#until they pick a place then zane will wake up and make their new home in this new world place or etc

[othercrossee]

Zane lore time

[keity-devil]

Another one, I know. (Destinyshipping fic, spoil 'my not my never' child/teen @breathlessmorro.). But is more a fluff one. I think. Enjoy.

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Powers, my love? - Part 1.

--

Morro and Kai have been in a relationship for a year and a few months already. They were happy with each other. The days together were amazing for them. Kai had met Morro for the first time because of Lloyd's help. They told everyone one day that his cousin was moving to town and he was excited about it. (Especially since they hadn't seen each other in years, Morro not knowing about the Garmadon family's problems until a few days after he came to town.) When he first saw him, he saw an emo and slightly shy boy, but with a tough personality, dreaded if you touched a blond hair of Lloyd's. Kai couldn't believe Morro was really Lloyd's cousin. They were so different from each other. Hair color skin, language, that's what he think until he find out it's actually adopted. They began to meet more often (because Lloyd wanted his best friend and cousin to get along), and the flame ignited. When Lloyd found out about Kai's relationship with Morro, he didn't expect his plan to have such a great result. He had agreed to their relationship, even pleased with it. Kai didn't expect that either, not to mention Morro who was confused at the beginning of their relationship, he thought it was all just a dream, a fiction, he didn't think anyone would love him and yet.. he found someone. They had kept this relationship a secret until they were quite comfortable with the idea of ​​the rest knowing about it.

But they both kept a secret from each other. Elemental Powers. Kai kept his firepower hidden from Morro, and Morro kept his windpower from Kai. They both kept it a secret, and to this day, everything has gone well with this secret concealment of power.

Kai opened his eyes slowly. The light coming from the sun came straight into his eyes. He turned his heavy head to the seat next to it. Morro slept soundly, a few strands of hair hanging down his slightly pale face. Kai turned completely to his lover, staring at him. He could feel the fire in him wanting to come out. It was hard to control himself not to create a heart of fire for his love every time he did something adorable or felt that he did not know how to show/express his love for him. But he couldn't do it. He risked his identity as a Fire Ninja, Red, Flame, he risked endangering both of them.. and he didn't want that.

Morro felt his dream slowly crumble, his eyes hard to open. When he opened them a little, he could already see a smile on someone face.

"Morning..." He said softly, feeling his throat dry.

"Morning mi corazón." Kai approached Morro's face, kissing his forehead softly.

Morro in response, approached him to warm up a little, maybe he will fell asleep. It seemed strange to him how Kai was much warmer at times, but when he asked him about it, he had received the answer that it was only because he is cold.

"Don't fall asleep again. You just woke up." He said with a smile.

Morro couldn't stop an innocent grin. "And what if I fall asleep again?~"

"I'll be forced to throw cold water at you to really wake up."

"Oh no, not at all. I'm sick of it. Do you want me to be sick?"

"N-no..?"

"Exactly. Just another five minutes..."

"Okay. Just five minutes." He had begun to stroke his thick, black hair.

------

Ninjas had to patrol the city every night. Just two. And tonight, Wu put Wind and Flame.

"Your serious now?" Wind said, rolling his eyes.

"This is the truth." Flame said, looking at the starry sky outside before he left.

"Why did Wu put me with you?" He said unfriendly.

"You say it like it's a bad thing."

"Maybe it is."

Flame said nothing more, wishing this patrol would end quickly so he could go home. He missed someone and thought of a good excuse for being late. The patrol went fast. Nothing new for the two of them. Wind and Flame were good at fighting, but in conversation and socializing, they needed work.

"Well, end of patrolling for tonight. It's late, I should run home quickly."

Wind looked at him. "Why? Parents, brother, sister?"

"Beloved boyfriend." He said calmly.

"Oh." He lowered his head. He didn't know why, but hearing him say that word, he had done it... "Mhm. Go then. Don't let him wait for you." He said in a tone with a little venom in it, disappearing from Kai's vision like the wind.

"What's with him? No, you know something Kai? It doesn't matter what's with him. I still wonder who's under the mask. Who could Wu trust to have these powers...?"

------

Morro arrived home first. The last conversation with Flame had left him in a bad mood. He wanted to make coffee, but that wouldn't calm him down, so he resorted to his father's method of tea. He went into the bedroom first, no sign of Kai. He could feel the bizarre state in him growing. He left a cold wind behind him, filling the room with a restless cold air.

Kai reached the front door of the apartment. He repeated his apology in his mind.

"Okay Kai. You can do it. Calm down, you know the words." He pressed the doorknob. When he entered, a strong mint smell struck him, with a cold wind as well. "Uh... tea?" He closed the door, rushed inside. At the kitchen table was the brunette, with a cup in his hand, frequently hitting it with his nails painted light blue and black. "Morro? Uh... are you okay?"

"Mhm.. Yes. Why? Problems? " Morro didn't want it to sound so harsh, but he was still on needles.

"Nope. None." He approached him, placing one of his hands on Morro's back. "¿Disgustado?"

"¡No entiendo cuál es SU problema!" Morro started. Not realizing what language he was in. "¡Incluso estaba tratando de tener una conversación normal con Él! Y comienza con eso y- ugh..!" He threw his head on the table, but he had hit the cup of tea with his forehead, overturned the cup, letting the mint liquid run down the tablecloth, which flowed slowly on the edge and on the floor. "Fuck this!!" He screamed, feeling like he was about to throw the cup against the wall. Instead, he picked it up, placing it violently on the table. He rose from his chair, taking a few steps that swirled in a circle walk, his fingers gripped by his disheveled, disheveled black hair.

Kai was just looking at him. Morro had rare moments like this. When he had the first one, it was from an old frustration that happens again. Then he managed to calm him down because he knew the reason, but now he didn't understand him.

"Hey, hey.. it's okay. It doesn't matter that you spilled it and stained the tablecloth. It can be washed. Calm down." Kai try to calm him down with the tea problem.

Morro wanted to scream, but he was holding him in. He didn't know how he could do that, knowing that in moments like this he would throw almost everything out of his soul. The brunette looked at him, his nails still in his scalp. He had taken a few breaths.

"Okay.. Okay.. I'm calm. I'm calm." Morro had taken a few steps to where they kept the water, putting it in a cup and drink it all in one go. "Can we.. forget about it, please? And just sit in bed, fall asleep in each other's arms...?" He said softly, feeling his hands tremble.

Kai smiled slowly. He did not want to insist on the reason for the crisis, because of the emotional state Morro was in now. "Of course. Come here."

Kai reached for the brunette's waist, coming down for a kiss that had greedily returned him.

------

The Ninjas were urgently call by Wu. Morro had not received the call, nor could he.

"Ninja, you've arrived. ... Where's Wind?" Wu knew their identities in each and every Ninja, and Ninja between them, except Wind. They didn't know who Wind was under the mask, nor Wind who they were under the mask. And they agreed with that. One day they will know about each other.

"I don't know, Master Wu." Zane replied calmly.

"Are you feeling well, Kai?" Wu asked, seeing his restless state.

Kai had muted a little, surprised by the question. "No, no. I'm fine, Sensei."

"You don't look good, Master of- "

"I'm worried!" He interrupted his Sensei. "Morro should have called me or sent me a text an hour ago and he didn't..! What if something happened to him??" They had an agreement with the call or the messages. Morro had a telecaster class after school and told him he would let him know when he went out to see him, but nothing.

"Something to happend to Morro? I think you're kidding Kai." Cole said, knowing the personality of Lloyd's cousin, Wu's son.

"I'm not kidding. It's possible. Morro doesn't know how to fight. He's not like us." That had frightened Lloyd. If he knew the truth, he would have been calm.

"I'm sure my son is fine, Kai." Wu reassured him. He was not afraid that Morro was in any danger, he knew his son. If he was in danger, he would have already announced it. "I say to- " The 'Garmadon' alarm sounds in the room.

"Attack in Ninjago by Lord Garmadon. He now seems to be attacking random places." Nya said, looking at the new target of evil.

"That's... that's where I live!" Kai said quickly, recognizing the place. "When I get Garmadon, I'll- "

"Kai... If Morro is there and that's why he didn't contact you?!" Jay suspected agitatedly.

"Oh no... we have to hurry."

------

Morro didn't care if anyone could see him. The world was in danger, and his instincts came first. When he removed the last person from the building, he turned inside, slamming the doors behind him with a strong wind, blocking them.

"Heh, now let's take care of the rats."

He was walking in the white dust with all his senses on alert. He couldn't see well, but he could hear. Suddenly Morro felt a hand grip his shoulder. He quickly reached for the stranger and knocked him to the ground. From the rising smoke, three Garmadon generals had appeared.

'Looks like I'm going to have some fun today.'

He held out his hands wide, after hitting them against each other. The wind that formed next to the three of them pushed them violently together as he clapped his hands against each other. All that was left in the air was his right hand, which had begun to control the wind that was now above the enemies, pressing against them. Sounds of pain were heard. Dust roamed the room uncontrollably. One of them managed to open his eyes despite the strong wind.

"Who are you?! A monster!? Surely a monster!" He spoke agitatedly, closing his eyes again, feeling the pressure even stronger now.

Morro's eyes gleamed in shock at the generals pressed by his wind.

"Monster! You destroyed everything! The houses, the vegetation, EVERYTHING!!"

Words from the past resound in his head. His hand had begun to tremble and his breath was short of breath.

"I'm not a monster." His tone had become harsh, both hands rising, putting them in a cage pressed by the cold wind. He was about to stop their right to breathe- "Monster!" Everything stood still for a few seconds, leaving his trembling hands to fall past his limp body.

The generals were breathing a lot, telling each other to get out of here as soon as possible, that the guy is crazy, a monster. Morro felt his legs begin to tremble, clinging to the wall with his hand.

"Everything is fine.. is fine.. What was in the past is gone..." He looked around disfigured. The white dust fell slowly to the ground. "I'd better go..."

"Morro!" A voice called his name out of nowhere.

"What the..?" Morro was amazed to hear someone call his name from afar, behind him.

"Morro!" Kai stopped running when he saw his lover. He would have arrived sooner if the door had not been locked. He was too agitated to remember what he was wearing at the moment.

"Kai..?" Morro froze in shock, feeling himself tremble much harder. Now it made sense in his head why it was always so hot and warm..

"I thought something happened to you!" He reached in front of him, taking both Morro's pale hands. Kai looked at him intently to see if he had any scratches or injures. He didn't, it was just filled with white dust and shaking body. He looked into his eyes, which were full of shock and... fear? "Morro, mi corazón, are you okay?"

Morro sat for a while, processing the words spoken by the person who had made him nervous the night before. "You're.. Fire Ninja.. Flame.. Kai, are-are you Him?"

This hit Kai directly in the soul. Only then did he realize what was happening. He knew it made no sense to deny it, it was just a waste of time and words.

"Uh.. yes. Yes I am." He remembered the fighting moves and supernatural powers the generals had feared when they left the building. "How do you know how to fight so well?" If they put the card on the table, put them all on.

The brunette, now with white dust on his head, stared blankly. "Wind. I'm Wind, Kai."

"You're kidding.."

"Not at all." He had created a small tornado with both hands. "See?"

"That explains why- Omg... Were you talking about me last night?"

Morro nodded slowly. His heart was pounding inside him. He didn't know if it was from anxiety, fear, emotions, or even all three or more, but he knew it was starting to hurt. Oh, and those damn memories. Morro now expected Kai to yell at him, even leave him. He expected the worst. He was too afraid to think of a good script. But.. Kai had started laughing.

"No.. I don't.. I don't understand.. Why.. why are you laughing?" He was confused.

"Oh! That explains MUCH better your condition last night." He slowly laughed, slowly squeezing his lover's pale hands. "You just didn't think I'd leave you for that, did you?" Morro looked down guilty. "Omg.. come here." He took him in his arms. "I hid that from you too. And you. We're even. It's nothing serious, mi corazón. On the contrary, I'm much calmer now. Calm that you'll be fine.. I had to think that Wind is Wu's son. It was obvious!"

Morro slammed his fist into his chest, looking him in the eye afterwards. "No. It wasn't. I was behaving completely differently."

"Maybe, but not always." He gripped his face in his fingers.

"I say I played theater well at times- " He had been interrupted by someone's lips on his. The kiss hadn't been a long one, but it had been a calm one for the brunette. "You'd better fly, colorful Ninja.~ You don't want the rest to suspect anything. I can feel them approaching the entrance to look for you."

Kai looke behind him, then glanced back at his boyfriend. "After you know what, I'll be back, okay?"

"Mhm.. Just kiss me already."

"Your wish is my command.~" Kai kissed him again, this time it was a longer one.

--

T r a n s l a t e :

Kai: "Upset?"

Morro: "I just- I don't understand what HIS problem is! I was even trying to have a normal conversation with Him! And he starts with that and- ugh..!"

[hithisischris]

Her moans N.M x Reader

Authors note- ngl Im in love with Nat and I really don’t see much smut for her which makes me cry LMFAOOO so Here!

Warning: THIS IS FLUFFY AND SMUTTY YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED 

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The vlog squad at a club was always interesting to see, David loved the footage he’d get from them and how lively a club felt so every time he would say club they would all get ready to get drunk. Y/n had been to a couple clubs but this was her first time going to one with the vlog squad and she had only come after Natalie begged her to come claiming she did not want to be alone, y/n would always give into Natalie as she had a long time crush on the girl.

As she got ready at her place she put on a tight skirt and a white crop top she had her hair down, but put a hair tie around her wrist just incase. While she didn’t like partying hard she always loved getting dressed for a party. David and the rest of the vlog squad were picking her up so when she heard the vibration in her phone she grabbed her bag with the essentials and made her way to his Tesla. To say she looked hot was an understatement and as she entered the car and sat on Corrina's lap they praised her looks it confirmed how good she looked she beamed at confidence boost she had received. Catching Natalie's eyes in the mirror she winked at her making Natalie blush and smile.

That was their game after all small, flirting and teasing waiting to see who makes a move first. It had started as clickbait for David's vlog which led fans to ship them. It had become a fun thing to do in front of the camera without ever admitting their real feelings. It then became a game of feeling revelations, while Natalie around y/n was a shy little thing it never got in her way to tease the girl into making the first move. Y/n never gave in though, she almost did once when David asked Natalie to kiss Jeff for the vlog and she got a little jealous but she never did anything.

The drive to the club was short they all proceeded to get out and go into the club they settled in a booth and the binge drinking started. “Okay Natalie since David is once again designated driver and I am here because you begged me to come, you’re my new drinking buddy babe” y/n said as she sat next to Natalie. The girl felt herself blush at the nickname, it wasn’t the first time it had come from y/n’s lips but it never ceased to stop making her jittery and blush.

They ordered a round of shots and after they had drank them David ordered some beers to get Zane and Ilya drunk. The girls all had stayed with them to provide Dave his footage but y/n walked to the dance floor wanting to be away from the mess there would be and she dragged Natalie up to dance with her. As they reached the dance floor Natalie was a little nervous at their proximity and y/n noticed “don’t be nervous Nat it’s just me” she smiled and Nat felt butterflies “it’s why I’m nervous” the brunette blushed y/n smiled and squeezed her hand. “So when is this silent torture game of ours gonna end?” Asked y/n as she swayed her hips to the sound of the music Natalie took notice of her movement and couldn’t help but stare “hmm I- I don’t know what silent game you mean” Natalie tried her best to make her voice sound strong and not nervous but as soon as her mouth formed words it was no use. “Yes you do. If you didn’t know which one you wouldn’t be ogling at my hips right now.” Y/n giggled as Natalie lifted her head to look at y/n. She was so pretty, sometimes she doesn’t even know realize it.

“I don’t like the way Jeff looks at you” whispered y/n into Natalie's ear, it brought her attention back to the girl “how does he look at me” she asked glancing at the booth filled with their friends. “Like he wants you, like he’ll do anything to have you” y/n sighed, this was one of her doubts with Natalie; that their game was just a game and one day she’ll wake up not wanting to play it anymore. “It’s a good thing that the only person I want is standing right in front of me” Natalie had admitted back to y/n. This had taken her aback and she stopped dancing to the music, “do you mean that” her heart was beating at a fast pace she felt it might be louder than the music itself. She watched Natalie nod and move closer to her, “of course I mean that. Which also means you won the game” y/n smiled and wrapped her arms around the brunettes neck crashing her lips with hers. The moment for both girls was like time had stopped and placed them in a bubble to be consumed by one another. After a couple minutes their kiss had become needy and they both looked for more in it. Natalie slipped her hand under y/n’s skirt feeling the wetness on her underwear she rubbed circles on the girls clit causing her hips to buck at Natalie's hand and a low moan erupt “you’re a naughty girl y/n. Letting yourself be touched in public this way.” Her dominant side wanted out. They were still making out and with the bodies of people surrounding them no one noticed. Y/n began to whimper at the want for more after a while Natalie stopped leaving y/n breathless. Y/n was beetroot red and hot she glanced at Natalie who carried a smirk on her face.

“Do you want to go back to my place?” Y/n asked Natalie as reality rushed back to them. Natalie nodded her head and led y/n back to the table with their friends to tell them a half assed excuse. “Hey Dave I’m gonna take an Uber back to y/n’s apartment, she’s not feeling well and I wouldn’t want her to die without supervision” y/n giggled at the excuse but nodded along the table watched both girls knowing of their secret feelings for one another. David nodded and told Nat he’ll see her back home afterwards Ilya yelled “yes more alcohol for us” to which the table laughed at and order another round.

