#Leo's mom moment counter

[000marie198]

Leo's Mom Moments™ counter in Turtle Temper:

Shushes and lightly scolds Raph and Mikey to be quiet on missions

Stops them again with a, "Alright, enough," when Raph is forcing praises out of the youngest.

Grabs Raph's arm, stopping him from pulling out his sai and attacking human Spiderbytez and says, "Let's go."

Gets mockingly called Mommy by the dude right afterwards.

Is the first one to reach forth and hold Raph back when his brother's weapon was called Salad Tongs and Raph tried to attack. (Donnie and Mikey join later.)

Elbows his brother so he would say, "Please"

"Okay okay. Thankyou, Raphael, I will take over." (Manages to make him mellow out with just an upset pout like a child)

Worries about Raph walking away from the fight all of a sudden and gets distracted enough to be downed temporarily.

Disappointed Mom Lecture ™

Going, "Not now, Donnie," when in lecture mode.

"Hey." Stops Donnie and Mikey from beating each other up when they're pulling their silly shenanigans and then shushes them with a glare.

Shushes human Spiderbytez

"Don't worry. The four of us can handle it." (Tries to reassure)

This proud smile:

"Well, you've been punished long enough. Come join us." (If this isn't a Mom dialogue, I don't know what is.)

Gives a proud compliment at the end.

.........

Also, just seeing Raph listening to Leo throughout the episode (when he wasn't too angry that is) like a duckling following it's mother. Like, he mellowed down with an angry pout so many times!

Counting all these moments, it makes sixteen in total, in a single episode! Imagine how much could there be collectively throughout the series and in-universe comics and the Half-Shell Heroes movie.

I think I should do Leo's Mom Moments counter for every episode I rewatch now. See how high it actually is throughout the series.

[youaresimplylovely]

𝗟𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗰 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Y/N comes home and gets surprised to see a new member of the Leclerc family that Charles now adopted

𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: fluff, crack, suggestive, slight smut, slight baby fever

𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: new fic for yall cuz ily all <3 supposed to be posted at 10am est but hey at least its early

𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 1,038k

The thing you loved most about Charles is how open he is and that factors out to fans, family, and now even dogs. Recently, you two adopted Leo which was great until your lovely boyfriend wanted to adopt another, another kid. He didn't say what kind of kid it would be.

And that's how you had Oscar Piastri, which was adopted last race. Then suddenly, Charles adopted Kimi Antonelli which was great too but most importantly the very very first Leclerc was Oliver aka Ollie Bearman. You loved that kid. And so you thought that was it. Wrong!

Recently, weekly Saturday gatherings of your small well not so small anymore family. You decided to do some grocery shopping to cook for the family, after a long hour of shopping you finally arrived home.

The long loud creak of the front door swooned through your ears, causing a long eye roll from the noise. As you entered the house, five familiar figures come across your peripheral vision.

"Mon amour! You're home!" Charles exclaims happily as he sits up from the couch and approaches you. He greets you with a loving kiss on the cheek while his hands reaches out to grab the grocery bags to settle it down in the counter.

"Hello mother earth"

"Hi mom!"

"Hi momma"

The following greetings from your 'kids' was pure bliss, as you were about to reply another familiar face comes behind Charles' back to give you sheepish smile.

"Lando!?" Your eyes widened as a huge smile creeps up your face. Intentionally pushing your boyfriend to the side to give Lando a big hug caused Charles to pout and laugh.

"Meet your new kid baby" Charles smiles happily from the sight of the warm hug between the two of you and Lando.

Oscar scoffs from seeing the two of you hug. "Can't believe you adopted this dope." He laughs, approaching the two of you as he crosses his arms and gives a wide grin to Charles and to his 'brothers'.

"Shut up, they love me." Lando puts his tongue out as he hugs you tighter. "And so do my brothers." He smiles, looking over your shoulder to give a wink to his brothers.

"Our brothers" Oscar corrects him. "To be fair there isn't any official document of your adoption." He raises his eyebrow at Lando as you pull away from the hug.

"Yes there is."

"No there isn't."

"Yes uh."

"Nuh uh."

The two argue back and forth, you sigh contently watching the two. Charles pulls you in his arms and wraps his arms around your waist while he peppers kisses all over your neck.

"To be fair, Lando was my idea" You giggle, putting your arms onto Charles' while he continues kissing you from behind. "And I can confirm that" Charles chuckles.

You could've sworn you saw stars in Lando's eyes. A sudden hug caught you and Charles off guard leaving the two of you a laughing mess. "AW! I WAS YOUR IDEA!" Lando exclaims, hugging the two of you tightly.

"I love you my new mom and you too dad." Lando says.

"C'mer Osc" You look at Oscar, giving him the look to join the hug. Which he eventually did while he still rolled his eyes at Lando. "You're fine I guess." He says laughing as he joins the hug.

"No fair! We have to join the hug too!" Ollie immediately throws the controller to the couch as he quickly joins the hug and Kimi did too.

"Wait a minute, where's baby Leo?" You look over to Charles with a soft look. Your eyes wandering around the living room to find Leo.

"He's upstairs sleeping mon amour, don't worry" He reassures you while he presses a kiss on your lips that you reciprocated.

"ew!" the boys say loudly as they laugh, pulling away from the hug moments later.

Hours after that sweet moment and a long and delicious dinner, you and Charles found yourself relaxing on the couch. Your head rested against his shoulder while the kids fell asleep. Oscar who was laying his body against the couch, peacefully sleeping.

Lando who was sleeping from the floor and his feet resting against Oscar's back. Kimi who was sitting on the other end of the couch with a pillow on his hand and Ollie who was sleeping next to Leo just a few inches away from Kimi.

"I love our family so much baby" Charles says as he presses a kiss on your forehead.

"Me too Cha but I know something's going on with you." You look up at him. You knew something was going on, you guess his adoptions was normal but you swore something was bothering him.

Charles raises his eyebrow even if he knew damn well what was going on. "What do you baby?" He says in a sly voice, hands caressing your hair as he looks at you with a playful smirk.

You were amused by his games but you really knew what was going on. Without hesitation, you straddle yourself into his lap, hands wrapping around the back of his neck. "You want a baby."

Charles chuckles, hands gripping onto your waist as he pulls you in closer. "Maybe." He whispers, his hot breathing creeping through your skin. "It's just you would be such a great mother mon amour and a few months ago when I saw you with that little kid I couldn't stop thinking about having our own"

"Aw Cha, that's so adorable but you know I wouldn't mind for us to be a family of seven." You mutter, your hands caressing his face as you kiss him softly.

"Mmm mon dieu you're gonna get filled up tonight" Charles mumbles as he kisses your back, his hands traveling from your back which caused shivers to you now in your plump ass.

You giggle, a loud but soft gasp comes out of you as you pull away from the kiss. "the kids are here!" You say, playfully smacking his chest.

"Let's go upstairs hm?" He chuckles, realizing the fact that the kids are sleeping. With a swift move, he carries you bridal style and up the stairs to your room.

It was gonna be a long a night.

🏷️ @pear-1206 @raizelchrysanderoctavius @euphoricchills @charlesleclerx @inchident-jpg @amethyst-bitch @dr4g0ngirl @likedbygaslyy @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @httpstoyosi @evermore55 @bibissparkles @lokideservesahug @darleneslane @shelbyteller @spookystitchery @bearryyy @justtprachisblog @alliwantisadonut @papaya-twinks @casperlikej @funnelcakeee @snapeeballsack @silverxxs-world @thearchieves @destinyg237 @thebasicbiatch @67-angelofthelordme-67 @tallrock35 @sya-skies @hockeyboysarehot @iloveyou3000morgan @sugaspawsmari @aymfsts @khaylin27 @be-your-coffee-pot @yettobedetermined7 @dhanihamidi @formula1simp @bokutos-babyowl @peachiicherries @youdontknowmeshh @nyramylove @annispamz @formulaal @scout-likes-sharks @valentine @oliviah-25 @ilovethispookie @multifandombitxh

remaining taglist [to be added later]

[romanoffsbish]

A Bumpy Ride

Scarlett Johansson x Actress!R

Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda) x F!R (a blip of a scene)

Request by: 🦥

A/N: I wrote the EO x R kiss as if I was writing a Wanda fic, literally just wrote the imagined scene. | Also, if this is too beyond what you wanted, feel free to request a do over fic. I might’ve gotten carried away.

Warnings: Jealous/Possessive Scarlett.

Smut: Daddy (Top-R), Kitten (Power Bottom-S), Fingering (S), Face-Riding (S) Kinks: Lactation, Praising, Slight Degradation.

18+ | Minors DNI

Labeled, please don’t report.

Scarlett wore a wide smile as you guided her through the set of your current Marvel film. This was a nice experience for her, watching as the legacy she had an integral part in building continued on through you, and the others.

It was rather bittersweet too though, seeing images from the iconic movies past, when she was younger and in the fittest shape of her life. Now she wears her post pregnancy tummy pouch with reassured pride, and eats a far less restrictive diet as she holds no obligations to have a widely unobtainable superhero physique.

—

Without Marvel she wouldn't have skyrocketed in her career, and she is beyond grateful to them for that, but she more importantly has them to thank for finding you, and the sweet, domestic life she now lived with you and Leo. The pretty little boy grew in her body, but he shared your likeness, as you hadn't the time to be pregnant yourself, so IVF it was until 2026 when your contract with Marvel was finally up.

When you finally turned to take in your wife after droning on about today's filming, you noticed the deep pout she wore, and you softly pecked it away. "What's troubling you, love?"

"I miss Leo," she confessed quietly, and you smiled sadly at her, the ache in your chest was the same as his smiling face tauntingly flashed through your mind, "Me too my love, I miss his kissable little face, and his sweet giggles at the inappropriate hour of 2am," you kissed her pout away, and smiled as she herself giggled.

"It'll be okay soon, my last scenes today and tomorrow you'll have that important meeting, then we'll steal him back from your moms."

Scarlett burrowed into your offered embrace with a muffled huff, "I miss his baby smell."

"Me too," you snorted as you swayed her body.

"Wait, did you say you had a steamy scene with Lizzie today?" Scarlett's mind finally caught up to your previously uttered words, and that once soft pout of hers slipped into a deep scowl.

You chuckled softly, "I'd hardly call it steamy," your wife however wasn't amused, "It's a kiss."

"A kiss that will create a hoopla of rumors."

"Scarlett," you sighed, it was always the same insecurity, and you'd never get mad at her for it, the fans edits can be quite convincing seeing as how you and Lizzie are literal best friends.

"They have been shipping us since the dawn of time, and that's cause I'm an amazing actress," you subtly reminded her of your profession, the one she shares with you, "Do you know how many men I've had to see you macking with?"

Scarlett shrugged, a silent gesture in attempt to brush passed your honest counter to hers.

"It doesn't really matter either, because I am assured every night when I come home to your loving embrace that you're all mine, and it's not a question baby, I'm irrevocably yours."

"I just wish they'd stop it, you know? We're all married now, with our families in the making."

"Yeah, but also Scar, when you agreed to marry me you knew Lizzie was apart of that deal," you teased her as you brought her into the dressing room so you could prepare for the kiss scene.

Scarlett rolled her eyes, it was the truth, she of course saw Lizzie as family, but she didn't have to like the way the world of Hollywood works.

Elizabeth was your first connection at Marvel as you started filming together, so it was no shock that the two of you hit it off. Then your alliance was set in stone from the moment Age of Ultron hit theaters. People shipped your character with Wanda's, but it was a different era, so the palpable chemistry between you and your new friend was swept under the rug, and it was exchanged for a queer coded on screen pining on your character's ends as she explored the more sellable at the time ship with Vision.

As fandoms do though, they took the shipping a step further and soon it was you shipped with Lizzie. Clips from differing press junkets were stitched together, along with solo interviews where you'd be questioned about the other. Elizabeth and you were platonic soulmates, so it was easy for fans to romanticize your replies.

At the time you were out, you never once hid from Hollywood, and neither had Lizzie, she didn't expressly label herself, but the way she spoke so candidly at times gave her away. So the shipping didn't bother either of you much. But it did bother Scarlett, she had her eyes on you from day one, and once she had you she was constantly afraid you'd leave her for the mutual friend who wasn't still hiding away.

Throughout the years it had only got more and more aggressive, and it infuriated your now wife. It occurred at its peak during a time when Scarlett hadn't wanted to have to come out yet. She was still trying her darnedest to wipe away her forced image as a sex symbol, the last thing she needed was creeps fetishizing your love.

However, after about three interviews with your posse of girls during the Infinity War junket your lover finally lost her composure. Four years of having the love she'd built up with you overshadowed by indecent rumors, well that was enough to drive her to break.

