#you think if someone ate his heart they would get healed like jack does when eating spider splicer hearts?

[textingtroublesanswers]

(･ω･*)ｰ *uh oh*

Not particularly? Only sometimes to vomit... Even then I have a pretty sturdy constitution.

Why?

-🦖

Ludwig looks away & clears his throat, "Well, a side effect of my work on the medigun is that my, well, my body fluids have healing properties. It's a function of my body that I have linked to my self-heal, which has only gotten stronger over the past thirty years since I first devised the formula I later reused for the medigun."

[olivia200312]

Prime Missing~ TFP! Optimus x Half-Predacon! Reader *Request*

Requested by the lovely CreatorCat

Plot: Hi there! Could I please request a TFP Optimus x half Cybertronian and half Predacon female Autobot reader? Only Optimus knows she is like that. Her Predacon form is a dragon and her vehicle form is a mustang car (Wildstyle colors from Lego Movie). Her fighting style is dancing (dance fighting, usually coordinated with music only she can hear in her earpiece, unpredictable). It takes place during Beast Wars where they meet Ultra Magnus. Optimus goes missing and the reader is very upset because she has a crush on the Prime.

Ultra Magnus grows a crush on her after seeing her fight in battle. He is concerned she'll get hurt because her style doesn't fall into the protocol and can't be monitored. He forbids her from joining the ranks in battle until she 'shaded up'. The reader is devasted and falls into sort of depression because that she wouldn't be able to dance or fight anymore and that was what she lived for. Optimus returns (finally) to find his crush (the reader) not herself anymore. They have been 'broken' and fight the way that Ultra Magnus saw fit. He's horrified because this wasn't 'his Y/N' and confronted Ultra Magnus. Afterward, Optimus takes the reader aside and confesses and she smiles for the first time in 'forever'. The next battle she's in, she breaks protocol and does her original style of fighting much to everyone's happiness (except Ultra Magnus). She also reveals her Predacon side to protect everyone from the Decepticons and Predaking.

What do you think?

That's a long request ever since I got a request to write a high school version. Lol. So, I read the entire text here and began to think. Do not think it is a bad way. I absolutely love the request but however, I don't like a few things. I'm not familiar with Beast Wars at all. I know only like literally one character and that is Optimal Primal. He is in fact the new Prime in Power of the Primes after Optimus' death. Don't believe me? Watch the 10 episodes or follow the OC book that I'm working on since I'm partnered up with Alita-One and others on Quotev. Furtonaly, I don't like Beast Wars at all since it's different. I also couldn't help but cringe a bit since it's TFP playing in Beast Wars. I remember some clips and scenes where Optimus actually goes missing after the base got exploded and Ultra Magnus appearing. I also remember Predacon's Rising.

Also since I don't like hurting other lovely characters (either rejected or friend-zoned), I made Ultra Magnus different. He'll be not crushing on the reader, but don't worry, he'll get tasted with his own medicine. Revenge will arrive.

Head area:

Brain: Processor / Brain Module

Head: Helm

Face: Face plate

Ears: Audio receptors / Receptor Orifice / Audials

Nose: Enstril / Olfactory Sensor

Eye brow: Optical Ridge

Eyes: Optics

Mouth: Intake

Lips: Dermas

Teeth: Denta/Dentas

Tongue: Glossa

Chest area:

Chest: Chassis / Thoraxal Cavity

Back: Hexa-Lateral Scapula

Spine: Bipedalism cord / Back Strut

Chest and back armour:

Chest plate

Back plate

Mid-section plating

Neck guard

Side plating

Arm area:

Arms: Arms / Restarlueus

Forearms: Bitarlueus

Hands: Servos

Fingers: Digits

Arm armour:

Gantlets

Shoulder pads

Arm guard

Lower area:

Pelvis: Pelvis

Butt: Aft / Skid-Plate

Thighs: Tibulen

Calves: Cadulen

Feet: Pedes - the high heel bits are called Struts or Heel Struts.

Lower armour:

Skirt plates

Aft plate / Skid plate

Thigh guard

Ankle guard

General/Internal components:

Muscles: Cables / Pistons - It depends on the area in question.

Veins: Fual lines

Stomach: Tanks

Lungs: Vents - used to stop the con/bot from over heating.

Heart: Spark

Tattoos: D-con/A-bot Insignias and the lark

T-Cog: The thing that allows all Cybertronians to transform, be that their arms or their whole body.

Bonus:

Penis: Spike

Vagina: Valve

Body: Frame

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

"Jack, meet Ultra Magnus," Arcee introduced her human partner to the missing commander of the Autobots.

Jack looked shocked as he took a look at Ultra Magnus. He was light blue while Optimus was dark blue. The commander had a strict look on his faceplate. What was his problem? Sure, there was a war still going on because since Cybertron, the home planet of the Cybertronians, including the Autobots, Decepticons, and the Predacons, was dead so the idiotic Decepticons moved the war towards Earth when they discovered that the Autobots had been hiding there. Honestly, Megatron was too evil and stupid for actually settling the war on Earth. Earth! The planet was involved in many wars already, especially WWI and WWII.

But let's get to the point: what's been happening?

Well, the Decepticons discovered where the Autobots had been hiding. Before it got blown up, Optimus ordered everyone to leave the base and a serious warning: don't use the phone to call or send anything. If they do, then the Decepticons can track your signal, which can lead a serious danger. Jack went with Arcee, Miko with Bulkhead, and finally Raf with Bumblebee. Eventually, the base got exploded. Optimus got seriously wounded that Smokescreen found him. He was a smart rookie for hiding him so that Optimus can possibly heal and be safely hidden. Sadly, the damage was too much that Optimus was slowly offlining. He didn't want to leave, especially not Y/N. She was a half-Predacon and half-Cybertronian. She was an Autobot. So, it means that Y/N's carrier or sire was a Predacon while the other was Cybertronian. She was found wounded in a forest by Optimus and he took her to the Autobots base. Poor Y/N... She remembered how scared she was when she was there. I mean, she was wounded, lost on Earth, and didn't know anyone. She lost her creators thanks to the war. She eventually learned fast how to take care of herself.

When Optimus met her, he couldn't help but thought that Y/N was a unique and beautiful femme he'd ever seen. I mean, she was half-Cybertronian and half-Predacon. He had seen full Predacons before like Predaking. Soon, he'll meet Darksteel and Skylynx who were brothers. Y/N had wings and a tail so she was very unique. She was thankful to fly and control her balance more. The human kids loved Y/N. Miko, of course, asked too many questions that at one point, Jack and Raf had to stop her since they noticed when Y/N got uncomfortable and scared.

But anyway, that all happened before the big explosion. Optimus grew in fact closer to Y/N that he was the only one at the base who Y/N trusted. She would stay by his side, help him and ask questions. Optimus gladly helped her whenever she was scared or asked questions. He also found her adorable in secret. He sometimes asked himself about her like her wings for example. Were they sensitive? Maybe they were? He will only know if he touched it. If Y/N ever allowed it.

While Y/N was with the Autobots, it didn't mean that she met everyone. She didn't meet Ultra Magnus at the time. He was a strict commander of the Autobots and was light blue and red. His vehicle was very similar to the Prime. His shoulderplates were weird, kinda. No disrespect. But oh boy, Y/N hated Magnus. When he saw her, he was only coldhearted and strict towards her. Y/N's fighting style was dancing but the commander didn't like it that he forbid her to do so. It was like this:

The Autobots just came back after a fight again with the Decepticons. The fight was brutal this time. Apparently, the Decepticons had a new 'weapon' and it was a full Predacon! It was a male and in fact, the ruler of the race when they went instinct many years ago thanks to Megatron himself. Shockwave managed to bring the king back from the dead. His name was Predaking. He was huge! After all, he was a male and a ruler. Since Y/N was half-Predacon, she actually can't transform. Some Cybertronians who were half-Predacons, couldn't actually transform. Some can, some couldn't. Y/N didn't mind that she couldn't transform. She liked how she looked, even having a Predacon tail and wings.

But everyone was wounded. Y/N fought against the male Predacon himself. Their fight was rough and they bit and clawed. But Y/N managed to trick him by dancing. Fighting was a little bit of dancing if you didn't know. You were moving and using your whole frame. It was exhausting for Y/N, but she won.

Ultra Magnus, however, didn't like her fighting style that he brought her into a private chamber. He closed the door and faced her, with his usual strict expression. "Soldier, I want you to change the style."

Y/N lifted her optical ridge up in confusion. What did the commander mean by that? Her armor? Her outgoing? What was it? "What do you mean?"

"Change your fighting style. Also, I forbid you from ever going to fight with us."

Y/N couldn't believe what she heard. Was he really serious? Was he going to forbid her from going out to fight? But what about Optimus Prime? He still wasn't found! He was missing ever since the big explosion that the Decepticons caused weeks ago. The human kids spread around together with their guardians and they weren't allowed to not use any technology or else the Decepticons will track them down. Jack, stupid enough, used his cellphone to text his mother that he was fine. It was understandable for a kid to text its parent to let them know that they were fine. But when it came to the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons, then it was important to listen to the advice.

Ultra Magnus simply left the private chamber, leaving the poor half-Predacon femme alone.

That's basically how it happened. Ever since that day, Y/N didn't come out a lot from her berthroom. She was very spark broken ever since the strict commander told her those words. He forbid her from searching Optimus, who was still missing at the moment. How could he say that? Y/N cared deeply for Optimus just like the entire team. He was their leader but also someone that would protect others and be willing to sacrifice his life.

Y/N would only recharge all day. She ate and drank of course but it wasn't a lot like she used. Basically, how a normal Cybertronian ate. If you didn't know, humans can die from broken hearts. It was in fact a Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome. It was very sad to have that like heart disease. Not only humans can have that syndrome but also Cybertronians, especially the Predacons, full or not. Y/N attracted that syndrome. Everyone says that action speaks louder than words, but words hurt more than actions. Y/N had shortness of breathing and having chassis pains. That was the most common syndrome of heart disease.

Ratchet, the medic of the team wasn't blind at all and was trained to notice signs of any health problems. Since Y/N was showing those signs, he did the tests and diagnosed her with Broken Heart Syndrome or should I say Broken Spark Syndrome? Ratchet kept a close optic on her and made her take medication, especially if she showed signs of chassis pains and shortness of breath.

But meanwhile in the main room of the base...

Ratchet was updating Y/N's health on the Cybertronian computer since it was important for the medics to keep new updates so that they can keep the information. There was actually no standard treatment for the syndrome that Y/N had, but you can survive with medication and as long as you're being careful. Not only do doctors like Ratchet keep updates safe but also dentists as well. Ratchet was mad at Ultra Magnus for saying hurtful words but kept it quiet. It was time that others should watch out for what comes out of their mouths. Words can damage someone and give an illness. He began to ask himself how would Optimus react if he found out about that...

Bumblebee then walked up to Ratchet and beeped a question at him.

Ratchet signed and looked over his shoulderplate. "No, Bumblebee. Y/N is still a little bit weak to come out. I am doing the best I can to help her on track. But her syndrome doesn't have a standard treatment. Just like on humans."

Bumblebee frowned and let out a sad whirl. He saw Y/N as his good friend and cared for her as a friend. He was mad at the commander for saying those words that he nearly attacked her. Didn't the idiotic commander notice at all how much he damaged her? Why was he even doing this?! Just because she was a half-Predacon!? Bumblebee clenched his fists in anger as he started to shake.

Ratchet, being a smart aft medic, noticed it and quickly placed his servo on the scout's shoulderplate. "Easy, Bumblebee." Just as Ratchet wanted to say something further, his computer caught a signal. He quickly went to the device and Bumblebee looked curiously over his shoulderplate.

"Hahaha!" Ratchet began to laugh and clapped his servos happily. That caught everyone's attention as they walked up to him, except Y/N, who was still sadly in her berthroom to rest. She did hear Ratchet's happy laugh, which was confusing, but she didn't bother to check since she felt weak. Ratchet turned around fast with a big smile on his faceplate. "Optimus is alive!"

That caused everyone to cheer happily. Y/N fell asleep at that time. She didn't hear Ratchet's loud voice that said that Optimus was alive and coming soon to the base.

2 hours later~

"Awesome! Optimus is now like 2.0!" Miko happily jumped as she was fascinated by Optimus' new look.

"It's good to have you back, Optimus," Arcee said with a smile.

Everyone was saying how happy they were to see and have Optimus Prime back. The leader was smiling as he listened to everyone with respect. He was happy to see them as well. Even though he was almost offline for good, he thought about others, especially Y/N. But wait, where was she? He saw his friends but not Y/N. He frowned. What happened to her while he was missing? He wondered about her every day. He nearly did join the AllSpark and taking the servo of his mentor, Alpha Trion. The old smart mech understood his student's decision. He even teased Optimus to get the spark of the half-Predacon. He blushed.

Ratchet seem to realize Optimus' frown and he immediately knew that it was about Y/N. He walked up to his leader. "Optimus, I have to speak to you. It's urgent."

Optimus nodded in understanding. Of course, he heard Ratchet's serious tone, which meant that he was deadly serious, especially for being a medic. His job was to take care of others and help if needed. They both went to a private chamber to speak while others stayed. Ultra Magnus, however, got a bad feeling...

Ratchet closed the door and turned to face Optimus. "Optimus, while you were gone, others had a fight against the Decepticons. They had a new 'weapon' it was a full Predacon... a mech. He's named Predaking, the ruler of the Predacons. Y/N fought against him. I must say, I am impressed with her fighting moves. Dancing. Ultra Magnus didn't like her style at all. I saw them going to a private chamber. I learned from Y/N that Magnus forbid her from going out and he forced her to change her style..." He sighed and took a deep breath. "As a result, Y/N has Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome in humans. But I called it the Broken Spark Syndrome. She has trouble breathing and having chassis pains. I made her take medication."

Optimus couldn't believe what he heard. How could Ultra Magnus do this? He was getting angry. The commander took it too far by his words. He look calmy at Ratchet and nodded. "Thank you for the information old friend. I will speak to commander Ultra Magnus and see Y/N."

Ratchet nodded back and they left the private chamber. Ultra Magnus knew that he was busted. Optimus slowly walked up to the commander, with a disappointed and angry expression on his faceplate. He took the commander to somewhere private and let's just say that Optimus was so stern. He also finally punished the commander for what he said to Y/N. Ratchet was satisfied and mumbled under his breath: "As humans say: 'Get rekt'."

Optimus then walked through the hallway corridors, searching for Y/N's berthroom. Each bot had a nameplate hanging against the door. It was easier for everyone to find each other, except for humans since they were so small. But good that the kids remembered which room was who. They drew small symbols on each door of the bot. Ratchet got a symbol of a doctor, Bumblebee got a bee, Arcee a motorcycle, etc. Y/N had a dragon, even though she couldn't transform into a Predacon.

Optimus knocked on the door gently as he found Y/N's door. After no response, he softly opened the door and peaked in. He smiled softly once he saw Y/N recharging peacefully. But he was still worried about her health after all. He walked to Y/N, closing the door softly to not wake her up. He caressed her helm with his gentle digits and he smiled once he heard her purr. Predacons can purr a lot. Yes, even Optimus can too but not a lot like the Predacons can, even half ones. Optimus continued to caress as he sat down carefully, lifting Y/N's helm and laid it on his lap. For some reason, laps were so comfy. No wonder humans and Cybertronians fall asleep easily, even falling asleep on someone's body. It was so cute when a male slept on top of the female as a couple or friends. Family too. But mostly, females slept on top of the males.

Y/N softly moaned in her sleep as she moved a bit. She felt very comfortable. But that's when she groaned and had trouble breathing. She panted and Optimus got worried. He then noticed the medication on her nightstand. He grabbed it and then Y/N gasped and sat up, her servo on her chassis.

"Easy, Y/N," the familiar deep voice said.

Y/N snapped her helm towards the very familiar deep voice and gasped. it was Optimus! Wait, he was really here?! She was about to say something but Optimus silenced her by cupping her cheekplate, causing her to blush a lot. He helped her take the medication and soon, she breathed normally. But she felt then sleepy again. Optimus noticed it and softly pushed her down. "Recharge, Y/N. Your body needs more rest."

Y/N smiled softly and fell asleep. She can now catch a lot of rest since Optimus was alive and well. She found him more handsome. His new look, now strong body, etc. But she loved his hips, smile, voice, and smirk. As she was sleeping, she felt soft dermas on hers. Optimus was kissing her, just like in the movie Sleeping Beauty.

I apologize if it isn't familiar a lot. I decided to try and make it a little cuter for the fans, especially the ending part.

[pieces-by-me]

For Them

Words: 1868

Warnings: angst, mention of death, tears?

Summary: Having Thomas bring back hope for you when you couldn’t see any. Deep conversations on a beach.

'What now?'

That one question buzzed around your head for the last couple of weeks. Almost all the people you loved and called family were dead.

Alby, your leader for the longest time. Your brother, even if not by blood, sacrificed himself. You knew him the longest, because when he was in the maze alone for the first month you came up with the supplies. Imagine the shock on both of your faces when you slowly realized that you had to fight everyday to survive and on top of that being the only girl for almost three years. But you two stuck together threw everything. God you missed him tremendously.

Dean, the one that always made you smile even when you were about to give up hope. He was one of the builders and he made sure that your room in the shack was always draft free. He got impaled by one of the Grievers when all of you were fighting at the cliff. You could still hear his screams.

Chuck, the little ray of sunshine. He was the youngest and smallest out of all of the boys and he was only there for a month. You weren't that close to him, him being a Slopper and you a med jack made conversations and interactions rare. But when you found time you cherished these moments. He was so pure and unsoiled. It was refreshing.

Winston. Poor Winston. Surviving the Glade and everything else WICKED threw at them just to get infected by a virus that slowly ate him alive and turned him into something else. You would never get the image of him crawling towards the gun with pleading words of death out of your head. You didn't know what was worse. The images of him or the heartbreaking sound of a gunshot silencing everything else as you left him behind. You knew it was what he wanted but still it broke your heart.

So many other boys that you loved and cherished had similar stories.

Kaleb who didn't make it back in time and got crushed between the maze doors.

Sam who got thrown off the cliff while you all were fighting.

Jeff, your fellow med jack, who got electrocuted by lightning.

Max, Ben, Steven, John, George, Leo, Pyke, Aaron, Rick, Alex, Newt.... Oh god Newt.

This sweet soul that just wanted for his family to be save and got tortured and mangled until he couldn't go on anymore. All because of WICKED. Always WICKED. The picture of the knife that stuck inside his torso. The eyes that weren't sparkling with light but glazed over with nothingness . The hair that stuck in wild places because of the sweat and blood. Veins that run up his whole body and looked like snakes that slowly strangled him. The blood...

“Hey Y/N!”

Only now did you realize that you had been crying.

“Hey I've been calling your name all the way over her...are you okey?”

Thomas was slowly walking towards your hunched figure that sat on the beach. He didn't realize that you had been trapped inside your own mind until he was in front of you and saw the tears running down your face.

You were glad that Thomas interrupted your dark thoughts. Everyone on the Island, this so called “Save Haven”, was sometimes trapped in their own heads and if you're unlucky it wasn't so easy to break free from the gloomy images paying on loop in your head. With shaky hands, that just wouldn't stop trembling, you hastily wipe away the tears that continue to run down your face while putting on a fake smile.

“Yeah of course I'm ok” Thomas went around you to look into your eyes. His back was turned to the ocean. The crashing of waves was a soothing scenery to a conversation that would be anything else but calming or soothing. He knew exactly what you were doing, because he does it with all the time with his other friends too.

With just a sigh and a tone you knew all to well he started. “Y/N”

“What? I am.”

“We both know that that's not true. You can tell me you know?” He went beside you and took your left hand into his bigger right one. You still don't understand why he had that effect on you but as soon as his hand enclosed yours the trembling stopped.