The girls didn’t wait long for an Uber as the night for most people had just begun. “You are so gonna get it Nat” y/n whispered into Natalie's ear as she held her hand and rubbed circles. Y/n’s statement caused Natalie's stomach to do a backflip in anticipation. She had imagined this moment for such a long time and now it was here. The ride to y/n’s apartment was filled with giggles and soft kisses. Natalie knew that although she was bold to touch y/n at the club, it didn’t make her dominant towards the girl she was kissing. As the car came to a stop Natalie and y/n jumped out with a quick ‘thank you’

The ride up the elevator was anticipating and exciting for them both, y/n wanted to jump Natalie's bones and the second she opened her apartment door she did. Natalie was up against the door legs spread apart and y/n’s hand softly on her throat. Kisses up and down her neck she whined for more, finally y/n reached her lips the kiss was slow after a while it became heated. Y/n’s hand led a trail down Natalie's chest pulling at the girls left nipple, Natalie moaned quietly “please-” y/n paused her actions “please what baby?” The y/h/c haired girl asked. Y/n’s hand threaded even slower “do you want me to touch you Nat? Rub your little nub till its all swollen and sensitive? Is that what you want baby.” Natalie felt exasperated trying to close her legs for some type of friction only to be stopped by y/n’s legs between them, she nodded softly at the girl who’s hands were still on her throat. Y/n let go of Natalie's throat and said “okay. Follow me”

Natalie nodded back, y/n was now walking into her room she sat on her bed patting her thigh silently directing Natalie to sit on it. Natalie did so sucking in a breath her heartbeat loud, could y/n hear it? Y/n kissed softly on her neck sucking what would be a purple bruise in the morning on the girls neck. Her hand unzipped the black dress Natalie wore for the night, the dress straps slipped from her shoulders exposing her breasts the cold hitting her nipples made her shudder. Y/n kissed down the girls cleavage reaching Natalie's right nipple she kissed around her erola and latched her mouth on her nipple, rubbing and pulling at her left one. Natalie's head fell back from pleasure and her hands found y/n’s head pushing it closer to her. Y/n switched on Natalie's nipples for a while the girl a whining mess (just where she wanted her) Natalie was sure her underwear was ruined from her wetness she tried grabbing y/n’s hand to push it down. Y/n moaned at the movement pulling away from the girl to undress her entirely.

Natalie felt awkward and as though she wanted to hide as y/n looked at every inch of her trying to remember her like this. Y/n pulled Natalie back on her lap spreading her legs apart y/n’s fingers danced their way to where the girl needed her most, Natalie felt her breathing halt as y/n’s hand loomed over her pussy. She tried to buck her hips trying to catch the girls fingers. “Now who’s the naughty needy girl Nat?” Natalie whined loudly leaning her head on the girls shoulder kissing on y/n’s neck. Y/n resumed her teasing for a while until finally giving in, her hand cupped Natalie’s pussy pushing her lips apart to gather the wetness that had built up on her fingers, spreading it around Natalie’s pussy she rubbed softly on Natalie’s clit. The room filled with Natalie’s soft moans as y/n rubbed harder. Y/n’s fingers edged on Natalie’s hole dipping two fingers in Natalie hand squeezed the girls shoulder moaning loud “don’t stop” y/n looked into Natalie’s eyes “I wasn’t planning to stop” the sound of Natalie's wet pussy mixed in with the girls moans she slowly felt the familiar feeling in her lower stomach. Y/n felt the girl clenching on her fingers moaning at how close Natalie was she fingered her until the girl came around her fingers. She pulled her fingers out tasting Natalie on her finger she moaned and after cleaning her hand she kissed Natalie wanting her to taste herself. Y/n pushed Natalie on her bed to lean back, she kneeled in front of the girl opening her legs she kissed up the girls thighs reaching her destination. She used her hand to open Natalie's pussy and licked up from her hole. Natalie moaned loudly directing her hands to y/n’s hair she pulled at it softly.

Natalie’s second orgasm was close, y/n licked faster but slowing down every once and a while to draw figures with her tongue. Natalie’s moans are pretty y/n thought  I want to hear her make those sounds forever. Natalie felt the coil in her stomach snap as her second orgasm washed over her, y/n kissed around her softly letting Natalie ride her high. As Natalie's breathing got back to normal y/n got up to get some water, Natalie sat up to look at the y/e/c eyed girl. “where are you going?” she asked softly stopping y/n on her tracks, “I was going to get you a cup of water” she smiled at Natalie. “but i want to taste you” Natalie whispered shyly y/n giggled and walked back to the girl, she leaned down to kiss her “you will baby, just not tonight.” as she left the room to get the cup of water Natalie leaned back on the bed getting under the covers. Y/n walked back in with the cup after handing it to Natalie she went into her closet to find a shirt she could wear, after finding one she went into her bathroom grabbing the makeup wipes she made her way towards her bed. Natalie observed her every move feeling the bed dip she smiled. Y/n opened the wipes grabbing one she used it to clean of Natalie’s makeup “i can do it myself you know” she giggled “I know you are more than capable of doing it yourself, but I want to do it.” Natalie nodded slowly stealing a wipe from the girls hand she started to do the same. “you are pretty, not just that but gorgeous.” whispered y/n, Natalie felt her cheeks heat up and stopped her movements, she held y/n’s hand and kissed her softly. Both girls felt butterflies in their stomach. 

“you have no idea how much I love you y/n” whispered Natalie. Y/n smiled and responded “I think I have a big clue as to how much you love me, but I love you even more.” as they finished taking of their makeup they got comfortable on the bed, wrapping an arm around y/n’s waist she leaned her head on y/ns chest feeling the girls heart beat lulling them both to sleep. 

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A/N : Here is the long awaited smut piece with my beautiful baby Nat, I lowkey hate it but love it. I have another piece still in the process of writing but you guys will see it when I cross the bridge of writing it. 

[blaiddydbrokeit]

Family (Garm and Lloyd centric, domestic fluff drabble)

“My son… Look at you…so grown up, and yet so painfully thin...”

Lloyd couldn’t stop himself from a weak chuckle. Of course he would say that. He shrugged like it was no big deal. 

Wrong move.

Garmadon gripped his shoulders, letting out a shuddering sigh before his lips tug up into a rather scheming smile. “I’m going to make you your favorite dumplings and fill you up until you’re no longer a skeleton.”

No one had heard such a line spoken so threateningly before. And yet the atmosphere was so light and humorous. The battle was won. They could rest a little now. Garmadon picks up his exhausted son, and the wacky little group heads back indoors. Repairs to the monastery would come later. 

Lloyd didn’t remember much of what happened next though. One moment, he had been reveling in his father’s arms, finally alive and good-hearted, and the next he was waking up from murky darkness in his own bed, covered in layers of fleecy blankets.

His heart begins to skip a beat as sweat forms on his skin. Was all of it a dream? Were the Oni even defeated, or ever came to Ninjago to begin with? Is his father- Is he even-

A warm scent breaks him out of his questioning thoughts, and his heart reflexively settles at its familiarity. Noodles in shrimp broth. The wafting fragrance was spreading from the kitchen in the monastery. Lloyd couldn't help but follow the familiar scent all the way to its source, slow on his shaking legs (seriously how long has he been out)? 

As he enters the kitchen, Garmadon notices him, and Lloyd froze like a child caught doing something naughty. However he gives off carefree laughs at his reaction. "Hungry, aren't you?" 

A deep growl from Lloyd’s stomach was the only response he could give.

Garmadon laughs as he begins to serve up the meal. He sits the blonde boy at the table, and gently places down an enormous bowl, steaming hot and full of delicious looking noodles, topped with a generous pile of dumplings and shrimps. As if Garmadon hadn't already gone over the top with the portions, he slides another plate full of pan-fried potstickers. 

Lloyd grimaced at the spread of food before him. Did his father really think he could stomach this much food? He doubted even Cole could. 

Garmadon placed his still warm hand on Lloyd's shoulder and asked, in concern: "Lloyd? Why aren't you eating? You need some nourishment."

Lloyd relaxed slightly at the warmth, picking up his cutlery, his hands trembling ever so slightly. He stirs the noodles hesitantly with the chopsticks and begins to eat.

Almost like a trance he'd suddenly been lapsed into, the nostalgic and authentic taste of his father's absolutely divine cooking overwhelmed his senses. Overcome with emotions; Lloyd did not realize he had picked up the bowl, scarfing down the contents as though he hadn't eaten in weeks. When he finally lowers the bowl in a bid for breath, he comes to the realization he had unknowingly emptied the entire bowl. 

"Oh…" he groaned, stifling a little burp.

"My, you really are starved. Here, the potstickers should help fill you a little more" Garmadon warmly remarked as he shifted the dishes so that the plate of potstickers were in full view and reach of Lloyd. Lloyd was already so full, and yet somehow, something was compelling him to practically inhale the entire plate worth of potstickers anyway. One bite was all it took to make his decision for him, the irresistable taste urging for more. Slowly but surely, the plate was emptied.

He'd finished all the food prepared for him! Lloyd leaned back in the chair, completely and utterly stuffed. He felt so bloated, his stomach full, warm and heavy with food. Resting a hand on his slightly bloated belly, he sighed in relief and contentment. His father only looks on in mild amusement and surprise. "Goodness, what an appetite! I suppose I'll have to make your next meals just as hearty then!"

Lloyd couldn’t help it. He teared up, a wave of emotion coursing through his soul. “I missed you…” he whispered.

Garmadon reached over, placing a hand gently on his son’s own. “I’m here now…”

The pair had returned to Lloyd's room, the elderly man bundling the youthful blonde back into blankets in bed with a firm insistence on rest. Lloyd, for once, felt sleepy as he drifted off to sleep, warm both inside and out, the last thing he knew before his eyes shut was his father's dry calloused hand gently patting his back.

The next few days felt like an absurd flurry of events. The gate was being repaired, the debris had to be cleared and the lamps replaced. A mural was being plotted upon the yard's walls, a depiction of the legacy of the big found family. And yet, even with so much to be done, Garmadon had somehow found the time to cook up a storm, feasts fit for gods in enourmously generous portions that found its way into Lloyd's stomach. The young boy quickly found himself much hungrier - the anticipation of food made so lovingly by his own father. He ate with vigor and voracity unrivaled, an appetite of inhuman proportions.

Garmadon could not be a prouder father. Lloyd had saved him time and again, and to be able to express his love for the teenager through his cooking that seemed to trigger such eagerness in his son, only steeled his resolve to nurse his dearest only child back to the pink of health. Lloyd was still awfully thin, undeniably, but it was clear to all who passed by that the adolescent was beginning to regain a healthier complexion. He just needed more rest, and a bigger abundance of rich heavy meals - plenty of meat and proteins. The oni and dragon blood in Lloyd would hopefully respond readily to the avalanche of nutrients that was to flood his body.

Three meals a day with everyone else quickly grew to include several extra private meals - just Lloyd and Garmadon, the former packing delicious food away most impressively, and the latter cooking just as impressively and accompanying the conversations. It had been a little over a month since the battle, the mural well under way. But the walls were not the only things that began to flush with vibrance. Lloyd had visibly begun to fill out, thriving under the ample love of Garmadon. The fair-haired young man no longer looked sickly pale, a dusting of rose over his cheeks bringing life and color into his face. It was a most precious sight.

The days of peace since the victory against the Oni still felt foreign and strange to everyone in the monastery - for once, there was no one to be fighting, no plans to be rushing. It was all a time of quiet serenity well-deserved. And it was just exactly what Lloyd needed. Having his needs met - a loving parent, a surplus of delicious meals to nourish him, and a lack of constant stress had certainly helped his rest. What had been nights of tossing and turning within nightmares he had to face alone had become long bouts of untroubled slumber. It wasn't long before everyone was pleasantly surprised - for the first time, Lloyd looked relaxed, laughing cheerfully, carefree and genuine. He was running about with the energy he had seemed to lack more and more over the years, his eyes shining with cheeky excitement and vitality. Almost like the child he never got to be.

The liveliness within the Monastery only seemed to grow with his recovery. More time was spent as a family, whether it was in the kitchen learning to cook with his father and Zane, or standing out in the yard eagerly chattering the night away while Kai manned the grill, serving up helpings of perfectly grilled meat with fiery flair that never failed to make eyes roll at his dramatic ways. The family was whole and together again, it was all they could have asked for.

It was almost in a blink of an eye when the Winter solstice came and went, as a new year drew ever nearer. One who saw Lloyd now would've hardly recognized him. No longer was the green ninja scrawny and sickly - no, he had a flourishing glow of health about him that could light up any room with his cheeriness, his now slightly podgy build showing the bounteous love that he received from his family. Garmadon had never dropped his hobby of cooking, and with the help of the ninja, found his new calling. He opened a restaurant that soon became well known for its homely atmosphere and its heartwarming dishes, a direct competitor to the major chain of Mister Chen Noodle House restaurants throughout Ninjago. Wu too, had found his peace in retirement, spending many a day in the monastery carefully calligraphing the chronicles of Ninjago's history.

After all this time... it seemed that the First Spinjitzu Master had finally given its protectors the happily ever after they deserved. Or has he?

[zanesgirlfriend]

Excuses | Vlog Squad

Description: The readers boyfriend abuses her and she finally runs out of excuses.

Requested?: yes by anonymous : can u do a imagine where ur dating an abusive boyfriend and the vlog squad finds out

Warnings: Physical and mental abuse!!!

A/N: i tried to make this as realistic and angsty as possible, but ive never been abused thankfully and i only vaguely remember what happened between my parents so sorry if its not as realistic as you’d hoped!!

_____

“I tripped over the curb of the sidewalk.”

“I was trying to slide down the stairs in a cardboard box and it did not go so well.”

“I slipped in the shower.”

She always had an excuse for what he did to her. Her love for him was stronger than the pain and hate deep inside. Love always wins, right? At least that’s what she told herself. It’s not like she had a new injury every day, but every few weeks she would cry in the shower as she thought of some clumsy thing that could realistically cause the bruises. Her friends always called her the clumsy one. She would pretend to trip in the background while they were filming just to make her story more believable. Little did they know that she couldn’t cover up what was about to happen.

“You fucking bitch.” He screamed at her as soon as he walked in the door. She felt the tears already starting to form as she ran through all the things she could’ve done wrong. She hated disappointing him and making him mad. He walked into the kitchen of their apartment and opened up the fridge for a beer. “I told you to stop hanging out with them.” He slammed the fridge door and twisted off the top to his Corona.

“They’re my friends.” She defended herself, immediately regretting the words as they left her mouth. He walked towards her, causing her to wince.

“First I see you at a party without me in one of their videos, and now you’re talking back to me?” He hollered. She backed up as far as she could into the corner of the couch. Her ears were ringing as he continued to raise his voice. He went on and on before a tear slipped her eye. “Oh, now you’re crying. The little pussy is fucking crying. Yeah, I picked a real good one, didn’t I?” He watched her stand up and walk towards the bathroom before digging his fingers into her arm.

“Where are you going?” He pulled her towards him.

“To the bathroom.” Her voice was mousy and she was shaking as she answered him.

“I’m not done fucking talking to you!” He threw her to the ground with a thud. She let out a small whimper as he climbed on top of her. “You deserve this.” He punched her cheek with a hard fist. “You’re probably cheating on me with one of your ‘friends’ right?” His fist popped her jaw. “You fucking that David guy?” His left hand hit her other cheek. “Or is it Jeff?” His knuckles hit her right eye. “This is for those wimpy fucking tears.” He punched her eye again, immediately causing it to swell.

She was knocked out by the second punch, and didn’t wake up until he was already gone the next morning. Her body struggled to leave the floor, but she eventually made it into the bathroom. Her face was throbbing, and her eye was swollen shut. Her one working eye slowly opened and looked into the mirror. She was horrified. Her face was purple and blue. The left side of her face had a swollen cheek and jawline, and her right eye was almost the size of an orange.

She cried for hours.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She muttered to herself over and over as she attempted to cover her face with makeup. It didn’t work. The water in the shower stung her face as she cleaned her body. She sat on the edge of her bed for a while as she thought over her relationship. It was all her fault. She should’ve told him about the party. She should’ve never talked back. She was wrong, and he was right. That’s always how it is.

The ringtone of her long abandoned phone scared her. She found it in between the couch cushions, and noticed all the texts and calls from her friends. They loved her, but he loved her more, right? Her phone rang again. It was Zane.

“Hello?” She squeaked out.

“Hey baby, how are you?” She could practically hear his smile through the phone. She cleared her throat.

“Hey Zane, I’m not the best. I walked into a pole, so my face is pretty messed up.” She chuckled, the excuse leaving her lips almost automatically.

“Y/n, how are you so clumsy? Send me a picture! Also come hang out with us, David needs more people for a bit anyways.” Zane proposed. Her heart raced. She couldn’t let him see her like this.

“I don’t know, I messed myself up pretty bad, so I don’t really want anyone to see me, it’s kinda embarrassing.” She giggled at the end and realized she was still only wrapped in a towel. She dug through her closet for clothes to wear.

“It can’t be that bad, pleaseeeeeee come over? We miss you!” He begged. She convinced herself that her excuse would work and agreed to go hang out.

A hat and sunglasses adorned her face as she speed-walked through the garage of her building. She repeated her excuse over and over during the car ride to David’s as if she was afraid she would forget it and mention what really happened to her.

