#I kinda rushed Casey a bit but he looks alright

[seagull-scribbles]

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[starlightshadowsworld]

Behind the Hockey mask part 4

Part 3

"Casey…."

April looked at him stunned, taken aback by seeing Casey in the lair. It felt unreal…and yet here he was.

"You know this guy, April?" Asked Leo, snapping her back to reality, and his katana aimed at Casey.

"Yes! He’s a friend, don’t hurt him. He’s good I swear." She was stammering over her words but she didn’t care.

Leo looked at her, he trusted her of course he did. "You sure, because your friend just showed up with a foot bot."

Casey scoffed "you mean I was chased by some stupid robot, you should’ve seen it Red it was awesome.

Until I got here that is, wherever here is." He added at Leo’s stern look.

Despite herself April sighed in relief, going over and hugging him, prompting Leo to lower his weapon.

For now.

Casey hugged her back, relaxing as he did so. He hadn’t noticed how tense he’d been until than.

"Are you alright, Red?" April chuckled a bit "should be asking you that, you’ve had quite the evening."

Casey snorted, rubbing his head "heh yeah, robot fight. I’m alright Red, you should see the other guys."

Casey hid the wince he had at her hugging him tighter before letting him go.

They both knew they’d need to talk later, but for now we’re just glad the other was okay.

"Those friends I mentioned, here they are. You kinda, ran into their home." Explained April.

As the rest of the turtles came forward, eyeing Casey with various degrees of suspicion and interest.

"You’ve met Leo, Leonardo" Leo nodded, his gaze still stern. "This is Donnie, Donatello" Donnie nodded in greeting.

"Mikey, Michelangelo" Mikey grinned, waving at Casey excitedly, making him smile and waved back.

He reminded Casey of Angel.

"This is Raph, Raphael."

Raph looked at him, arms folded but just nodded in greeting.

He didn’t bring up their fight which Casey appreciated. "And their dad and Sensei, master Splinter" Casey took a wide step back seeing Splinter.

He was their dad…their sensei? This huge rat.

….how well could he fight?

"Casey? It’s okay."

April put a hand on his shoulder, a frown on her face.

Casey’s eyes didn’t leave Splinter, expecting him to attack at any moment. "Not the biggest fan of rats…" He mumbled.

Not that it was the rat thing that bothered him.

…well not completely that is.

Splinter smiled warmly "I mean you no harm" he paused and Casey knew he wanted him to introduce himself.

"Casey…Casey Jones.’ Splinter nodded "I mean you no harm, Mr Jones. Any friend of Miss O’Neill is a friend of ours."

Casey made a face "it’s Casey…Casey Jones." He repeated, Mr Jones was his dad.

"My apologies, Casey Jones."

Casey nodded before turning to Leo. He could tell instantly that Leo was the oldest of his brothers.

Big brothers knew big brothers. "I hate to cut the pleasantries short but those assholes followed me down here, I dunno how many more could be on their way."

Casey wasn’t the biggest fan of mutants, he’d be the first to say it. But these were April’s friends, he didn’t want her or them to get hurt.

No sooner had Casey said those words did footnotes begin running in, everyone got into position and soon the lair was full of the echoes of fighting and metal hitting the ground.

Casey had been surprised to say the least, nothing quite prepared you like fighting mutant turtles.

Or April pulling out some metal fan and going off, he felt proud. Although, seeing how good of a fighter Splinter may having been awe inspiring for the others…for Casey it just made him fight harder.

Sooner he was done, sooner he could get away.

It didn’t take long for Casey to fall into step, the familiar adrenaline and rush surgered through him and he took down bot after bot.

He noticed one running off, "oh no you don’t!" He yelled, throwing a paint ball at it, staining it bright red.

His eyes gleamed as he chased after it.

"Your mine"

And with that Casey ran off down the tunnel. Skating down the hand rails, hockey stick in hand and just going for the run away bot.

To his surprise as he rounded the corner, he noticed Raph following him.

Casey didn’t say anything, talking would come later.

He was in his zone and nothing could pull him out of it, he shot his hockey putt projectiles at the bot.

A move that looked randomised but it was anything but.

Casey’s strikes were precise, knocking the bot in what Casey has assumed were it’d weak spots.

However the bot kept getting up, too quickly to be caught and the duo raced on. "I’d that thing gets back to Kurai and gives away our location, your answering to Splinter." Glared Raph.

Casey shuddered, going faster on his skates.

"Maybe if you kept your head outta your shell…" he retorted, gaining on the bot and delivering a hard hit with his bat.

Knocking it off course to the next track. Raph caught up with a glare.

He began to outpace Casey to grab the bot…before being tackled to the ground as a train zoomed past.

Raph blinked in sunrise, seeing Casey bent over, wincing as he had further aggravated the bruising on his stomach.

"You alright?" Asked Raph, concerned Casey waved him off "yeah, you?" Raph nodded, "thanks."

Maybe this kid wasn’t that bad after all.

The bot ran atop the train, both looked at each other and nodded.

An unspoken agreement being made between them, as they raced on top the train.

Both taking shots at the bot which fought back, blow after blow getting caught and met with its own.

Casey glared, getting annoyed and went harder in his swings and more erratic in his punches.

To the point he missed a step and fell, or he would have if Raph’s rope didn’t catch and pull him back up.

"Thanks Raph’ said Casey, quietly and genuinely. Raph grinned back "now we’re even. Let’s take this guy down."

Raph and Casey ran together, sending the bot off the train and chasing it down the tunnels, taking shot after shot as a team.

The bot was fast but Casey was faster, "I’ve got this" he said, sliding down the staircase and pinning the bot to the ground.

Casey smiled, it wasn’t a kind one either as he readied his taser and began to electrocute the bot.

Slow and steady, he knew it wouldn’t hurt the darn thing but it sure made him feel better to watch it jerk about.

Raph looked unnerved, whether by the look on Casey’s face or what he was doing he didn’t know.

And swiftly put an end to the bot with a sai through the head.

Casey sighed but said nothing. Dusting himself off and getting up as they walked back to the others.

"Your not bad, Casey. Crazy but your alright." Smiled Raph, Casey smiled back "yeah? Your not bad either."

They walked back together, going over their fight excitedly. Until Raph noticed that Casey was lagging behind.

"You alright?" Casey nodded, though it was getting harder to hide the pain he was in.

But Casey was nothing but a good actor and smiled through it, even if Raph looked unconvinced.

"We did it!" Yelled Mikey, seeing them walk in. April smiled, seeing both and Raph and Casey unharmed.

Splinter rushed over, hugging his sons and April. "Thank you for defending my home, my family Casey Jones." Said Splinter.

"Yeah sure, anytime…it’s my fault they got here anyway." Said Casey, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

"You didn’t know, and helping us more than makes up for that." Said Leo, Donnie eyed his stance

"You want me to look, I’ll get out you over as well?" Casey shook his head "I’m good, I er better go" he said, leaving awkwardly.

He didn’t belong here, he knew that…though that hug had looked so nice.

"I’ll see you tomorrow after class?"

Casey turned back, giving April a reassuring smile "wouldn’t miss it for the world, Red."

Before walking away, telling himself the ache he was feeling was from the fight.

And it was…just not entirely.

And so the others celebrated their win with Pizza Gyoza’s all around.

Having no idea they were made by Casey. Having dragged himself to his shift. Mr Murakami looked at him in concern but Casey waved it off.

He tossed the dough absentmindedly.

‘They look so happy…like a family…" Casey waved the thought away, he wasn’t jealous.

He was glad April was happy. What had he to be jealous about? He had a loving dad and sister, what more could he ask for?

@moonlover04

[well-its-not-human-anymore]

Hi Hi!!!! So I've been following your account for a little while now and I love every single comedy bomb you drop on what you write so I was wondering....

How would the boys react to their S/O who is usually reserved when at the lair, doing a full 180 when at April's? Like they could be April's roommate or something?....

Like crackhead energy, dishing out memes and vines and literally having a duel with Casey about leftovers in the fridge?... Yeah I know it's very specific 💀

I don't know.....the idea just popped into my head but I lack the creativity and comedy skills for that...so I was wondering if you could do something with this?.....

It's totally fine, if not 😁😁

This is... 100% me. I love this and I'm gonna pour my soul into it. Also I have started mentally referring to these as comedy bombs and I refuse to stop.

Also, I hope you don't mind that I wrote these in oneshot form instead of bullet points. It just made more sense for my brain.

TMNT Oneshots

The boys with a partner whose reserved at the lair but an absolute crack gremlin at home 🤣

Donatello

Donnie may have been a man of science, all logic and facts and numbers and things. But he absolutely believed that everyone had three separate faces, you were direct proof of that theory. While the purple terrapin had known you for nearly a year you’d only started dating a month ago and it shocked him that he was still uncovering new things about you. He loved it, sure, but it had a tendency to give him figurative whiplash.

He’d always known you to be calm and collected, maybe even a bit shy. He swore you’d explode if more than one person tried to talk to you at the same time. So it wasn’t an over exaggeration for him to say that your behavior at home nearly made him break his neck.

He was only there to help April fix a bug in her laptop and to confirm your next date, he was excited to see you since you’d had no contact in person for a week because of your schedules. Just lots of phone calls and exchanged text messages. You both missed each other like crazy and your roommate had neglected to inform you that your boyfriend was coming over.

Hers was already there and he was driving you up the wall, you’d never actually thought about committing a murder but Casey was pushing you very close to the edge of snapping. And he might as well have crane-kicked you off your cliff of patience and into the rushing river of “you little fucking shit I’m gonna piss on your grave” below. You hadn’t even heard Donnie come in through the window much less his conversation with April over her computer.

All you knew was that Casey had come parading into your room like a tyrant eating the leftovers in the fridge that you had specifically put your name on. That did it. Your eyes had skimmed over the top of your textbook to meet the asshole in front of you.

“Casey?”

He couldn’t speak through the mouthful he was trying to chew and grunted in pathetic response.

“Is that my cheeseburger?”

You’d never seen a living person imitate a pug’s facial structure so well, the man’s eyes bugged out of his head and he tossed the takeout box on your desk before turning and bolting out of your room. You followed about two steps behind with a bottle of shampoo in your hand. No, you weren’t entirely sure where you’d grabbed it from, all you knew was that it was your weapon. And it quickly became a very messy problem when it missed your target (Casey’s head) and slammed into the wall, exploding on impact.

You didn’t think you’d thrown it that hard.

“April April help help help helpppppppppppppp-'' The two on the couch had looked up during the chase throughout the apartment, Donnie was mostly curious at what Casey was screaming about. Not a lot usually made the guy make that noise. He was then distracted by April grabbing the laptop and passing it to him, she then clambered over his legs to sit behind him.

“YOU UGLY ASS CROISSANT! FUCKING PANINI HEAD- IT HAD MY NAME ON IT YOU DAFT AVACADO!”

Your boyfriend almost went vertical upon watching you tackle Casey to the floor and knee him in the groin. You shook the terrified man under you and slammed him a little harder into the rug.

“Touch my shit again and I’m gonna make the beaches of Normandy look like a goddamn family vacation.”

Then you climbed off of him and stood, brushing your disheveled t-shirt off with a huff. Donnie caught your attention and you raised your head to grin excitedly at him.

“Hi Dove! April didn’t tell me you were coming over,” you practically skipped over to the couch to peck him on the cheek, “I missed ya, are we still on for Saturday?”

He nodded in complete shock, his gaze flitting from you to Casey, who was still wheezing on the floor and clutching his dick.

“Uhhh yeah! Yeah, yep, Still good for Saturday. Uhm, completely unrelated question, where the hell did you learn to grapple like that?”

You shrugged absentmindedly, already walking to the hall closet to grab cleaning supplies for the puddle of shampoo in the walkway.

“Just kinda picked it up I guess? I’ve watched you guys train enough.”

Leonardo

See, Leo had always known that you were hiding something from him. Be it your true personality or some deep dark secret. He wasn’t really in a rush to find out, you’d tell him when you were ready. The leader enjoyed your quiet disposition anyways, you gave good advice and liked to meditate with him, what more could he ask for? What more could he want?

Well, maybe if you got along better with his family, although he supposed that wasn’t your fault, you always had been a bit shy. Even six months into your relationship with him, Leo only hoped that you’d warm up to his brothers eventually. You seemed to do alright with Splinter, that was a plus for the situation. It wasn’t that you were mean or impolite to the others, you were just… avoidant. Distant, quiet, whatever word you wanted to use. You just didn’t seem comfortable at the lair.

He was excited that April had asked to host a game night though, maybe you’d come out of your shell (haha, see what I did there?) and socialize, even for a little bit. They’d all shown up a few minutes early to make sure April didn’t need help with anything, she’d assured them that everything was handled and made sure to inform Leo that you would be back shortly with Casey from your snack run. Mikey had joked that you’d ditched the get together to avoid them but they all knew it ran the possibility of not being a joke.

You unlocked the door and held it open so Casey could get inside without tripping himself before entering yourself and kicking your shoes off. Leo looked up to meet your eyes and you sent him a wild grin, your entire face lit up with amusement.

“Hi babes! Are you ready to get your ass kicked at Monopoly?”

All the poor turtle could do was nod.

“Good. I did grab drinks by the way, April there should be a mixer in the cooler bag, Donnie there’s some of that lemon lime stuff that you said you wanted to try, Mikey, orange crush as usual, Raph I tried to go for Dr. Pepper but they were out so I figured that root beer was a safe second. And Leo they had a new boba flavor that you haven’t had yet so I grabbed one. If you don’t like it then you can have mine, I just have the peach royal.”

Beverages were tossed and they were lucky that their surprise didn’t throw off their catching skills. You and April shared a quick word in the kitchen as you took your coat off and ran a hand through your hair.

After some arguments team captains were decided and Donnie nearly had a heart attack when you picked him instead of Leo or either of your friends. He even went so far as to point at himself to make sure you weren’t joking. You declared that while you loved your boyfriend his morals were too strong to be competitive, Donnie’s were not, he said so himself.

They were all surprised that you’d remembered that conversation.

It wasn’t until halfway through the game that things started getting heated, you and Mikey were nearly jumping across the table at each other. And it visibly took all of your strength to not burst out laughing when he started yelling.

"YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS IS CHEATING! YOU'RE CHEATING! GET ON TOP OF THE FRIDGE!"

April and Casey were snorting into their arms as you got to your feet and walked towards the kitchen, making a poor attempt at climbing the appliance.

"THIS HOUSE IS A FUCKING NIGHTMARE!"

Raphael

Raph had always been under the impression that you were never really 100% yourself around him, he knew for a fact that you weren’t when you stayed over. He’d never seen someone so aggressively avoid someone, except himself of course. You were his partner of almost a year and it seemed like you were never going to let your true self shine. However you did seem to lighten up when you were alone with him, he supposed that was normal, but you may as well have been a pair of old earbuds that only work when you held them a certain way at the lair.

He honestly hadn’t expected that to change tonight, not given the text that Casey had sent him informing him of April’s recent breakup with whatever guy she’d been dating. So when he climbed in through the window and saw both you and Casey sitting on the floor in front of the bathroom he really didn’t think that the words out of your mouth would be-

“April you’ve got another twenty minutes of this then I’m ripping the door off the hinges!”

Casey shot you a look and you shrugged nonchalantly before getting to your feet and walking over to your confused boyfriend.

“Hey, sorry about this. Casey only texted you as a last resort if he needed someone to stop me from tearing the door off.”

Raph found that peculiar, “Uh, couldn’t he do it himself?”

The man in question looked up from his spot on the floor.

“Nah dude, they’re crazy. Last time I tried stopping them from doing something they nearly knocked my damn tooth out while screaming, and I quote, “If you put your hands on me I’m gonna fucking rip your face off” and quite frankly I don’t have the balls to test that.”

“No no dude, that’s valid. I wouldn’t either. Babe, why are you so-”

You raised an eyebrow at him over a glass of water, “Violent? I’m not Raph. These two just have little bitch feelings.”

He found it hard not to laugh at that and fifteen minutes later when you left his side to approach the door again it sent him reeling.

“This shit’s temporary April. You’ve got nice teeth and a fat ass, stuff your feelings down!”

Michelangelo

There would never be a time where Mikey wasn’t a prankster with you, it was just simply non-negotiable. You were cool with that and he was aware, he was also aware that no pranks were to be pulled at the lair. So he’d reign it in while you visited, just for a short while. But you’d never said anything about the apartment and Mikey was a creature of opportunity.

Unfortunately Leo talked him out of it and forced him not to pull anything while they visited. The leader was already on edge so when he walked in with the others following closely behind you were the first person to see him. Your eyes caught Mikey’s instantly and you might as well have been telepathic at that moment. But you took one look at Leo’s solid, angry face and seized your moment.

They weren’t at all ready for the scream.

“GET YOUR FUCKIN’ DOG BITCH!”

And they also weren’t ready for Mikey’s response of, “It don’t bite.”

And Leo was not ready for the pillow that got whipped at his face at incredibly high speed.

“YES IT DO-”

So when Leo finally realized that they were yelling at him his mood did not improve at all and in fact declined sharply into a pit of “oh fuck”. And that was how you ended up on Mikey’s shoulder getting dragged away from any sort of repercussion for your actions.

These got a little short near the end but I hope you like 'em and I hope I was able to capture what you had in mind! 😁

-Mars 🌠

[nooneactuallyasked]

Diner Gal - Reggie x Reader Part 12

Requested: Nope

Word count: 2,661

Warnings: Not that I know of.

Summary: Julie and the Phantoms ( + Flynn ) go to a musical diner/café/restaurant for inspiration and hopefully a future gig but they end up meeting a very special waitress.

Note: So writer's block on the last chapter/part of your story sucks a whole bunch but we finally did it! I finally finished this – we don’t need to talk about how many months it’s been, sh! THIS IS THE FINAL PART!!!

A few songs in this chapter – I’d recommend listening to them as you read:

Jump in the Line/ Dead Mom Reprise – Beetlejuice the Musical

Obvious – Dear Evan Hansen

ENJOY!

---

Part 1 here   Part 2 here   Part 3 here   Part 4 here   Part 5 here   

Part 6 here   Part 6.5 here   Part 7 here   Part 8 here   Part 9 here   

Part 10 here   Part 11 here

---

After a few hours of frantically drawing and writing up the final setlist, plans, room arrangements and digging through Cal’s office to find the list of reserved tables, Y/N was finally ready to call her job done. And now to jump right back into ghostly matters, which started with finding Julie and Willie and hoping they had some sort of plan figured out.

“Hey hey, look who’s finally back from the other side!” Flynn’s exclamation was met with winces from the boys and a wry smile from Y/N, “It sure was an adventure, Cal really should organise that office. How’s decorating going?” Flynn sighed in response, “It would be a lot better if some people actually helped out instead of talking to thin air.” She sent a mock glare to Julie who sent an eye roll straight back, “Kinda dealing with bigger and more important things right now, but sure I’ll blow up a balloon right after.”

“So, how has the whole possession thing been going? Any solid way to get Cal back?” Y/N asked, anxiety crawling up the sides of her stomach. Willie looked around at the group, all of whom were fidgeting and avoiding his gaze, sighing he turned back to her, “There is a way, but there’s no guarantee it will work.” Y/N nodded, gesturing for him to continue, “You have to establish a connection first then everything after that is up to Cal and his willpower. This situation is a little different to the one these guys got themselves into, and I’ve also never seen this before so this is the best I can come up with.”

She scrunched up her brow, how on earth did you make a connection with a possessed person? And so she asked exactly that, “Do something that means something to both of you; you’re in the music business, are there any songs that you two would sing together? Something like that. Apart from making the connection, there’s not much else you can do. I’m sorry.” Willie responded, Alex rubbed his arm comfortingly, “This isn’t your fault, it’s no one's fault but Calebs.” Y/N nodded in agreement, “Exactly, you’ve been so incredibly helpful, you all have,” She looked around the group, yes that includes Flynn, and smiled, “Thanks a bunch, you guys.” Her smile quickly transformed into a smug grin, “Luckily, I know exactly which song to use.”

---

A few hours passed and Le Paradis du Chanteur was ready to go, all of the evening’s acts were either out front or preparing in the back. She had seen Julie and the guys a few times in her rushed panic to get a song ready and change the setlist last minute, everything was completely ready and fine, of course, but it didn’t stop Y/N from worrying.

All that was left was to let the guests in, find Cal and make sure the first act was ready (not in that order). She huffed as she hunted down the first act, she supposed they weren’t actually that bad – in fact she could tolerate their outfits somewhat and their music was good. The members were a little annoying but good at what they did so who was she to judge.

Their clothing was easy to spot – they do look like a pack of highlighters (as their nickname would suggest) so it took Y/N no longer than 3 minutes to find them and less than 5 to check in and see that they were practically ready to go on the spot.

Now to find Cal, a challenge she was ready to face head-on, probably. It took Y/N quite a bit longer to find him but, after asking around and getting her co-worker to point her in the right direction, she found him sitting in the kitchen, blank as ever. Y/N sighed and pulled him into the main area, hoping he would at least interact with the guests if they spoke to him.

She hoped that this evening wouldn’t turn into a disaster but who knew at this point – she walked to the entrance and put on her best smile, and went to let everyone in.

 ---

 A couple of acts had already gone and she was up next on the newly improved setlist – here goes the performance of a lifetime.

Y/N breathed out, stepping towards the mic, “Hello, everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your evening so far, we have only a few acts left to go! Before we continue, I’d just like to sing a little something in honour of our amazing manager, Cal!” A series of applause and a few whistles followed her words, Y/N relaxed, if anything went wrong at least she could say she tried. “As I’m sure some of our regulars know, Cal has always been one to enjoy a good musical, you’d hope so with this line of work.” Another ripple of laughter and a few cheers, a grin spread across her face. “When I first joined this diner as a performer, I auditioned with the song I’m about to sing for you now, I like to think of it as our song. Not to mention the fact that for at least 2 weeks after I got the job I couldn’t stop singing it, I think every one of the staff here tonight, and those who aren’t, know the song word for word now, sorry about that. So, with no further ado, I give you my audition song.” Taking the mic out of its stand, Y/N stepped back, spotting Cal sitting in the back corner, face empty of anything, as the backing music started up.

 Shake, shake, shake, Senora

Shake your body line

Shake, shake, shake, Senora

Shake it all the time

 Y/N hopped off of the stage and skipped around tables, whenever she passed a staff member she dance with them for a second, before they would both move on, quickly forming a line.

 Work, work, work, Senora

Work your body line

Work, work, work, Senora

Work it all the time

 The line quickly made its way back to the stage, everyone now singing to each other and dancing together. Y/N closed her eyes and quickly prayed that this was working. She skipped around the line, pointing at different staff members to sing the solo lines.

 My girl's name is Senora

I tell you, friends, I adore her

And when she dances, oh brother

She’s a hurricane in all kinds of weather

 She laughed as she went back to her place in the line, smiling at her co-workers beside her.

 Jump in the line, rock your body in time

(Okay, I believe you)

Jump in the line, rock your body in time

(Okay, I believe you)

 The line jumped slightly to the left every time they sang that line and then danced with the people around them, some workers went to tables and started dancing and singing with the talent scouts or any families or regulars that had booked a place that evening.

 Shake, shake, shake, Senora

(Ahh)

Work, work, work, Senora

(Ahh- Woo!)

 Y/N grabbed Sam’s hand and led them to the middle of the floor as she sang, turning to face them, trying to contain her giggles, as they did a mock opera performance.

 Cal, I know you’re listenin'

Doesn’t this just blow your mind?

I was on a mission

This is what I left behind

 She made her way over to Cal, hoping to see something behind his eyes. Y/N pulled him up by his hand and danced him over to the line of performers at the front.

 I'll miss you every day

Seek a little strange and unusual

And you will find

 The line, still acting as her incredibly enthusiastic backing vocals, started spreading out, a few stayed on the stage while others jumped off to dance and sing with the guests. Sam came over to Y/N and Cal and brought into a weird little circle dance as Noelle and Casey cackled from a nearby table.