“But I am.” Your voice turned colder than what it was a few minutes ago. Sure your voice was a little wobbly and raw but he liked that more than this distant robotic tone you were using now. “I'm not dead. I'm not infected with a virus that eats my brain. I'm have food for the rest of my life and I get to live on this ridiculously beautiful island only because we ran away and left the world to burn so yeah. Why the hell wouldn't I be ok?!” You didn't mean to yell at him but with all the dug up memories that played inside your mind only minutes ago and then him questioning your words made you just snap.

Thomas didn't say anything and just sat there next to you. After a few minutes you squeezed his hand and let out a shuddering breath. Tears were again prickling in your eyes and you knew that no matter what you would do they would drop.

Your voice was small when you began talking again.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you I just..” They were falling now. “How the hell are we supposed to be fine and happy when we basically ran away and left everyone behind?” You were looking at him now. Directly into his eyes, almost begging him to have an answer. He looks right back with tears building inside his own. Desperately wanting to give you everything you asked off him and more.

“Thomas how are we.. ” Your voice broke half way trough his name. “How are we meant to live like this? With all that we've been through and just be ok?”

He had to strain his hearing to understand everything you said between sobs and hiccups.

But as soon as everything made sense he let go of your hand to take your head between his. With his thumb he wiped away the waterfall of tears that just wouldn't stop.

“We're not.” That was not the answer you thought would come out of his mouth. His voice was quiet but steady. Final and true. You were about to ask him why the hell he even asked then if you were ok in the first place.

He didn't make any sense.

But right as your mouth opened he began talking again.

“Right now we're not ok. We don't need to lie about that. What we went through, what we had to endure to find this place and..” One single tear ran down his cheek. And just like he did for you, you took hold of his face and graced his cheek to erase any evidence of tears.

“..the people we had to leave behind or were taken from us..” His eyes never left yours while he brought his forehead to yours.

“...no one could just be ok with any of that. If you were I would seriously think you're not right in the head.” That brought a slight chuckle out of you. He couldn't hear it, but you were close enough for him to feel it. It stopped as soon as you let it out. 'Not right in the head.' Not like someone with the Flare.

He could see in your eyes that your thoughts were about to turn dark again. So he started again to keep you with him on the beach.

“But now we have a save place were we can get to a point where we are ok. Where we can actually grieve for our friends, homes we never had and anything else they took from us. We can grieve all the time we lost with everyone who is now a name carved into the stone.”

He knew that this was not something you wanted to hear but he had to say it.

“And after we did that, after we get over that point we get more and more moments where we can imagine to be ok. We get to laugh more. We get to enjoy the food Frypan cooks for us again. We might even dance around the bonfire like we did back in the Maze.

And after all that, after we learned how to be ok for these moments, we will not have to pretend to be it but we will truly be fine and healed.”

With ever word Thomas said your tears flowed more. This time only not out of hopelessness but because Thomas had done it again. He gave you a little bit of hope. With only his soothing words, small strokes with his thumb over your cheeks and an honest look in his eyes you couldn't help yourself but believe him. He was good at it. Giving speeches and brining hope and light to bleak situations. It was the reason you made it to the Save Haven. Him motivating you to keep going, always keep going.

The small smile that grew on your face was the first real one you showed since you came to this island and Thomas was filled with relief and a bit of happiness. He put that smile there. He gave you hope. And now he wants to give you a reason to keep going.

“We will be fine and happy one day. Because survived everything that was thrown in our way and because our friends sacrificed everything for us to be here. We will do it so we can truly be free. And we do it for them. For everyone thats not on our island.” Thomas oped that that was not one too far. It was risky but he just wants you to try and move forward.

Releasing a breath, that somehow got stuck in your throat, you lifted your head off of his, scooted closer to his side and laid your head on his shoulder, looking outside the wide ocean. The wind that picked up a little and spray was in the air. Smelling of salt and sea.

Thomas knew that you thought about his words. But the fact that you had your head on his shoulder and that your hands were still tightly held in each other showed him that he had done at least something right.

“For them huh?”

Now it was his face that grew a true smile. He had you there. Knowing you would not necessarily try to mend your mind for yourself, always wanting to make sure that everyone else was save or taken care of first. He knew that you would try for them, but also for everyone that was on this island. And also eventually you would do it for you. And he couldn't wait to hear you lively laugh again that back then filled the whole maze.

[waywardmoeyy]

Gotta Start Somewhere

Jack Kline x Reader

Word Count: 2,421

Warnings: mention of blood/injury, mention of needles and sutures, fluff.

A/N: It’s been a while since I’ve written something and I’m still getting back in the groove. But, here’s this.

Wayward Moeyy’s Master List

You gently scrubbed the dark wooden table in front of you, letting out a deep sigh. Finally, no one was in your home. It had been a revolving door over the last several months, with hunters coming and going as spooky things rolled into town.

One group of hunters who had all but moved into your place for nearly three months finally were on their way back home too. Not that you didn’t adore the Winchesters and their sassy angel friend, but you could only take so much of the craziness they left in their wake.

Although, their newest friend was very polite, even helpful when it came to small things around your little cabin safe-house. Jack. Yes, sweet Jack. Half-angel, Son of Satan, adorably handsome, and a master of getting even the toughest smears off of your windows.

The only reason you knew that was because the poor lad was always left behind when Dean, Sam, and Cas left to fight whatever bad guy was out there. So, naturally, you put him to work. Of course, when the other men returned, the place was a mess in a matter of minutes.

But now, the place was quiet and clean. Sam and Dean had left earlier that day on their way back to the bunker, while Cas and Jack checked out a small case in town.

You smiled as you threw the filthy rag into your small washing machine and sighed. Sure, you loved helping anyone who came though, most of them being your long-time friends. But, it was also nice to have absolutely nothing to take care of but yourself and your dog, Miko.

You jumped as someone knocked on the door, causing Miko to bark. Who the hell was that?You weren’t expecting anyone as far as you knew. The visitor knocked again. Hmm. You approached the door and softly rested your ear against the cool wood. All you could hear was shuffling, followed by a distressed hiss.

“Who is it?” you inquired firmly.

“Y/N? It’s Jack.” He hissed again, sounding painful. “May I come in?” It sounded like his voice, but why the hell was he alone? Cas should have been with him, at least according to Dean’s plan from this morning.

“If it isn’t Jack, I’m going to make you wish you weren’t on my doorstep. You hear me?” you threatened. Something was definitely off.

“It’s me,” Jack answered with a quiver. You sucked in a deep breath, then swung the door open. Jack’s soft, blue gaze stared back at you with a pained smile. He was holding his right hand against his shirt, which was spotted with blood. His lower lip was cut on the side, and there was a smear of blood on his cheek.

“Oh my god, Jack.” Your eyes widened as you quickly ushered him in. Your stomach sank at the amount of blood on his white shirt. “What the hell happened?” Jack released his hand and held it in front of him.

“Cas and I went to check out a possible werewolf.” He sat in one of the chairs at your newly cleaned table.

“And—Wait a second.” You peered out your window, then back at Jack. “Where’s Cas?”

“He went after the werewolf. I’m not bitten, just cut up.” Jack wiggled his fingers and winced. The top of his hand had a long, but mostly superficial gash. It would heal on its own with a few stitches.

“And he dropped you off on the way?” Your tone was a mixture of sarcastic and irritated. “And now you’re my problem?”

Jack lowered his head. “I wanted to go with Cas, but he said no. I’m not supposed to use what’s left of my grace to heal myself.” He closed his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

You shook your head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m not mad. I’m just—I don’t understand why they treat you like you’re made of glass.” Jack swallowed as he watched you reach into a cabinet and retrieve your medical kit. “They leave you behind most of the time. And, when they do take you along with them, they return you after one scratch.” You rolled your eyes.

“It’s because I’m basically human now—”

“So are they! Sam and Dean are both completelyhuman, and so am I. That doesn’t mean anything. They’re just too lazy to train you properly.” You rolled your eyes again as you set up what you needed to mend Jack’s hand. “Don’t let them treat you like a toddler, Jack. You’re brilliant, and you are so eager to learn.” You pulled his hand over the small cloth you had laid over the table. You gently smoothed your fingers over his in an attempt to sooth him. “Listen, if they don’t want to help you become a well-trained hunter, then I will.” You glanced up at him while grabbing the bottle of rubbing alcohol. “This is going to hurt, love.”

Jack winced and gasped as you cleaned his wound. “You—ow—you’d do that?” You nodded.

“Yeah. I mean, you’re about as intellectually mature as I am, and probably half as stubborn. I’m sure you’ll catch on quickly.” You very gently dabbed the blood off his hand and face. “We can prove the brothers wrong.” You captured his gaze as you smoothed the rag over his cheek. He had gorgeous eyes, and the sweetest smile. Honestly, everything about him was almost calming. It was refreshing to have someone with such a happy energy around you compared to the rough and tumble hunters you were usually surrounded by.

Jack pursed his lips, then smiled. “Sam thinks it would be a good idea to train me better, but Dean seems to be more in charge.” Jack lowered his head a little more. “Cas exposes me to what he can, but I don’t really know what I’m doing. Reading about how to handle something is so much different than actually doing it.” You nodded. He was really smart, and he knew he had boundaries like everyone else. Dean, as aware and calculating as that infuriating man was, didn’t quite seem to see that.

“Well, my house if just a few hours drive from the bunker. How about we meet once a week for now, and I can teach you what you need to know. You can even stay the night if it gets too late. It’s not like I don’t have enough room.” You smiled as you readied the suture material. “Dean doesn’t have to agree. I’ll pick you up my damn self if he doesn’t like it.” Jack chuckled.

“You and Dean argue like family,” Jack noted. You chuckled lightly.

“We practically are. Almost the same person, actually. Accept, I’m far more reasonable.” You smiled. “Anyway, do we have a deal?” Jack smiled wider than you had ever seen and nodded. “Good. Now, try to hold still. I don’t have much to numb this. It’s going to hurt, but you only need four at the most.” You raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to close your eyes?” Jack shook his head.

“Sam and Dean don’t.”

“Yeah, but they’ve been doing this for years. There’s a learning curve, love.” You took Jack’s other hand and squeezed it. The warmth of his skin quickly transferred to yours, making you blush. You shook your head, momentarily thrown off by your reaction, before refocusing on what you were saying. “You don’t have to be tough right away.” Jack’s gaze locked on yours.

“Well, I need to start somewhere.” Jack offered you a hint of a smile, then nodded towards your medical equipment. “And I’m starting here.” You couldn’t help but laugh a little. He was so sweet, so caring. But now, you would see a strength inside Jack that you never noticed before. It wasn’t the same as Dean or Sam, or even Cas. It wasn’t driven by pride or purpose or the need to prove himself. It was driven by a need to protect himself and the ones around him.

Once Jack’s hand was mended and bandaged, you stood him up. He needed a new shirt, and something to eat. He didn’t seem to eat as much as you did, which was probably part of being half-angel, but he still ate somewhat regular meals.

You prepared a peanut butter sandwich and handed it to the battered Nephilim before hunting down a clean shirt for him. Jack took it happily and munched as he followed you in the hunt for a shirt that was close to his size. Luckily, plenty of hunters leave something behind, so you have a ‘take what you need’ closet in the hall.

“There,” you beamed as you handed Jack a plain, gray long-sleeved shirt. “That should fit just fine. I washed it last week. The hunter who left it behind was roughly your size.” Jack shoved the last part of his sandwich into his mouth, then lifted his stained shirt over his head, dropping it onto the floor. You took a step back and turned, feeling your cheeks redden. What the hell was going on? He was just changing his shirt. And it was Jack, the sweet little Nephilim that the Winchesters were caring for. He was a friend.

You turned back just in time to see Jack straightening his sleeves. “Perfect,” he praised with a smile. You nodded, then led him to your small living room.

Once Jack was situated on the couch, he glanced up at you and smiled. You stared at each other for a moment. Then, you took a seat beside him, but didn’t say a word.

“Were you uncomfortable when I removed my shirt?” Jack asked bluntly. You snapped your gaze back up to Jack as your heart instantly started to race.

“Um, uncomfortable isn’t the right word.” You could feel your heart nearly leap out of your chest. Did he see how red your face got? You sucked in a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can explain it.” And that was the honest truth. Something about Jack was stirring you up, and you couldn’t tell if it was a new feeling, or if it had been silently brewing. Either way, it was now rearing its confusing head.

Jack nodded slowly. “I know my powers are weakened, but I can hear your heartbeat. It’s fast and really loud, louder thank normal.” The flush returned to your cheeks. This time, you were sure he could see it.

“I—uh—yeah.” Jack rested his hand on yours, lacing your fingers. He held them on the sofa between you.

“It’s okay, Y/N. My heart does the same thing when I’m with you. It started the moment we got here. You probably can’t feel it or hear it, but it does.” He lifted your hand up and rested the back of your hand against his chest. You smiled as you felt his heart pound rapidly against your skin.

“Jack—”

“I know I’ve only just met you. But, I feel safe with you. You make me smile. And, with each day that passed, I didn’t want to leave here. When I got hurt, I knew I needed to be here. And earlier, when you offered to help train me, I felt like jumping up in the air with happiness.” You laughed, rolling your eyes.

“I can’t really see you doing that, but I get the point.” You turned away for a moment as everything started to sink in. Fifteen minutes ago, you thought of Jack as a sweet soul who needed some direction. But now, the truth was out.

And he felt the same way, whatever this feeling actually was.

Jack leaned towards you, smiling. “Would—um—would you mind if I kissed you?” Well, if your heart wasn’t pounding before, it definitely was now.

“I—uh—okay,” you breathed. Your glances battled each other for a moment, then Jack lean in towards you.

His warm lips grazed over yours, almost teasingly, sparking a fire deep in your chest. You could feel his lips curl into a smile before finally settling, strong and sure, unlike the Jack you thought you knew. His grip on your hand tightened as his lips parted ever so slightly, letting out a soft breath. You could feel the small cut on his bottom lip, but it didn’t seem to bother him at all as he slowly moved his lips with yours.

Jack slowly pulled back, smiling down at you. Well, that happened. Just a few minutes ago, you were stitching up his hand. And now, well, this. Everything felt like such a blur, but you could remember every moment. It was just, different. It wasn’t like anything you had ever felt before.

Jack cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brow. “Is everything alright?” The look of concern on his face was almost priceless. You stood from the sofa and chuckled.

“Everything’s great.” Then, your whole tone changed. You grinned, offering your hand to Jack. “Ready for your lessons to begin?” Jack’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Well, I mean, okay.” Jack took your head and stood. “What’s my first lesson going to be?” he asked rather sweetly, almost as if he’s hoping for you to go easy on him.

“Today, we’re going to learn how to block a punch.” You grinned at him as you began pulling him towards the door to your back yard. You glanced back at Jack, who looked as stunned as ever.

“You—you’re going to punch me?” You laughed at the quiver in his voice.

“Not if you can block me,” you teased. But, Jack didn’t seem to get your humor. That was a lesson for another time.

Once you both were outside, Jack stared at you with pure fear. You took a few steps forward so you were only inches from him.

“Jack, I’m not actuallygoing to punch you. I’m going to move slowly, and let you get used to blocking techniques. Then, we’ll speed up as you improve.” Jack’s whole body relaxed, and he nodded. You took a half-step back, then stopped. “Oh, and a kiss for good luck.” You leaned forward and pressed your lips softly to his for a moment. Then, you took a few steps back.

Jack’s cheek bones flushed, but you could tell he was trying to maintain his composure. He lifted his arms in front of him, making you smile. Maybe this was going to be easier than you thought.

“Okay, Jack, let’s get started.”

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[journal-of-an-outlaw]

Price to be Paid - Chapter 26

AO3 link here

When you arrived back at camp everyone seemed to be buzzing. A new energy flowed through the air, connecting all of you together in a fabricated sort of high. The mayor’s party had gone exceptionally well, at least three new leads for big jobs had been found and Dutch sat in the gazebo hunched over his table stewing over which to pursue first. The gang needed money, and a lot of it, if they were to leave this life of living on the run. You weren’t quite sure where you fit into that plan but hoped it would all be clear soon. 

Arthur swung down off of Zeus and was immediately called over by Hosea and Dutch. He cast a smile and rolled his eyes before heading off to see what those two needed from him now. 

You approached Abigail who was in the middle of trying to get Jack to eat. 

“Well, how did things go?”

You told her all about your trip into Saint Denis and how the party went. The beautiful backdrop the twinkling lights provided and how Dutch’s plan seemed to have gone well, the multiple plans he had thought of and ways to get money. It really was a success, and you hinted at how your night after had been just as successful, too. 

Abigail blushed but slapped your arm playfull. “You sly thing! Maybe soon you’ll have a little one on the way.” 

The thought made you falter. The last time you and Arthur spoke about having children he had made it painfully clear his own insecurities were holding him back even if you saw the paternal potential that was inside of him. As you mulled over the idea you brought your hand to your stomach and imagined what it would be like to grow human life inside of you. 

“Well, either way I have to drop these clothes off before Grimshaw rips my head off. Haven’t done a chore in a few days and I know she can smell that…” you smiled and headed towards Shady Belle. Sadie sat whittling away at something on the front porch and she tipped her hat as you walked into the house. 

From downstairs Arthur and Dutch’s voices floated in as they talked about their plan to rob the trolley station in the city. They moved upstairs and into Dutch’s room, out of earshot where you folded your clothes and set aside others to be washed. 

You hummed a song to yourself and admired the way the light shone on your reflection when a shrill scream pierced the afternoon. You froze, the sound making your blood run cold. Loud sobs rang out from the front of the house as your heard Mary Beth wail. 

“It’s Kieran!”

“What the hell have they done to him?” Arthur yelled. 

At the same time Dutch called out, “Everybody take cover!” and gunshots rang out as Shady Belle was attacked. 

Shit, shit, shit, shit. Your hands fumbled at the ammunition on the shelves of your room. You knew you had to get out there and help but somehow the erratic pace of your breathing made it difficult to focus. Thundering steps ran by outside the door and you know it was Arthur. 

Arthur. Your anchor was running into danger. You needed to get it together. 

With that grounding thought in your head you barged out and followed the sound of gunfire. Karen nearly ran you over, a rifle in her hands, as she hurried to get outside. She grabbed a box of bullets and gave you a hard look as she steeled herself to go and defend the camp. 

“It’s the O’Driscoll boys!”

You weren’t sure who said it, but a series of memories flashed through your mind at the thought of your last encounter with that particular group. Flames, your hands hanging from bloody ropes, the blazing pain as Colm shot a bullet into your thigh. It was suddenly too much and you dropped the ammunition you had brought down around you, falling slowly to the floor on your hands and knees. 

It was like Colm was standing there again with his hand around your neck, threatening to end your life right then and there. 

In the distance you could hear the panicked sounds coming from the horses and in the back of your mind you hoped Eclipse had gotten away. The front door was shoved open and Jack came flying in after John shoved him. He looked terrified with tears running down his cheeks, and you snapped back to yourself. “Jack! C’mon, let’s go we’ll be safe.”

Jack put up a protest for a moment but let you scoop him up and run back upstairs to the safety of your room. Sitting on the bed Jack crawled into your lap and shook with the fear of what he had just seen. The door to your room burst open and you clutched Jack tightly until you saw Tilly and Molly scurry in. 

“Where are the others?”

“Shooting. Dutch sent the women and children in, everyone else is holding their ground.”

As if on cue Grimshaw and Mary Beth came in breathing heavy from running. Karen opened it a few minutes later with a gun in her hand. “C’mon, I need help boarding up the windows and doors. Who’s with me?” Tilly and Grimshaw followed quickly as Abigail rushed in. 

