#you see leo with outstretched arms i see leo holding two middle fingers both are valid

[crystaldeclear]

Leo should have done a knee slide by De Zerbi. Be petty king! It'll only make us love you more

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

A Visit with Marco's Home for Lost Boys by GleefullyCaptainSwan

Read on AO3 or FF

This extra chapter to my completed fic Marco's Home for Lost Boys is dedicated to Alma (@teamhook) I hope this fluffy little addition to this finished story brings a smile to your face and happiness to your heart. Even in the darkness, a little light can bring you joy.

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly

A Happy Beginning

“Henry, can you make sure that Hope has her sun hat, I don’t want her to get burned on the water.”

“Sun hat, sun hat, want sun hat henny.” The little girl came bounding through the back door, a trail of dust flying behind her as the small puppy jumped up and down with muddy paws against the teetering toddler.

“Hope, what did you get into?” Emma exclaimed. The girl’s face was covered in dirt, her white dress stained with paw prints across the front.

“Found cheasure.” She beamed.

“Hope, your dress is ruined.” She groaned and the little girl frowned.

“Got daddy cheasure.” She whined, holding up a small bottle, dirt adhering to the edges of it as her wet fingers clung to the bottle as if it were the most priceless item she had ever owned.

“I see that, but I told you not to get dirty in your dress.” Emma scolded as Killian returned through the front of the house.

“Daddy.” The little girl’s face brightened as she wrestled out of Emma’s grasp, advancing on Killian, and jumping up into his outstretched arms.

“There’s my girl. What have you got there? Is that treasure?” The girl nodded excitedly, pushing the bottle into his hands. “For me? It’s amazing little one, I’ll cherish it forever.”

Emma rolled her eyes as she stood, the sight of her husband and their daughter easing her frustration. “She won’t be able to wear her dress today.”

“Daddy didn’t like this dress anyway.” He whispered against the little girls’ golden curls. “I think she’d look better in the blue one.”

“But we picked out the white one especially for today.”

He walked toward her, leaning over, and kissing her cheek as he cradled the toddler against his side. “And I told you that I don’t care what she wears, so long as you are all there, so it’s going to be fine. Besides, the blue one will match her eyes.”

“Don’t use the pretty blue eyes thing against me. I know how you work.”

“Do you now, love?” His own ocean blue eyes glinted in the light, a playful smile crossing his lips. He brushed them against her own, heat splaying across her cheeks.

“Cheater.” She whispered against his mouth.

“Pirate.” He responded with a smirk.

“Daddy piwate.” Hope giggled between them.

“Eww, are you two kissing again?” They turned to see Henry enter the room with Hope’s hat in his hand, two small boys following closely behind him.

Killian stepped away from her, Hope still on his hip. “One day you’ll understand why, son.” Killian winked at the older boy, then tousled the small boy’s hair beside him. “You want to help me find the blue dress for Hope?”

“Do I have to wear this jacket?” The boy fussed.

Killian glanced over his shoulder and Emma narrowed her eyes. “Only until the ceremony is done, Leo, then I promise you can put it in the back of the truck and never wear it again.” He whispered the last part and Emma rolled her eyes. The boy hollered in excitement and followed Killian to the back of the cabin.

“You both ready to go?” Emma watched as Henry snapped the last button on Roland’s jacket.

“Everything is ship shape, Mom.” Henry replied. “You worry too much; you know that right?”

“Who said I’m worried?”

He chuckled. “I’ve known you for over four years now, any time you worry about something, you bite your lip, and your eyebrows do that thing.”

“What thing?” She laughed, reaching up to touch her eyebrow.

“The wavy thing where you look like you’ve been thinking too long.”

“I’m not nervous, I’m just anxious. I want everything to go right today. This is a big deal for your dad and the family today.”

“I know and everything is going to be fine.”

She wrapped an arm around the boy’s shoulder and pulled him to her as he groaned when she planted kisses against his cheek and forehead. “Come on Mom, no more kisses. I’m too old for that”

“You’re never too old for my kisses.”

“I want kisses!” The smaller boy whined, and Emma scooped Roland into her arms and planted her lips on his cheek.

“Hey now, why am I missing out on all this family love?” Killian entered the room, their daughter skipping happily beside him in her favorite blue dress, Leo following quietly behind.

“No more kissing.” Henry demanded as he pulled away, scooping Hope into his arms, and stepping out of the family circle. “We’re going to be late if we don’t get out of here anyway.”

Emma smoothed down her dress and brushed the strands of her hair behind her ears. Looking over her family, she surveyed each of them to ensure they were all ready to leave. Her heart swelled with happiness as she watched her husband standing there, their children gathered around him at his feet. They had been blessed beyond comparison when Henry arrived on their doorstep. After Hope was born, Henry helped change diapers, fed her bottles, read her stories, and quickly became part of the family.

After they found out who his stepmother was, the woman he had run away from the night he came to live with them, Emma knew they could never let him go back to the life he tried to escape. Marco’s Home for Lost Boys was reinstated, and Killian and Emma began their quest to honor the man who had saved them both by continuing his legacy.

A couple years later, Leo turned up in the neighboring town while Leroy was on a fishing expedition. He knew immediately that the boy would find a home with the Jones family and before they knew it, their family had grown again.

Six months later, Roland was turned in to the police station in the middle of the night with just a note stating that the parents were unable to take care of the boy and knew that there was a family that would take in lost children in town. Emma had a full home and a husband who was determined to ensure that every child that stayed with them felt like they were loved just as much as Marco had loved them.

“Ok, I think we look presentable.” She said with a grin. “We’d better go before David starts texting us asking where we are.”

Killian glanced at his phone. “You’re about ten minutes too late for that.”

Emma laughed and pushed her family out the door toward their truck, buckling the kids into their seats as Henry jumped in between her and Killian in the front.

“Who’s ready for a new adventure?” Killian announced as he started the truck.

“Daddy piwate venture.” Hope cheered.

“Yes, Daddy is taking us on a Pirate adventure.” Emma glanced at her husband who smiled in her direction. The man was a marvel to look at even after all their years together. He was the only man she had known who could make her stomach flutter with butterflies and her knees weak with anticipation simply from a glance or a smile. The sunlight was shining on his face, flecks of grey were sprinkled throughout the hair on his chin. He was older, more mature, yet still the same fierce man who had protected her from harm all those years ago.

“What’s in that head of yours?” He questioned as he pulled her from the truck twenty minutes later. “You were quiet on the drive over.”

The corners of her mouth turned upward, “Was just thinking about how sexy you look with all that grey hair coming in.” She ran her fingers through his soft hair.

“Even with all the years, I’ve still maintained my youthful glow.” He winked.

“You still turn me on.” She whispered as he closed the door. He turned toward her quickly, a glimpse of longing in his eyes.

“Do I now? Perhaps tonight you can show me exactly how much.” She started to walk away when he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her back against his chest and nuzzling his nose into her neck. “Did I mention you look gorgeous in this dress?”

“You did not, but I am very glad you noticed.” She giggled.

“Mommy, Roland won’t stop hitting me.” Leo tugged on her dress and Emma bent down and scooped the boy into her arms.

“Did you tell him that wasn’t nice?”

“No, I kicked him.” Emma narrowed her eyes, trying not to laugh.

“Well, that’s not how we solve things, Leo.”

Killian patted the boy on the head. “Next time, try asking nicely first. If he doesn’t stop, then come get one of us.” The boy nodded and Killian reached into the truck and pulled Hope to his side and Emma stepped toward the harbor to join the rest of the boys.

“There you are! Dave’s been going on for ten minutes about how late the two of you are for everything.” Will approached them, reaching out and pulling Leo from her arms. “Go, before he drives everyone insane.”

Emma chuckled and rushed forward with Killian and Hope, making their way to the bottom of the pier. David saw them as soon as they turned the corner and darted toward them. “It’s about time, you weren’t making more children were you.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Killian teased and Emma smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

“You know it takes a while to get all these kids ready to do anything.”

“The press is already here. Graham is on board, August, Arthur, and Robin are already in place on deck.”

“Alright, Will is bringing all the kids down now.” She turned and watched as Will skipped and ran with the boys, laughing as they made their way down the pier.

“Alright, I’ll see you guys up there.” David turned and walked up the plank to the ship. She turned toward Killian and reached out to take her daughter from him.

“Are you ready for this?”

He bit his lip, looking up at his ship docked at the pier in front of him. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.” His eyes were back on hers and it caused her heart to skip at the emotion she saw there.

“We’re a team, right?”

“Aye, I love you.”

She leaned up, planting her lips on his. “I love you too.”

He reached out and took her hand once Will had retreated up the plank with the boys. They walked up the plank together, overwhelmed by the amount of people already standing on the deck when they reached the top. There were cameras everywhere, and they were ushered to the bow of the ship. Emma stood off to the side when Graham gestured for Killian to join him.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it appears our guest of honor has arrived.” Graham announced and the cameras turned toward them, and the crowd began to hush. “We are here today as Killian Jones takes on a new role in the town of Storybrooke.” He gestured to Killian who stepped up to the mic, putting his hand on the bible in front of him.

"I do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified, according to the constitution of this state, to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been elected and that I will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this state and of the United States.

As Mayor of the City of Storybrooke, I will equally, fairly, and impartially, to the best of my ability, and skill, exercise the trust reposed in me, and will use my best endeavor to preserve the peace and carry into effect according to law, the purposes for which I have been elected, So help me God."

Emma clapped loudly as he finished his line, Hope bouncing excitedly on her hip. “Daddy.” The girl squealed. Emma was so proud of her husband. He had come so far in the last few years, doing everything he could to put his past behind him and ensure that everything he did going forward would make his family proud.

Killian shook the Sheriff’s hand and turned back toward the cameras. “I wanted to take a few moments today, to recognize the reason I’m here today. None of this would have been possible without one man. Marco meant a lot to many of the people here today. Without his love, compassion, and guidance so many of us wouldn’t have had a home, or a family…” He paused and looked at her. “So many of us would have been lost, never finding the love we deserved.”

He turned away, and she wiped the tears from her eyes. “My wife, Emma and I took over the home that took us in so long ago, and we’ve welcomed many lost boys since those doors opened. My father would be proud to know that his legacy still lives on. Because of Marco, I have a family, a wife, children, and hope.”

Her daughter squealed upon hearing her name and Emma quieted the girl on her hip.

“We stand today at the helm of my newest ship, The Jolly Roger, a ship by the same name once held memories of a very dark time in my life, but today, I hope it will bring light to all who board her. Today, we are opening our doors to a new adventure, a ship where children young and old can come and have their own pirate adventure, learn to sail, search for treasure, and find their happy ending.”

He gestured to Will who pulled Belle with him to stand beside his brother. “My brother Will and his wife Belle have signed on to Captain this vessel. I know they will do our father proud as they bring happiness and joy to the children who come seeking adventure.”

Killian gestured to David on the other side of the deck. “In partnership with Marco’s Childhood Adventures run by my brother David and his wife Mary Margaret, they will be covering the cost of the adventure for needy children near and far.”

Cheers erupted all around them and Killian once again shook the hand of the Sherriff.

“Most of all, I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my beautiful wife, and my first mate, Emma Jones. Without her, this ship is just a few planks of wood, but with her by my side, we have created a life that is worth living, and worth sharing with others.” He stepped back toward her. “Congratulations Mayor Jones.” She grinned as Hope lunged toward her father.

“Want daddy.” She cried and Killian pulled her into his arms.

“Then daddy you shall have little one.” Emma felt her heart flutter again as she watched the two of them on the deck of the ship, Hope taking shaky steps as she held her father’s hand and they walked along the planks of the ship. Emma was reminded of her childhood when Killian held her hand and walked her out of the shipping crate he had found her in. She had been scared and unsure of who to trust, but Killian had enough trust for them both.

Just as he stood with his daughter, their hands intertwined as he pointed out at the ocean in front of them, she could see the boy she fell in love with. The boy who never stopped believing in her, who always protected and loved her. The man who had become her world.

“So, did you tell him yet?”

Emma jumped as Will approached her, putting an arm around her shoulder. “Tell him what?”

He rolled his eyes and pulled her closer. “That he needs to buy a new truck.” Emma elbowed him in his side, and he pulled away from her with a laugh.

“No. Today is his day. I want it to be about him and Marco.”

“Emma, you’ve known for two weeks now. What are you waiting for?”

“I don’t know. I mean, so much is going on. He’s Mayor now, and the ship is finally taking off, and good Lord Will, we already have four kids at home.” She bit her lip with worry.

“Sis, it’s Killian, the two of you love children. He’s going to be bloody ecstatic with the news.”

“You really think so?”

“If he didn’t want any more kids, he’d stop doing that thing that causes them.”

“Very funny!” Emma chided. “I could say the same for you. Belle was positively glowing during the press conference.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. We don’t behave in that way.” He said with a wink as he wandered back toward his wife, his hand absentmindedly resting against her slightly swelling stomach.

Emma pressed a hand to her own, feeling a bit queasy on the bow of the ship. She didn’t know why she hadn’t told Killian yet that she was expecting. It had been quite the shock to her when the doctor told her the news. She had thought she had a bit of the stomach flu when she went in to see Dr. Whale. Finding out she was pregnant was a bit overwhelming with everything else that was going on. There would be five kids in their home. Five truly loved children, of course, but it was still five children.

“Mom, I think we are going to Granny’s for dinner…” Henry paused as he watched her. “Are you alright?”

Emma leaned against the ship to steady herself. “Yeah, I’m fine, just not feeling my sea legs today.” She joked. “Perhaps you could help me back down the ramp.” Henry held out his arm and she walked beside him down the plank until she was back on solid ground and her head stopped swimming.

“You sure you’re alright, Mom? I know it’s been a busy day. You seem tired. Do you want me to tell dad we need to go home?”

“No, I just need to eat something.” They walked quietly toward the car. “Henry…” She paused. “You’re happy here right? I mean, when we took you in, it was just us and now we have Roland and Leo and…”

“Mom, I have the best life anyone could ever have. I never had a family before I met you. Now I get to play on a pirate ship and be a big brother to three exuberant but happy kids, and I have a dad who would do absolutely anything for me, and a mom who never lets me forget that I’m loved. I wouldn’t change anything about my life.”

Emma smiled softly, “I’m so happy you found us, Henry.”

“Me too, mom.”

Once they got to Granny’s, Emma made her way around the room, interacting with the people who had come to celebrate. She caught up with August and Arthur, who had returned for the swearing in, reminding them that they needed to visit more often. She approached Robin, turning toward his wife Regina. “How does it feel to be retired?”

The woman laughed. “I’ll miss the job, but I think Killian will do a better job than I did.”

“So, what now?”

“I’m putting her to work at the bar.” Robin announced and Regina only giggled.

“I told him I would do it, if I got free drinks.”

“I don’t think she realizes how good a deal I got out of this.” As they kissed, her attention was drawn to the booth in the corner where Killian was sitting with their daughter. He had a pile of whipped cream on his nose, his tongue sticking out of his mouth as he teased Hope beside him. She excused herself and made her way toward the man, watching as his daughter grabbed ahold of the cream, slipping the mess into her mouth, and sucking the cream from her fingers.

“What’s going on over here?” She said as she sat down across from them.

“Daddy silly, I ticky.”

“Yes I see this.” She reached across the table and wiped the rest of the whipped cream from his nose.

“Ticky daddy, wash.”

“Are your hands sticky, love?” He took her hands in his and wet the cloth in front of him, wiping her hands clean. “All better, beautiful?”

“Daddy hero.” She beamed; her face glowing as she stared up at her father.

“Did you ever think this would be our life?” Emma asked suddenly.

Killian turned toward her, his smile still on his face from looking at his daughter. “Did I ever think that my daughter would call me her hero while my beautiful wife looked on adoringly? Not in a million lifetimes.”

“Do you regret any of it?”

“Never. If we didn’t go through what we did, we might never have gotten to where we are.”

She reached across the table and held his hand, watching as his daughter played with the prosthetic on his other wrist. Killian never let his handicap stop him from accomplishing anything. He had never wallowed in self pity when they came out of the nightmare that caused it. He had faced everything with her as a challenge to overcome. And they had overcome everything together.

“Remember what happened after Henry’s softball game a couple of months ago?”

Killian pushed a mouthful of food into Hope’s mouth. “Not particularly, you know how excited I get at those things. I always get worked up at the umpires.”

“Right, but remember when Henry hit that home run and you kept telling everyone that it was your boy that won the game?”

“Of course, crowning achievement of the year. I was very proud.”

“And very excited.” She whispered. “If you remember…” She leaned forward, “Under the bleachers.”

He held his hand over his daughters’ ears. “Not in front of the lass, love.” She laughed and he removed his hands before he smirked. “But of course, I remember that day. It had been a while since I remember you cursing like that, pretty sure I accomplished a record that day…” he held up three fingers and Emma remembered that he was able to bring her to orgasm three times in such a small span of time as the two of them raced like children tearing off just enough clothes to allow him to enter her in the small space under the bleachers.

“Yes, you did.” She said, feeling her cheeks warm. He still made her feel like a teenager, no matter how old they got.

“Not that I’m complaining, but what brought on that trip down memory lane, love?”

Hope giggled beside him and Killian leaned over to blow a kiss against the girl’s neck which elicited a loud squeal. “Marco would be proud of you.” She said with a smile which caused him to sit up and stare at her.

“You think?”

“I know. You’re an amazing father, you’re going to be the best Mayor this town has ever had, you make me happier than I ever could have hoped, and you are carrying on his legacy.”

“I’m only being the man I know how to be, the man he raised me to be.”

“Even if it means that our house is full, and we never get alone time?” She laughed.

“I prefer to think of it as a challenge.” He winked.

“It’s about to get a lot more challenging.” She said with a serious sigh.

“Emma, we have three boys and a toddler running around the house, how could it ever get more challenging than that?” She bit her lip and he paused. “Wait…are you saying…” She closed her eyes and scrunched her nose. “You’re…” When she opened her eyes, his were as big as saucers. “Emma, are you pregnant?”

She nodded nervously as she held his eye contact. “I didn’t want to ruin the celebration for you, but…”

“A baby.” He said softly, sitting back against the seat.

“Baby.” Hope announced loudly. “Momma baby.”

Emma lunged forward to push another spoon of food into the girl’s mouth as people were starting to stare in their direction.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m more than ok, I mean, we’re gonna need to get one of those ridiculous minivan’s or something because we aren’t all going to fit in the truck anymore but…”

Emma snorted and he looked at her in confusion. “I’m sorry, but I’m just picturing you driving a minivan.”

“I beg your pardon; I’ll have you know that I’ll be the sexiest dad at the school drop off you’ve ever seen.”

“Baby. I, baby.” Hope squealed.

“Yes, love, you’re the baby.” Killian teased his daughter, tugging at her curly blonde locks before turning back to face her. “Are you ok with this?” He asked her seriously.

She nodded. “I am, I love our children, all of them, and I love you more than I’ve loved anyone in my entire life.”