They'd handed the three of you a bin of spicy tweets, and when she was handed one to read about you topping Lizzie she lost it, she glared at the unsuspecting man, throwing the ball of paper at him just before staring directly at the camera as she muttered: "The only person Y/N is topping is me, so suck on that scwitch22."

Scarlett wasn't even embarrassed afterwards, she simply took the spot in your lap, and the interview continued on without a hitch, the tweets were significantly thinned out though. No one wanted to risk another outburst from the shockingly intimidating blonde woman.

"Yeah, as our good friend, not my sister wife," Scarlett eventually huffed after moments of silence, she was too busy watching you change. You looked up to see her arms crossed under her enlarged chest, with her plump lips pursed, and you just could not help but to tease her.

"Well, Leo will one day call her auntie, why not change it to mom?" You dodged her hand as she tried to slap your exposed shoulder, "Y/N, stop testing me, I am still rather hormonal, and unless you wish to be on Snapped, I'd stop."

"A feature on my favorite show?" You gasped with a hand flying over your grinning lips, "You're just the sweetest wife ever my dear."

Before she could actually bring life (or death) to her words you snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her in for a pre hair and makeup kiss. "Stop stressing over the press, you have nothing to worry about, I'm yours!"

The kiss was sickeningly soft, and far too quick for either of your likings, "I love you," you whispered against her lips. "I love you too," she tried to mindlessly chase your lips, but as you pulled away with an apologetic smile she pettily grumbled, "I'm also still mad at you."

"Story of my life," you remarked with a laugh and an indifferent shrug of your shoulders.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at your retreating figure, then after three short minutes stood alone she reluctantly (desperately) followed after you to the trailer for hair and makeup.

Watching you getting into character brought a smile to your lover's face, she adored how you took this role so seriously. Resentments to the rumors aside, she admires the way you and Liz had crafted such a beautiful, long winded story for the fans to devour. Today's scene is actually monumental for the MCU, it's the first intimate confirmation for Wanda and Eliza, so she let her anger go in favor of supporting you.

"You're gonna do great," she whispered into your ear from behind your designated chair, she'd seen your tightly furrowed brows, all she wanted to do was make you feel at peace. You slowly peered up from your script to lock eyes with her through the mirror, and she smiled reassuringly along with her words. "Thanks."

Scarlett nodded, "How can I help my love?"

For the next ten minutes you ran lines with her, there was no reason to worry about her leaking the contents, she wasn't Tom Holland. The woman was a MCU veteran, and knew how to deflect even the slipperiest of questions.

A smirk graced her face as the loosely described kissing scene was up next, she was always looking forward to practicing such lines with you, whether for her film or yours, it didn't matter much; the prospect of letting your costar taste her on you was too exciting.

"Hey ladies."

Speak of the devil...

"You ready Y/N/N?" Lizzie side hugged your scowling wife as she spoke to you with a knowing smirk, "You're a cockblock Olsen."

"Can't have you macking on my woman," she jested, dangerously if Scarlett's glare was to be translated, "She's my woman, remember that."

"She was mine first," Lizzie continued to goad your wife, she would've kept going too, and left you with a monster to drive home with if not for the saving grace of your favorite stagehand.

"Mrs. Y/L/N—Johansson, Mrs. Olsen, the set is ready, and the director sent me to collect you."

Lizzie left with him instantly, knowing when to retreat from a standoff with your wife, and you were two seconds away from doing the same, but your stewing wife stopped your attempts. Her hand swiftly cupped the back of your neck, she pulled you into a bruising kiss, tentatively sliding her tongue in your mouth, unfairly arousing you as she groped your clothed ass. She kissed you until you were near breathless, and mindlessly chewing on her fruity gum.

"Scar," you went to whine, but she traced her thumb around your lips to quell your worries. The lipstick was promptly cleaned off your skin, and a fresh layer was reapplied, it was as if she had never even touched her lips to yours. But the dizzy look in your eye tells her the memory was strong enough without the mess.

For the sake of your career she slid her hand into yours, and guided you to your outdoor set, "Go get em tiger," she winked, and you simply chuckled as she referenced your character's feline tendencies, her silly antics always helped to settle your heart, she was the ideal partner.

Scarlett waved to the familiar director before she settled into your chair, then her eyes zeroed in on the leather jacket they slid over to you, and then she saw the motorcycle. Natasha was always on a motorcycle, it was like her signature ride so she was familiar with the set up for the scene. Scarlett had never been on one though, which now that she thinks of it is rather odd since riding was a leisurely passion of yours up until Leo was born. The Harley taking up space in the garage a daily reminder.

That familiar twinge of jealousy returned to her with a renewed passion as soon as she heard the director call 'action' because then she saw a scene play out that she wanted as her reality.

—~~~~~—ACTION—~~~~~—

Wanda was in the process of slipping on her signature red leather jacket, the one she got (stole) from her mentor all those years ago. As soon as the tight fabric melded to her body you were behind her, slipping your hands just below the chilled fabric to grip her by the waist. Wanda hadn't even a moment to think before a squeal of surprise left her parted lips. With an undeniable strength, and incredible ease you lifted the redhead by your grip on her body, settling her onto the bike, then you seamlessly walked around, hand still on hip, so that you could face her, "You're a bit of a show off..."

"I learned from the best," you sadly stated, a subtle nod to the fallen Avenger who'd trained the both of you into the heroes you were today.

Wanda nodded solemnly, a beat of silence held before you went on, "You ready to go honey?"

You went to step away as she nodded, but the redheads hand shot out to wrap around your wrist to halt you. "Would you judge me if I said I was nervous?" You chuckled softly, but your eyes softened when you realized she meant it.

"Baby," the world rolled off your tongue with a familiar ease, and it successfully made the woman blush, "You've literally flown hundreds of miles above ground without a parachute."

"Eliza," she groaned, her grip tightening at your incessant teasing, "I have control over that."

"Yeah, and this is a walk in the park for me baby girl, I am an expert at this sorta thing."

Wanda bowed her head, a new nervousness settling within her bones as you continued to drop the pet names. "What's wrong Wands?"

The redhead picked her gaze back up, shaking her head from side to side, "Nothings wrong."

"You can't hide from me," you pulled a hand free from her loosened grip, and softly caressed her cheek, her breath promptly hitched, "Eli."

"Mhm?" You smiled innocently, but your eyes shone with an understanding that made her stomach erupt with a soft fluttering. Suddenly your faces were closer, breaths mingling as you both waited on the other to close the small gap.

Wanda felt your hand drift to behind her neck, anticipation built within her as you caressed her heated skin softly. Once your eyes fell to her parted lips she knew it was coming, but in a moment of desperation she surged forward to rush the process along. Her lips pressed to yours firmly, there wasn't much room to move at first as she sought to keep you against her, but when she felt your fingers playing with her baby hairs, while your other hand laid against her hip she knew you weren't going anywhere.

You soon guided the kiss, tilting her head with your firmer grip in her hair you slipped your tongue passed her lips. Even with the kiss deepened, you maintained a softness, exploring her mouth with a tenderness that equated to an 'I've loved you for eons, and I will continue to,' she melted into you in total reciprocity.

"We really have to go baby," you whispered once you pulled away, she panted affectedly while your breathing remained steady enough.

"Why?" The witch whined pitifully, "I don't want this moment to end Eliza, it's perfect."

You smiled in agreement, "Yeah, it was."

Wanda pouted as you spoke of the moment in the past tense, meaning it was over, and so you leaned back in to peck it away, "It'll be even better when we get to a safe house sweetheart."

Wanda sighed, "I'm holding you to that then."

"How about I hold you to me instead?" You teased the witch as your leg flew over the bike behind her seamlessly. Wanda rolled her eyes, but she wore a wide smile that you couldn't see.

Wanda melted into your form as you pulled her body back into yours, your arms slid beneath hers so that you could reach for the handles. Her body shuddered once you placed a kiss to the nape of her neck just before you slid a helmet onto her. "Safety first, Avenger or not."

Wanda giggled, then her hand spun in the air, and a helmet appeared over your head next, "The rules apply to you too, nine lives or not."

You snorted, then instead of prolonging the teasing banter you kicked the stand of the bike up, revved the engine, then shot off abruptly.

—~~~~—SCENE—~~~~~—

Scarlett watched the heady kiss without even flinching, it was a bit of a surprise to her, but she found herself envying Elizabeth's chance to ride on the bike with you more so than the making out. The directors had trusted you enough to actually race around the lot, and when you and Lizzie returned in a fit of giggles she felt the jealousy only intensifying. It was not fair to you, but she only gave you a curt nod when you asked if she was okay, she once again cleaned the lipstick off your face, then left to try and simmer her rage inside your trailer.

"What's the matter now?" Lizzie joked from your side, and you only shrugged, but you'd never struggled to read your wife, the way she had glared at the motorbike as if it had killed her entire family was all you needed to know.

This silly scene here opened you up to a future night full of making it up to your wife. You sighed softly before turning to your scene partner, you watched a grin take over her face as a realization of sorts had dawned upon her.

"You're welcome," she winked before turning around to return to the set, you two had one more follow up scene to shoot, and then you'd have to face your attractively jealous partner.

—

The ride home was radio silent; literally, she slapped your hand away when you tried to fill the tense silence with your favorite playlist.

Scarlett pulled into the garage, a heavy sigh left her lips as she unbuckled, but she didn't speak.

Her door slammed shut, she attempted to race into the house, but you were too quick for her. Scarlett's breath hitched when your hands held her firmly in place, "Now, now kitten, why must you make this difficult by running?"

Scarlett tried to keep her angry front up, but when you manhandled her into the air she lost any semblance of control, you spun her around in your hold so that your lips brushed teasingly as you plopped her onto the Harley backwards.

"Is this what you needed baby?"

Scarlett mindlessly leaned back against the handles, her legs spreading as she did, and you couldn't help but to chuckle at the sight of her.

"Such a beautiful, desperate mess you are for daddy, look at you, you're soaked on through."

Scarlett's skin flushed, she didn't need to hear you say it to know it, the lacy, red material was uncomfortably stuck to her skin, and truth be told it had been like that for hours now. Ever since she'd kissed you breathless, and when she watched you handle that scene with a sexy flair she couldn't stop imagining you handling her in a more sinful way. You drove her wild.

"Tell me what you want," you stepped closer to her, ghosting your lips over hers, "I'm not a mind reader baby, but I do aim to please here, so just tell daddy what it is you need from her."

"Can you give me a ride on the bike?" Scarlett was confused herself as the words left her, it was what she genuinely wanted, but you both know she wanted something else much more.

"Oh, I can," you smirked as your lips met hers, "You can ride me however you want Scarlett."

"Fuck," she sucked in a breath as your fingers slid the sticky fabric of her panties to the side.

"Be good for daddy," you coo'd as your fingers trailed teasingly through her folds, she bucked her hips on instinct, causing the bike to shake, so you held her hip down firmly with your free hand, "Relax my love, you know I've got you."

Scarlett's always been super reactive with you, but as she hadn't been touched like this in over six months she was beyond her normal arousal. Her cunt was dripping all over the leather seat, and if it wasn't so hot you might've even cared about it, but honestly the bike needed a polish.

A mewl left your wife's lips as soon as one of your fingers entered her, you kept a slow pace, too afraid to overwhelm her, and even then you still did, she cried out in shock, "I'm leaking."

You looked down, noticing the pebbles of white that left your wife's breasts, she'd only recently stopped breastfeeding your son as her leave was quickly coming to an end. You were truly enamored by the opportunity here, the urge to taste her milk had always been there, but the chance had yet to present itself until now.

"Oh love, that must hurt," you rasped, and the aroused blonde whimpered her agreements as she looked into your blackened orbs, the need you clearly felt for her was palpable, and it only made the sloshing between her legs louder.

You kissed down her jaw, nibbling enough to make her moans sweeter, but not to mar her skin until you reached the valley of her breasts. You sucked harshly, a deeper red blossomed over her hot skin, the sensation only spurred her moans on, and the sound was addicting.

"There you go kitten," you kissed up the side of her sensitive breast en route to her nipple, "Let daddy know how good she's making you feel."

Scarlett nearly toppled your bike over when your lips wrapped around her nipple, the way you curled your fingers just as you began to suckle made her mind go blank, and legs shake. The sound of your delighted moan made her feel an overwhelming warmth, an unexpected wave of pride flooded her chest at the idea that you'd like her milk enough to moan like that.

"Thank you daddy," she clutched tightly to your biceps, curling her nails into the skin for grounding that she usually found in bed sheets. As you moved in rushed kisses over to her other breast you could feel her hips trying to meet your thrusts, shaking your bike again.

"Stay still," you mumbled around her nipple, making her urge to move higher, but even in her dizzy state she still managed to cooperate. In the bed you wouldn't mind, normally you'd encourage her desperate thrusts as you teased her, but this wasn't your usual spot; the bike wasn't exactly the safest place for her writhing.