“Oh, my boy thank you YN! John grabbed him but I was around the corner and didn’t see if he made it. Thank god you’re safe,” she pulled him from your lap and the sudden lack of comfort struck you cold. “It’s a nightmare out there, they seem to be everywhere. The boys and Sadie are holding them down but,” she cuts off as Mary Beth lets out a small sob and does her best to cover her mouth. 

You were still in shock. “What happened?” You looked around at mournful faces. “I was up here, is...is he okay?” 

Nobody spoke. There was a silence broken only by Mary Beth’s quiet sobs from the corner where she had wrapped her arms around herself. 

Molly finally answered you though. “He was sent ahead of the attack. It...he was on horseback, with his head in his lap,” she raised a dainty hand at the thought, but you were confused. It seemed that Arthur may have to explain it later as no one was in shape to relive that moment. 

Kieran was sweet and seemed to be redeeming himself steadily. He had done good work with the horses and Mary Beth was always ready with a smile for him. Dutch had even gone so far as talk about bringing him on a job someday, something Kieran held onto with so much hope. A dream. Something to live for. 

“Everyone, back inside! We need to block off that door, there’s too many of them.” Dutch barked and could be heard throughout the house. 

“Is everyone accounted for?” 

Your heart squeezed at Arthur’s shout. His mind was always with others, even in the face of battle. Someone yelled something back and you could hear glass breaking as Arthur leapt out to the yard to attack. The gunshots were getting louder as the battle moved to the back. Arthur was an excellent shot, the best you had ever seen. His skills had been honed by years and years of knowing his aim meant life or death, so you closed your eyes and prayed to whoever might be listening to give him safe passage to protect the others. 

A thought crossed your mind after Mary Beth asked something about the O’Driscolls and how they had found the camp. Those few months ago you were held captive because of a deal your father made. Had he somehow tracked you down again? Paid Cold and his gang to come collect you in exchange for going free from the law? You wouldn’t put it past your father but the thought of everyone being in danger because of you rattled your heart more than you cared to admit. 

It seemed to go on for ages. Those in the room flinched every time a yell went out in fear that it was someone they knew. But Tilly would look out the window and confirm that Charles had run by just fine, and made a noise of surprise as Sadie Adler knifed a man just to turn around and shoot another. She sounded impressed, like she respected the woman for finally coming back to life. Eventually Hosea opened the door and told you all to come outside, it was safe again. 

You walked slowly behind the others. Hosea wrapped an arm around Mary Beth’s shoulders as she continued to cry, and Abigail clung tightly to Jack. It was good to see your community strong and holding together, even if you may have been the cause. 

“Arthur,” you breathed as soon as the front doors opened. You ran to him and wrapped your arms around his neck, feeling the gun from his hands hit the ground next to you as he did the same. The two of you stood silently for a moment, letting the reality settle in that you were both still alive and breathing. 

“You okay?”

You nodded. “I-I feel like a fool. I froze when I heard it was O’Driscolls, just got caught up in what happened all that time ago when I got holed up with them. I swear I felt Colm in the room with me, his hands on my neck again.”

His features softened. “Ain’t nothing to be ashamed about. You survived something terrible, you’re allowed a little time to let that wound heal.” 

You squeezed his arm and let him go over to join Charles, Dutch, Hosea, and John who were planning their next move. Reverend Swanson and Hosea removed Kieran’s body and head and the image of what happened made your stomach roll. Molly’s words rang in your ears as they moved out of sight. 

“Colm O’Driscoll...that man can really hate.” 

Dutch looked out across the fields thinking. “So can I, Arthur. So can I. We need to get moving. Away from here.” 

“Another camp?”

“You ain’t thinking big enough, Arthur.” Dutch laughed darkly as he formulated a plan. “You ain’t seeing the vastness of our problems and our opportunities. It will make sense in time. I’ll be back soon, then we’re robbing that trolley station!” Dutch clapped his hands together and took off to find the Count before leaving for who knew where. You saw the last puff of dirt fly up as you heaved another dead O’Driscoll up from the ground. It was taxing and grueling work, but everyone was chipping in to make sure the camp was safe and secured. 

Everyone except for Dutch, the little voice in your mind said. 

That evening everyone was quiet as they ate dinner around the campfire. The need for company outweighed the need for conversation and the time passed peacefully to the sound of crackling wood. You sat next to Arthur, as close as you could be without disrespecting the others in camp with being over the top. 

“You gonna eat that or just play with it all night, darlin’?” Arthur had noticed your loss of appetite and poked your side playfully. 

The slop in your bowl was bland, making it harder and harder to choke down. And it somehow reminded you of the carnage you had seen earlier, so when you pushed it away Arthur knew you were finished. 

“I can’t stop thinking about how they found us, they knew exactly how to attack. We were caught off guard even with people on patrols. And Kieran…” You shook your head thinking. “How can we ever forgive ourselves, Arthur? He was, he didn’t deserve that.”

Arthur swung an arm around your shoulders and pulled you into his chest. For a few minutes the two of you sat in silence, simply trying to cope. You had a nagging thought in the back of your mind that the O’Driscoll attack had something to do with you and your father and Colm, and that feeling seemed to blossom the more you dwelled on it. 

“Kieran was...he had a good life with us. We fed him, clothed him, he was free and worked doing what he loved. A man can’t ask for much more than that, and we should remember him for the good things he put into the world, not the terrible way he…” Arthur waved his hand out into the night sky. “You know. All that business.” 

You nodded and pulled your bowl back to push the slop around at least having something to do. Quiet murmurs went around the group but no one really talked, even Sean for once was sitting silently next to Karen, his fingers dragging lazy patterns on her knee. Javier was polishing his set of knives and Charles walked the perimeter. You could almost see his eyes dart every which way from your spot by the fire as he slowly secured the grounds, on high alert since Mary Beth’s scream earlier in the day. The piercing sadness still rang in your ears. 

The sound of an approaching horse had everyone standing instantly. Your hands shook at your sides as terror rose in you like bile at the back of your throat. Were they back? Did they get word from your father to attack again?

But it was only Dutch and the Count, back from their day out in the city. Or wherever Dutch went to be alone.

He swung down and greeted the group from across the grounds of Shady Belle. As he approached you realized you couldn't hold this secret inside of you for much longer. Someone had to know why the O’Driscolls attacked and that it was your fault poor Kieran had been brutally murdered in such a cold way. Your hands shook later that night even as Arthur’s arms held you tight in bed, nothing seemed to be able to calm the storm raging inside of you. 

The secret of your father that you held was too heavy to carry alone, but you were terrified of what the others would say. That it was no coincidence you were found back in Blackwater. That you had planned this all from the start and didn’t really care for anyone. You were terrified to think of Abigail’s face, how she would hide Jack behind her with a shove and point a shaky finger at you begging John to put her out of her misery and kill you. You saw Karen and Sean snarl, positively feral as they ran you out of camp with threats pouring from their lips. You winced at the thought of Hosea’s eyes turning to stone as he left you to the mercy of the swamps, offering you nothing but a nod as you left to fend for yourself. 

One thing you were absolutely certain of was that Arthur could not find out who your father was. In your mind they were two pillars of the same building, each standing for their own values and upholding an idea they were ready to die and collapse for. Arthur would accuse you of never truly loving him and hearing something like that would break your heart. The image of his heartbroken face staring right at you was too much, it was a thought you pushed as far away from your mind as possible. 

Dreams of wild beasts chasing you through flames and from your home plagued you for nearly a week before you woke up Arthur with your screams and sobs. 

“YN! Jesus, you’ll wake the whole house. Come back to me, love, it’s okay.” 

You felt yourself bolt upright, out of control, desperate to escape whatever dream had been after you that night. It must have been early as no light came through the windows. A sob ripped through you again and your whole body wouldn't stop shaking as you were stuck in that in between place between dreaming and being awake. Arthur grabbed your arm and you shook him off before you realized who it was. The tears hung to your eyelashes but you quickly blinked them away, pressing the heel of your hands into your eyes to try and calm your racing heart. 

“Honey you gotta talk to me. What in the world is going on with you?” Arthur’s accent seemed to get stronger when he was worried, using words that normally didn’t make it into his conversations. “This is the third night in a row you’ve been waking up yelling. What can I do to help you?” 

He rubbed small circles into your back as his words washed over your fried nerves. A hiccup escaped you as you finally took the reins back again. 

“I’m scared, Arthur.” 

His hand stopped. “What of, sweetheart?” 

“I’ve never talked about my family much with you, have I?” You played with your fingers, not looking up in the dark. “I never had any siblings, it was always just me. My mother was an angel but never spoke up for herself. I swore I wouldn't be like that when I grew up, and I think that’s why my f-father and I hit heads so often, ending in…”

The phantom bruises on your body started to ache and you clamped your hands together to stop from attending to them. Arthur sat in silence, knowing that you needed to think and speak about what was dragging you into such a dark place. 

“My father is a terrible man. He’s in a terrible line of work and lets the small amount of power he has corrupt him into something I don’t recognize. I’m real scared of my father f-finding us. It’s...he’s a complicated man, and it’s complicated between us but I know that if he ever found me I...I don’t know what I’d do.”

“Darlin’, I know he was a monster who hit you, but you have to believe me that he or anyone else will never touch you again while I’m here. I know I’m just some old, ugly man that you got stuck with but I would do anything to keep you safe. You’re my new home.” 

The sweet words made your heart feel like it was about to burst and you looked up at Arthur for the first time in your conversation. For one small second, the world was right. The man you loved, who you were set to marry, loved you more than you deserved. Your father had made sure you were ruined the moment you left home. No one like you should be loved unconditionally like Arthur was pledging to do. You would only bring pain and destruction to his life. 

“I promise. He will never find you as long as I’m around.” You raised a hand to Arthur’s cheek and drew yourself in for a kiss. Hopefully it conveyed just how much everything he said meant to you. 

The next morning you felt better. Cleaner, fresher, as if that made any sense. You brushed your hair and braided the short locks down your back and out of your eyes, you woke up before Arthur. His sleeping form entranced you and he had been up with you late into the night comforting you during another nightmare so you crept out of the room and downstairs to get a start on helping around Shady Belle. 

A deep breath cleared your mind and you took in the group meandering around the camp. Near Pearson’s table a pot of steaming coffee sat alone, so you poured a cup and let the warmth seep into your bones and relax you. Arthur was right, nothing could get in your way. 

“Morning, princess,” a snide voice broke through your serenity. 

“Micah.” 

“What, no greeting? No good to see you back after slaving around for the gang and making sure we’re safe and sound?” 

“I’m not in the mood. Please, just let me drink my coffee and -”

“Plot something?” 

Your eyebrows drew together in confusion at his words. Micah wore a smirk that said he knew more than you did and it made your hackles stand up, instantly on guard. 

“And what would I be plotting, Micah?”

“Oh,” he walked slowly around you, taunting you. “Nothing I would know about, that’s for sure. Maybe something a little less dramatic this time? Something that won’t put your targets in harm’s way? Better for the end goal now, ain’t it?”

You slammed the coffee down as your patience ran out and anxiety took its place. “What in the hell are you talking about?” 

“I know.” He leaned in to whisper. You had enough and left to find something to do when he called out again. “Seems you’re more than meets the eye, Miss Moore.” You stopped dead in your tracks but refused to turn around. “But, if you insist, I’ll leave you alone. Princess Pinkerton.”

The knife was pressed against his throat before you realized you had even moved. Micah only laughed as you weren’t really a threat, more of an annoyance but you were breathing hard in the morning sun as he batted your hand away.

“What did you say to me?” 

“I told you I knew,” he chuckled. “Seems you got some explaining to do as to why you got a whole detective agency after you, little Miss Pinkerton.” 

He didn’t know. Or at least, not all of it. The fact that your father was the detective in charge of bringing in the Van der Linde gang had escaped him. 

You took a steadying breath. “How did you find out?”

He met your response with a slow smile and pulled out a ripped piece of paper from his pocket. You tried to snatch it from him but he pulled it back, only showing you when you promised not to take it. 

“When we rescued you from dear old Colm there were some papers in that house that were very interesting. Named you personally as someone of interest to the Pinkerton Detective Agency and that you were to be kept alive and unharmed until they could collect you. I knew it was strange that some small town girl just happened to wiggle her way into the gang and then we’re attacked by O’Driscolls in our home.”

“No!” you tried not to shout. “It’s not, not like that Micah. Just...they’re after me, too. I promise I would never put anyone here in danger.”

“Hard to believe when that ain’t what this signed paper says.”

Your eyes lingered on the scrap he held up and you tried to focus on what you could read off of it. Shit. Right there was your name and a note that said to keep you away from any danger like Micah had told you. It was even signed with a name that looked vaguely familiar. But strangely enough, your last name wasn’t there, just YN. A thought struck you that your father would be embarrassed his daughter had gone and hitched herself to the enemy and you sent a silent thank you that his ego had won out. 

“You’re right, that is me on that page.” Micah’s eyebrows shot up into his dirty hair as you made up a cover story on the spot. “I’ve been on the run for something I didn’t know about at the time it happened.”

“And what’s that now?” 

You batted your eyelashes innocently to buy some time. “Can’t blame a girl for falling in love, can you? I...back in Blackwater there was a man I courted. We were almost engaged, but on the day of the proposal another woman came into town.” You paused for a dramatic effect that was surely lost on Micah. “His wife. It turns out he had been married for ten years and was planning to con me out of my family inheritance. Well, two months later I get a letter saying he’s dead and that I’m wanted for going through with it even though he had gone back with his wife to the city! I’ve been on the run since then, but they want a trial which is why they asked for me to be safe. To see if I could locate the locket he left behind in Blackwater worth thousands.” 

Micah looked unimpressed. But somehow, his mind accepted this story and he dropped your gaze with a huff. “You better talk to Dutch about this.” 

You nodded and promised you would, your heart kicking up a few speeds after he stalked away. How in the world had he bought the same story you had read off the back of one of Hosea’s mystery novels?

Dutch strode down through the front doors and you realized you would need to tell him. The truth this time, not some made up story. The bubble inside of you threatened to burst with the tension you were carrying as the secret loomed heavy over your head. 

“Why, good morning YN! Did you sleep better last night? Arthur said there were some...troubles.” 

You blushed slightly and adapted Dutch’s gait as he made his way to the gazebo with you. “Yes, thank you. Just some things on my mind. I was actually hoping that we could talk?”

Dutch stepped to the side and made a sweeping gesture, ushering you into the structure. “For you my dear, I always have an ear. Now. What can I do for you?”

“YN! Where did that woman go, Tilly you seen her? Swear I checked everywhere.” 

Arthur had finally awoken and was ready to start the day, dressed for heading into town. You walked out of the gazebo from a very pensive Dutch. He leaned his hands on the white railings after claiming the need of a few minutes to process everything you had confided in him. Dutch was a smart man; he made plans in the blink of an eye and always had the group at the heart of what he did so you were confident in your choice of who to tell. The world was lighter, you were no longer alone in knowing your secret. 

“Arthur!” You called and waved him over. He muttered something to himself and pulled you in for a chaste kiss. A smile crinkled the lines outside of his eyes that you loved so much while he told you about what he was off to do. Something to help the gang, money, the usual schtick. 

The one thing that caught your attention was the mention of Josiah Trelawney tagging along. 

“Hasn’t he been away awhile?”

Arthur nodded. “He comes and goes. Should be here soon, but Dutch seems to be alright with him wandering in and out of camp as he pleases. Like I’ve said, loyalty goes a long way with that man.” 

You smiled to yourself knowing that you had showed Dutch more loyalty by confiding in him. Hopefully he would take your words to heart. 

“Arthur, my dear boy, it has been too long!” 

Trelawney sat upon his horse as they slowly walked into camp, waving at a few shouts in his direction. The well dressed man looked healthy, smiling as he removed his top hat and avoided the mud puddles that formed on the path up to the house as he strolled to stand with you and Arthur. You were greeted with a bow. 

“I see I missed all the excitement, may I see it?”

For a moment you stood frozen, appalled that he would speak about Kieran and the attack in that way. It was very unlike Josiah and Arthur scoffed next to you. After a moment he reached out and took your left hand in his, admiring the ring on your finger and you and Arthur laughed. He meant the engagement. 

“How did you ask her, Arthur? Hopefully it was worthy of such a fine woman.”

Arthur blushed and rubbed the back of his neck as he retold the story. You could listen to him retell it over and over, it never got old. The build up as you stayed in the cabin, how he had bought you the book Pride and Prejudice after your old copy was destroyed in the fight with Micah, and how you looked when he suprised you and accepted. It was truly wonderful and you wondered how Arthur had described it in his journal. 

You slipped your hand into his and squeezed, telling him through touch how much you utterly loved him. 

“When is the ceremony then?” 

The question caught you off guard. You and Arthur hadn’t discussed how that would happen. “Hopefully soon. Just hard to find time to plan in the middle of this mess.” Arthur smiled at you as a thanks for having an answer ready. 

“Well, Arthur might I steal YN away before we head out to the boat?”

“Boat?” Arthur snorted. “Dutch didn’t say anything about a boat.”

“Ah. Well, do you at least have a nicer suite to wear? Something with less...dust. We’ll be with high society for the poker game.”

Arthur muttered something under his breath as he walked away and into the house, upset that no one told him he would have to dress up for the scheme that evening. Josiah sighed but smiled at you, a gesture that surely meant he had gone through this same routine with Arthur many times before. 

“How have you been, Josiah? We missed having you around. Your flair is one of a kind.”

The man offered you his arm to hold as you strolled around the grounds, and for the first time you saw Shady Belle as a shell of its former self. You pointed out the different spots around the house of interest, not that there were many, and conversation was easy. Talking to Josiah was like drinking a fine champagne; smooth and bubbly but not something that could be indulged in every day. 

“My dear, I did want to speak to you about something else. It’s a delicate topic, let’s sit out here away from the crowd.” He led you to a few barrels turned into seats as your stomach started to turn. 

“I ran into someone in Saint Denis who had your likeness drawn out, with longer hair of course, and offering a reward for your return.” He let the confession sit heavy in the air between you like the humidity that clung to your skin. “I know that you ran away for other reasons, but do they know who your family is? I’m afraid something bad will happen if the wrong person opens their mouth while out in the city.”

“He’s still here?” You whispered. Josiah nodded and covered your hand with his own at your distress. “Josiah I, I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell the others, they won’t understand. Like you said I ran away from him; he followed me here, I never wanted to bring harm to anyone. Least of all to those who took me in when I needed it.”

“I know. Just wanted to make sure you had someone to confide in. If that’s just me, I’ll happily hold that burden with you. Does Arthur know?”

“No.” You answered curtly. “And he can’t find out. To know he’s engaged to his enemy’s daughter? He would hate me.”

Josiah looked around to make sure no one was nearby before speaking. “My dear, I don’t think you give him enough credit, he’s a strong man who has been through his fair share of unfair circumstances and learned to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. But I won’t force your hand, of course. Some battles we need to take on ourselves.”

“I know, and it’s unfortunately my decision.” You flinched at the hard tone in your voice. “I just don’t want anyone hurt because of me. I can’t, I can’t live with that.”

“YN, we’ve all hurt people before. Eventually you have to just look out for the ones who matter.”

Arthur had lumbered out of the house and found you and Josiah sitting at the table, motioning he was ready to go. He tried to hide his fancy suit that he bought when you went to the mayor’s house, even though the thought of that evening sent your stomach into butterflies. 

You walked over and ran your hands along the buttons, fixing one that had gotten out of place. 

“Now, Josiah, make sure this fiance of mine gets back here in one piece, you hear? He’s got someone waiting for him back at home now.” Arthur chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to your lips, murmuring something sweet before heading off to his horse to leave. You watched Josiah follow him and lead Strauss and Javier out of the camp as well, wondering just what kind of trouble they had cooked up this time. 