“You know Henry and I were going to build a tree house in the back yard this summer. Might be a fun project to get all the kids out of the house for a bit.”

“The boys will love that.”

“I want tee house too.” Hope complained.

“Of course, love, when you are bigger.”

“I am big.” She pouted.

“You are, but you need to watch over mommy, you’re going to be a big sister now.”

“Mommy baby.” The little girl repeated while clapping her hands.

“Do you think the boys are going to be upset that there’s going to be another baby in the house?” Emma asked with concern.

“I think the boys are going to love the baby as much as they love you, as much as I love you.” He smiled, reaching out and taking her hand.

As they made their way back to the cabin that evening, thoughts, and excitement running through her brain, she tucked her children in to each of their beds, kissed their heads, and shut the door to their rooms. When Killian closed the door opposite her to Hope’s room, they met in the middle, his arms wrapping around her.

“We’re going to need to build onto this house if we keep growing this family.” He chuckled.

“I know, the boys are going to want their own rooms eventually.”

“Thankfully, we have a lot of brothers in town who are good for some free labor.”

“Did you know Henry has started writing?” Emma looked back at the door behind her. “I found a notebook on his bed while he was showering.”

“Aye, I think he has a crush on a girl at his school which has inspired his tale.”

“What? Who?”

“Violet.” Emma’s eyes grew large. “Don’t tell him I told you, it was not a mom discussion.” She reached up and pretended to press a key to her lips.

“Secret is safe with me. How is he getting so old already?” She followed him to their bedroom as they both began to undress for bed.

“The lad is growing like a weed.” He turned to face her, his hand resting on her stomach. “Perhaps it’s another lass?”

“Maybe, or a dashing pirate like his father.”

“I am dashing, aren’t I?” He teased, pushing her back toward the bed.

“You already got me pregnant, Mister.” She cooed as she scooted up on the bed, his body resting over hers as his mouth brushed against her jaw.

“We should make sure, can’t hurt to practice.” His hand ran up her thigh. “I remember last time you were pregnant that you really enjoyed it when I…”

“Oh…” She moaned softly when his hand hit the spot she needed him to touch. “I suppose it would be a good idea to practice, it has been a while since I was pregnant.” She chuckled as her hand fisted in the sheets.

“I’m honored to assist you in any way that I can.” He breathed against her thigh.

“I have such a talented husband.” She grunted when he hit the spot that had her biting her tongue, his name flowing from her mouth, she could feel him smirk as the scruff on his chin grazed her sensitive skin. “How did I get so lucky?”

He sat up on his elbows and placed a kiss on her stomach. “How did a lost boy and a little lost girl end up finding a happy ending together?”

“That’s not what this is, it’s something else.”

“What, then?” She pulled her husband toward her, his lips grazing hers as she murmured against his skin.

“A happy beginning.”

[xrikix]

» Hiraeth Chapter 8 || Haikyuu AU

❝They will learn how to fly.❞ – an AU where the kids of Haikyuu characters grow their passion for volleyball and face their problems.

Starring our OC’s Hoshi, Minami, and Leo! (don’t worry they’re as fluffy as our babies from Haikyuu but sprinkle in more angst)

Read Chapter 7 Here!

Black Swan

With the warm rays of the sun shining over the horizon, the gym glowed with the colors of the sunset. Leo positioned himself in the back, with the ball in his hands, gazing out towards the court. The eyes of the opposite team stalked him like eagles looking for prey, while Hoshi goofily smiled at him. The air was thick and tense, with the players’ bodies ready to spring onto the ball as soon it hit the air. Breathing in the warm breeze, calming his nerves, Leo raised his arm up, bringing his right hand back. He could feel everyone’s eyes on the ball, frozen in place as they waited for the moment when the ball would be soaring through the air. Leo twisted his body, raising the volleyball to meet his eyes. He swung his right hand to make contact with the ball, forcing it to race across the other side of the net. The court quickly came back to life as everyone moved into a different position. The breaths everyone was holding were let go in an instant, the breeze of the movement and the fresh evening air took over their senses. 

Leo recalled how his parents told him that the first point was the most important. 

“It can determine who will have an advantage… and you know make your opponents piss their pants if you’re scary enough!”

“Kageyama stop scaring the children!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

The ball flew towards the left side of the court followed by their setter rushing in to receive the ball. Leo silently applauded himself as he readied himself to react for a spike with his knees bent and arms outstretched in front of him. His eyes tracked the ball as he saw Hoshi bump it a teammate who jumped to spike it. Their middle blocker slammed the ball down, right into the hands of Dino. Bouncing off the tip of Dino’s hand, he called out, “One touch!” 

The team sprung into action as Ayama ran towards the side, bumping the ball towards Leo. His arms were raised in the air, his mind already calculating the different possibilities. It was only the start of the game so he knew it would be better to set to the left or right. Leo thought that Ayama may be blocked by Hoshi, but Leo wasn’t going to back down. “Take it as a warning sign, Hoshi,” Leo thought. 

Catching the glance Ayama gave, Leo’s eyes followed the ball slowly falling down into his hands. He then shot the ball off towards the left side of the court, where Ayama prepared a jump. Leo watched as Ayama flew into the air with his arms behind his head. Ayama seemed to be flying. Leo watched in amazement, wishing that one day he would fly in his own way. 

The ball landed in the perfect place as Ayama slammed the ball hard. The middle blocker barely reached Ayama as he threw his body next to Hoshi who jumped as well. It grazed Hoshi’s fingers, landing on the sideline. The resounding thump resonated throughout the gym, echoing in the silence of everyone waiting to hear the verdict. 

Leo stared at the line where the ball had landed. It seemed that time had stopped and everything was frozen. All he could feel was everyone’s presence, waiting for the coach’s call. His cloud of dark thoughts were surrounding him. Did I make it? Did I fail? But, there was one thing keeping him grounded. The happiness of finally being able to play was shining like the sun behind the dark clouds. He was on the court-- he was finally there. He was doing something that was special to only him, something Hisaki wasn’t able to do. Although it is as simple as one point, he would prove his worth to the team by scoring.

Atlas the coach called out, “Safe!” And Leo had let out the deep breath he was unconsciously holding in. His hands shook from excitement, giddy with the adrenaline beginning to flow through his veins. He looked up to see Hoshi staring at him, eyebrows raised out of surprise thinking Leo wouldn’t go for such a risky move. Leo only grinned back.

It was one point, but it was the first point and many more that would follow. 

Minutes passed as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. Leo stood in the front row, his breaths labored with sweat dripping down onto the floor. He glanced towards the scoreboard and saw that both teams were neck and neck. He bristled with annoyance. Just when Karasuno managed to get ahead, Aoba Johsai would catch up. This constant going back and forth was making everyone tired, but their resolve never waivered, they were so close. No one broke the 20-point barrier, but Karasuno just needed two more points to finally reach it. Their setter set to their ace who ran forward, initiating a back attack. Rin jumped up but the ball flew past. Dino dove for the ball,  his arms outstretched trying to save the ball. It flew back up into the air towards Leo and he knew this was the moment he was waiting for.

Feeling the strength of the team on his back, he knew that if they pulled off this synchronized attack, it would bring them one point closer to winning. Quickly flashing the peace sign, determination flooded onto the court as the team began to run towards the net. Leo could feel everyone’s surprise, especially Coach Ukai who wasn’t prepared to see a synchronized attack today. But, of course, he grinned when he saw the team pulling through. Time seemed to slow down with the familiar feeling of Leo’s arms outstretched, waiting for the ball to come to him. Sparing a glance towards the opposite side, he knew their libero was subbed in so doing an attack down the middle wasn’t the best choice. When the ball landed in his hands, not wasting another second, Leo tossed the ball towards Ryu who already was up in the air. Aoba Johsai struggled to counter their attack as they jumped to block at the wrong people. Ayama’s hands slammed against the ball, the force whooshing the air around it as it landed with a giant thud at the back of the court. 

Hoshi and their libero, stunned, were unable to move against the force of Ayama’s power. The silence that followed erupted into cheers, everyone celebrating the newly gained point. Hikaru patted Leo on the back, exclaiming how exciting it was to see the enemy jump to block the wrong people. Leo was basking in his success and utter joy. He snuck a glance towards Hisaki carrying a frown on his face on the sidelines. Leo grinned, ignoring him and focusing on celebrating the successful synchronized attack. 

Now they were one point closer to victory. 

They continued, neither side backing down, each fueled by their own determination to win. Leo sensed the exhaustion from the silence that was interrupted by heavy breathing. Sweat dripped off his body as he quickly glanced at the scoreboard. They were back at their starting rotation with Leo situated in the back. 

Gritting his teeth, Leo tried to focus concentrating on their setter. The ball soared over the net, Rin stepped back, crouching, as he gracefully bumped the ball towards Leo. The ball flew towards Dino who prepared himself to jump, arms flying back and towering over their middle blocker. Leo watched as the ball fell towards the ground with a slam. He begged the ball to touch the floor, but sighed in anger as their libero dove for the ball. 

Cursing himself in his head, he turned his attention back to the game with Aoba Johsai preparing their counterattack. Quickly his eyes flashed towards the score, neck and neck again, two points away from winning. Dino ran towards Rin to help him block against Aoba’s ace, but Leo could only stand frozen when he felt the power behind the spike, grazing the air right next to him. Amazed at how strong their ace was, he could only stand there in shock. 

Being so close to winning, Leo barely noticed the fear that had taken root inside of him. The fear of how strong others were, the fear that maybe he didn’t deserve to be on the court. He sighed, now was not the time for the concern, he had to focus. 

“Sorry guys,” Rin sheepishly said. 

Dino shook his head, “It was my fault.” 

Rin’s gaze sharpened, “No, I could have blocked that, but I was scared.” 

Leo stood there, listening to his words admiring how he admitted his mistakes. 

Hikaru clapped Rin on the back, “At least you knew you did something wrong.” 

Rin nodded facing Dino, “Thank you for your help.” 

Dino turned away, “Just doing my job.” 

Through the eyes of Leo, the envy returned, gleefully eating away at him. He wished he were strong enough to admit his faults, but his irrational fear was eating him up. He thought the game was helping him chase away the dark thoughts but it seemed like they came back in full force. He knew the end of the game was nearing, along with the end of his time on the court. Katsuki was yelling from the sidelines, cheering on his teammates. 

Aoba Johsai needed one more point, and Leo knew he refused to let them get it.

The whistle blew, signaling the end of the game. 

Leo walked off the court in misery, dragging his feet. His mind returned to the dark clouds.

Sighing, his body fell against the wall to the surprise of Katsuki. 

“Yo Leo? You okay?” 

Too numb to reply, Leo felt Katsuki place a hand on his shoulder. “Hey you did great out there! Much better than the first game! We were so close to winning!” Barely processing the nod he gave to Katsuki, he could feel the dull ache in his muscles. 

“Is something wrong?” Dino asked when he walked over, sipping water while patting Leo on the head. Katsuki shrugged, staring at the lifeless body of Leo who buried his head into his arms. Dino crouched in front of Leo, “Hey, is something wrong?”

Leo slowly picked his head up to see the worry in their eyes. Plastering a smile on his face, he responded, “Nothing’s wrong, I’m just really tired.” 

Katsuki grinned, “I mean that was one long game, everyone did so well!” 

Coach Ukai called for everyone’s attention, as the team began crowding around him. 

Dino poked Leo, “Coach is calling, come on.” 

Leo replied, “You guys go ahead, I’m going to catch my breath a little longer.” 

“Okay~ Don’t breathe too much.” Katsuki responded as he jogged towards the coach with Dino by his side.

 Relieved to be somewhat alone, Leo placed his head in his arms, slowly inhaling, trying to let his body relax. He could hear the words of Coach Ukai, but he subconsciously drowned them out. Leo felt someone plop their body down next to him. And Leo’s body immediately tensed when the person  started speaking. 

“Is everything okay Leo?” Hoshi asked. 

Looking up, Hoshi was staring at him, worry evident in his eyes. 

Leo sighed, time to give another tiny lie, “Yeah, I’m just tired.” 

Hoshi raised an eyebrow, “It was one game, we played much longer than that before.” 

Leo sheepishly laughed, refusing to meet his eyes, “Did we? Man I really don’t remember, besides you guys gave us a run for our money!” 

Silence followed his response, seconds ticking by before Hoshi sighed, “My parents are gonna pick me up today, you wanna tag along?” 

Leo’s mind started to freak out, he really didn’t want to be stuck in a car with Hoshi after that game, but his body was so tired that he couldn’t resist it, “Sure.” 

The car was silent as Leo watched the mountains roll by through the windows. The dark sky glistened overhead, with the stars and the moon twinkling. 

Iwazumi was driving relatively fast and focused on the road while Okiawa occasionally shifted his eyes towards the backseat where they were seated. It was even more awkward with Minami who was in the middle between Leo and Hoshi. She was silent, her arms crossed, refusing to look at anyone. 

Leo watched her play with her fingers, a sign that she was stressed. 

Okiawa broke the stifling silence, “You guys wanna listen to music?” 

No one responded.

“Okay…” Okiawa said as he turned on his own playlist of Alien podcasts. The speakers blasted information on the 1947 alien spotting, while Hoshi rolled his eyes in response, but nevertheless relaxing when he heard something other than silence. Minami sent Leo a frantic glance, uncomfortableness evident in her eyes. 

“How’s school?” Iwazumi asked when Okiawa nudged him to do something. 

“It’s good,” Minami slowly said, drawing out her words. 

“How was your practice game?” Okiawa asked. 

Hoshi perked up in his seat, “It was really fun. Karasuno is so strong!” Hoshi turned to face Leo, peering around a frantic Minami, “You’re the same as ever.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Leo whispered, his mind turned Hoshi’s words into threats. Hoshi’s grin faltered, confused at Leo’s reaction. 

“Your setting is on point!” 

Minami held her breath, unsure of what was going on. The air was thick with tension, everyone sitting in their own fears, uncertain of what to say next. 

The rest of the drive continued in silence with the sound of the intergalactic music occasionally playing in following each segment of the podcast. Thankfully, they neared their houses when the podcast ended.

 Iwazumi parked their car and Leo hastily scrambled out with Minami following right behind. The cool night air collided into Leo as he happily inhaled it all in. 

Minami bowed, “Thank you for the ride!” as she bolted towards their front gate. Leo quickly bowed as well, running towards their home, ignoring the confusion from the Hajime family. 

His bed was warm, the blankets bundled tightly around him despite the warm air of spring. The thoughts pressed in harder as his mind recounted the game from earlier, flashing in bits and pieces, followed by the car ride, feeling the anxiety that floated around him. 

It was one game, not even an actual game. He didn’t need to be so scared of one game.

It didn’t mean anything.

He would be okay… right?

[fandomfindings]

Your Face

Pairing: (Leon S. Kennedy x Reader)

Word Count: 3.2K

Warning(s): Swearing and Violence/Killing

Summary: You and your fiancé Leon Kennedy are moving to Raccoon City to pursue your careers. Unfortunately, things don’t go exactly according to plan. 

The night was dark and quiet. The only thing breaking said quiet was the low volume of music on the radio and your drumming to it. You were trying to keep yourself awake for the rain added to the perfect sleeping weather. However, you had promised Leon you would stay awake throughout the journey to Raccoon City.

You and Leon, your fiancé, were moving to Raccoon City to pursue your careers, him in the police force and you in (occupation). Tomorrow would be the first day on the job for you both, and you couldn't wait.

As you thought about the possibilities that awaited the two of you, you glanced away from the window and to Leon to see he was staring at you. You paid no mind to it since this was something he did quite often. However, after catching him for the third time, you decided to speak on it.

"Why do you keep looking at me?"You asked chuckling in the process.

"What is looking at my fiancé(e) a crime now?" Leon questioned jokingly.

“I don’t know you tell me Mr.Police Officer,” You remarked as you looked out the window again.

Leon didn’t respond to your comment, but you knew he was smiling no less. The drive continued in a comfortable silence until the car began to make a beeping sound. Leon had had this car long enough for you to know the noise was due to low fuel. Luckily enough for the two of you, you could see a gas station approaching in the distance.

As Leon pulled into the gas station you could tell something was off. The gas station seemed completely abandoned, besides a single cop car.

Leon hopped out of the car and began to pump gas into the car as you looked around.

"No one's around?" Leon questioned finally taking in his surroundings thoroughly.

"It doesn't seem like it," You responded.

"That's weird," Leon whispered more to himself and not you directly.

"They seem to be open though," You mentioned, pointing to the open sign that hung from the door.

"Huh?" Leon wondered and followed where your finger pointed.

Leon moved away from the car and closer to the door, presumably about to go inside. You quickly removed your seat-belt and opened the car door wanting to join him.

You stepped out of the car only to see red markings, blood, on the ground before you.

"Holy shit," You said and looked up into the shocked eyes of Leon. Before you could fully process the situation, Leon was before you and gently moving you back into the car.

"Stay here I'll be back soon," Leon said calmly yet firmly. You didn't even have time to protest before he was speedily walking towards the gas station door.

You watched as Leon entered the dark building and your anxiety immediately spiked tenfold.

After a few solid minutes of no sight of Leon, you began to grow even more anxious. You started to contemplate going into the building yourself but then ruled against it. However, as soon as you calmed yourself down, you heard several gunshots. Without a second thought, you quickly exited the car. In your haste, you also grabbed your gun, something  Leon recommended for your safety.

"Leon!" You exclaimed as you entered the store, wondering where he could be.

Unfortunately, you didn't get a response causing you to walk further into the store.

The smell of blood quickly flooded your senses, making you feel sick to your stomach. You soon found the source and saw a man bleeding out on the floor. Despite your dislike for the smell, you knew the man needed help, so you approached him.

"Sir are you alright?" You asked moving closer to the man. You heard his light groaning and was thankful he was still alive. You pocketed your gun and bent down to the male's level.

Just as you were about to ask more about his injury, he abruptly looked up at you. There was a whiteness to his eyes that you were unfamiliar with, he also had an almost blue tent to his skin. What was wrong with this man?

Before you could once again try to ask him about the visible injury, he lunged at you.

The man took you so off guard that you lost the balance you barely had. You landed on your back with a hard thud.

Before you could get up the man landed on top of you. The force of his weight caused the wind to leave your lungs. The man started to bite at you like a rabid animal. You tried to push him off of you, but it was no use. The man was too heavy.

Then the man started biting for your now outstretched arm. He had nearly taken a chunk out of you when suddenly he fell limp above you. His limpness was due to a bullet going straight through his skull.

The man's blood sprayed across your face causing you to internally gag.

Soon the weight of the man was gone for your body, and you could breathe freely again. You were next pulled to your feet by a pair of strong arms.

You looked up to see Leon staring down at you shocked. He was at a lost for words as he gazed into your frightened eyes.

"What the hell was that thing?"

"I don't know, but I told you to stay in the car," Leon commented whipping the blood from your face with his sleeve.

"You said you would be back soon," You rebutted as you leaned into Leon's touch, still a bit shaken up from the previous events.