 Life beyond all comprehension

A mess in multiple dimensions

A little unconventional, I know

 Y/N’s eyes widened in worry as Cal groaned in pain in front of her. She waved Casey over who quickly grabbed him and sat him down on a nearby, empty chair.

 But, Cal, I am home

I'm home

I'm home

 As soon as she had finished singing, Y/N rushed over to Cal. “You okay?” He grunted in return, “Been better, but then again I could probably be a lot worse.” Her breath hitched as he squeezed his eyes tight and groaned again. His breathing quickened slightly before he let out a big breath and a purple light appeared on his neck. Y/N pulled his collar down to get a better look at it but as quickly as it came it faded away again. “You doing good, Callerina?” He rolled his eyes, “I will be when you stop with those nicknames…and when Sam stops dancing like that.”

She laughed, tears pricking at her eyes, as Cal snorted at Sam’s ridiculous dancing, they were completely embarrassing Noelle as they forced her to waltz around the room. “I thought they said they were a professional dancer when I hired them. Oh well.” He turned to face Y/N, the twinkle back in his eyes, “I thought my return would be more dramatic, I’ll be honest. But this is alright too.” Y/N rubbed at her eyes as she scoffed at him, “Of course, only you would say this wasn’t dramatic enough.” Cal shrugged, “Well when you reach old age, like me, you’ll learn that even bending down takes a lot of effort, might as well make it worth the trouble.” Y/N rolled her eyes, “Cal, you’re 31. You’re not that old.” He sniffed in response, “I watched you grow into the ghostbuster that you’ve become, didn’t I? I think that’s old enough.” She scoffed, though a fond smile played on the edges of her lips, “Well, since you ruined our nice moment I might as well get back to orders and making sure all of our acts are okay.” Cal’s eyes widened at that, “I forgot, I’m so sorry you had to do that all alone, I’ll let you steal anything you want from the diner kitchen after this as a sorry and thank you gift.” She grinned, “As if I wasn’t gonna do that already.”

Y/N walked away, giggling to herself as she heard Cal squawk in indignation behind her. This was totally worth it, she had her family back and a new family as well.

 ---

 It was now the end of the night, lots of people were ordering the last things to eat or drink or finishing up what they already had before they left. All performers were out on the floor, taking orders, entertaining young children or talking to talent scouts if they had the time. It was the noisiest it had been all evening, even with all the bands and music, performance and dancing that had occurred.

Julie awkwardly stood on stage, fiddling with the mic stand. “Excuse me? Hi. Um, so I know this is kinda weird and short notice but one of our band members has a message for a special someone so we hope you enjoy.” She steps back from the mic and moves over to the keyboard towards the front corner of the performance area, Reggie practically vibrated behind the mic whilst the other two musketeers glared at him to chill out before he caused the mic to screech.

The audience had quietened down and now sat in expectant silence, Y/N continued serving, though the short notice act did seem to capture most of her attention (albeit confused stares but her attention nonetheless). Reggie took a few deep breaths, readying himself to poof and basically confess his newfound feelings to a living girl who captured his undead heart, wanting what you can’t have really had been taken to that level, huh.

Julie’s fingers danced across the keyboard as Reggie poofed in and strummed along on the acoustic guitar Julie had pried from Luke’s cold, dead hands, he had wanted to keep the song simple, strip it down to its purest form, mirroring his feelings. That and the fact that he had done this last minute and dragged everyone around him into it, so showing off and using flashy techniques was something they just didn’t have the time to add in.

 When we know something is true

Beyond question or doubt

There's no particular point

In pointing it out

 Reggie strums his guitar, looking solely at either the guitar or the mic, trying to gather up his courage. He wrote this song for Y/N, why couldn’t he just look at her?

 Blue is the colour of sky

'Cause mothers all worry

And old people die

A phone rings, a bee stings

It's something you don't need to hear

It's just clear

 He looked back at Julie, finding her smiling at him encouragingly. He smiled back at her in return. He could do this!

 Why go stating the obvious?

It's so painfully obvious

How could you miss

Something that's this plain to see?

When it's glaring and staring

Right at you

So obviously

 He looked up to meet Y/N’s eyes, she had stopped moving around after handing out her last order, instead, she stood staring at him, completely awestruck. He almost chuckled, how could she stare at him like he hung the stars when she was brighter than the sun?

 When you get bored you draw stars

On the cuffs of your jeans

You still fill out the quizzes you find

In those teen magazines

And you dance like nobody's there

Awkward and perfect

You don't even care

Something courageous, amazing, contagious

And kind

All combined

 Y/N huffed out breathy laughs as she stared at him, the stupid, leather-covered, ghost boy. She knew she hadn’t fallen in love – she hadn’t fallen anywhere, she had walked into her feelings, completely aware and content. He made it easy, Y/N hoped she made it easy too.

 Why go stating the obvious?

It's so painfully obvious

How could you miss

Something that's this plain to see?

When it's glaring and staring

Right at you

So obviously

 Sam grabbed her by the hand and pulled her towards the stage until she was right in front of it – right in front of him, “Have fun with your Romeo, don’t forget about us when you’re off on dates.” They cackled as they ran away, narrowly avoiding Y/N’s punches.

 Sometimes the words

We tend to withhold

But they're exactly the words

Someone needs to be told

But oh, thinking they know

We never say "I love you

I love you

I love you

I love you"

 Y/N smiled up at him as he beckoned her onto the stage. She never thought when she took up this part of the job that she’d end up meeting a bunch of ghosts and their human companion + friend, have her manager be possessed and garner feelings for the golden retriever incarnate.

 'Cause why go

Stating the obvious

It's so painfully obvious

How could you miss

Something that's this plain to see?

When it's glaring, and staring right at you

So obviously

 As the song quieted down, Julie shared looks with Alex and Luke pretended like he wasn’t tearing up at the sight of the pair on stage. Sam and Noelle smiled at each other and Casey rolled her eyes, she truly was surrounded by idiots that she had somehow adopted, not that she regretted it necessarily but she would never admit it.

“Hey, Y/N,” Reggie stepped away from the mic, “I’m not in love with you or anything, but I think I could be if you’d be okay with that?” The girl in question chuckled, “I think I could love you too, eventually. But how about we get to know each other for longer than a week first, sound good?”

“Sounds perfect, Diner Gal.”

---

Taglist:

@dotishyperfixating​   @daddydraco0   @morganayenneferburnham​

@dxestars   @dcnerd98   @ultraworthlessbitch

@revolutionary-werewolf-ghosts   @underc0vercryptid

@underc0vercryptid-reads   @miisacore​

@cas-loves-pizza   @slytherhoes​

[anotherbeingsworld]

I’ll See You Again

Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Danny Cardinal

Summary: A depth look in Sienna’s and Danny’s relationship until the night before it all went down. 

Warning: Mentions of death. Besides that, its a fluffy and bittersweet tale. 

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything, except the storyline. All characters are owned by Pixelberry.

A/N: I am backkk, well.. not literally. I took a small chunk of my time to write this to celebrate our girl Sienna, and for the @siennatrinhappreciationblog​ ! This is my submission for Day 1 of Sienna Trinh Appreciation week and this is my first time writing for them, I hope I hit the mark! I have been quite mixed feelings in life right now, it is both a good and bad time-ish, it feels like a lot and, i am so sorry if I am lack on updates for bryce fics, I hope to write soon without hesitation and everything else that is going on! So, no one told me that life is gonna be this way.... sjssksk, i am surviving at its finest! I hope all of you are doing amazing, and thank you for everything! I apologize in advance if there is any grammatical errors! Enjoy!

Tags: @siennatrinhappreciationblog​ , @mvalentine​ , @drethanramslay​ , @storyofmychoices​ , @jaxsmutsuo​ , @fantasyoverreality98​ , @bratzlahela​ , @choicesficwriterscreations​ @aylamwrites​ , @baltersome​ , @kelseaaa​ , @thundergom, @ohramsey​ , @ohvamsey​ , @mrsbhandari​  , @starrystarrytrouble​ ( I don’t have a perma tag list and this isnt a Bryce fic, sooo... I am tagging a few peeps!)

LINK TO MASTERLIST

The small moments they spend as the sun sets at the house party, as they talked about life, tv-shows, good memories, cringey moments and life is one of the best moments for her. The moments followed, was a series of smiles caught in-between shifts, as their hands brushed on the nurses counter, or the introduction of 50s movies that made her smile, including a monologue of Danny reciting the lines of a damsel in distress that made her heart leapt in joy.

She had Wayne, but the feeling with him cant be compared as he made her feel unimportant, as if there is a barrier in between that keeps on stopping her from seeing the light. Danny Cardinal is a different one, a new presence that somehow she didn’t know she needed. Someone who sees her more than Wayne ever does, someone who appreciates her talents along with their quirky interests that made them compatible one way or another.

She never told her roommates, the day they went out to Donahue together, a moment of silence as Sienna finally had the courage to invite him for a drink, after her break-up with Wayne. She wasn’t ready to move on yet, but…she felt like she needed a friend. Someone to talk too, someone who she could relate in a way, and that’s where Danny Cardinal made his entrance.

‘I just break up with my long-time boyfriend..’ It suddenly slips out of her tongue, somehow she was wallowing it after their confrontation with Casey earlier.

He wasn’t ready. He didn’t expect that news would drop as they just finished work.

‘OH-, are you okay? Do you need anything, we could go back if you want!’ His voice filled with caution, as he tries to comfort her in the most awkward way he could think of at the moment.

Sienna smiles at his reaction, it was a mixture of cute and adorable which she is aware that it is similar. A laugh stifle out of her, as Danny smiles too. Mirroring her expression, he found himself being very careful as he slips his fingers into her, giving her a squeeze, equivalent to the saying, ‘everything is going to be alright.’

She felt happy, a different kind of happiness. That night was the start of it all, a small gesture that is worth more than a thousand words. It was called, something new. She recalls the small gesture, when she is down, or mad, or even sad, as a way to assure herself that she is going to be alright.

Until that unfortunate day, the fear in her started to show as seeing her best friend, and him there in the room somehow being sacrificed for an evil plan. She recalls their small talks the night before, as he was seen bringing her a cup of coffee after the long day they both had, their small talks is something normal in other people’s eyes, as it is an escape for them into the world.

‘A cup of brownie chocolate drink for one Sienna Trinh?’ His voice in a sing-song as he passed the cup to her.

‘…And, a cup of Hazelnut Latte for Danny Cardinal courtesy of Casey, and her access to Dr. Ramsey’s coffee machine.’ She whispered the last part of the sentence making him laugh as his voice boomed through the empty hospital hallways.

‘Free coffee too, count me in?’ Danny said happily taking a sip of his drink, as Sienna does the same.

‘How was your day?’ She asked, as they walked through the hallways; one of the reasons she manages to keep herself sane after all the insanity from her day as a second-year resident.

‘It was…’ He went silence, as he took another sip before continuing.

‘The Senator’s case. It was odd, and weird. I know I shouldn’t questioned anything, but he gave me some bad vibes, including his assistant Travis, they both kinda gave me a weird vibe. I felt like Travis was lurking his way down the halls, somehow searching for something… and it creeps me out.’ A shiver escaped him, as they arrived at the quiet cafeteria.

‘I heard about him, he is the one who came from Mass Kenmore right?’ Sienna asked, recalling the info Casey told her about her heist with Baz at MK.

He nod, taking another sip.

‘How was yours?’

She lets out a sigh, followed by a groan.

‘I am guessing, it was bad..?’ His voice slowly, as Sienna nods in return.

‘It wasn’t horrible, but…it felt tiring. I just feel like I have to do everything and Mitch isn’t helping one bit, and there is this kid, he is suffering with all these decisions and... ugh!’ She lets out a groan of frustration once more, earning an ‘I’m sorry’ look on Danny’s face.

She tried to plastered a smile on her face, an attempt to make herself look stronger. But, somehow she felt like she can’t fake it, a part of her wanted to fake a smile, and just brushed the topic off.

‘You know you don’t have to be strong in front of me Sienna, it’s okay to be sad once in a while…’ Danny stated with a slow tone, a comforting one.

‘Doctors were supposed to be strong, its our job to be strong for our patients…’

‘And yet, we are humans Sienna. We can cry, smile, laugh and get ourselves angry because we are human. Those feelings are valid, and it means you are you. There is honestly nothing wrong with that okay?’ Danny moved to the opposite side of the table, taking a seat beside her. In a split second, she founds herself leaning onto the comfort of his hugs. The universal language that will never gets old, kisses are great and all, but… hugs are even better. He place his arms around her shoulder, as the cold environment around them was a hazy memory.

‘You know you give good hugs don’t you Danny?’ Sienna said in between the hugs, as their drinks started to cool off.

‘Hey, its apart of who I am! Don’t tell Bryce, he once told me that he was the best hugger in Edenbrook.’ A laugh stifled out of her once more, her troubles were behind.

‘Don’t worry, besides Casey; you are definitely a close second.’ She winks at him, as they enjoyed their presumably final moments together.

It was almost dawn, as both of their pagers were paged at the same time. Both of them rushed, at the same time trying to keep in moment as they enjoyed their small company together without any interruptions from the real world.

A few minutes after, they arrived at their pin-point where they would have to say ‘goodbye’. In that moment, without hesitation; a gut feeling inside told her; hug him. It can somehow be your last time seeing his face.

He looks at her in disbelief at first, but who ever declines a hug? He hugs her back, the feeling of comfort that somehow the key of keeping both of them sane is one ways or another. A gesture that she would love to get used to, hugging Danny. Maybe more than the other. After a while, they pulled away. A small smile linger on her face, as she left the nursing station; a contained feeling in her heart. She turns her head back, meeting his eyes once more. He waves from afar, as she waves back as they resume their lives.

And, that morning was the last time she saw his face. The last time she would feel his touch, the final cup of coffee together, and… their final hug. As Danny was one of the victims of Travis’s plan on murdering the Senator.

The sadness from before suddenly felt in her once again, without the comfort of his hugs and words. She felt herself wanting to break down, as the news escaped the lips of Dr. Ramsey.

Sienna tried to stay strong, as she stood behind the glass. With a full of pain in her heart, meeting Casey’s emerald’s which is fill with sympathy. She mouthed, ‘I’m so sorry’. As the tears threatened to fall from her eyes, Jackie scoot towards her way and bring her into the group’s embrace.

‘Don’t you dare die. No coma’s either. Just…hold the line, hear me?’ Her voice booms through the glass, as tear started to fall.

As all of them were ushered away, working on the treatment. Sienna looked back, as she saw Bryce walking into the room with a hazmat suit on him, a small smile on her face; knowing Casey wont be alone for the time being. She glanced back once more, before moving forward with the rest of the team.

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

The same smile appeared once more, after Casey was saved. She couldn’t lose another one of the people she cared about, and… she engulfed her with a bear hug, the lost and comfort from the day before started to catch up to her. The day she lost Danny, and the day her best friend is save. Two different events that change her life in a way.

Funerals were meant to celebrate the life that was lived, staring at the black theme-d attire in her room, she wasn’t ready to face it. She wasn’t ready to face the day, where she would see him for the final time. The final time, where she could picture the smile on his face, as the memories from the past days would play in her mind again and again; as a way to comfort her sorrows.

She glanced at her room, somehow looking at it for the first time. Her eyes gaze upon the lines of furniture, and it stops at the wall of pictures. Somehow, all of the good memories from her intern year was on that wall, reminding her the good times of it all. Her eyes stop at one, she remembered it all too well.

A photo, both herself and Danny were sleeping on the couch after the party, that her friends took. She was mad at first, but… she realizes that was one of the earliest memories of herself and Danny, and she was grateful for it.

She didn’t join in the others, as a way to cope herself with all of it. She took the long way down, a way to be with her own thoughts, as after a while; the cemetery was in view. The number of nurses, workers, families, and many more had came by to express their thoughts. A way of remembering the ones that has gone, she glances at the crowd as she stood beside Dr. Ramsey who is somehow standing in the back of it all.

It was silence between them, as she glance upon the familiarity of the voice. It was Casey’s as she takes the lead, a smile upon her face from the stories that she managed to recalled from both Danny’s and Bobby’s time at Edenbrook, they were heroes. They will never be forgotten, somehow; it was one of the things that made saying goodbye very hard.

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

Afterwards, she founds herself linger behind. The skies are dark, upon the lost of two souls. Taking a small Laelia Orchid in her hand, making her way to both of them. Her tears stained cheek are visible, through the darkness of the sky. She places the flower in both of their caskets, a final goodbye.

The walk back to the hospital was accompanied by memories, smiles, laughter and even the warmth of his comfort accompanying her way back. She smiled despite it all, knowing that Danny is always going to be there, a comfort for her; as she took a sip of his favorite drink or, the moment where she stumbled at one of the movies from their trip to the Common. A reminder that he is always going to be apart of her, helping her through this life. As a human being, a doctor, a friend… and maybe in another lifetime; something even bigger than before.

She knows that she will see him again, very very soon. 

THE END.

[golbrocklovely]

only the lonely survive // colby brock - chapter twenty-two: saying goodbye, scared to say why

A/N: IT’S SO GOOD TO BE BACK WITH THIS STORY!! i missed writing this, but it was a nice break. that being said, i’m gonna try to update this once a week, things might get a bit crazy when thanksgiving comes up bc i work retail and i’m gonna be working a lot so hopefully i won’t have to postpone anything. btw, at the end of this chapter i talk about the ‘colby and sam tour’. i changed how they originally had the dates for the tour. they still go during july and aug, but instead of philly being in july, it happens when they had the chicago show, and vice versa. it’ll make sense later why i had to change things around. alrighty, enjoy this chapter and lmk what you think :)

description of the story

taglist:  @ajosieface , @localsleeper , @julyrubyrose , @far-to-many-bands , @absolute-randomness-forever

trigger warning: cursing, mentions of breakup

word count: 1922

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

DAY 13/14

“Skye… Skye… Baby. Wake up.” A deep voice whispered sweetly into my ear.

I slowly stirred awake, my eyes landing on the voice.

Colby smiled. “Hi babe.”

“Heyyy.” I slurred, my body beginning to stretch.

“So… it’s a little after ten, and I was thinking we could go do something.” He stated, his hand cupping my face.

I yawned. “Yeah? Like what?”

Colby smirked. “I want it to be a surprise. But first, I need you to go home and change.”

“Into what?” I asked, sitting up lazily.

“You’ll see. I got Casey to lay it out for you at home.” He slid out of bed, pulling his clothes on.

“You’re really trying to be sneaky about this, huh.” I laughed.

He chuckled. “Well, once you see what you’re changing into, you’ll probably know where we’re going.”

I rubbed my eyes and smiled. “Alright then. Take me home.”

/  /  /  /

After driving me home, Colby told me that he needed an hour to get ready for our date. I decided that after spending all night in bed, I needed to shower anyway. I took a long shower and stepped back into my room. I glanced at my bed and saw my bathing suit laying out on it.

Are we… going to the beach?

I smiled to myself and walked towards my closet to grab some flip flops and shorts. As I walked passed my mirror, I gasped at my reflection.

Covering my neck were little bites and hickies, reminders of my previous night. A light blush came to my cheeks as I touched the marks. None of them hurt, but they were all big and noticeable because of my pale skin.

I pulled the towel from around my body, gazing all over to see if there were other reminders. Subtle bruises rested on my hips. I shook my head and sighed.

I’m gonna kill Colby.

As my phone laid on my bed, it began to ring. I looked at the screen, seeing Colby's name pop-up. I grabbed it and answered.

“Hey. Just wanted to let you know I’m here.” Colby said happily.

“Okay. Were you gonna tell me I had hickies all over my neck or are you just blind?” I jeered jokingly.

He remarked. “What? They aren’t that bad.”

“The fuck they are.” I exclaimed.

“I’m sorry babe. If I’m honest, I kinda like seeing you have them. It’s hot.” I could tell he was smirking at the other end.

I pursed my lips, huffing. “Shut the fuck up. I’ll be out in five.”

“Bye Skye!” He beamed, laughing lightly.

“Bye.” I rolled my eyes, hanging up the phone.

I quickly threw on my bathing suit, a basic black one-piece, and some denim shorts. I grabbed my concealer and began to dab some on my neck, blending it in hastily. I grabbed my bag, slid on my flip flops, and reached for my beach towel. Looking myself over in the mirror, I gave my outfit a once over. Nodding to myself, I left my room.

As I walked to Colby’s car, I could see him smiling at me through the window. I got in and shook my head at him.

“You’re an ass for not telling me about the hickies.” I hissed.

He raised his hands in the air, defending himself. “You can barely see them.”

I scoffed. “That’s because I covered them up.”

“Are you that upset about them?” Colby questioned, biting his lip.

“No… not really. Just annoyed.” I continued, changing the subject. “Is there a reason why we’re going to the beach?”

“You told me the first night we hung out that you hadn’t been to the beach since you were five. I figured since you’re leaving tomorrow, this would be the perfect time to go.” He replied.

“You remembered me saying that?” I murmured.

He smiled sweetly. “Of course. That was the night I kinda fell for you.”

A light blush came to both our cheeks. I bit my lip softly, looking down at the car floor.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

/  /  /  /

After a two-hour drive, we finally arrived to the beach. It was semi crowded; the afternoon rush hadn’t kicked in yet. Hand-in-hand, we walked onto the beach. Colby carried an umbrella while I carried the towels and my bag.

We found a spot not too far from the shore, placing the towels and umbrella down. Colby shoved the umbrella into the sand, the shade feeling lovely compared to the hot sun.

“Can you get my back?” I asked, handing him a bottle of sunscreen.

“As long as you get mine.” He winked, taking the bottle and pouring some sunscreen into his hand. He slowly rubbed the cool lotion over my skin, circling my shoulder blades before moving down my back to the edge of my bathing suit. I could feel goosebumps rise on my skin as I felt his breath on my neck.

He lightly kissed my skin and whispered in my ear. “My turn.”

I let out a quiet laugh as I turned around to him, taking the bottle from him and pouring some into my hand. I rubbed the lotion in, studying his skin as I followed my hands.

“You have a really nice back.” I mumbled.

He chuckled. “Thank you... I think?”

Colby spun around to me and smiled cheekily. “So, what do you want to do first?”

I hummed. “How about we lounge? Listen to some music?”

“Sounds like a plan.” He replied, pulling out his phone and a pair of headphones. He handed me one ear bud as he laid down on his towel, scrolling through his phone and picking a song.

I laid down on my stomach, placing the ear bud in my ear. I buried my head into my arms and lazily listened to his music.

After a couple minutes, Colby brushed his hand over my back.

“Do you wanna go swim?” He queried.

I glanced up at him and nodded. Colby stood up, sticking his hand out for me to take. I grabbed it and pulled myself up.

We walked to the ocean, slowly stepping into the cool water. Colby lightly kicked the water towards me, splashing me. I giggled as it hit me. As we got deeper into the ocean, I retaliated, splashing at him.

“Oh, you’re gonna get it!” Colby exclaimed, smacking water at me.

This began an all-out war between us. By the time we finished, we were drenched and laughing hysterically.

Colby swam up to me, wrapping his arms around me. He leaned his forehead against mine, sighing deeply. His lips pecked mine softly.

“Let’s go dry off.” He decided.

I nodded my head swimming towards the shore and walking back to our stuff.

We wrapped our towels around ourselves. Colby stepped up to me and embraced me, pulling me into his chest.

He rubbed my back gently. “Are you having fun?”

“Yeah. Especially since I’m here with you.” I gazed up at him, smiling sweetly.

He bit his lip, leaning down and kissing my forehead.

/  /  /  /

After spending another hour at the beach, we decided to leave. I asked Colby to stay over at my place for my last night, and he agreed. Stopping back at the trap house, I got to say goodbye to everyone as Colby got changed. I gave them hugs and made sure they all had my number.

“Will you be coming back?” Corey whispered as he hugged me.