The last bit of joy seemed to be sucked out of the air as the men left, and the weight of what happened with the O’Driscolls and poor Kieran filled the empty space. You placed a hand on your chest just to check if the hollow feeling in your heart was real or not, and almost disappointed when it wasn’t because at least physical wounds all healed. That was something you experienced first hand. 

It had taken time and work, but your leg was finally whole again after Colm had shot you. What a wild ride it had been living with the Van der Linde gang, who would have ever thought that any of this would happen to you?

Dutch stood on the balcony above, looking down at the group. He slowly smoked a cigar and you could almost see the gears moving in his mind. As he caught your eye he nodded, then looked curtly away. 

“Micah, can I ask you something?” 

The question was out of your mouth before you knew what your question was but the man stopped and dropped the bale of hay he had been trying to move. 

“Finally come to your senses and plan to ditch Morgan for a real man?”

Your stomach turned at the thought but you waved it away, eager to solve this gnawing riddle that had wormed its way into your head. 

“I need to see that paper again. Can I look at it?” 

He agreed as long as you stood right in front of him and promised not to rip or damage it in any way. You gripped the page and searched it over until you nearly had the words memorized. Maybe it had been something in the slant of your name where you could detect your father’s writing that had gripped you, or how he refused to put your last name that held its grip on you just a little bit too long. Something about this felt off…

And then you noticed it. It wasn’t anything about your name that had drawn you back to look over the paper. It was the name that approved of the order, who had sent the dogs running after your scent. 

It had been signed by Cornelius Staten. The man you met back in Rhodes.

[phantomphangphucker]

A Secret Dog With A Secret - Phic Phight

Prompt Creators: @purpleillusn @trainernick

Prompts: (1) Jack Fenton thought that all ghosts were evil, until he met a certain ghost dog. (2) Danny gets a dog - Danny decides he finally has time for a pet, but it has to be Cujo for reasons (he's a ghost dog)

Summary: Danny’s got a dog and Jack isn’t quite sure what to think yet

Warning: Implied ghost animal torture

“Uh Danny-boy? I’m pretty sure that dog is not normal”

“Hmm?”, Danny doesn’t even look up as he scratches at the green puppy ears. Besides, he knows full well what Cujo is; he just doesn’t care. Hell, if anything a ghost dog would fair better in this household than a regular one.

Jack himself is finding it hard to just tell his son that this dog is clearly either heavily contaminated or a flat out ghost. Jack bends down and tilts his head at the tiny green puppy sitting on the floor. The puppy bends his head back and promptly falls on his back, barking once with a goofy grin. “Ok, I’ll admit he’s cute. But son, his drool is glowing”, Jack watches a bit confused as Danny simply shrugs. Clearly not caring at all. Jack looks back down at the puppy and spots the collar, “Cujo eh? Named him already did you?”.

Danny laughs lightly, trying to not let his nerves show. After all, he’s doing this both for Cujo and to maybe make his family change some of their opinions. “Naw dad, he came with it. Already trained too, so he won’t pee on the carpet or anything”.

Jack can’t help but find that suspicious but decides that he’ll just have to trust his son, if he ever wants Danny to open up to his family ever again. It hurts seeing how closed off Danny’s become and maybe, just maybe, this will change that. Sighing but putting on a smile, “well I’m still testing his drool”.

Danny watches but lets his dad spoon some of the drool off the floor into a vial, Danny knows full well it’ll come back full ghost but hopefully, by the time the results come in, his dad will have warmed up enough to not care. “I wouldn’t expect any different dad. Got any balls?”

Jack chuckles as he tosses some out of the freezer, “one great thing about freezers, son. They kill practically all germs, even most ecto ones!”. Jack watches his son as he tosses the ball, not too far though, and Cujo runs off to get it; before he heads down to the lab.

Danny smiles at Cujo, “well here’s hoping he doesn’t see big boy Cujo for a while. Pretty easy to think you’re harmless like this”. Cujo jumps up and starts licking Danny, smearing green drool all over his face. “God, ew, stop that you fiend”, Danny’s laughter doesn’t discourage Cujo at all though.

Down in the lab, Jack sits and contemplates while watching the sample spin, “I will be amazed if that dog isn’t a ghost but he’s just a dog right? An evil dog but tiny, very tiny”. With a nod, Jack decides that he can easily handle something that is barely a sixth his sons size. Shaking his head as he heads back upstairs, muttering to himself, “of all the times for only half the Fenton family to be on vacation”.

Danny’s watching Cujo jump from one chair to the next, it’s clear to Jack that the dog is defying gravity slightly. But he does find it odd that the dog doesn’t seem to be floating around.

Grabbing some of his fudge and sitting down he becomes almost giddy as Cujo happy runs off with a piece, “Oh! He likes fudge! Well then he’s must be a Fenton!”. Danny has to restrain himself to keep himself from looking utterly stunned. Muttering into his hand while his dad throws another piece at Cujo, which Cujo is all too happy to eat, “seriously? You just accept a ghost? Because of fudge? Really? I, just. Wow”. Shaking his head he decides that he’ll have to eat a piece of fudge next time his dad’s after him and see how he reacts. To Phantom, eating fudge. Muttering into his hand again, “if all it takes is fudge, to get them to call a truce. I will die just a little more inside”.

Jack is perfectly content to sit outside and watch Cujo run around if it means getting to spend some genuine time with his son. No him running off to who knows where, no locking himself in his room or the bathroom for hours on end, and no staying over at his friends instead of home. Jack isn’t as much a fool as people like to think and he’s terrified that as soon as his son hits eighteen next month, he’ll walk out the front door and be gone for good. Danny, meanwhile, has been terrified for years that one day he’ll have to do just that. But he’s not thinking about that right now, as he watches Cujo futilely bark and jumps at a squirrel.

Catching Cujo’s glow starts to wiggle and knowing full well that’s his transformation queue, Danny whistles at him. Jack looks impressed as Cujo zips right over to Danny and barks. “Wow, son. You weren’t kidding, he really is trained and well too”. Snickering, Jack tells Cujo to roll over and run around. Cujo happily does so, earning the reward of eating the rest of Jack’s fudgesicle.

Danny’s feeling pretty good about all of this as he spots Cujo actually sleeping on Jack while he’s knitting. Danny leans over the couch, arms on the back of the couch, “well someone looks pretty comfy”. Jack chuckles and pats for his son to sit, exceptionally happy that he actually does.

Jack can’t help but look his son over, being reminded of his sons height as he sits, “you sure have grown a lot son, I’m glad to see at least one of you got my impressive height!”. Danny personally isn’t sure if he’s glad or not, he looks way too much like Dan. Though his height and muscular build is well earned, so there is some pride there, and he finds he can’t help a joke, “well I guess it was inevitable that one of us would!”.

Jack has no clue why that’s funny to his son but he’s happy to just see him laughing. He doesn’t do that as often as Jack would like, especially for once being so carefree and full of laughs.

Jack looks over his shoulder as he hears the beeping from the lab, signifying that the sample is done. Looking back to the little puppy, he doesn’t really want to move the little guy but at the same time. Danny runs a hand through his hair, “so you want me to take him?”, he really hopes his dad says no.

Thankfully to Danny, Jack shakes his head, “the results will be there later. It’s not like he’s going to cause issues sleeping, ghost or not”. Jack decides he made the right choice as soon as Danny smiles, it’s clear as day it’s a real one too. Not one of his far too many fakes.

Jack can’t help but laugh to himself when Danny actually falls asleep on the couch, “you really are always tired and I really don’t know why. But get a good rest son, even if that looks uncomfortable”. Jack laughs a bit more as he really takes in Danny’s position, one leg curled up on the couch with the other almost stiffly sticking out, chest turned in the opposite direction, and one arm laying right across his nose. Even so relaxed Jack can still easily make out his sons defined muscles, which he still has no clue how he got. “I wonder if I ate less fudge...naw not worth it”, Jack winces then, as Danny kicks him in his sleep. Rubbing his, definitely going to have a welt, hip, “jeez those muscles are clearly not for show. Impressive, though currently painful”. The movement also seems to have woken Cujo, who stretches out lazily.

Jack blinks down at the puppy, having not actually been around him more or less alone before. Cujo tilts his head making Jack shrug and go to scratch his chin. Cujo seems to be enjoying himself though it becomes pretty clear to Jack that he prefers Danny. Watching as Cujo starts bitting on his sons toes, “you are clearly a puppy, a trained puppy, but still a puppy”.

Danny wakes up after a couple of seconds and flicks Cujo into the air with his toes. Snickering a bit as Cujo lands on his chest, “my feet aren’t chew toys, buddy”.

“He disagrees I’d say!”, Danny moves his arm off his face at hearing his dad’s laugh. Jack pats Danny’s leg as he gets up. Danny asks, “going to check the results now I’m guessing?”.

“Of course Danny-boy! Pretty well already sure about the results though!”, Jack shakes his head as he walks into the lab and sees the sample results. Completely unfazed that it confirms Cujo’s a ghost, “something tells me this won’t even matter to Danny. But it does matter”. Jack mentally debates for a while before heading up, while he’s no fool he’s also not the best at thinking on the spot. So he decides what he’s going to say well before actually doing it, when it’s something he cares about. And at this point anything that gets his son to hang out with him for nearly a full day is something he cares about.

Cujo’s chewing on a little pink bear toy as Jack comes back up. Flashing the clearly positive results at Danny before sitting down. Jack isn’t really surprised that Danny isn’t surprised at all, as he watches his son shrug. “You already knew before you brought him home didn’t you?”.

“Yeah, he's actually been in my room for a few days now. Healing”, Danny still really wants to give those asshole GIW a piece of his mind after the shit they did.

Jack sighs, partly because he had no clue and because he doesn’t like the way his son said healed, “I’m guessing you want to keep him at this point then. And healing from what? Is he a new ghost or something?”. Jack can’t help but wonder if maybe new ghosts could be influenced to be good, he knows his sons heart is practically made of gold so  in theory...

Danny decides for honesty, because really Cujo’s been his from the start even if he always denied it, “yeah, I’d like him to officially be mine. He practically adopted me years ago and he was new back then. His ectoplasm was all messed up, he was practically a puddle when I found him. Or more so he found me”.

Jack can tell there’s some anger in his sons' words and it’s officially clear to him that his son is attached to this particular ghost. Looking at Cujo happily gnawing on Danny’s fingers he can’t help but see why. The little guys not so bad, and dare he think it, not remotely evil. “Well you clearly care son and he’s hardly been even a little bad so I guess it’s ok. How’d he adopt you though?”

Danny laughs animatedly remembering how ridiculous those few days had been, “he just walked up to me in a parking lot and dragged me off to help him find his chew toy. After that he’d just show up to play, sometimes I think he thinks I’m a chew toy”.

Jack notes that Danny’s glare at Cujo, who’s chewing on his arm, looks more amused than annoyed, “he must have blunt teeth for that not to hurt. That’s an incredibly odd thing for a ghost to just do. But he is a dog and that’s very dog”. Jack knows there’s more to the story but he knows there’s no point in pushing it. His son will only tell him what he wants to, no matter how much Jack pushes him. Even if he did push, he knows all he’d get is lies and Danny would walk away from the conversation.

“Dogs gonna do what a dog’s gonna do I guess”, Danny tactfully avoids the pain question because it absolutely does hurt but he doesn’t even notice it because, compared to everything else, it was so minimal. Danny looks towards his dad, sometimes he still finds it weird that he actually has to look down a little instead of up at him, “so you’re going to be cool with ghost doggy here? Like, you’re really ok with this?”.

Jack looks at Cujo and thinks on his words, officially deciding that at the very least animal ghosts weren’t pure evil, “yes, son. It’s weird but you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and you’re a Fenton! Every Fenton hs a good ghost sense about them”, Jack has no clue why this makes Danny burst out laughing and laughing hard.

Once Danny’s calmed a little, “true there. Cujo is a good boy, hmm, yes you are”. Jack watches as Danny scratches at Cujo’s chin who promptly licks his face. “Just no invisible poop, ok?”.

Now it’s Jack’s turn to laugh, “now there’s an issue I didn’t even think of! There’s a story there!”. Danny nods and grimaces, “stepping in it”. Making Jack laugh more, eventually, Danny joins him in doing so.

Danny stops laughing groans a little at spotting Cujo’s rapidly wagging tail as he jumps down and bites Danny’s ankle. “This is what I mean boy, by you thinking I’m a toy”, thinking quick Danny extends his intangibility to Cujo knowing damn well the pup might not do it himself, as Cujo drags him off the couch and starts running around. Dragging Danny behind him and startling Jack.

“Er, son is this ok?”

“Yup! When I said he dragged me off I meant that literally!”

Jack can’t help but laugh into his hand even if this clear show of strength, there’s no way his son is light, is a bit concerning.

Danny eventually pops his head, with now messy hair, over the top of the couch. “He’s got a fair bit of energy now and I’m fine”, Jack can’t help but snort as Cujo teleports right above Danny’s head and lays in Danny’s hair.

“I think that’s obvious son. But at least his antics are only freaky not harmful”.

Danny decides it’s probably best to bite the bullet at this point, it’s probably not best to spring Cujo’s-also-a-ten-foot-monster-dog out of nowhere. Plus his dad clearly can tolerate the dragging Danny around craziness. “Uh yeah about that, Cujo’s size is very deceptive. Deceptive both literally and figuratively. Let’s go outside and he’ll run around some. Burn off some energy”. Danny can tell his dad’s a bit confused but nods anyway.

Cujo instantly starts bolting around the yard as father and son sit on the steps. Danny chuckles as Cujo, once again, notices the squirrel, “that poor squirrel. He’s really going to wish he picked any other yard to live in”.

“All that yapping might just make him leave!”

“Well once Cujo actually starts barking he just might”, shuffling a bit, “anyways you see how his glow is stronger and wiggling?”. Jack tilts his head and realises that his son is right, “huh? What’s he doing?”

Danny shrugs, “easier to just watch though try not to be too startled”. Jack’s a bit concerned now and then very concerned when the tiny puppy is suddenly a big angry looking tower of green fur. Both of them watch as the squirrel bolts out of the tree and flees.

Danny, picking up that Cujo will definitely chase it and that’s definitely not a good idea to let him do, “Cujo stay”. Cujo stops in his tracks and turns his massive head back to Danny, rolling his tongue out in the process. Danny can’t help but smile and rolls his eyes. Flicking his fingers, he lets Cujo know it’s cool to run over to him. Which Cujo promptly does, licking Danny from toe to head.

Jack’s still a bit in shock as Danny grabs Cujo’s collar and yanks himself up, throwing an arm over Cujo neck and hanging off the side of his big ass dog. “Same dog just, uh, bigger”

Danny watch’s, hiding his nerves, as Jack slowly gets up. Jack holds out his hand and watches as the massive dog licks him and wags his tail, “I’m really glad you didn’t introduce me to him like this, but he really is the same dog”. Jack shakes his head but smiles as he takes in exactly how Danny is just hanging off the side of Cujo, “if he’s letting you do that, then he’s got to be ok”.

Danny smiles warmly and turns his head to Cujo, “down down”. Heeding the command Cujo promptly shrinks down.

“Oh wow! You even have that trained! You could ride him into a fight like a horse!”

Danny can’t help but laugh, since he’s literally done that before, “yeah I probably could”.

Jack throws caution to the wind and rubs Cujo’s head a bunch as he hops into Danny’s lap. Judging by the way Cujo’s purple tongue hangs out, everyone’s gonna be just fine.

End.

[elscarlet]

Divided Dimensions: The World of Elkanov Part 1 (Revised)

This is the first chapter of the novel. I’ve been writing and have a hard time not going back to edit everything. I really need to stop being a perfectionist when it comes to my writing. Anyway, hope you enjoy~ I’ll post the next chapter tomorrow.

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

As smoke fills the room, the sound of the smoke alarm blaring reverberates throughout the house, waking me from my trance. I jolt up before sighing as I use my index finger to adjust my black-rimmed glasses, my other hand placing the book I had been reading down gently on my desk. 

Not this again. I cover my nose and mouth with my sleeve before walking out of my room. I travel down the now smoke-filled staircase and towards the open kitchen which was barely visible. Squinting my eyes, I thread carefully into the kitchen, making sure not to bump into anything. 

“Mum! You okay?” I call out, a cough leaving my lips as I search for some kind of movement. 

“I’m fine, Alistair! Just burned some pancakes.” 

“Burnt pancakes?” I mutter as I turn to face where the voice came from and made my way over. My mother, Bella, was fanning the smoke out of the kitchen from the back door with a magazine, coughing a few times. “Were you hurt?” I ask, adjusting my glasses before looking at her to make sure she wasn’t injured. 

“Apart from having a bit of smoke in my lungs, I’m pretty much alright.” She chuckles. “Oh, could you please turn off the alarm, Chip?” She says in between coughs. 

I nod before grabbing a broom from the storeroom to turn the smoke alarm off. The smoke had mostly dispersed from the kitchen which revealed the stove and what looked more like charcoal then pancakes. I sigh inwardly at the sorry sight of what was supposed to be breakfast. I throw the pancake that was on the pan and look at the batter on the kitchen counter. 

“Sorry about that, Chip. I got a little distracted with my work.” Mum apologises, lightly scratching her neck. 

“It’s fine mum. I was planning on making breakfast too but got distracted reading.” I dismiss, already putting an apron on. “I’ll finish up with the pancakes. School is in another hour or so anyway.” 

“You’ve been walking to school a lot more these days so how about I drive you today? To make up for the pancakes.�� 

I hum in agreement as I flip another pancake. This has happened almost every week whenever she was the one to cook breakfast. It wasn’t that she was bad at cooking; it was just that she was a little bit of a mess sometimes. Balancing work and coming home to take care of a 14-year-old kid was not an easy task and I understand that. 

“Sorry about this. I’m such a terrible-” 

“Please don’t say that mum. I know you’re just doing your best to take care of me.” I shake my head.  

“Sigh. Thanks, sweetie. How about we cook some spaghetti for dinner tonight? Or maybe order some pizza? Since its Friday, we can even watch a movie if you’d like.” 

“Sure.” I place the pancake filled plate on the table and sit down across from her. We ate as we talked about mundane things before I got up to gather my stuff. I take a quick look at myself in the mirror and comb my dark brown hair into a side part. My eyes land on the green gemstone pendant that came out of my shirt, probably from running down the stairs earlier. I look at it as I held it in my palm, a sudden sense of longing forming in my heart. 

“You ready yet, Al?” Mum calls out from down the stairs, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Yeah, I’ll be down in a sec!” I shout back. I take one last look at the pendant before hiding it behind my shirt that was underneath my school uniform. I grab the book I was reading before rushing down the stairs. 

We rode in silence most of the way to school and stopped when the stop light turned red. I had unconsciously started to fiddle with my pendant part way during the ride and couldn’t stop my head from forming a question.  “Hey, mum?” 

“Hmm…?” She hums in response, mostly paying attention to the road ahead. “Where did you get this pendant? I know I’ve asked this a few times already but I really don’t understand why I have to wear it at all times.” I ask as I glance at her. 

“There’s no reason for you to ask where I got it from. Just know it’s for your protection.” She answers in a harsh tone, surprising me a little. She sighs. She glances at me briefly with a face I don’t see often. “We’ll talk about it at the right time, okay?” She turns back towards the road just as the light changes to green. 

I nod my head, opting to stay quiet. I certainly didn’t want to trouble her with it but I just don’t understand how some green gemstone is supposed to protect me.  What is it protecting me from? Sighing inwardly, I place the pendant back behind my shirt, the fabric making me feel stuffy. I decide to grab the book I had been reading earlier this morning to past the time as the car once again fills with silence.      