"And then I heard gunshots, I got worried," You added, pulling away from your fiancé.

"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Leon asked looking you over for any physical injuries.

"I'm fine. We should get out of here," You said grabbing Leon's hand and moving towards the exit.

As soon as you got closer to the exit, a woman suddenly burst through the door in a frenzy.

You swiftly released your hold on Leon and grabbed for the gun placed in your pocket. However, as soon as you aimed it at the woman, Leon pulled you behind him.

At this point, you both had your guns aimed at the woman. You felt bad, but because of what just happened you knew you had to be careful from here on out.

"Don't shoot!" the woman exclaimed as she raised her hands in surrender.  Behind her, I could see one of those things slowly approaching.

"Get down!" I shouted.

The woman quickly ducked, and Leon took the shot, hitting the creature right in the eye. The monster fell to the ground with a thud.

Leon turned around to make sure you were okay and then proceeded out of the door.

"You alright?" Leon questioned once entirely out of the store. You followed his lead and was now between the stranger and your fiancé.

"Yeah, I think so, thanks," She said looking to both Leon and yourself.

"You can thank us later, when we're safe," You said aiming your gun towards the monsters that approached you three.

"Holy shit," the woman said realizing the number of monsters there were before us.

From behind, came a thud. You all turned to see another monster pressed against the glass door.

"Come on!" Leon directed not wanting to waste another moment. You three dodged and pushed your way past the monsters and to the cop car.

"Get in!" Leon shouted causing for you to grab for the opened passenger door. You hopped into the car as Leon, and the woman did the same. The woman was in the seat behind you and Leon was in the driver's seat.

"Hold on," Leon said shifting the car's gear and pulling off from the gas station and on to the main road.

Before the three of you could get very far the woman spoke up.

"What the hell is going on?" the woman question as she moved to the middle of the car.

"I don't know," Leon said shortly.

"Hopefully they'll have some answers at the police station," You mentioned looking over to Leon considering he was a cop.

"Wait,you're a cop?" the female questioned and looked to Leon. She must have noticed the way you looked at Leon when you mentioned the police station.

"Yeah, Leon Kennedy and this is my fiancé(e) (Y/N)(L/N)," Leon said causing you to turn around and wave at the unknown woman.

"You are?"Leon continued questioningly.

"Claire, Claire Redfield."

"Nice to meet you, Claire, "You said sticking your hand out for her to shake. She took your hand to shake and smiled a bit. You then turned back around to face forward in the car.

"Live around here?"Leon questioned after the exchange between you and Claire.

"No, looking for my brother. He's a cop too," Claire mentioned as she looked out of the slightly foggy window.

"Well, it's a good thing we found each other. I don't know what to expect anymore," Leon said just as he passed the sign for Raccoon City.

The drive to the center of Raccoon City continued in a comfortable silence. During this time, Leon had grabbed your hand in reassurance and was caressing it lovingly with his thumb. The action made you smile and your nerves to calm slightly.

Before you knew it, you were in the heart of the city.

It too seemed abandoned, much like the gas station from before. Abandoned cars lined the streets, and there was no one in sight, no humans at least.

As you looked out of the window, you saw dead bodies littering the streets. However, you weren't sure if they were positively dead.

"Oh my God, this is so unreal," Claire stated.

"The police station's not much farther. They'll know something," Leon said trying to encourage the woman in the backseat.

"Yeah, but what if we're the only ones? What if there's no survivors?" Claire began to question, but your fiancé cut her off.

"No. They're survivors. It's a big city there has to be, "Leon tried to reassure you all.

Leon was staying sensible, and you were grateful.

Leon soon stopped the car for a barricade blocked our path.

"Looks like we're walking from here," Leon stated as he shifted the car into park.

"More like running," Claire contradicted as she saw the monsters eating away at a person.

"Yeah, good call," Leon agreed once he saw the sight Claire mentioned.

Just as you were about to open the door monsters jumped at the entire car.

"What the hell!" You shouted as a monster banged its head against your window.

"Jesus Christ!" Leon exclaimed as well.

"Leon, we gotta back up!" You exclaimed looking over to Leon as more monsters attacked the car.

Leon shifted the gears of the car and turned around to back up the car. Unfortunately, blinding lights halted his actions. The lights seemed to belong to an eighteen-wheeled truck, one that barreling towards you three.

"What the...," Claire began confused.

"Holy shit," Leon mumbled once he realized the truck was not stopping.

"Everyone get out. Get out now!" Leon shouted and looked directly at you, worry glazing his eyes.

You didn't hesitate to grab for the handle of your door. You went to push it open, but the weight of the many monsters on the car hindered you.

"I can't!" You shouted back as you continued to try and push the door open.

"Hold on!" Leon yelled and grabbed for your hand as you both braced yourselves.

The truck soon smashed into the back of the car. The impact caused your body to jerk forward and your head to bash against the dashboard. You feel a pressure release from your hand, and you knew the force also separated you and Leon.

As you opened your eyes, your vision was blurry, and things were hard to make out. Despite your disadvantage, you were able to push your door open and crawl out of it.

The ground was cold and wet due to the rain that cast over the city. You continued to crawl away from the car until you felt a wall just before you.

You pressed your back against the wall and waited for your sight to restore. However, before that could happen not one but two explosions occurred. Luckily, you were far enough for nothing but the heat to affect you.

"(Y/N), are you okay?" the voice of Leon shouted. You were glad he too was okay. You stood from the wall as your vision cleared and you could see again.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine, nothing a little Neosporin can't fix," You said jokingly as you wiped the blood from your now cut forehead.

"How are you?" You asked finally realizing that the explosions were because of the car and truck.

"I'm fine. Claire are you okay?" Leon asked from the other side of the fire.

"Just peachy," Claire spoke from a direction you no not where.

"We can't stay here it's not safe," Leon shouted knowing he was getting harder to hear.

"You go ahead. We'll all meet at the station," You stated quickly not wanting to stay here and be in any more danger.

"Yeah okay," Claire agreed quickly and ran away from the scene. She must have been in danger as well.

"(Y/N), you stay safe okay. I want to stare at you some more," Leon said sweetly. In any other circumstance that would seem odd, but you knew Leon. That was him saying he loved you but not in a way that came off as a goodbye. He'd be damned if he wouldn't see you again.

"Yes, sir," You said giving a mock salute even though he couldn't see it.

You soon heard a single gunshot, and you knew he was now making his way to the police station.

You observed your surroundings and saw that you were blocked off from the main road by the exploded vehicles. There was only way out of your scenario, and that was through a near back alley.

You checked your pockets and made sure your gun was still there. Once you realized it was, you placed it in your hands so you could be ready for anything.

You made your way down the back alley promptly and noticed a tall fence blocked your path. The gate had a lock on it, and you were not going to waste ammo to unlock it. So, you decided to climb the fence.

You again pocketed your gun and began to climb the fence. However, before you got very far something had grabbed for your leg. It was a monster.

It continued to try and pull you from the fence and bite for your legs, but your many kicks to the head stopped it.

After a few blows, the monster fell to the ground, but it wasn't dead yet. So, you speedily made your way up and over the fence before the monstrosity could stand again.

You turned around to face the being as it stood and flicked it off for the trouble it had caused you.

After that, you made your way through the stair paved back alleys trying to find your way back to the main road. For you didn't know much about Raccoon City, especially not it's back alleys. However, you knew you couldn't be very far from the station since the accident was close.

After a few minutes of wondering the back alley, you saw a bright white light that read, RPD.

That's it, that's where you needed to be. Hopefully, Leon had beat you there, or he was not far behind you.

Once closer you realized the building's parking lot stood crowded with cars. The cars made a maze of sorts, making it harder to reach the entrance of the station.

You currently did not have the patience to deal with this, so you constantly jumped or slid over said cars.  All this physical activity was honestly draining you a bit. However, you knew now was no time to rest, you were truthfully running on adrenaline at this point.

Soon you were placed in front of the gates to the police station.

You pulled at the gates, but they did not budge. You tried again, but it only rattled the gate and caused noise to come from it.

"Shit," You mumbled to yourself once you noticed the group of monsters you were attracting. You pulled away from the gate and brought your gun up to aim at the monsters.

You were doing well fending for yourself, but you knew you would be out of ammo soon. At this point, you could either run or hope Leon was currently inside. You went for the latter.

"Leon!" You shouted hoping that your fiancé was in the station. Fortunately enough for you, he was, and it did not take long for him to come to help you out.

"(Y/N)!" Leon shouted back as he took in your predicament.

"A little help here love," You said as you aimed and shot at another monster.

Leon didn't hesitate in taking down the monsters you had yet to shoot.

Soon enough there were only a few monsters left.

You went to shoot another, but your gun let out a clicking noise. In times like these, this noise was your tombstone. However, you were not going to go down like this. You had a plan.

"I'm out," You said over your shoulder to Leon.

"I'm going to sprint for the gate. Can you open it for me?" You questioned as you backed away from an approaching monster.

"Yeah whenever you're ready," Leon said from behind the gate. He took down the monsters closest to the entrance before grabbing for the mechanism that kept it closed.

You quickly sprinted for the gate, not daring to slow down in the slightest until you were safe.

Leon opened the gate once you were close enough and you bolted through it.

You then heard the gate closing again and Leon pushing the bar back in place.

At this point, you were hunched over and gasping for much-needed oxygen. Your lungs were tight, and your heart was rapidly beating.

You soon felt a calming hand placed on your back. You knew it was Leon. After a few short seconds, you stood up straight and turned to face Leon. Before he could take you in you brought him in for a tight hug.

He chuckled at your actions but hugged you back all the same. He released himself from your hold and grabbed for your hand. He wanted to take you inside the station where you would be safer.

Once inside he closed the door and brought you over to a desk to sit on. He then started tending to the small wounds that you had acquired on your way here.

"I'm glad you're okay," Leon said finishing up the last of his treatment.

"I'm glad we're both okay," You added wrapping your arms around his neck.

You both entered a comfortable silence as you placed your foreheads together. You were taking in each other and being thankful for the other.

"It's good to see your face," Leon said breaking up the silence.

"I love you too," You replied with a smile before bringing Leon in for a passionate kiss.

A/N: Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading this imagine as mush as I enjoyed writing it. I love the remake of Resident Evil 2 and I could not help writing a story about Leon here. Our Real Proud Dad! This one was really long sorry. Anyway feel free to let me know what you guys think!

Lots of Love <3

[thefifthturtleismyicon]

Glowing

Tmnt x reader

Pt 1

TMNT reader insert- first of a longer story- but i think I'll write it as a master post and not a series

Basically me writing my ideal version of TMNT, just because I have no paitience, but works with any version of the turtles... except maybe 2k18....

Anyway, if you guys like it, i would love to actaully make it seem more reader focused, this first part is still pretty void of any turtle x reader lol

FEEDBACK MAKES IT MORE FUN FOR BOTH OF US

Anyway....

The Ninja turtles run into a human like mutant who is after the same kind of ooze as them, but when they keep crossing paths, they realize they have a lot more in common than that.

There was one thing that made mutants hard to identify- other than the fact they were so good at hiding. Sometimes, there were ones lucky enough to seem human at a glance.

You were one of those mutants- and right now, you had a problem. That problem was plural; other mutants- who looked much less human than you.

Turtleish actually.

You landed hard against the roof, shoes scraping against the old cement as you tucked into a roll. The glowing can of ooze was warm against your side, pinned between your torso and your arm. It made it much harder for you to run, which was probably the only reason you hadn’t outmaneuvered your pursers yet.

As you sprinted across the moonlit rooftop, you could hear the silent movements in the shadows, the deft patter of feet following after. If you had been anyone else, that probably wouldn’t have been possible. The movements of your pursuers were as quiet as you had ever encountered, and it didn’t help that you were in the middle of New York City. They seemed to know how to stay hidden- and they were gaining on you.

You chanced a brief look behind you as leaped over an air vent, head snapping back forward for your eyes to land directly on one of the mystery mutants.

Yeah- it was a turtle.

Your eyes widened at the tall, muscled figure a few yards away from you, brain quickly digesting the red mask, sai’s, and aggressive stance. He was blocking your path.

You rolled your eyes and pulled out one of your guns from your chest holster, pointing it at the dark green turtle, still running. The red-masked mutant’s eyes widened and he immediately dodged out of your way, bracing himself for gunfire. You simply kept running, leaping off the edge of the building that the turtle had been guarding. Sounds of dismay and annoyance rang out from your other pursues followed by a loud exclamation you couldn’t exactly make out.

You made it to the other side of the next roof, glaring down at the large gap between the next building and yours. The way you had taken to get here had been much easier, but now the canister of ooze you had under your arm made it harder for you to just walk through the street with the civilians. You bounced on the balls of your feet impatiently, trying to run through and pick an option as fast as you could. The only ways of getting away with the chemicals seemed to be getting down the street and hoping no one thought you were suspicious enough to call the cops or fight.

You decided to take the easier option.

You placed one foot up on the ridge of the building, but then suddenly a whistle cut through the air and you rolled backward, just barely avoiding the sturdy bostaff that slammed down where you had been standing. Pressing the ooze more closely to yourself, you watched as the taller turtle moved the staff to face you, a small smile on his face. He was clad in heavier equipment than the last- and seemed to have goggles strapped to the front of his head.

“Hi.” The purple-masked turtle offered, pointing the bo staff in your direction, staying low in a crouch.

You didn’t respond to his greeting verbally. You lunged forward and grabbed the staff, yanking hard and pulling it toward you. The turtle let out a yelp of surprise as he stumbled, and was probably just as shocked when you kicked him across the face.

Having moved him out of the way, you again went for the building’s edge, when a chain wrapped around the edge of the ooze canister, tugging you backward. You held on tightly, rolling backward into the pull and through the next pursuers legs, pulling hard. The orange-clad turtle was flipped onto his back, arm dangling on the other end of the nunchucks. He was staring up at you with big eyes, much less angry than you would’ve been. All that came out of his mouth was an excited giggle of surprise, one that you could barely hear as you ran once again for the building edge.

You jumped over the ridge and slammed down onto the fire escape, beginning to flip down through the metal bars as the three turtles began yelling at each other. You smirked slightly, knowing they couldn’t be crazy enough to follow into the view of civilians, and once you hit the open streets, you would just hitch a subway ride and be home free.

Suddenly, another turtle swung in from outside of the fire escape, kicking you against the wall. You grunted as you hit the bricks, ducking quickly as the blue-masked turtle punched where you had just been standing, surging forward and jabbing your shoulder into his plated stomach. He likewise slammed back against the staircase, looking at you in a new light. After that brief second of rest and sizing up, you lunged for the next set of stairs, which the turtle blocked with his arm, stopping you each time from passing under or over him. You weren’t going to be able to beat him with one arm. You groaned in frustration and tossed the metal canister into the air, the turtles focus immediately on the ooze, which gave you the opportunity to grab his still slightly outstretched arm and judo flip him, slamming the turtle down against the ascending staircase. The canister landed between your feet and you let out a breath, pushing the (h/c) strands of hair out your face as you picked up the container.

You scrambled down the rest of the fire escape, landing loudly on the dirty cement below. The alley tucked just a few feet away from the bustling street and you rushed toward it, hopes rising as you neared the human packed area.

Those hopes were dramatically crushed in the same way you were, slammed down into the pavement by large feet. Your skull brushed against the pavement as your arms were pinned under you, the cannister popping out of your grasp.

“No-” You grunted hazily, your vision swimming as you attempted to get up.

“Mikey!”

“What?”

“You- you can’t just jump on people like that!”

“It stopped her didn’t it?” The turtle exclaimed, a sense of indignation in his almost surfer like accent. The other voice scoffed, and you could feel three other pairs of feet hitting the pavement.

“You could have crushed her.”

“I didn’t.“ The turtle- Mikey- replied, leaning down and turning your head to the side, “I didn’t crush you did I?”

You groaned in response, one hand reaching out to your head, pulling away and looking at the dark blood that was now smearing your hand. Mikey seemed to take the response well, nodding up at the others.

“See? She’s fine!”

Mumbles of disagreement rose up from the turtles as they stared down at you, the tall purple one reaching down and picking up the ooze. Your eyes widened, cloudy brain clearing as you realized you had lost the canister. You surged upwards, Mikey yelling in surprise as you threw him off of you. But before you could reach the turtle, the red and blue turtles both had their weapons pointed at you, keeping you from the other.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” The red-masked turtle growled, his voice unmistakably accented. Your eyes leveled with the two weapons, sizing up your four opponents. You might have been able to take them all on at once before your head had cracked against the pavement- but now? There wasn’t much of a chance… but you needed that ooze. It didn’t matter how little of a chance you had.

Your arms snapped up to the holsters at your ribs, fingers wrapping around the handles of your guns, which was met by a katana pressing close to your neck. You froze, glaring at the blue-eyed turtle. He stared back, knowing you had nothing else to do.

“Let go of the guns.”

“I need that canister.” You snapped back, eyes hard as you glanced between him and the ooze.

“So do we.” He replied simply, taking in your black military grade outfit.

You shifted on your feet, fighting the urge to rush forward, even with the katana in your way. They didn’t understand and you didn’t have time to deal with them. You needed those chemicals.

“Raph, take her guns.”

“No! Hey- don’t-” You let out a loud groan as the guns were wrestled from your sides, Raph smirking down at you as he tossed the weapons around in his three-fingered hands.

“Okay… Mikey do you still have those bungee cords?”

“Aw- not my bungees Leo, you know I was going to try to use those!”

“Would you rather she follow us?”

“No…” Mikey replied, grabbing your shoulder as Leo kept the sword close to your head.

Panic was beginning to build in your chest, realizing that they were going to leave you there, and you weren’t going to be able to…

Your gaze snapped up to Mikey, and you raised your hand, grabbing his arm. A loud yelp rang out from the shortest turtle and he stumbled away from you, his arm swinging uselessly at his side.

“Mikey!”

Your hand glowed softly, the mutagen in your veins pulsing. You stumbled backward, ready to run, but was stopped by the crushing grip of the red turtle.

“Let me go!”

“Not after what ya just did ta my little brother-”

“Oh, he’s fine! Just let me go!”

“Raph!” Leo hissed, rushing forward. “They’re going to hear her!”

“Well, what am I supposed ta-”

“Help! Help, I’m being k-” The tallest turtle lunged forward past Leo, his hand slapping over your mouth, muffling your screams. You wiggled in Raph’s grip, body brimming with frustration as they yelled over your sounds of the struggle.

“Donnie don’t touch her! You saw what happened to Mikey-”

“I’m touching her face! Raph is holding her off the ground- what difference does it make?”

“I don’t know! I just-”

“AH! She’s licking my hand!”

“Donnie. Donnie- don’t you dare let go. It’s just-”

“It’s wet!”

“I know! Just wait till I-”

“My hand!” Donnie exclaimed, “I can’t feel my hand!” Just as he was saying so, Donnie’s hand grew limp, just as Mikey’s arm had. You laughed in triumph, shaking your head free of his now lifeless hand.