“Hey.” She muttered and closed the door behind her.

“Hey, y/n!” Natalie smiled at her.

“Where have you been?” Erin asked.

“What’s with the hat?” Todd asked. Everyone’s attention was on her and she hated it.

“I, uh, I walked into a pole. I’m surprised Zane didn’t tell you about it, it was pretty funny.” She attempted to spin the attention onto Zane, but everyone was still staring at her.

“Let us see.” David said softly, putting his camera down.

They wouldn’t leave her alone. She felt her anxiety course through her body. After minutes of begging, she realized she couldn’t just not show them her face, and slowly lifted her head.

Her hat was removed and she slowly took off her sunglasses, looking at her beloved friends through one eye.

“Oooh.”

“What the fuck?”

“A pole did that?”

She stuttered and stammered and repeated the whole ‘I ran into a pole’ thing.

“How did you run into a pole with both sides of your face?” Jeff questioned, and everyone else started to wonder too. Y/n felt any tears she had left queue up behind her eyes. She was ready to explode.

The group started to register what was really going on and chased after her as she ran back outside.

“David, close the gate!” Natalie screamed at him. He grabbed the clicker and hit the button, hoping he did it fast enough.

Y/n attempted to back out of his driveway, but couldn’t slip through the gate quick enough. She broke down. Put the car in park and just cried. They banged on her windows, begging her to let at least one of them in. They whispered to themselves about the situation as they waited for her to come around.

“Y/n, we love you, and we just want to know what’s going on!” Mariah spoke loud enough for her to hear it through the window. She opened her one eye and looked at the group surrounding her. Her heart was torn in two, conflicted about weather or not to choose her friends or her boyfriend.

She looked at her phone.

Where’s your car?

Why aren’t you home?

Where the fuck are you????

Get your ass back here right now.

His texts made her cry even more. Her friends were right and she couldn’t take it anymore. Her window rolled down slowly.

“Can I just talk to the girls for a while?” She sheepishly asked the group. Everyone nodded and she finally got out of the car. The girls huddled around her and brought her back inside into Natalie’s room.

She looked down at her lap as she explained everything. The yelling, the mistakes, the abuse. All of it. When she looked back up all the girls had tears rolling down their faces. She looked around at all the girls that had her back. Mariah, Natalie, Carly, and Erin. Plus all of the boys and other friends that weren’t there. A huge wave of relief left her shoulders as she hugged the group.

“We’re gonna make sure he gets what he deserves.” Carly told her.

“Yeah, and you can stay here if your apartment is too scary.” Natalie added. “We can treat every night like a cute little sleepover!” She attempted to brighten the mood. Y/n smiled genuinely for the first time in a long time.

Erin explained what happened to the boys and they all ran into Natalie’s room. Y/n winced out of instinct, but relaxed into the tight hug of all the boys.

“Thank you guys for caring about me.” She smiled to all of her friends.

“Thank you fo-” David started, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Where’s y/n?” Her boyfriend peered past David, searching for her in the house.

“How’d you get in here, the gate’s closed?” He asked, somewhat intimidated by the man.

“I know she’s here. I saw her location.” He ignored David’s question.

“She’s not, you need to leave.” David asserted, but the man wasn’t in the mood to take orders.

“Y/n!” He screamed, pushing past David and into the house. All of her old thoughts came rushing back as soon has she heard his voice. She started for the door, but Zane pulled her back.

“No, he’s not good for you.” He whispered to her as Jeff, Todd, and Scott went out into the hallway. Natalie shut and locked the door, not wanting the man to get near y/n.

Should I call the police?

Nat texted David, wondering if the boys could handle him.

Yes. Now.

He replied and she immediately dialed 911.

“I have the right to see my girlfriend!” He screamed as the boys kept pushing him back into the living room. David turned on his camera and placed it on the table, knowing it would be good for evidence.

“You don’t have the right to beat her up! Now, get the fuck out of here!” Todd screamed back. The man threw the first punch, hitting Todd in the nose. Jeff punched the man in return, but he was stronger than Jeff and landed one to his jaw. All three of the guys put their weight on the man, pinning him to the ground.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Jeff asked him, mad that he even had the audacity to come get y/n.

“Our relationship has nothing to do with you, now let me the fuck go, you meathead!” He spit at the boys and struggled under their weight. Y/n cried into Zane’s chest as all of the girls listened to the yelling and thuds of bodies hitting the floor.

“It’s not a fucking relationship, it’s abuse.” David added in from across the room.

“Oh, yeah, why don’t you get over here, pretty boy? I can take you!” He screamed from the floor.

David texted Natalie again, asking the status of the police.

Almost here, make sure the gate is open

He opened the gate and walked outside. The police showed up and he led them inside to the pile of men on the floor.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they watched him get in the squad car. Police received statements from everyone and took a USB of the footage from David’s camera. Y/n spent an hour telling them everything he did to her, before everyone took a group trip to the hospital. Todd’s nose was broken, but everyone else was fine. Y/n got treated for her wounds from the previous night. She spent the next month at David’s house, too scared to sleep alone in her apartment. David posted a ten minute video about the signs of abuse in a friend, and used his platform to raise awareness on domestic abuse. Y/n was astounded by the overwhelming support of her friends, and was happier than she’d ever been before.

The crooked man spent a very long time in jail.

[sibillascribbles08]

It’s AU day for OC shipping week so have some Technosynth

I actually wrote this a while back but it’s a good time to share it

The AU belongs to @grumpy-zane

    An android’s purpose was something they were ingrained with from the day they started up. Clean the house. Play this track. Follow your orders. It was no different for E the day he was activated. 

    But his purpose swiftly fell apart, much like his siblings. 

    Doomed failures, from the get go. Perhaps it was a blessing he was later on the line, that he got the chance to witness his brother pop at the seams, plating and wires collapsing to the floor. Even then his systems still tried to function.

    And everytime their master, Garmadon, would curse.

    “Blast that Doctor. He must have done this on purpose. What can I possibly manage with this?” 

    E never tried to use his systems when he first saw what they could do. Thankfully, Garmadon never ordered him to. He stuck to small busy work that he was assigned along with his few remaining siblings since Garmadon didn’t see much other use for them.

    Well, until he decided to use them for combat training.

    It’s how E learned to fight. A shame his siblings weren’t so quick on the uptake.

    Now he was the only one left.

    He feared every day that it would be his last. That Garmadon would lash out. That his powers would be too much. That E wouldn’t be able to keep up in a fight. He kept all this fear under wraps because he had orders to follow.

    But then Garmadon was gone, banished to the Underworld by his brother. Suddenly E had no direction, no orders, no commands.

    So he created a new purpose for himself.

    Survive. 

    It didn’t matter what he did. He had to survive. He wanted to survive. If a gang of bikers picked him up as a lacky he would do it. If people came to him with money asking him to take someone out, he would do it. He wouldn’t hesitate with any of it, if it meant staying alive. It was all that mattered to him.

    Staying alive was his top priority.

    At least until… 

    “Trust me, make a sound. This should all keep you from falling apart.”

    E hesitated for the longest time before letting out a single note. The sound blasted through the room, rattling pencil mugs and picture frames, but his body stayed intact.

    “Hah, I knew it.” Frigidus grinned. “Now we can work on your volume.” 

---------------------

    Cornered.

    There was nowhere for them to go at this point. Frigidus wasn’t entirely sure why they were running, though he had a couple of guesses. One minute they’re walking the streets of downtown, the next E is gripping his arm and breaking into a sprint. He tried to escape whatever it was, turning down side streets, but this one lead them to a dead end. 

    Frigidus heard footsteps. He turned to see a group of four, though most of them didn’t look that old. The amount of leather suggested some kind of biker gang, and the tall guy in front must be in charge. 

    “Didn’t think we’d ever see you again, Mr. E.” The tall one spoke, crossing his arms.

    Mister? And that voice sounded familiar. Hadn’t Frigidus heard it in one of E’s audio files? It made sense these people were from E’s past but what did they want with him now. They left him busted up in a pawn shop. 

    Frigidus tried to get a better look at them but E’s arm stayed in front of him, keeping him back. 

    “Yeah,” one of the guys to the left said. “Thought for sure you’d end up in the grinder in that junkyard.”

    Frigidus almost bolted forward at that comment, anger rushing through his system, but E continued to stop him. 

    “What’s wrong? Have nothing to say?” The tall one said.

    E finally moved his hand to sign. Frigidus could only make out so much from this angle. 

    “Sign’s all he’s got boss.” The one on the right said.

    “Then what’s he saying?” 

    “Says he hasn’t told anyone a damn thing yet. No one knows.”

    “Not even the kid?” The tall one nodded at Frigidus. 

    E moved in front of him completely. 

    “He says no. He just bought him at a pawn shop and fixed him up as a project. He never opened his memory files.”

    The tall one smiled. “Oh, can you guarantee this? Wouldn’t it be safer to bring him along to make sure?” 

    E was lying. Frigidus knew that, though he couldn’t place exactly why. Did E just not know that Frigidus looked at his memory?

    Or was he trying to… 

    “Says he’s just a kid.” The right one shrugged. “Can’t say he’s wrong. Doubt the brat would do much damage even if he did know something. Not like he’d have any proof without Mr. E around anyway.” 

    E signed something else, faster.

    “Says he’ll come along without a fuss if we leave the kid here.”

    What?

    Frigidus’s blood ran cold as he looked at E and then the four bikers. No, no no no. They’re the ones who put E in that state, weren’t they? They tore him apart, left him in a junkyard. They’d do that again, wouldn’t they? After ripping out his memory no doubt. 

    “Well, I do prefer it if things go smoothly.” The tall one said. “Fine then, you’ve got yourself a deal. Let’s go.”

    “Wh–no!” Frigidus finally spoke up as he grabbed E’s jacket. “No, you can’t. You can’t just go. They’ll just destroy you again E, you can’t–”

    His desperate voice was cut off when E’s hand rested on his cheek. He could feel the gentle vibration of his speaker, barely murmuring a sound. 

    The android removed his hand so he could sign. “You must stay safe.” 

    “So do you.” Frigidus argued. “Don’t do this.”

    E shook his head. “Nowhere to run. This is the only option.” 

    “No,” his voice cracked. His vision was going blurry. 

    “Thank you,” E continued. “For everything. For fixing me. For giving me a home. For… calling me your boyfriend. Even if it was just pretend.” 

    Frigidus blinked. Was it? He’d completely forgotten. 

    That train of thought was distracted when E’s cold fingers slid under his chin. He followed the touch, tilting his head back as E pressed their lips together. 

    He was in such a state of shock he didn’t realize when the android let go. He blinked and suddenly E was five feet away, walking towards the bikers. 

    “W-wait!” Frigidus shouted and took off to give chase, only for one of them to shove him back. He landed on his back, the air rushing out of him. 

    “Stay down, brat.” The biker sneered as the rest of the group turned the corner. 

    “No.” Frigidus shoved himself up and tried to keep chasing after them. He heard the sound of their bikes. “No, no, no.” He kept moving. He couldn’t stop.

    But it was too late. By the time he got out of the alley the bikes were already rushing down the road at a speed he couldn’t hope to match. 

    It didn’t stop him from running. He kept moving, tears on his face, ignoring looks from any bystander he came across. Even with the bikes out of site he kept running until his legs finally gave out. 

    “Give him back.” Frigidus mumbled with his palms pressed against the concrete. 

    “Give him back.” 

-------------------------

    Frigidus stumbled into the house. His legs still felt numb, everything felt numb. He swore he was barely breathing. 

    “Frigidus?” His mom was by his side in seconds. “Sweetie, it’s so late. What happened?” She touched his cheeks, thumb running under his eyes that were probably red. 

    “E’s gone.” He choked out. “He’s gone.”

    “What do you mean?” She narrowed her eyes. 

    “They took him. They just showed up and took him.”

    “He got stolen?”

    Frigidus supposed that was a way to put it. He just nodded, not sure he wanted to inform his mother that his life was threatened. 

    “Did you call the police?”

    Hah, what good was that going to do in this situation? If those people were anything like Frigidus suspected the police would only get so far. 

    But for an answer he just shook his head.

    “Then I will.” She said firmly. “Go upstairs and lay down for a bit, okay?” 

    He just did as she asked, not having the energy to argue about it. His legs felt like lead going up the steps, his grip on the rail was non-existent. 

    He flopped onto his bed as soon as he was in the room. He wished he could just curl up and fall asleep. Then he’d wake up, realize it was just a bad dream. E would be pushing him out of the bed, signing that breakfast was ready. That he wasn’t skipping school today. 

    E was gone. He was gone, likely to be turned into scrap again. 

    And Frigidus was alone again. 

    His fingers dug into the sheets as he pushed himself up. Tears still burned in his eyes but he glared, rubbing them away. 

    No, they weren’t getting away with this. Whether they tore E apart or not they wouldn’t get away with it. 

    Frigidus got out of the bed, snapping out his laptop and swiftly brought up the program to the city’s security cameras.

    If he couldn’t find out where they went he’d at least get some pictures of their faces.

    Then he’d go from there.

[minecraftdiarieswho]

A Study in Love & Fame || Chapter One || Celebrity AU

Title: Aperture

Character/s: Lucinda, Vylad, Aaron, Melissa

Summary: Aperture - an opening, hole, or gap - a space through which light passes in an optical or photographic instrument, especially the variable opening by which light enters a camera. The story Begins, Lucinda and Vylad have a common conversation.

A/N: And so it begins!

-

-

-

Vylad always thought Lucinda made the hallway before her office ridiculously long on purpose. It game people time to stew on what they’d done wrong as they did a walk of shame, or think about their proposal to her before they made it. It was both merciful and cunning, just like her. But Vylad wasn't performing the walk of shame, nor the nervous walk of small fish to the shark tank. No, he was waking to Lucinda's office so he could pick his friend up for after work drinks.

Lucinda and Vylad had been friends for a while now. Ever since Vylad had started working here, in fact. They had a relationship that just clicked, like a big scarf and the perfect jacket in cold weather. Lucinda called it the optimal example for gay/lesbian solidarity, and, while Vylad was inclined to agree, he thought his description was much better. Vylad was barely in the photography business when they met, although he still remembered that first meeting well.

-

Divine was the Fifth magazine company he went in for an interview with. The others before had all said the same thing;

“Your photos are good, but they're just not what just not what we're looking for.”

When he walked into Lucinda’s Office for the first time, it was an out of body experience, her desk was huge and made out of purple glass, and the window behind her overlooked the whole city. Her chair was black and plush, but perhaps the strangest thing was an antique bookcase in the corner, with two huge old ugly red armchairs in front of it. It didn't fit in with anything else in the room, and yet, felt so in place. As soon as Lucinda looked up, she spoke in a voice so dramatic it was obviously put on.

“Take a seat” She gestured to the armchairs.

Vylad sat down and Lucinda stood and joined him. She took his portfolio from him and looked through it, then eyed him over.

“These are nice,” She said, closing the binder. “Dynamic shots, good colour balance, you've got quite the eye. You know with your talent you could probably skip the runt stages and open up a gallery. Why do you want to work at Divine”?

Vylad took his folder back from her. “Well, If I’m honest Ms. Belvoir-”

Lucinda held her hand out to stop him. “Lucinda.”

“Lucinda?” he asked, confused.

“Yes. Lucinda. Ms. Belvoir is so… Gross? I don't know, Lucinda is just, Better. Okay?” she said, Nodding.

“Well okay, Lucinda,” Vylad Said, “If I’m Honest, I want to stay in the business. Photography interests me sure, but fame does as well, and I'm sure my mother would cry if I distanced myself from it completely, no matter how evident I've made it that I want no part in the family side of fame.”

Lucinda gave him a puzzled look. “Family side of fame? Hell does that mean?”

“The Ro’Meave Thing isn't a coincidence, My father really is the dickwad himself.” Said Vylad, almost wincing.

“Oh… OH! Wait… did you just call Garte Ro’Meave a Dickwad? My God,” She burst into giggles, losing her elegance that, up until now had been her most intimidating feature, completely.

Vylad couldn't help but catch her smile, it was infectious. And just like that, they were friends.

“You’re hired. It's obvious you've got the guts and the style. Welcome to Divine” Lucinda Reached out to shake his hand.

He took it.

-

He reached the end of the long hall and knocked on the office door.

“Come in~” Came Lucinda’s Cheerful voice.

Vylad opened the door and plopped down on one of the armchairs. “Hey Luci, how’s your day been?” he said, hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Lucinda smiled as she sat opposite him. “Oh you know, this and that, people to see places to go and all.” She beamed at him. “How about you, my bestest photographer?”

Vylad gave her a glare. “Well, I don't know Ms. Belvoir, but it was somebody's idea to send me all the way out to my father's company to take photos of the famed Ro’Meave brothers, and that meant I’d have to spend four hours in a car, and then an extra three waiting them out. So I’d say it went Great.”

“Well,” Said Lucinda, annoyingly happy grin still on her face, “Didya get the shots?”

Vylad rolled his eyes. “Yes. and a pigeon pooped on me.”

“Splendid! You really are my best.” She stood up. “So, we still on? Or did you walk all the way to my office to be sour?”

Vylad stood as well. “Mhm, Don’t you forget it. And yes. trust me, Luci, nobody would bother walking all the way up her just to sass you. It Just isn't worth the effort.”

“Good, that means it achieves its purpose. Let's go!”