Scarlett's quick compliance made you beam, "You're always such a good girl for me."

Scarlett smiled dopily, she was a sucker for your praises, her walls clenched tightly around you when you returned her smile. Nothing could ever really describe just how much she loved your beautiful smile, it was almost always all she needed to want to jump your bones.

"Kiss me," she begged, the desperation clear as day when her lip had trembled in anticipation. You didn't waver in your stare as you neglected to give in to her pleas, you instead continued to piston three fingers into her slick hole, curling them every few thrusts, and doing so before you couldn't resist the temptation to kiss her.

"You're close," you panted the truth against her lips as you reluctantly pulled back, if you could you'd kiss her until your lips went numb. She whined, her eyes then fluttered open at the loss of your sensational lips took effect on her. The pleading in the haze of her eyes was clear, she needed you to give her permission, to send her tumbling over that edge. "Go on kitten, come for daddy, mess up my bike like a good girl."

Her back instantaneously arched into your handlebars, the horn being set off as her body trembled, her orgasm had taken it's full effect. You watched in amazement as her arousal gushed around your digits, it was only her first release of the night and she squirted all over.

"Let's get you cleaned up," you whispered as you nibbled down her jawline, soft red marks left behind that you knew would fade come morning, she had a meeting tomorrow after all.

Scarlett was beyond dizzy, your moves turned her brain into mush, but even in a delirious state she knew what she wanted, and she'd get it. You had both always had such high libidos, but with the baby neither of you had the time or better yet the energy to keep up with them.

But in this jealous fueled daze Scarlett was not short on energy, no, only patience. As you went to guide her to the bedroom for aftercare she stopped you, even with shaky legs she managed to shove you down onto the couch, "Lay down, and let me mark my territory," you knew she wasn't asking, clearly you weren't rebutting.

"Thank you daddy," she straddled your thighs so that she could lean in to peck your lips, you saw the way she eyed your top, so as a reward for her manners you slipped it off as she rose.

"Come on kitten, let daddy make you feel good," you beckoned the short circuiting woman forward, and without letting another minute fly by she crawled up your body, her abundant wetness smeared on your skin, and the feeling left you salivating for her essence.

Neither of you felt like teasing tonight, so the blonde plopped her sopping folds onto your face, so you followed her lead, and immediately began to devour her. Raspy, choked moans echoed off the walls of your quaint living room, with how sensitive she was it didn't take long for her to grow sloppy with the way she rode. Without even looking you gripped her hips, now guiding her thrusts, and pressing down harshly to help your tongue reach her deeper.

With your arms wrapped tightly around her thighs you used all your strength to flip her onto her back, the jostling movement led your tongue to press into her sensitive spot just as your thumb showed up to stimulate her clit.

"Oh fuck," Scarlett bucked her hips in sync with your tongue as you continued to fuck her fluttering hole even after her cum shot down your throat, and her entire body subsequently slumped into the lived in couch cushions.

Scarlett's face was serene as she rode out the bliss you'd given her, she tiredly smiled when your lips trailed over her body, tenderness was all that you offered as you kissed over her skin. Lips lingering over the marks she'd despised until you made her love them the way you did.

"Daddy," she groggily whimpered your title, her hands haphazardly reached down for you, and her nails dug into your shoulder blades so that she could pull you up and into her lips.

"You're insatiable Scarlett," you chuckled as she relinquished her lips hold on you, she met your amusement with a smirk of her own, "If you had a smoke show for a wife you'd be too."

"I do," you deadpanned, and she smirked even wider as she winked, "Glad you're self aware."

"Oh, I am, the amount of people that want you is endless," you huffed, a twinge of jealousy to rival hers showing through, but she helped to melt it away with another kiss to your lips.

"We're clearly just Hollywood's hottest couple," she reasoned, "I guess I should have expected all the attention, of course people want you."

"I really do hope you understand that you're all I'll ever want Scarlett," your eyes glistened with happiness, visions of your future with her all you needed to bring you to tears, "You, and Leo are my entire world, nothing will change that."

"I miss him," she reaffirms her earlier feelings, as do you, "Same, I need my bubba butt back."

"But wait, I have a proposal," she mused, and looked to you with a sinful grin and dark eyes.

"I'm listening."

"Well, my meeting won't end until like five, and it's over an hour away to my moms," she spoke with feigned exasperation, "Why would we pick him up tomorrow near his bedtime? That's just irresponsible. We should let him sleep, and use our bonus night off for an overdue date."

"Hmm," you hummed, pretending as if you were actually thinking over her sex coded offer, "I could just pick him up in the morning," you didn't mean it, but you'd never give up the opportunity to tease, and neither would she.

"Nope," she popped the p, and smirked up, "You're coming to the office baby girl, and we'll be taking your bike so no room for the baby."

"Oh, we are now?"

"Yeah, you are my guinea pig for the day as we test out our newest products, I didn't tell you?"

"No, you most certainly didn't," you grumbled, and climbed off of her, she went to protest the loss of your warmth but she didn't get the chance as you threw her over your shoulder.

"If I'm your guinea pig tomorrow, then you're my cum dump for the night," you threw her down onto the mattress, smirking as her dilated eyes widened at your promise, and so you winked. "What? Might as well use our free time wisely."

Scarlett smirked victoriously once you turned away to collect your strap, her plans for a full weekend now coming to life before her eyes. Leo's return will likely be postponed, it's a good thing she already confirmed a Monday pick up.

——

4,908 Words

❤️ Kaitlyn 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[aealzx]

The quiet of the infirmary was welcomed, but Leo also didn’t miss it when it was broken by Mikey bursting into the doorway with his hands holding an item above his head. “Leo! Mama and April brought strawberries AND watermelon!” Mikey announced, the huge melon balanced in his rocking hands.

“Two watermelons!”

“TWO watermelons!”

Mikey could barely contain his excitement, repeating April’s comment that filtered in from the other room and causing Leo to laugh. “She’s gonna see if Raph can fit a whole one in his mouth! You gotta come watch!”

“What? No way! There’s no way!” Leo sputtered even as Carol winced before rolling her eyes with a sigh. Leo was about to scramble off the bed, but stopped and turned back when he remembered he was supposed to watch after Donnie. Crouching close to his brother, Leo rested a hand on his shoulder and lowered his voice to almost a whisper. “Hey Dee, you wanna come get some strawberries?”

With all the noise being made it was safe to say Donnie was already awake, but he appreciated Leo being quieter to talk to him. Normally he loved strawberries, but right then it just felt like too much. So with a scratchy cough he just twitched his head to decline and buried down in the blanket.

Leo seemed a little concerned at the reaction, and moved his hand to rest gently against Donnie’s forehead again. “Okay. We’ll just save some for you for later,” Leo promised, nudging his own head against Donnie for a moment before squirming off the bed. “Can you keep an eye on him, Mom?”

“Of course, honey. Go have fun and enjoy the snacks,” Carol assured, not wanting to keep Leo from being the teenager he was. She wasn’t really in the mood to watch Raph shove an entire watermelon in his mouth anyway. Leo just flashed a bright smile before he gingerly hobbled out the door.

—--------

“Coming to you live from Subway Hamato, this is April O’Neil about to witness the beginning of a new record. ONE entire watermelon, carefully cut from its disgusting rhine prison, is about to be devoured in no more than two bites by none other than Raphael Hamato.”

April’s phone was swooshed dramatically between the lair’s kitchen scene, to herself, then to the red orb of one of the watermelon’s she and Carol brought, before swooshing back up to Raph, who just gave a big smile and wave.

“Blue! Where are your crutches?” Splinter’s voice came from off camera as Leo hobbled gingerly over to them from the infirmary.

A brief flash of fear from a teenager getting caught crossed Leo’s face before he brushed it off lightly. “It’s fiiine pops. It’s just bruised,” he waved, flopping onto the stool next to Raph.

“Don’t you downplay it Blue. It’s something worse, isn’t it?” Splinter scolded, pointing the blunt ended melon knife he had at his son without fully realizing it was in his hand.

That caused Leo to roll his eyes, avoiding the concerned look from Raph. “What? Psshhh, nooo. I was just sitting on it wro-.”

“Considering the way you were walking, it’s probably one of your ligameeeennnttts- um… am I cutting these right? I think this is the first time I’ve seen a strawberry,” Casey’s interrupting commentary about Leo’s injury was steered to a different topic when Leo gave the lad a pointed stare.

“You’ve never seen strawberries??” Mikey blurted, mouth dropping. “Oh mi gosh, you have to try one, now!”

With the conversation being torn away, Raph just made sure Leo saw his concern before he turned back to April’s camera and brought his smile back. Splinter just continued to narrow his eyes at Leo though, so Leo finally broke down and hunched across the counter to whisper rapidly. “Okay, it’s a slight ATFL tear. But I’ve already taken anti inflammatories, I’m still wearing the brace, and I’ll portal back instead of walking and get ice on it after. Alright?”

Splinter kept his eyes narrowed for a moment longer than necessary so Leo would squirm slightly, but then just passed a slice of the second watermelon over to him before patting his head gently.

Giving Leo a quick wink, April shifted her phone back into view to return to her mock reporting. “Spectating with us are Raphael's younger brothers, Leonardo and Michaelangelo, his esteemed father Splinter, and the newest addition to the family, Casey Jr.”

The introductions earned a dashing smile and mask tail flip from Leo, and a toothy grin and double hand wave from Mikey. Splinter just gave his trademark grin and wink, while Casey just looked confused. Something that only increased when April stayed on him for her next question. “What are your thoughts Casey Jr? Will history be made, or will we be cleaning watermelon from the floors?”

“Uhhhhhh…,” Casey’s blank answer was reflected on his face openly, gaze moving from April, to Raph, then the peeled watermelon orb.

“An astute answer, my boy! Who can say? Such a feat has never been attempted before, being deemed too unfair for the annual Lair Games. Raphael, are you confident in your performance?” April adapted to Casey’s non answer easily, swooshing the camera back to Raph.

“Raph is gonna eat this melon in one bite. Like a BOSS! I can fit my fist in my mouth, and this thing isn’t even as big as my fist!” Raph responded, pumping his arm and holding his closed fist next to the melon for comparison.

“There you have it folks! A man of confidence ready to take on his foe. If you’re ready, we’ll begin in three, two, one!” April cheered, figuring she shouldn’t delay them any longer since Leo and Mikey were already shoving their slices of watermelon halfway into their own mouths, and Raph already had the melon orb in his hands.

By the count of one Raph shoved the melon into his mouth and chomped down, the fruit being crushed and squished out from his cheeks even as juice poured down his chin. Leo and Mikey were belting out their laughter within seconds, only getting louder when Raph smiled proudly and cupped his hands under his chin to catch the falling fruit pieces. Mikey’s laughing ended up mixed with pained chirps though as his bruised ribs protested the rough treatment, and he slid off his stool and circled around his chest.

“Yu khey M’kee?” Raph asked around his mouthful, causing Leo to give a loud honk before he fell off his own stool, and April had to put her phone down so her own roaring didn’t shake it while it was still recording.

“HA - AAHHOW! SHUT UP!” Mikey howled, wheezing and slapping the floor while his other hand pressed against his side. And after a quick glance at Splinter to make sure the teens were actually okay, being met with loud laughter from Splinter, Casey gave a soft huff of amusement before he allowed himself to add his own voice to the raucous merriment.

--------

Previous

____________________

some silliness for you guys >U<

(leo's mask being pushed up for eating was directly inspired by this headcanon from thesofgengar )

[vanquishedmelon]

Secret Memories

Prue Halliwell Appreciation Week 2024 - Day 1: Favourite Episode/Season

Season 2, Episode 8: P3 H20.

An alternative version of the conversation between Prue and Sam in the shed. Read below the cut or on Ao3.

Author's Note: I acknowledge that this doesn't even fit within my OWN version of canon but I just love the idea of Prue vaguely knowing about Paige her whole life because, let's be real, she was definitely old enough.

Sliding open the door, Prue barely registered Sam’s presence before he spoke, not looking up from his task.

“I knew I should have given you a stronger dose.”

“I thought you would have learned yesterday that stuff doesn’t work on me.”

Sam froze, but still refused to turn around. “I had to protect you and your sisters.”

“From remembering you? From stopping the demon that killed Mom?”

The moment she saw Sam the day before, there was a fogginess in Prue’s mind, something screaming at her that she knew exactly who this man was, and that he was important. When Leo revealed he was Mom’s whitelighter, the logical part of her told her that must have been what she was missing, but… no, there was something else. And then this morning when Leo helped them break through the memory powder…

They loved each other. Prue may have been a carefree, free-spirited seven-year-old before her mom died—the kind of girl she grew to envy as the years continued on—but she was no blind fool. She could remember them together. No matter how hard they tried to hide it. It seemed so obvious now.