“Woah- her tongue is glowing!”

“It’s kinda gross,” Raph said.     

“You mean cool.” Mikey quipped back as you began to yell again, which was muffled by Leo placing a ripped bandage over your mouth. You screeched as Donnie duct taped the bandage to your face, struggling to do so with one working hand.

Eventually, the turtles had you duct taped and tied down to the fire escape ladder, arms behind your back as you struggled to get loose of the bungee cords.

“You don’t think she's going to break those is she?” Leo asked warily, looking at his youngest brother.

“No way! I was going to use those to bungee off the empire state building. If they could hold me, she won’t be able to break them.”

Your eyebrows furrowed at the comment, wrists working feverishly to break through the cords.

“So we’re just going to leave her?” Donnie asked, still nursing his hand.

“We have to, she’s too good to not just follow us,” Leo replied,  staring down as you shook your head.

They couldn’t leave you-you needed the ooze! You screeched as they began to climb back up the fire escape, about to disappear into the night. Mikey suddenly stopped, looking down at you for a moment, his brows quirking up in sympathy. And then as fast it had come, he smiled down at you and waved. You stomped your foot as the last turtle hopped up onto the roof and out of sight. You strained against the bungee cord, waiting to see if any of the turtles would change their minds. It would’ve just been easier if one of them stopped to ask you what was wrong.

Instead, you had to follow them now. You sighed, standing up straight and pulling your wrists apart, the bungee cord stretching to a point where you slipped one wrist out, and then the other.

They really should’ve checked how stretchy the bungee cord was. Because now, you had to go and find their hideout. You needed that ooze. And you were going to get it no matter what.

[blackcatkita]

The Consequence of Secrets- Chapter 16

The Return to Lythikos

Liam x Jennifer, Drake x Olivia and Leo

Jennifer and Leo have arrived in Lythikos! Drake and Olivia are... well, Drake and Olivia, with a little (huge) addition! This is another long one (big surprise) but there is a read more in there I swear. The tag list is at the end so we can get right into it and as always, if you want to be added, removed or moved to my perma tag, just let me know! I hope you like it and if you do, like, comment or reblog! I appreciate every single note. If you have any questions (beware, I may not answer them) or care to discuss this chapter or any other of my writings, my inbox is always open! 

Word Count- 7307 (I know, I know, sorry not sorry)

For all other works, please see my MASTERLIST

Disclaimer- I do not own these characters, that honor belongs to Pixelberry Studios, I’m just playing with them.

_______________

 When Jennifer woke from her nap with a blanket draped over her and a crick in her neck, two things immediately became evident, her brother-in-law was a thoughtful guy, and she should have brought a pillow. She had barely slept an hour and spent the remainder of the drive north working on her latest project while Leo snored softly beside her.

Jennifer and Liam both believed that for their reign to be considered a success, their citizens should not only survive, but thrive as well, and one way to do that was to give attention to the cultural aspects of Cordonia that Constantine ignored for so long. Liam had a deep affection for the arts and had been working with Hakim and Joelle on ensuring that the national museums and theatres were properly run and funded. While Jennifer shared her husband’s love for the arts, her true passion was animals.

The menagerie in Valtoria brought her so much joy, but it’s space was limited and there were so many animals out there in need of rescue. Working closely with zoologists, veterinarians, animal rights groups and the Cordonian Zoological Society, Jennifer was well on her way to building a large animal sanctuary outside the capital.  

The first order of business was obtaining the funds needed and so, she found herself organizing a fundraiser. Letters had gone out far and wide, including a ‘personal’ note from the King and Queen themselves. Even her parents got in on the action, her father’s company pledging the ridiculous amount of three million dollars. She knew right away there was an ulterior motive, and she didn’t mean a tax write off, her parents never did anything without asking for something in return. It had taken all of fifteen minutes to find out what it was. Her mother had the audacity to ask to be in the room when she gave birth and Jennifer told her in no uncertain terms to shove it up her ass… she didn’t think that check was coming.

“We will be at the estate in a few minutes Your Majesty.”

Glancing up from her laptop at the voice from the front of the vehicle, she’s surprised to see the snow covered ground out the window. Time flies when you’re reading through lists of silent auction items and menu options. Shutting her computer and stowing it into her bag, she reaches across the gap to nudge Leo, laughing when he yelps, and startles awake. He yawns, blinking sleepily at her like a newborn puppy.

Duchy Lythikos looks the same as the last time she was here, with slightly less snow. When the vehicle stops in front of the house, the guard from the passenger seat opens her door, giving her his hand to help her out. She takes it and stands, stretching her arms over her head and arching her back with a groan. Since Liam wasn’t here to rub her back, she was definitely going to have to do that stretching routine tonight. “I swear there were less stairs last time.” She pouts, glancing up at the manor.

Leo walks up, his duffel bag slung casually over his shoulder again. “I’d offer you a piggy-back ride, but your stomach might be a hindrance.” Offering his arm instead, she takes it and begins the climb to the front door.

“King Liam requests we do a full sweep of the house before you enter Your Majesty.” Andrew, the guardsman standing slightly behind her to the right says.

“Well, Queen Jennifer requests she doesn’t freeze to death on the porch.” She retorts, reaching for the sword shaped door knocker. She loved how protective Liam was and he had good reason to be, but in this instance, he was being paranoid. Olivia had more than proven her loyalty and Drake was here, he would never let anything happen to her. The pommel of the sword clacks against the metal plate affixed to the door as she knocks three times before stepping back.

Loud guttural barking sounds on the other side of the door, continuing as she hears Olivia’s screaming voice yell over it. “Control that mutt before he knocks over the pregnant Queen!”

Jennifer’s eyes widen, surprised that Drake convinced Olivia to let a dog into her house. “Now there’s a sound I never thought I’d hear coming from Olivia’s house.”

“No kidding.” Leo chuckles as the barking becomes muffled, moving further away. “Maybe living with Drake has softened little Livvy into a normal person.”

“We’ll see…” She had no doubt that Drake and Olivia cared for each other, anyone that paid attention could see that, but they could still be considered… volatile. It was going to be interesting to see their dynamic now that they were cohabitating.

Olivia stands in the middle of the foyer as the door opens, the attendant who opened it presumably hidden behind. “Your Majesty. Prince Leo.” She greets. “Welcome to Lythikos.”

The light scent of orange hits Jennifer’s nose as she enters, taking in the wood surfaces that gleam without a speck of dust. “Olivia!” She exclaims, wrapping her in a hug that Olivia stiffly returns with one arm. “I missed you!”

“Must you do that every time we see each other?” Olivia steps back, her face trained in a scowl while she smooths the front of her crimson sweater. “Your constant need for affection is disgusting.”

“You love me. Admit it.” Jennifer grins.

“I will not.” Olivia replies curtly, her lips pressed together.

Leo’s face is the picture of mischief as he drops his duffel bag on the floor, the sound echoing around the vast entrance hall. “Livvy…” He teases, moving quickly toward her with his arms outstretched as she puts out her hand and steps back, panic in her eyes. She bumps into a large table behind her, the vase of flowers rattling from the impact while he takes her face in his hands and leans in to kiss her cheeks.

Jennifer removes her coat with a smile and hands it to the sheepish man waiting for it as Olivia squeals, turning her face away and pushing against Leo’s shoulders. “Get those things away from me! God only knows where they’ve been!”

“You don’t know how right you are Duchess.” Leo chuckles, winning the war against her and pressing a kiss to her cheek while she grimaces. “It’s good to see you again. Where is the illustrious Sir Drake?”

“Putting that menace of a dog away.” Olivia gestures to a staff member who immediately begins taking their bags up the stairs. “There’s refreshments in the parlor, follow me.”

“But I want to meet the dog!” Jennifer exclaims, following at Olivia’s heels into the lounge. She eyes the tea set on the coffee table beside plates of pastries and finger sandwiches and her mouth starts to water in anticipation. Her caffeine addiction had been a real bitch to get over and she still found herself tempted after five months of not having it.

“You will. But not until he settles down. It’s… quite large and Drake has yet to break him of his tendency to jump onto shoulders.” Olivia settles herself onto the sofa, leaning back comfortably and crossing her legs while Leo plops down beside her and reaches for a sandwich. “The tea is herbal, by the way.”

Jennifer smiles, letting that be her reply. Olivia liked to pretend she didn’t care about anyone, but her actions proved otherwise. She showed how much she cared in many ways, like changing the menu to suit Drake’s tastes at the Winter Festival, turning over every bit of information she had about her family without question or knowing Jennifer shouldn’t have caffeine and planning accordingly. She knew better than to address Olivia’s thoughtfulness out loud, but that didn’t mean she didn’t appreciate it.

“Jennifer…”

Her smile widens at the voice behind her, he’s quiet, tentative. “Drake…” She breathes out, turning to look at him. He stands awkwardly at the entrance to the room, a small smile playing on his face. His hair is longer than when he left, styled back away from his face, the beard he’s grown short and well maintained. He looks handsome in his dark green sweater and jeans, Lythikos has been good to him.  

He steps forward with his arms open slightly, his eyes falling to her stomach then back to her face with a questioning look. “Can I…?”

“Yes… you won’t squish the baby.” Smiling through her watering eyes she closes the distance between them, reaching up as he crouches down slightly to accommodate her much shorter frame. His strong arms wrap around her waist, holding her close, their chins resting on each other’s shoulders. She stays there a few moments, comforted as she breathes in the scent that is his alone. If Liam smelled like the sea, Drake smelled like the forest, like earth and wood and just a hint of burning logs.

“Damn, I missed you.” His chest rises and falls against her own and he steps back, his hands still on her waist as he appraises her with a smile. “Pregnancy is a good look for you Rys.”

“Thank you.” She smiles broadly as his hands drop to his sides. “Lumberjack is a good look for you.”

“Yeah yeah…” He chuckles, running his hand through his facial hair. “This beard comes in handy in this climate I’ll have you know.” Walking past her, he greets Leo with a handshake before turning to Olivia with his eyebrow raised and his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Can I bring the dog out now, Your Grace?”

“Yes! I want to meet the dog!” Jennifer exclaims with a little bounce.

Olivia rolls her eyes, her signature smirk on her lips. “If he can control himself, fine. Jennifer, you should sit down.”

Drake smiles, leaving the room through the same archway he entered as Jennifer sits in the armchair across from Olivia and Leo, remembering Olivia’s comment about the dog jumping on shoulders. The bark sounded like a large breed, but shoulders? What was it, a Saint Bernard?

“Just how big is this dog?” Leo asks.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Olivia sighs deeply.

The biggest damn dog she has ever seen comes amiably trotting into the room, his tongue lolling out of his scruffy face. He has to be nearly three feet tall, his head almost reaching the top of her own as she sits on the edge of the armchair. His hair is wiry, mixed with shades of grey and black, with golden eyes and floppy ears. 

Leo lets out a low whistle, his eyes widened at the sight of the immense dog. “Holy shit… You’re right Livvy, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

The dog looks around at Olivia and the two visitors before making up his mind and walking over to Jennifer. “Hello there.” She says giggling, reaching out her open palm for him to sniff. His kind golden eyes meet her blue ones and he licks her hand, nudging under it with a whine, asking her to pet his head.

“I knew he’d like you.” Drake enters the room, taking the chair next to her. “Jennifer, meet Toast. Toast meet my friend Jennifer.” Toast looks over to his master, taking one step toward him before deciding to stay with the new lady petting him.

“You’re a handsome one, aren’t you?” Jennifer asks the dog, giving him a thorough scratching as his eyes close in bliss. “What kind of puppy are you?”

“Irish Wolfhound.” Drake replies. “I met him at the animal shelter when Olivia and I volunteered there. An elderly couple brought him in because he was too big to handle. They wanted an Irish Setter but got confused by the breed names. He and I hit it off, so I brought him home, he’s less than a year old but fully grown.”

“Thank the gods for that…” Olivia mumbles.

“Why did you name him Toast?” His tags shake with a metallic chime and he lets out a sound, halfway between a whine and a grumble as Jennifer scratches under his collar. “Oh yeah… that’s a good spot isn’t it?”

Drake shrugs. “He likes toast.”

“If he doesn’t stop chewing up my shoes and shitting in my closet he’s going to be toast.” Olivia cuts in forcefully.

“Maybe you should try being nicer to him.” Drake responds with a side-glance at Olivia.

“Designer shoes are yummy, aren’t they? Yes, they are…” Toast rests his head on Jennifer’s knee, his golden eyes turned up to her while she continues to pet him. “Can we go back to Olivia volunteering at the animal shelter? And please tell me there are pictures.”

“No, we may not and no there are not.” Olivia scowls. “If you’re quite finished making kissy face at the dog, perhaps you’d like to freshen up before dinner, it will be served promptly at five thirty.”

“That sounds great actually. I can wash the road off and I want to call Liam. I was supposed to call him when we got here, I’m kind of surprised he hasn’t called me yet.”

“Oh, great…” Leo grumbles, looking at his watch. “It’s four, which means we have what? Approximately three hours before this place is swarming with the royal guard?”

“You’re being generous with the time Leo.” Drake laughs heartily. “He probably sent the jet, which means it could be any minute now.”

Olivia quirks the corner of her mouth in a sly, half smirk half grin and shoots Jennifer a smug look. “I’ll send a car to pick him up.”

Rolling her eyes and fighting the urge to flip them off, Jennifer stands, choosing to ignore them instead. Maybe people didn’t understand the deep love she and Liam shared, but she certainly wasn’t going to apologize for it and one of these times she was going to say something she would regret. “Come on Toast, we can facetime with your Uncle Liam, he’s going to love you.” She walks away, Toast looking up at her as he follows alongside. She stops briefly in the archway, turning to look at the humans in the room. “I’ll see the rest of you assholes at dinner.”

~~~~~

After a fifteen minute facetime with Liam between his meetings, a long hot shower, and a change of clothes, Jennifer makes her way down to the dining room to meet the others, finding them all seated around the table already.

“How are you still always the last to arrive?” Olivia asks in way of a greeting.

Drake leans to the side in his chair to look behind her, “Where’s Toast?”

“Hello to you too.” Sitting across from Leo, she picks up her napkin, shaking it open and gently placing it on her lap. “He’s curled up on my bed, fast asleep.”

“You’re not stealing my dog Rys.”

“Wanna bet?” She asks with a mischievous grin. Drake grumbles in response as servers bring out platters overflowing with racks of ribs, roasted potatoes and half ears of corn. Never in a million years would she have expected to see such a spread in Olivia’s house, Drake has clearly had an influence on her lifestyle.

“Don’t worry Jen, I won’t tell Liam you didn’t have a salad for dinner.” Leo chuckles from across the table while Olivia rolls her eyes, already over his jokes.

“I eat plenty of meat Leo. You’re just never around long enough to notice.” A heavy silence descends on the table at her harsh tone, the only sound coming from Drake chewing his food slowly until he swallows with a soft gulp.

“Touché… But, maybe that will change.” Leo looks at her, one side of his mouth curled up, winking at her for good measure.

The four fall into friendly conversation as they eat, with Leo talking about his racing career at length and what his plans are now that he was getting divorced, she can’t help but notice they don’t sound any different than the plans he had before.

As long as she has known them, Drake and Olivia have bickered about everything, and she is not surprised to find that’s still the case. In the last hour, they’ve argued about everything from the sauce on the ribs being too sweet to Drake’s taste in whiskey, all while shooting each other coy smiles across the table. It’s refreshing to see them so openly flirty with their teasing and it isn’t until Olivia brings up Drake refusing to attend the spring picnic at the palace that the mood becomes uncomfortable.  

“Let it go Olivia.” Drake says through clenched teeth, his narrowed eyes warning her as a server takes his empty plate.

“You won’t explain it to me, maybe you’ll explain it to her.” Olivia inclines her head to Jennifer, her grip so tight on her butter knife that her knuckles are white. “It’s her invitation you’re refusing after all.”

When they received the proposed guest list for approval, Jennifer was surprised to see Drake’s name and attempted to cross him off, Liam was the one who insisted he should remain. She opens her mouth to speak, closing it with a gasp as Drake slams his hand on the table, the remaining dishes rattling under the force of his blow. “I’m going to the stables.” Pushing away from the table, he stands so abruptly the legs of his chair thump against the floor before walking away.

“Oh of course!” Olivia shouts at Drake’s back. “Go run to the stables like you always do!”

“I wouldn’t need to if your stable hands did the job they were hired to do!” Drake yells back over his shoulder.

Leo’s wide eyes meet Jennifer’s, one corner of his mouth stretched to the side in a grimace. He glances over to Olivia, still clutching her knife, “I think I’ll join you!” He jumps up from his chair, giving Jennifer a look that says ‘good luck’ before retreating out of the room.

Jennifer watches the empty doorway and waits until she hears the back door open and close before turning to Olivia, “Does he do that often?”

Olivia sighs, relaxing her grip and placing the knife down softly. “Only when I bring up Liam, the palace or court in general.”

“Maybe you should stop bringing it up.” Jennifer reaches for her water glass to avoid Olivia’s stern gaze. She knew Drake better than most and how to handle him, but he was in a relationship now and she didn’t want to step on Olivia’s toes. She would have to tread carefully to not cause a bigger argument.

“Nevrakises don’t give up.” Jennifer fights the urge to roll her eyes, happy that she did as Olivia’s resolve crumbles and she hangs her head, resting her forehead in her palm. “He’s driving me crazy.” She states simply.

“Okay…” Jennifer responds slowly, unsure what she should do with that bit of information. “What is he doing that drives you crazy?”

Olivia lifts her head, the fire back in her eyes and raises her hand, ticking off her grievances on each finger. “The man won’t eat a salad to save his life, he spends half his time nitpicking the holes in my security and the other half lecturing the stable hands that they aren’t ‘nice’ enough to the horses. Then to top it all off, he has the nerve to let that beast into our bed! Do you have any idea how much space that thing takes up? I live in a constant state of dog hair.” Her nose scrunches in disgust as she picks at her sweater, brandishing a long black dog hair like a fencing sword.

“Then tell him you don’t want Toast sleeping in bed with you.” Jennifer shrugs. “Problem solved.”

“Ugh.” Olivia rolls her eyes, waving her hand in dismissal. “That’s the least of my concerns. He needs something else to occupy his time.” She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms, “You have to do something about this.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Jennifer asks, confused as to what she had to do with it.

“Make Liam talk to him.”

“I can’t make Liam do anything.”

“Oh please.” Olivia snaps, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Everyone knows you have him wrapped around your little finger.”

Attempting to quell her annoyance at Olivia’s comment, she rests her hand on the baby and closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly before her eyes open again. It isn’t the first time someone assumed she had absolute power over her husband, but if that was true, he would have been speaking to Drake months ago. Liam was his own man, and he could be stubborn when he felt strongly about something, this situation being a prime example. They were finally able to put that night behind them and she wasn’t willing to put her marriage at risk again. “This is different Olivia. If I push too hard before he’s ready, it’s only going to make it worse. This has to be Liam’s decision.”

Olivia’s shoulders fall with a resigned sigh, “I knew those two were stubborn, but this is ridiculous. If I keep pushing the issue he’s bound to relent eventually.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought when I tried that method too…” She shakes her head, closing her eyes against the sting of fresh tears that annoyingly came whenever she had any kind of emotion. She would never forget that night, never forget the look on his face when he admitted that the thought of Drake touching her disgusted him. Determined not to cry, she blinks back the tears, stopping her thoughts from going down that road. “Let’s just say… it wasn’t a pleasant conversation.”

Olivia’s eyes soften as she watches her, the corners of her mouth dipping into a frown. “So, what do we do?”

“At this point I don’t know if there’s much else we can do. One of them is going to have to open up the line of communication.” Sighing deeply, she looks through the archway into the hall, staring at nothing while she formulates a plan. “Let me talk to Drake, see if I can convince him to at least call Liam. If he does, I know Liam will talk to him.”

“You do have an annoying ability to get people to do what you want. And Drake will listen to you.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure, but I’ll try.” She stands, yawning into her hand as she stretches, her eyelids heavy from the events of the day. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow, but for now, I’m pooped. I’ll see you in the morning Olivia.”

“See you in the morning Jennifer.”