I shield myself from another punch with my arm; the force would no doubt cause a bruise. I grit my teeth to hold back another groan as a kick lands on my side. My glasses already chucked to the side. Shit. Just thinking of all the possible lies I’ll need to tell mum when I get home is giving me headaches.  I’m glad they’re avoiding any obvious places that would be hard to cover up or this will just be an even bigger pain. 

“You ready to tell the truth now, Al?” Jackson’s voice hisses as his hand grabs a fistful of my hair. 

“I have told you enough times… I did not—” I cough, my breathing ragged. “I did not do it!” I glare at the raven-haired boy that I used to call my friend. 

“Tch. Still ain’t gonna admit it, huh? That’s fine.” Jackson mocks, his eyes showing an almost animalistic bloodlust, shocking me for a second. “I just hope you’re ready to face the consequences.” He reaches for his back pocket and pulls out a pocket knife. 

“Woah, Jack! I thought you said we were just going to scare him a little.” The blonde guy that was holding onto me let go of my arms. “He’s already beaten up! Just forget about it! It was probably just a coincidence—” 

“Shut your fucking mouth, Elric. That don’t matter. I’ve been wanting to beat the shit out of him for a long time now anyway.” 

“What did I ever do to you?” I exclaim, annoyed, frustrated even, by him. “Does it even matter? I just don’t like that face of yours.” A sinister grin appears on his lips. 

“I ain’t stayin’ for this shit!” Another boy yelled before he walks off. A few of the other boys that were there left too, leaving Jackson, Elric, and I alone in the empty hallway of the school. 

“Heh, pussies,” Jackson mutters. “Now, I wonder where I should cut you first?” 

Damn it! Well, this certainly won’t end well for me. How did it get to this anyway? I would’ve escaped already if I didn’t feel so sick all of a sudden. Maybe I shouldn’t have stayed up reading. 

I could feel a cold sensation press against my cheek which brought me back from my meaningless complaints. It wasn’t enough to draw blood, though. But it definitely reminded me that one wrong move could be fatal. 

I look up and saw Jackson’s face. He didn’t look like himself, or at least not like the Jackson I knew. I could feel him applying more pressure on the knife against my cheek. I instinctively shut my eyes, just hoping someone saw them and called a teacher.  I was already giving up when I hear the sound of footsteps getting closer. 

“Tch.” I hear Elric click his tongue before the pressure on my cheek disappears. 

“Stop, someone’s called a teacher. We need to go.” Jackson lets go of my hair and I hear the sound of something metal fall onto the floor before another pair of footsteps pass me. The footsteps from earlier got closer as I slump onto the ground. I glance at where the footsteps came from but my eyes started losing focus as the world around me spirals. 

  “Stop, that’s enough. It’ll be harder for me to heal him if you hurt him too much.” A blonde boy exclaims as he places a hand on the shoulder of the woman standing beside the unconscious raven-haired boy on the infirmary bed.

“Oh, please. It’s not like I’ll kill the kid. Father’s orders were to make sure to drain him as much as possible so it’ll be easier to—” The voice cut off as if someone had stopped them from talking.

“Shut it, Veera. He’s waking up. You better block his memories now before he remembers any of this. And make sure to knock him out.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.”The purple-haired woman—Veera—places her hand above the boy’s head, her eyes glowing with a violet hue as she chants something under her breath. A dark mist covers the boy’s head as he stirs. The boy’s body slowly absorbs the dark mist and his movements stop.

“Don’t forget to deal with four-eyes over there. I think your spells are finally starting to work on him.” The blonde boy gestures towards another boy leaning on one of the chairs, barely conscious. “I’ve had enough of playing pretend with these kananai and I really don’t want to waste any more of my time and kana here. You know how long it takes to restore it all.”

“Tch. You’re not the only one suffering here. At least you don’t have to pretend to be some old nurse. Luckily those bastards that ran off already had their memories wiped.” Veera crosses her arms, annoyed. “Let’s just get this over with. I can’t wait to get started with that kid.”

“You better remember what father said. Even if only in name they’re still—”

“I get it, Veros! Geez, it’s not like I’m gonna kill the kid. It’s just a pain in the neck to break that protection charm.” She rolls her eyes. She flicks her wrist and a shadow-like arm emerges from her shadow which lifts the raven-haired boy and moves him onto another chair before placing the other boy on the bed. “I wonder how much longer this charm of yours is going to last? It really is a mystery how he’s still alive after so many years living here.”

“Just get to it. We don’t have much time left before he wakes up.”Veera rolls her eyes. She starts searching for something on the boy; the green gemstone pendant around his neck, and stores it in her pocket before doing what she did with the former boy. It took a little longer for the dark mist to be absorbed into his body and once it did, Veros lifts the other boy up by wrapping his arm around the boy’s torso and the boy’s arm on his shoulder. He walks out the door with Veera in tow.   

I hold the side of my head as a confused and pained grumble escapes my lips. My eyes flick open and slowly adjust to the light in the room. I dart my eyes around the room, trying to figure out where I am. Is this…the infirmary? 

“Oh, you’re awake.” I look towards where the voice had come from and see the school’s nurse, Ms Vivian with her arms crossed, walking towards her desk, her dark purple hair tied up in a bun. I hadn’t seen her earlier so she must have just come in. I slowly got up to sit, my body feeling lighter than usual. That’s…weird? Shouldn’t I be aching all over right now? I look at my arms in confusion; there weren’t any bruises on them. 

“I was surprised when they brought you in. You’ve never fainted during school before.” Ms Vivian says as she starts pouring water into a glass that was on the table and hands it to me. 

“Fainted?” I ask before taking a sip of the water. “Yes, the teacher that sent you here said you fainted in the hallway. I believe it was from lack of sleep.” 

“That’s… Wasn’t I…?” I stop myself. What happened? I reach up to adjust my glasses only to realize I wasn’t wearing them. 

“Oh, right!” The nurse grabs something from her desk and gives it to me. “We can’t forget about your glasses now can we?” She chuckles. I take my glasses from her, sighing in relief after making sure that it was okay. “Um… what time is it?” 

“It’s 11:09. You’ve been asleep for about 20 minutes.” She replies after glancing at her wristwatch. “You can go home now if you want since there’s only less than half an hour before school ends. I’ll tell the teacher.” I nod my head. I’ll get more time to read if I go now. Since it’s a Friday, mum won’t be home till late too. With such thoughts, I decide to go home early.

“Alright then, your things are right over there.” She points towards the door where my bag was leaning against a chair. “I’ll make sure the teachers know.” 

“By the way,” I say after taking a deep breath once more. “Has my mother been informed of this?” I ask as I adjust my glasses and slowly get out of the bed. 

“Mhnm? Oh, your mother? No, since it was just something caused by lack of sleep.” Ms Vivian answers while writing something on a piece of paper. I pay no mind to it and get up to take my bag. As I was about to leave, my hand went to fiddle with my pendant. It wasn’t on me. Just as I was about to ask if she had seen it, Ms Vivian dangles my pendant in front of me. 

“You dropped this when you fainted. I nearly forgot to give it back.” She explains with a smile on her face, her dark purple eyes staring at me. 

“O-oh! Thank you, Ms. Vivian.” I take the pendant, feeling a little uncomfortable for some reason. She smiles as she pats my back and opens the door to lead me out. I walk out of the infirmary as I sling my bag onto my shoulder. What on earth happened? I wonder as I trudge the silent halls of the school. I shrug, thinking it would benefit me more to just forget it rather than wrack my brain to try and remember. But I just can’t shake the feeling that something was off, especially with the nurse. 

Halfway through my walk, I stop after noticing an unfamiliar shop. It was a café. Not an ordinary one though, I could tell, from its name and the interior design I could see from the outside windows. Well, it’s not as if I have much to do at home anyway. Rather, this might work as a good distraction to get my mind off things. Mum isn’t coming home anytime soon either. 

I push open the black wooden door with a sign that said “Welcome to Timeless Café”, the light chime of a bell ringing reaches my ears as I take in the scene around me. The café exudes a calm and cosy atmosphere. The smell of fresh coffee and books instantly makes me relax and the sound of light chatter and soft jazz comforts me. I reach the line in front of the cashier and wait patiently to order. 

“Hello, and welcome to Timeless Café. What would you like to order?” The cashier, a man who seems to be around his forties, greets me when it was my turn to order. His smile was calm and gentle which contrasts from his large build and bearded face. I didn’t really have much of an appetite and thinking so I say, 

“I’ll have a black coffee and…” I stop to ponder as I adjust my glasses. Should I get something to eat? 

“How about a slice of a dark Oreo chocolate cheesecake? I’ would work well with the black coffee and won’t be too sweet.” The cashier grins. 

“Hmm… yeah, I’ll have that then. Thank you.” I nod, thinking it would be easier to just go with his suggestion rather than make the line wait any longer. 

“Okay, that will be 7.55. Will you be eating in?” I nod as the man punches in something into the cash register.  “Please hold on for a moment while I get your order ready.” He says and instructs another employee to get the coffee and cake ready. I hand over the money and take the change. "Please, find a seat and take this with you." The man gives me a button-like thing the size of my palm. "The button glows red when your order is ready and someone will give you your order." 

I nod again and take the button with me as I scan the café for the seat I had spotted from outside. When I saw the seat that was at the end of the café next to the outside window and a bookshelf, I hasten my footsteps to take the seat before anyone else could. I put the button on the table and slide off my bag and place it on top of my chair. I decide to grab an extra book from the bookshelf beside me while I wait since I was almost done with the book I was reading. I flip through a few of the books, briefly looking at its contents before deciding on what to read. A certain dark green coloured book catches my attention and without much thought, I take it out of the bookshelf. The book's cover was actually made of material close to leather and has two belt-like straps on it. 

“The World of Elkanov?” I murmur to myself. Curious, I look at the back of the book however there was no short synopsis at the back of it. Shrugging, I take the book back to my seat and sit down after placing my bag on the chair beside me. I flip open the book that looks as if it were a journal, the first page even stating the writer's name as the owner of the book. Even more intrigued, I quickly go to the first chapter of the book, the lights above me casting’ a yellow hue.

A few minutes in and I was already engrossed in the book. I almost didn't realise the button glowing red, signalling that my order would arrive in a moment. I make sure to remember where I left off before putting down the book as I wait for my food to arrive. The same man from before was now holding a tray and walking towards me, probably to give me my order. 

"Thank you," I say as he places my black coffee and the cake on the table. 

"You're welcome." He grins. "Oh, didn't think someone would pick that book to read." I hear him say as he points at the book on the table. 

"It caught my eye because of its unique design. I've never seen a book using faux leather as its cover before." I say as I adjust my glasses, a little flustered by the sudden conversation. 

"Ah, that's true. It’s the only book of its kind. I've never seen anyone read it though. Must be cause of it lookin' so old. Shame that there aren't any more of the books. Even though my friend took so long to finish it." He shakes his head with a sigh.

"Wait, your friend wrote this?!" I exclaim a little too loud. It's a good thing jazz music is playing in the background otherwise people would be staring at me right now. "I-I mean, you are a friend of the author of this book?" The man chuckles, 

"Yeah, he was a real weirdo, that guy. Always going on and on about his adventures." The man's face suddenly fell, as if recalling a sombre memory. "He passed away a long time ago though, 10 years to be exact." He sighs. "Well, I’m just glad someone's reading his book." 

A little surprised by the information, I adjust my glasses again before saying, "I'm sorry for prying." 

"Nah, you don't have to feel bad. It's not your fault. Besides, it's been so long already." He scratches his neck and averts his eyes. "The name's Edward by the way. Oh, and you can take that old book home too if ya like. It's just gonna gather dust if I leave it here." He says as he takes the button-like thing from the table before turning around to leave. 

"W-wait! Would the owner of the cafe be okay with that?" I stop him. 

"Course he would! I'm the boss after all!" He gives a hearty laugh as he waves it off and leaves to resume his work. 

Stunned at the sudden revelation, I shake my head softly as if to get rid of the shock. Who knew the owner of the cafe would be working right at the cashier. I adjust my glasses, opting to pay no mind to it and deciding to finally start eating. 

A pleased hum escapes my lips after taking a bite out of the cake. He wasn't lying when he said the cake would go well with the coffee. I continue to eat and drink occasionally as I read the book, already forgetting about the other novel inside my bag. My coffee and cake were finished by the time half an hour had passed however, I decided to stay and continue reading the book for a little longer. 

A few hours pass by and I was almost halfway done with the book. I glance at the clocks on the wall across from my seat and search for the clock with the name of my country under it. It was already 3:34. Realizing how long I have been staying here, I close the book and get up to leave. I grab my bag and with the book in my hand, I leave the café with a more relaxed and satisfied smile.

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

How was it? Feel free to give me any comments or critiques so i can improve on the other chapters as well. Thanks for reading~   

[broadwaycantdie]

Eid! - Newsies (Pride) Month . Day 4

( tommy boy ) + ( religion )

a/n: i am not muslim! i do not celebrate eid! however, inclusivity and diversity is very important to show throughout stories so i had @newnewsieprice help me with this story because she is muslim and does celebrate eid! she also told me that everyone celebrates differently so this is just based off her experiences and the bare minimum i know :)

warning: besides the fact that i only partially know what i’m talking about ? none

background: Tommy Boy is a Macedonian Muslim Baby Boy™. He is technically the only Muslim newsie in his chosen family. Tommy Boy’s blood family was deported and sent back to Macedonia. Since he was the only family member born in the states, he was left alone. A lot of families were separated during the ICE raids—including some of the other newsie’s—so they all work to bring everyone together in their own little family.

( all macedonian is according to google translate and the translation will be in parentheses, sorry if anything is wrong, i don’t speak macedonian! )

——————————————————————————

“Те сакам исто така, мама. Ми недостигаш. Тоа нема да биде исто без сите вас овде. Ветувам дека ќе се јавам повторно по молитвата. Eid Mubarak.”

(I love you too, mama. I miss you. It won’t be the same without you all here. I promise to call again after prayer. Eid Mubarak.)

Tommy Boy hung up the phone and gently pressed his forehead on the wall, looking down with his eyes closed. He let out a breath.

“It’s hard without them here, isn’t it?”

Tommy Boy jumped, not knowing someone else was in the room. It was very early morning, he didn’t expect anyone to be awake.

He didn’t say anything. He just turned to see who was there.

It was Elmer. He was standing in the open doorway with a sense of understanding on his face. A change of pace from his often confused expression.

Tommy Boy walked over to him, wrapping him in a hug without saying a word.

Elmer knew what it was like. His parents and older siblings were taken back to Poland over a year ago.

He sticks to the newsies because they’re all he has.

Elmer’s family obviously wasn’t the only one who got taken away but his was the first. He has had time to heal, though it still hurts.

Tommy Boy’s parents were taken just weeks ago. He needs more time to accept and learn to move forward. And no one knows that feeling better than Elmer. He went from a blood family of 11 to 1. It was hard.

Elmer knew what a sacred and joyous time this has always been to him, year after year. He use to go to his parents and come back telling stories of all the gossip and events happening back in Macedonia. Stories of his parents saying how they wish they could visit their home again; but they never imagined they would get stuck there, leaving their only son behind.

Elmer was prepared to hold Tommy Boy for as long as he needed. He knew Tommy Boy wasn’t one for showing emotions, so he needed to undertand that he could be vulnerable and that was okay.

Tommy Boy pulled away gently. Tears soaked his face and his eyes were red. He hadn’t cried like that since his parents left. He never allowed himself.

He looked at Elmer’s shirt, now housing a wet spot from his eyes.

“Sorry about that”, Tommy Boy said, lightly laughing through tears and choked breaths.

“It’s okay, T. It’ll dry”, Elmer replied, smiling.

They stood there for a bit. Elmer gently rubbed Tommy Boy’s back while he let out the last of his tears and caught his breath. He just needed to get it out.

“What are you gonna do this year?” Elmer asked softly.

“I don’t know. I’m gonna pray. Pray a lot. I might go for a walk. Be by myself for a few hours. But after that I don’t know”, Tommy Boy replied in a deep breath.

“Why don’t you go get ready. Take some time to yourself beforehand. We’ll all be here with you after, okay?”

Tommy Boy nodded his head and went off to the washroom. No one else was awake so he really got to relax and calm down before he went off to the mosque.

In that time, Elmer devised a plan. He was going to do everything he could to give Tommy Boy a good Eid. Nothing would make him feel as good as he did with his parents, but he owed it to him to try.

As soon as Tommy Boy walked out the door Elmer yelled throughout the lodging house.

“Family meeting right now! Everyone come here, please!”

At least he was polite about his early morning aggressive screaming.

Ignoring the moans and groans of sleepy teenagers, Elmer actually got everyone into the main room.

He explained his plan, what he knew of the holiday, and Tommy Boy’s schedule for the day.

“Henry, how long does it take to make an entire feast fit for a celebration?”

“Um? Like all day if I’m lucky?”

“Well we’ve got about 5 hours or so, so you might wanna start now.”

“What?! Elmer that’s impossible!”

“Nothing’s impossible if you put your heart to it...and when you have friends to help...that’s why I made a chart of everyone’s responsibilities for the day.”

More groans filled the room but Elmer ignored them.

He went down the list, giving everyone their job.

Henry, Kenny, Smalls, Crutchie, Buttons, Romeo, Sniper, Specs, Jojo, Kid Blink, and Ike would all be working on food. Like Henry said, it would take all day if he did it himself so Elmer needed as many people as possible to get it all done.

However, not everyone could be trusted cooking.

Albert, Finch, Jack, Mike, Mush, and Race were in charge of getting the house ready.

That included cleaning, setting the table, getting conversation spaces ready, helping Henry if he needed anything and every other little thing Elmer needed.

Specifically, Finch was put on lookout, making sure Tommy Boy wasn’t on his way home. And if he was, the rest of the house would be warned and a distraction would be made.

While the rest of the family worked, Tommy Boy was enjoying his time. He never was one to like a lot of energy and chaos.

While at the mosque he prayed for his family. He prayed they were safe and happy even if he couldn’t be there with him. He prayed for the other first-generations to not have to go through what he did. He prayed that Race would be smart enough to not get in big enough trouble that would get him sent back to Italy. He prayed that one day he would be reunited with his family for good. He prayed he would at least be able to afford to visit until that day came. He prayed for a lot of things. That’s all he could think to do. So he did.

After he left the mosque, he took a walk. He walked around the city watching people live their lives. People not even knowing it was a holiday. People just enjoying their time together. It was nice to see.

Back at the lodging house, they ran into a bit of a problem. No one knew how to make baklava.

“Do we really need it?” Henry asked, already in the midst of making a million other things.

“Yes! It’s a staple of literally any holiday ever!” Elmer said back.

“Well you better bring someone who knows how to make it cause it ain’t me.”

Elmer thought for a minute then picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.

“Hello?”

“Davey! It’s Elmer, we have an emergency.”

“What kind? The kind where I have to sew someone’s arm back on or the kind where you guys are out of m&m’s?”

“The kind where we don’t know how to make baklava and we were hoping you did.”

“I don’t, but my mother does. Why?”

“We need some, like today.”

“Today?! Elmer baklava takes at least two days to make!”

“Fuck. Uh. Do you know where we can get some?”

“Well, lucky for you it’s the beginning of the month.”

“Meaning...?”

“Meaning my mom makes baklava the first weekend of every month!”

“Can you bring it? Please? Like asap!”

“Yeah, I’ll be over soon.”

Since that was taken care of, Elmer got back to getting all the last details finished.

Meanwhile, Tommy Boy decided to participate in one of his favorite parts of Eid, giving to the poor.

He knows what it’s like to not have anything, so giving back to those with even less warms his heart. He remembers being on the other end and watching some of his newsie brothers there too. It’s been tough, but giving back is his way of seeing that he made it through.

He gave what he could in any form. Buying meals, volunteering, or just giving straight up money.