I sighed. “I would love to. But I don’t know when.”

“Well, you always have a place to stay here.” Sam added, smiling.

I replied. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

On the drive home, I stayed quiet, my mind racing.

I didn’t want to go home. I mean, I missed my mom, and my own room.

But Colby...

What’s gonna happen to us?

As we pulled into the driveway, Colby gazed over at me. “Are you okay? You’ve been really quiet.”

“I’m alright.” I muttered, unbuckling the belt and stepping out of the car.

As we got into the house, I could tell Casey wasn’t home.

Bet she’s with Brennen...

“I’m gonna shower. Make yourself at home.” I spoke. Colby laid down on my bed and nodded.

I showered quickly, wanting to get back to Colby. I got changed into some comfy clothes, stepping back into my bedroom. Colby was still on my bed, scrolling through his phone and watching something on the tv.

As his eyes landed on me, a soft smile came to his face. “Come here.” He mumbled, reaching his arms out for me.

I slowly walked over to him and fell into bed, landing gently on him. I snuggled myself into his chest, pressing as close as I could to him.

His chest vibrated as he hummed happily. He tightened his embrace, kissing my forehead.

I broke the silence that had fell over us.

“I don’t want to go.”

He exhaled at my words, rubbing his hands over my back. “I don’t want you to go, either.”

“Can I ask you something honestly?” I sat up quickly, looking into his eyes.

“Yeah.” Colby responded.

“What’s... gonna happen to us... when I leave?” I questioned.

His face twisted up. “What do you mean?”

“Are we...?” I suggested, unable to finish the sentence.

He filled in the blank. “Over?”

“I mean, I’d understand if you wanted to end things.” I fretted.

Colby sat up. “Why would I want to end this?”

“Because I don’t know when I can come back. I’m not rolling in money to just hop on a plane and rent a place to stay.” I sighed, continuing. “I could be gone for a while.”

“I know this. I wouldn’t have asked you to be mine if I was gonna end it.” He insisted.

“So... we’re staying together?” I uttered.

“I have no plans to end this any time soon.” Colby confirmed.

“But what about-”

His lips cut off my words. He savored the kiss, pulling away slowly. “It’s gonna suck that you’re not here, but I still want to be with you. We’ll make it work.”

“Okay. Because I really didn’t want us to be done.” I admitted, laying my head back on his chest.

He pulled me closer again. “The feeling is 100% mutual. Get ready for me to FaceTime you like every day.”

“Not if I do it first.” I chuckled.

He snickered. “And if it makes you feel better, me and Sam are going on tour soon.”

“Holy shit, really?” I blurted.

“Yep. We’re announcing it in our next exploring video.” Colby beamed.

“Wow. When do you go on tour?” I asked.

“We’re going through July and August. And guess where we’ll be stopping?” He teased.

“Is it a tiny city called Philadelphia?” I guessed.

He disagreed. “Philly’s pretty big.”

“Much like my ass.” I smirked.

Colby rolled his eyes, wheezing out a laugh. “Oh my god Skye.”

I smiled brightly, his laugh making me giggle.

“When are you coming to Philly?” I asked.

“August 19th.” He mentioned, rolling over and resting his body on top of mine.

“So... two or three months from now.” I noted.

He stared into my eyes, his hands falling to my waist. “I’ll be counting down the days.”

I slid my hands through his hair, pulling softly. “Well until then, let’s enjoy our last night together.”

“I can think of a few ways to do that...” Colby bit his lip, leaning in and kissing my lips hard.

<< CHAPTER 21 || CHAPTER 23 >>

[thatswedishbeast]

I’m dead

Second time I share something from my big collection of fics I keep to myself. I wrote this like 3 years ago, so it’s not perfect but I always kind of loved it anyway. I have written nearly 20 000 words of this story and this is the opening scene. I thought some of you might enjoy it because it’s (pre)college rhink, first kiss and smut. Which basically is all I ask for in life.

“Oh come on man,” Link tossed the controller on the floor, attempting to frown. “You totally could have given me that.”

Rhett looked over at him with raised eyebrows, his eyes bright and playful. “You mean I should have let you win?”

Unable to fight the laugh that begged to escape, Link nudged his shoulder against his best friends’, and got up from his spot on the floor. “Fine, this was getting a bit boring anyway.”

Rhett stretched his long legs out and leaned his back more comfortably back against Link’s bed, looking up at him with a smile. “What do you want to do then? Remember, it’s your choice.”

“Can’t believe you pick our last weekend together before you leave to be the time I get to decide what we do,” Link said with an eye roll, turning away to grab a drink from his coke. When he looked back, he found Rhett staring at the controller in his hand, a sad look on his face. Instantly, Link felt his chest tighten, and he swallowed, putting the can down.

“Hey,” he said gently, making Rhett look up again, an almost pained look on his face. “I was just – it was a joke. I get it, what you’re trying to do.” He took a step closer to him, and the tips of his fingers rested on his shoulder for a second. “Let’s see if there’s anything on TV.”

Rhett nodded and the features of his face relaxed a bit. Link sat down next to him again, switching the channel. They ended up on one of the sport’s channels, and Link groaned.

“Wrestling? Seriously?”

“Dude, it’s cool!”

“Why don’t you wrestle then? Oh right, you’re not strong enough,” Link said with a chuckle, moving to switch the channel again.

Rhett frowned, turning his head to look at him.

“I’m strong, I’m a basketball player!”

Raising one eyebrow, Link met his gaze. “Rhett come on, we both know you’re tall alright, but that doesn’t mean you’re strong. Look at those guys,” he pointed the remote at one of the heavily muscled men on the TV, “he’d crush you in a second.”

He lifted his hand to switch again, but Rhett’s fingers closing around his wrist halted his movement. Looking back at his friend, he was surprised to find a sincere furrow between his brows. He’d known Rhett for over 10 years, so he knew when he was playing around and when he was serious. This, this was real.

“I could take you,” Rhett said, his tone firm and confident. Link laughed and attempted to move his arm. Rhett’s hold tightened.

“I’m serious.”

“Well duh, you’re bigger than me, man. It wouldn’t really be fair.”

“You scared?”

Link felt a hot rush of irritation in his belly. “No. I’m just saying –”

“Let’s wrestle,” Rhett interrupted, finally releasing his wrist. The skin was a bit pink where his fingers had been, and Link rubbed at it even though it didn’t really hurt, while he shook his head. “No.”

Rhett rose onto his knees, already towering over him. “Come on Link, one time. To see who’s stronger. Unless you don’t think you could ever beat me.”

Narrowing his eyes, Link got up on his knees as well, shrugging. “Fine,” he said defensively, feeling like he was being pushed into a corner. He hated feeling like that, especially when Rhett was the reason.

He didn’t want to be mad at him tonight, not this weekend. Although, if he was being honest with himself, he was mad about other things too. Like the fact that they were supposed to have a pact, and now Rhett was breaking it. Not only that, but he was leaving him. All because of stupid basketball. Rhett didn’t even want to go. It would have been different if he did. Link would have respected it, been happy for him even. Or at least tried to. But he knew Rhett, and he knew that he didn’t really want this. They hadn’t spoken about it, but Link knew. So yeah, maybe he felt some resentment towards Rhett right now, and that was definitely what pushed him to position himself in front of him. Rhett seemed a bit surprised, but his face soon turned stone cold again.

“On three,” he said, and Link nodded. They counted down together.

Grabbing onto Rhett’s forearms, Link managed to get into a good position already at the start. But when he tried to push Rhett backwards, the bigger boy grabbed his shoulders and pushed against him. Link nearly lost his grip and tumbled to the ground. Biting his teeth together, he tried to get some leverage, tried twisting Rhett’s body somehow. Rhett seemed to have the same strategy, and for a couple of moments they were on an even field, moving from left to right while trying to trip each other. A sudden change of grip to Link’s sides, Rhett managed to surprise him long enough to bring him down. Landing on his back, Link groaned in slight pain. He wasn’t prepared for Rhett’s body to follow, and let out a painful sound as his entire weight was put on him.

“Rhett,” he said, pushing against Rhett’s shoulders.

“Can’t move,” Rhett said in a gruff voice, his breath tickling Link’s ear. “I’m dead.”

“Come on man, move,” Link snapped, but Rhett’s body stayed like a dead weight on his own. After a minute, Link gave up and sighed heavily.

“Fine. You won. Okay?”

Rhett’s head moved a bit, and his hot breath once again tickled Link’s skin, this time near his cheek. A sudden shiver trailed down Link’s spine. Casey, his last girlfriend, had liked to kiss him on the cheek. The warmth of her breath had always felt nice against his skin, but it had never… A heat spread over his cheeks, and he swallowed thickly.

“I know I’m not a wrestler,” Rhett murmured suddenly, voice still close to Link’s ear. “It just kinda hurt that you didn’t think I was strong enough.”

Link couldn’t help it, a small smile curled over his lips. “Since when do you care what I say? We both know you can pretty much do anything. You know I hate that.”

A small chuckle left Rhett’s throat, and then the weight was lifted slightly, as he put his elbows down on either side of Link’s head, leaning back a bit so they could look at each other. All the coolness from before was gone from Rhett’s face, leaving his eyes warm and bright. A calm settled over Link as he looked into his best friend’s kind eyes, and a sudden rush of affection warmed his chest. Unable to keep himself quiet, he softly spoke before he really had time to think about it.

“I’m gonna miss you so much, Rhett.”

His heart began to pound as Rhett’s eyes widened slightly in obvious surprise, and suddenly he felt incredibly nervous and vulnerable. He was about to once again ask Rhett to move, when he realized that Rhett’s eyes looked wet. He watched as he swallowed hard, his jaw tight for a moment before the sadness took over every part of his face.

“I’m gonna miss you too, Link,” he said in a low, shaky voice. “You have no idea how much.”

The words hung between them, heavy and real. Link felt like his chest was about to be torn in two pieces, and he blinked, fighting against the tears that were quickly clouding his vision. He opened his mouth to say something, anything to get them past this, but before he had a chance, the tips of Rhett’s fingers traced an invisible line down the side of his face.

Suddenly it was like time slowed down and came to a stop. It was like the skin was burning, sending waves of heat through Link’s entire body. One finger lingered on his jaw, gently trailed up his chin, stopped right under his bottom lip.

A shaky breath left Link’s throat, his lips falling further apart. He stared down at Rhett’s trembling finger, before his eyes flicked back up to Rhett’s face. Rhett wasn’t looking at his eyes, no. His eyes were focused on Link’s mouth, and the knowledge of that sent another wave of heat down Link’s already burning body.

After a moment of heavy silence, Rhett’s eyes met his. The instant longing and affection Link found in them made it harder to breathe, and for a moment they just stared at each other, Rhett’s fingertip still gracing Link’s bottom lip.

Then, before Link had the time to really process what was happening, Rhett’s face came down to his own. Lips touched his, so gently. Link’s eyes fluttered closed on their own accord, the warm, tingly sensation of being kissed spreading through his body. Before he had fully realized that they were actually kissing, he had already tilted his chin upwards, returning the kiss. Rhett’s lips left his own and Link blinked his eyes open, finding Rhett’s face still close to his own, their foreheads just barely touching.

Searching his eyes, Link tried to process what had just happened. He felt light headed and hot, confused and turned on. Rhett seemed to be in the same state, and for a moment they just stared at each other. Then Link felt his eyes lower without his own control, a rush of longing hitting him as he watched Rhett’s tongue gently wet his lips. Letting out a choked breath, he found himself lifting his head lightly off the floor, bringing their noses together. Rhett’s hand came to the back of his head, supporting him, and then they were kissing again. Link let out a small moan in the back of his throat as Rhett’s warm tongue found its way into his mouth, and his hands came up from the floor to grab at his t-shirt. Rhett pressed his head back down onto the floor, although this time pillowed by his hand, kissing him with a hunger and depth that Link had never experienced with anyone else.

He desperately tried to give as much as he was given, his hands trailing up towards his shoulder blades, his arms hugging tightly around his torso. Muscles twisted beneath his touch, and Rhett made a breathless noise into his mouth, his body pressing impossible closer to his own. Their breathing was picking up, soft pants released between kisses. Link could feel Rhett’s heavy, warm body everywhere, and it felt better than anything he had ever felt before. Suddenly one of Rhett’s hands was on his leg, shifting it. Rhett’s lower body came down snug to his own, and Link let out a surprised whimper at the sensation of Rhett’s very obvious erection, pressed against his thigh. Rhett’s moan was choked and low in his mouth, and he felt his fingers tighten around his leg. Breaking the kiss to suck in a shaky breath of air, Link’s hands slid down Rhett’s back and down his sides, clutching gently, holding him against him.

Rhett’s breath hitched against his lips, and their foreheads pressed together.

“Link,” Rhett murmured shakily after a moment, and Link forced his heavy eyelids to open, looking into Rhett’s eyes. They were dark and a bit unfocused, desire and longing battling with the confusion and fear. Link swallowed hard, knowing Rhett could see the exact same emotions in his own. Without thinking, he felt his hand moving, releasing its hold on Rhett’s side. It came to cup his cheek, the pad of his thumb gently stroking the soft, freshly shaved skin. Rhett’s eyelids fluttered, and Link felt the weight against his palm as he leaned into the touch.

“It’s ok,” he found himself whispering, his voice quiet. “You’re leaving and … It’s ok. Just – tonight.”

Rhett’s hot breath tickled his skin, and Link shivered when the hand that still rested under his head lowered to the back of his neck, fingers caressing the skin gently.

“Tonight,” Rhett agreed hoarsely, eyes taking him in hungrily. Link bit his bottom lip, and Rhett’s eyes glazed over. With a small groan, he closed the distance between them once more, deep kisses getting them right back to the frantic hunger they had felt moments before. Link found himself desperately tugging at Rhett’s t-shirt, exposing his back. His hands explored the warm skin eagerly, and he almost whimpered when Rhett suddenly pulled away. Sitting up, the taller boy reached behind his neck and tugged the t-shirt over his head, tossing it to the side. Link’s eyes widened as he took in the newly exposed skin, overwhelmed with the sudden blazing desire that surged through him. Tugging Rhett back down against him, he wrapped his arms around his torso, pressing his warm body against his own.

Suddenly it seemed like he couldn’t get enough. Of the kisses. Of the warmth and weight of Rhett’s chest against his own. He felt Rhett’s hand make its way in between them, and before he had time to ask what he was doing, he felt his top button release. Letting out a small noise into his mouth, he brought his own hands to his shirt, and they worked it open together, hands frantic and shaky. Once all the buttons were undone, Rhett broke the kiss and panted, eyes heavy as they slid down his body. Link shivered, and Rhett’s eyes returned to his own, instantly concerned. “You cold?” A warm hand settled on his chest, and Link bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from letting out an embarrassing moan. Shaking his head weakly, he could feel his cheeks heat up. “No, not cold.”

Rhett blinked, and realization dawned over his face, making his eyes light up. A small smile came over his lips, and Link looked away, groaning. “Don’t…”

Lips brushed his cheek, his jaw line, bringing his face back up as they pressed against his own mouth. “You’re so warm,” he breathed, his hand trailing down Link’s chest and onto his stomach. “And soft. And you taste really good.”

Link shivered again, his abdomen tightening under Rhett’s palm. He licked his lips, gazing up at him.

Rhett’s fingertip graced the skin above the hem of his jeans, and Link bit down on his bottom lip. Rhett’s eyes were dark and hooded as they took him in, fingers lingering on his waist.

“Link,” he murmured, in the lowest, breathiest tone of voice Link had ever heard him use, and suddenly he couldn’t think straight, his entire body pulsating with desperate need to be touched.

“Yeah,” he breathed back, nodding eagerly. “J-just be careful, my mom is downstairs, so I can’t make too much …”

He trailed off, but Rhett didn’t wait for the rest of the sentence, his mouth hard and desperate on Link’s again, while his fingers fumbled with the button and zipper of his jeans. Link felt like he was in some kind of intense, vivid dream, as he lifted his lower body off the floor so that Rhett could push the material down. He could feel his dick straining against the fabric of his boxers, hard and throbbing. It was making him feel lightheaded. No one had ever touched him there, expect for himself. When Rhett’s fingers brushed against him over his boxers, he let out an uncontrollable whimper, his hips arching.

Rhett’s breathing picked up, and Link forced himself to open his eyes. Rhett was staring down at him, his lips parted, eyes dark and hungry, a flush on his cheeks. He spread his palm out over him, and cupped gently. Link’s mouth fell open in a breathless moan, and his eyes rolled back.

“Fuck,” he heard Rhett’s desperate groan before he was being kissed again, wet and a bit sloppy, but oh god it felt good. His hands found the back of Rhett’s head, clutching his neck as he moaned weakly into his mouth, pressing himself against his palm. Rhett shifted his body a bit, putting his legs down next to Link’s while he still kept his upper body over him. The hand ran up and over the hem of his boxers, before it dipped underneath. Warm fingers wrapped around him, and Link broke the kiss to let out a strangled moan, fingers digging into Rhett’s neck.

“R-Rhett,” he whimpered, suddenly feeling like he was falling down a cliff or something, his heart pounding too fast, his dick throbbing so much it almost hurt in Rhett’s fist. Rhett’s forehead pressed against his own, and they panted heavily.

“It’s ok,” Rhett said quietly after a moment, gently sliding his hand along his cock, from tip to base and back again. “I’ve got you, bo.”

A shudder raced through Link at the softness of his tone, the endearment they both used regularly when they were younger making his chest fill with warmth. He relaxed, realized that if there was one person in his life that he trusted more than anyone, it was the boy above him.

The pleasure from his touch was starting to build in his lower abdomen, and Link found himself gently jerking his hips in time with the strokes, his arm hooking around Rhett’s neck as he brought their mouths back together. Kissing was hard when someone was bringing you closer and closer to getting off, but Rhett seemed to have made it his mission to swallow down every moan and whimper so that Link’s mom wouldn’t be aware of what was going on, and for that Link was very grateful. He himself had no way of keeping quiet, and when it felt like he was about to explode or melt onto the floor, he bit Rhett’s bottom lip to keep himself from crying out. Rhett’s hips jerked up against his leg, and the feeling of him hard and hot pressed against him was what brought him over the edge. He trembled, his breath short and shaky as he came down, his eyes stinging as all the emotions and sensations washed over him. He hadn’t realized it would feel like this. Oh god, how could anything feel like this?

He looked up at Rhett, who was watching him with wide eyes, their chests still heaving against each other. His bottom lip was red and a bit swollen, making Link reach for his face without thinking.

“Did I hurt you?” He asked worriedly, his thumb brushing his bottom lip.

“No man,” Rhett said honestly, his voice low and a bit shaky. “When you – that was so hot.”

Heat spread across Link’s cheeks, and he looked away, his teeth once again worrying his bottom lip. When his eyes gently returned to Rhett’s face, he found him studying his face intently.

“What?” He asked quietly, feeling his breathing start to return to normal.

“All I can think about right now is kissing you again,” Rhett murmured, eyes lingering on his mouth. “Is that – is that bad?”

Link swallowed, looking at Rhett’s lightly swollen lips, his chest tight with need to feel them against his own again.

“I don’t know,” he whispered honestly, his eyes meeting Rhett’s again. “Is it bad that I want you to?”

Rhett didn’t reply, his mouth brushing softly against Links instead. Link let his lips part gently, and the kiss turned warm and wet, making his body arch closer to Rhett’s. His knee made contact with the still evident bulge in his jeans, and Rhett made a breathless noise in his mouth. Breaking the kiss, Link glanced down their bodies, before he looked back up, his hand coming to rest on the soft skin right above Rhett’s hip bone. His grey sweatpants had slid down low during their activities, and the waistband of his boxers was poking out, begging to be toyed with.

“Can I?”

Rhett’s eyelids seemed to grow heavy as he gently curled his fingers around the waistband. Breathing out shakily, he shifted his lower body closer.

“I-if you want to …”

Link nodded slowly, feeling his fingers tingle with desire to feel, to touch. He wanted to try to make Rhett feel what he had just felt. Rhett shifted again, resting his weight on his elbows on either side of Link’s head. His nose brushed against Link’s, and Link tilted his chin up, kissing him as he tugged at the sweatpants with his free hand, bringing them down enough for his other hand to easily push underneath his boxers. It was a bit strange at first, wrapping his fingers around a cock that wasn’t his own. But when Rhett whimpered, his hips jerking forwards, Link forgot all about that. Desperate to make him do that again, he began to move his hand like he would on his own.

It didn’t take long until Rhett was panting heavily against his mouth; his eyes squeezed shut, jaw tight. His hips jerked when Link tightened his grip, and a breathy groan left his lips. His hand came to rest on his cheek, and Link shivered when Rhett pressed his face into his neck. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes, quickening the pace of the strokes. Rhett let out a couple of muffled moans in his neck before his body went rigid, and Link felt warm, wet fluid cover his hand. Rhett trembled against him, his breaths short and shaky. Gently slipping his hand back out, he reached for a tissue next to his head. Rhett stayed on top of him, warm, heavy and quiet. Link tossed the tissue in the trashcan before he let out a breath.

They were silent for almost a minute. Then Rhett shifted a bit, and the hand that was resting on his face slid under his neck. Swallowing hard, Link lifted his head lightly, letting his arm under it, before he lifted his arms and wrapped them tightly around Rhett’s back. He could hear the tremble in Rhett’s breath as the taller boy hugged him tightly.

“I don’t want to go,” Rhett said after a long moment, his voice low and broken. Link felt the warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest turn cold. Reality hit him once again, and he suddenly felt like he was going to be sick. The words that Rhett hadn’t spoken were out, and they made him feel worse than he’d thought they would.

“M-My dad wouldn’t let me – I haveto go.”

The lump in Link’s throat grew bigger, and he tightened his hold, closing his eyes.

“I know.”

Rhett’s breath hitched against his ear.

“I don’t want to leave you.”

Feeling his eyes tear up at the soft, heartbroken tone of Rhett’s voice, Link let out a small sniffle.

“I-I know.”

Rhett’s lifted his head and looked down at him, his eyes red and swollen. His thumb gently rubbed across his cheek, before he kissed him again. Cupping his face gently between his hands, Link kissed him back.

[sweetblink]

To Let Go.

To Let Go.

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Jay Halstead x Will Halstead x Reader

Requested by: Anon

Okay i know your requests are closed right now, but i just finished rewatching the one chicago crossover and i really really need one where reader is a female firefighter and shes Halsteads youngest sister and she scolds them for fighting at med, CAN YOU PLEASE WRITE AN IMAGINE FOR THAT?!?

Warning: all the emotional trauma it left me and i'm pretty sure everyone else. Also reader is dating Otis.

___________________

Y/N Halstead forced herself to remain calm, she was constantly shifting on her spot and pacing, to keep herself from running towards the stairs to go find her father. Chief Boden noticed and wrapped his arm around her.

"Hey, your old man is gonna be fine." Boden muttered.

Y/N snorted. "Chief, you know better to sugarcoat things." you replied back. Boden just let out a small chuckle and focused back on what was going on, finally Jay walked back inside and stood next to you. "Anything on dad?" he asked.

You shook your head. "No, you said that dad was supposed to be home."

"He was." Jay let out a small snarl, he grabbed his phone and marched back up to the man, Y/N can hear how her older brother described their father, and she rolled her eyes, when she noticed that Otis finally made his way down, she rushed over to him, smiling

She slowed a bit when she noticed Otis freeze. "Otis, babe, what's wrong?" you asked, walking towards him where the elevator had opened. He said nothing, but you turned to the elevator and saw the smoke started to clear and that's when you saw them.

A small cry left your lips and turned to Otis, who quickly pulled you to his chest. There in the elevator in the corner sat the dead burned mother and baby that Otis had been searching. Otis finally snapped out of it, and pulled you away from them.

"Hey, you're going to be okay?" Otis asked you softly.

You looked at him in a pained expression. "They didn't deserve to go out like that." you whispered. Otis just gave you a small pained expression.