~~~~~

The sky is still dark with night early the next morning while Jennifer lays in bed, staring at the ceiling after a fitful night of barely any sleep. She considered herself to be a strong person, prided herself on it, and her ability to take events in stride was the envy of many who knew her. The thought that she wasn’t ready to return to Lythikos hadn’t even crossed her mind when she decided to come, but her lack of sleep proved otherwise. She had been fine when she was on the phone with Liam, but after she dozed off on him for the third time he insisted they hang up, so she could get some rest. It had been little snippets of sleep since.

First, she tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable in a strange bed without him, missing his warmth on her back and his strong arms around her, only succumbing due to pure exhaustion. Several times in the twilight of sleep, she imagined she heard a noise, or felt someone enter the room. Paralyzed as she laid there, the nerve endings in her spine tingling until she was able to shake herself awake, her heart racing as she listened intently, the only sound the pounding in her ears.

When she did manage to fall asleep completely, her dreams were filled with Anton’s face, standing next to a bassinet at the side of her bed, staring down at her child or back in the vault below, with his gun pointed at her chest while she cradled her baby in her arms. Each time she woke up in a cold sweat, shivering from both fear and the cold air with tears in her eyes and her stomach in knots. While awake, her rational mind knew that she and the baby were in no danger, Anton was gone, but that didn’t stop her subconscious from haunting her.

Turning the lamp on and playing music on her phone helped a little, relaxing her enough to doze until she woke to a rhythmic thumping sound coming from somewhere down the hall. She was just about to call someone to see if they were being invaded when Olivia’s cries of pleasure reached her ears. Suddenly, Liam’s parting gift made sense and she ran as quickly as she could across the room to get her purse, dumping its contents on the bed in a desperate search to find the earplugs. Since then, she’s been lying there, her mind racing with thoughts of how exactly her husband knew Olivia was a loud lover. Knowing his alarm would go off at six o’clock, and unable to take it any longer, she waits until 5:45 to sit up and dial his phone.

She hears the smile in his voice as he answers, “You’re up early.”

“Couldn’t sleep.” She states pointedly. “Care to tell me how you know Olivia is a loud lover?”

She hears him shift in bed, taking far too many seconds to answer for her taste. “Have you been lying awake all night worrying about this?”

“Answer the question Liam.”

“Very well. I know Olivia can be…” he clears his throat, “vocal, because I’ve stayed at her home many times over the years.”

“Did you ever sleep with her?” She forces the question out despite the tinge of worry in her stomach. If she’s being honest, it didn’t really matter at this point if he had or hadn’t, they were married, happy… He didn’t know the men she had slept with before they got together… but maybe that was the problem. He didn’t know them, didn’t have to see them… she knew Olivia.

“Of course not. Olivia and I have always just been friends, you know that.”

“Sometimes people have sex with their friends.”

“That may very well be, but in this instance that is not the case.” He yawns, and she pictures him in bed, so handsome with his blond hair disheveled from sleep. “Did you honestly think I had?”

“No… not really.” Laying back with a sigh, her head sinks into the plush pillow, “But if you had…”

“Jennifer, I didn’t.” He assures her, chuckling. “I would never lie to you, I swear.”

“I know that. Of course, I know that.” That was something she could always count on, he always told her the truth, even when she didn’t want to hear it. Like the time she attempted to make a roast leg of lamb and he essentially said it was disgusting. “I’m sorry I woke you up.” She adds, feeling very foolish for letting her thoughts get the best of her.

“I wish I could say waking up to your voice was a nice surprise, but I was already up. I didn’t sleep much last night, too busy missing my beautiful wife. How is that baby of ours?”

“Just fine, rolling around like usual.” She smiles down at her stomach as she rubs it up and down, the fabric of the tank top she wore to bed soft under her hand. “I missed you too, I barely slept at all.”

“I wish you had called earlier.” Chance lets out a roo in the background and Liam whispers to him, undoubtedly petting him as he does. “I could have eased your mind.”

“That was only part of it.”

“What was the other part?” She sniffles as tears well in her eyes, again, too embarrassed to admit that she wasn’t as strong as he thought she was. “Jennifer… What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No…” She answers slowly, knowing he wasn’t going to let this go and that she shouldn’t have brought it up. Now he’s just going to worry until she gets home. “not this time anyway.”

“Ah, I see…” He says quietly.

“It’s stupid. I know he’s gone, that he can’t hurt us anymore but…”

“But that doesn’t stop the painful memories.”

“Or the nightmares.” She hadn’t dreamt of Anton in months, but then, she hadn’t been in Lythikos either... and they never included the baby before. “My dreams have been so vivid since getting pregnant but usually you’re there to calm me down.” She pauses, “Maybe I shouldn’t have come here without you, I just didn’t think it would affect me like this.”

“You went through a traumatic experience there, especially considering the person behind it was someone you trusted. It’s only natural to have some residual effects.”

“I suppose you’re right, it’s just frustrating to know I’m afraid for no reason.”

“It’s not for no reason.”  She hears Chance barking and huffing in the background, part of his morning routine. She closes her eyes, mentally following them across the bedroom and downstairs to fill his bowl while the coffee brews. “Maybe you should come home early.”

“No. I didn’t let that asshole win before and I’m not going to do it now.” With her face set in determination, she takes a deep centering breath, “I can do this.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that you can My Queen. I just hate the fact that you’re having a hard time and I’m not there for you.”

“You are here for me Liam.” She assures him, “You should already be in the shower getting ready for your day but instead you’re delayed because you’re talking to your irrational wife.”

“You’re not irrational Jennifer.” He pauses to take a drink of his coffee, “Do you want me to come there? I could leave in a few hours, I just have to rearrange some things.”

Her heart quickens at his words, he’s willing to come to what was essentially Drake’s house. She hadn’t even thought to ask if he wanted to come with them, convinced that he wouldn’t. “You want to come here?” She asks hopefully.

“Well… No, I don’t want to come… but if you asked me to, I would. Without question.”

Her smile stretches across her cheeks, warmth spreading through her chest at what he was willing to do for her. Rearranging his schedule and driving five hours to a place he didn’t want to be just because she couldn’t sleep. “I love you. You know that?”

“I do.” He chuckles, “And I love you.”

“You don’t need to come here Liam, it’s just one more night. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

“If you’re sure… try to get some sleep okay? I’ll be right here if you need me.”

“I will. I’ll call you later.”

“I look forward to it Love.”

~~~~~

She doesn’t remember falling asleep when she wakes, shutting her eyes tightly against the late afternoon sun blazing through the west facing window. A groan rumbles in her throat as she rolls onto her back, every muscle stiff and afraid that any further movement would cause her bladder to burst. How long was I sleeping? She wonders, not being able to focus on the phone still clutched in her hand until she closes one eye. Three o’clock? Nine hours of blissfully nightmare free sleep… no wonder she was sore. The phone pings, causing her to jump slightly with a text from Leo.

“Ok seriously. Are you alive in there or what?”

“Alive… and awake. Be down in a bit.” She types back before scrolling through the seemingly endless list of missed calls, texts and emails.

“Cool. Cause I did NOT want to explain your demise to Liam.”

Laughing she swings her legs out of bed, her screaming bladder quickly letting her know that movement was a bad idea before heading to the bathroom to make herself presentable.

She spends the rest of the afternoon returning calls and messages while listening to jokes about Sleeping Beauty, the leisurely life of a queen and rip van winkle until dinner, unsure if the salad she’s served is a joke or a coincidence. They were leaving in the morning and as she eats she thinks of ways to get Drake alone, finally getting the opportunity when he retreats to the stables after dinner.

Donning her black pea coat, she carefully makes her way down the snowy path to the stables in the fur lined boots she borrowed from Olivia just moments ago. It’s a beautiful walk with the setting sun making the crystalline surface of the snow sparkle in shades of orange and yellow and the pine trees lining the path covered in fluffy white snow. The only thing missing was multi-colored lights strung around them and she would think she was walking through a Christmas card. She stops for a moment to take in the scene, inhaling the crisp air deeply, thinking that if this conversation went well, maybe her and Liam could come see it decorated for the holidays in person.

The smell of fresh cut hay tickles her nose before she even crosses the threshold of the stables with a blast of heated air from the vent above hitting her face as she steps in. Drake stands inside, wearing only the grey wool sweater and jeans he had on at dinner with a clipboard in his hand and his brow furrowed as he looks down at it, scanning each page until turning to the next one. He had only been in Lythikos for five months, but already he’s accustomed to the cold enough that he doesn’t need a coat.

“Hey Drake.”

Startled, he drops the clipboard as he turns to her in surprise. “Jennifer? What are you doing out here?”

“I came to talk to you.” He bends down to pick up the fumbled item, hanging it on a hook outside the stall he’s in front of as she walks over. “You’ve been avoiding being alone with me all day.”

“No, I haven’t.” He argues, retreating to the next horse. “I had stuff to do, that’s all.”

“Like checking the stables…” She looks up at the chestnut Arabian in front of her, its arched neck and small muzzle giving away it’s breed. “What’s this one’s name?”

“Chestnut. You can pet her, she’s very friendly.” Reaching into a nearby barrel and pulling out an apple, he looks as though he’s going to toss it before he walks over with a grin on his face, handing it to her instead. “How’s Marabelle?”

“Good.” Smiling, she inclines her head toward the horse, “Not the most creative name is it?” Drake chuckles as Chestnut eyes the apple while Jennifer pets her muzzle, the horse nudging her hand until she gives in and holds it out for her to eat. She waits for Chestnut to stop chewing to pet her again, “On the way here, Leo told me a story about you and Liam shoving him in the garbage chute.”

Drake’s deep laugh reverberates around the room, “Yeah we did. Oh man… that was great. My dad had to hose him off outside after, so Constantine didn’t find out. I don’t even remember why we did that…” She glances at him and his eyes squint as he looks past her, deep in thought until they brighten with a chuckle. “Oh yeah, Leo convinced Olivia that even though we complained about it, one of our favorite things to do was play dolls with her.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t throw him off the roof!” She laughs, imagining the three of them playing with dolls.

“The thought may have crossed our minds.” He admits. “I highly doubt you came all the way out here to talk about me and Liam’s childhood though.”

“Well no.” Feeling another blast of hot air, she unbuttons her coat, fanning herself with the lapels before sitting on a nearby bench. “But I did come out here to talk.”

He lets out a slow breath, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, I figured.” He leans against the wall across from her, his leg bent with the sole of his foot pressed against the wood as she pauses to gather her thoughts. “Spit it out already Rys.”

“Are you coming back to the palace when your suspension is over?” Drake looks down at the floor, shrugging in response. “You’re going to have to do better than a shrug… use your words Drake.”

“Even if you don’t like the words?” She nods, mentally preparing herself for the blow she assumed was coming. “Alright then…” Looking down at her with his lip tucked between his teeth, he shakes his head almost imperceptibly, “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Liam needs you.” we both do…

A bitter chuckle escapes his lips, one side of his mouth curved up in a half smile. “No, he doesn’t. He has you.”

“It’s not the same and you know it.”

Breaking his eyes from her intense gaze, he swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing against the force. “What I know is… he didn’t want me there and I’m going to continue to honor his wishes.”

“That was before... if you would just call him I know we can…”

“You and Olivia need to accept the fact that things are different and move on.” His voice is firm as he points at her and then himself, “I have.”

“They don’t have to be different!” She exclaims in desperation as tears begin to well in her eyes. “Drake, please…” She begs, standing up and reaching for his arm as he turns and steps away. “If you would come back or even call him he would talk to you he just can’t do it himself. He misses you, I know he does he just can’t admit it yet. He’s still hurt but he…” Her words come fast, trying to fit everything she needed to say to convince him until he cuts her off.

“Dammit Jennifer I can’t!” He whirls back around to face her with an exasperated expression, his hands balled into tight fists. She gasps and steps back, surprised by the sudden movement. “You think I didn’t see what me being there did to you guys? I saw everything. I saw how my presence made him feel… how it made him act, he couldn’t even look at me for Christ’s sake. You expect me to come back and jeopardize your marriage? Again?”

“You didn’t jeopardize our marriage Drake, Liam and I are fine, we’re happy.”

“Yeah… now you are.” He pauses and looks away, his chest rising and falling in a heavy sigh before turning back to her, his softened eyes searching for something in her own. “Look me in the eye and tell me that you weren’t, even for a moment, afraid for your marriage. If you can do that… I’ll come back.”

She draws in a deep shuddering breath as her gaze falls to his chest.

“That’s what I thought.” He nods knowingly, his voice soft. “You can’t ask me to do this Jennifer.”

Tears spill from her eyes when she blinks, cascading down her cheeks as she wraps her arms around her extended stomach. Drake was right, she had been afraid of losing Liam and they didn’t truly begin to heal until after Drake left. Just the thought brought a wave of misery that threatened to crush her heart. She feels her face crumble and can’t suppress the sob that bursts from her mouth before turning away, hiding her tear filled face in her hands.

He places his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly. “Shh… it’s okay… you’re okay…” He says softly, patting her back in an awkward attempt to calm her down. “Please stop crying…”

“I don’t know… how to… fix this.” She chokes out, the words muffled into her hands and punctuated by her sobbing.

“There’s nothing you can do, what’s done is done. Maybe in time Liam will forgive me and things will be different but…”

But he already has, she knows he has… if only he would admit it. Drake continues his weird patting as she takes a few moments to compose herself, willing herself to stop crying like an overly emotional basket case. “You can stop patting me now weirdo.” He clears his throat and removes his hand, fidgeting behind her while she furiously wipes the moisture from her cheeks. She can’t believe she broke down like that in front of Drake of all people, he must think she’s nuts. Taking a deep breath, she turns back around to face him, “I probably should have warned you about how emotional I’ve been lately.”

“That would have been nice, yeah…” He averts his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck. “Listen Jennifer… about me not coming back… I’m sorry but for now, this is how it has to be. I can’t put Liam through anymore than I already have. I hope you can understand that.”

A warm smile spreads across her face as he looks at her curiously. She understands completely, that everything Drake has done since that council meeting was for Liam’s benefit… and hers. “You’re more noble than any of the men at court Drake Walker.”

“I don’t know about that…” He grins, a light blush creeping up his cheeks. “Now come on, let’s get back to the house before Olivia sends the hounds.”

~~~~~

After an unpleasant conversation with a disheartened Olivia, a long shower and a goodnight phone call with Liam, Jennifer gets ready for bed, packing up the last of her things when she is surprised by a knock on her bedroom door. Opening it, she finds Leo on the other side, wearing grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt under the blanket he has draped around his shoulders with a pillow under his arm.

“Can I help you?” She asks slowly, wondering what the hell Leo was doing outside her bedroom at this hour.

“We’re having a sleepover.” He walks past her into the room with a beaming smile, not bothering to wait for an invitation. Her feet remain planted with her hand holding the edge of the door and her mouth hanging open in confusion as she watches him pull an ottoman closer to the chair in the corner of the room. Satisfied with the distance between the pieces of furniture, he fluffs his pillow and sits, placing the pillow behind his head and leaning back with his legs stretched out.

“Liam called you, didn’t he?” She should have known Liam would try to do something to make her feel safer after their conversation. Since he couldn’t be there himself he sent the next best thing, his brother. That person used to be Drake... the realization brings a fresh wave of regret.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” He says, adjusting himself into a more comfortable position with a satisfied sigh.

Seeing he clearly wasn’t going anywhere, she shuts the door and moves to the bed, pulling back the covers and turning off the lamp before climbing in. She lays there in the dark, her thoughts on her husband. He was always thinking about her and her wellbeing, making sure she had everything she would ever need. She wasn’t surprised that he called Leo, he was worried about her. What was surprising was that Leo was willing to sleep in a chair, all so she could feel safe. “Hey Leo… thanks.”

“No problem Jen. Get some sleep.”

Series Tag- @liam-rhys @hopefulmoonobject @bobasheebaby @topsyturvy-dream @cordoniaqueensworld @hellospunkiebrewster @choicesfanatic86  @gardeningourmet @jayjay879 @kaitycole @drakesfiance @cocomaxley @viktoriapetit @mrs-simmy @ayo-minty-jess @jared2612 @crookedslimecreatorpasta @annekebbphotography @flowerpowell

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[midnightcindy]

To Love a Sinner: Chapter 8

        “Alyn, Leo,” Robert said formally. “Have you met my date for this evening?”

          The two men both smiled tautly, albeit for separate reasons. Alyn because of Billie’s piercing glare, and Leo’s because all he could do was picture her naked. “No,” the both answered.

        “Ah, this is Willa.” Robert settled his hand on Billie’s waist, gesturing with his glass of wine. “Lovely, isn't she?”

          “Gorgeous,” Leo said, reaching forward to take her outstretched hand. Instead of shaking it, he kissed the back gently and winked.

          Billie couldn’t hide the small amused smirk that appeared. “Nice to meet you both.”

          Robert chuckled. “Leo is quite the flirtatious one, but he means no harm, I assure you. And this is his brother Alyn. He’s the silent type.”

          Alyn’s cheeks darkened, and he felt sick. “Hey,” he grunted.

          Billie’s lips tightened into a frown. “I see.”

        Robert chuckled. “Willa and I have been acquainted for a few months now, right darling?”

          Billie nodded, pressing her lips together. She didn’t need to affirm, because Robert was already continuing.

          “We met one night purely by chance, I was walking down the street and saw this incredible woman looking completely distraught. And it’s so fortunate that I found her, no woman should be walking around at night in a neighborhood like that. Wouldn’t you agree gentlemen?”

          Alyn couldn’t breathe. “What neighborhood’s that?”

          “You know,” Robert said, gesturing generally with his glass. “The one with that club you two like, connected to the hotel. You’ve both been there, right?”