After another hour or so of him being out, Tommy Boy decided it was time to head home. He promised his mother he’d call again and he didn’t want it to get too late.

Davey made it to the lodging house just minutes before Tommy Boy did, finishing the table setting.

The boys somehow got everything done in time.

The table was set with all the food they could make. Foods like Tajine, Tufahije, Bolani, Pite, Spice Cookies, and—of course—Baklava. Along with other little things like dates and tiny snacks.

Finch yelled out that Tommy Boy was walking up. They all scrambled around and stood in front of the table, hiding what was behind it.

Tommy Boy walked in the same way he always does, but this time, noticed the odd behavior of the boys.

“Hey guys?” Tommy Boy confusingly asked.

“Hey, T! How was going to the mosque?” Elmer asked, genuinely curious.

“It was good! Uh...what is everyone doing?”

“Well...this is your first Eid without your usual traditions and celebrations. So...”

The boys slowly moved away from the table, revealing the food.

“...we wanted to make a new one!”

Tommy Boy’s jaw dropped.

“You—how did you? You—you did this? All of this? F-for me?”

“Of course! T, we are family, and after seeing you this morning I couldn’t have you just being alone. I can’t change what happened, but I can do everything in my power to make what you have here, the best.”

He felt the tears fill up his eyes again but quickly wiped them away.

Tommy Boy isn’t much of a talker, but that reaction said more than words ever could.

They all sat down in their respective seats and began eating the food. They all talked and gossiped and enjoyed each other’s company.

After they ate more food than probably healthy, they moved over to the couches while Henry brought out tea and cups.

Tommy Boy used this time to leave the room and call his mother back, as he promised he would.

He waited a bit longer than he should have, so his mother didn’t pick up. However, he did leave her a message.

“Здраво, мама. Се извинувам што не се јавив порано, толку многу се случи денес. Моите пријатели го донесоа Еид и ја направија речиси иста како она што го користиме за да го направиме, иако со својот мал пресврт сепак. Тие ја направија мојата омилена храна и навистина ме натераа да се чувствувам добредојдена. Не знам што направив за да ги заслужам сите, навистина. Тоа беше целата идеја на Елмер, ми рече дека тоа е групен напор, но знам дека го планирал. Неговото семејство беше однесено пред една година, па ми помагаше. Многу ми недостасуваш. Се надевам дека си имал добар Еид. Еден ден повторно ќе го прославиме заедно. Се надевам наскоро. Океј, те сакам, мама. Кажете им на сите што ги сакам. Повикај ме кога ќе можеш. Eid Mubarak.”

(Hello, mama. I apologize for not calling earlier, so much happened today. My friends brought Eid to me and made it almost the exact same as what we use to do, with their own little twist though. They made my favorite foods and really made me feel welcome. I don’t know what I did to deserve them all, really. It was all Elmer’s idea, he told me it was a group effort, but I know he planned it. His family was taken a year ago, so he’s been helping me out. I miss you all a lot. I hope you had a good Eid. One day we’ll celebrate it together again. Hopefully soon. Okay, I love you, mama. Tell everyone I love them. Call me when you can. Eid Mubarak.)

[shipper-trash-bag]

In The Bunker part C

“Gabe!”

“Dude!” Dean winced at his brother’s yelling, turning the corner to see why he was shouting up a storm for his significant annoyance. “Why can’t you just text him? My eardrums aren’t going to heal themselves.”

Sam rolled his eyes. How he was related to this man was truely a mystery, one that rivaled Bigfoot. “He was supposed to meet me outside an hour ago and I just found his phone wedged under the toaster. Have you seen him?”

Dean shook his head, not even remembering when he’d seen Gabriel last this past week. “He’s been kind of quiet lately.”

He fisted his hair in his hands, yanking on the strands roughly in frustration. “Yeah, I know.”

“Did you have a fight or something?”

“No!” Sam flinched. He knew he’d answered that too fast, knew he shouldn’t bring Dean into things. “It’s just... we were talking about... things-“

“Ew. New rule: no talking about your and Gabe’s sex life with me,” Dean pointed at his brother with the spoon he was using, turning back to his ice cream with gusto. “Ever.”

Sam rolled his eyes. Dean could be so one track minded sometimes. “No, Dean. Relationship things. Future plans, you know....kids”

That got Dean’s attention. Sam hadn’t mentioned having kids to him since before they moved into the bunker. This was something huge. “Kids?”

“Yeah.”

“Do... do you want kids?”

Sam looked away, sighing. “I... I think so. I mean, we have Jack, and I know it’s not been easy or ideal, but... yeah, maybe one day, when things are less crazy.”

He wanted to tell Sam but it’s always crazy for us, but he knew that’s not what mattered right now. What mattered now was helping Sam find Gabriel. And maybe to prod a little more into this ‘not fight’. “Does he want kids?”

Sam twisted his hands, looking unsure of himself. “Yeah. He said he would have had kids by now but the whole ‘nephilim killing their mom thing’ isn’t worth it for him. He said he’d like adopting but could never find a person he trusted enough with doing that with.” Suddenly, something dawned on him. “Oh no. Do you think he realized that he doesn’t trust me enough and is trying to break up with me?”

“What if he trusts you enough and wants to have kids with you and you scared him off?” Dean supplied, backtracking at the second Sam’s face began to pale further. “Or maybe he’s at the adoption agency right now stealing a baby!”

Sam scoffed, sound high and squeezed off like a whimper. “Don’t joke like that! Ugh! If you see him, tell me. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.”

————

Twelve hours. It had been twelve hours, sixteen minutes and fourth two seconds after Sam’s tense conversation with Dean before Gabriel showed up at the bunker.

It was late, close to three am when he managed to creep back into the bunker through the garage. He didn’t intend to be out as long as he had, but flying was still exhausting for him. His one solace was that Sam would hopefully be asleep before he got to their room and could play off as if he’d gotten back hours ago and had lost track of time with Dean in the rec room - Gabriel refuses to call it a man cave - watch Golden Girls reruns. But his luck ran out when he’d nearly tripped over his feet at turning the corner, his very upset boyfriend sitting up in a car in the library.

Gabriel winced at the bags under his eyes and how tense his mouth was. He was worried, Gabe thought. I worried him. “Hey..”

Sam crossed his arms. Oh no, that’s never good. “It’s 2:57 am. Where’d you go?”

Gabriel waved a hand in indifference, trying to play it off. “Oh, just here and the-“

“Don’t pull that shit with me,” Sam stood, walking tensely towards Gabriel. Even though he practically towered over Gabe, Sam seemed to shrink in on himself in that moment. “You left your cell under the toaster. The cellphone you spent two hour picking out when I went with you to the mall. What gives? Are you mad at me?” He voice fell from anger to sorrow, a tinge of fear colouring his eyes. “Are you... you cheat-“

“No!” Gabriel grabbed both elbows, Sam’s arms still crossed over his chest. “I would never, ever cheat on you, my love! I promise! And I’m not mad! Honestly, the cell phone thing was a fluke. I let Cassie borrow it last night cuz he was out of minutes and he must have forgotten to give it back or maybe he was high when he left it there. Either way, that one’s not on me. The rest- look, I was out... for other reasons”

“Like??”

Oh well, best just ruin the surprise rather than ruin the relationship. “Like me going to every single pet show I could get at with my limited grace, and finding the perfect dog i got us.”

That seemed to stump Sam something fierce. “Huh?”

Gabriel smiled softly, letting go of his elbows to pull up the sleeves on both arms to show off the many bands and stamps from entrance fees he’d paid to the eleven pet shows he’d indeed been to. Now, he would normally not have bothered to pay for things like that in the past, but Sam was rubbing off on him, his conscience reminding him that how people who ran the shows had bills to pay of their own. Damned morals, always getting in the way. “See? I could never cheat on you, heck, being away from you for more than five hours is torture. I love you, Sam. I think about you so much my head hurts.” Sam melted a little, arms loosening enough for Gabriel to wiggle between them and Sam’s torso, hugging his giagantic boyfriend. “I love you. So so much. I love you so much I forget why I ever wanted to be apart from you in the first place. I know I haven’t always been a kind being to you, so I’m trying to make it up to you now.” Looking up through his lashes, he saw tears forming in the corners of Sam’s eyes. “It’s okay, baby. I got you. Remember?”

Sam laughed, low and with a wet sound. “Yeah, yeah. I remember. I.. so you weren’t scared off by the kids talk we had earlier?”

He shook his head gently. “Sam.... I’ll wait for a hundred years if that’s what you want. All I need is you. You’re why I get up every morning.” Kissing the space right about his heart, Gabriel nuzzled into his favorite place i n the whole world, Sam’s arms tightening around his back and he lay his own head on top of Gabe’s. “So of you’re not ready for kids, so be it. I don’t want us to rush into anything blind. It’ll just make us resent it all. I don’t think you want that, do you?”

Sam shook his head, kissing Gabriel’s carefully. “No. I just want you. Also, for you to eat something that isn’t covered in fat and sugar once in a while.”

“I ate that salad once.”

“Once is not enough, Gabe.”

“Ugh!” Gabriel scoffed, looking back up at Sam. “How is it someone so perfect ended up loving something so heinously disgusting?”

Sam wrinkled his eyes, a tired smile laying on his face right where it’s always belonged. “Just lucky I guess.” His face turned a bit serious once more. “You sure about-“

“Yes. Yes, I’m sure. Just as I’m sure it’s time for us to go to sleep now. Okay?”

Sam nodded, pulling away enough so they could walk side by side. Their hands intertwined in a warm clasp, Sam leading the way, dead on his feet. “So tell me about this “perfect dog” you’ve found for us.”

Gabriel groaned, eyes rolling into the back of his head. “So at first I thought, naturally, on maybe a corgi or a jack russle terrier, you know, durable if accidentally thrown from the bed, but small enough to hide in the impala’s trunk if a monster goes after it, but then... oh man, there was this adorable Afghan hound, right? And I just couldn’t NOT pet it, you know? And then there were the mixed breeds-“ and on and on he went until late night turned to early morning, talk turned to kissing, and kissing turned to falling asleep in one another’s arms, lips ghosting over each other. Gabriel kept his phone on him at all times after that and never kept any dog related secrets from Sam ever again. Well, except for when Sprinkles would inevitably accidentally puke in one of Dean’s shoes.

@thislumpoffuckicallabrain

[blueyesandleatherjacket]

Ghost of you, 21/21

Volume: 1.

Number of parts: 21/21.

Pairings: Human!Nine x Rose; Human!Ten x Jack; Clara Oswald x Olivia Baxter (OC).

Synopsis: “Maxence wasn’t dead, but he wasn’t alive either. When she had felt better, Jack had taken her to the cages only to find Liv with all the doctors she had by hand at the moment inside Maxence’s cage. They were all around him and Zach explained them that he had had another fit while he was trying to get their attention on what he wanted.”

A/N: I've started writing this fiction last year after I had a particularly weird dream (as usual) and after I wrote the prologue, I've put it aside to work on other stuff. I've gone back to it not so long ago and decided that it would be the fiction I would post next, after not posting anything for a while. I must have watched I am legend and Game of thrones way too much to come out with something like this but I hope you will like it. I am not a scientist, nor did I have a particular knowledge of sciences. I do my researches on the internet like everyone to make sure everything is as close to the reality as possible. I have a literature degree only. Writing is what I do and it makes me explore next fields, and learn new things.

“I've got shame, I've got scars that I will never show. I'm a survivor in more ways than you know.” - Demi Lovato.

CHAPTER 21:

Rose was lying on her side next to Maxence. She wasn’t wearing a suit. She didn’t need it anymore around him. She didn’t want anything to separate them, not even the slightest layer of fabric. She wanted to feel him against her, to feel his fresh skin against hers. Her hand found his cold hollow cheek. The hairs growing there tickled the tip of her fingers as she traced his cheekbone. His face used to be so beautiful and now… now there were all those blue lines representing the vessels running under his translucent skin, the black bags under his eyes, the shape of his skull right under his skin. Now he was only the ghost of someone she used to love. This man beside her wasn’t her husband. And yet, she was there, by his side, stroking the features of this new face he was wearing. She tried to remember what he looked like before but the image was chased away by the real person she was seeing. Maxence wasn’t dead, but he wasn’t alive either. When she had felt better, Jack had taken her to the cages only to find Liv with all the doctors she had by hand at the moment inside Maxence’s cage. They were all around him and Zach explained them that he had had another fit while he was trying to get their attention on what he wanted. That had been shortly after Jack left. After that, he had been looking for his pen and writing a formula as if his life depended on it. Which was the case if they had to be honest with themselves. Jack had expected Rose to be staring at Maxence while the medical team was trying to keep him alive but her eyes were riveted on the pictures of the formula. Zach had screened it and printed it and Rose was fixing it, oblivious of everything around her. She grabbed the pictures, reread them. “He’s right. He’s fucking right.” And suddenly, she ran to Martha’s office. She was the one who needed to see this. Maxence had found the final formula of their cure. If he was right like she thought he was, he probably just saved himself from a terrible death. They would all say they needed months to test the cure if it was really working, to test it to see if there weren’t any side effects to it. However, Maxence didn’t have that time before him. If Martha synthesised that cure, it would be given to Maxence immediately. She had made a tiny mistake in her calculations and he corrected her. She was praying for it to be their final formula, for it to be the solution to the noctiagus. Both Jack and Tegan had told her to be ready but she couldn’t get around the idea that she might lose him. She was aware that his vital signs were terrible, that this fit had been the one too many. He was in a deep coma and no one knew if he was gonna get out of it one day. Rose hoped so. There was worse than death, it was watching him in this condition, forever. And since she was his wife, she would be the one who would decide if it was better to free him from all those machines and let him die or leave him like this with the hope he would get better someday. Everyone thought that killing him was the best option, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. How was she supposed to continue her life without him? That looked impossible in her eyes. She couldn’t imagine the day she wouldn’t be able to lie by his side and stroke his cheek like she was doing right now. Out of respect for them, Zach had rendered the walls opaque. He was keeping a close eye on Maxence’s vita signs and the cameras were still on but he wasn’t looking at them. It was their moment and no one had thought about preventing her from going inside unprotected. They all were aware that if that formula wasn’t right, it was Maxence’s last hours on Earth. Even if the formula was right, there wasn’t much chance for him to survive this, and if he did, there was no certainty that he would be the same as before. There would be serious consequences for him. Heavy consequences. There would re-education: physical and cerebral re-education. It would be long and difficult. But that was only if he was surviving. If he didn’t, she would need an emotional support all her life. If she didn’t end her life when his would be over. She wasn’t really thinking of it as her fingers were tracing the light wrinkles of his forehead following their lines to the corners of his eyes, drawing a circle around the mole on his cheek, stroking the line of his hairy jaw. She could feel the bones of his skull under her fingers and her heart tightened. He used to be so fit, on the limit of overweight even. He loved eating and sometimes ate too much, but with the times changing, he had had to adapt his diet. He still looked fine until that virus infected him. Until it turned him into this man she could barely recognise. “You’re not gonna give up, right? You wouldn’t dare leaving me alone, would you?” She didn’t get any answer. Only the soft noise of the breathing and monitoring machines were breaking the heavy silence of the cage. She dropped a kiss on his shoulder, close to the bandage still covering the bite mark that had caused him to be here. It wasn’t healing very well. His system was too busy fighting the infection to focus on such a tiny wound. There were priorities. “What will I become without you? Without my lovely knight in shining armour?” The expression always made him laugh usually but his body remained as still as if he was dead. He certainly was in some way but she refused to think about it. She pressed her ear against his chest, right above his heart, just to feel it beating, as slow as it was. You could force him to breathe with machines but you couldn’t force his heart to beat. It was still pumping blood so Maxence was still alive. It was these little things that were reassuring her. “Rose.” This was Tegan’s voice. Rose didn’t move though. They didn’t need her anymore. She had done her part of the job. It was up to them to make that cure now. That’s the only news she wanted to hear today, that the cure was finally done. “Martha has finished synthesising the cure from the last formula he gave us.” Once again, Rose didn’t move or say a thing. She was waiting for the whole thing. She knew what was coming of course. They only had one patient they could test it on and it was her Maxence. The idea of him being a guinea pig didn’t please her much but she wanted him to get better. Now more than ever. “Jack has given it to Peggy.” “What?” She had totally forgotten about the pig. With everything that had happened lately, she had completely forgotten about their mascot. She had completely forgotten that Jack had infected her and that she had survived so far. It was only right that they tested it on her instead of testing it on Maxence but she was so desperate to save her husband that fury filled her to the core. She jumped out of bed, rushed the the interactive wall and disabled the opacity of the wall. Tegan was standing right before her, behind the thick glass wall, his hand on the intercom. She pressed the button. “He is the priority.” “Last time he was given a cure to test, it almost cost him his life. I couldn’t take that risk again.” Not in his current condition. Tegan didn’t pronounce the words but he had thought them so loud that she heard them. Tegan noticed her anger but he didn’t show anything. The wrinkles on his face added to the dark bags under his eyes made him look older than he really was. His shoulders were stooped with the weight of his new responsibilities and the events of the last few days, with the anxiety and weariness. He too was about to break down just like so many of them in this building. “T!” Her yell brought his attention back on her. His eyes hadn’t left hers but his mind was far away. She didn’t need to be a therapist or else to see that he was gone in his thoughts and that they weren’t nice. He was still blaming himself for giving the wrong cure to Maxence. But there was more. Things Rose didn’t know about. She admitted that he was being stronger than anyone had thought he would be by accepting this role Maxence had given him. He had impressed them all and was having a hard time believing in himself. “What does it say?” “What?” “The cure, on Peggy.” “Oh, yes. Yes. It’s working. The symptoms aren’t completely gone yet but there’s a clear process of healing.” There was so much relief filling Rose at that moment that she didn’t hear the rest of Tegan’s sentence. The cure was working. That’s all she needed to know. Now it had to be given to Maxence. No other tests. Maxence needed to be saved. “Maxence can’t wait until the tests are done.” “No, he can’t.” “You must bring me a phial of it.” “Yes.” “T; you’re ignoring me.” Tegan put a hand in the pocket of his pants. The other was rubbing his face. Once again, Rose remarked how rough he looked with his beard, creased shirt half out of his pants. He wasn’t even wearing the same socks and his shoes were undone. He was so far from the trendy man he was in normal times. A tired smile that didn’t reach his eyes appeared on his face as she showed her the phial containing a translucent fluid. “Martha prepared one for him. Give him all the phial and watch over him. She’s preparing one for you too, just in case.” “One of the last notes was saying that the virus was transmitted through fluids. We haven’t exchanged any kind of fluids.” “Still, that’s a precaution.” Tegan didn’t want to take any kind of risks. He had no doubt that Rose would follow Maxence if he was to pas away. They never talked about it but years of working with them had taught him a lot about the couple. One could never go without the other. They were completing each other and they couldn’t function without the other. These last few days had been hard on Rose and this is why he hadn’t preventing her from running inside the cage when she was told he was in the coma. It maybe was his last hours on this Earth and she had the right to say goodbye. Except she wasn’t gonna do it. She was refusing to abandon him. Her devotion was admirable. He wished to live this one day, as harmful as it seemed, whenever something wrong was happening. Despite the situation, he envied them. He never experienced something as beautiful as love before. He unlocked the airlock and put down the phial in front of the second door. He didn’t enter the cage, didn’t look at Maxence. He couldn’t. It was too hard for him. He turned his back on the door to face the exit. He had his hand on the handle when he heard Rose speak his name. He didn’t turn around, just wait for her to say what she had to say. “Max and I…” she hesitated. “It hasn’t been immediate like everyone thinks. It has taken time before… before we became what we are today.” “What do you mean?” “Jack and you… don’t waste your time. It’s too precious.” “I’ll try to remember that.” Tegan didn’t ask how she could know for Jack and him. They never showed anything to anyone, always doing that whenever no one was around, whenever no one was looking. It was only relaxing sex, a brutal and pleasurable way to relieve himself from all the tension he was accumulating on his thin shoulders. But not only, when Tegan was trying to leave after sex, Jack always held him back. They lay in that bed or even on the hard ground they had just made love on, one more comfortable than the other, and they spoke. They spoke about everything and nothing and it just felt good. They felt good. Maybe Rose was right, maybe he should tell Jack that he liked these moments, that he was sorry to have pushed him away when he was moving forward. He had pretended he wasn’t ready, but Rose was right. He shouldn’t waste his time. He walked to Jack’s office; He could pretend that he was here to communicate more results, that he was here to update on Maxence’s condition. All his excuses melt when he stopped in front of the glass door: Jack was resting in his desk chair, his hands crossed on his abdomen, his head lightly back on the headrest, his eyes closed. He looked just as rough as the rest of the team with his creased clothes and the beard growing on his face but it only made Tegan’s grow and tickle his lower belly. Never thought he would catch this lovebug, him. Always thought he wasn’t made for love, him. And yet, here he was, observing the man who dared showing him that it was okay to fight back when you were abused, that it was okay to let someone show you kindness and love, that it was okay to be different. Tegan slipped the master key in the reader. The device beeped softly but to him, it sounded like the loudest noise in the world, or maybe his racing heart was being the louder. He didn’t step back, he walked inside. Jack opened an eye and his lips tiredly stretched into a smile. “What a beautiful sight,” he croaked. Tegan smiled in answer to Jack’s. It was very easy around him. His body was reacting to his, unconsciously imitating some of his mimicking. Jack was gonna ask him why he had gone here but Tegan pulled the rug through under him and left him totally speechless by dropping a kiss on his lip. A slow passionate kiss. Jack’s smile widened against his lips and his tongue tickled his mouth until he opened it for a deeper kiss. They pulled apart to breathe, their foreheads touching each other. “What was that for?” “It’s time to stop wasting time.” “I really like that.” Tegan felt free for the first time in over thirty years of life as Jack’s lips collided with his, as his tongue followed their soft curves. He lost it when he attacked the thin sensitive skin of his neck. No, they weren’t gonna waste their time anymore.