"I'll go tell Chief Boden." Otis said, he just pressed a kiss to your hair, and walked away, you just watched him walk off and turned back to the bodies, you spent about a minute starting at them, when you heard Casey.

"Chief, I got two victims on 25, Jay's and Y/N's father, and his friend."

At Casey's words, you knees buckled, and you fell to the ground, letting out a huge breath of relief that you were didn't know you held, and began to sob. Jay rushed over to you, and helped you back up, pulling you into his arms, rubbing your back.

"He's okay, he's gonna be okay." Jay muttered, you just hugged your older brother back tighter and nodded, you decided to hide your face to his chest, not wanting the others to see you in a weak state.

Things to got a bit worse when you heard that Stella inhaled so much smoke, it was critical.

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

Hours had gone by and you were in between watching over your dad, and looking over at Stella. You were walking back when you saw nurses rushing towards your father's room, you picked up your pace and watched as they tried to revive your dad.

You tried to say something, but the words caught in your throat, making it impossible for you to even speak, Jay was by your side, speaking to you, but you couldn't. After a few minutes they had  managed to control your dad, Will stood and watched as Dr. Lanik checked your father over.

You just stared at your dad, and ignored the men all around, it wasn't until you heard brain dead when you snapped back to reality. "I'm sorry, what?" you asked.

All three turned to you, and tears began to form around your eyes. Will moved to your side.  "I'm sorry, I will give you three to process things." Dr. Lanik said, as he excused himself out. You just turned to Will.

"He's brain dead, Y/N. I'm afraid we can't do much about this situation." Will whispered to you. You stared at him for a minutes and then glanced back at dad who laid there, still, looking back at Will you nodded and moved to sit next your dad, while your two older brothers left the room. Both looking ready to argue and fight about what's gonna happen next.

You sat on the chair for a while, and just stared at your dad, holding his hand. You stayed that way about thirty minutes talking to him. “Daddy, I don’t think I know how to let go.” You whispered. 

Silence engulfed the room, when you heard a commotion going outside, you were about to ignore it, when you heard Maggie calling for Otis' name, panicking about the worst, you scrambled off the chair, and tripped your way out your dad's room.

"Otis." You gasped when you saw Otis on the floor, gasping for air. Rushing over to Maggie "Maggie, what happened?" you asked.

Maggie looked up at you, and shrugged. "I don't know, one second I was asking if he was alright, and then he collapsed, I don't know if its his gunshot, or something else."

You nodded and helped the others place Otis on the gourney, the nurses were quick to hook him up and you stood by the door, watching them work. "Mags, you think you can check up my dad for me?" you asked, still staring at Otis.

Maggie looked up at you and her face fell a little. "Yeah, I would." Turning back to her, you gave her a small smile and nodded at her and entered Otis' room now that he was settled in his bed, listening to what the doctor was telling you.

Moments later, Dr. Charles entered, talking to you, waiting for Otis to wake up, when the both of you heard yells outside. "What the hell." you muttered, standing up and looking out the room when you noticed that it was your brothers, fighting. “You help him Dr. Charles, I’ll take care of this.” you muttered, leaving. 

Angrily, you stromed up to them. "ENOUGH!" You yelled, pushing your older brothers away. "Jesus christ we're in the hospital for God's sakes, both of you get your head out of asses, you're not the only two losing someone."

Jay and Will both turned to you, both of them softening up when they saw you crying. "Y/N, we di-."

"Leave." You sneered. They both paused when you said that.

"Y/N, I have to be here." Jay said.

"And I want you to leave, I want you guys to leave, take a walk, I don't know, do something to clear your heads, but right now I want you both to leave me and dad alone." You said, turning back to your dad, ready to go back into his room.

"Y/N, you're being selfish, I need to be here." Jay snarled, grabbing your arm. You let out a cry of pain, turning around you pushed him away, making him fall the ground. Your eyes widen at him, as Jay looked at you, distraught, while Will was ready to step in.

"I want you to leave, the both of you." You whispered, clutching you arm. "I don't want to see neither of you here for the next hour or so." you said, walking back into the hospital room where your dad laid.

Will and Jay both stood there, watching, as you sat on the chair where Jay sat, and grabbed Dad's hand. Not wanting to leave you, they watched as you began to let out a loud sob and abandoned the chair as you climbed onto the bed and laid next to him.

"We should've been strong for her." Will muttered, Jay turned to him. "She's the only that was much closer than dad than we were, and clearly everything is affecting her."

Jay looked back at you, and let out a small sigh and stormed away, grabbing his phone out, talking to his team now. Will just stared down to the floor, and let out a small sigh and decided to back to work.

Hours later, after everyone was calm, and Will and Jay finally talked things out perfectly with no argument, they decided that it was finally time to pull the plug.

“I’m sorry Y/N, but we need to let go.” Jay told you softly, comprehending, you nodded and watched as Will called for the others.

The three siblings sat around the bed, as the three of you all watched Dad get taken off life support. You just sat there, watching as dad's heartbeat started to slowing go towards 0, until all you heard was the flatline sound. 

Lips wobbling, you turned to your brothers with a lost look and tried to say something, but all the escaped your mouth was a pained cry, quickly Jay pulled you into his arms, Will came in and both of them squished you in a hug, that was the way the three of you stayed until it was time for everyone to return to work.

__________________________

Yo, that crossover episode was something, right? Anyways I hope this was good? Idk, I was gonna do the whole three episodes but it was getting kinda long so I was like nevermind. 

Masterlist. 

[music-my-angel]

Done with everything

Prompt - Hello! my birthday is September 28 (if you can’t do it by that time it’s cool id just love it at some point) and I was wondering if you could do a stereo kicks imagine where Reece feels unwanted in the band and the boys are moody so they don’t notice and are kinda blunt with him and he starts feeling depressed and suicidal because he’s also getting hate so he starts self-harming and one of the boys (idc who) finds out and tells the rest etc. etc. - thank you!

Prompt - hi could u do a stereo kicks one shot (Reece centric) were he gets a lot of hate n then the boys r going to a party n Reece says he don’t wanna go n so the boys get annoyed n leave in a huff n then he gets a ton of hate and so he tweets something like “ok u guys win I’m done” and the boys get scared and come home finding him self-harming and about to overdose?

Prompt - hi, I read your Nathan one shot and omg I loved it. Basically it’s my B’day soon (ok not that soon- June 9th) and I wanted to know if u could do a Reece one shot (stereo kicks) kinda the same storyline but not rly. like the boys are being so douche to him bc they think he gets the most girl attention so he starts self-harming and then one of the boys walks in on him and they feel super bad bc he bleeds out rly bad? Tyy

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It had been a few days now that Reece just didn’t understand where he stands with his band. The boys had been like a second family to him but now he feels like an outcast in this family. Stereo Kicks had been a band that used to be all supportive and loving but it didn’t take long for the boys to let jealousy, insecurities and frustrations to tear them apart. Unfortunately, the one person who tried to keep them together happened to become a victim of their bullying and ill-treatment.

------

This ill feeling within the band didn’t take long to catch the public’s attention. Their fans had been wondering as to what could actually be going on with the boys. And soon, it turned into sending them hate. One of the persons who didn’t deal well with the hate was Reece. But unfortunately, his bandmates were too busy accusing each other of slacking off or blaming each other for the band not meeting with much success lately. The boys being moody and kind of douche to him mostly, certainly, didn’t help with Reece’s feeling of not being wanted.

------

When your own bandmates turn their back on you, it’s difficult to stay brave. Reece wasn’t really capable of dealing with the hate by himself. Feeling quite low, the only solution he found to fight the hate was to harm himself. One cut became two, then three and then he lost count of how many cuts he was actually doing. And his bandmates happen to only fuel his self-harm.

Early morning, Jake, Chris and Casey decided to remove their frustrations on the poor Reece who happened to be clueless about the party tonight.

“You didn’t know? Where’s your head at these days?” Jake shouted.

“I…” Reece trailed off.

“You just don’t care about the band, huh?” Casey asked.

“I didn’t mean” Reece tried to explain himself but was cut off by Chris.

“Just make yourself useful for once and get ready for the party after our interview” Chris huffed.

As he trudged back to his room, Reece could only forget these harsh words with a cut or two.

------

The interview turned out real bad. Even the interviewer had pointed out at the fragile bond that could clearly be seen between them. Reece had moved a bit far from the boys after the interview, looking forward to greet some fans when suddenly a few girls approached him. What looked like fangirls being all over him was actually a few haters making sure that they let Reece know how much they hated him. But unfortunately for his bandmates, it looked like he was hogging all the female attention and they let him know that in a not so friendly way.

------

As they returned home, Reece overheard his bandmates talking about him.

“He’s always surrounded by the girls” James huffed.

“Does he even know how much hate the band is getting?” Barclay sighed.

“He probably doesn’t even get any. He is always so loved by the girls” Charlie mumbled.

“You guys can’t be serious…” Reece exclaimed.

“Boys enough… Reece, just get ready for the party.” Tom waved off Reece’s protests.

“I’m not going” Reece snapped.

“I’ve had enough of your attitude. If you don’t want to go then so be it” Tom yelled at the boy as they all left.

------

Reece had already been feeling quite depressed and the boys snapping at him like that made situation even worse. As soon as the boys left, Reece tried to calm himself down by cutting but the harsh words and the negative thoughts was just not getting out of his minds. And it actually pushed him to feeling quite suicidal. He grabbed a bottle of sleeping pills and was prepared to just kill himself but before that he went on twitter and left a kind of goodbye note.

@ReeceBibby: The hate affects people more than you can even think of. I tried to explain myself so many times but I can’t win with you guys. I’m done now boys. Goodbye!

------

The party turned out to be pretty frustrating for the boys. Almost every of their friends pointed out at the problems within the band. They all felt it weird that the Stereo Kicks left Reece home and the boys started to feel a bit guilty about it. Charlie didn’t really feel too good about the whole situation about Reece and he wanted to return home.

“Boys, I don’t feel too good. I just want to go home” Charlie said.

Jake nodded, pulling his phone out to call for the car when he noticed Reece’s tweet.

“Something’s wrong with Reece.” Jake exclaimed.

Tom took one look at the tweet and they were all rushing home only to find Reece with a bottle of sleeping pills about to end his life.

------

“Don’t you dare” Tom shouted.

“Why shouldn’t I? You’ll all be better off without me” Reece snapped.

“Reecey, please. We’re sorry but don’t do this” Charlie pleaded.

“Reece, we were wrong to shout at you or blame you but you can’t do this” Barclay said.

“Yeah, buddy. We’re at fault. Punish us, don’t punish yourself” Casey added.

“You thought I didn’t know about the hate? I’m the one who can’t handle hate, remember? I tried cutting myself but it just didn’t help. These sleeping pills will help. Please let me go” Reece sobbed.

“Reece, drop those sleeping pills now” Jake scolded the boy.

Diving forward, James managed to snatch the bottle from the boy with a sharp, “let go.”

“We’re so sorry kiddo. We’re so sorry” Chris apologized as they all pulled Reece in a hug.

“Listen to me here Reece. We’ve all been awful to each other and especially to you. But you can’t kill yourself over this. We pushed you to this, right? So give us a chance to make things alright now? Let’s all try and be better bandmates huh? Let’s get back to being a family” Tom asked, crouching down in front of the boy.

Reece wasn’t too sure about this but somehow, he found that he still trusted the boys. So he nodded and let Tom pull him in a safe and comforting hug.

------

This incident had been a rude wake up call for the boys. They can’t let the hate, insecurities and frustrations get to them and make them hurt their own bandmate in the process. They, unknowingly, had pushed Reece to being done with themselves, with everything and now, they were slowly picking up the pieces of what could have gone seriously wrong. But this wakeup call was enough for the boys to understand that such an incident can’t happen again.

------

A/N

Sorry for the delay. Hope you all like it.

[bleachanimefan1]

Turtles Forever Part 66

The Christmas Aliens

Mikey looks around wearing his winter clothes. "Man, there's nothing like the Big Apple at Christmas time," He commented. "I love it." He holds his hands out letting the snowflakes fall into them.

"Even if I have to wear this scratchy scarf," He said as he adjusted his scarf when suddenly a snowball hits him from behind.

"Hey!" Mikey shouted. He turns around and narrows his eyes. A kid looks at the snowball in his hand nervously before hiding it behind his back.

"Sorry, mister, I wasn't aiming at you. I was trying to hit Jimmy," He apologies as another kid came out from hiding, in a snow fort. Mikey glances angrily at Jimmy, who smiles sheepishly. Mikey approached the kid with the snowball.

"Tell you what, kid? Let me borrow your sled for a bit and we'll call it even," He said, holding his hand out. The kid shakes his hand.

Mikey slid in the snow using the sled like a surfboard. He slides up a snow dune and spins in the air.

 "Cowabunga!" Mikey exclaimed. 

The two kids look at each other confused. "Cowabunga?" one of them asked. Jimmy shrugs. Suddenly, Mikey wipes out and lands on the snow on his shell. He gets up and shakes some of the snow off of his face and the rest of his body. He looks down in the snow, where he had landed.

"Hey...I made a snow turtle!" He commented. "Maybe I'll start a new trend." The two kids run up to him.

"Hey, mister, you got some sick tricks," one of the boys commented, picking up his sled. "You're alright." He and his friend walk away, leaving Mikey.

Mikey looks up into the sky, loosening his scarf. "Yep. Best town in the world," He commented as he falls back into the snow, his arms and legs outstretched. "Specially at Christmas." Mikey happily starts making a snow "turtle." Meow! Mikey looks up and sees a small orange kitten with yellow eyes and white fur on his paws and the tip of his tail. Mikey turns around and bends down to the kitten as it starts meowing again. The kitten was shivering from the cold. "Aw, poor little guy," Mikey commented as he petted the kitten. "All alone out here in the cold," He sees that there was no collar. "No collar." Mikey said as he looks at the kitten's neck, scratching it.

He hums in thought and picks the kitten up, putting him inside his clothes. "Come on, you'll be nice and warm in here," Mikey said. He scratches the kitten's belly. "Maybe we could find you a home." 

The kitten meowed again as Mikey walked away.

In the Lair, Splinter was hanging origami cranes in front of the sliding door to his room. Christmas wreaths and garnets were hanged from the pipes and around the columns in the Lair. Leo was wrapping another garnet around a column while Raph was doing the same to another. The elevator door opens and April walks in wearing a purple coat and white scarf. Casey was behind her carrying a big tree, wearing a blue coat and white hoodie.

Splinter walks up to them. "April, you have returned." He greeted.

"With the tree as promised," April said, jerking to the tree with her thumb. "We had to go to three different lots. They're almost all sold out!"

Casey wobbles in, holding the tree. "Hey, don't worry about me. I don't need any help or nothin'!" He retorted, sarcastically. The doors to the elevator slam on Casey as he struggles with the tree.

"Hey, case, watch it with the tree, will ya?" Raph asked, reluctantly.

Casey moves away from the elevator as it shuts again. April shakes her head with a sigh, crossing her arms.

"Oh, I'm okay, thanks for all your concern," Casey commented, sarcastically. "I didn't break nothing, I just had a huge stone elevator door slam shut on my head!" He wobbles inside before falling down with the tree. Raph helps him as they carried the tree to the center of the lair.

"Yeah, you're lucky it was your head and nothing important," Raph commented. Leo was holding a rug while Donnie was carrying a box with Christmas ornaments.

"Perhaps we had best start cooking the dinner," Splinter suggested.

"Count me in. Cooking the holiday dinner is almost as fun as eating it," April said, raising her hand.

"That's not what Mikey would say, April," Leo said as he laid the rug down on the floor.

"Yeah, where is that bozo?" Raph asked.

"Come on, it's Christmas Eve, even Mikey couldn't get into trouble on a night like tonight," Donnie commented. Leo picks up an ornament of a train.

"Unless, he stops by the toy store...again." Leo retorted, smirking.

 "AAhh!" Everyone nearly jumped, startled, at the voice, it was Mona's, followed by a loud shattering of glass. Raph immediately rushed towards the kitchen to see her grasping her stomach painfully, standing over the sink.

"What's wrong?! Are you alright? Is it the baby?!" Raph rambled worried. "What are you doing up? You should be resting."

"I'm fine, Raphie. The baby's just kicked me right in the spleen." Mona replied. "I was just trying to get some water."

In front of a toy store, Mikey was standing in front of the glass. He looks in awe as he wipes the glass that was being fogged. "I...I can't take it! They've got the new Sargent Guts and Glory action figure with remote control tank!" He gaped as he walked further down the glass, looking at the toys in the widow. "And they've got the new Captain Fanatics Space Probe! And the Mavis Moon Jumper! And, of course, they're sold out of the Lil' Orphan Alien dolls," He bends down, looking at the doll. "Boy...those things won't stay on the shelf. That's one hot toy," Mikey commented. The kitten in his coat pops out and meows in agreement. "You've said it, Klunk." Mikey said, getting up.

"You don't mind if I call you Klunk, do ya? I always wanted a cat named Klunk," He commented as he pulls Klunk out from his coat, scratching his belly. Suddenly, there was a loud crash coming from the alley.

"Whoa, get back!" Mikey heard a voice said. He stashes Klunk inside of his coat and fixed his scarf, covering his face. Mikey peeked around the corner to see three Purple Dragons who was ganging up on a man in front of a truck full of toys. 

"Leave me alone! What do you want?" the man asked, fearfully.

One of the Purple Dragons with blue hair in a long braid, rest his body against the truck, smirking. "Just your truck," He said.

Another with red hair comes out from inside of the truck holding one of the Lil' Orphan Alien dolls. "And all of the Lil' Orphan Aliens in it," He said.

"You can't steal this truck," the scared man said, holding his hands up in defense. "This whole lot of Lil' Orphan Aliens is being donated into the Brown Children's Street Home. Have a heart, will ya? It's Christmas!" Mikey sneaks closer to the truck without any of them noticing him. The gang look at each, smirking evilly.

"And that's why we're givin' ourselves this truck. It's our Christmas present." the man with the blue hair in a braid said as the red haired member threw the toy back into the truck. The third, was an over weight man as he advance closer to the terrified man with a gun.

"Ho, ho, ho, bozo." Two Tone said as he hit the man with the butt of his gun, knocking him out. All three Purple Dragons laugh evilly.

"Man, just imagine how much we'll get for these things on the internet." The braided hair dragon said.

"These Lil' Orphan Alien dolls go for five times what you paid for them in the stores." The red haired dragon commented.

"And we didn't pay nothin'" Two Tone retorted as they all laughed. However, above them, Mikey was crouched over the truck, looking down at them.

"They haven't paid yet." He whispered, shaking his head. "But, they will. Lay low, Klunk." Klunk hid inside of the turtle's coat as he got up.

"Things might get a little rough."

In the Lair, Raph walked over to Leo who was standing next to the tree, carrying knives.

 "Raph, what's with the, uh, butterfly swords?" Leo asked, nervously.

"Just trimming the tree." Raph said "Man, I'm good. I should've been a barber. A little of the top?"

"No, I'm good." Leo said. Donnie walked over to Leo and Raph carrying a bowl with some leftover cookie dough.

"Christmas cookies are in the oven." Donnie said. "Who wants to lick the bowl?" Raph grabbed the bowl out of Donnie's hands  and immediately started to lick the remains of the dough.

"Sweet!" Raph commented. "Normally, Mikey hogs all the good stuff."

"Maybe, we ought to go look for Mikey?" Leo suggested.

"Nah, he'll be okay. He's probably on his way back, right now." Raph replied.

Back in the alley, Mikey jumped down from the truck and landed in front of the three thugs, kicking two of them down. He grabs one with his legs and swings the gang member, sending him crashing into his partner, who was about to fire his gun. Two Ton fired his weapon at Mikey. Mikey dodges every shot and sweep kicks the man, knocking him to the ground.

The other two thugs started get up and glared angrily at Mikey. The red haired purple dragon fired his gun at Mikey, who dodges his shots with agile. Two Ton and the purple dragon with braided hair got up and fired their weapons as well. Mikey was backed up against a wall as the red haired thug fired again. Mikey back flips off the wall and takes cover behind a dumpster.

    "Get the truck!" Two Ton called out. "We're outta here!" 

The red haired thug got into the truck with the other two and began to drive off. Mikey came out from behind the dumpster and leaped up, swinging on a wire, landing on top of the truck. Mikey looses his balance as the truck sped faster and he falls off. He sees a wire handing off the back of the truck and quickly grabbed onto it. The truck drives off quickly as Mikey hanged off from the back. Klunk meowed as he popped his head out from Mikey's coat.

"Hang on, Klunk! I'm kinda busy right now!" Mikey called out. He tries to pull himself closer to the truck but it quickly turns, making Mikey slide on the snow.

The red haired thug looked in the rear view mirror to see Mikey hanging of the back of the truck.

"What the? That punk that attacked us is skitching on the back!" he called out.

"Not for long, he ain't." The braided purple dragon replied. He turned the truck sharply around another corner, making Mikey lose his balance. The truck drives closer to a car but Mikey jumps and slides over it, as well with other cars.

"This isn't so hard." Mikey replied, smiling. As he slid, Mikey did a couple of flips in the air. "Hi ho Silver! I got it all under control," The truck rams into a fire hydrant, smashing it open. Mikey splashes over the hydrant, landing on his shell. The truck turns again, with Mikey bumping on the ground. "Ho ho ho, Merry...Bumpy Christmas!" Klunk popped out from Mikey's coat. "Luckily for me, I have a shell, right, Klunk?" Mikey smiled.

The braided haired purple dragon wiped some of the water off from the rear view mirror, seeing Mikey still hanging on. His eyes widen in shock.

"I don't believe it! That monkey's still back there!"

"Bring 'em up front!" Two Ton replied as he and his other partner pulled out their guns. "We'll take care of ''em!"

"You got it." The braided haired dragon said and quickly slammed his foot on the brakes. Mikey immediately lets go of the wire and slides underneath the truck, stopping in front of it. Klunk pops out from the turtle's coat, shaking his head.

"Ha! We made it." Mikey said. Klunk quickly hid back into Mikey's coat as the thugs crashed the window shield breaking it open, pointing their guns at Mikey. Mikey jumps up. "Then again," They fired at him. Mikey dodged the shots and flipped over the truck landing on top. The thugs fired again aiming their guns above them and Mikey rolled away as they fired through the roof.

Mikey back-flipped and went inside the back of the truck.

"He went in the back with the dolls!" The red haired dragon called out.

"Well, go take care of him...permanently!" The other thug ordered. The red haired purple dragon and Two Ton walked to the back of the truck, opening the doors, but all they saw was dolls.

"You see 'em?" The red haired thug asked.

"I don't see nothing'" Two Ton replied. "Maybe he ain't here."

Suddenly, Mikey swings down from the roof of the truck, kicking the two dragons to the ground. "Merry Christmas, boys!"Mikey said. "I got you somthing...it's a kick in the stomach!" He grabs both thugs by their shirts and kicked them in the stomach. "Hope you like it!" 

The other purple dragon looked out from the rear view mirror seeing the red haired dragon and Two Tone fall to the ground.

"I don't believe it! He took out Two Tone and Spike!" he exclaimed. The thug pulls out his phone and quickly dials. "Yo, it's Sunny. I'm 18th first. I got some freak on my case, I could use a little back up." Sunny hears a reply back. "Got it. I'll meet you half way." He stomps on the accelerator and began to speed away. Mikey jumped onto the truck holding onto the back of the doors.

As the truck began to sped up, it was heading towards a guy riding on a motorcycle. The guy on the bike screamed in fear as the truck heading towards him.

"Where's he goin'?" Sunny asked. The truck crashes against a car as the guy on the bike slid, falling off. He looks up seeing Mikey hanging off from the back of the truck.

"Call the cops!" Mikey called out. "These guys are crooks! They tried to hijack this truck!" The guy stared in confusion watching the truck sped off.