“If you truly loved Mom then you know that this isn’t the answer.”

“Isn’t it? I promised her I would protect you and your sisters.”

With Sam finally turning around, Prue tilted her head questioningly, giving him a knowing look. “I know. I also know you promised her you’d never clip your wings—that protecting the innocent was more important.”

“How do you know that?” He snapped, voice sharper than intended.

“I know way more than you think I do.” The fierceness in her eyes only grew, and Sam almost seemed to shrink back under her gaze, recognising what it was she was referencing. So many confusing memories were falling into place for her. Her mom, visibly pregnant, yet Phoebe was already born...

You’re just getting your memories mixed up, Grams would say. It’s Mom, I wouldn’t remember wrong, Prue would always counter. Now she knew she was right. And Sam looked… afraid.

Looking down at the axe in his hands, trying desperately to draw the conversation away from his secret daughter—how could she know? She was a child! —Sam spoke.

“Protecting you girls is more important than any innocent. I knew you’d come, no matter what I did. I couldn’t let it happen to you, too.”

“So you’d sacrifice innocent lives? Is that what Mom would want? The Sam I remember would—”

“Don’t talk to me about the Sam you remember. You weren’t supposed to remember. Besides, that man is long gone. He died the day Patty did.”

“No. No he isn’t. You still have good in you, Sam. I know you want to stop that demon. But you have to help us. Help us avenge Mom’s death and stop it from killing again.”

He turned away, shaking his head. “I can’t let it hurt you. You’re… you’re so much like her. It’d be like failing her all over again.”

As much as Prue wanted to snap back about how she was nothing like her mother—a rude habit of hers, Piper and Phoebe helped her realise—she instead took a breath. “You won’t fail her. Or me. We can kill this thing with your help. Please. If not for me, or for Mom, do it…” she hesitated. “Do it for your daughter.”

Sam closed his eyes, steeling himself with a deep breath. “What do you need?”

[tinkabelle24]

To Build a Home

Chapter 25: Dead and Gone

A/N: We're finally up to where I'm at presently with this story. Yay! 😊 I hope yous are enjoying it and that it's not too convoluted 😅

TW! Suicidal ideation

Masterlist / Chapter 24

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

Val had been staring at her shower curtain for so long, the once black and white geometric pattern had blurred into a monochromatic mess. Her pelvis ached and legs tingled from the prolonged, awkward seated position on the tile. Her scalp squeezed her skull like a vise.

It was official: she no longer had tears left to cry; nor the mental fortitude to continue repelling the not-so-great thoughts attempting to seize her mind. 

She felt strangely hollow and heavy at the same time; perturbed by how okay she felt at the notion of never waking back up should she lay her head back, right now, and let sleep finally take her. 

But what bothered her most was the chuckle that followed; scratching her tender throat as she languidly shifted into a more comfortable position. 

Yes. Instead of reaming herself out for being, what she perceived to be, selfish and melodramatic - as she usually did, whenever these kind of thoughts arose - she fucking laughed. 

Jesus, I'm losin' it... 

"Val...?" 

Val bit back a sigh, door thudding softly as she dropped her head against it. She'd foolishly hoped that, if she hid away long enough, her best friend would eventually give up and let her self-destruct in peace... 

"Mags missed you..." Mol sounded so close, her voice practically vibrated against the back of Val's head. "You should've seen her when I came in this morning: 'Mom, is that you- oh, it's the babysitter. Feed me, peasant', heh..." 

No response. 

"...Val, w-what happened?" 

Val could still feel the plush velvet on her fingertips, and the surprising weightiness of that tiny halo of steel as it dropped into her palm. Then Raph's face, when he walked in on her with it.

She'll never forget that face. Never before had she seen such panic in a man's eyes; like his entire life had flashed before him.

"Ya weren't s'posed to see that."

Those words cycled through her mind, growing louder and more contentious at each rotation. Reminding her of how royally she'd fucked everything up.  

---

(10 months earlier...)

"Alright, everyone shuddup! I need to focus..."

"Focus on what? I thought we agreed to kill everyone-"

"That doesn't sound morbid at all, Mikey... and I didn't agree to that - you two did."

"Why would'ya wanna keep Emily alive, anyway? She's a bitch-"

"I don't care. I want at least someone to live through this sh- AAH-!"

"Whoa-!"

"OhmyGod ohmyGod ohmyGod-!!!"

"Quick, they're gonna getcha-!"

"What is that- SHIT! Triangle, triangle, triangle- NO-!!"

"Whelp, bye flare-"

"WHAT THE FF-"

"Watch yo profanity-"

"Shuddup! ... Left, right, left, right- RIGHT- SHIT-!"

"Well, hello gorgeous-"

"WHAT IS THAT?! ... Ohhh, my God. Please, don't die...!"

Leo chuckled wistfully as he watched the three bicker like children, from the kitchen. In spite of the cards Val was dealt those past couple weeks (assault, charges and associated court drama), the leader was relieved his friend could still be, for the most part, her vivacious self.

They hadn't yet spoken about that night; the night they were forced to get a little too close for comfort, after he'd saved her life. She'd never approached him with it, nor he her. But, admittedly, it occupied his thoughts often; primarily how her touch and perfume still lingered on his body...

He understood now that that was the beginning of the end, for him. Despite his best efforts to remain emotionally detached from this woman, he'd in fact grown attached; and how...

Leo's heart did the new clenching thing at Raph's arm stretching over the back of the sofa, behind Val's head; fingers unwittingly searching for her shoulder. The moment they made contact, the leader tore his gaze away; refocusing on the two mugs of partially made green tea on the counter, before him... and the decision to finally let her in.

Deep breaths, Leo...

"WHAT?! ... You-!"

Two pairs of sniggering voices abruptly filled the air, accompanied by grunts and thumps shortly thereafter. Turning outward again, Leo found Val looming over his red-banded brother, bandaged hand snug against her vintage band t-shirt, repeatedly smacking a cushion over his head with the other.

Glimpsing the TV screen, two sharp, gangling thumbs thrust themselves inside the screaming woman's eye sockets, silencing her instantly.

"Why *smack* would *smack* you *smack* do *smack* that?!" Val exclaimed over Raph's broken laughter, and Mikey's howling. "She was doing so well-"

"Not anymore-"

"Yeah, cos your menace of a brother knocked my arm-"

"I'm s-sorry," Raph wheezed, finally granted respite. "I couldn't resist-"

A low, pointed whistle drew Leo's attention to the lab's entrance, finding Donnie peeking through at him. He offered an expectant look, to which the purple-banded brother grinned and nodded downward; to the smallish lidded box in his hand - Val's gift.

Returning the smile, Leo nodded in acknowledgement before clearing his throat, addressing the others.

"Excuse me, children," He called wryly. When Val frowned at him, he chuckled. "Put the cushion down, Pocahontas-"

"Call me a 'child' again and I'll-"

"You'll what?" The terrapin smugly challenged. "Not get your present?"

That shut her up.

She gave the others a quizzical look, to which they smiled knowingly. Raph pecked the top of her hand as he snuck the cushion out of her now lax grip.

---

Seated in the common area, the brothers shared anxious glances as Val proceeded lifting the box's lid, smiling in bemusement at the hand-sized, cylindrical device sitting snugly inside.

"It's a portable bō," Donnie clarified, when she looked to him expectantly. He leaned forward to carefully remove the device from its container, turning it in his hands as he continued.

"It's spring-loaded. So, when you press the trigger, here-" the terrapin's thumb hovered over the centre pushbutton; eyes trained on Val's face, to check she was watching - she hadn't blinked.

"It'll extend-" Confident nobody was at risk of being struck, he proceeded pressing down; the woman flinched - with a gasp, then a nervous titter; earning a comforting shoulder squeeze from Raph - at the once 10-inch device abruptly quadrupling in length.

"-to about four feet... You can lock it into place using this mechanism, here... To bring it back down, simply slide both ends in, like so... then use the mechanism again."

Setting it in Val's readied palm, Donnie offered her a doleful smile. "Perfect for your purse."

As her fingers closed around the device, Leo - seated in a dining chair alongside his purple-banded brother - chimed in.

"We wanted to give you something that couldn't easily be used against you," he remarked gently; blood cooling at the notion that, had he not acted when he did that night, she very likely wouldn't be sitting across from them right now... "Something with which you can still protect yourself, but not cause serious damage. Because, we..."

Swiping his tongue over his parched lips, the leader proceeded gesturing to each of his brothers, then himself; sharing a knowing glance with Raph. "We know you've been struggling with that, lately..."

At that, Val promptly lowered her gaze. The brothers caught a flicker of regret in her mien as that titter made the rounds again; cheeks flushing a brilliant red. "I-I, heh... I don't... know-"

"Dudes," Mikey interjected, sensing their friend's discomfort. Practically leaping from his armchair, the terrapin wittingly leant across an irritated Raph to reach said brother's girlfriend. "You forgot the best part! ... See this, here?"

Guiding Val's fist open, Mikey proceeded carefully turning the device until a near indiscernible etching crept into view. She squinted at it:

Dudette = Baddest Bitch

A snort promptly escaped her; heart lifting, Mikey finally exited Raph's personal space with a self-satisfied smirk - mission accomplished.

"She loves my handiwork," he gloated, earning a playful eye-roll from not just his brothers, but Val included.

"I'm surprised you used the equality symbol correctly," Donnie remarked wryly.

The youngest brother preened. "See, I'm not just charm and good looks-"

"You also know first grade math," Raph quipped, offering a now crabby-looking Mikey a thumbs up. Donnie and Val broke into snickers; Leo chuckled to himself, rolling his eyes once more. "Good for you."

"You're an ass-"

"Alllright-"

"Thank you."

The room fell silent at Val's voice. Her grateful, teary-eyed smile panned from one brother to the next; clutching the gift firmly against her chest. "Thank you... for this. This means... t-this-"

She blinked and a tear slipped past, prompting a concerned Raph to wrap an arm around her back and squeeze gently. There was that titter, again.

"Raph's done a brilliant job, arming you with such skill in such a short amount of time..."

Turning his gaze from his eldest brother to his girlfriend, Raph smiled down at her amorously. "I had a good student." he murmured, squeezing her again; causing her cheeks to flush once more.

Leo could now feel the strain of every muscle in his jaw as he forcibly maintained his smile. "So, we've been talking, and... we want to teach you the way of the Ninja-"

Val's eyes bugged out at that, breath catching in her throat.

"-like our... father did us-"

"A-are you serious?" The woman's lips finally tweaked upward as an astonished chuckle escaped them. "Are you- w-wait..." Her gaze ping-ponged between the brothers, once again. "Are you sure it isn't my birthday? Did I get bopped on the head, at some point-"

Mikey proceeded lightly tapping her forehead, "Bop"; to which she playfully pushed him away, with her good hand.

"You know what I mean..."

"No," Leo chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, this... this isn't a trick-"

"You're ready, babe," Raph assured gently. The others hummed and nodded in agreement.

Val gave her boyfriend a mordacious look, raising her injury to his eye level. "I think my beautiful hand would disagree with you-"

"That'll heal, Val," Don reassured, then shrugged. "Besides, you really should start exercising those muscles. L-lghtly, of course, and in short intervals. Recovery's faster that way-"

"Iiin other words..." Mikey interjected, smirking at his purple-banded brother's admonitory look. Ignoring them, Leo proceeded offering Val a hopeful smile.

"So... do you accept?"

Carefully watching her face, the leader pinpointed the exact moment that sliver of doubt melted away; a genuine grin finally gracing her features. "Hell yeah!"

He didn't have to fight to produce this smile. "Good... Now-"

Refusing to allow himself the chance to chicken out, the leader promptly rose from his chair, flashing Raph a knowing glance as he offered Val his hand. "I've one last thing for you."

.

.

.

"There's more??"

---

"Okay, now I know you're messing with me."

Val's anxious gaze darted between the opened door and Leo's beckoning hand. Despite the invitation, it was clear her mind was struggling to accept it.

He couldn't blame her.

She's never seen the inside of this room. There was never an actual conversation between them about it; she never asked and he never offered. But he knew she was curious; he always felt her eyes following him, whenever he excused himself from the group.

"Val," Leo offered a reassuring smile as he motioned, again, to the dimly-lit doorway. His stomach flip-flopped at her gaze finally settling upon it, brain seemingly losing the battle against her body at keeping the fascination at bay. "I promise I'm not messing with you..."

You should've told her this a long time ago...

"I trust you."

Tearing her focus away from the door, Val levelled him with a gawk so intense those brown orbs could've swallowed him whole.

I deserved that.