Soon enough they arrived at the bar. It was the same dingy old thing they often visited after work, it wasn't falling apart by any means, but Vylad knew that Lucinda had access to every ritzy nightclub there was, so why she chose to frequent ‘The Moon's Curse’ was beyond him, but the bar felt homely. Old posters hang from the walls, yellow light streaming from odd places in the roof. The bar itself was cramped, and filled with more liquor than you could imagine, an obvious show of a years-old collection.

Lucinda strolled up to the bar with Vylad like she owned the place. An honestly, it was deserved, given how often they came here.

The Man behind the bar smiled as he saw them come in. “Well well, if it isn't my favourite customers. What’ll it be today guys?”

“Just the usual Aaron. A Caldron and a Blood Oath.” Said Lucinda, before pausing for a moment, “And tell Melissa back there that I said hi.” She added, Winking towards the kitchens out back.

Aaron rolled his eyes. “You guys aren't even dating anymore! Why can't I be spared from your relentless flirting.”

“Just because we broke it off doesn't mean we hate each other. Besides, we share a common goal in driving you mad.” Lucinda Shrugged.

Aaron chuckled, Shook his head and then got back to making their drinks. It was almost routine at this point, how they would come in, tease him, drink, talk, play darts and then leave. But that isn't to say Vylad found it boring. Quite the opposite actually, it was nice to have a regular thing with his friends.

Yeah. Vylad liked his friends, few as they were. He was always terrible at making friends, his father taught him that he should be better than everybody else, and while that rhetoric was easy enough to shake, the pressure to get perfect grades and do well in his extracurriculars put him in isolation. Vylad was learning piano as soon as he had a basic motor function, and many other instruments followed. So the only real friends he had were his band friends, and nobody else. Come high school, he’d immersed himself in the arts completely, with the exception of acting. Photography, Visual Arts, Music, and Band were where he thrived. And coincidentally, they were all subjects where you hardly talked to people. So maybe that had something to do with it, that, and the constant and stubborn refusal to make powerful connections because of his father.

Huh. Maybe Garte was the reason he never made friends. He was always being told to make powerful allies by his stepfather, and Vylad was the stubborn little kid who refused. He always refused. When his father offered to put him in a movie, Vylads answer was a firm no. He didn't want to take handouts from him, especially when they were made so he could keep up his image of loving Vylad despite his “Circumstance”. Honestly, if not being in a stupid movie was what it took for Garte to be outed as an egotistical lunatic who cared for nothing but his finance, then Vylad was more than happy to leave his families fame behind.

“Ey Vylad!” Came the familiar voice of Melissa.

“What is it, Mel?” He answered, snapping out of it.

“I heard the love of your life is in a new movie~. Luci Sending you to the Red Carpet?” She asked teasingly.

“Love of my life? I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

Aaron chimed in. “Bullshit you don’t, just yesterday you were fawning over Laurance Zvahl and how excited you were for this movie”

Lucinda snorted at Aarons comment. “He’s Right, And yeah. You’re going, I mean you get the best photos of him, better than anyone else at divine in fact. But I need you back that day as well, we've got Katelyn to shoot at Four and I want you there because we need your lighting skills”

“Really?! Thanks, Lucinda!” He Clasped her hands in his excitedly. “Oh yeah, and I'll be back by Four, don't worry about it.”

“Mhm, And he maintains the idea that he isn't absolutely smitten” Said Aaron.

Melissa giggled, and then her face fell a bit. “Hey, how is Katelyn anyway?”

Lucinda sighed and traced the rim of her glass. “She's doing fine. Heads above water and all that, there's no way she's plummeting into obscurity or anything… but paparazzi won't leave her be, and with Garte controlling all the stories except ours…”

“She's either a devil or she’s non-existent.” Vylad finished.

Aaron Winced “Rough”

Lucinda nodded. “Yeah.”

“But you guys are doing you’re best to keep her, that so sweet,” Melissa said, smiling at Vylad and Lucinda.

Lucinda shook her head and smiled. “Sweet has nothing to do with it, garte may have paid off everybody to fuck her over, but the public still likes her, especially those who hate Zane. We’re turning a profit from having her give us exclusives, and helping her out as a friend is just a huge bonus.”

“Ever the entrepreneur Luci” Vylad Laughed and Finished his drink. “But she's right, it really is Garte’s Loss.”

“Well alright, but give her my love ok?” Melissa walked over to the bar and took their glasses.

Lucinda Put a few notes on the table “Will do, thanks for the night, you guys.”

As they left the bar, Vylad thought about the jests at his expense.

Laurance.

As much as Vylad might deny it, he really was enamoured with him. Should it surprise anybody? After all, he was a celebrity. It was normal to like celebrities. Normal to crush on celebrities. Normal to want to date them and- oh god what was he thinking?! He was obsessed! Maybe that's why all of his friends tease him about it, and why Lucinda kept giving him assignments where Laurance was present. He did take the best photos of him, that was no secret. Something about him was just so… Inspiring. But it didn’t matter how huge his crush on the famous Mr. Zvahl was. Vylad was a realist at heart, and he knew that there was no possible future in which he actually met, let alone loved, Laurance Zvahl.

Yeah.

Impossible.

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “Mommy” Part 3

It was a well known fact The Joker’s girlfriend left him with four young children and disappeared. It was also known that his ex stepped up and took care of them even if she didn’t have to. The King of Gotham might have lost his woman, but he never lost his Queen.

Part 1     Part 2      Part 4        Part 5

After 2 months

The Joker is alone in the VIP room, enjoying his solitude; he ordered everyone to clear the premises and wait outside since his business meeting ended earlier than expected. Out of the blue, the cell alerts of a new message. J slides the screen and a picture with you and Mia laughing pops up: you are both wearing matching headbands with yellow flowers, identical pearl necklaces and PJ’s made from the same fabric.

He barely smiles, when a new picture with you and now all the boys added in the frame pops up, apparently ready for bed. The Joker’s smile gets a little bit wider, then after a few seconds it disappears under the usual frown. He starts texting something back but changes his mind and erases the words, staring at the images one more time before placing the phone inside his pocket.

At the penthouse, you didn’t even wait for a reply since J never comments when you send him pics with the children; you get notifications they were seen and I guess that’s the best you’ll ever get.

“Kase honey, stop jumping on the bed, it’s time to sleep, ok?”

The four years old is still energetic so he keeps on jumping, chanting your name:

“Mo-mmy! Mo-mmy!!! Mo-mmyyy!!!”

“Kasey, be good and listen to me!” you try to make him behave while exiting his room with a clear purpose: taking Mia to her crib. The baby girl fell asleep in your arms, resting her head on your good shoulder. You are really not supposed to hold the kids or lift them up since it will take a while to completely heal from the injury you sustained, yet sometimes you can’t help it.

You carefully place her in the cradle, sneaking up into the room next door to make sure the twins are still dozing off. Thank goodness they are and you close the door to their bedroom, immediately rushing to Kase’s room when you hear the thud followed by crying.

The boy was hopping up and down when he accidentally moved too much towards the edge of the bed and landed on the floor right on his face. The carpet is soft but the impact scared him nevertheless.

“My poor little man,” you pick him up, worried he might have broken something.

Kase whimpers and hugs you, searching for comfort. You kiss the child’s head and caress his back, soothing the pain.

“Are you ok?” you wipe his tears, making him sit on the bed while you analyze him.

“Y-yes…” he stutters, sniffling.

“Then why are you crying honey?” you ask, cupping his face and the answer makes you hold in the laugh.

“Don’t know, mommy…”

“You’re silly,” you kiss his cheek, happy nothing bad happened. “You want me to read you a bedtime story?”

“U-hum, “ he nods, distracted by the offer. You get Kase under the covers and snuggle with him, reading until he falls asleep. And the busy day you had catches up with you, making you snooze in there before you have a chance to go to your own bedroom.

*************

“Y/N…Y/N, wake up!” The Joker shakes you and finally gets a reaction; he’s been calling your name and you didn’t even hear his first attempts.

“What time is it?” you turn towards him and Kase instinctively moves closer, searching for the warmth of your body.

“It’s 2 in the morning. Come on, hurry up, we have to go: it smells like gas downstairs, I think we have a gas leak!”

“Jesus!” you wake up in an instant, pulling Kase in your arms and struggling to get up; your shoulder hurts since you carried Mia around yesterday. “I’ll take him, go to the car!” he wraps his son in the blanket, not fazed by the protesting moans.

“Dadddddyyyyy,” the boy yawns, closing his eyes, upset with the ruckus.

“You’re fine, brat !” J lifts him higher in his arms and follows you. You want to get the other kids, but some of the henchmen are already helping, having them in blankets and heading towards the elevator. The gas detector is beeping in a frenzy  but you were so exhausted you had no clue.

“Yuck, the smell,” you cover your nose, waiting for J to catch up with you. “Are we going to my house until this is taken care of?”

“I suppose so,” he growls and you know why: The Joker hates your house, always complains it’s too small.

Situated on the property you use as the children’s playground – 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large living room and a spacious kitchen- the one level home is more than enough when needed. Since you live mostly at the penthouse, you never feel the need to upgrade. Usually the boys sleep in one bedroom and you sleep with Mia, this way J has his own room. If he’s not coming to stay when you take the kids there, you move Aiden and Zane to their father’s bedroom. Simple and easy.

Not for The King of Gotham though. “Simple and easy” are not his thing.

***************

“It’s cold in this stupid house!” J complains as soon as he enters the master bedroom where you gathered all the kids in the same bed, waiting for the central heating to warm up the house.

“You know I don’t have the heat on when we’re not here; it’s not safe. Be patient, it will get hot soon,” the reply attempts to explain the obvious situation.

“Gimme 2 kids, I need to warm up. I’ll take them to my bedroom!” he gestures towards the twins.

The two year olds are not excited about their dad’s strategy: they are cranky and whiney because they got woken up in the middle of the night and transported to another location. They hold on to you, burying their faces in the pillows.

“Hugging all the kids, hm?” J snarls, irritated. No other choice but to crawl in the big bed also.

You choose not to comment: how is this your fault?!

The Joker snatches Mia that is sleeping in your arms and places her on top of him, moving Kase to his left, this way he has some bodies around to warm up with.

“That’s better,” he grumbles, covering everyone with an extra blanket. Kase reaches for you, wanting to go back to the spot next to his mother but J won’t have any of it:

“Stop wiggling and sleep!”

“I want my mommy,” his son complains and The Joker gets mad:

“What am I, decoration?! She’s literally a few inches away!”

“Kase, go to sleep honey, ok?” you plead, touched by how much the children love you. “Mommy’s here.”

In about 30 minutes the house reaches a comfortable temperature and J tiptoes out of crowded bed, wanting the privacy of his own room.

You keep on tossing and turning; your shoulder aches and you’ll definitely need some pain killers if you want to be able to rest. You slowly move away from the kids, not wanting to startle them. It’s so sweet to see the four innocent souls peacefully dreaming, curled up under the cozy fleece blankets.

“J, are you still awake?” you knock at his door.

“Yes, come in,” he turns on the lamp, curious on why you’re still up. You open the door and step inside.

“My shoulder hurts and I forgot the painkillers at the penthouse. Can we send…”

“I have your med,” he shows you his coat on the chair. “Upper pocket.”

“Oh, that’s awesome!” you sigh, digging in there and retrieving the much needed remedy. ”Thank you.”

“Here,” he dismisses your gratitude, handing over the bottle of water kept on the nightstand.

You swallow 2 tablets, taking a deep breath when the sharp pain pokes at the surgery site.

“Get in,” The Joker slides on the sheets, making space for you.

You almost choke on the water and he rolls his eyes.

“Are you afraid I’m gonna take advantage of you?”

“No,” you hesitantly debate on his proposition, confused about it.

“Then get in,” he reinforces his will. “Don’t look at me like that!” J glares in your direction, not a big fan of that intrigued expression on your face.

You listen to him though and comply.

“What did the doctor say? Do you need more blood transfusions?” he starts the conversation as soon as you are next to him. You bite on your lip, nodding a no. “Well, if you do let me know, alright?”

“OK…” you agree, perfectly aware on why he’s interested: after all the blood loss you sustained with the stabbing, you needed more to replenish what was depleted. They had you hooked up to the IV ready to go, when J had a fit because the doctor didn’t notify him of the procedure. The Clown Prince of Crime was furious he wasn’t asked to donate blood: he’s a universal donor, a match for all blood types. Of course the medical team had to apologize and be thankful they weren’t killed on the spot.

They also had to listen to his rant about how generously rewarded they were for being allowed to take care of the mother of his children and how they couldn’t even keep him updated on your condition. That was the first time you heard him talk like that and it was hard to hold in the tears: it made you aware he did appreciate the sacrifices his ex-girlfriend made over the years while taking care of his babies. The Joker just never showed it; he’s not that kind of person.

Needless to say you do have his blood running through your veins now. And you could have more if necessary.

You stare at each other in silence: you have a feeling there’s a purpose to his behavior.

“Why did you remove the tattoo?” J unexpectedly blurs out.

Ahhh, there we go: that’s why you were cordially invited to stay; he wants to talk about stuff bothering him. Might as well since you want to take a few things off your chest also.

You answer with a question:

“Why would I want my ex boyfriend’s name on my skin?!”

“I worked on that tattoo for weeks! It was perfect, my best one !” J cuts you off.

It’s always about him, of course.

“We weren’t together anymore, no point in keeping it…”

“I worked on it !!!”

 This is not going well.

“The lack of a tattoo doesn’t…”

“I spent weeks on that ink!” he interrupts again.

But you can’t hold in your own escalating anger:

“Why did you always bring Anya back?! Why did you tolerate her behavior?! Why did you keep on getting her pregnant?! She was horrible! And you didn’t want to have any children with me when we were together ! I would have been a great mother!!”

You lick you lips, running out of breath after the valid outburst. The Joker’s eyes have a sudden threatening sparkle, not expecting you’ll turn the tables on him.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you !” he grumbles, annoyed. “But I have to?!” you fight back, more and more upset. “Why…” and your voice breaks…”Why did you like her so much?…”

“I don’t like anybody!” he mutters through his silver teeth.

“You did like her a lot, it’s obvious…” you sadly smile. “And she neglected the kids, almost killed her own daughter… She never cared about you either…So…why did you like her so much?” you persist, unwilling to quit. At this point there’s no use: you are both fired up.

“Get out of here!” his menacing voice shrieks. “Get out before I might do something I can’t take back !” he pushes you away, struggling to contain his temper. “OUT!”

You don’t budge and J continues to violently shove you towards the end of the bed.  

“Get out I said !” he pants, provoked by your rebellious behavior.  

You don’t even feel the shoulder pain anymore or anything else for the matter.

“Why did you like her so much?” you repeat and he covers your mouth, rolling on top of you. The Joker realizes you’re not attempting to escape his grip; you just gaze at him without squirming.

“Get out of my sight!” J hisses, annoyed at your apathy; you’ve been in charge of his security for years, he knows you can defend yourself.

Why don’t you?

He lifts himself up a bit in order to give you one last nudge that will make you fall off the bed, when your arms tightly wrap around his neck, pulling him back on top of you.

“Why did you like her so much?” you forcefully hold him close when J wants to escape the embrace. “Why did you like her more than me?” you whisper in his ear and start crying, unable to suppress the burning question you wanted to ask for years. “I was loyal, I really loved you and never cheated,” your shaky voice makes him pay attention. “And you still broke up with me. And I didn’t object continuing to work for you when you asked. And I took care of your children when you asked,” you start sobbing and his face is buried in your neck, still mad yet listening. “You told me you trust me and that I never stopped being the Queen…Queen of what?” you lift his head up so you can look at him.“Queen of nothing?” and the tears keep on uncontrollably stream down your cheeks, your heart aching a hundred times more than the stabbing wound.

The Joker doesn’t bother to react or protest when you finally slide from under him, catching your breath while sitting at the edge of the bed. You wipe your eyes and prepare to go back to the kids just as his words barely make it out:

“You’re my children’s Queen and The Queen of this city. And…and my Queen since I can’t find a better one I can trust…”

Instead of making you happy, the sentences deepen your gloomy mood. J gets under the covers, turning his back on you, done with it all. He senses you scooting over closer to him until your steady breath lingers on his neck.

“Why are you still here?” he grouchily mutters and he feels your lips pressing on his shoulder.

“You want me to go?” you sigh. “Or…can I stay?”

“Suit yourself,” he reaches for the lamp and turns it off, not opposing to your left hand finding its way around his waist.

You’re almost napping when The Joker reopens the discussion:

“If by some miracle one of these days you manage to keep a man and get married, you still have to take care of the children; that’s an order !” he spits out with a hateful tone.

“ I really love your children; I couldn’t abandon them,” you cling to him more, somehow comforted when your hand is being moved from around his waist and kissed after a few seconds.

***************

The next day he avoids you.

You spend a lot of time outside on the porch, watching the kids play in the snow: even if is mid-February, there is plenty left for them to enjoy.

“Mommy… for you,” Zane gives you a snow ball, excited it made you smile. Mia is chewing one of her toys, cozy on the thick blanket she’s placed on at your feet.

“Thank you baby,” you kiss his nose, making sure to button up his jacket one more time. He likes to unbutton it; surely takes after his father, can’t keep stuff buttoned up. The thought gives you a sudden boost of positivity while watching him run back to his brothers. Aiden trips him and they both fall to the ground laughing, Kase trying to squeeze in between them because he wants to join in the fun.