Mikey pulled out his shuko spikes from his pocket to get a better hold onto the truck. The truck turns again and Mikey wobbles and he tried to climb himself onto the top of the truck. Sunny looks into the rear view mirror and his eyes widen in shock. He crashes into another car, trying to knock Mikey off. Mikey swings off and and lands on a few cars before jumping back onto the truck. 

The truck turns, and a police car was sitting in a corner seeing the truck. Mikey opens the truck door.

"I think this is where you get off!" He exclaimed, pulling Sunny out and tossing him onto the patrol car window shield. One of the cops pulls out his radio.

"This is one problem 14, we got a third perp that hijacked the truck full of toys. Looks like there's still a fourth hijacker hanging onto the truck." 

Mikey climbed into the driver's seat and put on the seat-belt, taking the wheel. "And now for the fun part...driving." Mikey pulled down his coat and Klunk popped his head out. "Check it out, Klunk." Mikey replied as he drove. However, a red car with flames on it was heading straight towards Mikey. Spike, Two Ton, and another thug were inside. Mikey screamed in fear.

"What would Raph do in a situation like this, Klunk?" Mikey asked Klunk. Klunk meowed as he quickly hid back inside Mikey's coat. Mikey frowned and stepped onto the accelerator, speeding up.

"He ain't gonna stop!" The purple dragon exclaimed in worry. Mikey sped the truck faster heading towards the car. "He ain't gonna stop!" All three purple dragons screamed in fear and quickly pulled the car out of the way, dodging the truck as it sped past. The thugs immediately chased after Mikey, following him.

April, Donnie, and Venus were setting the table in the Lair. Suddenly, the elevator doors the Lair open. 

"That would be our guests." Splinter said, smiling. Casey and Raph walked out with their guests: The Silver Century, NANO, Angel, Sarah and Michael, Yuuki and the professor with some of his homeless friends. All of them were wearing blindfolds, except for Yuuki as they walked into the Lair.

"Sorry about the blindfold, folks. Matters of security and all that jazz." Casey explained.

"You know, I can see through this blindfold with my x-ray vision, right?" The Silver Century asked, looking at Raph.

"And I have GPS!" NANO replied. "I know exactly where you live!"

"Just play along with ya? It's for Master Splinter. He's got this thing about letting people know where we live." Raph answered as he pulls the blindfold off Silver Century.

Leo, Splinter, Venus, Donnie, Alopex, April, and Mona walked over to the group as they took off their blindfolds.

"Merry Christmas, everybody!" Angel greeted everyone. Donnie greeted the professor and his homeless friends.

"And Happy Kwanzaa. Thank you so much for inviting us." The professor said to Donnie and Splinter.

"You are all welcome in our home." Splinter said. One of the homeless looked at his friend and whispered. 

"Man, those dudes wear their turtle costumes even on Christmas."

"Uh, yup." The other replied.

"So, where's my sidekick?" The Silver Century asked. "Where's the Turtle Titan? I thought Michelangelo would be here."

"Yeah, so did we." Raph answered.

"Don't worry, he'll be here any minute." Leo said.

Mikey was driving the truck as the thugs in the red car chased after him from behind. He looks into the rear view mirror seeing the car behind him. Spike stood up on top of holding a bazooka, aiming it at Mikey. 

Mikey looks down at Klunk nervously. "Uh, what should I do, Klunk?" Then he looks up and narrows his eyes as he sees an badly parked car up ahead. "It's what James Bond would do." He retorted. Spike shoots the bazooka as Mikey drove onto the car, tilting the truck. The truck dodges the missile as it explodes into a car, driving by it.

"Do something!" The other purple dragon yelled at Two Ton. "Get me closer, I'll blow out his tires!" Two Ton answered, holding his gun close to him. Two Ton climbed out of the car and aimed his weapon at the truck's tires. Mikey looks into the rear view mirror and smirked. He slammed on the brakes, stopping the truck. Two Ton's eyes widen.

"Not that close...Not that close!" He exclaimed as the thugs car were driving closer to the truck. All of them covered their eyes as they crashed. The car crashes against the truck and slid, landing upside down on top of two cars. All three purple dragons groaned in pain.

"Nice driving, dip stick." Two Ton commented the purple dragon that was driving as he punched him in the face. Mikey drove away, smiling in victory.

"Tailgaters." He laughed, looking down at Klunk, chuckling. Klunk meowed.

Back in the Lair, Leo, Splinter, Donnie, Venus, Yuuki, the homeless men and Silver Century were decorating the tree as they placed ornaments on it. Yuuki handed NANO the star. He smiled as he took it from her and flew up placing it on top of the tree.

Casey and April were finishing up, setting the table. Casey looks up and sees a mistletoe branch. "Yo, what do you know? Mistletoe." He replied in a teasing tone of voice. "Ain't we supposed' to kiss or somethin'?" He asked as he leaned closer to April.

"That's not enough mistletoe to make me kiss you. I'm afraid you'll need a whole tree." April answered, smirking, as she walked away. She placed another plate down as Casey sets down a napkin until he notices the same mistletoe hanging above them. 

"Whoa, check it out! More mistletoe!" He exclaimed as he leans in for a kiss. April backs away from him and walks away. Casey opens his eyes seeing her leave.

"April, wait up!" He called out. A pulley moves the mistletoe down close to April and Casey.

 "More mistletoe!" Casey sings. "There's no way out of this, you gotta kiss me!" 

April steps back as Casey steps closer to her and the mistletoe follows them with each step they took as April tried to move away from Casey.

"Look, it's following us! It's a sign, a sign from above." Casey said with his hands together, smiling.

April frowns as she grabs the mistletoe and looks angrily behind Casey. "Exactly," Casey turns around, seeing Raph and Angel sitting on top of a platform with a mischievous grin on their faces. Raph waves sheepishly.

"Hiya, April. Whatcha got there? Mistletoe?" He asked playfully, looking at Angel as the two snickered together. April glared at Casey.

"Jones...did you put them up to this?" She asked angrily. Casey's eyes widen.

"No, never...uh, maybe." He answered sheepishly. April smiled placing her hand on her chin.

"Okay, then...pucker up." She smiled. Casey leans in closer to her as he closes his eyes. But, April hits him on the mouth with the mistletoe, instead. Angel, Raph, and Mona winced.

"Ooo, that's gotta hurt." Angel commented.

"Oh, right in the kisser." Raph said.

Suddenly, a light began to appear from the pool as a portal began to form. The people walked out from it: Usagi, Gen and the Daimyo.

 "It's an honor to be in your home, Splinter-sensei." The Daimyo greeted as the three of them bowed. Leo, Yuuki, and Splinter bowed in return.

"The honor is all mine." Splinter said. Usagi turned to Leo and Yuuki and smiled.

"Kunichiwa, Leonardo-san and Yuuki-san." He answered. He pulls out a brown sword with a red ribbon on it and a brown package that was tied up as well handing them over to Leo and Yuuki. "I got you both a present."

"A sword! Wicked!" Leo said in awe. Yuuki squealed as she opened the package holding up a yellow and orange checkered kimono with sakura petals on it. 

"Oh, wow! A kimono!" She cried. Yuuki crushed Usagi as she hugged him tightly. He laughs.

"Thank you!" Yuuki said gratefully.

Leo pulled out a sword with a blue case and a white ribbon on it. "We got you something too," He said as he handed Usagi his present. Usagi grinned, happily.

"A sword! What a wonderful gift!" He said.

"Nice letter openers, boys," Gen commented. "But, where's the free chow? I'm starving."

Three police cruisers chased after Mikey as he drove.

"Finally, I get to ditch those Purple Dragon bozos, and I end up on the World's Scariest Police Chases!" He groaned as he muttered under his breath. He rolled down the window, looking back at the cops.

"Hey, yo, I'm one of the good guys!"

Mikey looks back in front of him seeing a police road block ahead of him.

"Hello, a police road block." He commented, nervously. Mikey narrows his eyes, speeding up. "For what I'm about to do...forgive me."

He droves faster towards the police cars heading towards them. All of the officers scattered as they tried to jump out of the way as Mikey barrels right through the cars, driving past them.

"Sorry, sorry about that, sorry!" He called out.

Casey and Silver Century were arm wrestling in the center of the Lair as everyone gathered around them, cheering at them. Casey was struggling while Silver Century yawned not even breaking a sweat. Then he swings his hand down, throwing Casey as he slammed upside down into a pillar. Casey falls to the ground as Silver Century stands up.

"Forgive me, Mr. Jones, I don't know my own strength sometimes." He apologizes. Casey gritted his teeth. Casey tried to wrestle again, with Raph helping him as everyone cheered them on. But, the Silver Century throws the two of them upside down, slamming into a pillar. Raph and Casey fall to the ground and frown at Silver Century.

Next, April tried to arm wrestle against Silver Century. She was struggling as everyone watched in anticipation.

 "Hey, Apes', give up, okay?" Casey commented with his arms crossed. "Raph and I couldn't beat ''em." He continued, looking at Raph then turned back to her. "There's no way you could-" April pulls her hand down and slams the Silver Century right into the pillar, cracking it. Everyone's eyes widen as their mouths dropped in shock as they stood speechless.

April stood up proudly and turned to Casey, smiling. "You were saying, Casey Jones?" She said as she walked away.

In the Kitchen, Silver Century was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed as April walked in carrying a small tin cookie box.

"Thanks, I guess they fell for it." She said.

"My pleasure." Silver Century said.

"And, as promised, your reward." April said, holding up the box of cookies that was filled with chocolate chips to Silver Century. The superhero holds up his hand. "Actually, the looks on those guys faces was reward enough." He answered.

"Okay, I'll just give three dozen of my famous chocolate chip cookies to the guys, then." April said, starting to walk away. Silver Century reaches for the box, taking it from her.

"No, no, I didn't mean that!" He called out. "I love cookies." He opens the box and started to scarf them down. April smiled and shook her head, walking away.

Splinter was sitting in his room, bowing to Yoshi as Yoshi bowed back. The rat master pulled out an origami crane from his kimono and hand it to Yoshi, who took it from him gratefully. Splinter closes his eyes when he hears two voices.

  "Master Splinter?" Leo called out. 

Splinter opens his eyes turned his head to see Leo and Yuuki standing at the door, as he was holding the orb that the Utroms had gave him. Yuuki looked down seeing the orb.

"Are you okay, Splinter?" She asked, worried. Splinter smiled as he looked directly into Yuuki's eyes then turned to Leo.

"Yes, my children, I am fine...just visiting an old friend." He reassured them.

Everyone was now gathered around sitting at the table, but someone wasn't there, Mikey. He still hadn't returned.

Angel rested her head on her palm while Silver Century looked down at his nails and sighs. The Daimyo was tapping his finger on the table. April was blowing into a spoon and placed onto her nose. Casey frowned.

 "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving!" He called out. "Let's chow down on the holiday goodies!" He slides a bowl of bread closer to him.

"No, this is a time for family and being together," Splinter called out. "We must wait for Michelangelo."

"Where is that bum?" Raph asked as he rested his hand on his chin.

Alopex looked at a empty chair worried.

Michelangelo, where are you?...

Four police cars chased after Mikey. He looks into the rear view mirror seeing the cars. Mikey spins the wheel, making the truck go over a pile of snow. Klunk meowed as he hid. The snow covers one of the patrol cars window shield, making them stop. One of the cars crashes into it then the other two as well. 

Mikey cringed in guilt seeing the cars crash but continued to drive away.

Snow was starting to fall gently down into the city. Mikey stopped and left the truck in the dump. He looks outside, seeing all the patrol cars, looking for him. Mikey looks down at Klunk and pets the kitten.

 "Finally," He said.

April looks down at her watch seeing that it was past midnight.

"Alright, we'll give Mikey another five minutes, but that's it," She said. "The food's getting cold."

"Agreed." Splinter called out.

"He'd better get here soon that bonehead." Raph commented.

Mikey jumps onto the rooftops and slid down the fire escape until he reaches a manhole cover. He opens it up and climbs down, sliding the cover to close it with his foot. Mikey walked into the Lair holding Klunk, seeing everyone at the table.

"Merry Christmas, everybody!" He greeted as he held up the kitten. "Meet my friend, Klunk!" Klunk meowed. Alopex, Yuuki, Venus and Mona squealed seeing Klunk. Splinter had an uncomfortable look on his face as he sat back in his chair keeping his eyes on the kitten.

"Mikey, where have you been?" Leo asked, reluctantly.

"Our guests have been waiting, it is very rude," Splinter said.

"I know, I'm sorry, but you're not going to believe what happened!" Mikey answered as he apologized.

"Mikey, we don't wanna hear some lame story," Raph said as he waved his hand.

"Ah, ah, ah, Raph, this is supposed to be the season of giving'," Mikey answered, lifting Raph's chin with his finger.

"Yeah, and I'm thinking of about giving you a well-seasoned smack upside the head!" Raph yelled, shaking his fist.

"Guys, it's Christmas Eve!" Mikey called out. "It's a time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves!" Everyone looked at each other, smiling. "In fact, it's not the time to think of ourselves at all, and I have just the ticket." Mikey said.

At the Brown's Street Children's Home, Mikey, Leo, Raph, and Donnie were all wearing elf costumes, handing out Lil' Orphan Alien dolls. Yuuki, Mona, Alopex, Venus were all wearing santa dresses and hats, with black belts and boots. Mikey gives a little girl a doll and she hugs him.

  Splinter was dressed up as Santa Claus sitting in a chair with children around him. A little girl gives Silver Century and NANO presents and they hug her. Usagi and Gen were wearing elf costumes as well. The Daimyo was wearing a wreath on his neck with reindeer antlers on his head. 

Angel held a mistletoe over the railings, above April and Casey while she and the homeless men stood on the stairs. April steps to Casey and kiss him on the cheek.

 "Ah, my children, I believe Michelangelo is right," Splinter said. "This is definitely the time for thinking of others...a season of giving." Mikey steps closer to him as he carried a little girl who was petting Klunk. Splinter shrank back into the chair, keeping his eyes on Klunk, cautiously.

"Happy holidays, everybody!" Mikey cheered.

Raph smiled and turned to Mona. His eyes widen and his smile immediately dropped when he saw Mona clutching onto her stomach in pain.

"Mona, what's wrong?!" He called out as he rushed over to her as well as the others when they heard him.

"I think the baby's coming!" Mona cried. Raph immediately went pale as his eyes widen in shock.

"WHAT?!" He exclaimed. "NOW?!" He quickly turned to Donnie.

"Donnie, I thought you said that it would be another three months?!" Raph asked.

"I did!" Donnie yelled, nervously.

"Well, the baby's saying now!" Mona groaned in pain.

"Okay, time to go!" Leo ordered and everyone quickly left, while Raph helped Mona as he carried her to the van. 

"Again, Merry Christmas!" Mikey shouted as the van took off.

"Congratulations!" "Good luck, your going to need it!" Some of the people and children shouted as the van drove away.

Everyone made it back to lair and Donnie took Mona into his lab to get her settled in, while everyone else waited outside. They cringed when they heard Mona let out a loud wail of pain.

"Is she going to be alright, sensei?" Mikey asked.

"All we can do now is wait." Splinter replied, calmly.

"Talk about an early Christmas present. I can't wait to meet my niece or nephew!" Mikey shouted, excitedly.

Leatherhead and Venus watched over Mona while Raph held her hand. Raph groaned painfully as Mona squeezed his hand tightly as another contraction hit. This freaking kid is going to cause Mona to break his hand. However, he was more worried by how much pain Mona was in.

"Donnie! What's the hold up?!" Raph growled. 

"It's not a thing to rush, Raph." Venus said trying to calm him down.

Donnie walked over to the two and checked Mona as he lifted the blanket that was dropped over her. His face turned a completely pale shade of green. 

"Mona, I'm going to need you to start breathing and push." Donnie explained. "The baby's coming and its coming now." 

Mona bit her lip as she groaned in pain, feeling another contraction then she pushed. Several minute went by which felt like hours, Mona was coated in sweat as she continued to try and push.

"Just one more, Mona you're almost there!" Venus encouraged. Donnie let out a started yell, making everyone look at him.

"Donnie, what's wrong?!" Raph shouted. 

"The baby punched me." Donnie replied rubbing his beak. Mona let out another yell then the entire room was followed by a dead silence.

Then a loud wail rang out in the room.

"It's a girl!" Donnie exclaimed.

He held out the baby that was wrapped in a blanket towards Mona and Raph. Both of them froze hearing the small crying from their baby. Mona reached out and took her from Donnie. She pulled the blanket back revealing the small mutant baby.

"She's so tiny." Mona mumbled, breathlessly.

The baby looked everything like her mother, Brown hair, facial features. However, her skin was a darker shade of green like her father's. Then she opened her eyes traveling a paler shade of blue. 

She close softly as her eyes wondered around the room looking at the strange people around her until she focused on Mona and Raph, mainly at Raph. She reached her hands out towards Raph who was still frozen in shock staring at her.

"I think she wants Raphie to hold her." Venus teased.

 "Go ahead, Raph." Donnie told him. Raph shook his head.

"N-no, I-I cant..What if I hurt her-" Before he could refuse, Mona gently handed their daughter into his hands. Raph looked down at the small baby in his arms not moving an inch. She looked so fragile. Tiny and helpless... Raph felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness of the baby girl in his arms.  

"Is it okay to come in?" Leo asked peeking into the room. Donnie nodded and the whole group walked in little by little fawning and adoring the baby girl. 

"Congratulations, my son." Splinter smiled.

"So what's the little tyke's name?" Mikey asked. 

 "Well, Raph and I have been thinking until one stood out that we both liked.." Mona said.

"Elizabeth."

[whitefanggurl]

“Why?” 2012 Donatello x Reader; Raphael x Reader

Warnings: Hurt, Angst, Cheating, Sadness

And you end up with Raphael in the end, but start out dating Donnie. Also, if you like April, this is not the fanfic for you.

(Please don't kill me!!!)

Glancing down at the screen, you frowned.

It was your birthday today and Don still hadn't called like he said he would.

The day hadn’t started off so well, what with the rain ruining the outdoor party decorations your family had set up for you. Luckily, they saved the cake and presents in time.

Then, your aunt and uncle hadn’t been able to come because of the storm that had increasingly gotten worse.

And lastly, your (brother/sister) had gotten the stomach bug at school and puked on the brand new carpet.

You snatched your hoodie and headed out the window down the fire escape to head to the lair.

The rain was relentless in its mission to absolutely drench you with all of heaven’s tears.

(foreshadooooooooooooooow. Alright, back to the depressing fanfic from hell’s fiery depths)

You stopped and looked up at the sky, “DO YOU HATE ME?” You screamed and shook your fist towards the clouds.

They responded with a streak of lightning and thunderclap lighting up the sky.

“Wonderful,” You muttered and lifted up a sewer cap.

Heading down, you took off your hood and shook out your hair.

‘Maybe he forgot...’

The turtles could be heard before you even saw them. Mikey and Raph were yelling (well, really just Raph) and Leo was fanboying over Space Heroes.

“Hey guys,” You squeezed the water out of your hair and grinned at the three mutant teens.

Their eyes all widened, “(Y/N), aren't you supposed to be celebrating your birthday today?” Leo asked, puzzled.

You shrugged, “Well, it hasn't been the best of days, and I was just wondering why Don hasn't called like he promised.”

The boys frowned, “He hasn't called yet?” Raph questioned suspiciously.

You shook your head and made your way towards the lab, Raph following to make sure what was happening wasn't what he was thinking.

But it was.

Donnie was sitting at his desk, kissing April.

Tears filled your eyes and you subconsciously gripped onto Raphael’s arm as his stance became rigid.

“Don,” he growled and hid you behind the door.

Donnie and April leapt away from each other and attempted to straighten their appearances, “H-Hey Raph!” He squeaked nervously, suddenly finding his posters more interesting.

“Please tell me that you, of all people, aren't cheating on sweet (Y/N),” he slowly stalked forward, his gaze darkening with every step.

You felt tears roll down your cheeks while you stood out of sight.

“W-What? Of course not! April and I were just... c-conducting an experiment is all!” Donatello gave a fake laugh.

“Oh, an experiment. With your lips evidently,” Raph raised his hand and pointed at April, “And you,” he growled, “I cannot believe you! I knew that you were bad news but seriously? Helping him cheat on his girlfriend all because you like boy attention? You aren't coming back here ever!!”

April’s face reddened and she opened her mouth but was cut off.

“It’s my birthday.”

Everyone snapped their heads towards you.

You stepped out of the hall and into the lab, “And... I was waiting for your call, Don. I thought you would make this day all better,” You closed your eyes and bit your lip, taking a deep breath, “But now, I can finally see through those lies you always told. All those excuses for the missed dates, unreturned phone calls, weird times when you would try to prove your ‘love’,” Anger sparked behind your eyes and deep in the pit of your stomach, “And here I find you, lies finally gone. You’re what my parents warned me about, the unfaithful playboy,” The spark grew louder and brighter as you turned to April, “And you...” You growled, “The girl I thought was my ‘best friend’. Did that even mean anything to you? My friendship is not a rag that can be thrown away you idiot. It’s a trophy you have to work and push yourself to earn. I trusted you!!” Your voice grew in pitch, becoming a scream of rage.

You grabbed a smoke bomb from your pocket and threw it onto the ground, running from the room.

Raph’s eyes narrowed and he punched his fist, “Now to take care of you, Don.”

You ran out of the lair, despite Leo and Mikey’s shouted inquiries of what was wrong.

Not even caring where you were heading, you ran, feet pounding along the concrete.

But your subconscious guided you from the sewers and towards Karai and Shinigami’s hideout. (well, not really hiding. The place used to be Shredder’s, so it’s kinda conspicuous)

Finally, you stopped, breath ragged and lungs heaving, and glanced around the street to see where the besties were staying.

You dragged yourself to the door guarded by Foot soldiers. They saw you and let you through, remembering who you were.

Making your way to the main room where the girls probably were hanging out, you felt the tears burn behind your eyes.

The girls looked up when you entered and their eyes widened.

“(Y/N)!!” Shini cried and rushed over to you, taking your muddy hoodie and clothes in with concern.

Karai hissed, “Who do I have to kill? Just say the name.”

The tears made their way down your face as the emotional dam broke, “D-Donnie cheated on m-me....” You whimpered.

Karai nodded and started sharpening her knives, “Well, his funeral is going to be slightly.... early.” She grabbed them all and put them each in her pockets, heading out to end the turtle mutant’s life.

Shini led you to the guest bedroom and grabbed some sweats and chocolate for you, “I swear,” she growled, “That boy will surely die. If not by Karai’s hand, then by mine.”

Don had so far been beat up by Raph, Leo, and Karai, while Mikey somehow duct taped him to the wall and threw water balloons at him.

Everyone hated him. Even Sensei was even more upset than normal.

Master Splinter circled around him in the dojo, “So, Donatello... Do you know why you are here?”

“Because,” he whimpered, “I cheated on (Y/N) with April.”

He nodded and started to also circle around April, “And April. Why are you here?”

(I’m not the biggest fan of April AT ALL, but I can see her doing this actually. She plays hard-to-get with Don and Casey and it angers me to no end because I hate when anyone does that. Playing with people’s feelings isn't okay, guys. It’s possibly one of the worst things you can do because it will scar them mentally and emotionally.)

She stopped her lip from quivering, giving up the ‘innocent’ act, “Because I knew that Donatello and (Y/N) were dating, but I started to date Don anyway.”

Splinter again nodded and he glared at the two teens, “April, you are never allowed here again. Not until you change. I will no longer instruct you in the ways of the kunoich. You are dismissed.”

Her jaw dropped, but Splinter’s glare silenced her. She stood and bowed, “Hai Sensei.” And she left.

“Now, as for you, Donatello. No more experiments. The lab is off limits for you. No more patrols, missions, or going onto the surface unless you are desperately needed. Am I clear?”

Donnie’s face paled but he nodded, “Hai Sensei.”