After a long, tremulous breath, the woman finally nodded; wrapping her arms around herself as she tentatively stepped inside.

Still lounged in the common area, Raph watched the pair disappear; relieved smile pulling at his lips...

"Brrr...!" Val squeezed herself tighter, feverishly rubbing heat back into her arms as she began wandering about the candle-lined room. Only a handful of dozens were lit, casting an eerie glow over them.

"It is freezing! ... Feels like somebody died in here..."

Leo winced. He knew she was being hyperbolic, but she couldn't have struck that nail head any harder if she tried...

Val turned, finding him standing by the table lining the furthest wall; matchbox in one hand, a singular match in the other. His face must've betrayed him as hers promptly fell, replacing perturbation with patent horror.

So, Raph hasn't told you everything...

"Oh, God..." A hand flew to her mouth as she gasped, half-stepping toward him. "Oh my- Leo, I-I'm so, so sorry-!"

Leo held up a placating hand. "Hey, i-it's okay. You didn't know-"

"It was here??"

Leo's eyes unwittingly flickered to the chabudai in the centre of the room; specifically, the bleach-stained patch of concrete directly proceeding it. The sight alone made his hands itch...

Val was suddenly looking very peaky.

"Are you alright-?"

"I'm- I'm fine-" she politely waved his hand away. "I just..." Squeezing her eyes shut and pressing a hand to her chest, the woman took a deep breath; holding it for a moment, before finally releasing.

"How much do you know about our father...?" Leo carefully ventured, when her eyes reopened.

"Not much," Val managed, clearing her throat of the gunk that had abruptly amassed there. She was now looking everywhere but at him. "Raph doesn't really talk about him..."

Leo sighed inwardly at that. Why does that not surprise me...

"...Is that him?"

Following her gaze, the leader realised she'd found the family portrait; a large, vintage-style frame hanging above another table and a cluster of partially melted pillar candles, to their left of the door. The meagre lighting provided little more than five silhouettes, but he presumed the centermost, non-turtle-like one was what drew her in.

"Yeah, that's him."

Igniting the match already in his hand, Leo proceeded lighting the remainder of the candles before them, earning a timid smile and an offer of assistance from his friend.

"Look at you all..." Val stared in awe at the now fully visible photo. Prying his lingering gaze from her face, Leo finally joined her. "Splinter has the sweetest smile... Raph looks like he has gas-"

A snort promptly escaped the terrapin. "Yeah, well..." He shrugged, then gave a wearied sigh as he attempted recalling the events which led to his brother's half-assed attempt at a 'smile'. "He wasn't in the greatest mood that day. I couldn't tell you exactly why though; it's been years since April took this..."

"That's a shame; he usually has a great smile..."

Leo felt pathetic; the temptation to enquire about his own appearance was damn near unbearable. He quickly switched topics.

"Splinter wasn't well..." The leader felt his jaw muscles tense as his face grew hot, and tears began brimming his eyes. Swallowing hard, to stave them off, he attempted continuing. "We didn't find out how unwell he was until... u-until..."

Leo abruptly tore his gaze from his father's face, levelling it at the ground.

No matter how hard he tried eclipsing that image with this happier, healthier... living one, his efforts always resulted in said image growing stronger; more grotesque...

Your fault.

Val's hand touching his shoulder thrust him back to reality. Looking up, her tender smile was looking back.

"You don't have to say anything else," she reassured, with a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for showing me this... and for trusting me."

If this were their story, he'd have obliged that voice urging him to finally close that distance between them.

But it wasn't, and isn't, and never will be.

So, you should

wake

the fuck

UP.

---

(Present)

Pain finally pried Leo from his slumber; pain that had begun as a dull ache, when exhaustion finally, mercifully took him, was suddenly splitting his skull in two.

The leader groaned softly as he hauled himself into a seated position; a sudden coldness blanketing him at the sensation of earth and grass between his fingers...

Tentatively, he turned his gaze outward; flinching at the familiar grave marker mere inches from his face.

The sacramental water dish and ladle toppled over as Leo scrambled to his feet, frantically wracking his brain for the steps that resulted in him spending the night at his father's grave...

His last clear memory of the past several hours was Maggie's inquisitive face and mew, as he padded resolutely through Val's apartment; positioning the bonsai and letter atop her dining table, seizing a final, mournful glance about the room he'd likely never see again, then fleeing into the night.

Nothing about the two-hour drive up here. Nothing about whether he'd run a red light, struck something or someone, triggered a speeding camera... nothing.

Like a spirit floating back into its body, Leo felt his consciousness settle into him as he contritely returned the dish and ladle to the mound, before finally turning to acknowledg his surroundings.

He was indeed where he thought he was.

It was midday, at the very earliest; the harsh, midday sun piercing through the oak's canopy like a kaleidoscope. Across the dirt driveway, flush against the hilltop, sat the charred remains of the bonfire; around which they merrily drank, danced and sang.

He could almost hear it, his last truly happy memory...

Something in the foreground snagged Leo's attention - the van's driver's side door, wide open; interior lights out.

He sighed dejectedly as he traipsed toward it, head throbbing and limbs still stiff from the uncomfortable sleep. If he'd done what he suspected, he'd be making the dreaded call much earlier than anticipated...

Snatching up the keys from the driver's seat, Leo successfully turned over the engine. But before his mind could grant him respite, his shell-cell - face-down on the passenger's side floor - abruptly began buzzing; thrusting his heart into his throat.

For several agonising moments, the leader watched it vibrate along the carpet; unable or unwilling to reach over and answer, he wasn't quite sure. Probably both. Most definitely both...

Finally, it fell still; that sliver of blue light disappearing instantly. Steeling himself, Leo climbed into the van then closed the door; scooping the device into his trembling hands.

Twenty-one notifications; eleven texts and ten missed calls. Two each from April and Casey, demanding to know what the hell was going on. Eight from Mikey, pleading for him to return home. Six from Donnie, expressing hurt at the absence of a goodbye...

Two from Raph; the most recent call, proceeding a short but strongly worded text:

[I ain't reading this shit. Be a man and pick up the fucking phone]

---

"Val, it's totally okay if you don't wanna talk right now. But I need you to at least unlock the door for me, okay? Please..."

.

.

.

Relief washed over Mol at the sound of shifting beyond the bathroom door, followed shortly by the click of the interior lock.

Gaze fixed on the handle, the raven-haired woman rose to her feet; heart lifting further when it tilted and the door finally creaked open, revealing a despondent Val on the other side.

It broke her heart. "Oh, Val-"

Mol opened her arms and attempted approaching, but her friend recoiled; hands shooting between them as she stepped away, shaking her head. Not even Maggie, who had darted for her human the literal moment she was able, could get an ounce of affection...

Mol sighed inwardly. Rejecting comfort: the telltale sign of a Val guilt spiral...

Once her friend was settled onto one end of the folded sofa bed, Mol lowered herself onto the other; reaching into the burning pocket of her jacket. "I've gotta confess something..."

She then produced a creased envelope, holding it out for Val to take. "Leo-"

The brunette's lip curled slightly at his name, but she accepted nonetheless; turning it in her hands from a marked distance. She paused when the etching came into view, lowering her wrists to her knees with an almost mournful look.

Mol continued. "He left that for you. I... w-when I saw it, I was gonna destroy it... It's obviously none of my business, but..." Shoulders slacking, she heaved a sigh. "I really, really don't like what's going on between you two-"

Val was suddenly staring at her, eyes wide, unblinking and welling with tears; jaw clenched, nostrils flared...

"Wha-" the raven-haired woman spluttered at the sound of frenzied tearing, then the window being shoved open. "What are you doing-"

Mol flinched when her friend abruptly pushed herself to her feet, beelining for the fire escape.

She watched the now obliterated letter be thrusted out into the street, before the window was promptly slammed shut.

---

Masterlist / Chapter 25

@android-cap-007 @happymoonangel @miss-andromeda @mysticboombox @sketch-mer-6195 @jasminarts01 @obsessedftshit

[shanmthebrave]

“Are you ready, Leo~?”

“I’m always ready, Azucena.”

“Hehe, great!”

The literal definition of Yapper x Listener - An Leo x Azucena (AzuLeo appreciation/persuasive post) -TEKKEN 8-

~TW - HE/HIM LEO~

Like, Azucena would yap about coffee and Leo wouldn’t mind :)

His laugh and the way he casually answers Azucena that he’s from Germany WHILE IGNORING THE FACT THEY’RE IN A WAR-ZONE BECAUSE THAT DON’T MATTER WHEN YOUR FAV COFFEE CELEBRITY IS IN FRONT OF YOU

Bro she’s gonna send you coffee for being a fan, like a good celebrity doessss

Also he’s ignoring the fact for a moment that she’s with G-Corp…and also also asking at the end what her true purpose was…

Tbh to me Azu’s purpose with this sudden conversation was either:

She really wants to promote her coffee ☕️

Or she finds Leo interesting (Whether Platonic or Romantic)

Either way, we can leave it to imagination :) but I’d always pick red or both

CAN WE ALSO NOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT SHE GAVE LEO A WINK AND BLEW A KISSSSS?! ACKKKKKK

Their only interaction in the story has implied that Leo already knew Azucena before their canonical encounter. Their lines during chapter 10 are proof contributing to this:

Observation from their Chapter 10 interaction:

An instant recognition, Leo’s got good observation skills. He’s kinda shocked that she’s with G-Corp. Understandable, since the people in G-Corp are pretty bad people, and seeing Azu, a person who he knows well for her coffee (only revealed after the fight), working for them, his shock becomes understandable.

Azucena’s motives confuse Leo, as she’s promoting her coffee by working with G-Corp, the company that well, 💀 his mom. Ouch.

Despite that, after their fight, Leo reveals that he’s a a fan of her coffee. AND AZUCENA FINDS HER FELLOW COFFEE DRINKER!

She offers to make a special order for him, and LEAVES THE FIGHT WITHOUT CONSIDERING ITS A WAR-ZONE, IS SHE EVEN OKAY?!

Well she is seen in the good ending so we can assume that yes she did make it

Leo is just standing there, confused as to what her real purpose was (which I covered in the point above)

Now, let’s talk about their lines during their fight and their meaning behind it, and compare this interaction to Leo’s fight with Jin:

When Leo successfully lands a hit, he says lines to try and diffuse the fight, rather then try to continue the counter offensive, unlike what he did with Jin, where his distrust in him is evident.

He says: “Open your eyes!” And “There’s no reason for us to fight!” Clearly showing that he doesn’t wanna fight Azucena. Rather, to convince her to stop siding with G-Corp.

Unlike his fight with Azucena, his interaction with Jin is a tad more hostile, as we know Jin did some pretty messed up stuff, which provoked Leo to initiate a spar with him. However, Azucena chose to fight Leo instead, when he clearly didn’t want to.

Now, let’s chat abt Azucena’s POV. She really just wants to promote her coffee, but also broaden her horizons for new blends, perhaps. Maybe find a fellow coffee enthusiast or a strong opponent (latter is the most likely motive).

When Azucena lands a hit, she only has one line: “Come on, let’s have some fun!” AS IF THIS ISNT A WAR ZONE AND ITS A FRIENDLY SPAR.

She seems to enjoy fighting Leo. This is especially shown when she gets defeated and flips back, exclaiming “You’re pretty good!” As if acknowledging his skill.

This pretty much shows that the entire time, she was fighting for fun, forgetting that she got herself into a war. It makes me laugh inside tbh. Haha.

Oh you think we’re done? Nope cuz we’re covering a lil bit about their character episodes too!

Leo meets Azucena in the final stage. Huh. What a coincidence.

There’s not much to say in this, other than the fact that both of them fight Yoshimitsu in the first stage. lol.

✨Special Interactions!!!!✨

Is there really any points we can make?! It’s so cute! And random…but funny and quite welcoming.

It’s not everyday someone encounters you and declares themself the coffee queen and tries to KICK you while you try to process everything (lol)

The pure surprise in Leo’s face never fails to make me laugh. Bro looks so perplexed and afraid 😭

And Azucena kicking him without warning is so random and even more silly, like give this man some time to process you woman 😂

When Azucena wins, she tells Leo that a good coffee takes time to brew, as if encouraging him that he’s doing great and he will get better, like a sparring partner that gives him feedback.

On Leo’s end, he’s awfully happy he won and says it’s time for a coffee break, something he says ONLY when he wins against Azucena. It’s as if fighting her reminds him of his liking for coffee.

Now, I will give my reasons why I love shipping Azucena and Leo together.

They have cute/canon interactions

The relationship has potential

Special intro pass

They relate over the one thing that got them together: COFFEE

Leo likes her products and is a big fan of her.

Azucena seems to enjoy his presence and wants to encourage him to get stronger.