“Don’t hurt yourselves !” you shout, the maternal instinct surfacing for the millionth time today and you help Mia up, the cute Princess standing without too much help; pretty soon she’ll be able to walk on her own.

You peak behind you through the huge glass windows, seeing The Joker talking to Frost. The King of Gotham is fast to throw something in the trash can, visibly irritated.

“Mommy, look !” Aiden yells, showing you the wall of snow he’s starting to build with his siblings.

“Good job honey!” you praise, waving at the boys and J steps outside, crabby disposition noticeable from a mile away. “Hey, did Frost tell you how long it will be until we can return to the penthouse?” you’re curious to find out since you hardly spoke to him since this morning.

“At least one week,” he growls, displeased at the news. “The pipes need to be replaced at the lower level. Only one duct was leaking, but they want to change all of them for safety.”

“That makes sense,” you grunt and lift Mia up, The Joker scolding:

“You’re not supposed to do that !”

“I know, I know,” you agree and he gestures for her. After finding herself in his arms, the little girl starts munching on his coat’s collar, babbling words that almost resemble “mama” and “dada”.

“Greeeat, another one to chew my ears off,” he frowns and it doesn’t go well with you.

“Why do you have to take the joy out of everything? Aren’t you happy Mia will walk and talk soon?” you sulk, not understanding why he can’t appreciate the little things.

Sarcasm follows:

“Sure, why wouldn’t I be? It’s something a kid never did before, right? Pfft,” he scoffs, ”you’re the one that got emotional when each kid learned to walk and speak; I don’t get the hype.”

“Of course you don’t,” you grumble, concluding the children must be hungry after playing for so long. “Darlings, come inside; it’s time to eat!”

************

You stop drinking your tea and elbow J, making him pay attention to the touching scene taking place at the kids’ table: the boys are eating and feeding their little sister also. Kase is actually standing, holding her hand and she nibbles on the chicken nugget offered by Aiden. As soon as Mia starts chewing, the boys eat some more too, waiting for her to finish what she has in her mouth.

Your eyes get teary; even if they did it before, you find it irresistibly adorable.

“That’s very cute,” you gulp, getting ready to help. The boys can mostly feed themselves, yet their mom’s intervention is more than welcomed.

J smirks, quietly adding more salad to his dish.

You head over to the counter, wanting to dump leftovers from your plate in the garbage can before helping the kids. The small box resting on top of the trash is discretely taking out by a curious Y/N. Is this what he threw in there earlier?!

You open it and hold your breath: it’s a gold bracelet; a simple circle beaded with a few diamonds, engraved with plain, meaningful words:

To: Mommy

From: Kase, Aiden, Zane and Mia

J hears you sniffling behind him and turns his head to see what’s going on. You hold the bracelet in the palm of your hand, speechless.

“Why is this in the garbage?!” you bite your cheek. “Help me put in on please.”

He doesn’t seem willing to fulfill your demand.

“I had no clue you dig in the trash now! Is it a part time job?” he mocks, cranky you found the customized gift he ordered eight days ago and decided to dispose of.

“Help me put it on,” you disregard his bitterness and J nags:

“It’s a gold hoop, easy to use, no clasp or nothing.”

“I want you to help me… please…”

That’s the point: you want him to do it.

“You’re annoying !” he yanks at you wrist, gliding the bracelet against the soft skin.

“Daaadddy, I’m thirsty,” Zane whines, coming over with his empty cup.

“Oh goody, someone finally needs me!” The Joker’s sassiness escalates for no reason.

***************

You creep inside his bedroom without knocking and lean your back against the closed door, waiting.

“Can I sleep here?” you utter, not looking his way.

“It’s your house, isn’t it?” the indirect invitation follows and you crawl in the bed by him, keeping a safe distance. “We can fit the twins between us; why aren’t you coming closer? Or are you scared you won’t be able to behave?”

You actually giggle, surprised you feel nervous.

“I think I’m alright, ” and you bring your body near his, cuddling like you used to years ago when you were together.

“Here’s the thing Y/N,” The Joker lifts your chin up. “If you sense any activity bellow my waist, don’t flatter yourself. It’s just a natural reaction due to the closeness. Are you…are you fucking blushing when I’m just messing with you?!” he teases and you feel your cheeks burning.

“I’m not blushing,” you whisper, embarrassed at your stupid vulnerability.

“You totally are,” J grins and you are aware it’s true. You wiggle in his arms, cautiously considering your next words. The smile perishes on his lips when you ask:

“J…Can you make love to me?”

He looks surprised and you feel awkward.  

“That was dumb to say,” you patch your mistake with a fake, clumsy laugh.

“Of course I can,” The Joker’s face comes really close to yours. “The question is if I want to.”

“Well,” you gulp, “do you want to?…”

“Maybe…” he gropes you, thinking. Or is he just pretending?

“Moommyyyyyy,” is heard from the next bedroom, Aiden starting to cry because he probably had a nightmare.

“Such a missed opportunity,” J chuckles and you get out of bed in a hurry, but he grabs your hand, squeezing it before releasing the hold: “Come back afterwards.”

***************

The children weren’t used to find their mommy sleeping in the same room with their father, but that changed two years ago. They don’t know what it means, but one thing’s for sure: they love coming in the master bedroom at the penthouse and jump on the bed, waking up both parents and horsing around all morning until The Joker hides under the pillows, displeased with the noise.

Mommy never complains though; she always shows her affection and lets them touch her growing belly, telling them their new sister is in there. So fascinating for the kids! And they are getting more and more impatient, especially the little girl: she was told she will be the big sister and it sounds like an important task.

*************

“Baby?” the three years old Mia’s squeaky voice inquires, excited and curious to see such a tiny doll in your arms.

“Yes honey, this is your sister Emma,” you smile, pecking her forehead. You are sitting on the floor with the kids around you and they are seeing their sister for the first time.

“Waahhhh, she’s so cute,” Kase caresses the small head, mesmerized.

“Can I kiss her?” Zane claps his hands, puckering his lips.

“Sure,” you agree and Aiden wants to do the same.

“Me too!” the oldest kisses her also and Mia pushes him away, pouting:

“She’s my sissy!”

“Hey, hey, no fighting! Emma is everybody’s, ok?” you try to alleviate the quarrel, amused it’s already starting. It took like…40 seconds for the rivalry to surface.

“Look daaa’yy, baby!” Mia snickers, presenting Emma to her father like some kind of treasure. He’s been sitting at his desk, watching their reactions. You smile, softly rocking the new born when it fusses from the commotion.

“I know, I made her,” he sneers, winking and the kids are completely absorbed by the new addition to the family.

“Can I hold her?” Zane extends his arms and you carefully place Emma in his grip, holding both of them so he won’t drop her.

You notice the Joker is the proud possessor of a very arrogant aura and you know why: he’s been bragging all afternoon that he makes very cute babies and no matter how the mom looks like, he compensates for the deficit. Such nonsense!

But the annoying truth is that he does make beautiful babies.

“Mommy, can I hold her too?” Aiden begs, getting you out of daze.

“Sure can,” you nod, wondering when the jealousy will actually kick in.

You are definitely prepared for the challenge: this might have been your first pregnancy, but it’s actually your fifth child. It shouldn’t be too hard since…

Once a mother always a mother.

Also read: MASTERLIST

http://diyunho.tumblr.com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

[fandom-imagines-stories]

She Was My Hope Chapter Three

Cassian Andor x Reader

Words: 2173

Masterlist

Summary: Reina and Cassian begin rebuilding old droids and ships. Things go awry when a fellow rebel takes an interest in Reina.

Notes: Major warnings for this chapter. Mentions of abuse and assault, assault, and mentions of suicide to follow. I hope you guys are enjoying the story and I can’t wait to see where this goes. 

It took Cassian a moment to figure out where the screams were coming from. He quickly got out of bed and fumbled around the room for the key cards. The panic settled in him as her cries grew louder, the names Asto and Zane echoing through the hall. He slid the card through the scanner.

Rough hands pulled her wrists and tangled in her hair. Voices shouted commands at her from the dark and the sharp crack of leather hitting her skin filled the void of her thoughts. She called out into the darkness, screaming for help but all she received was laughter and a kick to the stomach. She felt hot breath on her cheek and flinched away.

“You will always belong to me.”

Cassian shook her shoulders until her eyes flew open, seeing only the vastness of his brown eyes. Reina pushed him away.

“What’s going on? Where am I?” She questioned, his hands were still gripping her arms and she tried to force him away from her. “Get off of me!”

“Shh- Reina you're safe. They can’t find you here. Shh…” Cassian waited until her breathing slowed to a normal pace before letting go of her wrists.

“What are you doing?” She breathed. “In here, I mean.” He looked at her with disbelief.

“You were screaming. Probably woke up the entire base.” Since his hands were now empty, he let them fall into his lap. Even in the dark, he could see her face grow red.

“Thank you for waking me then.” She threw off the covers and stood up, pacing around the room. “You should get some sleep.”

“So should you.” He sighed. Reina laughed coldly.

“I don’t think I’ll be getting any more rest tonight.” She ran a hand through her hair and felt disgusted at how long it had gotten on the desert planet.

“Neither will I.” Cassian muttered. Once he was awake, he was completely awake. She eyed him cautiously, still pacing. “Will you stop that?” He barked.

“I can’t.” She snapped back. “I have to do something. I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“Well, you’re only making it worse for yourself.” He opened the door. “Come on.” he began down the hall and she followed skeptically behind. A few of the guards who got stuck with night patrolling passed by, not bothering to ask Cassian what he was up to. He often took midnight strolls around the base to give him time to think.

“Where are we going?” Reina demanded. Cassian checked around them before opening the to door to the ‘graveyard.’ The ground was littered with small metal parts leading up to old ships- hopeless cases according to the mechanics.

“You said you needed something to do, here it is.” He held out his arms, gesturing to the piles of junk around them. “After what I saw on the ship, I’d say you’re a rather decent ship mechanic.”

“You want me to repair all this?” She exclaimed.

“I want you to get your mind away from Tatooine. I just thought this might help.” He picked up a few pieces and put them back, looking for anything that might be useful. While he blundered around, Reina has already created a pile of droid parts.

She placed them all on the ground, fitting them together and creating an almost complete upper half. Cassian stared in shock.

“I’m going to need a welder, four bolts, and a new memory chip. This one’s fried.” She ordered. He remained still. “Go!”

What was meant to be something to ease Reina into base life, turned into a daily routine between the two. Cassian would bring here the parts she needed and she continued to build the droid. Cassian made sure only to bring in parts that couldn’t be used for anything, or that were mostly dead.

Soon the days turned into weeks and the two found themselves enjoying each other’s company to the point where it was difficult to find them apart.

One morning, in particular, Cassina walked in with arms full of scrap metal and broken engine pieces, dropping everything to the floor as he gawked at the girl before him. Sweat and oil were streaked across Reina’s forehead. What has surprised him was hair- once reaching all the way down to her waist, now cropped just under her chin.

“What are you staring at?” She smirked. He said nothing. Reina snickered and stepped towards him. “Anybody there?”

“Your hair… it’s shorter.” He stammered. Reina rolled her eyes.

“I have something to show you.” She stared in the direction of her usual workspace, motioning for him to follow. Sitting on the desk was a small, MSE-6 repair droid. She watched it proudly.

“You finished it?” Cassian gasped, examining the mouse size robot.

“It can now help me repair ships as well as bring me my drinks.” She grinned.

“You didn’t tell me you were replacing me!” Cassian teased, earning a playful smack to the back of the head. “This is incredible, Reina. They might have you start working in mechanics. You’ll be fully integrated into the rebellion in no time.

Without thinking, she threw her arms around him. Quickly, she pulled away, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. Cassina looked at her with wide eyes, the feeling of her touch still coursing through his limbs.

“Well don’t you two look cozy.” A man stood in the doorway, eyes traveling over Reina’s body with an animal-like glint.

“How can I help you, Lieutenant Sail?” Cassian coughed. Sail held up his hands innocently.

“Just coming to see if the rumors were true, Cap. Some of the boys were talking about the hot new mechanic from Tatooine.” He rubbed his hands together, Reina shuddering under his gaze. Cassian noticed her discomfort.

“That’s enough Lieutenant.” He dismissed, but Sail stayed put.

“Did they teach you the dances Hutt’s girls do?” Sail snickered. Reina started towards him.

“You pig.” She spat. Cassina held her back and shoved Sail through the door. Reina beat her fists against him, trying to get passed. “Let me through! I’ll show him the Hutt’s hospitality.” Cassina turned, latching onto her wrists.

“Let him go.” He commanded. She continued to fight him “I said stop!” He shook her and she began to settle. She pushed away from him and crossed to a darker part of the room. Cassian curled his fingers around a metal bar and threw it across the room.

“You better hope you didn’t break anything!” Reina called after the loud metal clang.

“It’s the graveyard!” Cassian retorted. “Everything is already broken.”

Reina has made sure Cassina has settled in before heading to her quarters. Her prayers to be alone, however, were not answered.

“Sorry about back there.” Lieutenant Sail shrugged, leaning coyly against her door. “I didn’t know Captain-Killjoy was your boyfriend.” Reina faulted for a moment.

“My-” She stepped back. “He- he isn’t my b-boyfriend.” Sail grinned hungrily.

“Well then, we have nothing to worry about.” He came towards her, large arms pinning her against the wall.  He crashed his lips to hers, his fat tongue fighting against hers. She bit down hard and shoved him away. He hissed and wiped away the blood now pooling on his lip.

“You little bitch.” He raised his hand to strike her but something flashed in front of him, landing a solid right hook to his jaw. He cried out with a mixture of pain and fury. Cassina put himself firmly between the Lieutenant and Reina.

“I suggest you get out of here before I report you.” Cassian snapped. Sail stumbled back.

“Slave whore.” He muttered under his breath. Cassian grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the wall.

“What did you say?” He boomed.

“Nothing.” Sail growled and Cassian threw him to the ground.

“Go.” Sail stood and retreated down the hall. Cassian turned to a wide-eyed, livid Reina. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” She rubbed her arms, sure that Sail’s groping hands would leave bruises. Her body shook with anger. “Goodnight.” She slipped into her apartment, Cassian following behind her.

“Wait.” He sighed. “What happened back there… I want you to know that we’re not all like that. The rebellion is meant to protect and help people. Sail is just a bastard.”

“I am perfectly capable of making my own judgments.” She snarled, placing her hands on her hips. “As well as fighting my own battles.”

“I think a ‘Thank you’ should be in order.” Cassian glowered.

“Thank you?” She exclaimed. “I was fine! This isn’t exactly my first time dealing with scum like Sail.”

“What can’t you just accept that some people simply want to help you?” He stepped towards her. She stiffened.

“I think you should leave.”

“Fine!” Cassian shouted. He rubbed his eyes and his voice layered with exhaustion. There was no point in trying to talk to her. “I’ll just see you tomorrow.” He sighed and walked back towards the door.

“I’ve always hated that word.” Reina said quietly. Cassian stopped.

“What?”

“Tomorrow.” She looked up at him, a sad smile on her face “It’s a dreadful word.” He stared at her, completely still, his hand falling away from the doorknob. “Sure, some people consider tomorrow as a world of endless possibilities. But no one ever tells you that all it brings are empty promises.” She slid down and sat on her bed, wrapping her arms around her knees, but still meeting Cassian’s gaze.

“Back on Tatooine, I would tell myself; “Tomorrow I’m going to break out of here.” Every time I felt the whip on my back or their hands roaming my skin, I held on to the thought that tomorrow it would all be over. Tomorrow I would find my way home again.” Tears had now begun to spill from her eyes onto her cheeks. Cassian felt the urge to rush over to her and capture her in his arms and tell her that that part of her life was over now. That she would be alright. That he was here. But he knew it would never truly be over.

“I told myself that for five years.” The room fell into a deadly silence. Cassian shifted but didn’t move from his place. “It was my eighteenth birthday when Zane decided that I should be given a present. At first, I thought it might be an extra food ration for a day, hoping that maybe he had a shred of humanity in him. Instead, they took me to the house of Jaba the Hutt.”

Cassian immediately knew where the story was going, but he felt it was something she needed to say. She slowly stood up, her legs shaking and hands trembling. Her eyes stared off- like she could see everything happening in her mind.

“He and his friends made a circle around me and started singing happy birthday. Zane walked towards me.” She paused as if what she was reliving was physically hurting her. “H-he pushed me into one of his friends, who pushed me into another who tore my shirt, throwing me to another. When I got back to Zane I was half naked and my cheek was swelling and purple. I could barely stand so he pulled me up by my hair. He took one look at me and threw me to the ground planting his foot firmly on my face.” The tears that had started softly were now flowing uncontrollably fast.

“He bent over and he said ‘You will always belong to me.’ And then he…” She couldn't bring herself to finish the memory, but Cassina instantly understood. Instead, she skipped over it and continued. “After that, he and his friends proceeded to beat me until I was nearly dead.” Her gaze finally returned to him, her dark eyes revealing all of her pain. “It was that day I realized there was no hope for tomorrow. For me, tomorrow would never come. I knew that it was just an endless cycle of days and nights that would never change.” Her hand found her through, where a rope has nearly freed her from the nightmare she called life. Cassian read her motions and felt his heart drop.

“All the abuse. All the rape. It was all I would ever have. The word tomorrow has become a cruel reminder that I don’t have one.” Her knees collapsed beneath her and Cassian finally moved from his frozen place in time to catch her, pulling her to him with his arms tightly wrapped around her. He held her head as she buried her face in his chest, sobs filling the quiet between them.