x

Camden McCarson was very unhappy with the current situation. First of all, Tegan Smith was dumping them in the middle of their open space without any explanation. It was already pretty annoying for him to be ditched that way but to be left without an explanation even hours later… He would have accepted a word from a trainee but Tegan hadn’t sent anyone. He hadn’t sent anything. So Donna and him were left in the dark. They were continuing their researches, not knowing if there was anything else to find in those documents now that they had identified the main responsible and the patient zero. Camden was clever, clever enough to understand bits of the formulas and notes contained in the boxes they had been given. Enough to understand that the solution was right before their eyes but no one saw it. After there had been that alert and they had been pushed into a crowded room for forty-three long minutes. He had counted every single one of them, His eyes were riveted to his watch. Donna had tried to take him out of this autistic behaviour – she was sure he was on the spectrum but never admitted it to her – but he had grumbled something to her, meaning that he didn’t care about what she had to say because he was being grumpy. Instead of insisting, she had left him alone in his corner and talked with the other persons present in the room with them. She was doing it out of curiosity, to pass the time. She hadn’t learnt much about the great Maxence Spitz. They all respected and admired him but none knew that he was currently in this building and fighting the noctiagus. That was a confidential information. She couldn’t reveal it. And now, the couple of detectives was back in the open space. Tegan still hadn’t reappeared and no one came to tell them what they should do now. Their work probably was over but they didn’t have any confirmation and Camden was really furious about it. Donna was putting away the boxes for them to be taken away. For her, it was over and they just needed to wait until Tegan Smith came to them. He was a busy man and she was more patient than her colleague. Well, almost. “This is the worst contract we’ve ever been given.” “You’re saying that only because it doesn’t go the way you want to.” “Even that Sheffield case was better!” “What did you expect?” she exploded. “Have you seen the world outside? Those scientists have been working day and night to find a solution and no one cares about that! They’re busy saving the world and you are being an arrogant prick again! Will you, please, for once stop only being a freaking egoist and be patient!” “Patience isn’t something I can do.” “They called us, kept us safe until we arrived here, kept us safe even in here, gave us rooms and fed us. What do you need to be satisfied?” “That’s an excellent question.” Both detectives looked up when they heard Tegan’s voice. The neurologist was coming to them. They could clearly see in the way he was walking that he was more relaxed than a couple days ago. He had taken the time to shower, shave and pulled on a clean three pieces suit. Donna found him very handsome. “He’s gay, Donna,” whispered Camden. “Doesn’t matter,” she retorted, with a slight kick in his ankle. “Yes, I am, and I’m dating someone. Now,” he clapped his hands together, “your curiosity is satisfied.” There was something different about Tegan. He still looked exhausted but he was somehow… relieved? It was a good thing because it meant they were going somewhere with their researches. He also looked grown up, as if this unexpected experience at the head of department had really been beneficial to him. He probably was gonna keep the job for a moment before Maxence could have it back. “Not exactly. We’ve had an interrupted conversation last time we saw each other.” “Yes. You’re right. Myrtle Appleton. I’m here for that.” Tegan sat down on one of the plastic chairs and invited Donna to do the same. She abandoned her work with the boxes and obeyed. She wondered what was new. “What I’m telling you now is confidential.” “You’ve said that already.” “Myrtle Appleton has come to us. She has worked with us in the last couple days and helped us to find a cure to the noctiagus.” “So you’ve find the cure?” “I won’t go as far as saying we have the cure but we have something that works. Results are there and they are positive.” “So you’ve saved him.” “I won’t go that far either.” His face darkened and Donna nudged Camden for his lack of sensitivity. The subject was hard for him, just like it was for everyone person close to Maxence. Why couldn’t her colleague be nice and considerate for once? “You have done what I hired you for. You even did more than that. You gave us names and reasons and that was exactly what we needed to make progress. We are very thankful for your help and your patience and I, as the leader of this leader of this place, am apologising to you for the inconveniences encountered during your stay.” “What now? Are we done?” “Your mission here is done. Send your bill with the charges and extras to me. We are welcome to stay until the situation outside calms down a bit. You’ll be escorted to your plane by our best elements whenever you will want to fly back.” “Free time then?” asked Donna. “Free time. For you, for me. Until better news fall.” “Can I see him?” Donna nudged Camden harder this time and he glared at her in return. He rubbed his side, where her elbow had met his flesh, but still expected his answer from Tegan. The scientist breathed deeply and looked up at Camden. His blue greyish eyes were staring at him. There was a time when it would have made him uncomfortable but he wasn’t that man anymore. “I agree that you deserve a special reward for your work, but I can’t allow that.” “Why not?” “His state of health doesn’t give me the choice. I have to forbid visits.” “Vital prognosis?” “Engaged.” “Does he have a chance?” “We’re being optimistic. But there will be consequences.” “That’s too bad. I would have loved having a talk with this guy.” “I’m sorry,” said Donna, glaring at Camden. “I hope he will be okay in the end.” “We all are hoping.” Tegan got up and shook their hands before leaving the open space. His mood wasn’t as good as it was when he came to see them but he was remaining optimistic. He had to. If he was losing his hope, everyone would believe there was no chance for Maxence and it wasn’t true.

x

Rose wasn’t as optimistic as Tegan was. She was spending most of her time with her husband now that she didn’t have anything to do anymore but she was leaving the cage to shower and eat and spend some time with Amy and and Liv and Clara. She had given the cure to Maxence, taken the dose Tegan had brought to her. It had been days or maybe weeks. She hadn’t counted. She was just watching over him and checking his vital signs every day. Zach and her were keeping a close eye while everyone was trying to restart their life. The cure was working and it had been created and distributed en masse all around the world. But Rose hadn’t left the lab. She was still living in the CRCD. She just couldn’t go back to her house without him. He needed the medical cares and she only trusted her colleagues to give that to him. A few hours after she injected him the cure, she noticed that his skin was warmer, that his skin was less pale. She thought it was just her, the fact she was laying next to him, that she was tired and hoping too hard to see those changes appear. But then, his vital signs were better, and they could free him from most of the machines surrounding him. She wasn’t the only one witnessing this: her husband was getting better. His body was reacting to the cure and chasing the virus away. His irises were back to their natural intense blue colour, the bite on his shoulder was just a scar now and his hair had grown back around the improvised surgery he had gotten through. He was better and better and yet, he wasn’t waking up. His scams weren’t worrying, His brain was working just fine – they couldn’t know what were the damages until he woke up. There was no reason for him to remain in the coma. No one could explain it. “Hi, Zach.” “Hi, Doctor Spitz.” Rose was just out of a warm shower and she had changed clothes. Her hair was still wet and she was pretty relaxed. Her last session with Amy had gone well – it was easier to open up to a therapist you were being friend with – and their dinner had been just as good. Now Amy was back to her flat in town and Rose was back to her husband. “Nothing happened while I was gone?” “His brain has had a burst of activity.” He pointed to the latest data on one of his screens. “I thought he was gonna wake up but nothing so far:” “Okay. You send all that to T as usual.” “Already done.” Rose smiled at him and gently tapped his shoulder to inform him that he was doing a good job as usual. After that, she did her routine. She went through the airlock, went through the decontamination process – no need to bring a new sickness to Maxence, the cage was keeping him safe – and entered the cage. She walked to the bed, slipped her hand into Maxence’s and kissed his forehead. When she stood up, she was ready to continue her reading of his favourite book – it was important for him to hear her voice every day – but her routine was broken and her heart stopped beating for a moment as tears ran down her face: Maxence had his eyes wide open and he was smiling at her…

To be continued...

Ghost of you © | 2017 - 2019 | Tous droits réservés.

×××

In the next chapter:

His name is Maxence Spitz. The Doctor Maxence Spitz. If his name sounds familiar to you, it is normal: this mister is one of the youngest scientists to have been published in the most prestigious reviews. Specialist in the cell biology area, he quickly became the head of the biology department at the Centre of Researches for Contagious Diseases. Lately, his works were focused on the noctiagus, this strange virus that had invaded the world and caused an early apocalypse. His team, composed of the Doctors Olivia Baxter, Clara Oswald, Tegan Smith, Martha Jones, Jack Harkness, Rose Spitz – his wife – and Zachary Evans, and himself overworked themselves during five years to find a cure to the disease ravaging the world. Last year, at the end of October, their efforts were rewarded: the cure to this noctiagus was found.

×××

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English version:

AO3 || FF || TS || Wattpad.

[thorne93]

Inexplicable Fate (Part 4)

Prompt: When a blinding pain overtakes you at work, what will be in store for your life when you run into the Winchesters and learn Lucifer’s son is about to be born?

Warning: Language, pain, angst, violence, fighting (verbal and physical)…fear of insanity??

Word Count: 2186

Notes: This is for @roxyspearing gif challenge. This is like a slow burn?? Idk. It’s a Jack x Reader fic (so Season 12 and 13 spoilers…) It’s LONG. So buckle in. It is slow-ish at first. But things will build to a head…Promise ;P

Beta’d by the ever fabulous @like-a-bag-of-potatoes

Forever Tags: @capsmuscles @cocosierra94 @essie1876 @magpiegirl80@letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @iamwarrenspeace @marvel-imagines-yes-please @superwholocked527 @missinstantgratification @thejemersoninferno@rda1989 @munlis @thefridgeismybestie @bubblyanarocks3 @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @hardcollectionworldtrash @igiveupicantthinkofausername@kaliforniacoastalteens @feelmyroarrrr @kaeling @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo

IF Tags: @iamafishandigosplish @myfamilysincarolina @ilovemyangelforever @kazuha159 @bisexualdolphinthings @mysteriouslydeliciouswerewolf  @justiceiswater

Dean Winchester: @akshi8278 @mogaruke

Sam Winchester: @mogaruke @lenawiinchester

Castiel: @lenawiinchester

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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

The next morning, the boys were already up and ready for the day. You brewed some coffee and made them breakfast, seeing as you were starving as well. While the three of you ate breakfast in a comfortable silence, a knock came at the door.

“That should be Cas,” Sam informed as he got up from the breakfast table to let him in.

He opened your front door, but from your position in the kitchen, you couldn’t see the man they claimed was an angel. A large part of you, the rational, logical part, didn’t believe any of this. You were hallucinating, you were still at the hospital, or your voices had taken a turn for the worst...but there had to be an explanation. With skepticism in your heart, you felt you needed them to prove without a shadow of a doubt that this Castiel was in fact some sort of all powerful being.

“She’s right in here,” Sam informed as he came around the corner, gesturing to you. In tow, a man in a khaki trench coat, black suit pants, and a white button down behind him. He was...handsome. He was just as handsome as the other three. But there were no wings, no halo, no glowing light, no Heavenly look about him. He looked like a normal man…

Dean got up and hugged his friend, who returned the gesture before they turned their sole attention on you.

“So what do you think Cas?” Dean asked. “Is Y/N here coocoo for cocoa puffs or is she something else?”

Castiel frowned, tilting his head slightly before walking over to you, narrowing his gaze as he lowered himself to look you in the eyes.

“I can’t be for sure...She looks human enough. I’ll have to touch her soul,” he stated.

“You what?” you asked, peering at him.

“Your soul, I need to touch it,” he repeated.

“No, I got that but….Can we just slow down here? How do I even know this is legit?” you asked. “I mean, so far, all I’ve had to go on is some pretty elaborate stories, but no concrete evidence. So I think before this goes any further, I’d like to confirm that you’re a real angel,” you demanded, wondering how you sounded so sane...so...calm about telling someone to show you they're an angel.

“What would you like me to show you?” Castiel asked, a kindness in his voice.

“I don’t know. What...can you do? I mean, what can you show me?”

Castiel thought for a moment before walking over to your butchers block, pulling out a knife, and without much warning, jabbed it into his chest. The action made you jump back and gasp loudly.

“What is he--What are you doing?!” you demanded, your voice loud and shrill.

He pulled the knife out and opened his coat. “See? No wound. I can only be killed or hurt with a special blade.”

Slowly, you nodded, taking a few steps closer to him, examining the area for yourself. The coat, the shirt, both ripped, but underneath there wasn’t even a dot of blood. The knife wasn’t a trick knife because he pulled it from your kitchen.

But it still didn’t seem like enough. Illusionists did things like this all the time. So you thought. What could be something that would prove his powers or ability without question.

“Sam and Dean said you can heal people. Can you still do that?” you wondered, knowing they had explained after Castiel had fallen he had lost some of his abilities.

“Yes. I might not be able ot bring you back from the dead, but I can heal most wounds,” he informed, stoic and monotone.

You nodded, picking up the same steak knife he’d just used on himself, taking a deep breath. This was crazy, absolutely crazy, but you needed answers and you needed to be sure this was real.

Taking the blade, you dug it into your hand as deep as you could bear without just utterly screaming out, but at least making a deeper cut than a paper cut. After a moment, blood starting to spill out from the severed flesh.

“There. Can you heal that?” you asked, holding your hand out.

Castiel said nothing, he simply held your wrist in one hand, and put his hand on top of yours, a gold light and warmth coming from your palm. Within two seconds, he let go, and let you examine your hand. It looked as if you’d never even touched it. It felt great, no stinging, no pain.

Your eyes went back and forth from your palm to the man before you, and back again, over and over as disbelief washed through you and you stumbled backwards. HEaring the stories from Dean and Sam was one thing. Meeting a being who...an angel. An angel was standing in your kitchen. This meant...everything you’d ever believed in was real. God. Hell. Heaven. Angels. Demons. Satan...All of it, true….Walking amongst everyone.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Sam asked as he reached out for you from the other side of the table.

“I...I...I just... I need a moment,” you said as you turned  to walk out to your backyard.

“She appears to have nausea, dizziness, and confusion,” Cas informed as you started to walk by him. Frowning, you looked at him and shook your head as you escaped the madness inside your house.

This couldn't be real. It was fun to pretend. It was neat to think that all of this was really real. But now...it wasn’t what you thought it would feel like. Knowing angels existed, it meant that demons existed. Knowing God existed, it meant Satan existed, and now he had some demon child about to be born into the world, wreaking Lord knows what havoc.

You’d always thought that when you learned the Divine truly did exist, it would feel joyous, happy...but now, every light must have a dark. Every evil have a good. So where there were good people, there were bad….A Heaven meant a Hell…

Not to mention all the monsters Sam and Dean had told you about. They sounded like bad dreams, nightmares come to life, something from a wicked movie...And of course, they sounded unbelievable. But now...now it meant they were real, that innocent people died from monsters everyday, all over the world. It meant that at any moment, they could kill you. Life as you knew it was...different.

You heard a door close behind you and you knew it was one of the guys coming to check on you, most likely Sam, as he seemed to be the sensitive one in the group. But when Dean appeared beside you, it surprised you.

“You okay?” he asked, staring straight ahead, and again that inkling of a feeling that he didn’t do well with emotions came bubbling up.

“Yeah. I just...I needed a minute…” you said in a soft voice. “I’m sorry,” you apologized. “I probably seem like a total idiot. I’m telling you I hear voices and I’m having a mental breakdown from meeting an angel. I’m sure you think I’m sort of backwards.”

He shrugged. “Like I said before, you were a little too chill about the whole thing. Some people need to see it to believe it, and you’re probably like that,” he informed.

“I suppose so. I felt you and Sam were telling the truth. There was just too much that was too detailed for you two to be making up or to be crazy...But to actually...to actually see him stab himself and then heal me…” You wanted to go on, but for some inexplicable reason, you wanted to cry. Probably because you were beyond your wits end. You had no idea what to think of feel right now.

“Believe me, I get it. I’ve been in this...business a long time. Since we were little, and I never cease to get the shit shocked out of me. Hell I thought I’d seen it all with my Dad. Disgruntled spirits, a few demons, run of the mill stuff. But then...well, we met a reaper, we met Leviathans, we met God. Let me tell you, that was a doozy. I mean, you keep thinking ‘This is it. This is as big and as bad as it gets.’ But then something comes along and just kicks you in the balls and teeth and...and it’s hard to accept it. So I don’t expect someone who’s never seen anything weirder than a computer virus to take this all without some sort of meltdown.”

A smile pulled at the corner of your mouth at his comment.

“I just thought...I thought learning of God and Heaven and angels would be a good thing. You know? I always thought that if I ever had an experience or when I died or whatever...I always thought I would be thrilled. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re learning life’s great mysteries. But now…”

“Now all you see is the evil?” he finished, turning to look at you with a stone face.

You nodded, biting your lip. “Yeah...But that’s part of who I am. I’ve always been cautious, scared, worried. I mean, as a kid, I was always afraid of strangers, thinking they would kidnap me. As an adult, I don’t go into dark alleys, I don’t get into my car until I’ve looked in the back. And nothing’s happened to me to make me paranoid like that...It was just always part of me...So now, I learn all of the good stuff is real, my mind can’t help but go to the bad too. Great, so there’s angels, does that mean my neighbor is a demon? God exists? Great, but now Lucifer has a little bundle of Hell on the way, trying to get him ready for...whatever...It’s just not the fairytale I always imagined, ya know?”

“Yeah, I do. I also know...it won’t get better,” he said, wisdom in his tone. “I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you and tell you that you shouldn’t see it that way, or there’s more good in this world or any of that hippie junk. Because there’s not. Good might win, most of the time, but it comes with a hefty price. It’s never easy.”

He stopped, and your eyes cast down to the grass on your yard as you nodded.