          Alyn knew exactly what hotel that was. The one he and Leo had spent so many nights working for Robert or making Billie scream. Or as Alyn most prominently remembered it, the place he last saw Billie.

          “That one. Terrible neighborhood. Horridly dangerous in the middle of the night. So I decided to offer this specimen of a woman a ride home and well,” Robert smirked, sipping his wine and rubbing his palm on Billie’s hip, “the rest I’m sure is obvious.”

          Billie shuddered when he pulled her closer, pressing a deep kiss to her hair. Then, she cast a narrowed eye toward Alyn.

          Alyn avoided her prying stare as Robert ignored their interaction. A waiter stopped by and nodded to another gentleman by the doorway. Alyn recognized him as a high-profile client. Robert cleared his throat, and excused himself. “Willa, darling, I need a moment with a friend of mine. Feel free to entertain yourself as you like.”

          Billie nodded, and flinched when Robert kissed her cheek before hurrying off. There was only a moment of awkward silence between the three of them before Billie huffed past them, brushing harshly into Alyn’s side and walking briskly toward the hall.

          Leo crossed his arms and turned to Alyn, who was frozen on the spot. He glanced to Billie, and back to Alyn. “You’re really gonna let her walk off like that?”

          Alyn glared at his brother, but caught sight of Billie’s retreating form as she disappeared into the shadow of the hall.

          Gritting his teeth, he spun on his heel and hurried after her. Dodging bodies in the crowd poorly, Alyn bumped and struggled to make it to the hall. Just as he reached an opening, he glanced around, looking at all of the doorways. To his right, he just caught sight of Billie’s dress rounding a corner.

          Following quickly down the hall, he was confronted with a door. He pushed past it and met the chilly night air of the city. He was surprised to find a balcony, and a pissed off woman in a black gown resting on the rail.

          When Alyn shut the door behind him, Billie whipped around with a gasp. Then, her mouth turned into a hard line. “What the fuck are you doing here,” she exclaimed.

          “What the fuck are you doing here,” Alyn shot back.

          Billie scoffed. “I am on a date, asshole. You told me you didn’t want to see me anymore, remember?”

          Alyn bit his tongue, before seething, “But with him? You seem like you can barely stand to be next to him.”

          “Robert has his own way of showing he cares about me,” she shot, hands on her hips. “So what if it’s not what I’m used to. I don’t expect you to understand what intimacy looks like. I’m fine, believe it or not. I’m finally seeing someone classy.”

          Alyn’s face was hot, and he almost laughed. “Classy? Robert? I don’t think so.”

          Billie rolled her eyes. “What, jealous I’m moving up in the world? He’s a quality man, Alyn. He actually makes an honest living, unlike you.”

          Alyn stared at her. “Wait- you… you don’t know?”

          “Know what?” Billie’s resolve faltered for a moment.

          “Oh God, Billie,” Alyn rubbed his face. How would he tell her?

          “Alyn, stop fucking with me. Just leave me alone,” Billie started walking past him.

          Alyn reached out and grabbed her elbow. She stopped immediately, and Alyn’s hand shuddered at the feeling of her skin again. For a moment, he let his thumb drag along her bicep, relishing in the soft flesh beneath it. Then, he snapped his hand away, and Billie recoiled into herself as well. “Ah…” Alyn cleared his throat. “Robert… he’s not a good guy. You should stay away from him.”

          Billie snickered. “Yeah, okay Al. See you.”

          She started walking away again, and Alyn finally whipped around and said it. “He’s my boss, Billie.”

          Billie stopped, the clack of her heels scuffing on the concrete. Slowly, she turned back. Her mouth hung open, eyes blinking. “Wh… what?”

          Alyn pursed his lips, stepping back to rest against the railing. He sighed, the sound carried off with the breeze and the city sounds. “I never told you about where I worked or who it was for… but it’s Robert. Leo and I aren’t here enjoying the party either, we’re… uh…”

          Billie whispered, “Clean up.”

          Alyn closed his eyes, the pain in his chest as fresh as the day he left her. “Yeah.”

          Billie loosed a thin breath. “Shit…”

          Alyn looked away from her. “You can’t say you know me,” he said, his back toward her. “It could be bad for both of us. Just go back down to the party, and after tonight stay as far away from us as possible.”

          He expected a nod, a door to close, and for her to disappear into oblivion again. That would have been the best option. Instead, he heard the sound of her slow steps toward him, and a gentle touch on his arm.

          Jerking slightly, he turned to see her staring up at him. “Is this…” She stepped toward him, “Is this why you left me?”

          Alyn felt the wind knocked out of his lungs. Here she was again, her perfume swirling around him like a fog. It would have been so easy to fall into her again. To kiss her like he’d dreamt of every night, to hold her the way his body had never forgotten.

          His arms fell away from his chest too easily, and as they brushed his side, her fingers entwined in his. “Alyn,” she breathed, so achingly close.

          She was almost his again. It would have only taken a kiss. She was so close to him now, her breasts brushing against the lapels of his suit. She was so ready for him to come back, he would have been forgiven. His hand moved upward, ready to brush the strand of silky, violet hair away from her deep, emerald eyes.

          But then, he pulled away. He took back his hands and closed his eyes, turning away from her once again. This time, however, his words were soft. “Stay away from us, Billie. It’s for the best.” He turned back to the exit, and pulled open the heavy door. He did pause though, just once more, and gave Billie a sad look. “I’m sorry, but you look beautiful in that dress.”

          Alyn didn’t stay to watch her gasp and shudder, or call his name. He just hurried down the hall, and wandered aimlessly back into the party. Instantly, Leo was at his side. “Alyn, what the hell happened?”

          Alyn just looked at his brother coldly. “Are we done here?”

          Leo stared at Alyn, searching his face. “Yeah, all’s been quiet so far, but,” Leo leaned closer, “are you all right?”

          Alyn ducked his head, and walked away. Leo reached out for his shoulders to turn him back, but Alyn shrugged him off harshly. He disappeared into the crowd, and Leo shook his head. He talked to himself when he said, “Alyn, what did you do?”

          But Leo didn’t have wonder long. He turned around, and Billie was running into the ballroom. She halted upon seeing Leo, her big, glistening eyes meeting his.

          He sighed, and shuffled toward her. “He left.”

          Nodding, her shoulders dropping, she said, “I figured.”

          Leo sighed through his nose, and rested a palm on his shoulder. “I don’t think I should tell you this,” Leo said, “but I’ve never been good at keeping secrets. Frankly, I think Alyn is an idiot for letting you go.”

          Billie’s eyes shot to Leo’s face, wide and waiting. “What?”

          Leo smiled softly. “He’s absolutely crazy about you, and he’s terrified you’re going to get hurt. But I’ve never seen him like this before in our lives. I think he needs you, sweetheart.”

          “Why are you telling me this?” Billie’s expression stretched wide, her eyelids fluttering.

          Leo’s hand slipped from her shoulder. “Because he’ll never be honest with you until he can be honest with himself, and I doubt that will ever happen.”

          Billie took a shaking breath. “Wait, but-”

          “There you are, lovely,” Robert cut in. He slid his arms around her, and she nearly jumped.

          “Oh, Robert,” she breathed. “You scared me.”

          “How could I scare you, my dear,” Robert said, his eyes flat. “I should only frighten those who have something to hide from me.”

          Billie shifted uncomfortably. “W-why would you say something like that?”

          Robert smiled, and pressed a kiss to her lips. Leo watched the exchange from a short distance, noting Billie’s slight pull away from his embrace. But Robert pulled away happily, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. “Don’t worry, love. I’m only teasing.” Robert slipped his hold around her again. “Would you like to go back then, my darling? I could use some company tonight. It’s been a long evening.”

          Billie smiled sheepishly, but shook her head. “I’m sorry, Robert. I’m exhausted tonight. I think I would rather go home.”

          Robert nodded, kissing her forehead. “Very well. I will arrange a car for you.”

          “Thank you,” she said, and hesitated before reaching up to press a chaste kiss to his cheek. “I will see you tomorrow, I promise.”

          “I expect it,” Robert said, and his voice was somehow more menacing than necessary. “Don’t be late again.”

          Billie laughed lightly, but Leo could see the strange apprehension in her eyes as she walked away.

          When she was gone, Robert turned to Leo. “She’s a spirited thing, isn’t she?”

          Leo chuckled. “Yeah, gotta love the wild ones, right boss?”

          Robert smiled tightly, but crept toward Leo. “I am well aware of your attitudes toward women, Leo. If I see you getting too friendly with what’s mine again, I will hire your brother to do a job I normally require both of you for.”

          Leo’s heart sank in his chest as Robert walked away, but not for himself. “Oh God, Alyn,” he shuddered, resting his palm against his lips. “What did I do?”

______

        Alyn’s hair was still damp as he put the towel back on the rack. He stretched his arms above his head, groaning as his muscles relaxed. His sweatpants swished as he walked through his apartment to grab a drink before bed. Rubbing a hand on his chest through his white tee shirt, he yawned and thought about the evening. “Jesus Christ,” he breathed blearily, slamming the refrigerator door shut. He closed his eyes, trying to push away the image of Billie’s face so close to his own, pink lips warm and inviting…

          “Agh,” he shook his head. Maybe he needed another cold shower.

          Alyn was seriously considering it when there was a knock at his door. Leo, for sure at this hour, come to check on him after his fast escape from the party. Alyn groaned, scratching his neck. “Gotta be confronted at some point,” he chagrinned.

          Walking to the door, he flung it open and met eyes with the person standing outside his apartment. His hand fell away from the knob when instead of familiar crimson, he stared into unforgettable emerald. Billie ducked her head, eyes hopeful as they fluttered. She pulled her sheer wrap tighter around her shoulders, and Alyn wished for all the world he had chosen to dunk himself into cold water. “Can I come in?”

[jbankai89]

Never Let Me Go [10/37]

A/N:  Trigger Warning: This chapter contains elements of sexual harassment and references to abuse/capital punishment. Next update will be October 10th

Chapter Nine – Singled Out

“Oh, how precious.”

The sudden voice snapped both Yuri and Otabek from their little bubble, and they turned to see a young man with golden skin and long brown hair coming towards them with a bright, sunny smile upon his face. Yuri swallowed nervously when he felt Otabek's arms tense around him.

“Leo,” Otabek acknowledged with a nod, “what do you want?”

“Oh, nothing,” he replied smoothly, “just thought you guys look so cute together...you know you hear all sorts of crazy things through the grapevine, and it's kind of hard to believe that you haven't marked your omega yet, you seem to like him a lot.”

“We are waiting for the right time. Yuri will let me know when—and if he is ready to be marked,” Otabek answered stiffly. Following his statement, Leo cocked his head curiously at the pair.

“That sounds oddly familiar...” Leo replied with a chuckle, and he lifted his arm, holding his hand out, palm up, and in an instant Guang-Hong was there, both his hands closing over the alpha's outstretched one immediately.

“Leo?” Guang-Hong asked uncertainly, tilting his head to the side as he gazed at him, “is something wrong?”

“No, no,” he chuckled and tugged his hand from the omega's to wrap an arm around his waist. Guang-Hong smiled shyly at the familiar touch, but appeared far from unhappy about it. “I just wanted you to tell your friend and his alpha about when I took you home.”

“Oh, um...Leo asked me to decide when to mark me,” Guang-Hong answered, his brow furrowed with confusion, as though this was something painfully obvious. “After he took me home, he left me alone, but came to talk with me a lot...and sometimes it wasn't talking; we played video games and watched movies and played board games. When my heat hit I asked for it, but he used a...” Guang-Hong suddenly turned very pink, “well, you know. He said he didn't want kids yet.”

“Yeah, but he didn't collar or microchip you, did he?” Yuri asked, just barely managing to keep his voice even, instead of acidic.

“What?” Guang-Hong sputtered, and his eyes widened as his gaze fell on the steel circlet around Yuri's throat, and seemed to realize in that moment that Yuri wasn't wearing it for mere decoration. “Of—of course not! That's totally barbaric!”  

Yuri raised his eyebrows as he looked over at Otabek, who was wearing an appropriately shamefaced expression.

“Do I need to tell you, I told you so?” Yuri asked mildly, and Otabek dropped his arms from around the omega as he looked away.

“Go see Yuuri,” he said hollowly, “I need to think.”

Yuri did not need telling twice, and he hurried away from Otabek, Leo, and Guang-Hong and over to Yuuri, who was still standing awkwardly with Viktor.

“Yes,” Viktor was saying to an alpha with brown hair and tan skin, “we were hoping for one, but three! Well...just goes to show that my omega is the very pinnacle of fertility!”

Yuuri's face flooded with colour as Viktor placed a hand on his stomach, and the alpha laughed.

“I'm thrilled for you, Viktor,” he said, “I know you've always wanted a big family, and...who's this?” the stranger turned and smiled at Yuri, his voice taking on a high lilt as though he'd just spotted a small child. “And where is your alpha, little one?”

Yuri's face burned at the tone with which this alpha spoke to him, and he curled his hands into fists. As he debated the pros and cons of responding snidely to his tone, Yuuri seemed to sense danger, and quickly cut in.

“He's my friend,” Yuuri said quickly, drawing the stranger's attention back to him. “Viktor invited him and Otabek. His name is Yurio—uh, Yuri.”

“Two Yuris?” he asked, and raised a brow as he levelled his gaze with Viktor, “and you didn't snatch them both up?”

“I was never much for the whole harem lifestyle,” Viktor replied smoothly, “one Yuri is more than enough for me.” He turned his attention to Yuuri, and brushed his lips over the omega's in a light kiss. “Why don't you go visit with Yurio? You haven't seen him all evening, and this is your night too, after all; I'll have Mickey keep me company.”

“Okay,” Yuuri nodded meekly, “thanks, Viktor.”

Viktor responded with a smile and another kiss, then let Yuuri go, and he hurried over to Yuri. Viktor turned his attention back to the stranger, apparently called Mickey, while Yuuri looped his arm around the blond's elbow, and dragged him away.

“Little one?” Yuri hissed when they were out of earshot, “what am I, five?”

“Don't make a scene,” Yuuri whispered back urgently, “Michele loves teasing omegas, the only one he really respects is his own, Emil. If you make trouble, he'll ask for a punishment, and he'll want to watch Otabek mete it out.”

“It never ceases to amaze me how charming these assholes are...do you know this from experience?” Yuri muttered, and Yuuri frowned, though he did not contradict him as they wove away from them.

“Not me, no, he's not stupid enough to ask for punishment on me because...well...you know.” Yuri grimaced, and his hand dropped to his stomach as they walked. “But he's got an eye on Minami, and he and Seung-Gil have double-teamed on him a few times...he's not nice, Yurio.”

“That kid really got the short end, didn't he?” Yuri asked as they stopped near the buffet table, while Yuuri picked up a little star-shaped finger sandwich, but picked at the flimsy bread instead of eating it.

“He was so hopeful, I feel really bad for him, he didn't deserve this—any of this.”

“Sort of lends credence to what I was trying to tell you guys back at the House,” Yuri muttered, and crossed his arms while his gaze flitted over to Otabek. He wasn't with the other alpha anymore; instead, he was standing in the corner looking sulky. The sight gave Yuri a sick sense of satisfaction as he turned his attention back to Yuuri.

“Viktor's been good to me, and Leo and Guang-Hong seem to be getting along really well, it's just you and Minami who seem really miserable...” Yuuri trailed off as he stuffed the sandwich into his mouth and reached for a second. Yuri didn't comment—he was pregnant after all.

“Otabek said he's going to try and help Minami,” Yuri said, his voice low, “I don't know if I believe it, though.”

“That's about as safe as poking a crocodile with a stick,” Yuuri replied softly, “I want to believe it, but...don't get your hopes up. A while back, I asked Viktor if there was anything he could do, but he said he couldn't, it was too dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” Yuri asked, blinking in confusion at his fellow omega, and Yuuri nodded.

“Yeah. He's involved in something...big,” Yuuri replied cryptically. “The sort of thing where if you wrong him, you'll disappear, and no one will miss you, that sort of thing. Viktor was afraid something would happen to me if he interfered.”

“Otabek said he'd try to help Minami,” Yuri repeated, and his gaze once again flicked over the the alpha in question. This time, Otabek caught him looking, and their eyes met. The cool calm was enough to make him shiver, and he looked back over to Yuuri. “Do you think he knows all that stuff?”

“I don't know,” Yuuri replied as he shrugged. “Viktor always says that Otabek is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, tied up in a riddle. No one really knows who Otabek is. He's not big on sharing. Viktor claims he's friends with your—” Yuri glared at Yuuri's wording, and he cut himself off quickly to rephrase it. “Viktor claims he's friends with Otabek, but he still knows next to nothing about him—no one really does.”

“I've been living with him for a little while now, and I don't even know if I know him...” Yuri muttered while he kept his attention focused solely on his companion. “All he ever talks about is me, or my heat cycles, or how he wants to knock me up. He...he scares me.”

“Tall, dark, mysterious, and rich...most omegas would jump at a chance to have someone like him,” Yuuri pointed out, and Yuri immediately shook his head.

“The first thing he did when he took me to his place was microchip me and put a collar on me like...like a dog.” Yuri cut himself off as he felt a wave of nausea nearly overwhelm him, and he took several slow breaths to try and calm himself down. “There's nothing good about him.”

Yuuri frowned at him, but didn't answer. Even as Yuri had voiced the words, he felt the tiniest tendril of guilt settle in the pit of his stomach. It was true, many things about Otabek's character were far from good. He did not trust Yuri, and had all but chained him to the house. But at the same time, when his heat had come, he did not pounce on him like an animal, not had he marked him—yet. He seemed at least genuine in that respect, and he had promised to try and help Minami, but it was unclear how much of that was out of the so-called goodness of his heart, and how much of it was yet another ploy to try and get Yuri to let him in.

Yuuri opened his mouth to continue their conversation, the crease between his eyebrows giving Yuri the impression that he was going to contradict him, but at the same moment the parlour doors crashed open, and Yuri hissed a curse as he recognized the alpha letting himself in at once.

“Hail, hail, the gang's all here!” JJ cried jovially, swaying a little as he brandished a large, half-empty wine bottle. “My inv'tation musta got lost in the mail. Viktor! So nice to see you again!”

Yuri watched the effect the scent of an unmated alpha had on the partygoers with a morbid sort of fascination. The four alphas had been standing in a circle near the centre of the room, talking and drinking, while Guang-Hong had been chatting with Emil on the other side of the room. Upon JJ's entry, the alphas took on distinct protective looks, while the other omegas adopted fearful and tense expressions.

Guang-Hong darted towards Leo, and he wrapped an arm around the omega's middle. He whispered something into the young man's ear, and Yuri watched Guang-Hong visibly relax. Michele left the group to go to Emil, and wrapped his arm around him, while Krasava squealed and reached for her father happily, blissfully unaware of the tense atmosphere around her.