Even tho Azucena sided (formerly) with G-Corp (not confirmed if she stopped working with them), Leo’s pretty chill and is willing to forgive her (Seeing as he forgave Jin, a literal war criminal)

It’s just cute. It’s so random, it’s adorable

It also just works in a way. They’re the literal definition of Yapper x Listener

She would yap to Leo about coffee and whatnot and he’d be so chill with her.

A cute, energetic girl with a shy, gentle boy trope, dominant girlies with gentle boys are just so funny and adorable to watch.

Welp, I can’t add any more photos and I’m running out of ideas, so in conclusion, the points I want to make is:

- AzuLeo is a very cute ship

- It’s hella under appreciated

- It may be random, but who says we can’t ship what we want and promote them?

- I love these two coffee lovers

- BANDAI NAMCO, GIVE THEM MORE SCENES TOGETGER, AND I WILL BE HAPPY. PLEASE!

- Azucena is overhated. Period.

- The creators of Tekken said we can call Leo any gender we want cuz Leo is…Leo. So I’ll call him a male.

I don’t rlly expect people to like the ship after this post. And that’s okay with me. As long as I’m happy and passionate posting what I like. ❤️

If you made it here, thanks for reading through my entire ship post haha. I hope you will start to like this ship or perhaps tolerate it if you hate it. Whatever happens, or if your opinion doesn’t change, at least I’ll be happy, cuz I spoke my mind on something I like :)

[nerves-nebula]

Inspired by the art you reblogged from Tapakah0.

Donnie deserves to be a little shithead too:

——

It wasn’t uncommon for Donnie to lock himself away for days at a time. He came out for meals when he remembered (or was loudly reminded), but typically during these times they wouldn’t see him until whatever project he’d thrown himself into was finished.

When he re-emerged, they’d all ask him about what he was up to in his absence, and usually he would tell them.

This time, however, he just smiled and said “You’ll see.” with an ominous smile that reminded them all far too much of their father.

—

They were back at the farmhouse, having a nice time off as a family. April and Casey had joined them, the whole gang excited to spend some quality time together without having to worry about responsibilities or other annoying things.

Mikey and April were baking a cake in the kitchen. Raph and Leo were pretending to teach Casey to meditate and sticking things in his hair to see how long it would take him to notice.

Donnie snuck to his room, pulling the new invention out of its hiding place and setting it up. He pulled on some gloves- not uncommon, it was getting a bit cold- to hide the mechanisms hidden in his palms. With a mischievous giggle he flexed the prosthetic fingers, watching them sync up to his movements.

He took a moment to stim out his giggles, flapping his hands to help him calm down before calmly leaving back into the main area.

“I’m gonna bite your fuckin’ face!” Casey yelled, grabbing for Raph, somewhere near thirty odd sticks and leaves in his hair, as well as a couple forks and a margarita umbrella. Leo was on the floor, his eyes nearly bulging out of his eyes as he laughed, holding his stomach in pain.

Raph leapt over the back of the couch, screaming as Casey followed after him, nearly taking off the screen door as he bolted to try to escape his boyfriend’s wrath.

Donnie chuckled and stood over Leo, looking down at him, “So what w-was the final co-count?”

Leo giggled, “Thirty-seven, and that’s only because April poked her head in and laughed. He caught Raph with a stick in his hand.”

Donnie rolled his eyes and held out a hand, helping Leo up to his feet.

Leo didn’t notice.

“Where’d you go?” Leo asked, “You good?”

“Mmhm.” Donnie smiled, “Just had to ch-check something.”

“Okay.” Leo shrugged, accepting the answer, “April said they’re gonna ice the cake soon. I was gonna go see if I could help, wanna come?”

“Absolutely.”

The kitchen wasn’t a total mess, but there were definitely a lot of bowls in the sink. Mikey had his tongue stuck out while he smeared icing over the cake, making a solid base for any decorations they added after. April was sitting with him, mixing dyes into even portions of icing, coloring them all colors of the rainbow.

“Can we help?” Leo asked, leaning over the table, grinning, “I wanna draw a bunny.”

“Faggot.” Mikey coughed.

Leo punched him in the shoulder, “Your mom.”

April pointed to the counter, “The icing bags are over there. Grab me the roll and we can get them prepped.”

Donnie did that, handing the box to April, who paused. She stared at his hands for a good ten seconds before looking up at him, confusion evident on her face.

He winked.

She snorted and said nothing, taking the bags to start shoveling icing into them. He grabbed a spatula and helped, sitting next to her. As soon as they were all full Leo and Mikey were grabbing their colors and doodling all over it, making flowers and drawing faces and other things. April joined them, taking the green to make four tiny turtles climbing the side of the cake. Donnie took the purple and drew some random shapes.

Eventually Raph and Casey came back in, both a little scuffed up, and joined in the decoration… until Casey dared Raph to eat all the red icing left and Raph stepped up to the challenge, daring Casey to do the same with the yellow.

Needless to say, neither wanted any cake afterward.

Donnie offered to cut the cake, taking a knife and deftly twirling it in his fingers a couple times before slicing in to make the slices as even as he could.

“Yo what the fuck?!”

Donnie forced himself not to grin, looking to Mikey, who had not only shouted but also leapt up onto a chair, “Wh-what? What’s wrong?”

“Your hand!”

Donnie looked at his hand, feigning confusion, “What about i-it?”

Mikey grabbed his wrist, lifting his hand to show it to everyone, “Donnie’s fucking mutated again!”

“Whoa!” Leo laughed, “Your hand! Is it on both? Oh, gross.”

“What are you guys talking about?” April said, looking Donnie in the eyes with a steely determination and a devious grin on her lips, “Donnie’s always had five fingers. How did you never notice?”

Raph grabbed Donnie’s other hand, staring at it like it offended him, “You’re lying.”

“N-no?” Donnie lied, “I always th-thought I was weird b-because my hands were different.”

Leo reached out and touched Donnie’s fingers with his own, “This is so strange.”

“Why do you think he’s so good with tech?” April chuckled, playing it cool by grabbing the knife to get herself a slice of cake, “He’s got the extra dexterity.”

“Whoa.” Mikey gasped, “How did we never notice?”

Leo looked at his own hands, “We’ve held hands to go places! How did I not realize?”

“I’m still calling bullshit.” Raph crossed his arms, “I would’ve noticed. Casey, did you ever notice?”

Casey met Raph’s gaze, completely silent.

“Right, nevermind.”

Donnie and April were able to hold out on the lie for almost forty-five minutes. Raph tried to catch Donnie by making him use his hands to twirl his bō or juggle, but Donnie had prepared for that inevitability.

In the end, it was actually Casey who called him out.

“Oh! They’re lying.” Casey grinned, “Gotcha, nerd!” He slammed his phone down, showing them a picture taken a few months back. It was a selfie of Casey and the guys, with Donnie waving in the background, clearly three-fingered.

April and Donnie burst out laughing. They ignored the rude names shouted at them as they leaned on one another, gasping for air.

“You fucking gaslit us!” Leo slapped his shell, “You bastard!”

“I felt like a piece of shit!” Mikey screamed, “I thought I’d missed something huge!”

“I’m going to drown you.” Raph rubbed his face, “I’m going to end your fucking life.”

Donnie was crying.

—

In the end he showed them the prosthetics, showing off how he’d synced them to match the movements of his other fingers and revealed just how long he’d been working on this particular prank. He also promised April a favor of her choice for making it even better.

Mikey shoved cake in his face.

——

Get fuckin pranked assholes

-Monster Anon

hahh thats adorable !! thank you

[jem-writes]

Oh he felt like he was gonna throw up. The last time he felt then genuinely nervous was before his first big race. And there was a chance of death. But that's exactly what he felt like loomed. Certain death. Everything about Dylan. She was too good to be true. Something was gonna happen, like Becca finding out and loosing her shit. Who fuckin knew what that basketcase was capable of if she could lie about.... No. No more Becca. He wasn't even gonna think about Becca. Goddamn it. He did it again.... Pulling a deep breath in through his nose. Dylan. A smirk came to his lips at just the thought of her.

Taking the stairs to her apartment two at a time, rose and earrings in hand. There was a large part of him that was scared. Mom always told him flowers, even if he had to pick them off the side of the road or even the neighbors garden. Surprise the women you love with flowers. It was something he'd done lots to his mom before she died. He remembered the feeling of her putting them in water an setting them on the counter. Treasuring the gift that he'd given her. He hoped he was making her proud. Hoped that Dylan was the kind of girl she's approve of. But there was no way to know that. Not with what she did.

Standing before her door, Leo took a moment collect himself before knocking. The moment she opened the door there was a pain in his chest. Jesus fucking Christ. She had to be the hottest woman he'd ever see . Giving her a quick scan over her body outfit, before entering her apartment. "You look gorgeous", he told her, lost in her looks for moment. Remembering the gifts that were in his hand. "Oh uh, I got these for you. I hope you like it. I can't lie, my sister helped out tons. So...", he trailed off holding out both the rose and jewelry box for her to take.

@mystreraes

[purpleturtle9000]

jones bonding <3

"Boy thing," Cass says.

"Mom thing," Casey replies, not looking up from his phone. Almost done with this game level... April's guidance has been a big help.

She doesn't look at him on her couch as she goes into the kitchen. He doesn't bother her as she drinks from the juice carton, puts it back, then sets her hands on her hips as she finally gives him her attention.

"Get out of my apartment."

"Donnie set the lair on fire again."

"Idiot!"

Casey mm-hms in agreement. He doesn't care to offer much more encouragement than that, when Cass is already on a rant about how Donnie isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is, and it was probably his fault, specifically, that her apartment was half-destroyed in the Krang invasion.

It looks nice now that it's been rebuilt, though. There's two signed Lou Jitsu poster on the walls that he knows Leo is jealous of, and above the vanity in her bedroom, the broken and bloody hockey stick from a game two months ago when she'd snapped the blade off by smacking a guy in the face.

Casey had been cheering for her the entire time, and as a reward, they'd gone to McDonald's afterward. She'd stolen four of his chicken nuggets and he'd stolen two of her fries. And attempted to get a sip of her soda, but she'd kicked him under the table for that, and he'd wisely backed down.

Cass throws her phone at him, and he scrambles to catch it without dropping his own. Her screen shows the menu of her favourite pizza place, two blocks away. She complains frequently about the quality of the breadsticks, but she also keeps getting them, so he's pretty sure it's just for the sake of complaining. Besides, she insists the brownies are second-to-none, even compared to the special Hamato recipe (it's hot sauce).

"Do you want delivery or pick-up?" he calls.

"Rage week," she yells back from down the hall, just before he hears the shower turn on.

No-contact delivery for the safety of everyone involved, then. He adds a second order of brownies for later, because he knows she'll appreciate it when she gets hungry later. She's a snacker, he's learned.

He wonders, sometimes, how hard it was for her to break that habit as the world ended. He's never asked. How would she know?

There's so many things he wants to know about the version of her that exists in his memories. There's so many things he's kept to himself, too.

He told her about how she died, though, what little he remembered.

She dug her feet under his thigh, punched him in the shoulder, and said he sounded like he was a moderately decent son-thing, since he'd tried to save his mom. It was one of the nicest things she'd ever said to him. And she'd let him stay the night afterward, and painted his nails glittery red and pink.

For a second, he debates getting out the nail polish to distract her, but if she's anything like him, the smell will upset her stomach. He decides to save that for his next visit, whenever that may happen, and gets her box of origami paper out from the bottom of her closet instead.

When she comes into the kitchen, he's nearly done with an origami pigeon, a half-eaten breadstick on the counter beside him.

"Food. Move."

He does as he's told, taking his breadstick with him. For the moment, the pigeon is left on the counter as they relocate to the living room for a movie. He'll finish it before he leaves, though, and put it somewhere for her to find. She lines them all up on the windowsill of her bedroom when she does. It makes her apartment seem like home, for both of them.

[000marie198]

Leo's Mom moments in New Friend, Old Enemy :

Just two;

1. Waits for his brothers to all head down first before following himself after rescuing Mikey from Bradford

2. And this:

Raphael held the mom card this episode:

[skylarmoon71]

Lex Luthor (Smallville) AU Chapter 12

~Three Months Later~

“Hey Leo, my mom said to drop these off.” You placed the boxes of pie on the counter at the Talon. 

“Thanks (Y/N.).” You were wearing a smile, and Leo raised a brow. 

“What?” You ask with a giggle. 

“Nothing, it’s just that there’s something different about you. There’s this glow about you.” 

Leo didn’t delve any further, he just passed you the money for the pies. 

“See you around Kent.” It was a playful jest. You just slipped the money in your pocket, watching as Leo walked away. 

“Smallville!!” 

You groaned at the male that just walked in. 

“What do you want Levi? I’m not helping you sneak into another building for a story.” 