“I am disappointed in you. I know that I did not raise you this way, Donatello. You have not only disrespected (Y/N), but your family name. You have hurt her in a way that will take much time to heal. She will possibly never forgive you, and for what you have done, I do not blame her. I am ashamed of your actions, my son. And I hope you are as well.”

(”You may look like a bride, but you will never bring your family HONOR!!!” Alright, never mind me, just quoting Mulan over here....

But, just one more.....

“DISHONOR ON YOU! DISHONOR ON YOUR FAMILY! DISHONOR ON YOUR COW!!!!�� Ok, I’m done.)

“You are dismissed, Donatello.”

Don stood and bowed, then left the dojo.

Raphael stood in the doorway and glared at his back as he left.

You wiped the tears from your eyes as Shinigami and Karai made popcorn and put on (Fav movie).

Taking another bite from your chocolate bar, you froze when you saw a turtle silhouette in the window.

But his form was shorter and more muscular than Donatello’s, and there was no bo staff strapped to his back.

You slumped back against the couch with a relieved sigh, “Hey Raph.”

He opened the window and hopped down onto the floor, “Hey Tiger, how you holding up?” He plopped down next to you.

You gave a flat chuckle and motioned to the chocolate wrappers, “Not as bad as I could be, I guess.”

He hesitated, but then opened his arms.

You pretty much flew into his arms.

Raph buried his face in your hair and rubbed your back.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through all this crud, (Y/N),” He murmured softly.

“It’s not your fault, Raph,” You pulled away slightly and pecked his cheek, “But thank you for being here.”

(Le time skip) One year later.....

Surprisingly, you had forgiven Don after a while. He kept his distance though, and April and you never spoke again. Evidently, she didn’t want to ever come back to the lair if you were there, so... Yeah. No one heard from her or Casey again.

Which was good because you were scared Karai would have a murder on her record from how she was talking about disposing of that redhead.

By now, you were a full kunoich. The turtles had already held the ceremony earlier in the year.

You smiled softly at the black titanium tanto you held in your hands, remembering the night the ceremony was held.

Raph came up behind you and tapped your shoulder, “Hey (Y/N)? You ok?”

You jumped slightly but grinned at him, “Yeah, just remembering when I got this thing.”

He smiled, “You deserve it, especially after how hard you've trained for it,” he suddenly became nervous, “Um, there was, uh, something I wanted to ask you....”

You raised an eyebrow and motioned for him to continue.

“Ah, well, I was wondering if you would like to, ahem, go out sometime?” He voice got quieter, “M-Maybe as a boyfriend and girlfriend thing or something?...”

You don’t know what came over you in that moment, but you launched yourself at Raph and wrapped your arms around him while laughing and squeaking out a weird “YES!!!” over and over again.

He had a stupid grin on his face and pumped his fist in the air.

___________________ Hey guys!!!!!!! I hope you liked this oneshot!!!!

And, um, if you wanted to be with Don, *sweats nervously* I’m sorry that it probably wasn't what you wanted.

if you guys ever want a part 2, just ask!!

My next one is with you and Don though, so I hope it makes up for this!!!

Alright, well, signing off.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[official-macklemore]

soulmates au color thingy

I threw my head back in drunken laughter, the blacks and whites of the city flashing before my dizzy eyes. “Let’s go to another bar! The night’s still young!”

Jerome shifted awkwardly. He had only had a couple drinks the entire night. Boooooring! “I have work tomorrow. We’ve already been to three bars. Can’t we just go back to the apartment?”

“You always have work tomorrow.” Casey chimed in. “Marie is right, let’s go to another bar! Jessie just texted me and apparently Dixon Line is blowing the fuck up!”

“Isn’t that a gay bar?”

“You can sit outside, Jerome.” Margo deadpanned from the back of the group.

“I wanna find my soulmate tonight.” I whispered deliriously. “And I wanna have sex. Wild sex.”

Jerome stopped walking without warning. “Are you two really gonna let her keep going? She’s so drunk she’s talking about finding her soulmate. Can’t we just go home?”

“She just had the toughest breakup of her life, Jerome! Let the girl live!”

Jerome was exasperated. “Margo, say something!”

“Casey’s right. Let Marie get drunk.”

I whooped in glee and tripped a bit on my heels before righting myself again. “I love you Margooo!”

“…Thanks.”

I bobbed my head to a song that only I could hear, something that’d been stuck in my head all night. I did little twirls on the sidewalk, fascinated by the way my own shoes caught the lights. They were covered in fake diamonds. And my legs were covered in body glitter. And my dress had to sparkly too, duh. I was like a walking disco ball. I wanted every eye to land on me in every bar we walked in to.

“Earth to Marie? Dixon Line is this way.” Casey had to physically grab me to get me to stop twirling, and even then I almost fell down.

“Don’t do that, I’ll puke!” I giggled.

“Maybe she should wait outside with me.” Jerome mumbled.

“Don’t be a dick! She’s gonna meet her soulmate, remember?”

“I should really just walk home.”

“Have fun.” Margo retorted.

Jerome opened his mouth like he was going to say something witty, but he came up with nothing. Instead, he really did just turn and leave, hailing a cab to go home.

“What a dumbass. He should’ve taken the subway. He hailed a cab just to be dramatic.” Casey snorted

“Girl’s night!” I borderline yelled. “It’s a girl’s night now!”

Margo smiled her approval. “Girl’s night.”

Casey laughed. “Wow! When’s the last time we had a girl’s night?”

“When Jerome got sick last week.”

I gasped. “Wow! It’s been so long! We have to have enough fun to last us another week!”

Casey was looking at her phone. “Guys, let’s walk faster, Dixon Line just keeps getting more packed! Jessie says she’s packed between like four girls!”

Margo’s breath hitched. “I wanna be packed between four girls.”

I was much less subtle about the situation. “I WANNA BE PACKED BETWEEN FOUR GIRLS! AND THEN I WANT ALL OF ‘EM TO RAIL ME!”

Casey started laughing hysterically. “Marie, sh-shut the fuck up!” She was laughing so hard she could barely talk. “We’re in public! Someone’s gonna kick your ass, dumbass!”

“I wanna get FUUUUCKED!”

Even Margo let out a giggle at my caterwauls.

After what felt like hours of walking on my tired and very, very drunken legs, we arrived at Dixon Line. Sure enough, the place was crowded wall to wall. I barely even had space to breathe, and I was living for it. Every time I happened to make eye contact with Margo or Casey while I was pushed up against a cute girl, I would make an exaggerated expression of shock and point at her like I was the luckiest girl on the planet.

And then, because I’m a fucking idiot, I started taking more shots. It’s a miracle I didn’t die of alcohol poisoning that night. I downed drink after drink until I couldn’t even remember where I was, or who I was, and especially not my ex’s name.

And I danced. I danced until my feet felt like they were rotting off.

And then I started puking. I ran into the bathroom, which was also cramped, and rushed into a stall. And I started puking my guts out. I didn’t see if there was a line; I didn’t give a fuck, frankly. I just started vomiting with reckless abandon.

This went on for around five minute of continuous upchuck until I finally breathed. My sides hurt, tears were coming out of my eyes, and it felt like I was fucking dying. And then I stared puking some more.

Suddenly, I found myself in the presence of an angel. Some girl walked into the bathroom, heard the violent vomiting, and immediately rushed to find the source. And she came into my stall.

“Oh my gosh, honey!” She had a southern accent of some kind. It was really sweet. I wanted to melt into it. Then she grabbed my hair and pulled it back for me, and I wanted to melt into her. “There there, you’re gonna be okay, baby. It’ll pass.”

She started rubbing my back. And I almost choked on my own vomit. Because suddenly, when I opened my eyes, I wasn’t where I thought I was. Well, I was in the same place, but it was different. I could see things I hadn’t seen before. Everything was vibrant. When she put her hand on me, something had snapped. And now this… this hidden world was blooming before my eyes.

Color, something in the back of my mind whispered, you’re seeing in color.

As my vomiting slowed, she stood up. I yelped as the contact was lost, and I was plunged back into black and white. I stood up so fast I saw stars, so I had to grab the bathroom walls to steady myself. And I turned around, and saw her, looking very scared.

She was beautiful. Amazing. The cutest girl I’d ever seen. She had light hair, fluffy and wavy, down to her shoulders, with straight bangs. She was wearing a darker-ish dress with mid-length sleeves that went to her mid thighs with a choker of the same fabric. It looked like a big t-shirt, but as a super stylish dress. And she was wearing these glamorous jelly sandal heels. And she had freckles. Freckles. And she was half a head shorter than me. I thought I was gonna faint.

But then I remembered what was even going on, and seeing the colors, and why I had stood up in the first place. When you see something like that, a whole new world before your eyes, and it’s ripped from you, you’re instantly addicted to it. I wanted to see the whole world that way, not just a toilet in a gay bar and my own vomit.

All of these thoughts had gone through my brain in a matter of seconds. She was still standing there, looking confused.

I tenderly brought my hand to her shoulder, and I gasped as color seeped into my vision once again. This felt safe somehow. Safer than I’d ever felt before. I looked deep into her eyes. And I can’t explain what color they were, but they were beautiful. And seeing her in color? Jesus. This was seriously gonna be how I died.

“Are you alright, sugar?”

I blinked. How was she not freaking out? Did she have another soulmate or something? No, that’s not how it works, meaning that this had to be her first time seeing in color. So how could she be so relaxed? “Um… yeah… I’m alright now…”

She smiled, and a piece of my heart ascended directly to heaven. “Well, uh, if you don’t mind, I’ve actually really gotta use the restroom.”

I didn’t want to let go. I couldn’t. So I kept my hand on her shoulder, looking like a dumbass, as I said “Oh, sorry.”

And we stood there for another moment, silent. She finally pulled away, and I was crushed as I blinked and the world became black and white once more. She stepped out of the stall and into another, locking the door behind her.

I didn’t know what to do. First, I flushed my puke, because I’m not the kind of nasty fucker who leaves that shit for somebody else to deal with. Then, I walked over to the sinks and washed my hands. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was probably going to have an aneurysm when I saw myself in color, but I tried not to think about it. I tried to remember all the colors I’d seen. I didn’t have names for them, but I didn’t need names in a strange sort of way. I was happy just to experience them.

By the time she was done, I was still standing there, trying to decide whether I should wait for her or go. Looks like the decision had been made for me.

She didn’t look creeped out that I was waiting for her, which was a big relief for me. I immediately got the urge to touch her, to see that world again, but I fought it. “Thank you for your help.” My voice was hoarse from vomiting my entire stomach up, but she didn’t seem to notice.

“Anytime, honey.”

I smiled, feeling happy to be called honey even though I could already tell that she said it to everyone. “I’m Marie.”

“I’m Eleanor! But Ellie works. Or El. Whatever floats your boat.”

Oh, you float my boat alright.

I stopped myself from saying that out loud, thank God, but what actually came out of my mouth wasn’t a lot more intelligent. “You’re really pretty.”

I guess God takes pity on me or something, because instead of being weirded out, she laughs. Her laugh is like a bell. It doesn’t sound like a bell, but it feels like a bell, ya dig? When I hear her laugh I get the same feeling I get when I hear a bell ring. I’m kinda addicted to it already.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.”

If my life was a cartoon, this is the part where the heart eyes would pop outta my head. “Can we dance?”

She laughs again. “You’re pretty forward.”

I grin. “I’m pretty drunk. And you’re just plain pretty.”

“I’m just plain?” She raises an eyebrow.

“That’s not what that was supposed to say. Mean, I mean. That’s not what I meant to say is what I’m trying to say.” I stutter.

She looks me up and down, and my skin crawls in a good way. An exciting way. “I guess I could save you a dance, if you promise not to puke on me.”

All I can do is nod. She pushes a piece of hair behind her ear, and I see that her earrings are big hearts. They look like gelatin.

Somehow, she leads me out of the bathroom. I suddenly remember how crowded this room is, and the two of us have to squeeze together to get through the crowd. And squeezing together means that we’re touching. And my world blinks into color for the third time in my life. I’m overwhelmed. I’ve been to that bar so many times, but now it felt like an alternate universe. I could see everyone in shades I couldn’t have even imagined before. I wanted to stare at strangers not because they were beautiful, but because they were beautiful colors. Every time I saw a hew I hadn’t seen yet, it entranced me. But the crowd pushed us along, so I never got to dwell on the color of someone’s hair or dress or tie.

Eventually, we were able to carve out our own little spot on the dance floor. Suddenly, my hands were on her waist, and everything else faded away. I felt like a dumbass for wearing all these sparkles; I wanted everybody to be looking at her, not me.

We swayed to the music, and my eyes never left hers. I decided that those eyes were my favorite color. The song changed over and over, but we just kept going. Sometimes we were spinning and stepping in time, sometimes we were jumping with our hands in the air, and sometimes her head was against my chest as we swayed. Our bodies never stopped touching—I wouldn’t let them—and I felt like I was on a different planet. No, not on a different planet, in a whole other universe.

We didn’t talk the whole time. We didn’t have to. We said what we had to say with our eyes, with our hands. And it’s a stupid thing to say, but I was already falling for her. I wasn’t trying to, but she was alluring in a way I couldn’t pinpoint. I couldn’t stop touching her and staring at her and smiling… I wanted the night to last forever.

But it couldn’t. People started to trickle out, and my feet started hurting so bad that even Ellie couldn’t distract me from the dull ache. She helped guide me to a seat on the side where I immediately ripped my heels off. We sat there for a while in silence, her arm still around my waist from where she’d helped me get off the dance floor. She leaned against me, and I hummed along to the song and played with El’s hair, and everything was perfect.

Casey found me like that. With a shit-eating grin, she stepped directly in front of me and leaned down “And who’s this?”

I grinned back, unphased. “Ellie.” Ellie gave a small wave and buried her head in my shoulder. “We’re both kinda tired.” I confessed.

Margo materialized out of the crowd. “It’s four AM.”

Casey groaned. “Ugh, I’m gonna be so fucking hungover tomorrow.”

I was tempted to shush them. They were disturbing the peace of my moment with Ellie. “Then you two should probably go home.”

Margo looked confused. Casey cleared her throat. “Um… Aren’t you coming with?”

I shook my head. “I’ll take the subway home later. You two should get out of here.”

Casey didn’t look convinced. “You’re drunk and you’re dressed like a bottle of glitter glue, is it safe for you to be taking the subway home alone at four AM?”

Margo tugged Casey’s sleeve. “She isn’t going to be alone.”

Casey looked back and forth between Ellie and I and her face lit up, as if she had just understood something vital. “Ahhh, okay! Well, I guess we better head out then, Margo!” Casey winked as she grandiosely turned and made her way to the exit. Margo gave a meek wave and followed.

Ellie lifted her head a bit. “Thank God. I thought they were never gonna leave.”

I giggled in reply.

Ellie sighed. “They’re right, it’s late, I should get home soon.”

She was still leaning against me, so she couldn’t see my face, but she must have sensed the sad expression I made. “We’ll see eachother again. Get out your phone and I’ll give you my number.”

I handed her my phone way too eagerly, cheesing so hard my cheeks hurt.

She opened a new contact and named herself Eleanor with a heart emoji. I realized suddenly that everything had colors. Even things on my phone were colorful. My phone itself had a color. Emojis had colors. “That heart icon is a cute color.” I whispered.

Ellie looked up at me in confusion. “What? It’s just grey, like everything else.”

And with that, my heart was crushed. Utterly crushed. She’d just stepped on my heart and she didn’t even know it. I didn’t say anything, and she didn’t magically figure out that I was unhappy.

She leaned in to kiss me on the cheek, still smiling. She didn’t even know this night was the most magical one of my life. She thought I was just another girl… I was just another girl to her. But she was… She was my fucking soulmate! And she had no clue!

She got up and waved goodbye. The color left my vision, and I instinctively reached out to her, wanting the color back. The color she didn’t even see.

“We’re gonna see each other again.” She whispered it like a prophecy.

I could barely even muster up the strength to smile back at her as she pushed through the crowds, out of my sight.

And then I started crying. Silently, slowly, tears streamed down my face. I didn’t even care that my mascara wasn’t waterproof. I sat there and let the tears come.

And then I took the subway home. Everything felt surreal all of a sudden. It was the same train as always, but now I knew it had the potential to be completely different. Completely colorful.

I clicked the door to my apartment closed and checked the time. 5:22 AM. Jerome would be waking up for work in a couple of hours. I sent Ellie a quick text, numb, just telling her that it was me so she could save my number.

As I walked back to my room, I was stopped in my tracks by a voice in the living room. “Welcome home, Marie.”

It was Margo, drinking hot chocolate on the couch, her corn rows pulled back in a bun, wearing a stained sweater that was way too big for her.

“Hi Margo.” I decided to go sit with her. She was quiet, but Margo got things. She understood so much, sometimes I swore she was some kind of guardian angel or something, sent to our apartment to protect the rest of us.

She took a slow sip of her hot chocolate, and I saw that it was brimming with marshmallows, just the way she liked it. “So, did it work?”

My face scrunched in confusion. “What?”

“Did you find your soulmate?”

I was quiet for a moment. And I nodded slowly. And then I started shaking my head. And the tears came again, but this time they weren’t silent. Margo watched me cry for a few minutes before getting up and going to her room. I thought she’d abandoned me, but she’d left her hot chocolate, so I knew she was coming back.

Sure enough, she returned with a book. She set it on the coffee table in front of us with a thud. My crying began to quiet as she flipped through the pages. “Who are these people?”

She smiled a rare Margo smile. “These are my grandparents.”

She pointed to her grandma. “My grandma met my grandpa at a bowling alley. He worked there, and while she was getting her shoes they brushed hands, and she saw color.”

She pointed to her grandpa. “Wanna know something? My grandpa never saw color. Not once in his life. He went to his grave seeing blacks and whites and grays. He used to say that she saw enough color for both of them. He said he was curious sometimes, but he knew she was his soulmate, color or not.”

I kept on crying, but now it wasn’t just for my own pitiful situation, it was for Margo’s grandparents. And then I cried harder because Margo was such a good friend, and she somehow knew exactly what was going on without me telling her shit.

She left the photo album on the table, handed me the hot chocolate, kissed my head, and headed off to her room. I flipped through the pages for a while longer. The last page was her grandparents holding a baby Margo. I knew it was Margo because of the big dark forehead birthmark.

I curled up on the couch and finished the hot chocolate. I fell asleep with the photo album in my arms.

I woke up with a text from Ellie on my phone.

And I decided to text her back.

And text her back. And text her back. Over and over.

I looked at the photo album, now laying on the floor where I had pushed it off in my sleep. Jerome had left me some eggs on the table with a note asking if I was okay and to call him if I needed anything from the grocery store. For some reason, my hangover wasn’t killer. Maybe I’d cried all the alcohol out somehow.

I ate the eggs. After all, I was going to need my energy. I had a date that day with Ellie. We were going to a movie, like a real couple.

I decided to text Jerome before I left, so he wouldn’t worry.

dont worry j, im ok. just found my soulmate; she just doesn’t know it yet

And I set out to the movie theatre, determined to help her figure it out.

[well-its-not-human-anymore]

Touch starved/ hurt reader - hcs or scenarios the turtles? Reader super cool regarding friendship, like funny and open etc etc, but if someone tries to do anything that implies a bit more regarding romantic stuff they are kinda like oop- no. Reader is kinda jumpy and just freezes when someone’s they like does any kind of affection ( blushes a lot, try to run away and avoid those situations) people have taken them for granted which has make them a bit cold and defensive in that area- they want to be more affectionate ( which they know deep down it’s what they crave) but it’s kinda they are a scared / angry cat? Please, hope this makes sense, thank you

( also regarding looks and gender I think you can go with they/them so everyone can see a look but if themselfs in the scenario, and if you are going to any kind of skin ship, make the reader extremely defensive over their arms and tummy pls, I do love hugs but if anyone touches my hips I’ll try to get away so fast omg sbbtjfjdkdksn and I will just close off momentarily, I absolutely hate it, I’m more on the heavy side ( talk and chubby ) and if anyone’s touches the “giggly” parts I get extremely upset ( because of how ppl havemade fun of it over the years) and I think the boys would be very “??? What?” To that reaction cuz they didn’t think it was some thing bad to have? ( like a more soft and chunky/chubby body) because they haven’t been exposed long enough to society’s judgment or beauty standards ( I mean they know about! The ones who would have read more about it maybe it’s Leo and Donnie, but what I mean maybe they have never experienced something like this - themselfs irl) Eitherway this ask is already so long omg I’m sorry and thank you, if it’s too much you don’t have to do it, have a good night/ day!)

Okay first of all I love you and I would die for you. You are a perfect human being and there is literally no one else like you. Your body does a damn good job of keeping all of your organs in place and that's what matters. If anyone tells you different you rock their absolute shit.

And don't worry, I understood the request perfectly so no worries on that, I've got a similar body type except I'm really short. But I'm also super defensive over being touched or having those parts of my body perceived, so trust me when I say you're not alone. We be vibing with this together.

Now to the writing!

TMNT Headcanons

Boys reacting to a touch starved/defensive reader

Michaelangelo

Look man, our boy here is body positivity central, he thinks you look amazing and he wants everyone to know it

As far as you two go he's your best friend, your homie, your main man

So of course he's gonna wanna show you off, why wouldn't he?

He doesn't think you'd have a reason to not be okay with it, you've always been playful with him and his brothers

So obviously there's some widespread confusion once Casey gets tossed into the mix

All Mikey had done was reach behind him and snag you by the waist to pull you over

That was all

The words "and this is my best friend, y/n" never got the chance to leave his mouth

He was definitely not expecting you to squeak out in protest and scramble away from him as fast as humanly possible

Your face was burning red and you were clutching your sides, desperately trying not to bare your teeth in defence

Mikey couldn't help but feel heartbroken

Was there something wrong with him?

You sent Casey an unenthusiastic wave before turning on your heel and basically running out

Leaving a very confused orange turtle behind you

When he finally managed to catch up to you later you rushed to explain why you'd reacted the way you did

You couldn't stand his expression when you explained that no- you didn't think he was disgusting and no, he hadn't done anything wrong.

But he did seem baffled at you telling him that it was because you hated being touched there.

"Look Mikey, I've got no problem with the whole contact thing but you gotta give me a warning or something before you go around grabbing me. Okay?"

He was 100% fine with that

Anything to make you comfortable

But you both got to the point of being able to laugh at your reaction to the turtle trying to hold your hand

"Seriously Michaelangelo, I have a reputation to maintain. How am I supposed to do that when you're giving me feelings?"

Donatello

It completely baffled him

By all accounts it didn't make sense

You threw around compliments like you were playing hot potato and for whatever reason you'd always find someway to playfully flirt with him

But the second one of his brothers suggested something other than the innocent friendship the two of you had you would shut down completely

And coincidentally those types of comments were made at the most inconvenient times

Nothing screamed awkward more than you going stone cold and standoffish over a piece of pie

Bubbly and excited one moment, tossing around those positive affirmations to your favorite people

And staring murderously at an inanimate object the next

You were like an unsolvable rubix cube to him

But he was determined to figure you out

"Y/N?"

You didn't appear to be busy, just sitting on the haphazard bunk in your makeshift area with a book in your lap

The others had gone out on patrol and you weren't sure where Splinter was at that particular moment which left you and Donnie holding down the lair until they got back

The perfect time to approach the subject

"Hey y/n? Can I ask you something?"

His voice always got a little louder when you were alone, less afraid of being overheard. You looked up with a smile

"Fire away Dove."

His cheeks flushed in surprise

"uhhhhh... whydoyounotlikeme?"

You set your book down and leaned forward to stare at him

"Elaborate."