Yuri had been so distracted watching the others that he hadn't been paying attention, and an elbow suddenly nudging his ribs nearly made him jump out of his skin.

“What?” he hissed at Yuuri, who winced at Yuri's sharp tone. He did not verbally respond, but instead nodded towards the centre of the room. JJ had joined the group, and was leaning against Viktor, while Otabek was motioning at Yuri with a very clear message: come here.

It was an almost alarming contrast to the look Yuri saw Viktor shooting Yuuri, which clearly said, stay there.

“Duty calls, I guess,” Yuri muttered, and he shuffled reluctantly over to his alpha.

The moment Yuri reached him, Otabek immediately slipped an arm around Yuri's waist and tugged him close. Yuri stumbled into his side, and felt his face burn at the round of chuckles that the reaction was met with.

“Got yourself a little fighter there, Otabek,” JJ teased, his words heavily slurred, “sure you're alpha enough to tame him?”

“I never said I wanted to tame him,” Otabek responded coolly, “I like his fire. I wouldn't have chosen him otherwise.”

“Yes, but fire needs to be doused, otherwise it gets out of control,” Viktor pointed out as JJ straightened up, though JJ's eyes had not strayed from Yuri, which was making him very nervous. “A fire can warm you, but if it gets out of hand, it will destroy everything it touches. In my opinion, meek is better.”

There was a murmur of agreement amongst the alphas that chilled Yuri to the bone.

As he stood there listening to the alphas talk,Yuri wanted to ask what he was doing there, and why Otabek wanted him near when it was clear that Viktor's intervention was keeping JJ from accosting any of the omegas, but the words never quite made it out of his mouth. Otabek kept a possessive arm around Yuri at all times, tightening his hold when the topics got more serious, as though doing so would protect Yuri from hearing them; in particular when the discussion turned to the OLF, the Omega Liberation Front, which was comprised mostly of beta men and women who lost their omega children to a House.

“Bunch of selfish, idealistic hippies, if you ask me,” JJ said, his cheerful demeanour fizzling out as he slowly sobered up and the topic came around to the movement. “So many omegas get mistreated in places like Scandinavia because they're free to roam around after puberty—it's safer for them to be looked after like that.”

“Too true,” Michele added with a small nod as he joined the conversation. “All those unmated omegas running around, it's a wonder they get anything done. You know they're even letting omegas vote over there, and get employment, and the ability to separate from their alpha if they want? It's totally ridiculous.”

There was a murmur of agreement, and Yuri felt his stomach churn uneasily. Otabek did not contribute to the conversation, and his arm around Yuri became taut and tense as the conversation progressed. Yuri shifted a little closer to Otabek, and found himself at a loss for what to do. Speaking up about how he and others like him deserved basic human rights seemed like a bad idea—it was five against one at the moment, and Yuri did not like his odds.

“What about you, little omega?”

The sudden voice startled Yuri out of his thoughts, and his gaze snapped up to see Michele had gotten much closer to himself and Otabek.

“I'm sorry, what?” Yuri winced at the feeble sound of his own voice, and he felt his face burn at how terribly weak he sounded. He tried to take a step back, but Otabek's arm around him stopped him from going very far.

“Do you want to be left out on your own like that?” Michele asked, raising his eyebrows at Yuri, “no alpha to care for you, no House to keep you safe and fed—nothing. Just you and whatever comes along with that.”

“I—I...” Yuri swallowed thickly, and pressed himself more securely against Otabek. He had no idea what to say, and after Yuuri's dire warnings, he found himself genuinely terrified of saying the wrong thing. He hated how weak this made him look, but the memory of his last punishment was still very clear in his mind, and he had no desire to repeat it.

“Oh, stop crowding him, Mickey!” Viktor said, the forced cheer in his voice so false that Yuri cringed at the sound of it. “This is a party. Not the place for boring political debates. Let's get you something to eat, my chefs have whipped up so many nice little nibbles, and you bunch of lushes have hardly touched it. Come on, let's go.”

Viktor herded Michele away and tugged JJ along with him, while he looked back to offer Otabek a tiny nod, which he returned. Only when the three alphas were far enough away that they were unlikely to overhear, and when Leo led Guang-Hong away with Emil close behind did Yuri finally turn to Otabek.

“What was that all about?” he demanded without preamble, “why did you want me to hear all that, or did you just want me on your arm, like some sort of...of...toy or trophy?”

“I wanted you to hear what an actually monstrous alpha sounds like, so that you'll stop painting me as the bad guy,” Otabek replied, his voice a soft hiss. “I won't deliberately force myself on you, but I want you to understand what a real monster sounds like.”

Yuri yanked himself out of Otabek's hold, and narrowed his eyes at him.

“Just because you didn't agree with them that omegas are some sort of subhumans doesn't make you any better. I'm still chained to you, I still can't escape you. You may as well have agreed with him, because all your so-called promises to me are just thinly veiled attempts to get me to present my ass to you. That will not happen.”

Otabek's jaw seemed to be working furiously, and his expression darkened from plaintive to angry. He abruptly spun on his heel and stormed from the room, leaving Yuri alone.

Almost at once, an unfamiliar arm snaked around his waist.

Yuri spun, and paled when he saw that JJ was the one holding him.

“Hello there, little one,” he said with a smirk, “looks like your alpha left you here all alone with no one to protect you...”

“Let me go,” Yuri said in a rush, and he felt his dignity crumbling around him as he struggled to keep calm, and his voice even. He repeated the mantra of don't make a scene, don't make a scene... over and over in his head in an effort to remind himself what awaited him if he said or did the wrong thing. “Please...I just...”

“And are you telling me what to do, omega?” JJ asked as he leered at Yuri, and the omega immediately lurched back, though the alpha did not release him. “It's not your place to tell an alpha anything; you belong to us. We decide what you wear, what you eat, and, of course, when you will become a mother. You don't even need to think for yourself; your alpha, if he is a good alpha, he does it for you.” He leant in closer, and Yuri could smell an unpleasant mixture of whisky and wine on his breath. “Isn't it just so much easier when we tell you what to do? All you say is yes, and do as we say. It's an easy life, but if you want to make it hard on yourself, I'd be happy to oblige you.”

“Please,” Yuri repeated shakily, “I-I'm not telling you to do anything, y-you're...my alpha will be back soon, we just had a—a disagreement...”

The tone in which Yuri spoke was slowly killing him, not because it was feigned weakness in an effort to get the alpha to back off, but because it was true. This man utterly terrified him, and for the first time all evening, he wished Otabek was there.

And, of course, he wasn't.

“A disagreement, eh?” JJ purred, inching closer, while Yuri leant back a little. He looked around the room frantically, but no one seemed keen to come to his aid. Leo and Guang-Hong were standing in the corner talking quietly to one another. The omega, Emil, was feeding tidbits from the table to his daughter while Michele held her, and Viktor was speaking animatedly to a staff member who appeared to be the chef or caterer—Yuri wasn't certain which.

Yuuri, however, was nowhere to be seen.

“Yes, just a disagreement,” Yuri replied shakily, “he doesn't like other alphas touching me, and—” Yuri cut his own explanation short as he felt the bile rising in his throat. Despite the necessity of speaking of himself like this—anything to get this scumbag to back off, he simply couldn't do it. He could not speak as though Otabek was a class above him.

“JJ,” a sudden voice said. “What exactly do you think you're doing with my omega?”

Both Yuri and JJ turned, and Yuri saw Otabek standing there, his arms crossed, and his brow furrowed into an angry glare. He looked more dangerous in that moment than Yuri could ever recall seeing him before, and standing not two feet behind him—was Yuuri.

Realization dawned on Yuri—Yuuri had gone to get Otabek when he saw the trouble.

Yuri didn't know whether he wanted to thank him or hit him.

“You leave an unmarked omega alone at a party, what do you think would happen?”

“I expected him to be treated decently, not like he's something that can be taken as arbitrarily as the last sandwich off a platter,” Otabek growled, his eyes narrowing. “Let him go, now.”

JJ lifted his arms in surrender, and Yuri fell to the floor with a soft grunt. The man was still smirking as he wandered over to Viktor, and whispered softly in his ear. Viktor's normally cheerful expression dissolved, and he began to very gently escort the partycrasher to the door.

“Yuri.”

Yuri spun at the sound of his own name, breathed out like a sigh of relief, and suddenly he was overwhelmed by the familiar scent of Otabek's overpriced cologne as the alpha embraced him.

Far too shaken by the encounter to even try to fight, Yuri wrapped his arms around Otabek's neck and clung to him. The alpha's hand ran up and down his spine, and Yuri shivered at the strange and confusing sensation of both comfort and discomfort coursing through him—comforted by the safety he felt in Otabek's embrace, while a part of his mind screamed at him for accepting touch from this man at all.

For once, Yuri didn't care, and found himself deeply grateful for Otabek's presence and warmth.

“Thank you, Otabek,” Yuri whispered before he buried his face in the crook of Otabek's neck, and he felt the alpha's arms tense around him.

A/N: If you like my work, please consider throwing a few bucks into my Digital Tip Jar. I am a starving artist, and I like not actually starving to death :P

NLMG Masterpost

[astrogeoguy]

Howl at the Full Wolf Moon, Venus and Mars are Alright Tonight, and Orion’s Delights!

(Above: A long exposure widefield image of Orion reveals the rich red hydrogen gas clouds around him - the curve, called Barnard’s Loop, is a bubble blown by the young stars already created from the gas.  Image Credit to Stéphane Guisard, Los Cielos de Chile and Robert Gendler.)

Astronomy “Skylights” for the week (from January 8th) by Chris Vaughan. All the times mentioned are Eastern Standard Time. If you are a camp, or a teacher interested in a guided field trip to the David Dunlap Observatory, visit www.astrogeo.ca.

Public Events

Taking advantage of the Moon and some favorite objects in the sky this week, the RASC Toronto Centre astronomers will hold their free monthly public City Sky Star Party in Bayview Village Park (steps from the Bayview subway station), around 8:30 pm on the first clear weeknight this week (Mon to Thu except Wed). You don’t need to be an RASC member, or own any equipment, to join in. Check here for details, and check the banner on their website home page or Facebook page for the GO or NO-GO decision around 5 pm each day.

At 7:30 pm on Wednesday evening, January 11th the public are invited to attend a free RASC Toronto Centre Speaker’s Night Meeting at the Ontario Science Centre (Room TBD, just follow the signs). The speaker is York University Assistant Professor Dr. Adam Muzzin, presenting The Most Distant Galaxies in the Universe: What we know, and what the James Webb Space Telescope will tell us. Details are on the RASC website here.

The Moon and Planets

The January Full Moon, known by First Nations people as the Full Wolf Moon and Full Old Moon, or the Full Moon after Yule in Europe, occurs at 6:34 am EST on Thursday morning, January 12, so it will appear a hair less than full on Wednesday and Thursday evening. The January full moon always shines in or near the stars of Gemini the Twins, and rides very high in the night sky because the night-time Ecliptic is tilted so high while balancing the low daytime Ecliptic. The Moon becomes full whenever it sits opposite the Sun in the sky. We see Full Moons illuminated from behind us, much like a film in a cinema. Full Moons always rise as the Sun sets, and set as the Sun rises.

Just before the Moon sets on Monday morning, January 9, it will cross in front of, or occult, a bright star named Hyadum I (or Gamma Tauri) that marks the chin of Taurus the Bull. For the Great Lakes region, the dark leading edge of the Moon will cover the star about 3:51 am Eastern Standard Time, but the Moon and star will set before they separate again at 4:41 am EST. Observers in Western North America and beyond will get to see the entire event. To know when to look, just adjust for the difference between Eastern Time and your time zone. Actually, observers in Northeastern Africa, Arabia, India, China, and Japan will also get to see the Moon occult Taurus’ brightest star Aldebaran about six hours later! 

(Above: The Moon’s passage through Taurus in the wee hours of January 9, 2017, shown every two hours from midnight to 10 am EST, except for 4 am, when it will be occulting the bright star Hyadum I)

(Above: In the wee hours of January 9, 2017, observers in western North America, the waxing Gibbous Moon will occult the star Hyadum I marking Taurus the Bull’s chin. Observers in the Great Lakes region will see the event start at 3:51 am EST, then set before the Moon moves off the star.)

A similar event occurs on the evening of Saturday, January 14 when the waning gibbous (nearly full) Moon passes close to the bright star Regulus in Leo the Lion. Because Earth is so much larger than the Moon, the geometry lets observers in the Southern half of South America will see the Moon occult the star commencing around 02: 53 Universal Time.

Venus is the splendidly bright object visible every evening in the western sky, until it sets around 9 pm local time. It’s been in the evening sky for months and months, but on Thursday, January 12 it finally reaches the outer tip of its orbit, leaving it the widest angle from the Sun for this year. Venus is showing a “half-moon” shape (phase) this week, too. Grab your telescope and take a look! Because the Ecliptic continues to tilt higher as we slide towards spring, Venus will continue to be carried a bit higher in the evening sky before starting to sink into the sunset next month.

Venus is also veering towards Neptune this week. On Wednesday night, it will sit only 1 degree to the lower right of the tiny blue planet. On Thursday night, Venus will be 0.3 degrees to the upper right of Neptune. Use your telescope to hunt for Neptune by starting at Venus, but remember that Neptune is very faint and Venus is overwhelmingly bright, and that directions are flipped left-right in your telescope.

(Above:  In the western evening sky on January 12, 2017, shown here at 8:45 pm local time, Venus will reach greatest eastern elongation, when it swings widest of the Sun in evening. At the same time, bright Venus will pass near to dim Neptune. Sweeping the sky south of Neptune with a telescope may help you spot the blue planet.)

All this week, modestly bright reddish Mars sits less than 10° (about a fist diameter) to the upper left of Venus, and sets about 9:50 pm local time. Rounding out the evening planets, blue-green Uranus is halfway up the southwestern sky - just inside the western (right) arm of the “V” of Pisces the Fishes, and sets about 12:30 am local time.

(Above: In the eastern pre-dawn sky, shown here at 6:30 am, bright Jupiter at top right leads yellow Saturn and Mercury. The latter planets are visible for a short while before dawn.)

This week, bright, white Jupiter is rising in the east after 12:30 am local time. This winter, it’s been sitting just a few finger widths above the bright white star Spica in Virgo the Maiden. By 7 am, it’s moved above the southern horizon. Saturn is rising this week before 6 am local time. You should be able to see its yellowish dot low in the east for half an hour before sunrise while the sky is still dark. Saturn rises a bit earlier every morning, so it’ll get higher and easier to see every week from here on out. Mercury is now sitting about 7° to the lower left of Saturn. If you can find a low eastern horizon, look for it between about 6:20 and 6:40 am local time, especially towards the end of the week.

Orion!

Annually at this time of year, the southeastern evening sky is dominated by the eye-catching constellation of Orion the Hunter and his famous three-starred belt. It contains some of the sky’s most spectacular sights – whether using your unaided eyes, binoculars, or telescopes of all sizes! Orion’s spectacular stars and the bright nebulas in his sword and belt make winter nights much more tolerable for skywatchers. So let’s bundle up against the winter chill and take a tour.

(Above: Orion appears every winter, shown here at 10 pm in January. The Milky Way rises on his eastern (left) side. Stellarium simulated image.) 

Orion has traditionally been depicted as kneeling, or standing. His eastern arm is raised and bears a club. His western arm is outstretched and holds a lion’s pelt, or a shield. Orion is a medium-sized constellation measuring about 30° (three outstretched fist widths) from his upraised club to his toes/knees, and 20° from his eastern elbow to the pelt. In early evening, after 7 pm local time, he is low in the southeast, tilted with his head to the left. As the evening wears on, he rises and higher and rotates upright, culminating in the south around 10:30 pm, and then leans the other way as he sinks into the west to set about 4 am local time.

(Above: An engraving of Orion from Johann Bayer's Uranometria, published in 1603. The dark band at top is the Milky Way.)

Not surprisingly, many cultures have assigned meanings to the distinctive row of three equally spaced stars that mark Orion’s Belt. Scandinavian countries have seen a distaff, a scythe, and a sword. Predominantly Catholic countries referred to it as The Three Mary’s (as featured in the New Testament). In the Middle East, it has been identified as The Three Kings or Magi. In China, it is known as The Weighing Beam and the Three Stars. In fact, the top portion of the Chinese character, 參 (shēn) has three identical symbols representing the three stars. The Lakota people called it the Bison’s spine – with surrounding stars and nearby constellations forming the rest of a great bison in their winter sky.

From left to right (or east to west in the northern hemisphere), the three belt stars are named Alnitak, Mintaka, and Alnilam. In a telescope, Alnitak (“the Girdle”) is revealed to be a double star. The larger star is a blue supergiant star about 820 light-years away and shining strongly in ultraviolet light. Its surface temperature is a scorching 31,000 degrees Kelvin! Our gentle yellow Sun is a mere 6,200 degrees K! Astrophotographers love the area around Alnitak. Because it sits just to the right of the Milky Way, it’s loaded with gorgeous gas clouds and nebulae. 

(Above: A beautiful image here showing the three stars in Orion’s belt, with the famous Horsehead Nebula at lower left, and another called The Flame Nebula above it - both located just east of Alnitak at left. Image by Rogelio Bernal Andreo, NASA APOD 2013-11-30)

The belt’s middle star is called Alnilam (“string of pearls”). It’s another large, and very hot, blue-white star, about 1.5 times farther away than the two flanking belt stars. Aging rapidly and nearing the end of its hydrogen supply, this star is expected to become a red supergiant – the pre-cursor to a supernova, at any time. At more than 1,300 light years distance – it may already have happened!

The third and westernmost star, called Mintaka (“belt”), is also a double star in a telescope. In fact, there are at least four stars making up what we see as Mintaka. The brightest one has a partner that orbits it every 5.73 days in an eclipsing binary configuration that makes the star vary in brightness. The dominant stars are once again hot, blue giants, about 900 light years away. If you look carefully, Mintaka is actually somewhat dimmer than Alnitak and Alnilam.

The bright, orange coloured star Betelgeuse marks Orion’s eastern shoulder, found to our upper left (northeast) of his belt. The ninth brightest star in all the night sky, Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star located about 500 light-years away. Placed in our Solar System, all the inner planets out to Mars would be inside the star! Despite an age much less than our Sun (it is of a type that matures dramatically faster), astronomers think it is approaching the end of its life and is massive enough to explode as a Type II Supernova. Since its light left the star 500 years ago, it could already have exploded! In Chinese, Betelgeuse is called 参宿四 Sānsù Sì, “The Fourth Star of the constellation of Three Stars”.

To the lower right of Orion’s belt sits the hot blue star Rigel. It is approximately the same visual brightness as Betelgeuse, but it’s much farther away – meaning that it emits considerably more light. Rigel, too, is a supergiant star burning with a surface temperature of 11,000°K! In a good telescope, a small companion star can be spotted very close to Rigel. In Arabic, Rigel means “the foot of the great one”. In China, Rigel is known as 参宿七 (Sānsù Qī, "The Seventh of the Three Stars").