“Come on, it could be fun. Don’t be a killjoy.” He persisted to ruffle your hair, in which you took a step back with an unamused look. 

“Fine, suit yourself. I guess I’ll just have to ask my dear old cousin Calvin.” 

“No complaints here.” He nudged your shoulder for good measure before he was off to terrorize some other poor soul. You just looked down at your watch. 

“Crap!” 

You’d promised Lex you’d help him with the layout for his new foundation. 

You weren’t sure what had happened in that little loop you were stuck in with Lex, but he was a bit different. It’s been almost three months and Smallville has returned to normal. Well, as normal as it could get you supposed. You were starting your freshman year of college. Calvin was pursuing his dreams at the Daily Planet, while commuting at college. Levi was still running a muck. 

Lex..he’d devoted his wealth to starting small non profit organizations. Helping people. His new perspective had given jobs to countless people who were affected by the closing of the plant. Of course Lionel wasn’t altogether thrilled with his son’s new vision, but he never outwardly stopped him. So maybe there was hope for Lionel yet. 

Nothing had changed drastically except maybe your feelings. 

Lately just being close to Lex would make your heart rate increase. There were times where you caught yourself stealing little glances. Or your gaze would linger a little longer than necessary. 

It was unusual. You’d known him for so long. He’d always been special to you. Yet, this felt different. Almost like there was a blank area that your brain couldn’t fill. 

“Just stop thinking about it.” 

The more you tried, the less it made sense, so you decided to just forget about it. The second you were outside in a more secluded area, you grin, taking off. 

The feel of wind brushing your face so quickly always brought that rush. The next time your feet stopped, you were standing in Lex’s mansion. 

A few of his papers flew by, and you sent an apologetic smile. 

“How many times have I told you that’s dangerous (Y/N). What if someone had seen you?” 

“Sorry, forced habit.” 

“Don’t make me tell Mr. Kent.” You gasped dramatically. 

“You wouldn’t tell my father. The betrayal!” 

You dropped onto the chair next to his desk, and he merely smiled. 

Lex went back to work, scribbling on documents, sorting stacks that you’d so graciously messed up. You slid the chair around the table to peek at his work.

“What are you working on?” 

“There’s a fundraiser in Metropolis in two weeks. All profits go to helping  patients affected by the meteor shower. “

 Lex was still invested in his work. You couldn’t help but spot the wallpaper on his computer. An older image of the both of you. 

Moments like this are what seem to make your heart swoon as of late. 

You bit your lip, watching him completely invested in his task. You felt lucky that no one else was this close to Lex. You’d seen some of the women he’d dated in the past. Safe to say you knew you were far from his usual type. You looked down at your clothes. 

Your taste hadn’t changed that much. You still wore an assortment of red and blue shirts, plaid  and jackets. It must have been the farmer in you. 

That was incurable. 

“What do you think?” 

Lex’s eyes were now directed at you, and you straightened in the chair, meeting those beautiful blue orbs. Lex couldn’t help but be distracted by the look you wore. He lectured himself not to rush it. Your memories of your time in that reality were gone. The last thing he wanted was to scare you away. He was patient. He figured that if this was meant to happen, then it should play out naturally. That’s why when he caught you staring at him a little longer than usual, he had to exercise control. 

However, he wasn’t sure how much he had left. 

He didn’t move, and neither did you. He debated on moving back, maybe giving you a chance to collect yourself. But when you started to lean in slowly, he told himself not to move a muscle. If anyone needed to make this decision, it was you. He wanted to be sure that this was something you wanted. Too many times he’d been selfish and rushed in. This time he would do it right. 

Your lips pressed to his so softly that he felt like he imagined it. Your eyes were tightly shut. Like you were afraid that if you opened them, this would all be gone. Lex’s shoulders relaxed, and the papers before him were the least of his problems. The minute he tried to reciprocate, you pulled away. 

Alarm was written all over your face as you stumbled out of the chair. Lex stood, quick to assure. 

“(Y/N) it’s okay I-” 

“I’m sorry!!” 

You bolted before he could say much more, his files once again a mess of paper on the floor from the wind. 

“Great.”

[00katrinka00]

Landcaster Legacy Gen 7 Update #47

Dear Diary, Today's the day. My mom is dropping me off in Del Sol Valley in a few hours. I can't wait to see what I'll be learning. -Violet

"Don't be too much of a loser while I'm gone," Violet teased her brother. "Like actually try to do something fun over break." "Uh, thanks?" Leo said skeptically. "You're very welcome," Violet pulled him in for a hug.

"Remember, behave yourself, follow directions, and make sure you call us every day like you promised," Ethan explained. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, Dad I know," Violet rolled her eyes. "Just reminding you." "I get it!"

"Just come here then," Ethan pulled her in for a hug. "I'm going to miss you." "I'll miss you too," Violet assured him. "What about me?" Rosie asked. "I'll miss you too, don't worry," Violet knelt down to give her little sister a hug.

"You'll be fine," Lacy assured her. "You're going to have so much fun. Trust me, Del Sol is a blast." "I hope so," Violet agreed. "Don't you have that thing with Jenna today?" "What? No, that's tomorrow," Lacy said confidently. "Whatever."

"See you in a few weeks," Lacy smiled. "See you in a few weeks," Violet agreed. "You about ready?" Mads asked. "Absolutely!" Violet exclaimed.

After arriving in Del Sol Valley, Mads and Violet met with Amelia Alden, who proceeded to walk them through a tour of facilities. "This place doesn't look that bad," Mads said to Violet. "Seeing it makes me feel better about leaving you here." "Told you," Violet exclaimed.

Back in Copperdale, Jenna was left waiting angerly outside the boba shop for Lacy to show up. After nearly an hour of waiting she decided to call "Lacy where are you? We were meant to meet an hour ago" "That's tomorrow" "No it's today" "Fine I'll be there just let me get dressed"

After getting off the phone, Jenna spotted an unfamiliar face. "You okay, you seem mad," said the girl. "I'm fine, I guess, just a little mad," Jenna answered. "I don't think I've seen you around before." "I'm Maggie, want to go inside? You can tell me why you're mad." "Sure"

"It's just my friend, we were meant to meet here and hang out today, and she totally forgot," Jenna explained. "I've been waiting for an hour." "How rude of her," Maggie exclaimed. "Well, I mean, she probably just forgot." "Sure. Honestly she probably did it on purpose" "Really?"

"That doesn't sound like Lacy," Jenna told her. "People can surprise you, I know from experience. Sometimes the people who seem nice are the meanest ones out there." "I mean…"Jenna trailed off. "Just saying," Maggie replied.

"Change of topic," Maggie said. "But who, is that cutie behind the counter?" Jenna glanced over Maggie's shoulder where she spotted Owen working. "Oh, I, he's not really available." "Are you two together?" "Watcher, no. It's just Lacy." Maggie rolled her eyes, "Lacy again."

"Lacy and Owen have like a thing going," Jenna explained. "Are they together?" "Well, no, but they totally like each other, and I just don't think it's a good idea for you to go after Owen." "I think you need to get a backbone when it comes to your friend."

Just then, Lacy walked into the room. "Look who decided to show up!" Jenna teased. Maggie tried to hold back a laugh. "I'm sorry, okay!" Lacy exclaimed. "I got the dates mixed up. "Uh-huh," Maggie muttered. "Whatever, Lacy this is my new friend Maggie." "Hi."

"We should get going," Lacy said. "Totally, Maggie you want to come shopping with us?" Jenna asked. "No, it's okay, my parents probably want me home soon." "Suit yourself," Jenna shrugged.

After Jenna and Lacy left, Maggie headed up to the boba counter. "Hey," she put on a flirty face. "I couldn't help but notice how cute you are, and I'm new and could use someone to show me around town, so what do you say, can I get your number." Owen thought for a moment, "sure."

[kayssweetdreams]

A Wonderous Christmas Ch 13

The kids gave an uneasy, but relieved look when they saw Balan had helped them evade the cold. "Oh Balan, It's awful! Walt Unleashed something on the town and now we can't find our families and friends." Emma told him. Balan gave a reassuring smile "Don't worry Emma Dear, They're all fine! In fact, they're right here." Balan said, stepping aside to reveal everyone also inside the theater, trying to warm up from the cold snap outside.

"Oh thank goodness. They're safe!" Mei said in relief, giving her mom a heartfelt hug. "Yes, Everyone is safe and alright, but you look as if you all had a fright." Balan said "You bet we did, Walt just Unleashed some kind of evil snow on the town while he was raving on and on about Wonderworld, how everyone is nuts, and how Kaylo and her family are connected to it." Cal explained, giving Bianca his scarf to keep her warm.

"Did you say 'Evil Snow'? Oh dear, then he Unleashed the Winter of Woe!" Balan yelled in panic, His voice booming through the room. "Yeah, It was actually called that!" Rebecca said "Balan? Do you know what it is?" Leo asked. Balan nodded "The Winter of Woe is a powerful curse. It feeds off of emotions, especially when they get worse." He said.

"It feeds of emotions?" Aria asked, curious about the blackened Snow as well. "I guess a book from the library is in order. Just look for the one that has "Weathering Spells and Curses."" Balan explained. Jose, Sana, Eis and Cal quickly ran to the library to find the book that would explain what was going on. The adults rifled through the many books in the theater's never ending expanse of knowledge and magic.

After a few moments of searching, Cal finally found the book with a triumphant "Found It!". The adults made it back to the group when Balan flicked a finger, making the pages turn wildly, until they landed on a page titled "The Winter of Woe":

The Winter of Woe.

A powerful curse made from negative emotion that create a strong, and dangerous winter, that covers the location of one's choice in a endless winter of dark frost and black snow.

The more Negativity there is, the stronger the storm gets, and the colder the temperatures get. If not stopped, the entire earth could be put into a new ice age.

There is however, a way to stop the winter. There is a Counter Spell known only as "The Warmth of Wonder." Which melts the darkened snow and ice, and releases the Wonder Borealis. However, in order to create the Winter of Warmth, the following is needed:

The Flora of Love

The Light of Hope

The Winds of Change

The Wings of Happiness.

These ingredients combined will create the Warmth of Wonder, and reverse the effects.

The group gazed at the text with determination. "Well...If this is gonna be the thing that stops Walt from creating a new ice age, and ruining the holidays for us. Then...we'll just have to find all the ingredients we can!" Trisha Jane said. The others nodded. "Of course, but let it be known. The ingredients you must find, you'll have to get them on your own..." Balan said.

"It's alright Balan! You can act as our eyes on the real world, so we can make sure that It doesn't get TOO bad." Sana said. Balan nodded before opening the doorway to Wonderworld "C'mon now dearies. Let's get going." Krista said, slowly walking to the entrance. "Um...Maybe you should stay here Grandma..." Kaylo said, stopping her from moving on.

"Yeah, We'll handle this Mrs Bruno." Emma said, joining her friend. "Alright, You all be careful now..." Krista said, a serious look in her eyes. "We will!" Mei told her as the other inhabitants joined them. "Safe travels my dear friends. Here's to hoping you'll bring the icy curse to its ends." Balan whispered.

Mei belongs to @sundove88

Rebecca belongs to @thehypercutstudios/@thehyperrequiem

Trisha Jane and the Kellers belong to @lovelyteng

Aria belongs to @shadowqueen402

[noisydiary]

Stick 'n Poke

"Come on, Leo- do it already." Jess' hand clenched up on the table as Leo futzed around with one of the ballpoints he'd found around the store.

"Yeah yeah, gimme a damn minute!! You asked for somethin' huge, I haven't done any this big before."

"That's what she said-"

Leo looked up from the pen, chuckling, "Uhuh."

In turn, Jess smiled right back- watching as Leo squished the ink out into the cup he'd poured the rest of the stores pens into. Jess took a long breath, as she felt her hand shaking against the table. Leo shot a glance over, more checking the sketch Jess'd done herself, before noticing her shaking and letting off a laugh, "What, nervous?"

"No-!" Jess snarked back, her hand clenching up as he laughed.

"It doesn't hurt… Much."

Jess gritted her teeth and scowled, "Fuck off."

After a minute, Leo cut off the laugh with a soft hum, "You'll be fine."

With Jess' signature eye roll in response, Leo pulled off, pitching the pen into the trash. He brought the cup to where Jess sat, reaching for the rest of his 'kit' next to it- a pencil he'd set up earlier, with the end carved out to hold a sewing needle he'd heated with a lighter, and some thread wrapped around the top. Following that, he sat down before Jess. "Ready?"

For all of her rushing, Jess took a second. She took a deep breath, clenching her hand, before bringing it over to Leo. "Here I thought you'd want the counter."

"Nah. Easier when I can move your arm how I need to." Leo shrugged, dipping the needle into the solo cup of ink, "Now, really. Ready?"

