He’s been so happy the last few days. Surely if you go to bed happy, you shouldn’t have nightmares?”

“That’s what I would have thought”

Liz swallowed. “Will he be ok?”

“Tony’s with him” Loki said. “He’s in the best possible hands”

“Is that what you tell people at work?”

“You mean at the hospital?” Loki clarified, and nodded. “Yes, and I’m right when I say it there, too”

They were both quiet for a minute or two, Liz listening to Loki’s heartbeat, and Loki trying to keep his eyes open.

“Loki?”

“Mm?”

“Thank you”

Loki paused. “Let’s get you back to bed”

-

Tony stayed rubbing Peter’s back for what felt like an eternity after he’d calmed down.

“...I don’t know what’s wrong with me” Peter said, breaking a long silence.

“You’re just poorly. Shh, Peter, darling, don’t start crying again” Tony said. “Everything’s ok. I’ve got you”

“It doesn’t make any sense” Peter’s voice cracked and he started crying again. “I was so happy before I went to sleep!”

Tony squeezed the boy tight. “Shh, sh sh sh. Hey, come on now, breathe. Shhh”

Peter cried quietly into Tony’s shoulder, too tired to even attempt to figure out what was going on. He listened to Tony, taking deep breaths, eventually settling once more. 

“That’s it. Good boy” Tony said. “Close your eyes now. I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep”

“Promise?”

“I promise. I’m not going anywhere”

*

[[Disclaimer regarding Tony and Loki’s beach scene: this is a work of fiction and so I have twisted fact a little bit to suit some ideals. The reality of 2 dad/1 mum babies born through IVF are more at concept stage, although 2 mum/1 dad babies are a reality which have the legal go-ahead in a number of countries. It’s something which scientists believe will be possible in the future, and it’s been successful in mice. As I understand it, it’s near to being given the go-ahead for human trials. Also, there are cases of people being born with 2 dads, through rare cases of embryo fusion and superfecundation, which is better read off Wikipedia than me trying to summarise it. Just adding this little note in case anyone is interested in 3 person babies]]