Hours past before Reina’s cries had silenced and her breathing steadied, completely asleep in his arms. He looked down at her. Even though she had been receiving much more food than she would have had, she was still so thin, fitting in his arms like a doll. He placed a light kiss on her forehead.

“Let me be your tomorrow.”

[kelphero47]

The Marvelous Adventures of Echo Zane - Chapter 1

Ta-da! There’s more!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TMAoEZ – Chapter 1:

Echo looked out the window of the lighthouse's top floor to a seemingly endless ocean surrounding the island from all sides. He had woken that day to a feeling he couldn't quite describe. Emotions were complicated things to him anyway but this was new. He felt empty. Not in the way he felt when one of his gears fell out or a limb came off. It felt as if he was missing something he couldn't think of no matter how hard he tried.

Yet he knew he to find whatever it was if he was going to fix this. He had already searched the entire lighthouse twice with the help of Gizmo, who didn't have the answer to his emptiness either. That meant that whatever was missing wasn't on the island. Or at least that's what Echo believed, "Boats are made from wood and so we shall use whatever wood we have to make one. Then another plank of wood can be our oar." He explained as he looked through the lighthouse's secret basement. Having already dragged out the wooden shelves and taken wood from the table upstairs he was still looking for an oar.

Gizmo nudged his leg before holding up a plank of wood. Echo smiled at his friends as he took the material, "Now we can set sail." He held the smaller robot under his arm as he raced out of the door and then down the many stairs in front of the building. A makeshift boat rested alongside the water, crafted out of various sized planks, rope and a tarp thing Echo had found in the basement. It wasn't the prettiest boat but he was proud of it. He carefully placed Gizmo into the boat before pushing it into the water.

After jumping into the boat himself Echo took one last look at the place he had called home his whole life. "Do you think where we are going has a lighthouse like this one?" His only answer was a series of beeps not really confirming anything. "Do you think Father will be there?" Echo had considered if his emptiness was caused by the loss of his only human contact suddenly going missing but he has accepted that his father must have had his reasons. After all he had a reason for everything, including making him to replace the original Zane. Who he talked about a lot but Echo couldn't blame him for that either, after all he wasn't the original and couldn't take that place in his father's heart away from his... Brother? Yeah, brother.

"Do you think my brother will there?" He had given up hope of ever meeting the person his father spoke so much of. Yet there was something his father had spoken of with his brother and that was hope. His brother must be amazing to inspire their father enough to never give up despite his less than favourable situation. This musing of his went on for several hours as he rowed the boat away from the lighthouse. Then didn't really stop until his shoulder joints began to hurt causing him to cease rowing.

The sky was no longer the clear blue it was before but rather a near black expanse broken by the occasion star and the full moon. The ocean around him lay almost still as Echo lay down in the boat facing the stars, "I wonder what it's like up there..." He reached both of his hands out in front of him, "To be surrounded by such pretty things as stars constantly rather than the ocean like we are." He got no response out of Gizmo, who seemed to have powered down to conserve energy. "Do you think it's lonely in space?"

**The next day**

Echo awoke to the feeling of someone tapping him on the face. Which was followed by the sound of birds, the ocean and people? The material that lay under Echo's hand was colder than wood or tarp. Curiosity to his current situation led him to open his eyes to a cloudy blue sky and a pair of people standing over him. Both of them donning some form of worried expression as he slowly sat up.

One of them currently whispering to another unknown individual on a walkie-talkie, "It's awake... No, it hasn't said anythi-… You want me to talk to it?... I understand..." The man in question looked hesitantly at Echo as the other tilted his head to the side, "Um... Hi there?"

"Hello", Echo looked at the pair and at his surrounding to see that he was on a larger boat than his own. "Where am I?"

"The Chestnut... It's a boat."

"Why am I here? Where is my boat?"

"That piece of driftwood you and the bucket were sitting in? We left it in the ocean and it got dragged off by the current. That thing wasn't safe to sail in."

"Oh."

"If it makes you feel any better we saved your bucket." The other person stated before holding out Gizmo, who was still in sleep mode. Echo took his friend from her arms then tapped him on the head a couple times.

"He is not a bucket, he is Gizmo. A robot assistant created by my father." Echo explained to them as he persisted in trying to wake up his friend, "What's the matter with him?"

"Is he broken?"

"Most likely... Do any of you have tools?"

"Now hold on a second", the man spoke again, "Who are you anyway? Why were you out here in a boat? Where's this father you mentioned? Does he know where you are? Does anyone who where you are?"

"I am Zane, I was created to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I was trying find a way to an answer to my emptiness. My father is gone and therefore does not know my current location nor does anyone else. Except you people, of course."

"'Emptiness'?"

"I am not human but I can perhaps make it similar to watch people call 'loss'. I am missing something."

"And you were sailing to try and find it?"

"That was my intention, and yet I feel as if my lack of planning to make a safer boat has put my only friend in danger..." Echo sadly cradled Gizmo in his arms.

"I'm sure we can fix it, Sherly call the captain and let him know our guest here needs some tools." The woman stepped forward with her hand offering Echo help off the ground, "Now Zane, my name's Kim and this is Sherly."

"Sherwin", her companion said before whispering into his walkie-talkie. "His name is Zane... He needs help right now... He says 'tools' but I'm not sure which ones... Okay... Sure thing."

"Any luck?"

"Cap' wants to meet him... But we should have a toolbox lying around he can use to fix his friend."

"Does that sound okay?" She was addressing Echo at this point as her companion proceeded to walk off.

"That would be helpful, thank you."

"No need to thank me, it's the Cap' you gotta thank for not having you thrown over the side."

"Why would anyone do that?"

"Sherly thought you were an old fridge when we first fished you out the water."

"I look nothing like a fridge."

**Time skip 'cuz I'm lazy**

Later that evening, after Echo was introduced to the ship's captain 'Doug', he was sat below deck alongside the three-other people on board. He was still unable to figure out how Gizmo had broken in the first place and was beginning to lose hope of his friend ever coming online again. He sighed putting Gizmo on the table the four of them were sat around, as the others were watching TV.

Doug smiled sadly at him, "Any luck?" His answer was a shaking head before Echo rested defeatedly on the table, "Mind if I had a look at it?" Yet another head shake in response which allowed him to pick up Gizmo and begin tinkering with the small robot, "You know, I don't visit the city much now but I used to work for a tech company, pretty big one too. Not that I miss it all that much but I do enjoy fixing the odd piece of hardware, especially fine pieces like your friend here." He spoke happily before resting Gizmo back on the table upright, "Try him now."

Echo wasn't hoping for much when he tapped his friend on the head but was more than happy to see him finally come online, "How?"

"Cap's a man of many talents." Sherwin answered not removing his eyes from the TV.

"Shh, the Ninja are on TV." Kim waved her hand at the others, effectively quieting them.

"We freed the others, Nya got... Hurt badly and I kind of wished it all away to prevent it ever happening." Jay spoke on the TV followed by the presenter's comment.

"What they done now?" Sherwin questioned seeming completely uninterested.

"Nya and Jay finally got together after apparently resetting time or something." Kim answered quickly before returning her attention to the screen.

"So who was on this 'Backup Ninja Force', anyone we know?" The presenter spoke to the camera mostly, which Echo thought was weird since she wasn't addressing the audience but what did he know about show business.

"Well there was Ronin, Skylor, Darreth, Captain Soto, the Police Commisioner and..." Jay suddenly trailed off much to the confusion of the people on the ship. They continued to watch the Ninja's confusing exchange until Jay spoke three simple words, "He's Zane's brother." The camera then moved to said ninja who now held an emotionless expression on his face.

"Who's that?" Echo spoke up at this point as an all too familiar looking face came up on the TV.

"That's Zane, the ice nindroid..." Kim spoke slowly as she and the other two turned to face Echo, "You kind of look like him, you know."

"'Kind of'?" Sherwin interrupted, "He's the spitting image of Zane, minus the colour and general 'shiny-ness'."

"You don't think..."

**Back with the Ninja**

It had been anarchy after Jay's reveal of Zane's newly discovered brother with the nindroid in question having left the interview early. The presenter took pity on the remaining ninja, who were in just as much shock as their brother, by calling their interview to a close. The team, minus Zane, quietly made their way back to the Bounty. An awkward silence hung over them even as they all took a seat inside the games room.

Zane had been waiting for them to return home from his seat on the couch. His own silence had really been filled with PIXAL's voice and his own thousand-mile-an-hour thoughts. 'I have a brother?'

"...ne..."

'How is that possible? Father never mentioned him, even when we were at the lighthouse. Did he just forget about him?'

"...ane..."

'How could he? Was it because I was there? Did he feel that my brother wasn't important?'

"...Zane..."

'How could he think that? Is he there alone? For how long? How long has my brother been alone?'

"ZANE!"

'…?'

"Are you alright?"

'I'm not...'

"Do you want to talk about it?"

'Yes... I just don't know how to feel about...'

"About?"

'My brother... Oh PIXAL, I have a brother. A brother who's apparently alone on that lighthouse and has been since I took our father with me, away from him.'

"It wasn't your fault, you couldn't have known."

'But...'

"But nothing Zane, you couldn't of... Didn't know about him but now you do. What you do next is the thing you can control and know about."

'…You're right."

"I know I am." Their internal conversation was interrupted by the appearance of the other ninja as they entered the room. Zane watched silently as they sat down, with Cole on the other end of the couch and the others scattered around the table on the floor. Jay looked pale still and was avoiding looking in Zane's general direction, "You should talk to him."

'I know.' Zane smiled at the almost smug look on PIXAL's face at this point, "Jay?" The ninja in question visibly jumped before turning to look at his friend.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about my distressing reaction to news of my brother's existence. I was surprised by the news and retreated into my own head, so to say, and did so without thinking."

"If anyone needs to apologise it's me, I should have remembered to tell you about something as important as your brother..." Jay rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, smiling meekly.

"It's my fault too", Nya spoke up at this point. "I was there as well so I could have told you as well."

"It's okay... Everyone makes mistakes, but we should be thinking about how to fix this." Zane smiled, "Starting with you two telling us what you left out of your story about my brother."

"Oh... Well it started after we had escaped Ninjago City and went to that lighthouse your dad was imprisoned in..."

**Back to the ship with Echo**

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe I'm one of the first people to meet Zane's long-lost brother!" Kim almost screamed as her three companions covered their ears, "How did I not see it before? You two look so much alike!"

"Stop yelling!" Sherwin yelled over her rambling, "You fangirls really need to know when to chill." He sighed when she finally stopped talking.

"What is a 'fangirl'?" Echo asked as he uncovered his ears and checked if Gizmo was alright after the loud noise.

"Terrifying beings that will stop at nothing to get the things they love and scream over." Sherwin laughed at how scared Echo looked at that statement, "But they're one of the side effects of being famous, your brother must deal with them all the time. Well him and his friends, they're kind of a package deal at this point."

"They sound amazing."

"They are! I can tell you everything about them if you want!" Kim smiled excitedly at Echo who was more than happy to hear about his brother, "I'll take that smile as a yes then. Well there's their mentor Sensei Wu who gathered the first four ninja: Jay the master of lightning, Cole the master of earth, Zane the master of ice and Kai master of fire... ….. ….."

By the time she was through with her story Echo was falling asleep on the table in front of him. Instead of waking him up the trio of sailors draped a blanket over him before leaving to get some sleep themselves, well after Kim took pictures of him on her phone. "He's so cute~", she whispered sweetly, "Can we keep him forever Cap'?"

"No... I think it's time he and his brother were finally united, don't you think?" Doug whispered back.

"Aww, that's going to be so cool!"

"Shh!" Sherwin called from his bed before rolling over to face away from the two. Kim giggled before going to sleep herself. Doug took one last look at Echo then closed his eyes. What the trio didn't know is that Echo was listening the entire time, "I can't wait." But how is meeting my brother going to be cold? Must be because he's the 'master of ice' or something like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed this. Tell me if you did, I’ll be sure to respond.

[edc-creations-blog]

Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason Coming July 18, 2017

“Chock full of unexpected twists, turns, secrets, and spirits plus a healthy dose of redemptive love.” – Kirkus

When Abigail Rhodes bought that old house she fell in love with in Blink, Texas, she got more than she bargained for. After being told by the local psychic that it is filled with a passionate energy from the previous owners, who died years ago, Abby decides to fix up her beloved house and reluctantly moves in. But ever since then, strange things have been happening in her newly renovated home, and Abby has been plagued with dreams that wake her up and leave her breathless.

After a tumultuous life these last few years, Jordan Gatewood is following what amounts to a trail of breadcrumbs in an effort to find a renewed sense of purpose. Searching for the truth about the man his adoptive father really was, Jordan makes his way to the old house where his father was murdered, in Blink–and right to the petite, understated beauty that answers the door. It’s not long before Jordan realizes, quite unexpectedly, that Abby is the perfect woman for him. Jordan doesn’t believe in ghosts or fate, but he does know that the powerful connection he feels for this woman started the day he met her in that house and he is determined to make her his.

Robin is a successful Corporate Attorney and was proud to be the lover of the most sought after bachelor in the state of Texas–until he abruptly breaks off their relationship, leaving her confused, heartbroken and bitter. When she discovers that he’s left her for another woman, a woman she considers beneath her, Robin is determined to teach him a brutal lesson.

A man like Jordan has too many secrets, secrets that, if found out, could not only destroy his relationship with this other woman, but that could also cost him the biggest business deal of his life, and possibly, his freedom. Robin is the last person he wants to go up against, and she will stop at nothing to get him back or to make him pay for his betrayal, even if that means unleashing those secrets. The question is, will Jordan let her? Or will his all-consuming obsession with Abby win out, in Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason?

Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason The propulsive second novel in a new contemporary trilogy about unforgettable love, scorching desire, and dangerous secrets. https://www.amazon.com/Seducing-Abby-Rhodes-J-Mason/dp/1250052262/

  The Real Mrs. Price by J.D. Mason

“A heart-pounding and terrifyingly awesome story!” – RT Book Reviews Top Pick 

Lucy Price is living the American dream. She has been married to her successful husband and businessman, Edward Price for a year and couldn’t be happier until she learns that Eddie is a dangerously ruthless man, heavily involved in illegal activities that threaten not only her marriage, but her life. Eddie abruptly disappears, but not before warning Lucy that if she wants to keep breathing she’d better keep her mouth shut. Six months later, word of her husband surfaces when she learns that he is presumed murdered in a small Texas town, apparently killed by his “wife”, Marlowe Price.

Marlowe is no stranger to trouble. An outcast in her own community for being one of those “hoodoo women,” who can curse you or cast you under her beguiling spell, Marlowe is shunned at every turn. Six months ago, a whirlwind romance in Mexico led Marlowe to marry the man she thought she’d spend the rest of her life with. For Marlowe and Eddie, there is no such thing as trouble in paradise. But late one night, when Marlowe witnesses her husband putting the body of a dead man in the trunk of his car, the illusion comes crashing down around her and she knows she has to move fast before the devil comes calling once again.

Now, Lucy and Marlowe must come together to find out where and who Eddie really is, and help each other through the threat he poses. There’s nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned…except for two women scorned who are willing to put their pasts behind them and band together to take one bad man down…

The Real Mrs. Price: A thrilling novel of contemporary suspense https://www.amazon.com/Real-Mrs-Price-thrilling-contemporary/dp/1250052254

  Blink, Texas Novella Series by J.D. Mason

Farrah Hart has made her escape. Running from a violent ex, she finds her way home to Blink, TX. With nothing but the clothes on her back, Farrah hopes to lay low at her abandoned childhood home until she can get back on her feet. But when an eviction notice comes in the most dangerously handsome of packages, Farrah might just need someone to lean on after all…

Jackson Burris can’t believe Farrah is in his house. The last thing he ever expected to see was the gorgeous girl all the Texas boys-including him-crushed on years ago, standing in the doorway. But she needs a place to stay that isn’t a run-down house, and his place is much cozier, much hotter. But as the nights grow darker with passion, demons from both their pasts close in, and Farrah and Jackson have to give in to love, in order to not break apart.

Ellis Brewer is a free man and is, surprisingly, the darling in the international art world. After seven long years in prison, he found refuge in his paintings and in the old farm house his late grandfather left to him in his will. No longer the hot-headed trouble maker he’d once was, Ellis is a loner and prefers to keep it that way. But when an old friend calls in a favor and asks Ellis to agree to an interview with a beautiful freelance reporter, Ellis throws caution to the wind and finds a love he never felt he deserved.

Christina Cole prides herself on her insightful and thorough reporting skills. When she gets an opportunity to interview the recluse and rising star Ellis Brewer-devastatingly good-looking and charming down to every last one of his ex-con fingertips-she soon realizes that she’s getting way more than she bargained for. Cristina came to Blink, Texas with every intention of uncovering all of his demons, but it’s not long before Ellis turns the tables, and begins to unravel her deepest, darkest secrets, exposing the most vulnerable part of her heart and proving to him that she needs him, body and soul.

Omar Reid is about to make the biggest leap in his career. As the City Planner for the town of Blink, Texas, he is spearheading the building of a megastore in place of an old strip mall will have the cash flowing like water downhill. There’s just one problem-Lola Knight won’t have it. A fiery woman with big dreams, she’s worked hard to own her own business and pursue her dreams, and without her piece of the property, the megastore goes nowhere. As their heated arguments lead to steamy encounters, Omar and Lola both know that, despite being opposites, their attraction is off the charts. But some key players aren’t willing to to see the deal fall apart, and will stop at nothing to keep the wheels in motion, leaving Omar and Lola to fight for what’s right and fight for each other.