Orion’s western shoulder is marked by the bright star Bellatrix, which translates as “Amazon Star”, after the warrior women of legend. Bellatrix is about 240 light years away, but burns at a blistering hot 21,500°K – among the hottest stars known. It, too, is well along in its life cycle and is expected to soon enter its next phase of evolution – and turn an orange colour.

Above and between Orion’s shoulders is an open cluster of stars, 1305 light-years distant, that mark his head. The brightest star is named Meissa (“the Shining One”). Use binoculars or a telescope to enjoy them better, and see how many you can count.

Completing our circuit of his main body, the western foot or knee of Orion is the mis-named star Saiph or “sword of the giant”. Another hot blue white star at 26,500°K, it’s also nearing the transition to creaky old red supergiant.

The lion’s pelt, or shield, is composed of a crooked line of about nine stars that run up-down off to Orion’s western side. The brightest star, in the middle of the string, is named Tabit (“the Endurer”). On the opposite side of the constellation, the upraised club falls squarely into the Milky Way. Pairs of stars widen the club as you look higher. Binoculars will nicely reveal the rich star fields there.

At the top of the post, I’ve included an image of Orion with the stars labelled. Next time, we’ll focus on the real treasure of Orion – his magical sword.

By the way - we can use Orion’s stars as pointers to other ones. Extending the belt stars to the west leads to the bright orange-ish star Aldebaran in Taurus the Bull. Heading two fist diameters in the opposite direction leads you to the Dog-star Sirius, the brightest star in the entire night sky. A line drawn from Bellatrix to Betelgeuse points to Sirius’ bright puppy, Procyon. And the line from Rigel up through Betelgeuse leads to the two matched stars Castor and Pollux, the heads of Gemini the Twins.

Keep looking up to enjoy the sky! I love getting questions so, if you have any, send me a note.

[twilightpony4]

Ola Americano... Turtle?: 8. Peace and Quiet

Leonardo was up. His eye tried to focus after pressing it against his pillow for nine hours. The surroundings were definitely different. Instead of concrete or walls, he saw green with little specks of color thanks to insects and flowers. As he moved his legs, he noticed that he had kicked the blankets off completely. It was strange for the usual cold he was acclimated to, but just as the evening was it was already high-sixties before the sun could show itself fully. For a turtle, it felt amazing and clearly his subconscious enjoyed the warmth and humidity. For someone who was always an early riser, this one felt more rewardful as he basked in the comfort of the pile. From where his head was turned, Mona was still asleep. Unlike the others whom had shells, she was the only one lying on her back on top of the flat surface. Mouth partially open, head lying on an outstretched arm underneath her pillow as the other “combed” her hairs back from her seemingly unraveling bun she had slept in. From then on, all he could see were heaving shells rising and falling behind her.

The terrapin chose to rise. He grunted as he picked himself off the ground and turned himself around so he could sit up. Leonardo brought in his knees and rubbed his eyes while rubbing his mask in the process. “So, you’re up.” The smooth voice came with rustling. It did not excite him, so the turn of his head wasn’t too sharp. Venus was coming out of some part of the wilderness. She had a smile that could melt a heart as she rounded a tree. The female terrapin took hold of a lowered branch and dropped her body. Relying completely on the branch, her body swung until it held her with her dragging feet quite playfully. He noticed that she had not yet put on her skirt but assumed that it was due to her milling about. Whatever she was up to, she did not want to get caught. The chains around her could jingle as she crept around, disturbing anything, even a mutant, if she were not careful. “Where’ve you been off to?” He asked, smiling back with a slight yawn. Venus brought herself back to her feet and pulled herself against the branch. “Here.”  She answered. Her eyes went up, scanning the sky in awe.“This jungle is incredibly vibrant. Not a couples steps away do I find native animals scampering away from the site.” Venus did so love nature. New York was not the best place for that place in her heart, but exploring a jungle… the girl couldn’t help but run off a ways to inspect everything. “Pretty different from China, huh?” “Definitely.” “This reminds me of the mornings over there. You know,” He placed his hands on his knees and pulled back for support. “minus sleeping outside in a hot jungle. They’re here, but since we’re the only two awake…” He trailed off reliving the memory. “I miss our mornings at your old home. It was so peaceful.” Venus let go of her tree and walked past him. She was close to the circle and tried to keep the obstacles before her quiet so that she can nestle in the spot she had resurrected from. A sleeping Donatello may have been between them, but that didn’t stop their conversation. But out of respect for him, she began to whisper over his shell. “You wake up just as early and this bunch doesn’t wake until near afternoon.” “Ah,” He sighed, bringing up his pointer finger towards his face. “but it’s the continuous quiet that I miss.” “Can’t quite argue with that.” She snickered.

“Do you guys ever shut up?” A disgruntled and muffled voice asked between them. The turtle’s face was in his pillow, hoping to block out the light and noise. Both lowered their heads curiously to make sure the purple turtle did indeed speak. “Can’t. The sky’s awake, so I’m awake.” Leonardo joked. His brother remained still in annoyance. Maybe if he didn’t move, it would go away? “Why am I stuck between you two?” He muttered again, The female terrapin sympathized him and put her hand on the back of his head. She used her fingertips to graze his cranium both over and under where his bandana remained tied around him. He vibrated against her hand as he let out a soft appreciated, yet annoyed tone. “You should be up anyways.” Leonardo added. The purple clad terrapin shook his head beneath his pillow. What they did not realize was that he was unburying himself. Donatello’s eyes remained closed and his lips remained inside his pillow while his chin kept up his head. Venus left him to fully wake at his own pace. The female turtle crawled over his legs, taking care her knees wouldn’t assault his own as she crouched over and between her sister and the youngest sibling. “Rise and shine! Mona! Mikey!” She proud her voice to be loud, but not irritably. Absolutely no one wants to wake up like that then again get motivated to wake up. She knew this by experience. She sounded more like a mother as she leaned in close and placed her hand upon each individual. “Wake up you two.” Gently, they were rocked until they blinked a couple of times or made unsatisfactory grunts. “What time is it?” Mona asked. Her eyes were shut tight as she brought her dull clawed hand to her face and pulled it down. As she brought her head up, her loose bun was very noticeable as the braid slowly tried to slip out of its enlarged knot. “The sun’s out. That’s all I know.” “7 a.m.” Donatello corrected after checking his phone. The purple clad turtle sat up against the surrounding feet and stretched out his arms. “No, Me… “ Michelangelo shook his head as he looked around. “I wake up when the sun is in the middle of the sky.” He then pointed lazily into the seeping light between the trees that was positioned close to the ground. “That’s too close to the horizon. Good night!” Hard, he plopped his face back into his pillow. “Cool with us, but we aren’t going to tell you when we’re leaving.” Leonardo sang as he got to his feet. Instantly, the young turtle brought himself up by the fear of being alone and waking up to a lion chewing on his leg. He moved so quickly that he accidentally hit Venus (she's okay). Mikey sat upright with his knees brought in as he rocked himself. “I mean it’s such a beautiful day. Why sleep through it? Right?” His musical voice matched his lying happiness, that is, until he realized he had gotten up too fast. The young terrapin became lightheaded and hid his face in his hand, waiting for it to go away. “Mona?” Leonardo gained her attention as she lifted herself up. He had his hand out gingerly towards the being across from them. “Will you do the honors?” She turned to look. There was only one last terrapin down. As the bravest to test the battling brute, Mona would take these offerings as a challenge. The lizard lady wrapped her long braid around its base and back into a tight bun as it was when she fell asleep.

She crawled cautiously until she was over his shell. Coming closer, his usual snoring was apparent as he breathed through his pillow. He was one of those people who occasionally slept face-down. Mona sat herself on top of his shell, paying no mind to how he’d feel about it. Her hands gripped the top rim of his shell and began to slowly rock him. “Raph! Raph!” The lizard lady yelled. “Come on! Wake up! Let’s go!” “No.” He muttered like a child not ready to go to school despite his mother’s best wishes. They’ve noticed the more Mona would try to wake him, he became less aggressive about it. The first time he was a charging rhinoceros, now he’s just lying down and hoping she would go away. With no luck, she fully sprawled out on him. With her chin resting on the rim of his shell, she heard him groan. “We’re in Rio to investigate so you have to wake up! Heroes never sleep! Come on!” She had pulled the flap of his do-rag and pulled up the sides of his mask a little to make him hear her. From irritation, he pulled the piece back down. As he did, his eye emerged. The corner of it stared intently at the innocently smiling girl over his back. Then, he grunted again as he pushed himself up.. Mona got off his back so he could sit up and sulk. “You’re childish.” Raphael pushed his palms into his eyes and up to his face with a yawn. “How can I not after Mikey called me old last night.” She shot the young one a look with much saltiness. He was already standing with Donatello. The purple clad turtle was opening up the tightly packed food-bag to prep their breakfasts. Of course, Michelangelo was not going to sit out on food. However, his usual happiness towards food was redirected to more saltiness towards his sister. “Suck it up, I used you as an example.” He spoke confidently as Donatello slapped a wrapped poptart into his outstretched hand. She did not retaliate but rather shook it off and stood up from the pile. “Get up team. You guys have to catch Ruffington.” Leo announced. “But that’s when it gets dark again.” Mikey spoke between bites. Only a few crumbs escaped his mouth as he did. Everyone else who caught a glimpse of it had to look away. Leonardo stood his ground and began to stride towards him. The closer he got, the more Michelangelo got small. The eldest came face to face to the youngest sibling; everyone anticipated for whatever he was planning to do. Michelangelo was hoping he wasn’t going to get all discipline-y so early in the morning. Despite his fears, he saw him look at his hand. Before he could react, the leader snatched the remaining strawberry Poptart out of his hand without any emotion. “You also need to get there on foot while being undetected in a tourist town. I need you all up and awake so we can work effectively. Take the morning to wake yourselves up and get used to your surroundings. We may be here until tonight or over the week.” He took a bite off the corner and stepped off. Michelangelo stood there dumbfounded, but continued to chew. “I know what I’m doing.” Venus de Milo was with Mona as she searched through both of their bags. Already in Mona’s hands was her swimsuit, so it was only a good guess Venus was looking for hers. Going almost halfway through her bag, she picked up the lime green and white piece. When found, she flung it over her shell and proceeded to stuff the rest of her things back into her bag. “Catch us at the waterhole nearby.” Mona threw up a peace sign and then the two girls walked into the forest until they almost disappeared. While everyone watched to make sure they would be ok, Michelangelo took the time to give himself a smell check. His nose crinkled some until he declared: “Me too.”

Just as she was, the water was very calm. It continued to flow with gentle streams that passed her by. Venus was in equilibrium. Her legs folded over one another and her hands placed in her lap. Nature had gotten the best of her as she stayed underneath the water. The turtle listened to the running water and caught drops that fell from the sky that usually came from the trees depositing something. The pool around her was semi-clear with a natural green tinge. With her surroundings, she felt completely natural and camouflaged for the turtle was in her rightful place beneath the water.

Suddenly, she began to hear a disturbance over the water’s surface. Venus opened her eyes and tried to listen in. When she looked up, she saw and heard pairs of green feet entering the water and walking in. The female turtle unraveled her feet and pushed up to breach. “Hey!” She called, face dropping with water. The ones already in the water was Donatello and Leonardo. Both looked like they wanted to retreat due to her welcome, but stood anyways. “You don't want any company?” Donnie asked. “Now?” “Why? Is it a bad time or-?” Leonardo began before she closed her eyes. The water from her eyelashes dribbled down her face as she turned and dismissed them. “No, it's alright, I guess.” So much for some peace and quiet. Surely, she could get some with Leo and Donnie around, but coming out of the bush, Michelangelo rushed in with his board shorts.

He was surprised that there wasn't a brisk rush from the water, but it made him much happier. As soon as he couldn't touch the bottom, he floated upon his shell and lightly paddled around. “I just feel gross.” He commented as he made good sized circles around them. “Thanks for putting your grossness into the water before I got out of it.” Venus grumbled sarcastically as she watched him go. As he came back to pass her, he stopped and waded beside her. “Try not to be too overwhelmed by my flawless physique.” He joked, rubbing his chest down with his hand. Venus eyed him until he presumed to paddle away. “So much for some peace and quiet.” She uttered. Leonardo, who was wading a couple feet away, heard her remark and nodded. “Where's Mona?” Donatello called from the bank. Instead of swimming, he sat down in the water until his legs disappeared feet below. He probably didn't with to get his glasses wet. “She went downstream; said something about a little waterfall she’d seen about that way. I'd go with her but I'm not up for the hike.” “Aw man,” Michelangelo stopped. His eyes bugged out of his head. “Raph went down there to get away from everybody.” That's right. Raphael did not want to be around all this mess. If only she could have gone with him, she thought. “He's not gonna be a happy camper.” Donnie added. His arms made back and forth movements in the water, playing with it as it toppled over his body and back down into the pool. Michelangelo paused. As the thought dawned on him, the idea of it becoming a reality became more enticing to him as he rushed to get out of the water. “Where are you going?” Leonardo questioned as his youngest brother splashed frantically until he clawed himself out of the bank. “To watch Raph get upset with someone other than me!” He squealed before wheeling off. “And then ruin his day right after!” His soaked body slapped the ground as he moved and disappeared into the brush. The remaining turtles watched suspiciously and judgmentally. “Should we go after him?” Donatello suggested. The other two exchanged a look. They both looked defeated and gave a nod to each other before acknowledging the purple clad turtle. “No.”

Downstream, quite far to even hear the water roar, Mona was in the water. Just as she had seen, the little, short waterfall set up a gorgeous atmosphere to relax from their currently bizarre trip. She held her breath and brought her head underneath the surface. A few strokes in, she let the few yet firm drops of water hit her back, massaging it as she stayed there. Meanwhile, on the surface, an intruder was approaching.

The spot looked nice, not to mention far away. With the absence of any eyes, the turtle made the decision to ditch the swim trunks, just like how he had bathed for 15 years. What he didn't know was that the lizard lady had just breached from the water. As she wiped the water from her eyes and quietly snorted it out of her nose, she saw him. He had his back turned to the water, but it was clear as to what he was doing as he untied the drawstring and gripped the top of his shorts to pull them down. “What are you doing?” She surprised him before he pulled too far down. The suddenness made the terrapin jump and spin while yanking his pants up. “Mona!” He said in surprise. “i'm just… Takin a bath.” “Go.” Her fingertips pushed up water as her hand flicked him away. For a moment, he looked like he was thinking until he shook his head.  “Yes!” “No, I'm hot and filthy and I didn't come up here for nothing. You can stay or you can go.” He stood his ground, but his shaky voice didn't match his intentions. “Well I'm not leaving, I was here first.” Now she stood her ground. Raphael could only shrug his shoulders with a look that spoke ‘what are ya gonna do?’. “Suit yourself.” He added sarcastically. Mona dipped down some to allow a small amount of water into her mouth before she spurted it towards him, showing him her dismay. The brute shrugged. Then, he jumped right in. Mona was a good distance away from the splash zone and rather ignored him for the time being. Her mind was elsewhere, looking to play with the little drops from the waterfall. Meanwhile, the terrapin was careening underwater, looking to the falls for some fun. He popped up on the opposition side of the falls where the lizard lady was. His rise caused rapid movements of water filling up the hole he created. The turtle laughed in delight of the water; Shaking his head to remove the water, the tails of his mask stuck to his face as they acted as adhesive to his chin and neck.

“It's gorgeous!” The red banded terrapin tried to crack a smile of her own with his. Instead, between the falls, Mona’s upset stares were met. Then, she slid further behind the falls. What he saw was the girl looking in his direction, but not catching his eyes. “What are looking at?” He covered his groin with his hand. It didn't look like she was looking there, but he did it as a reflex while his furthest hand peeled the tails of his mask off of his face and neck. “You looked first.” She defended. Raphael appeared dumbfounded and replied back sarcastically. “Yeah, I looked.” “So I looked too, alright?” She was being so defensive. The terrapin got a glazed look in his eye and cocked his head to the side in wonder. Mona felt nervous as he waded over to her direction, completely unsure of his motives. “Come near me, I'll kill you.” She warned with a finger that tried to create space. “So nervous.” He answered, but he stopped moving. “Shouldn't I be?” The lizard girl asked behind her as she began to tread away from him. He knew what she meant and felt unfair for not addressing it sooner and confusing her. “Nobody's behind me. They stayed downstream.” He whispered. She spun around when she was a good length away. Her long brown hair encircled her as she turned and then slowly lashed out when it came out of it in the water. “They're with V?” “I don't know.” He mumbled. Then his guilty expression vanished. “Wait. You’re the one who almost gave it away to them!” He exclaimed accusatorily.

“I wish I did!” She exclaimed. Shortly after, her head tilted back along with rolling eyes. The lizard girl let out a frustrated growl before proceeding. “When can we tell them? I feel sneaky about all this.” Her body followed her head as she dipped her torso in the water. Just the surface of her face remained untouched by the water as she began to wade around. Hushed, the pounding of the waterfall was muffled underneath. “You're a ninja, right?” He took the chance to float over her. She felt the water rush off the streamline of her body and his pedaling legs tapping hers. She opened her eyes and looked down to see the red banded turtle smiling as he swam over her. Mona stood up and held the terrapin back with an outstretched arm. “Not the same thing.” He tried to come closer to her, but her arm gave no slack. “I feel like our family has a right to know about these things.” “You don't I think I feel the same?” He retaliated. Mona let her arm down. “Then, what's keeping you?” “I don't feel comfortable yet about telling them,” Raphael reached for her hands and took them within his large grasp. “just how I wasn't comfortable telling you.” “You did eventually.” She added, looking at the ripples of the water as it passed between them. “Yeah, but it'll take time.” “I'll wait for the day.” She agreed, but only for a short amount of time. Soon, they'll know and it better be by Raphael. Both of them stood there silently. The sun was hitting their shoulders hard with its warmth. Being the animals they are, it was extremely amazing in addition to being submerged in warm waters. “Do we still have to whisper out here.” She shifted, eyeing him lazily with a smile. He couldn't resist and pulled her closer to him. “Since a lot of time passed,” he spoke innocently with a type of song his his voice. Mona giggled as he came closer to her “I guess we have a moment to talk out loud.”

“AHHHH!” The sudden sound broke them apart from one another as they looked up at the source. Just twenty feet above, there was a small cliff that was easily accessible. So easily accessible that Michelangelo would run off of it from where he came from and continued to scream. The two of them watched as he yelled and brought his legs up to his chest as he cannonballed twenty feet away from them. They were in the splash zone, shielding their eyes with their arms. What was left of him was a dip in the water and white, foaming bubbles surrounding it. Raphael turned back to Mona. His expression was quite bummed. “And now that moment’s gone.” He spoke in monotone. Mona groaned and swam away from him and back to her waterfall before Michelangelo could see. Both watched the young turtle with the utmost hatred as he submerged from the water and gave a loud “Whoo!” for the rush and knowing he messed up his brother’s morning of silence.