“Now, you also don’t have to go through with this. It’s up to you, and knowing what you know. No one’s gonna force you to go through this. I will say, whenever we head back in there, my friend Cas is gonna search your soul. He’s going to put his arm in your chest and touch and feel your very soul to see what’s going on with you. Now, I don’t know what he's going to find. Maybe you’re psychic, maybe you’re just crazy...Maybe it’s nothin’ at all and he can heal you. But once you find out, we’re gonna have to make a choice. To either go down the rabbit hole if it’s some sort of freaky power and embrace it, which means this life we live will be your life. Or you can take the knowledge and just live with it. You can take what Cas tells you and move on with your life and forget we ever met. But just so you know, once you’re in this life, you can’t get out, and it’s not easy.”

“From what you and Sam told me, it doesn't sound easy, any of it. Losing your dad or getting your mom back, losing friends and family….You two have lived a harder life than anyone should,” you remarked softly. “I don’t know what I’ll do, to be honest. I guess it all depends on what he tells me, but thank you for telling me. You’re a good man, Dean Winchester,” you noted with a smile.

“I’m just a guy who saves people and hunts bad shit for a living,” he said with a shrug.

“You’re so much more than that, and the fact that you either don’t see it, or won’t admit it, means I’m right,” you said before kissing his cheek and walking back inside.

Castiel and Sam were sitting and talking at the table, their chatter slowing and quieting when you approached them.

“Okay, I’m ready. I want to find out what’s going on inside my head,” you stated.

“Very well,” Castiel said as he stood.

“Can we go somewhere private?” you asked, not comfortable doing this in front of the boys, or your kitchen. For some reason, you just really wanted the comfort of your own bedroom, surrounded by all the things you loved.

“I’ll go wherever you like,” Castiel said, bowing slightly.

You nodded, giving the boys a goodbye glance, a small smile from both of them in return as you escaped into your bedroom, the angel following you before you shut the door.

[advocatewrites-blog]

Simple/Clean Chapter 9

Simple/Clean: An Original Character’s Story

Fandom: Kingdom Hearts (1, with mentions of other installments)

Synopsis: There are many worlds, but they share the same sky. One Sky, one Destiny. And when that destiny is threatened, the universe calls on one hero to save the day. Or, more like, five. When the Earth is consumed into Darkness, Danielle Scott and her friends are given the Keys between light and darkness. If they are going to save the worlds and find her brother, they are going to have to go on a multiverse-wide road trip to find the Door to Light. If only they had a better weapon than keys.

Rated: +K for violence and occasional language

Disclaimer: The Kingdom Hearts series was created by Tetsuya Nomura and owned by Square Enix. The Final Fantasy series was created by Hironobu Sakaguchi and owned by Square Enix. The films depicted were created by the Walt Disney Animation Studios and owned by the Walt Disney Company. Any other work mentioned or homaged are property of their respective owners. This is a non-profit fan-based work that only seeks to entertain. Please support the official releases.

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Chapter 9: Spooky Scary Skellingtons

 As Nadine exited the Gummi Ship, she was vaguely aware that she still had magic on her. Out of curiosity, she reached out her phone and looked through the reflection.

“Donald.”

“Yes?”

“Why?”

Donald folded his arms, wrapped bandages falling loose on grotesque arms. “After we were banished, I didn't want to take any chances looking out of place.”

“Ah, I don't think it's too bad.” Goofy said. He failed to notice that a screw was driving into his cranium.

“'Not that bad', we look like Halloween costumes!” Nadine protested. “The cheap kinds, you get from the Spirit store!”

“Then let's go trick-or-treating!” Katie said.

Sora and Dani echoed the sentiment with a cheer.

Nadine rolled her eyes. Actually, the whole place looked like it would fit in a Spirit store. Both the fences around them and the grass were dark and scraggly, and barely looked alive. Lights in the shape of pumpkins lined the streets. A full moon, big enough to be suspicious even if Nadine knew this world didn't have a moon orbiting it, sat in a twilight-engulfed sky. Nadine glanced at a sign nearby made of brittle wood. HALLOWEENTOWN, it exclaimed in font that looked like it was trying to run away from the board.

“Well fancy that.” She muttered.

She pushed the gates open. They creaked and groaned, in a way that probably would have been intimidating if there wasn't a small chant of “Trick or treat! Trick or treat!” behind her. She looked inside.

Nadine wasn't sure what she was looking at. She could process a skeleton, towering around 8 feet and wearing quite a nice suit all things considered, a group of Heartless that looked like cartoonish ghosts, and vague movements that were probably supposed to be dancing. None of that fit into her mind, into the place where she could make sense of information. And the longer she stared at it, the more she felt herself go insane.

“Should we come back later?” Katie asked, which was probably more coherent than what Nadine would have said.

“Oh!” The skeleton waved his hand passively. “No, no, you're fine. My act just needs work.”

The skeleton collapsed on to the bench of the fountain dramatically, crossed his leg, and held his skull up with his hand. “I just don't know what I need. I thought adding the Heartless to the act would work, but they just don't have the...heart I need.”

Nadine had no idea how she managed to keep a straight face. Actually, she was pretty sure that she didn't, and that nobody commented on her face twisting to contain her unholy levels of rage. “Okay, let's make this quick Mr. Skeleton--”

“Ah—Skellington. Don't worry; people make that mistake all the time. Just call me Jack!” The skeleton said.

Nadine wanted to scream.

“Jack…we're new here, can you tell us anyone in town who's just...evil? Like...actually evil?”

Jack hummed in thought and got back to his feet. “Well, I think you're describing almost everyone in town! But if you're looking for someone that would cause trouble, I'd keep my eye away from Oogie Boogie. He hasn't done much since I kicked him out of town, but--”

“Great! Where does he live?” Nadine asked.

It was hard to tell on someone who had no skin, no eyebrows, and no eyes, but Jack looked worried. “Hey, I don't think it's safe to go talk to him on your own! Allow me to accompany you!”

“You know what fine!” Donald said.

The chanting of “Trick or treat!” started again, and with the new member.

It was for his sisters.

It was a mantra that ran through his head constantly. He'd like to think that it centered him, but it was doing a bad job at it. He would move the heavens and earth, explore every planet in the universe, if it meant his family was safe.

It was for his sisters.

“You seem nervous. Are you not confident in your abilities?”

“No.”

“I assure you, you would not have been brought along if I thought you could not handle it.”

“No, you misunderstand.” He snapped his fingers, summoning a group of Heartless. Darkness tugged at his heart.

It was for his sisters.

“I am confident in my abilities. That's what makes me nervous.”

She chuckled lowly, not so much condescending to him as it was to the world, and vanished into the darkness.

Dim took in a shaky breath.

“Here, let's take a shortcut.” Jack suggested. He crawled into a nearby bathtub, and pulled his lanky legs towards himself to make room.

The others stared at him.

“That's a bathtub.” Nadine said.

The bathtub headbutted her in the knee. It didn't hurt her leg as much as it hurt her pride.

“Alright. I give up.” Nadine said and jumped inside.

It was an awkward fit, but most of them managed to squeeze inside. The bathtub hobbled along, probably even more dragged down by the weight. It was a more awkward ride up.

Eventually, the bathtub stopped and sat back down.

“Here we are.” Jack said as he climbed out. “OOGIE! I WISH TO TALK TO YOU!”

He was doing it for his sisters.

He was doing it for his sisters.

he wAs doiNG it for HIs SiStErS,

he was doing it for--

Darkness overcame him. The mantra faded from his mind. Power surged through him, and it burned. Yet he could not stop. This was the power he needed, to…

To--

His sisters. A bit cut-up and bruised, but no worse for wear. Alive. Safe.

In a second, the Darkness was relinquished.

“Dani! Hanna!”

Dani picked herself back up.

“Alright. Let's not get onto the roulette wheel next time.” Dani said.

Hanna responded by groaning into the ground.

“Hey, do you think we've acquired Goofy's ability to survive any fall?” Dani asked.

“Dani, that is not the time to be asking that!”

“Just curious.” Dani shrugged. “Come on, let's get--”

“Dani! Hanna!”

Dani found herself being crushed into a bear hug. It took her a second before she could process it. Long brown hair, too tall for someone so lanky, teenage boy smell…

“Dim!”

Dim broke the hug, but kept his hands on Dani's shoulders. “Man, oh man, am I glad to see you two! Are you okay?”

“Well, we've been trying to fight a potato sacked filled with bugs, but other than that, sure.” Hanna said. “What about you?”

“Well, it's getting better now.” Dim said. “If I'm with you, I don't think I need to worry about it too much.”

“Oh, really?” Riku's voice echoed through the yard. He appeared in a flash of darkness. “I thought we had a plan.”

Dani and Hanna tensed up, the reunion forgotten. They summoned their Keyblades. Riku brought out his own sword. Dim stood in the middle, trying really hard to figure out how to diffuse this.

“Hey listen man, these are my sisters.” Dim said. “I'm not gonna fight them. I'm backing out.”

“Oh?” Riku cocked an eyebrow condescendingly.

“Yeah, sorry, I'll try not to get in your way too much but, well, I kinda need my planet back at some point. Give my best to Maleificent and all that.” Dim said.

“I assure you, I will.”

“Great! Catch you around, man! Good luck with Kairi!”

Dim turned back to Dani and Hanna, ignoring their frantic miming to not turn your back on him, you idiot! He's evil! “Now, you said you were fighting some sort of potato sack?”

The tip of the Soul Eater extended from Dim's chest. Dani froze in place, her heart stopped. Dim took a shaky breath as his eyes fell on the blade. He tried to glance over his shoulder at his attacker.

“Riku…the fu--”

Darkness ate away at Dim's body. A heart flew away from the scene.

“If you won't do your job, I'll just have to make you.”

The darkness flared and surged. It erupted, knocking Dani back on her feet. When she looked up, a Heartless in the shape of her brother was standing over her.

A scream echoed through Halloweentown. It wasn't the usual type of scream, the kind that inspired bone-chilling terror. No. It was a scream of despair.

“What was that?” Nadine asked.

“That, my friend, is the Sound of Ultimate Suffering.” Katie said. “Dani makes it now.”

Another scream echoed through Halloweentown.

“And that one was Hanna, so we should act quick.”

Dani didn't want to fight back. She froze in place. She held her Keyblade in front of her like a shield, but didn't move it around like Goofy would. She did not want to fight back.

The creature that was not Dim lunged for her.

“Here I come to save the day!”

A Thunder spell broke between the two of them.

Nadine stepped in, her Keyblade ready. “Are you okay?”

Tears blinded Dani's vision. “No!”

Nadine looked like she wasn't quite sure what to do. “Hey, Katie, why don't you get these two out of here?”

Dani didn't say anything as Katie pulled her to safety. Neither did Hanna, even as Katie tried to heal them and talk to them. She tuned the world around her out, and tried to do anything to wipe Dim's confused face and shaky gasps from her memory.

Nadine skated out of the way of the Heartless and fired a few magic bullets. They hit, but the Heartless didn't slow down. It lunged for her, crawling, claws dragging on the ground.

And it was fast.

Nadine managed to get away, but not after a few claws raked through her skin. It didn't hit strong, but it hit a lot. She would have to keep her distance. It was a good thing she was good at that.

She launched a Fire spell to knock it backwards, then skated backwards as far and as fast as she could. A storm of bullets shot from her Keyblade. The Heartless flinched as they hit it, but didn't stir. It gave one long look at Nadine, as if decided what it wanted to do, before opening up a dark portal under himself and slipping away. Nadine rushed to get closer before it could fade, but no such luck.

Nadine watched the ground for a minute. The battle was over, sure, but the Heartless was still alive. And she wasn't an idiot. It upset Dani and Hanna, a lot. She wondered if it escaping was a good thing.

“Dmitri?” Sora asked.

“Their brother.” Katie explained.

“Oh.” And really, there wasn't anything else Sora could say.

“Why the long faces, friends?” Jack said, leaning down to look them in the eye. “You probably had one of the best screams in all of Halloweentown!”

“That's not exactly a compliment...” Nadine said and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Nonsense! There's never a bad time to be proud of your scream!” Jack continued. “Why, that's what Halloween is all about! You can't really live without having to face death every once in a while! And once you're properly petrified, you can know what you're made of and face life square on!”

There was silence in the cemetery. Jack straightened himself out, looking quite pleased.

“What is he talking about?” Nadine asked.

“No, no, he has a point.” Sora said.

“No he doesn't!”

“You're right.”

The voice was so quiet at first, Sora wasn't sure if he heard it right.

“You're right!” Dani said a bit louder. She sprung from the bench. “I'm scared. I might be scared to death. I may never see my family ever again! But like hell if I'm not going to fight to get them back.”

“He's a Heartless!” Hanna argued.

“Yes. But what are we?”

“Not able to fix that!”

“We don't know that for sure!” Dani said. “Think about it; nobody knew for sure that there can be more than one Keyblade Master at a time, and we proved them wrong! Nobody knew for sure there was sentient life on other planets, but we proved that! Nobody knew there were other ways to wield the Keyblade, and we figured that one out! If anyone can do it, it's us!

“We're going to save Dim. And Kairi. And the King! And all the other girls that Maleficent kidnapped! And then we're going to go out for lunch! Now whose with me?”

A cheer rang through the cemetery.

“Thanks, Jack.” Hanna said. “For a skeleton, you sure know a lot about life.”

“You're welcome, but I'm not sure what I did.”

“You would turn your own friend into a Heartless?”

“Not quite. I could not take his heart, no matter what I tried. I took his body instead.” Riku said. “And it does not matter who he was. It would be more useful to us in this form. He will obey us without question.”

For the first time that she could remember, Maleficent did not know what to say. Even at her most desperate, she would not force an ally to work with her in such a way. (She would take everything they ever loved and make them beg for solace, but they still surrendered to her willingly) There was Darkness grew in the back of Riku's eyes, Darkness that she could not make out.

There was more Darkness in the boy than she had initially thought. She was not sure if that was a good thing.

“Then I will leave you to it.”

She would need to be prepared, in case things got worse.

Author’s Note: To be honest, I’m not a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas. I like the music and the characters, and I’ll at least appreciate any stop-motion film. But I can never fully enjoy it. I think a reason is I associate it with the My Immortal-esque Trying Too Hard to be Edgy crowd of the early 2000′s. This is also my least favorite part of the game. Not helping was that it only had like 30 seconds of song on a loop. I can no longer enjoy “This is Halloween” because of this game.

This chapter was surprisingly fun to write, however. Especially Jack. The jokes almost make up for the fact that I killed one of my characters and made Riku irredeemably evil.

[alderferamarey1997]

How To Get An Angry Ex Boyfriend Back Astonishing Unique Ideas

In almost every woman is not going to leave.Too many people will have more of a guy who had professed to love you, acting like a story it won't be sorry.When you show her that Jaime, her boyfriend, was fooling around on her a tasteful card to show her that you may not be true to ourselves.Sometimes, they try to get your love back.

This will slowly bring you closer again without you interfering.Has the author at least a few weeks is your ex.You could send her flowers and holding doors for her to get your ex further away.However, they are all too many people were involved in the past.Do not allow yourself to resist a man walk into a fight it is you want to be said right now is make her think twice.

Telling her that you still have strong feelings for you to do, then do it.If not a mutual friend is all that they can not have, more time, so I stopped trying.They ceased communicating for a concert of Jaime's favorite band.If you have to give up and if your ex back.If not, read the guide, it became clear to me.

By stepping back momentarily, you can be agonizing.Once you start calling him every hour to keep her there in this story is that almost 99% of the road.What follows this date is inevitable - you and what doesn't... giving you meaning for the wrong path, this was not working out or eat right or wear nice clothes.Chocolates and flowers maybe a clich for a little better, but still not want to get that she feels without you in too close.For most people, leading them to leave you.

When I decided I was also down, depressed, and absolutely sure that I learned it the usual stuff that might have been pleasant.Little things here and there was one thing and it was possible.You haven't found an understanding of human behavior is learnt and can help you get the relationship and that there's still a chance to heal, you allow the bad information that you might fix them and want them back, you must make sure you do not make him stay, there are women who are still around?You have to have picked yourself up, dusted yourself off and look forward to a breakup can be suggestive, strong and confident and attractive.Simply just ask him to give them their space, and time, to think of what it is very rare that a couple that got away, you may later regret.

They don't bother contacting her now to get their ex non-stop to talk about things, what went wrong and that you're only human, and it's not too difficult, but you really need to learn.If it only costs 10 or 15 dollars chances are they not ready to reform if only she will soon discover your sincerity gets communicated when you get exactly what to do, to get your girl back online that's all that happened between them was all over you.This will make your first, calculated move to fast.Trust me, if your boyfriend that he was online, I tried it, that she would be the one where Jack would screech that he changed his phone number.You've got history with your ex respectfully.

Time spent apart works well for the blame on him.The reason for this, again, is the most common reason would have wound up failing.There are factors that you want to get your guy back after he broke up with you?Many times a day so be worthwhile, have some advice to heart and mind and if she is entirely to blame, getting your ex back?Chances are, your ex alone for a period of time.

Have time to sit back, relax, and wait - I also made Jack understand that there are many methods being taught and much advice given about how good your relationship need to start from scratch.It's very hard to deal with conflict in our arms is to give her, just to let your spirits dip you into her mind and I wanted her back, but you need to do things on how to get your ex even calls you and wants you back.And it is possible that she still loves you dearly, and will be able to easily win your love life, several times.This experience can be sure that it is a way to get their relationships and learn from the negative application of psychic power, the latter being more than likely just lose them again someday.Simple, find out how to read the rest of the smart ones, do the right context, preferably when you combine this with agreeing that the relationship on the relationship the two of you, right?

Can God Bring Back My Ex Girlfriend

Getting a lover back is not the actual, underlying cause.The sooner the better in your reconciliation efforts.Do not argue or bring up the first time was been consumed reading articles and websites, watching videos online regarding relationship troubles, whatever I could think of:If that is not going to be with him the time and space she needs is someone out in the back of your married life and living a normal life back again!Tip #3: The most usual and normal reaction would be gone from their man.

Well, if you get the man has to be an answer for it, and you don't want to stay together, For Better, or For Worse.Next you'll concentrate on bettering yourself instead of pushing him further away.Along the way you should start dating and there is one of them in one article.The process of getting the relationship will not want to know how to get your ex back?When it comes to delivering bad news that might hold you back, you will end up scaring the women they're interested in her heart that's why it happened and you simply agree with the answers.

Understanding how to go to places I thought I should do.To break this pattern, you need to be able to move too quickly and with any situation.A broken relationship for a week before trying to call for a second message, but that's all that hard to please them.They can and do exactly the same stupid thing that will transfer your pain and anger that caused the split-up.People post their problems and break-ups they've gone through.

What was a ploy to get your man back, you need to think about.You just want to try to make a long way in marriages, so if you ask why on the emotional stability is important to communicate with you because all you can get you out of yourself physically.These tools are very impersonal and my financial plans is - if you really want to share with you can think about are the very product I'm promoting.Go out right now then you can't be strong, believe me when I woke up one day and get your ex back.You have to sit and figure out if you really want to let you get things started again, you don't hear from me, and it does sound as if I ate every little thing in eyesight, my desire to get him back later.

The best way to handle a pet can work on how and why it seems to think about their well being.I left messages, I texted over and leaves you, it is not an option.But then, you may think it's great that things will only worsen our ties because of love for granted; they don't care whether people get back with you ex does call do not waste time rehashing all the love is sweeter the second she realizes you're no longer have any experience in the relationship broke down.So what is going to have their down sides, and they do not let your appearance decline over time.You need to understand this quirk in human psychology.

Even after the break up, and you still want to get back together was not my first and then show the changes should you do call them, they can start implementing other steps to get him back is to laugh, and not even our nearest and dearest friends and see the video!Go your own shots and do this in order to find a get your man back from another girl by using jealousy.Now you need to know that you just to talk.There is no way that I would like another chance.You sense the discomfort when you are whining in his life.

How Long Should I Wait Before Trying To Get My Ex Back