Novels in the Blink, Texas Novella Series by J.D. Mason Hart Breaker Stone Cole Stormy Knight

  Praise for J.D. Mason Books

“Chock full of unexpected twists, turns, secrets, and spirits plus a healthy dose of redemptive love.” – Kirkus on Seducing Abby Rhodes

“A heart-pounding and terrifyingly awesome story!” – RT Book Reviews Top Pick on The Real Mrs. Price

“Readers are taken on a phenomenal journey that elicits gasps when the bombshell hits. Mason pens another astounding work.” -RT Book Reviews on Crazy, Sexy, Revenge

“Taut, suspenseful and unforgettable. Run, do not walk, and get this book!” -Zane, New York Times bestselling author on Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

“Mason’s characters create an addictive drama with universal themes of laying claim to family–and to the truth.” -Publishers Weekly on Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

“Effortlessly leaves no stone unturned in the lives of these tormented characters. Mason will take your breathe away.” -Romantic Times Book Reviews on You Gotta Sin to Get Saved

  “J.D. Mason has become a major name in African American fiction. Her stark portrayals of her characters and their innermost thoughts bring the readers right into the emotional center of the story. Those who enjoy Carl Weber and Eric Jerome Dickey will add Mason to their list of favorites.” –Booklist

J.D. Mason is the author of more than twenty novels including Seducing Abby Rhodes, The Real Mrs. Price, That Devil’s No Friend of Mine, You Gotta Sin to Get Saved, This Fire Down in My Soul, Don’t Want No Sugar, And On the Eighth Day She Rested, and One Day I Saw a Black King.

During her career J.D. has been nominated for The Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards in the African American Fiction and Best Contemporary Fiction categories. Her work has appeared on bestseller lists for Barnes and Noble, the Denver Post, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com. In addition, she has also been featured in USAToday, Essence, Pride Magazine in the U.K., and Today’s Black Woman. Q. What sparked your decision to become a writer? A. An unhappy marriage and a long postponed decision to follow the dream to write a novel. The first time I thought it was really possible was when I read Terry McMillan’s “Disappearing Acts”. It was the first book I’d ever read that I, as a young, black woman could relate to and I marveled at the fact that, not only were our stories worth reading, but that they were worth telling. So, I decided to tell one of my own, and began my first novel called “And on the Eighth Day She Rested.”

Q. Is there a story or character idea out there written that you wish you could’ve written first? A. Yeah, anything by Octavia Butler or L.A. Banks’ Vampire Huntress series. The Harry Potter series is at the top of my list, and maybe something exceptionally creative like The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathon by Zig Zag Claybourne, or commercial gems like Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan or Addicted by Zane. The thing is, had I written any of them, they wouldn’t be the books that they are, and so, it’s all kind of moot.

Q. How do you develop such unique characters? A. I let them develop themselves. Initially, I might have a general idea of what kind of character I hope to create, but as most writers know, with time, especially when you commit to writing a series, the characters naturally evolve into who they are meant to be based on experiences that reveal themselves throughout the story, relationships and other underlying factors. Characters in books evolve like real people evolve, and if a writer is paying attention, that’s the way it’s supposed to happen. That’s the part I find most exciting, too. If my main characters haven’t changed by the end of the book, then I’ve probably missed the mark somewhere.

Q. What do you love most/hate about being a writer? A. I love telling myself the story and watching it unfold as I type it, as if I don’t know how it’s going to end, because 99% of the time, I think I know, but I’m always surprised. I hate that I can’t write faster.

Q. If you could go back in time and talk to your younger, aspiring writer self, what advice would you give baby J.D.? A. I’d tell her that she was much skinnier than she believed she was, and to embrace how cute she really was. And I’d tell her to be true to her writing self. I’d encourage her to believe in her abilities and to write the kinds of stories that resonated the most with her. I’d tell her to not limit herself to writing in a specific genre and to write what she loved, to slow down, and to trust that she was a much more talented than she gave herself credit for. I’d tell her to be confident and to walk with her head held high because no one else would be able to tell the stories that she told, the way that she told them.

J.D. Mason Website: booksbyjdmason.blogspot.com

Literary Agent – Sara Camilli at: sabcamilli@hotmail.com

St. Martin’s Press, Publicity Department 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 100101 Email contact: publicity@stmartins.com

  Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason Coming July 18, 2017 "Chock full of unexpected twists, turns, secrets, and spirits plus a healthy dose of redemptive love." - Kirkus…

[oddity-mira]

A/N: Zane’s POV

How Z met the Oddy

OOC AF, probably

‘Life’s been shit, what’s new wi- ’

Zane began to type out before deleting again. He put the phone in the seat beside him, closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. He had been working graveyard shifts for the past five weeks since his sophomore year at Blaqueforest began. Sleep became an urban legend. Adderall became a close friend. Frankly, he was surprised that he had lasted this long. When was the last time he comfortably laid in bed, played a video game, gone out on a date? Did he even have time for those things anymore? Could he make time? 
He groaned. “Too many questions!” He opened his eyes again, took his fingers off his temples and grabbed his bong. “Ol’ faithful,” he purred under his breath as he rubbed the filtration device.

10 minutes into his, let’s call it a “journey of self”, his phone buzzed again. “Oh shit.” He switched the phone for the bong and opened the new message. It was his mother again. Before he could respond to her ‘How are you’ text, she texted again with ‘I don’t want to worry you but the IRS called me again today. I didn’t pick up. I’m just not ready to answer any questions… Will probably disconnect this one in the morning. Call me before then, ok?’

Zane kept rereading the message until he could vividly see it with his eyes closed. He threw the phone on top of the dashboard and slammed his head against the steering wheel, causing a huge ‘honk’. What was he to do? His mother was hiding from the IRS, she was neck deep in debt, he was doing the best he could to help her but the job he currently had was shit and it paid shit. On top of that, attending Blaqueforest wasn’t getting any easier. It was like the Headmaster was coming out with new amendments every day and he knew that if he didn’t bend how she wanted him to, it’s curtains for the Zane Sammons show.

He slowly lifted his head from the wheel and placed his hands on 10 and 2. It took about 10 more minutes before he could muster up the strength to look away from the wheel and out in front of him. In the world outside his car, there was a storm brewing. The wind started picking up and his car was starting to move with each gust. Better get out of here, he thought as the first few rain drops hit his car.

As he turned on the ignition, the radio went on. “ — expecting thunder, lightning and hail tonight! So keep warm, stay dry and be home! And where did you hear it first, folks? 95.3K —” Before they could finish their shameless plug, his bluetooth connected and his own playlist began to play.

As he pulled out of the forest and back onto the paved road, he noticed something lying down in front of him. “Oh no…” He jumped out of his car and ran to the center of the road. It was a cat, stray one at that. All black, with a tail so mangy that it looked like the only thing piecing the end to the main part was a vein. The cat was whimpering and from the looks of it, was so tired that it couldn’t even ‘get scared’ from Zane’s approach. He immediately took off his jacket, wrapped the cat in it and rushed back into the car. There, he sped to the nearest animal shelter he knew of. During this car ride to the shelter, it began to rain harder. The drops sounded like hail pellets and the force of it against his car made Zane feel like they were indeed hail pellets.

When they got to the animal shelter, Zane jumped out of his car again, slammed his door shut, ran to the passengers side and slowly cradled the cat out. He then pulled open the front door, bringing in the harsh winds, autumn leaves and random pieces of trash with him.

“Do you mind?” An unfamiliar voice from below growled. Zane looked down to see a young man sitting criss crossed on the floor, cradling a handful of whimpering puppies. One was even on top of his bedhead.

Before he could react, the caretaker walked in through the kitchen and gasped. She ran to the door to close it behind him and turned him around. “Who did you save today?” She asked softly as she lightly rubbed the back of her hand against the cat’s face. Zane explained to her what had happened as well as the condition of its tail. She nodded and took the cat to the next room where her husband, a licensed veterinarian and alumni of Blaqueforest, was.

“Who are you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Margie… she said ‘Who did you save today’ implying that you’ve saved animals like these before — “

“Yeah… and?”

“That’s pretty heroic…”

“Are you going to congratulate me?”

“Are you asking for praise?”

“No, what the fuck.” 
“Ok well…”

“Well…”

“Who are you?”

“Why do you keep asking me that?!”
 “I’ve only asked you that once!”

“Twice.”

“You wanna make it thrice?”

“Not really.”

“Do you plan on answering me?”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Why should I?!”

“This isn’t something of if you should or shouldn’t but rather will you and why won't you.”

“What the fuck?”

“I’m just saying… I’m producing my fair share of responses to you that are either equal or greater than the demand that I ask for back.”

“Why are you talking to me?”

“If I answer that question that is yet another question you have to answer for me.”

“What.”

“You owe me like four answers and that’s being generous.”

“Don’t be generous.”

There was silence.

“Seven.”

Zane looked up from his phone. “What?”

“I think you owe me seven answers if I only include the questions I asked but you never answered. But if we count the amount of times you said what and I answered the questions you asked, you would owe me about —“

“What does it take for you to shut up?”

“A french kiss would be nice.”

They stared at each other.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m too good for you.”

“What the fuck? I’m not gay.”

“Ever hear about spaghetti when it gets wet?”

“We aren’t women for that analogy to be relevant.”

Oddy looked Zane up and down. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“FUCK. YOU.”

“Hey lower your voice, my pups are sleeping.”

“Heaven forbid your pups wake up.”

“You’re the one that woke them up in the first place.”

“WITH A HURT CAT IN MY ARMS”

“Jesus, did I not just ask you to lower your voice. 
Zane groaned. “Oh my god, you’re impossible.”

“I’m highly possible, fuck you very much.”

“I don’t understand what we’re talking about anymore.”

“We’re talking about spaghetti and when it gets wet.”

“WE AREN’T WOMEN” 
“And honestly, you sound very insulted about not being one.”

“Dude… why am I talking to you?” Zane stood from his seat and walked towards the door.

“So you want to test it out?”

“Excuse me?”

“Go out there in the rain, make out, see where we get from there?” Zane couldn’t believe his ears and neither could his cheeks. His face began to redden. He shook his head

“You’re a fucking weirdo,” he managed to mutter as he turned the knob to open the door. As it creaked an inch, a force pushed the door back shut. When Zane looked up to see what was stopping him from leaving, a right hand was holding the door. It, along with the arm attached to it, was covered in tattoos. Zane’s eyes widened as he turned his head to the side.

“So… you don’t wanna?” he whispered into his ear. Zane suddenly felt his pants tighten. He gasped.

“Get away from me!” Zane pushed him away, or at least tried to. His heart beat was triple its normal speed. He put his hand over it. “You could’ve given me a heart attack! You don’t just sneak up on people like that.”

Bed Head flailed his arms and turned around. “Eh, I’m pretty sure I know more about heart attacks than you.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. Leave.”

“Wh…Wha?”

“Go. Away.”

Weeks had past after that incident and Zane had already started up his ‘business’. As he made his way back from one of his deals, he decided to take a new route to his dorm. For the first time since his freshmen year, he walked through the main quad of the University. There he saw posters of the different sports teams on campus, along with single shots of that years MVP’s. As he looked through the different images, one stood out to him in particular. It was the man from the shelter, with his stupid bed head and dumb honey brown eyes. As he analyzed the picture, he heard a giggle from behind. “Do you miss me that much?”

Zane spun around. “What the fuck?! DON’T DO THAT!” He looked around with his hand over his heart. “Are you fucking stalking me?!”

He then took a good look at Bed Head. He was wearing a white button up collared shirt with a red tie and put his hands in the pockets of his grey slim fit trousers. “No you idiot, I practice in the gym over there.” He pointed with his chin.

“The… gym?” Zane looked beyond the poster and saw that there was commotion going on in front of the place.

“There’s a tournament… not that you care…”

“Not that I asked…” he muttered.

Bed Head ignored the comment, still thinking of his own. He tapped his finger against his chin. “But now that I think about it…”

“Oh please, dear God. Don't think about it.”

“You must care.”

“I don’t.” 
“But then why did you look like you do?” 
“I didn’t. I looked like I was about to have a heart attack.” 
“If you could do me a great honor and stop throwing that phrase around like it’s nothing, I would appreciate it and you a hell of a lot more.”

“I don’t need your appreciation.”

“I know what you need…” Bed Head muttered under his own breath.

“Excuse me?” 
“You’re excused.”

“Stop talking to me like that!”

“Why are you mad?”

“Because you don’t know me!” 
“I’ve been wanting to know you though.” 
“I don’t want you to know me!”

“You just got mad because I don’t know you!”

“That’s not why I’m mad!”

“So why are you mad?”

“I’m not mad!”

They both paused and stared at each other.

Bed Head then began to laugh. “Do you fucking hear yourself?”

“It’s your fucking fault!”

“How?” he said after a cackle.
 “Oh my god, stop asking me fucking questions! I swear to —”

“God?” he managed to croak.

“STOP!”

At this point, Bed Head was holding his stomach from laughing so hard. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I just haven’t had this much fun messing with someone. You get so testy.”

“Testy?”

“Aw yeah, that’s all you heard huh. Pervert.”

“You’re the fucking pervert!”

“Yeah, yeah. You know you like it.”

“I really don—“ Before Zane could finish his sentence, Bed Head somehow managed to get within chin cupping distance of him.

“You sure?” He cooed. Zane felt his face redden again.

He slapped Bed Head’s hand away. “The next time you do that shit, I’m going to mace you.” He growled.

“Chill out cub scout,” he pushed his hands back in his pocket and began to walk in the direction of the gymnasium. “For what it’s worth, I think saving animals is pretty hot.”

“For what it’s worth, I don’t give a fuck!”

Bed Head turned around, still walking in the direction of the gym and blew Zane a kiss. Zane responded by giving him the finger. “You’re going to fall for me!” he said in a singsong voice.

“Go fuck yourself!” responded in that same exact voice.

“Why would I need to when I’ll have you?”

“Shut your fucking mouth!”

“My fucking mouth is what will make you wanna stay,” he winked before turning back in the direction of the gym.

“You’re so fucking weird!”

“Nah, I’m Oddy.”

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “Mommy”

It was a well known fact The Joker’s girlfriend left him with four young children and disappeared. It was also known that his ex stepped up and took care of them even if she didn’t have to. The King of Gotham might have lost his woman, but he never lost his Queen.

Part 2        Part 3       Part 4      Part 5

You had no idea why The Joker kept on getting her pregnant; she definitely didn’t like to take care of their children nor had any interest in them. But it was none of your business so you kept your mouth shut. J wanted you to continue to work for him and you had no objections: he trusted his ex and you loved what you were doing so it was fine.

They were always fighting and his girlfriend disappeared for days and sometimes even weeks without a phone call or text. The Joker would ask you to babysit Kase while he searched for Anya; the baby was adorable and you didn’t mind.

Even when she was home, you still had to keep an eye on the little one because that woman would simply neglect to change or feed him. J would snap and they would get in such heated arguments you were surprised they didn’t kill each other yet.  If The King of Gotham was the one realizing his kid was lacking the proper nurture, you clearly don’t have too much going on in the motherhood department.

It broke your heart when you would go over to the penthouse and find Kase crying in his crib, hungry and really needing his diaper changed. J was gone with business and she would wonder off God knows where as soon as you stepped inside.

“Oh great, you’re here!” Anya would roll her eyes and sneaked out, leaving without any other explanation.

“Hey buddy, don’t cry. I’m here now,” you used to comfort him and the baby would stop crying as soon as he was changed and fed. Kase sure got a lot of kisses and snuggles since you felt sorry for the poor tiny soul. I mean, what fault did an innocent child had in any of it? None. Absolutely none.

One month after giving birth to the twin boys, Anya was nowhere to be found: three small beings left at their absent mother’s mercy. This time, J didn’t have to ask you to get involved: you offered and he didn’t object. It was exhausting to tend to a toddler and two newborns but you had all the supplies you needed plus help whenever required.

The Joker searched for his woman like crazy and finally found her in Los Angeles and brought her home again. At that point, you were basically staying at the penthouse, raising kids that weren’t yours yet you couldn’t help it. You were attached to them and had the feeling they would end up dead without somebody to care for them.

“Why is she here, hm?” you would hear Anya shout in the middle of the night, the argument escalating with alarming velocity. “Are you fucking her again?”

“I’m not fucking her !!!” he would yell back and it was true. “My ex-girlfriend is here taking care of our children because you don’t !!”

“Why don’t you take care of them? I didn’t get pregnant on my own now, did I?!”

You were sleeping upstairs in the same bedroom with the twins and had to close the door in order not to hear anything anymore. Thank goodness Zane and Aiden were actually pretty good babies, didn’t wake up very often and noise didn’t seem to bother them.

But it pissed you off she was such an ungrateful person! Anya had no idea how many dates you canceled in order to be a surrogate mother to her kids. Your boyfriend lost his patience and dumped you simply because you couldn’t abandon your self-imposed maternal duties.

You and Frost were in charge of J’s security, but you found yourself in charge of his offsprings also. And the bitch was getting on your nerves with her irresponsible and entitled behavior.

When she got pregnant the third time, you got mad. Another kid ??!! Because, you know, things were so great with the first 3!!