And he did, god he did, he did it at the speed of sound of course, but you caught every word

let me tell you, this boys heart broke for you when you told him that you did like him

you really really did

but the thought of being romantically involved with anyone made you shut down

Donnie assured you that it was fine

he'd wait for you as long as you needed

Raphael

Look, Raph knows a thing or two about being self conscious

out of all of his brothers he's the one who worries about his appearance the most

but you- holy shit he thinks you're the most amazing, perfect human in the world

so when he finds out that you hate being touched and that thinking about relationships makes your skin crawl he doesn't know whether to genuinely cry for you or punch someone in the mouth

both is okay

You'd always been very bold with your words and sometimes you'd even joke that you couldn't even tell when you were flirting with him

it just slipped out

and hearing that even though you could pull that off as easy as breathing and compliment all of them endlessly but you struggled to be comfortable in your own body?

that was a lot to unpack in one sitting

but the longer he sat with you and listened to you talk him through it the more he understood

sure, it was horrible

and he wouldn't likely stop thinking about hurting the people who'd done this to you (there'd be too many to count)

but you had a way of making him understand things

it was his favorite thing about you

"Uh- you know y/n, I uh- personally I think you look great. Like- all the time."

plz insert awkward finger guns here

there, your playful smirk was back and you were wiggling your eyebrows at him

"Awhhhh... is that Raph I see having feelings?"

Leonardo

he'd done enough listening and reading to know how society treated people who it thought was different

and he hated that you'd had to experience that for most of your life

when it came down to it and he saw that you had become particularly hard on yourself he took it upon himself to check in with you

that's how you'd started meditating with him

and you'd found it quite relaxing if you were completely honest

Leo told you that meditation was the best way to connect with your body and understand it

you hoped that in time you would understand what he meant by that

but the positive affirmations were doing something, so you'd take it

he'd always encourage you when you couldn't yourself

and always jump to your defense when the others got a little to out of bounds with their words

you still would noticeably flinch when touched without warning

they were all working with that

and he still found himself saddened that you'd recoil back into your protective walls if anyone mentioned anything inherently romantic

but you were coming around

and he was endlessly proud of you for that

Alright I hope I was able to get down what you were thinking. This one definitely took the most contemplating out of any of the requests I've gotten so I hope you like it!

[notsofly]

Ties in Blood Chapter 16

@mrswhozeewhatsis​ @impala-dreamer​ @winchestergirl-13 @squirrelnotsam @idreamofplaid @percussiongirl2017

Chapter 16

She stepped outside and eased herself into sitting on the porch. There was something about her father coming back into her life now, just as Aaliyah was starting to think of getting out of hunting. Not that she would just up and leave Sam and Dean after all they went through in the past few weeks. Maybe it was the share experience of going through in finding the Colt, then finding and then losing John, then going toe to toe with the demon before all that happened at the hospital. It was a selfish line of thought in her process of wanting to save herself. But … she opened the beer and took a drink … if she could survive all that, maybe she could survive being a full blown hunter. The door opened behind her, shining light out into the darkness and her shadow onto the ground before the door closed. Someone sat down next to her and sighed.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” Xander asked, his voice low. “We don’t owe Casey anything.”

“I know. But it’s something that’s kinda stuck with me even back in college with the werewolf.” Aaliyah pulled the side with the scars, stretching the muscles. “It’s about saving people and hunting things. Like it’s the Winchester’s family motto or something. Clearly it’s the family business. And ours in a way.” Aaliyah took another drink. “And it’s not like there’s much to lose over this. Casey will be outta our lives once again and we can continue on as if nothing’s happened.”

“And what about our half siblings?”

There it was, the concern over the possibility of bonding with their siblings. Aaliyah shrugged. “What about them?”

“Well, according to Casey, they knew about the whole hunting thing and what went bump in the night,” Xander told her. “Or what Casey did before he left the life and settled down with their mother. He didn’t say if he told them about us.”

“Probably because you were in there eavesdropping.”

“I was not.”

“So … You weren’t in the kitchen trying to find something to do while Casey told Bobby any relative information?” Aaliyah cocked an eyebrow at her brother.

“Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t,” Xander deflected. “Point is, I’m thinking he didn’t tell them about us and they’re probably in the dark about us.”

Aaliyah took a deep breath, her ribs protested at it. “I hope they haven’t gotten themselves killed.”

**

Bobby handed Aaliyah a bag as she put her own duffel in the trunk. “Here, some things you might need.”

“Thanks, Bobby.” She stifled a yawn as she opened the bag to find a few flasks, a sawed off shot gun, and some hand guns with the right ammo. “Just in case, right?”

“Right. Now, just because this is your family doesn’t mean they owe you anything.”

“I know, Bobby.” Aaliyah closed the trunk and pulled out a sharpie, drawing a demon trap on the top. “And thanks for letting us borrow the car. I think if all three of us were riding together, one of us would be dead by the end of it.”

The car had to been ten years out of style and needed some minor repairs done, but Bobby swore it would hold up for the long distance traveling that had to be done.

“Just don’t go overboard, will ya?” Bobby asked. “I’d hate to tell the boys that you went missing or ended up dead because of this.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” Aaliyah capped the sharpie and turned from the car to see Xander emerging from the house. “Come on, Jerk wad,” she called out to him. “We’re killing daylight.” Aaliyah smiled at Bobby. “I’ll call in a couple days and give you an update, I promise.”

“And if you don’t?” Bobby asked as Aaliyah walked around the car to the passenger side.

“Then you can send the bloodhounds after me.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll get a kick outta that.”

Aaliyah eased herself into the seat, her ribs gave her a bit of a protest before she settled in. She heard Bobby talk with Xander before he slipped into the driver’s seat.

“Do you believe him?” she broke the silence as Xander turned onto the road. “That we got half siblings out there somewhere?”

“I think he got out of hunting and settled down without a second thought of us,” he answered. “Who knows what he told them of his past.”

***

Aaliyah watched the “Welcome to Missouri” pass by. The drive for her had been a mix of napping and playing catch up with Xander. He had been sticking close to the southeast states, dealing with cases of hauntings and ghosts. Whispered rumors passed through local hunter haunts that he had picked up about how John was closing in on the yellow eyed demon and had the Colt nearly in hand. Xander had told her that there was a rumor he was willing to put into the realm of not possible. Aaliyah had pressed him when he attempted to change conversation. He caved after a half hour of prodding; the rumor had been the Winchesters had picked up an extra set of hands in Michigan.

“Up for a pit stop?” Xander asked. “Think there’s a rest area coming up in a couple miles.”

Aaliyah stretched, ignoring the protest in her chest. “Yeah. The bladder’s not happy being full for this long.” She looked out the window and watched the scenery race by. “I half wonder what they’re like.”

“Who?”

“Our half siblings. I mean, if they knew about our father being a hunter and all that, it had to have effected them somehow.” Aaliyah lightly scratched at a pant leg. “You’d think they woulda gotten into it if they knew.”

“So, you’re thinking they can’t be a cheerleader and a football player if Casey was open about hunting?” Xander asked in his attempt to understand where Aaliyah was coming from.

“Exactly. Why would anyone wanna try and ignore that?”

“They don’t wanna face the fact that there are things out there that wanna eat us. Or kill us.” Xander eased the car off the highway and into the rest area parking lot. “You of anyone should know that.”

“And look how many times I coulda died.” Aaliyah pulled herself out of the car. “I swear there’s…”

A scream from the building cut her off. She didn’t dare look to see if Xander was following when she took off at a run toward the building; her body protesting the whole way. A woman had emerged from the building and refused to stop running from it. The doors on the building were blasted off their hinges before a person emerged. Every fiber in Aaliyah’s body screamed at her to run back to the car and get as far away as possible.

“Diablo,” the woman screamed as she ran past Aaliyah.

Aaliyah half scoffed. Devil indeed. More like a demon who got cocky. She sensed someone come up beside her and held a handgun and a couple clips in front of her.

“I know you,” Xander said. “And there’s no way you’re going that way alone.”

Aaliyah checked the gun and found a clip was prepped and chambered a round. “Come on. Let’s go take care of this guy.” She stepped around the few others that had managed to escape the building even as the demon possessed person stood in the lobby.

“Stupid humans,” the demon said as Aaliyah stepped into the lobby. “Thinking you can…”

“Stow it, Smokescreen,” Aaliyah cut in. “You’re not getting off that easy.”

“Says the one who shouldn’t even be walking,” the demon countered. “I guess you’re gonna ignore the same message.”

“You guessed right.” She brought the gun up and placed her index on the trigger. “Now, do you wanna leave peacefully? Or do I have to shoot the poor bastard you got trapped to send you on your way?”

“I’ve heard of you,” the demon told her. “The little lost bird that gone and sent Papa Winchester downstairs. Was it worth it, sparrow? Seeing Daddy dearest give himself up to save a son.”

“Stop trying to bait me and poof off, will ya?” Aaliyah snapped.

“Or you’ll do what? Shoot me? You don’t have the Colt, and we both know that gun of yours won’t do much.”

Aaliyah swore she caught whispering from behind her. She caught a few words before her mind caught on that it was Xander reading the exorcism rite that she used on the woman Meg had possessed. The possessed man started contorting as the demon inside fought against the exorcism. Aaliyah risked taking a couple steps toward the man as Xander continued the rite.

“So what if I don’t have the Colt,” Aaliyah replied. “We both know that I’m not going to back down.” She reached down and grabbed hold of the man even as the demon fought against the exorcism. “Get out of him.”

A billow of black smoke broke forth from the man’s mouth as the demon vacated. Aaliyah put her gun in the waist of her pants against her back as she adjusted her hold on the man. “Easy there, pal.” She plastered a small smile on her face as the man focused on her. “You blacked out and nearly fainted.”

“I did? I don’t … remember.” The man put a hand to his head, still groggy.

“Come and sit,” Aaliyah gestured toward a bench that was by a wall. “Is it just you …”

He shook his head. “My daughter was with me.”

“Dad?” a voice cried out before a young teenager rushed over and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank God you’re alright.”

Aaliyah took a few steps back from the two before she started over to the opposite wall where Xander was standing. “Well … that was …”

“Odd. Who knew that the rite actually worked?” Xander half held up the book.

“I did,” Aaliyah commented. “We used it once; on Meg. Or the demon that possessed the woman named Meg.”

“More missing details in the search for John?” Xander hazarded a guess.

Aaliyah nodded with a noise of agreement. “Meg had followed the boys to Bobby’s, and got … stuck so to speak.”

“So that explains that paint job on the ceiling,” Xander commented.

“Wait, you saw that and didn’t ask about it?”

Xander shrugged. “Figured it wasn’t a bit thing. So, the exorcism rite I read off worked on Meg?”

Aaliyah nodded. “Yeah; couldn’t save the woman though. She fell seven stories, shoulda been dead then if it hadn’t been for the demon.”

“Rough.”

“Yeah.” Aaliyah watched the father and daughter get up and head out without much effort in finding her.

“Does it ever get easier? Standing back and watching the people you help go back living their lives like nothing ever happened?” Xander asked her after a few minutes. “You do all the work and they go on living a life we never had.”

“Not really.” Aaliyah sighed. “There’s been hunts where I go in, grab the kill, and slip outta town without making contact with people. The way I see it, the less contact I have with people on hunts, the chances of seeing that,” she gestured to where the father and daughter were. “Go down. And the chances of people getting hurt go down as well.” She moved away from the wall for the women’s restroom. “It doesn’t get any easier.”

In the relative safety and privacy of the restroom, Aaliyah took a stall near the back and locked herself in. She barely made it down to her knees before her stomach rejected whatever was in it. A burp escaped her lips after her body finished clearing out the stomach. That didn’t happen when she dealt with Meg. Was there something about demons Aaliyah didn’t get, or was it just her own body dealing with the stress?

“Aaliyah?” Xander’s voice echoed off the walls. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she called back. “Give me a minute.” She worked herself off the floor and onto the toilet. With her bladder and stomach emptied and the toilet sending it all down the pipes, Aaliyah stepped in front of the mirror and washed her hands and face off.

***

“Never thought we’d be back here again,” Xander commented as he turned the car off.

“And we’re trying to find more of the family,” Aaliyah finished, climbing out of the car.

The drive from the rest area had been another few hours before they reached the town they grew up in. Aaliyah had the feeling it was smaller than what it was two years ago. Flashes of memory passed through her mind’s eye, reminding her of what she had been through. The town hadn’t changed, she just learned that the world was bigger and darker than the town.

“Are you sure about staying here?” Xander prompted her. “I could afford a better place than a half star motel room.”

Aaliyah took a glance over the motel and nodded. “It’ll be fine. We do plan on being here a short time anyway, right?”

“Just until we find out what happened,” Xander agreed. “Then it’s back to Bobby’s and you get your license.”

“And cramming more lore in my head.” Aaliyah grabbed her bags from the trunk. “I swear, the more lore I put in there, I lose more of what I learned at college.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing.” Xander grabbed his bag before closing the trunk. “Not like you need it now that you’re gone full hunter.”

“Hey, you’re gonna need it one day when a wendigo decides to make a steak outta you,” Aaliyah shot back as she followed her brother to their motel room.

“Says the former nurse.” Xander pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

Aaliyah dropped her bags on a bed, claiming it for herself. “Where did Casey say about where we can start looking?”

“The high school. Apparently, they were seen after school and heading off for home.” Xander pulled out a folder and opened it on the table. “This is what info that Casey gave us to work off of.”

Aaliyah joined her brother at the table and flipped through the pages. “Not much to work off of, but it should be something. Juniors at the high school, cheerleader and varsity football player. “Tell me why we should find out what happened to them again.”

“Do you want some bull shit answer? Cuz I really don’t know.” Xander picked up the paper that had Nissa’s most recent picture and basic information on it. “You think we might have had the chance of getting along with them? I mean, the chances of all four of us growing up together were probably slim, but still.”

“With how much he wasn’t home, for work or hunting I don’t care,” Aaliyah picked up Leo’s profile sheet. “I doubt it. We barely know these two. Hell, they’re a good four years younger than me.”

“Barely outta high school,” Xander commented. “Or half way through a four year college if they went.”

“Come on, we got people to interview.” Aaliyah grabbed one of her bags and darted for the bathroom.

“And what do you think…”

“Fed suit,” Aaliyah shot through the cracked bathroom door. “Not like we’re gonna get answers looking like we just dealt with a demon.” She stripped off the clothes she had one since leaving Bobby’s and left them in a pile as she adjusted the Fed suit Amanda helped pick out a couple years ago. Either the clothes got bigger or Aaliyah lost serious weight since she wore them last. A shopping trip was in store if there was enough money after the case.

“Remind me to look for some new clothes,” Aaliyah told her brother as she stepped out of the bathroom.

She looked down at how the jacket fell over her and heard the soft scrape of a shoe over the cheap carpet. Her eyes shifted up toward the sound just as a person stepped in just a bit too to her, a blade touched her throat.

“Who are you?” a feminine voice questioned.

Aaliyah felt her throat move against the blade as she swallowed. “I should be asking you that. Unless you’re into something…” The blade’s pressure on her neck increased a little.

“I’m not playing games here,” the woman stated. “Again, who are you two?”

“FBI,” Aaliyah said. “Clearly you don’t expect us to be in our suits all the time.”

“I don’t expect the FBI to be holed up in a cheap motel,” the woman said.

“We’ve got all sorts of surprises,” Aaliyah heard Xander chime in.

“So, do us all a favor and let us go,” Aaliyah requested, hearing the half threat in her voice.

“Not going to happen,” a new voice, a man maybe no older than his female counterpart, spoke up. “We don’t like competition.”

“Competition from a couple Feds?” Xander asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Hunters,” the woman corrected. “We know you’re from outta town.”

“All that from what?” Aaliyah questioned. “Unless you’re just grasping for reasons why you broke into our room.”

“What FBI agent carries around sawed off shotguns, a book of demon lore, and a … book of keys of Solomon?” the man asked. “And we all know that the X-Files ain’t real.”

“Prove it,” Aaliyah challenged. “We know that the government won’t confirm or deny about that.”

“Not that we’d be inclined to do so,” Xander added.

“So, you’re really FBI?” the man asked. “Why would you be looking into a local case that’s been cold for a year?”

“There’s been someone who had been persistent in trying to solve the case,” Aaliyah answered. “The locals have given up, so the person went up the chain.” The blade’s pressure eased a little against her neck.

“They don’t believe us,” Xander shot over to Aaliyah.

“Not a surprise,” Aaliyah replied. “How ‘bout we all relax here and see what we all want? Nice thought, huh?” She willed her breath to remain steady as the room fell into silence. The blade pulled away from her neck, and Aaliyah turned her head in such a way to pull at the knot in her neck. “Good, some level of trust. Now … We don’t know you …”

“And you don’t trust us,” Xander finished.

“Why do you have this folder?” the man asked, holding it up. “Again, I believe you’re not FBI.”

“More like hunters,” the woman said.

Aaliyah looked between the two and swore they matched the pictures in the folder. “So, you caught us. What are you gonna do? If you know we’re hunters, you know the locals won’t believe you.”

“None really do,” Xander added. “Unless you already know that, Nissa."

Aaliyah turned her attention to the woman next to her and attempted to see past the dirt and grim. Or was that just an unknown time of pushing through without sleep? “Well, I guess we can go say we found ‘em.”

“What do you mean, ‘found ‘em’?” the woman – Nissa – asked. “Who sent you?” She brought the blade up to Aaliyah.

“You wanna be the one to tell ‘em?” Xander asked. “You’re the one …”

“Don’t be putting me on the spot,” Aaliyah cut in, turning just enough to see Xander being released by Leo. “I didn’t ask for this case.” She mentally cursed their father for dumping this case on their laps. “Not my fault he decided to descend from whatever high horse he was on to visit us lowly hunters.”

“Who’s this person you’re talking about?” Leo asked, his face contorted just enough in confusion.

“Our father,” Xander said. “He hadn’t been the most … attentive parental unit for us growing up.”

Aaliyah shifted her gaze between Nissa and Leo as they seemed to have a silent conversation between them. “I won’t hold any illusions about it…” she started before Leo held up a hand, silencing her.

“We’ve been told about you two,” he said. “Our father had told us, when we were old enough to actually understand what he was saying, that we had a couple half siblings out in the world.”

“And that he had attempted to keep them safe and his hunting a secret,” Nissa added. “He had left them when they were old enough to take care of themselves.”

“All the while leaving hunting behind,” Leo finished.

“Did he tell you about the substandard living conditions we were in?” Xander countered.

“Or the long hours at work that he had to pull just to get food for us?” Aaliyah tossed in, gesturing at Xander. “Or the times I had to skip the last hour of school just so I can get a job and do homework? I’ve seen your house, that was a palace compared to what we had growing up.”

“You were what?” Leo took a couple menacing steps toward Aaliyah.

Aaliyah shifted a foot back with her weight mostly on the front one, and brought her fists up. “Stop, right there. I was on a case, and the trail just led me there. Now, take a step back or see yourself on the floor.” She stared him down with the half dare of actually following through with his threat of physical violence.

“Clearly we all started off on a bad foot,” Nissa chimed in, trying to defuse the tension. “Why don’t we all just take a few steps back and try this again.”

Aaliyah kept her stance until Leo moved back to the wall. “I can see why John didn’t deal with other hunters much,” she muttered to herself. It had been a clear thing she understood in the short time she had been with him on the two hunts she saw him.

“What was that?” Leo asked, his voice raised more than what it should had been.

“You’ve got an ugly mug for a face,” Aaliyah shot back.

“You said John and hunters.”

“Not this again,” Nissa said, rolling her eyes. “Leo, we don’t have time for dad’s little mission for you.”

“You know as well as I that we need to find Winchester and tell him about the demon and the Colt.”

“Too little too late,” Aaliyah cut in, gaining the attention of her siblings. “Oh, you didn’t know? John’s dead, about a good week or so now.” She nodded as the two stared at her.

“How?” Nissa asked. “I mean, from what we heard, John was a tough hunter who didn’t take shit from anyone.”

Aaliyah shrugged. “Went up against a demon he couldn’t put down. Bad luck of it, too. Nearly had the Colt. Not that anyone knows what the Colt looks like.” She took note of how Leo and Nissa took the news; both dejected at the news and the possible end of their hunt. “That’s what I’ve heard anyway. I hadn’t seen him in a few years. Not since we took out that werewolf on a Michigan college campus.”

“You?” Nissa said, eyes frowned in partial confusion. “You were there for that?”

Aaliyah tilted her head at the question.

Nissa shifted her weight. “It’s bit of a legend among the hunters. How a college student in the nursing program had taken on a full grown werewolf on her first hunt with some tips from the seasoned hunters. How’d you survive that?”

“I barely survived.” Aaliyah caught Xander’s uneasy stance. “I walked away bloody and scarred.”

Leo made a noise in disbelief. “Like you survived a fight against a werewolf attack. Those who go up against one are either bitten and turned or have their heart eaten.”

Aaliyah pulled her jacket off before tossing it onto a bed and unbuttoned the shirt up and over her head before turning to show off the scars from the fight. “Does this answer your question? Yes, it was a werewolf. Yes, I barely survived. And yes, it was John and his son Dean who were there. Now, before you go and try to lord over me, I’ve been at this longer than you. I’ve seen things that most hunters don’t in their lifetimes.” She threaded her arms back through her shirt. “There’s things I shouldn’t have survived in the past few weeks, or seen, but I have.”

“You’re bluffing,” Leo countered, uncertainty in his voice.

“Am I? The scars should be proof enough of the werewolf attack. I have hospital records of injuries sustained in a car crash that I shouldn’t have been able to walk from.” Aaliyah glared at Leo as she crossed her arms. “So, tell me, little brother, am I bluffing?” She watched him waiver under her attention before turning away. “That’s what I thought. The two of you have been hunting for what, a year?”

“Six months,” Nissa corrected. “We heard Dad’s stories and wanted to do it as well.”

“Stupid move,” Xander said. “Who willing goes to hunt?”

“No one,” Aaliyah answered. “That werewolf was a threat I wanted to help take care of. Hunting isn’t one of those things you can just get out of easy. It finds a way to pull you back in no matter what you try and do. Trust me, I know. Two years of hunting while attending college. I nearly didn’t graduate on time; I was nearly late for my ceremony. You two; you’re still able to get out. So, pack up your stuff and go home.” She turned back for the bathroom, grabbing her change of clothes on the way.

With the door closed behind her, Aaliyah stared at herself in the mirror, her blue and hazel eyes stared back at her. Deep bags hung under her eyes even as her legs threatened to give out from under her. Standing in one place was a strain on her still healing back. How she managed to not collapse in front of her siblings was still a mystery. Xander’s voice was muffled through the door as he and their siblings talked. Aaliyah the shirt off.

“Aaliyah?” there was a knock after Xander’s voice. “Hey, they’ve … invited us over to the house for … a talk. I have half a mind to accept.”

“What’s there to talk about? I told ‘em to get out while they could. If they still wanna hunt, it’s on them.” Aaliyah stepped out of the pants and eased her jeans on.

“That’s the thing, they wanna learn how to hunt,” Xander answered. “And apparently you’re the best one to teach ‘em.”

“Why does it have to be me? Half the lore I know is from pop culture, and who knows what’s been twisted up from the source material?” Aaliyah eased the shirt up and over her head. “Like the skin changer or the Djinn? What’s changed about them from their material?”

“Wrong person. Let’s just make sure they get home. After that, we can head off for our own thing.”

Aaliyah heard the longing in Xander’s voice to get back to Bobby’s without actually saying the destination. It might be a good thing he was being vague about it; less of a chance of their half siblings following them or showing up on their own. “Why do I have a feeling that this case was nothing more than a way for our father to get the four of us to meet?” She opened the door to see her brother there.

He shrugged. “Beats me. I say, between us, we should take them with us back up. If they are gonna still hunt, it wouldn’t hurt.”

“It’s a bad idea.”

***

“You’re right, it’s a bad idea,” Bobby’s voice told Aaliyah.

She had called him from the same house she and Dean were in a couple years ago. Xander was keeping their family occupied with stories growing up while she made the call to Bobby.

“You can blame Xander, Bobby,” Aaliyah told him. “All his idea. I tried talking them outta it; even showed off my scars from the werewolf. Still they insisted on hunting. There’s no way they survived six months on their own hunting. Hell, I barely did the weeks after my first if it wasn’t for Amanda.” She heard Bobby muttering stuff about family drama and hunting before hearing what sounded like glass hitting the desk. “Xander and I will be with them on an easy case,” Aaliyah tried to assure him. “If they can survive that without major injury, we might try again.”

“And your father’s okay with this?”

Aaliyah peered around the corner and listened to the distant conversation. “I don’t think he cares either way. This is the same guy who was a hunter and left two of his children to hunt.”

“Just don’t kill him,” Bobby advised.

“A good idea, but I’m not sure how to do it with witnesses,” Aaliyah replied. “Its not chaos in the ER. I’ll see you soon.” She hung up and headed back into the kitchen, laughter drifting from the room.

“You get hold of your friend?” Casey asked when Aaliyah stepped up to the counter.

“Yeah. They’re expecting us in the next few days.”

“We’ll go pack,” Nissa said, nudging her brother away from the counter.

Aaliyah waited for them to disappear down the hallway before turning to Casey. “I don’t know what your plan was, but it was stupid. Any one of us could have gotten hurt. Don’t expect them to be back any time soon.”

“Is that a threat, young…”

Aaliyah held up a finger. “Don’t pull that tone on me. It may have worked if you had been around more. You messed up, and you know it.” She stared her father down even as she heard noise from the hallway. “I hope you know, if it sinks in, that the life you hoped to save your children from is the same one they’re in.”

Aaliyah turned from the counter and joined her siblings in the living room before leaving the house. A small part of her held some guilt in what she said, but it was something she had to say. There was too much Aaliyah had seen already not to sugar coat anything anymore.

“Aaliyah,” Nissa said, opening the car door. “You gotta tell us about what happened with the demon and John.”

“I’d rather not, right now.” Aaliyah forced back the grimace of pain as she slipped into the front seat. “It’s still a relatively painful thing.”

“Going face to face with a demon’s painful?” Leo questioned.

“It’s what was involved,” Aaliyah said. “It was the same one that killed Mary Winchester.”

“Revenge killing,” Nissa told Leo. “Not the best start to hunting.”

“Never a good reason to get into it,” Aaliyah said. “What got the two of you into it?”

“Stories, mostly,” Leo said. “Dad’s had friends, mostly hunters, pass through for a night or two before they moved on. He’d help when he could while trying to keep us out of it.”

“Until this one decided to eavesdrop and wanted to go off on a ghost hunt,” Nissa jumped in. “Shit himself senseless from it.”

“I told you that in confidence,” Leo yelled.

“Dad found out and insisted that if we were to start hunting, we needed to cram our heads full of lore,” Nissa said, ignoring Leo. “Not that we have much use for it if we’re not allow to hunt.”

“So he gave you lore but didn’t allow you to hunt?” Xander questioned, his eyes shifted to the rearview mirror to the backseat.

Nissa shrugged. “Might have been one of those rite of passage things certain people do. He finally allowed us to do a hunt about a year ago, and we lost contact about a month or two in.”

“And you two were reported missing,” Aaliyah hazarded. “So he had local cops and hunters out looking for you?”

“Good guess. I don’t know where he found the two of you, but I’m half glad he did.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because there’s something out there following us,” Leo said, his gaze out the window.

“Like what?”

“Not sure; but we’re sure it’s attached to an item,” Nissa said. “And we don’t know how to get rid of it.”

[anamuseinglife]

Iditapod: Taking 24-hour rests, as Aliy takes the lead

Aliy Zirkle: Sure. Name of the race is Iditarod, why not go to Iditarod. I haven’t been there in a long time.

[theme music plays]

Casey Grove: Welcome to the Iditapod, a podcast about the Iditarod that aims to take you out on the trail. I’m your host, Casey Groves, and before we take you out on the trail, why not a word from our sponsor?

[ad plays]

CG: Well, everybody, the frontrunners made it into Ophir Wednesday morning, and all along the trail mushers are starting to declare their 24 hour rests; as Iditarod declare those rests, Girdwoods Nicolas Petit - he took second place last year, let me remind you - he pushed back into the lead, and reached the ghost town checkpoint of Ophir about 1 am Wednesday. He was trailed by Two Rivers musher Aliy Zirkle and Nenana musher Jessie Holmes. But, it appears, according to the GPS tracker, that Aliy Zirkle, as I’m recording this Wednesday morning, is leading the Iditarod, it looks like she took off out of Ophir before Nicolas Petit, that is based on a look at the GPS tracker at Iditarod.com. As I’m recording this, the current standings in the race - that’s the list of when mushers arrive and leave which checkpoints - that has not been updated to reflect that Aliy is in the lead, but I believe that to be true. Anyway, the trio that had been leading the race, they declared their 24 hour rest immediately after turning into Takotna. That is a nice place known for its pies and hospitality, I can tell you that firsthand. It’s a little over 20 miles before the mushers reach Ophir. And the first one in there was Joar Leifseth Ulsom, followed by Jessie Royer and Pete Kaiser. So, Tuesday night, a little after 7, Ulsom led that first set of mushers into Takotna.

[dogs barking]

Unknown male voice: 24

Unknown female voice: Declaring 24, alright

CG: Ulsom’s team parked in one of the choice spots for a long term rest, against the wall of a community hall, out of the way of the wind. About an hour later, Jessie Royer pulled in. Jessie said she always takes her 24 at Takotna, and her team has a little bit of a routine there.

Jessie Royer: They know where they’re going. They’re already headed to the church.

CG: It’s a quiet spot near the building, where the mushers sleep, but unfortunately the deep snow there was punchy, and the checkers were finding other areas for dogs. For Royer, the decision to stop at Takotna is part of her overall race.

JR: It’s where I 24 every year [laughs] so not a whole lot of thought behind it. Mostly, just a really good spot, um, for both a musher and dogs. I’ve been here enough that I kinda know where I want, where I like to stay, although apparently this year it’s a little different. It’s just so convenient here, so it’s easy to take care of the dogs fast. So I can get more sleep to.

CG: Little while later, Pete Kaiser arrived, parking his dogs not far from Royer. And hot on his heels was Nic Petit, who was in the Takotna checkpoint for only a minute and half.

Nic Petit: So you’ve got to sign my book?

CG: Petit was in a rush, he was trying to get all his paperwork signed ASAP, with a dog team that was so amped, they were dragging the sled for about two dozen feet at one point. His big headphones blasted music while his dogs yelped, they were eager to keep running. Zachariah Hughes was in Takotna giving us this report, he said it was pretty hectic. Petit took off before getting any of his drop bags, or even a premade meal to take along with him.

[dogs yelping]

Unknown Male Voice: Need anything out of your bag?

Nic Petit: Nope!

CG: So, after they take their 24, the mushers have another 8 hour rest they have to take at a checkpoint along the Yukon river, and another mandatory stop at White Mountain, that’s about 80 miles from the finish. So that’s a long ways from now. There’s a lot of strategy as to where a musher takes their 24 hour rest, though. That mandatory stop, it’s related to how the Iditarod corrects the race times for that staggered start in Willow. Remember, they don’t just all take off at once. Here’s today’s listener question, it comes to us all the way from England. Take it away, Morgan

Morgan: Hey guys, it’s Morgan, from England. My question is, if the mushers all have a staggered start time at the start of the race, how are the times manipulated so that when it comes to the finish line, it’s the first musher over the line that wins. Any help would be great. Cheers guys. Bye.

CG: It’s a good question, thanks Morgan. We tossed this one to KNOM’s Ben Matheson, who is good with numbers and math and things like that.

Ben Matheson: The short answer is that the start differential is made up at the 24 hour break. And the way the math works is that the musher that left Willow last, in this case bib number 53 Cindy Gallea, will rest exactly 24 hours. Mushers with lower bib numbers will be allowed to leave their 24 hour breaks the equivalent of 2 minutes for each bib place. So, the first musher this year to have left Willow will rest a total of 25 hours and 42 minutes. The longer answer is that the different 24 hour breaks take place over 2 or 3 days, in multiple locations. It becomes difficult to see who’s up front and who’s behind. And then, there’s daylight savings, that takes place early Sunday morning during the race. So I hope everyone is ready to do some math.

CG: Thanks for that, Ben. We appreciate your analytical mind. Speaking of which, Ben does a lot of work with data, you can find some of his work at benmatheson.github.io. Also, I want to mention our twitter handles. Ben is simply @benmatheson, Zach Hughes is @zachhughesak, and I’m @kcgrove. You can also find a lot more reporting at alaskapublic.org. That’s kind of where we house all of our stories and photos. Zach and Ben will be talking to more mushers here as they take those 24 hour rests, I’m interested to hear from Linwood Fiedler, I guess he hit a stump earlier in the race, his sled came unattached from his dogs, and Mats Pettersson actually towed his sled, with him on it, until, in the dark, they found Linwood’s team, all of his dogs together, kind of bunched up. He, in a video at Iditarod insider, described, very emotionally, how he thought there might be some damage to the team, and running along by themselves, not pulling a sled and getting tangled and things.

I’ve also seen some video and pictures of Richie Diehl, who has kind of a black eye right now, because as he was mushing along, he kind of looked away for a second and then got hit in the face by a tree, but he was able to hang on to his sled. Still though, as of Wednesday morning, here we have a full field. Nobody has scratched yet, we have all 52 mushers still in the race. All those mushers are now navigating through warm temperatures and sometimes inconsistent trails though. They’re racing deep into the heart of Alaska’s interior. The teams are gearing up for the push through the emptiest parts of trail. You heard from an amped up Nic Petit earlier, but we’re going to go back to McGrath, back in time to Tuesday, and back to KNOM’s Ben Matheson and his report from McGrath. Petit sounded a lot calmer there, feeding his dogs. He told Ben about his loose plan and how he’s been camping out a lot more in this years Iditarod.

[sounds of movement and moving equipment]

Ben Matheson: Nic Petit was first into the McGrath checkpoint.

Unknown male voice: So, what’s your plan?

Nic Petit: I’m gonna hang out here until I decide what my plan is.

Unknown voice: Ok, sounds good

BM: Petit’s afternoon arrival appears to mark the fastest trip to McGrath on the Iditarod books. And now the mushers are beginning to take their 24 hour rests at the checkpoint of their choosing, Petit was not speaking openly about his plan.

NP: I may stay a couple three hours… maybe 24. We’ll see.

BM: He parks in a secluded spot in the trees, one that the checkpoint crew typically saves for teams doing their 24 hour rest. For being the first to McGrath, Petit wins the Spirit of Iditarod Award, with beaded beaver mitts, and a musher hat sewn by McGrath residents. It was the first extended look for many of the Girdwood musher, who has been camping the entire race, and has not stopped at any checkpoint for more than a few minutes.

NP: You know, Rainy Pass is a zoo. I can’t get any rest there, and all the nice people are trying to talk to you. It’s not really constructive.

BM: He’s said in the pass that he allows his team to run at the speed that they want to. In today’s run, he’s said that they reached a blistering 15 miles per hour. But, his competition was moving fast too. While he was resting in the late afternoon, three teams flew through the checkpoint. First, was Joar Leifseth Ulsom. [dogs barking]. Jessie Royer and Pete Kaiser were next through. Aliy Zirkle stopped for what she expected to be a few hours. She’s been working hard to keep her team hydrated during warm, daytime runs. She says that the trail has alternated between good and soft.

Aliy Zirkle: For all the talk of “there’s tons of snow it’s gonna be a slog”, it hasn’t been that bad. But, things can always be badder, worse.

BM: This is the third day of racing, mushers need to be thinking about taking care of their mental and physical state, something that Zirkle was determined to work on during her brief stopover.

AZ: The only thing I’m missing is sleep. I need to sleep a little bit. I’ve had the opportunity and for some reason my body’s been like “no you’re good, you don’t need any!”. Which isn’t true.

BM: As for her 24 plans, she says she’s going all the way to Iditarod this year, some 124 miles down the trail. When past champion Mitch Seavey arrived later in the evening, his decades of experience told him that something was different on the way in.

Mitch Seavey: It felt like that was an extra long route. Just for me?

BM: That’s because Iditarod trail breakers placed the hundreds of reflective stakes along the Iron Dog snow machine route, instead of the normal Iditarod trail. That tooks teams along the long Oxblow bend on the Kuskokwim river, tacking on 8 more miles than mushers had planned. And plan as they may, it’s now decision time on where to take their crucial 24 hour breaks, and ready their teams for the long march to the Yukon river. For KNOM News, I’m Ben Matheson in Mcgrath.

CG: So, sounds like the Iditarod trail this year became maybe a little bit longer than usual, but that’s the way it goes. They’re doing their best out there, trying to mark that trail and make sure that everybody stays on it. You heard from Nic Petit there, in McGrath, that was earlier in the race of course. We have an extended cut of that interview posted here as a bonus episode of the Iditapod (note: link to that transcript is here - https://pdxjenni.tumblr.com/post/183282060394/iditapod-bonus-episode-interview-with-nic-petit) and there’s one in the works with Aliy Zirkle (transcript link: http://anamuseinglife.tumblr.com/post/183282961791/iditapod-bonus-mcgrath-interview-with-aliy-zirkle) and I’ll be putting that out here shortly today.

It’s really interesting to see her leading the race. Of course, women have won the Iditarod in the past, there was a long string of wins between Libby Riddles and Susan Butcher that led to the saying “Alaska: where men are men, and women win the Iditarod”. But, a woman hasn’t won the Iditarod since Susan Butcher did it in 1990. This year, we have the highest percentage of women in the Iditarod, so maybe this is the year that we crown another female musher as champion. A lot of people out there rooting for Aliy Zirkle from Two Rivers. She’s mushing out in the lead as I record this, and she’s finished in second three different times. A lot of good mushing from her in the past, she’s got a top notch dog team, and there’s a lot of people that are pulling for her.

As always, I want to remind listeners to send us their questions about dog mushing or the Iditarod, you can type those out and send them to iditarod@alaskapublic.org, or if you want a shot at trying to get on the podcast, you can open your smartphone and find you voice memo app, record yourself asking the question, and send that to iditarod@alaskapublic.org. We’re loving all the great questions, we’re going to be asking mushers some of these questions, Ben and Zach are answering some. We’re going to try to check in with Quince Mountain at some point, he’s out there snow machining along the Iditarod trail, I’m very curious as to how’s he doing. But for now, that is all the time we have. Our theme music: it’s by the band Sassafrass. I’m your host Casey Grove, and until next time - happy trails.

[theme music plays out]

Aliy Zirkle: I uh, I always 24 in Takotna, and, you know, Allen and I were talking and, I kind of think we should shake it up a little, I’ve obviously got one thing a little bit wrong, mmmmmmmm, sounds like a good shake up, huh?

Ben Matheson: I was going to ask about a little bit of diarrhea, I saw?

AZ: I’m doing fine, thank you for asking [all laugh]

[golbrocklovely]

only the lonely survive // colby brock - chapter ten: you suck so passionately

A/N: hey everyone. i’m slowly trying to churn these out since i’m only two or so chapters ahead. so, i might not update for another couple days. that being said, i will be posting the first chapter of ‘twisted’ soon, so get ready for that. i’m also gonna be posting a playlist of all the chapter titles from this story.  feel free to request anything in the meantime.  hope you enjoy! :)

description of the story

taglist:  @ajosieface , @localsleeper , @julyrubyrose

trigger warning: fluff, cursing

word count: 1758

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

I could feel the bed shift around me. I still had my eyes closed, not wanting to get up yet. I peaked open one eye. I could see the silhouette of a man, pulling jeans on. His back was to me.

Colby...

He grabbed the shirt off the chair in the corner and threw it on. I stretched slowly, pulling the covers off me. Colby turned to me.

"Did I wake you up?" He quietly asked.

I shook my head. "Not really. What time is it?"

"It's a little after eleven." He replied, grabbing his phone.

"And you're awake? Congratulations." I mumbled, smirking.

He chuckled. "Funny."

I pulled myself out of my bed. "Are you leaving right now?"

"Yeah. My uber's gonna be here in a minute or so." He nodded, slowly walking out of my room. I followed behind him.

We walked into the living room. Brennen, lounged on the couch, looked up and saw us.

"Hey cutie." Brennen commented.

"Are you saying that to me or Colby?" I sassed, resting my hands on my hips.

"...Both." He replied.

I shook my head, rolling my eyes. I heard Colby's phone vibrate. He glanced down at it. "My ride's here."

"Okay. It was nice seeing you again." I mentioned, opening my arms and giving him a hug.

He squeezed me tight, swaying us. "I'll text you later." He whispered.

"Alright." I pulled away, smiling.

He waved at Brennen and opened the front door, leaving quickly.

"Is Casey here?" I asked, turning to Brennen.

He shook his head. "No, she left early this morning."

"She's probably at the gym. She likes to go super early if she has a lot on her mind." I stated, shrugging slightly.

"Can I be straight with you?" Brennen inquired.

"Sure?"

"Do you realize how much Colby likes you or are you playing hard to get?"

I cocked my head to the side. "What?"

"I'm serious." He deadpanned.

"Colby doesn't like me." I doubted, crossing my arms.

"Yeah, he does. I know him very well and even though he falls in love with every girl he meets, you seem a bit different." He pointed out, mimicking my stance.

"I highly doubt he likes me. We're just friends." I scoffed.

"For right now. Do you like him?" He teased, smirking.

I exhaled. "C'mon Brennen..."

"I just want to know. I won't tell him." He chuckled.

"I mean... I guess so." I answered.

Brennen queried. "Are you attracted to him?"

"Are you attracted to Casey?" I taunted.

His face twisted. "This isn't about me."

"Answer my question and I'll answer yours." I dared, uncrossing my arms.

After a moment, he responded. "Yes."

"Okay." I slowly started walking to the kitchen.

"Well is that an 'okay' to my answer or to my question?" He questioned, following me into the kitchen.

"Both?" I grinned.

I grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge as he entered.

"Do you know if she likes me?" He mumbled, looking down towards the floor.

"Casey? I mean... I know she finds you hot." I admitted.

He rolled his eyes. "Well, everyone does. But how do I get her to like me more?"

"First and foremost, maybe stop flirting with me." I explained, shrugging.

"But I find it so fun." He teased, sitting on the counter.

"She doesn't. And Colby probably doesn't either if he apparently likes me." I insisted, taking a sip from my bottle.

He nodded his head. "Valid point. But if all else fails, you're still my future baby mama."

"No, I'm not." I groaned.

He moved on. "Oh by the way, the Trap House is throwing a party tomorrow."

I scrunched up my face. "You guys literally went to a party last night."

"That is true, however, it did end with us almost fighting a clout chaser." He recalled.

"I guess so." I agreed.

"Plus, a lot of the parties we've been to recently have kinda sucked. But the Trap House... they know how to throw a party." He smiled brightly.

The front door busted open, banging against the wall. "Brennen I'm gonna fucking kill you!" Casey's voice yelled out. She came rushing into the kitchen.

"Woah, woah, woah! What did I do?!" He sputtered, jumping off the counter.

"You know exactly what you did! Delete the tweets right now!" She shoved her finger at him, getting in his face.

"What tweets?" I asked.

She grunted. "You haven't seen them, have you?"

"No? What's going on?" I puzzled.

"Last night at the party, Brennen asked for my number and in my slightly tipsy state, I mistakenly gave it to him. He also asked for our instagrams so I gave them to him. And since your and mine's ats are the same on insta and twitter, he followed us on both." She explained, glaring at Brennen.

"Okay? And what's the problem?" I replied.

Brennen sighed, and slowly pulled his phone out. "Well I might have tweeted about Travis and what he said to you..."

He slowly showed me his phone. It was on his twitter, showing three tweets in a row from him at around one AM last night.

BrennenTaylor: TRAVIS MARCUS IS A BITCH

BrennenTaylor: what fuckin loserr has to make fun of girls and film it to feel good about themselves??? @travismarcus

BrennenTaylor: @skyebennett is fucking GORGEOUS and @travismarcus is an asshole for calling her fat. what are u 12?

It took a moment for the words to click in my head. "Brennen..." I sighed, covering my eyes.

"Look I'm sorry! I was drunk and pissed off. I wrote them when I was in the uber on the way over here. I forgot I even wrote them to be honest." He apologized, pulling his phone away from me.

"What are people saying... about me?" I questioned.

"Everyone's being really nice honestly. But Brennen shouldn't of at-ed you in the first place." Casey sneered, slapping Brennen's arm lightly.

"Has Travis said anything?" I mumbled.

"No. But he did DM me asking me to take the tweets down 'cause he heard this is gonna go on Messy Monday soon." Brennen pointed out.

"That's gonna make the situation so much worse." I grumbled, resting my back against the counter.

"I know you probably don't want attention, but people need to know he's a dick." Brennen sighed again, continuing. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I'll take them down if you want me to."

I shook my head. "No it's fine."

We all stood around awkwardly for a moment. I could tell Brennen was uncomfortable and Casey was still pretty pissed. "I'll be right back." I uttered, leaving the kitchen quickly.

I could hear Casey and Brennen bicker as I went to my room to get my phone. I hadn't even thought to look at it this morning. I grabbed it and turned it on. Multiple notifications popped up. I went to Youtube first.

I had gained about 500 new subscribers.

Oh... I guess that's nice.

I then went to Instagram. I had many request messages. And from scrolling through some, I could tell most people felt bad for me. Some, who were fans of Travis, were not so empathetic. Finally going to twitter, I saw extreme amounts of positive messages. There was a hashtag started - #travismarcusisoverparty. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

This doesn't even feel real at this point.

I scrolled through my dms to see I had a message from Travis himself.

Travis: please tell Brennen to take down the tweets. Things are getting out of hand. I apologize for what I said.

I rolled my eyes but replied to the message anyway.

Skye: I can't force him to take it down. That's up to him. Thank you for apologizing, but you shouldn't have said what you said in the first place. You're too old to be making fun of people like that.

"Hey Skye?" I heard Brennen voice call to me.

I looked up to see him standing in my doorway. "Yeah?"

"I'm gonna be heading out. I gotta go feed Kobe and go workout. Also if I don't leave soon, Casey's gonna murder me." He stated.

I chuckled. "Okay. Give me a hug goodbye."

He smiled sadly, walking over to me and embracing me. He pulled away, keeping me in his arms. "I'm really sorry I brought you into this dumb drama."

"It's okay. I don't mind what you said. And I mean besides, Travis was gonna get his comeuppance at some point. It just happened to deal with me too." I shrugged.

He cocked his head to the side, smirking. "Comeuppance?"

"What?" I asked.

"Do they use words like that in college? I wouldn't know obviously..." He trailed off, slowly backing away from me.

I groaned. "Oh my God, get out of my house."

"Alright, I'm going, I'm going." He mimicked back, waving. "I'll text you later!"

"See ya!" I yelled back, grabbing my phone.

Just as I heard the front door close, I felt my phone vibrate. I looked down, seeing a new message from Colby.

Colby: forgot to tell u but i'm throwing a party tomorrow. do u wanna come???

I smiled, opening the message and responding.

Skye: Brennen already told me about it. And yeah I'm down 😊

I walked over to my dresser and grabbed some clothes for the day. I heard my phone vibrate again.

Colby: i know this is sudden, but would u want to film a video w me?

Wait what?

Skye: uh yeah. what did you have in mind?

I sat on my bed, waiting for him to reply. I could see he was typing out his message.

Colby: i was thinking like a q&a with a fan or something else if u have a better idea

I couldn't believe this was happening. He actually wanted to film a video with me...

Maybe Brennen wasn't lying about him like me after all.

Skye: no I like that idea! when did you want to film it?

I started to get dress, needing to do something to pass the time in between Colby texting me.

*buzz buzz*

Colby: before the party tomorrow, if that's good for you.

I bit my lip staring down at my phone. I almost couldn't contain my excitement.

Skye: sounds great! lmk when you want me to come over tomorrow then

I placed my phone down, and then slowly laid down on my bed. I glanced up at the ceiling.

Why do I think this party tomorrow is gonna change my life?

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