"Mh-"

"Jess."

"Yeah," Jess nodded- feeling that fun rush of adrenaline in her stomach, the mix of excitement and nerves boiling like a stew. She briefly squeezed Leo's hand before humming, "Yeah, I'm ready."

"M'kay… Count of three." Leo brought the needle closer to her hand, edging the tip against the skin. "One, two…" Poke-! Wincing a little as Leo pushed the needle in early, Jess hissed out air as the sensation raked through her hand.

"Three."

Snarling through her teeth, she glared up from the work on her hand to Leo's head, half tempted to shove him. "You ass."

"Ha ha." Drily responding, Leo kept his head bowed as he worked- which, to Jess, felt like more care than he'd shown anything else.

Careful, methodical presses into the skin, followed by a dry wipe when he needed to clear the skin. For a jittering crackhead, not bad. At least, in Jess' eyes anyway- she'd had no other experience to judge it against… As Leo worked, Jess watched for the first spell, watching each poke as he did it, trying to follow the lines Jess'd set before. He was a little more cautious to make them rounded than Jess was. Points to that detail.

However, as fun as it was to watch him work, her eyes wandered the store, catching on one of the TVs. She zoned out listening to the movie for a spell, half ignoring the numerous pokes.

After a fair spell of quiet, the rhythm that Leo had set himself into eased, as he got more comfortable working with Jess' arm. He piped up, breaking her out of her focus on the movie. "So, whhhy didn't you ask your mom?"

Jess turned her head back, half noting just how far he was coming along.

Not… Far. Though the tattoo was coming along nicely. He had that going for him.

"Uhh… She'd say no?"

"Really." Leo scoffed, "Bullshit. Why?"

"…I figured she would say I could, but- well…" Money.

Jess didn't finish that statement, but Leo nodded along anyway. "…trying to keep teenage rebellion cheap, huh."

"May as well get my outcast mark from someone who understands why."

"Right. Well, I'm the best you've got-"

Letting off a laugh, Jess hummed, "Yeah, you are." "Oooh, being affectionate today, are we?" Leo teased, pausing for a moment to glance up-

Jess took the moment to shove his shoulder, though realising that was about the only reason he'd paused in the first place. That much got a snort out of her, "Sure. Let's say that."

"Riiight."

"Moreover- just- you know the whole-"

"Yeah, I know. Kinda hard to forget."

"And I'm more comfortable with you doing it than some guy in his 40s."

"I'm-" As Leo made to tease once more, the doorbell rung, snagging his attention. "Shhit."

Putting the needle down on the paper towel, he moved to get up, turning towards the door, before letting off a little sigh of relief, "Oh, hey."

Jess turned her attention to the back room door, seeing a modest, frankly over dressed, redhead step in. She had a cardigan on, along with a long skirt and socks practically to her knees, along with tacky red glasses and heavily embroidered oxfords. Preppy…

Although, Leo moved and picked up the needle again, half ignoring her as she stepped up to the counter. Furrowing her brow, she looked down to Leo, "Uhh-"

Leo brushed off the comment, glancing to the girl, before looking back down at Jess' arm. "It's fine. Just called in someone to watch the front for a bit."

The girl gave a nod, before quietly sneaking past the two and moving to the desk. She reached into the hidden compartment and took out a notebook, before excusing herself to the front, and shutting the door behind her.

"Who's that?"

"Mh? Ah- just some volunteer. She lives like a mile away, and her mom said something about trying to drill in responsibility. Kid's like 14, though- so… I mean, I won't turn down free labour."

"Huh." Jess shrugged, glancing to the door, before groaning, "Ugh… she shut the door thoughh…"

"Uhh, yeah? I mean, are you mad about some alone time~"

"Shutup-"

"Just sayin'."

"I'm mad because she took away the line of sight I had to a TV." "Well, I mean-" Leo paused, before looking to the door, "Hey-! Faith! Get back in here a sec, would ya?"

His yell sat quiet for a moment, before the door creaked open, and the girl poked her head in. "Yes?"

"Can you grab- uh… Oh. Grab Clockwork Orange and put it in the player real quick."

This ought to be good… Jess rolled her eyes, but the girl nodded, "I'll take a look," before shutting the door once again.

"Clockwork? Really."

"Whaaat, I figure you wanted something at least a little interesting. Aaand long."

"Oh, so, not you?" "Jessica."

Satisfied, Jess gave a little shit eating grin- before Leo poked down on her arm a little Too Hard for her liking. She sucked her teeth at the motion, glaring- "Sorry, Jesus- Confidence issues, much?"

"Ha. Hah. Hah."

Leo went back to his regular pace, leaving Jess with the quiet for a spell- until the door clicked open, and the girl walked in. She squeezed past the two before moving to the VCR, and putting in the tape. She then turned on the TV, and grabbed the remote, moving over to the two. "Um-"

"Give it to Jess, I'm busy."

With Leo's comment, the girl nodded, before looking to Jess and holding out the remote. Jess reached with her free hand and took it, "Thanks."

Although, the girl stood still- looking down to what Leo was doing. She seemed particularly fixated on it, before Leo paused and looked up with a glare, "Get back to work?"

"Oh!! Um- yes, sorry-!!" And she scurried off, quickly leaving the room and shutting the door.

"Jeez…"

"Don't get mad at her-- I'd be interested too if it were my first time seeing a tattoo being done."

"You're awful loyal real quick, Jessie."

Jess shook her head and scowled back, "Not loyal- just don't think you should be yelling at her. She's not even getting paid to deal with your bullshit."

"Yeah, yeah…" Wiping away another little section, he took a look at the current progress, before continuing on as normal.

Meanwhile, Jess sat back- adjusting her position as best she could without disturbing Leo so that she could see the screen… though soon deciding it would be best if it were background noise instead. Not her taste, but better than the hum of the AC. The rest of the evening continued on like this for a fair spell- as the TV played out the dystopian film from one of Leo's dreams, and Leo continued his work. Slowly but surely, the tattoo soon filled. Jess grew numb to it after a while, and almost didn't notice when the pricking stopped. Almost, as Leo swiped away the remaining ink and tossed the pencil down onto the paper towel next to him, and got up.

"Huh?"

Leo looked down at Jess' noise, before shaking out the kinks in his hands and arms. "All done- just getting some water to clean it off with."

"Ah- wait… Wouldn't it be easier if I just washed it?"

"Nah. Clean water, no soap. May as well just rinse it with a cloth and get a bandage on it."

At that, Leo turned and headed out, leaving Jess by herself. She looked down at the tattoo, seeing the dark ink now against her skin- with some sections lacking ink, and more ink in other places than she'd expected. However, it looked good. Clean, sharp and crisp. Of course, it'd fade, but then? The bold lines across her hand, with the treble clef sticking out among it? Looked badass.

All that, though, and it still felt like it was missing something. The sweeping lines adding depth to the treble clef certainly had it's charm- but it didn't really… Mean a lot. Granted, it did to her- but it was a statement piece after all.

On a bit of an impulse, she picked up the needle and scraped the cup, pulling her hand into her lap, before drawing on her own little addition to the tattoo-- A frownie face with X's for eyes in the crook of her hand. May as well sum up my life, huh?

Looking at the little mark, she smiled to herself, before hearing the door click open and Leo step in. She tossed the pencil back onto the towel, but the act was still noticable enough that Leo chuckled, "What? Not enough for you?"

"Adding my touch, thank you very much-"

"Well, if you wanted your touch, why didn't you do the whole thing yourself?"

He had a point there, as Jess was loathe to admit. She shrugged, "You did it better than I did- see?"

Holding up her hand to show the mark she added, Leo laughed again- hearty and mocking. Jess rolled her eyes, before laughing along with, "Whatever."

"Right. Let's get you cleaned up." ——

☾ | i must, for all intents and purposes, stress this: For this fic, I've written it that the main ink used is ballpoint pen ink. Please DO NOT use ballpoint pen ink for stick and point tattoos at home!!! It's very unsafe and you can risk all kinds of infections, or worse. About the only reason I've written it here is Iiii didn't think Leo or Jess would have access to proper tattoo ink for this. with that aside, i thought it'd be fun to write how jess got her tattoo-- seeing as i thought she'd get it from leo when they were dating, eheh~

[unknownjpegs]

wings

Matilda pulls herself up into the bar stool and slides the paper across the marble countertop. There’s a familiar chip in the edge, one that Leo had left when they were all kids. He'd probably been running around with something heavy. Matilda can’t remember what it. Can barely picture him, remember Leo’s face, unless she looks at a picture.

She runs her thumb over the crevice.

Her mother glances from the skillet to the paper, eyes flicking over the words for just a moment before they shade over. Her mouth purses tight.

“But —”

“No.”

“Mom.”

“No, Matilda.”

Not Til. Not even Tilda.

She opens her mouth to argue, but the quick snap of blue eyes up to hers make it press shut. 

“If you think I’m letting you do that, you have another thing coming.” 

The paper is a nondescript contract application, stapled neatly with Matilda’s resume. Her professional one, printed on crisp resume paper. 

Audio Engineer - two year term. And quite a lot of money for each of those years.

“It’s temporary and it’s good money!” She tries to sound sure of herself, to keep the whiny waver out of her voice.

“No,” her mother says, and smacks her hand on the counter. Rare display of anger, of unspooled emotion. “Listen to me —”

Matilda doesn’t. She’s already in her own head. Pulling out, watching from above. 

It’s good experience, she wants to say. It won’t be that scary. I’m a grown fucking woman. I’ll have you like a shadow behind me. There will be armed guards for contractors, probably. 

Matilda isn’t even sure how a private military contractor is…structured. How it operates. Barely knows anything, besides what Isaac has told her. What she knows, vaguely, from brief internet research. They won’t let anything bad happen to the civilians that keep the place running. I’m not a kid. Skilled, educated specialists — it would be stupid if any of them got hurt, right? I’m not a kid. I can do this for myself. 

Her father had been in one, but he was never consistently around to talk about it. Isn’t now, either. And she’s not bitter about his absence, even though she feels the sting of emptiness when she watches a father-daughter relationship in a movie. Finds it hard to relate to those. She’s a big movie crier, but she can’t remember the last time a tragic paternal sacrifice had her weeping. 

Just unrealistic, she supposes.

I can figure it out. I’m not a kid.

Her mother is still going, omelettes forgotten as she waves the spatula:

“— don’t even want to know what some of those files look like. Pages and pages thick.” She points the red-tipped flat of it at Matilda’s nose across the counter. “Records so long you’d have to restock the goddamn paper, Matilda. From before they joined up.” She sucks in a breath, lips pursing slightly at the swear. She hates swearing. Makes her look uncouth, she says. Because her mother is the type of person to use the word uncouth and then lift her trousers and wades through the shit of it and still come out looking put together. 

Because she’s just as awful as them, says a voice. She ignores it. Because she’s caught up in the silences, now, not listening to what her mother is saying.

Matilda hears what she’s not verbalizing. Underneath it all: you can’t handle it. That’s a different world, and it’s not one meant for you, Til. It’s for people like her. It’s something Dr. Jacqueline Rhoades can deal with, and does, because Dr. Jack is a strong woman. She has hardened herself like a beetle. Or… has always had the sparkling carapace.

What she’s not saying: Matilda, you have delicate little fucking dragonfly wings. Ladybug wings. Weak bug wings. They crunch and twist and get holes in them, and then what will you do? Will you fly with wings that waft wind, instead of catch it? I think not.

Her mother scoffs. “No, I think fucking not.” And this time, she doens’t scowl. The swear doesn’t bother her. She’s hardened. None of it will affect her, but it will affect Matilda, and that’s where the incredulity comes from. 

Toss my precious baby to the animals? I think fucking not.

Matilda wants to harden, too. Needs to be a woman that can do things for herself. What is she, if she can’t? A child that relies on the protective swoop of her mother.

Hadn’t helped Leo, comes slicing, cruel and sharp, through her thoughts. It makes her wince. 

“Don’t pull a face with me, Til.” The spatula returns to the skillet. Liquid yolk cooked through, omelet flip, perfect little arc in the air. 

“I want this, mom,” she says. And it’s what she has said so many times in the past. Piano lessons, dance lessons, new paints and sketchbooks and a passing comment towards a pretty gold necklace at the mall.

I want this. You can give it to me. It would make me happy. It would put a smile on my face. You can make that happen. Make me smile, make me smile, make me —

Her mother sighs. Long, long breath that rises her robe-clad chest and wavers out her nose. 

Matilda smiles, because she knows that sigh.

It is an, oh, alright sigh. An oh, alright sigh means good things for Matilda. 

She always gets what she asks for after one of those.

“We need to establish some ground rules,” she begins, and Matilda slides into the chair to listen.