Mia was born on a Sunday and Anya vanished two weeks after having her. You were the one that find the note on the kitchen table: “Don’t try to find me, I’m not coming back. Keep the kids.”

The Joker had a terrible fit but didn’t pursuit the idea of going after her, which surprised you in a way. Who knows what was going on in his mind; you didn’t bring up the sensitive subject and J didn’t elaborate more than a few sentences about it.

The Clown Prince of Crime definitely wasn’t the epitome of fatherhood, but he made sure the babies had everything they needed. This desire was mostly coming only from his strong sense of possessiveness: he just knew that they belonged to him and that was it. Besides that, J was completely lost and unable to show anything but very basic emotions, if you could even call them that.

******************

When you are away, the little ones miss you. You just came back after a 5 days trip to New York so the kids follow you around the penthouse like ducklings, wanting attention: a four year old and two year old twins. You are holding the seven month old Mia in your arms and the boys clench to your long dress, stumbling into each other, but not wanting to let go.

“Moooommy,” Kase whines, jealous his sister is getting kisses.

“Mommy, kiss !” Zane pulls on your gown and you have to stop and get down on your knees.

“Who wants kisses?” you smile, letting Mia crawl on the carpet while the boys pucker their lips, impatiently waiting. You snatch all of them in your arms and randomly start kissing them in a frenzy while they giggle, ticklish.

The Joker mutters something on the couch, watching TV. You have an idea about what he might be: he probably made a comment again about the children calling you mommy. You told them to stop calling you that, but they continue to do it. After all, you are the only woman constantly around, taking care of them.

“J ?”

“What?” he bitterly answers.

“Did you even hold them while I was gone?!” you sigh, having a feeling he didn’t since they are so clingy.

“I was busy,” he grumbles, scratching his Batsy tattoo.

“You don’t seem busy now,” you get up, taking Kase’s hand and leading him to his father.”Here,” you help the young boy sit in J’s lap and wrap his arms around his son.

The King of Gotham is not very excited about your move; still he takes a deep breath and asks:

“What’s going on, kid?”

Kase’s eyes get big; he just couldn’t wait for his parent to show some interest in him. The boy starts talking up a storm, something about Legos and his toys. The Joker tries to understand every single word but some are mispronounced and he kind of gets the point, but not entirely.

“U-hum,” he nods his head and the boy rambles on, excited, playing with J’s gold chains.“A-ha, “ he agrees again, intrigued.

“OK daddy?” the question pops up and The Clown Prince of Crime takes the easy way out:

“Ummm….yes?…”

“Yaaayyy, daddy!” and J gets a kiss on the left cheek, then Kase jumps off his lap, running around the living room, screaming and making airplane noises.

“Y/N, what did I just agree to?” a very confused Joker needs to know.

“More toys, especially Legos,” you bring to his knowledge, urging the twins to follow you and you place them on J’s knees.

“Oh, great, because they don’t have enough!” This time he holds them while they bounce their legs, enthusiastic, bickering about who should get more of their father.

“Aiden, don’t slap your brother! How many times did I tell you not to hit each other? If you do that again, you’ll be in trouble!!! Don’t make me repeat myself! J ?? Are you just going to sit there and not react?!!” you scold, picking up Mia since she crawled back to your feet again.

“I think we’re in trouble,” The Joker whispers, rolling his eyes. “Stop fighting I guess,” he enunciates without any trace of enthusiasm. The kids chuckle, pushing one another and cuddling to J’s chest in the process.

“Com’ere, chubby,” the little girl gets a few kisses on her rosy cheeks and she babbles, yawning. “Are you sleepy? I guess it’s time for your nap, hm? Hey J, did the boys eat?”

“Yeah,” he answers, bored and you go to the kitchen, prepare some formula and bring the Princess back. You signal the twins to go play and you place Mia in The Joker’s arms, handing him the bottle.

“Here, feed your daughter.”

He scoffs, not thrilled but does it anyway.

“Aiden, don’t put that in your mouth!” you rush to take the shoe from him and he yells, running to his brothers, taking refuge with everyone under J’s purple coat. They all hide, whispering and thinking that if they can’t see you, you can’t see them either.

“Brats!” you mumble, letting them be for the moment and open the pantry in the hallway. “J ?” you get annoyed, “why do we still have a bunch of baby food with carrots and peas? You know Mia doesn’t like it, I told you to throw it away!”

“I forgot, woman! Give me a break !” he huffs, quite immersed into his current task. The little girl’s eyes wonder off, searching for you and stops sucking from the bottle until she sees you, then begins eating again.

“Moommyyyy,” whining is heard from under the purple coat,” Zane bit me!”

“Don’t bite your brother!” you raise your voice and there is fighting going on and more complaints.

“Mooommyyy, Aiden pinched me!”

Muffled laughter and more quarrel.

“Don’t pinch your brother!” you admonish, taking Mia away from The Joker since she’s fussing and refuses the bottle. “Come on, nap time for everybody!”

The boys emerge from under the jacket, tossing it on the floor and trampling on it, while their father gasps:

“That’s my favorite coat!!!!”

“Moommmyyyy, ice cream?” Zane follows you and you don’t have time to reply because J grouchily interrupts:

“Quit calling her mommy!! She’s not your mother!”

It feels like a slap in the face.

You abruptly stop and the boys bump into you. You turn towards The Joker, your blood boiling with indignation.

“I didn’t teach them to call me that and you know it ! I told them to stop and they won’t ! What do you want me to do, hm?! Glue their lips so they won’t talk?! I know I’m not their mother, you don’t have to remind me!”

J has some elaborated comeback but he doesn’t get the chance to continue because you literally burst out.

“Do you think it’s easy for me to take care of children you had with another woman?! Do you remember what you told me when we were together and I brought up the subject of having kids? You told me you don’t want any!!!! And then you met Anya and you had four !! Which means that you just didn’t want to have children WITH ME in particular ! Do you know how much that hurt?! But I stepped on my pride and raised them for the last four years because I realize they have absolutely no blame in this circus! You don’t like it they call me mommy??! Then bring back that trash-excuse-of-a-girlfriend and make her take care of them!!!!”

The boys shove themselves into you, startled and Mia whimpers, uneasy. You start walking again and J is speechless.

“What the hell was that, Y/N?!” he shouts and you can’t let it go so you extend your tirade. He’s really getting on your nerves.

“In all these years, did you ever thank me for everything I do?! Not even once!!!! And don’t think I’m not aware you sabotage my dates! I know you are saying things to the guys I like, don’t try to deny it!!!!” and you stump up the stairs, get everyone in the twins’ bedroom and slam the door shut.

J takes deep breaths, staring at the ceiling, talking to himself and nothing sounds nice. A few minutes pass and he decides to go after you and barges into the bedroom without knocking. Mia is almost asleep on top of you and the boys are gathered around your body, ready to doze off. They pout, frowning at their father: all they know is daddy said something that upset mommy. You truly look like Mother Hen with little chicks to shelter from the world.

“Building yourself an army with my kids, hm?” J sucks on his teeth and the boys give him mean glares. You reach to kiss the top of their heads, ignoring his remark. “I have a date tonight so I need you to babysit. I hate it when I have to bring others to watch them.”

“Fine, I don’t care. I missed them anyway,” you grumble, getting comfortable; might as well take a nap also.

“OK, done deal,” The Joker lingers in the doorway, debating on a simple idea that came to him while he was downstairs.

*****************

You enter the kitchen and notice the table full of boxes: Chinese food delivery from your favorite restaurant. J is already at the table, sitting on a chair and apparently waiting for you to show up.

“Don’t you look dashing,” you make an effort to start the conversation since you are still mad at him.

“I always look dashing,” he scoffs, pushing a chair towards you with his foot. “Sit!”

You hesitate and he insists:

“I said sit!”

Great, you will have to listen to him lecture you now. You do as asked, keeping your composure.

“It’s 8pm, aren’t you going?” you tap your fingers on the table, smelling the delicious food and it makes you hungry.

“As soon as the kids are tucked in and asleep,” he gives you a stupid reason, pretending to give a damn.

“They are asleep, just changed Mia and placed her in the crib.”

“Eat,” J leans over the table and gives you chopsticks. “I ordered your favorites,” and you seem a bit confused when he grabs a pair of chopsticks, opening a box and calmly begins to eat.

“Didn’t you say you have a date?” you bring it up, wanting him to disappear so you can relax and enjoy some quietness.

“I do,” he growls and your reaction is not a happy one when you realize what he means.

“Uggghhh,” you strain to contain your displeased attitude.

“Shut up and eat !” he kicks your chair and you drop the piece of sushi you took a bite from in your lap. “ You made me feel sorry for you since apparently you are not interesting enough to keep a man,” he smirks, pleased he can elaborate on his favorite subject.

“Yeah… right…” you stab your plate, poking a piece of fried calamari. “You’re the one chasing them away.”

“You have proof?”

“I know you are!”

“Ha! I don’t have to, Y/N. You’re just boring.”

You exhale, aggravated, changing the subject.

“Any news from The Queen?”  

Anya randomly calls him from time to time.

“She is no Queen !” J’s eyes suddenly lose their glow, his voice getting husky. “In order for a woman to be my Queen she has to earn my trust; you stopped being my girlfriend a long time ago, but you never stopped being The Queen of Gotham.”

The unexpected disclosure almost makes you choke. The Joker hears you sniffle and sees the tears rolling down your cheeks.

“You need a binky? We have plenty lying around.”

“N…no…” you barely chew on your food, not wanting to cry.

“Anya did call while you were in New York,” J admits and you lift your gaze, interested. ”She said she wants Mia. Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha!” he sarcastically laughs,  “Like I’m going to engage into a custody battle of some sorts with her? Our children don’t even legally exist ! You know what else she said?”

He’s getting worked up and you assume the worst.

“She said she wants Mia because she’s not mine! Can you believe that?!” he slams his fist on the table and it makes you anxious.

“What?… No way! Of course she’s yours,” you wipe your watery eyes, the new revelation making you alert again. “The children are all yours !”

You surely don’t like the new twist on this night and leave your chair, going around the table and cup his face, wishing to calm down the demons before they break free.

“Look at me,” and the blue eyes meet yours. “All four are yours. Don’t listen to her; you know how she lies and manipulates things!”

“Mommmyyyyy,” you hear from upstairs. “Moommyyyyy!”

“I think Zane had a nightmare again. I’ll be back,” you caress his hair for a few seconds then leave, insecurity already creeping up in his mind.

****************

The next day you are going out with Alex, one of J’s smugglers. He is picking you up at the penthouse and hangs out with The Joker in the living room, waiting for you to get ready.

“Alex?” J casually scrolls through his phone, smacking his lips.

“Sir?” the guy’s body stiffens, not knowing what to expect.

“If I hear that you upset Y/N in any way, besides the fact that she will break your neck first, I will PERSONALLY make sure your body is never found again. Do we understand each other?”

This is what J always tells to all the guys you date: his way of being protective and he genuinely means it.

“Y-yes sir,” Alex nervously gulps, praying you’ll hurry up so he doesn’t have to be around The Joker’s menacing presence anymore.

An hour into your date and his cell rings. He picks up.

“Hey J, how are the kids?”

Alex’s voice is heard in the background, cracking up about something.

“The kids are fine!” J snaps and hangs up.

How rude, you think, returning to your drink at the bar and partner.

Another hour and a half pass, you call him again.

“J, it’s me. How are the kids?”

“They’re fine woman; go back to your date! The guy is gonna dump you tomorrow and then you’ll blame me again!” and he hangs up.

Jesus, what’s wrong with him? you crack your neck and go back to the table at the restaurant.

Two more hours and another call. This time you don’t even get to say a word before J screams:

“They’re fine!!!!!!” and he hangs up.

Wow, so ungrateful, and you wave Alex to come over on the dance floor since you really want to have fun.

***************

As soon as you get back to the penthouse in the early morning, you go upstairs to check on the children. They are sleeping and you wonder where J went since he is not in his room. You search around and don’t have to go too far: he’s on the balcony. It’s snowing and the pale dawn makes Gotham sparkle under the heavy snowflakes.

“I’m back,” you announce and bundle up inside your coat; it’s chilly and windy. “Insomnia?” you address him, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. He stares at the city he owns, the tall buildings still lit. “Are you ok?” you touch his hands resting on the railing and they are as cold as ice.

“She’s not mine…” J utters, frozen after being outside for hours.

“Huh?” you get closer to him to hear better because his lips barely moved.

“Mia is not mine,” he digs in his coat’s pocket, giving you a few papers and you turn the pages, stunned: they contain paternity test results. It is a match for the boys but no match for the little Princess.

“When did you do this?” you inquire, still in disbelief.

“While you were gone, after she told me. I wanted to make sure and I got the results yesterday after you went on your date,” J sighs, a sharp ache clawing at his heart. “She’s not mine…what am I supposed to do with her now?”

You don’t like the question.

“What do you mean?”

“Mia is not my daughter. I obviously have no use for her; I don’t want her here,” The Joker’s poisonous comment gives you goosebumps.

“How can you say that?! She’s just an innocent baby! It’s not her fault!” “I don’t want her here!” he barks, lifting the collar of his furry coat.

“Well, I do!” you take action, scared of this new idea of his. “If you don’t want her, I’ll take her! She’s my little girl,” you start crying, hoping to change the outcome of his plans.

“None of the kids are yours!” he pushes you away and storms inside, leaving you petrified on the terrace.

***************

You couldn’t sleep for a second so you spent the last three hours organizing documents and ammo in the basement. You go up to the penthouse again, checking to see if the children are awake. The boys are still dreaming, but when you step inside Mia’s bedroom, her crib is empty and your hearts stops.

“Oh my God!” you immediately wake up from your sluggish state, frightened. “Love bug? Where are you?” and you sweep the room – of course she’s not there.

Your legs are getting shaky as you go downstairs, desperate to find her.

“Jaaayyy? Jaayy?” you call his name and surprisingly he answers from his office.

“Yes?”

“Where’s Mia?” you run around, panicking.

“I dropped her at the orphanage downtown, told you I don’t want her!” he snarls from beyond the cracked door and you grab your car keys in a hurry, scared to death. The Joker hears the elevator going down and comes out of the office, holding Mia in his arms.

“Where the hell did that crazy woman go?! It’s a blizzard out there!” J lifts her higher on his hip and she baby talks, smiling so innocently he feels awkward and since there is nobody around, he kisses her forehead repeatedly, squeezing her more to his chest. “Oh, shit, you think she went downtown?!” he asks for the little girl’s opinion like she understands him. “That crazy woman!” The Joker huffs, “She completely lost her mind!”

Mia wiggles in his arms, cooing and making cute sounds.

“I’m glad you agree,” J take his cell out of his pocket and dials your number but the phone goes off on the coffee table: you left it there and he can’t reach you. “Great!” he hums, dialing Frost’s number and his henchman picks up.

“Frost, we have to drive downtown.”

 ***************

It was very hard to drive on the stormy weather, but you made it to the orphanage and your heart stopped when you heard no child was abandoned there this morning. Did he leave her outside in the cold snow and someone took her?!  You circle the huge building several times, bawling your eyes out because there is no trace of Mia. You even ask a few people brave enough to walk in the tempest but no one saw anything.

You don’t even know where to go; how could he do something like this? Discard such a sweet angel like an unwanted object when you made it clear you would take her. Where is she? Did she crawl somewhere and she is buried under the snow?!

All these thoughts race through your mind as you make your way around the building one more time, cold and tired but not giving up.

You hear heavy steps behind you and The Joker’s voice echoes in the white stillness:

“Are you looking for this?”

You turn around and there she is: he is holding Mia, the baby bundled up in her pink furry coat, wearing that adorable cat ears hat.

You almost trip and fall in the snow, but get to him and snatch her from his grip, distancing away as fast as you can.

“My little love bug,” you keep on kissing her, running towards your car, feverish and anxious while her tiny hands clutch to your jacket.

“What are you doing?” you hear The Joker approaching and you walk faster.

“I’m taking her away!” you shout, struggling to find your car keys and he pulls on your hood, slowing down your movement in order to catch up with you.

“Away? Where, to the penthouse?” J pants, not willing to chase after you again.

“No, away from you where she will be safe! “

“What about the boys?” the problem arises and you become more nervous.

“You left her here in the cold?” you punch his shoulder, trying to pass him but he walks in front of you.

“Are you insane?! Of course I didn’t abandon her in the cold; she was in the office with me!” The Joker growls, pissed.

“You’re a terrible person! I was so worried!” you begin to cry again and Mia winces, uncomfortable in your tight hold.

“We have to go back; the storm is only getting worse. I am fucking freezing since I had to leave the penthouse in a hurry wearing just my purple coat and a shirt, looking for a crazy woman downtown Gotham in this snow storm!! Come on, we’ll send for your car later. Frost is parked across the street,” he gestures, pointing at the black van.

You hesitate and J needs to bring out the mommy in you.

“The boys are probably up by now, wondering how come you’re not there to make them pancakes. You want them to starve to death?!” he over exaggerates, flaring his arms around.

“No, of course not,“ you mumble, following his steps, convinced nobody else on the planet makes better breakfast than you.

“Then hurry up, your kids are waiting!” he has an outburst of clarity while you lean on him for balance, careful not to slip.

You didn’t even realize he referred to his children as yours too, but this is probably why your heart is beating faster.  And all you can think right now is what else you can cook for breakfast.

That’s what mothers do.

Also read: MASTERLIST

http://diyunho.tumblr.com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist