#and maybe to try and get jays attention… shh

[someloserinajaywig]

I think the love triangle arc in rebooted is as stupid and bad and vaguely misogynistic as the next guy, but one thing that made me laugh my ass off upon rewatch was nya’s reasoning as to why she liked each of them

Oh Jay? yeah he’s a cutie he’s so funny, he’s the only one who can make me laugh we have so much history

Cole? he isn’t jay, and that’s more than enough for me

[cutecherrygirl]

Enhypen imagine

First cuddle 🥰

Warning: Fluff

There will be no pictures here cuz I couldn't find the right ones 😭

Jake

- I think he would just start cuddling you randomly without being nervous or anything cuz you're his girlfriend and he has right to cuddle you lol.

- You would ne shy at first, or maybe a bit insecure because of your body and you don't really want him to touch you but you let him cuddle tou because why not.

- Jake just wants to have you all to himself and all the time.

-you would come to hybe entertainment to hang out with him for a bit and he would take you to one of the studios because it has couch.

- you guys would lay down and relax there for a bit and he would just wrap his arms around you and pull you closer, he lays your head on his chest and kiss your temple.

-you would stay like that and talk for hours until you both fall asleep.

Heesung

-I dont think he sees "first cuddle" as a big deal or a real thing tbh 😭

-to him, cuddle is cuddle without any lables. And it is obviously natural to him and he wants you to feel comfortable as well.

- "babe, lets cuddle." He said while laying on the couch and watching tv.

-you would stop doing what you're doing and come to him.

-you lay on top of him and rest your head on his chest. He wraps his arms around you and kiss your head then pull blankeds on top of you so you dont get cold 🥺

- he continues to cuddle you and watch tv while you just close your eyes and enjoy the moment 🩵

Jay

- I think he is the kind of guy that would test the waters first before trying anything.

- he would study your mood and see if you needed cuddles or not.

-to his luck, you were pretty exhausted and was getting ready to read the book and get cozy

-he was so happy lol

-"hey, what book are you going to read" he asked as he hug you from behind and kiss your ear.

-you smiled "fourth wing" You show him the book and he nods"lets cuddle and read it together" he said and you agreed.

-you usually like to read while sitting up so the book doesn't fall on your face lol

-but since it was cuddle time, you decide to lay on your stomach adn place the book in front of you.

- Jay layed on top of you from the back and rest his chin on your head while you opened the book to where you last read it and started reading it.

-you both were so relaxed and cozy. Jay made you read the book out Loud cuz he is too lazy to read it himself.

-you read the book in soft tone while he closed his eyes and listen to your voice. (I WANT)

Sunghoon

- the first cuddle thing was a bit funny to him but he didn't tell you that cuz he knew it was important to you.

- he invited you over to the Enhypen dorm to hang out and eat.

-as you arrive, he instantly got happy "her baby" he said while wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into a hug. He kissed your forehead and smelled your sweet parfeum that you wore.

- "oh my god, I hate school, I'm literally going to cry like..." You said sounding very sad and hurt, you can't help but tear up at the memory of what happened in school that day.

-sunghoon quickly hugged you tighter and caress your head "shh..its okay, talk to me about it " he whispered as he gently pull you to his bed and lay down with you

-you lay your head on his shoulder and he has his arm around your shoulders. He pull your leg over his stomach and started rubbing your leg up and down while you talk to him about what happened.

Jungwon

- shy shy shy

- he doesn't know how to ask you to cuddle but he really wants it😭

-you invited him over to your place after school. You guys bought snacks on your way there 😜

-you both sat on your bed and talked. You back was pressed against the wall and he leaned against the bed rest.

- "so like, I can't believe she would say that... that's so messed up" You said before putting gumny bear in your mouth. "Yeah it really is.." Jungwon said but he didn't really pay attention to your whining, he just wanted to cuddle you finally.

- after realising he's not listening, you get kinda hurt "Jungwon...what did I said?" You asked in hopes he would repeat your last sentence but he just looked at you and shrugged "im sorry baby...im just thinking about something else..." He blushed and lokk down at his lap.

- you Sighed, "about what?" Jungwon stayed silent for a moment "um..i want to cuddle" he said shyly and you couldn't help but smile "oh my god Jungwon, Why didn't you just ask?" You laugh softly before moving closer to him and placing your legs over his lap. He smiled at you and lay you down on the bed. He layed on top of you but not really, Only his chest was on top of you but his legs were on the side.

-he burried his face in your neck and hugged you tightly while you played with his hair.

Sunoo

-it would be natural to Sunoo

-you guys would just spill the tea while laying on the bed.

-he layed his head on his palm while looking at you and listening to what your saying. His free hand is resting on your tummy and he kinda plays with your shirt while you just lay next to him and talk.

-you guys are very comfortable in your relationship and dont need silly labels such as "first cuddle".

Ni-ki

- He is not shy but is definitely a bit nervous 😬

- he doesn't want to jump right in cuz he is scared he will make you uncomfortable

- You were sitting on his bed and scrolling through your phone while he was playing video games.

- You back pressed against the wall and your legs crossed over one another.

-it was like that for like an hour until Ni-ki broke the silence.

- "hey... Babe... can we um" he blushed a bit "cuddle?" He asked and you looked at him with a smile "sure" You said before standing up and walking over to him..you sat on his lap, but like more on his knees and hugged his neck.

-he was supper Happy and gave you a little kiss on your shoulder then started playing his game again 🥺

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Ch. 22: Evil In The Eyes of the Beholder

“Do you think she’ll ever wake up?”

“Only time will tell.”

“See? She’s a good witch!”

“But she made me dance!”

“It wasn’t all her fault. You pushed her to the edge!”

When I open my eyes, I’m surrounded by bright lights and many faces. The 4 VKs, Ben, Audrey, Doug, Lonnie, Jane, Fairy Godmother- the whole room is crowded.

“Look! She’s awake!” Carlos exclaims and squeezes my hand.

“W- Where am I? What happened? Where’s Maleficent?!”

I scramble to sit up but it’s as if half my energy has been drained. But I was just sleeping…? Looking around, I see that I’m lying on a cot set up in Ben’s room. It looks like sunset outside, but there’s no telling of how long I’ve been unconscious.

“Calm down, trixie. Maleficent’s a lizard now!” Jay pats my shoulder.

“Wait- what?”

Over on my right, Mal holds up her palm to show me a tiny, purple lizard. “Magica, say hello to my mom.”

I give the lizard a wide-eyed look and slowly raise a hand. “Um, hello.” I notice an unusual smell and look to see a strange candle burning on a nearby desk. “Is that- is that a black flame candle?”

“Gracious, no!” Fairy Godmother assures me.

“It’s a healing candle, trixie,” Jay explains. “And I don’t know how black flame candles are made, but trust me you do not wanna know how this one is!”

“That protection spell was incredible, Sparks!” Ben comes over and gives me a soft hug. 

“Ben, get away from her! She’ll just hex us again.” Audrey tries to break us apart but Carlos pushes her away.

“She’s not evil, Audrey. Just because she’s smarter and prettier than you doesn’t mean you need to hate her.”

Audrey’s face twitches. “Prettier?” She pivots and storms out. When she’s gone we all try not to giggle.

“She’s never gonna forgive you for that,” Ben points at Carlos.

He leans against the bedframe and crosses his arms. “All worth it.”

“We’re sorry, Magica.” Jane gives me a wistful look and the other Auradon students join her.

“Yeah. We all assumed that because your mom is, you know, evil and all, that you were trying to spell us after the family day dance-off.”

I hang my head in shame and feel Carlos inch closer to give me comfort. “I truly am sorry for betraying your trust, however you yourselves must also admit your wrongdoing.”

“She’s right,” Ben agrees. “We all assumed she was evil just because she wouldn’t help us anymore. We pushed her too hard and paid the price.”

Evie snickers. “Yeah, by dancing!”

I can see she’s standing next to Doug, and I’m filled with potential hope that maybe they can kindle a relationship after all.

“Everyone should be hating me insead,” Jane tries to comfort me. “I’m the one who opened the barrier. All just because I want to be beautiful like you, Magica.”

“But you don’t need to want it, because you have it.” I take Jane’s hand with my free one. “Everyone’s idea of beauty is different. You are beautiful, Jane.”

Fairy Godmother now calls attention. “Um, fellow students? I’m going to need a moment to talk with Magica alone.”

The students start filing out, but Carlos stays a bit longer to kiss my cheek and give me a comforting smile. After everyone’s gone, FG comes over to sit on the cot next to me.

“Headmistress I’m so sorry-” I weakly try to sit up again.

“Shh, shh. Calm down, Magica. You’ve drained a lot out of yourself, and need to rest.” Fairy Godmother presses a hand to my cheek and smiles down at me. “I’m so proud of you!”

I try to shift to a better sitting up position, ignoring the clenching pain in my chest. “You are?”

“Of course, dear! You protected us.”

“B- But yesterday… What I did-”

“-Is all forgiven. Trust me, after being Headmistress here I’ve seen a lot of strange pranks. Hexing people to dance is pretty tame compared to other works I’ve had to deal with. After today, it’s us who should be apologizing to you. We had no right to assume you were a threat and treat you like one.” 

“They won’t see it that way. All the other students hate me now. I think it’s best if I just disappear for a while. That way I won’t pose a threat and can exercise my magic in peace.”

FG shows concern but nods in respect. “If that is what you wish. I’ll set up a safe space for you to practice. That patch in the school gardens is a bit too small, wouldn’t you say?”

My eyes widen. “You knew?”

She smiles. “I’m the Fairy Godmother. I always know. I will say that your improvements have been very impressive. You’ve definitely proven to be the top of Goodness 2.0.”

I return her smile and begin to slide off the cot in attempts to stand. “Thank you. For believing in me.”

“Focusing on the future is sort of my thing.” FG threads an arm around me to help me keep balance. “And I think you’re going to have a very important role in our future.”

Future. A word I’ve always feared, but now I’m starting to see a light at the end of a very twisted tunnel. I really want a bright future. With Carlos. But for now that sadly has to wait.

“Do you want to say goodbye to your friends?” Fairy Godmother asks as she gestures to the door.

I nod. “Yes. I’m ready to face them.”

Outside, my fellow Auradon students are talking amongst each other. Doug and Evie seem to be taking attempts at flirting, Ben, Mal, and Jane are discussing upcoming school events, and Carlos and Jay keep play-fighting. Once everyone sees me, they all go silent.

“Hey guys. I suppose you’re wondering about what happens now. Well… The Headmistress and I have decided that it’s best for me and the good of Auradon that I take a leave of absence. I just need to make a few adjustments before I go into hiding.”

“Hiding?” Evie asks unsurely. “But why? Everyone knows you’re not evil!”

“That is sadly untrue, Evie. The people of Auradon will always harbor distrust for me. And I know more than others how long it takes to build a lifestyle, so I’m cutting out the middleman and avoiding people altogether. I do, however, need a favor from you.”

“What is it, trixie?”

“I must request that you all vow to never speak of my whereabouts. The less people know of me, the better. Do you accept?”

My colleagues all exchange sad and worried looks.

“You’ll stay safe, right?” Doug asks.

“Of course she will. She’s a Sanderson witch!” Jane says encouragingly. 

“By the way, nice invisible cloak.” Mal nods approvingly. “You’re a fast learner when it comes to magic.”

“She always has been.” Ben wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I’m gonna miss you, Sparks.”

But Carlos doesn’t seem to agree with their contentment. “Wait. You’re leaving?”

[deanstead]

Treat Her Right

Pairing: Kelly Severide x Halstead!Reader, Jay Halstead x Hasltead!Reader x Will Halstead

Request by anon: Could I get maybe a Severide x Halstead!sister story. They just recently got together and haven’t told anyone yet. But then she gets sick or in an accident and her brothers find out while she’s in the hospital. Little bit of gruff protective brothers before they give their blessing.

Word Count: 1,359

Warnings: mentions of injury/blood, car accident, angst, fluff

A/N: Filing this under Kelly Severide but Halstead!Sister moments here too! I hope you like this one too! Thanks for reading!

---

You smiled across at Kelly who was sitting a few tables away from you and your brothers at Molly’s.

Kelly winked and you looked back down at your drink, smiling.

“Y/N? Hello? Are you here?” Jay’s voice made you look up again.

“What?” You asked, trying to focus on Jay, your eyes unconsciously flicking to your boyfriend again.

It had been barely a month and you weren’t quite ready to tell your brothers yet. Will and Jay might not seem like it to others but they were protective, and sometimes a bit too protective.

Kelly had been nothing but supportive, saying that he’d follow your lead and that the both of you could keep it on the down low for as long as you wanted or needed. “Whatever makes you happy.” Kelly had said with a smile and you could feel the warm fuzz in your chest just at the memory of that conversation.

Kelly was the only other person that made you feel this loved, safe and happy, other than your brothers. And that was saying a lot.

Jay narrowed his eyes at you. “Are you hiding something from us?”

You paused. “What? Why would I be hiding something from you?”

Jay and Will exchanged a look before Will steered the conversation back to what they had been talking about before and you made a more concerted effort to be involved.

---

Kelly whistled as he walked into the firehouse and Matt looked at him, narrowing his eyes.

“You’ve been in a good mood recently.” Matt commented, closing his locker.

Kelly shrugged. “Things have just been good.”

“With Y/N?” Matt asked, raising his eyebrows. Kelly’s head shot up as Matt smirked.

“Safe with me.” Matt grinned, just as the familiar bells rang out through the fire house.

Squad 3. Truck 81. Ambulance 61. Car Accident.

Kelly glanced at Matt, a small smile playing on his lips. “Down low, you hear me?”

Matt gave Kelly a salute as they got into their respective trucks, pulling out of the station and hurtling towards the address of the accident.

Kelly frowned as they approached the scene of the accident and felt his heart drop to his feet as he recognised the familiar battered car that had tipped onto its side. Your car.

“Y/N…” Kelly muttered, jumping out of the truck the moment it came to a stop and racing towards you.

“Y/N!”

You groaned, forcing your eyes open despite the blood that was running down your face from the large gash across your forehead.

“Shh shh, baby, look at me.” Kelly called out to you and your eyes flicked to him. “I’m right here. Breathe. I’m going to get you out of here, okay?”

“I need some cribbing and struts over here to stabilise this thing!” Kelly yelled. “Don’t let it tip over!”

“Hey, stay with me okay?” Kelly was talking to you this time. You smiled back up at him and tried to nod but your head gave a painful throb. “Y/N honey, don’t move, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” You groaned as you heard the loud sounds from their equipment, obviously trying to cut through the metal to get through to you.

“Eyes on me, eyes on me.” Kelly repeated, as you heard the grunts of the rest of the firefighters as they pulled open the roof of the car.

“Hey, I need a C-Collar and a backboard!” Joe yelled.

“Shh, it’s okay.” Kelly soothed as he gently fit the c-collar around your neck, trying not to jostle you and you felt yourself being slid onto the backboard and lifted.

“Kel…” You tried to reach out for him.

“I got this, Lieutenant.” Joe reassured, nodding to Kelly.

Kelly glanced at Matt, who gave him a thumbs up. “Go on, I got the scene.”

Kelly clambered into the ambulance with you, holding your hand all the way as the ambulance sped towards Med.

---

Kelly stood over you, holding your hand.

“Kelly, I’m fine.” You reassured, smiling as the door slid open and your brothers came bursting into the room.

“Y/N!”

Jay raised his eyebrows as he saw Kelly there, Will’s eyes darting towards your entwined hands. Before they could say anything else, Connor came into the room.

“Connor, how is she?” Will asked, his attention immediately focused on his friend.

Connor smiled. “Don’t worry, she’s fine. The scans show no internal bleeding, her cognitive function and movement are good. She has a slight concussion so we’ll just give her some Tylenol in case she has any headaches.”

“So she can be discharged?” Jay asked, his eyes still darting towards Kelly.

Connor nodded, “I’ll get a nurse to do up the paperwork.”

Connor quietly left the room. Kelly quietly smiled at you, stepping backwards as your brothers charged forward.

“You feeling okay?” Jay asked, stroking the top of your head gently, his worried eyes scanning you.

“I’m fine.” You repeated what you had just told Kelly, smiling up at them. Will didn’t say anything but turned, only to realise that Kelly had left the room, choosing to wait outside.

“Something you want to tell us?” Will asked.

You smiled sheepishly. “I was going to tell you at dinner tonight. We just wanted to stabilise things before…”

You could see a little tick in Jay’s eyebrow. “Jay. Don’t go all crazy.”

“What?” Jay shot back.

You chuckled a little, wincing as your bruised body gave a small throb of protest. “You’ve said it yourself, Kelly’s a good person.”

“A good friend.” Jay retorted through gritted teeth.

You smiled just as a nurse walked in. “We’re getting the discharge papers ready, why don’t you wait outside and we’ll get her changed.”

Jay seemed to hesitate but Will nodded at him and motioned him outside.

---

Kelly had quietly excused himself.

This was so not the way he wished for Jay and Will to find out that he was dating their sister. And he was sure this wasn’t the way you had envisioned it either. But the accident had thrown everything off balance.

Kelly sighed as he leaned against the counter. He could still feel the adrenaline pumping in his veins from when he had recognised your tipped-over car and that was even before he had seen you in there, covered in blood.

Kelly looked up as the door to your room opened again and your brothers came out.

“They’re getting her changed.” Will said, as Jay continued to stare at Kelly.

Kelly paused, hesitating, not sure if he should wait for them to broach the subject or just bulldoze his way through it.

Jay frowned a little and Kelly cleared his throat.

“Look, Jay, Will…” Kelly paused. “We weren’t trying to keep it a secret. Y/N just wanted things to stabilise before… before anyone else knew.”

“Stabilise?” Will asked, his eyebrows furrowing as well.

“We just needed to see how things were going for us, for both of us.” Kelly answered.

“And?” Jay asked.

“And I love your sister. More than anything in the world. She’s what I’ve been missing my whole life.”

Jay stared at Kelly for a while more. “You treat her right, you hear me?”

Kelly smiled, “I’ll make sure I’m the man that she deserves.”

Will narrowed his eyes, “You better.” But Will stuck out his hand, letting out a small smile. “You take care of her.”

Kelly nodded, shaking Will’s hand as Jay stuck his hand out too.

“Thanks for looking out for her.” Jay said, gruffly.

The door opened then and you glanced from your brothers to your boyfriend.

“Everything alright here?” You asked.

You knew your brothers could be a little overprotective sometimes, you just hoped that it would be better since they knew Kelly.

“Great.” Jay said, flicking you lightly on the arm.

“Hey!” You protested.

“That was for not telling us.” Jay said.

You laughed but looked at Kelly. “Everything’s okay?”

Kelly smiled, taking your hand gently in his. “Yeah, everything’s great, we all want the same thing.” You looked quizzically at him before looking at your brothers.

“We just want you to be happy, safe and healthy. Everything will be just fine.” Kelly smiled, kissing you on your temple.

[boys-wonder]

Day 2 - Cockwarming

Pairing: Jason Todd/Bruce Wayne

Tags:  Age Gap, Cockwarming, Submissive Jason Todd, Dominant Bruce Wayne, BDSM, Age Gap, Trans Jason Todd, PIV Sex Consensual Underage Sex, Top Bruce Wayne, Bottom Jason Todd, Vocal Jason Todd, Daddy Kink, Brat Tamer Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd Is a Good Boy, Subspace, Dom Bruce Wayne, Gentle Dom Bruce Wayne, Established Relationship

Desc:  Sometimes, when Jason gets too frustrated to focus on his training, too in his head about things, Bruce makes him take a break. He bends Jason over the console of the Batcomputer and fingers him open, then works him down onto his cock and holds the boy in his lap while he catches up on paperwork.

Word Count: 1179

For the @jasonpunishmentweek​, Day 2 - Cock-warming

Ao3 Link: Here

- - - 

“Oh fuck,” Jason keens, and the chuckle that rumbles in Bruce’s chest makes his knees weak. That finger is moving steadily in and out of him, so fucking good and nowhere near enough, and he has to bite down on his lip to stop himself from whining impatiently. It wouldn’t do any good; Bruce would just go slower.

The cold metal of the console presses into Jason’s trembling thighs, and the boy bites back a whimper as Bruce’s thick middle finger slides into his already slick front hole, pressing in and in until the older man’s other fingers brush against Jason’s swollen cock. 

“So wet already,” Bruce murmurs, and Jason flushes, but whatever embarrassed retort he opens his mouth to huff out dies on his lips as Bruce curls that thick finger inside of him, making Jason’s vision go white at the edges.

Instead, his silence is rewarded with a second finger sliding in next to the first, stretching him in ways that make his toes curl. Jason stutters out a breath, digging his fingers into the console as Bruce starts fucking his fingers slowly into Jason’s leaking hole. “Oh fu- god,” Jason whines as Bruce curls his fingers right into that spot, making him see white. 

“Yeah, baby?” Bruce purrs against his hip, lips brushing across the boy’s back. “Right there?” He punctuates the word with another curl of his fingers. 

“Fuck! Yes, fuck, daddy,” Jay cries out, and Bruce rewards him by curling his fingers roughly inside him again. He thrusts them hard and fast inside him for a few blissful moments before pulling them free, leaving Jason empty and dripping. “Bruce, fuck, ple-” His pleas are cut short as he feels the thick head of Bruce’s cock rubbing against his slick folds, pressing against his entrance in a way that makes his head spin with want. 

“Impatient brat,” Bruce chides, and digs his fingers into Jason’s hips as he slowly - god, so fucking slow - pushes in. Any attempt on Jason’s part to rush him was thwarted easily with his iron grip on the boy’s hips, and Bruce keeps pressing in slowly, seconds seeming to stretch into hours before his hips finally, finally touch Jason’s.

Bruce smiles and leans forward to kiss across Jason’s trembling shoulders, giving the boy time to adjust to his girth. Jason is clenching around him, slick dripping onto the console and the floor, trying so hard not to just rock his hips back and fuck himself on the older man’s cock. Nothing makes him lose his cool faster than any part of Bruce inside him, he can’t get enough. He wants everything Bruce has to give him, and he wants it now. But even more than that, he wants to be good. He wants to be good for Bruce.

After a few long, agonizing minutes, Bruce sees Jason relax into the console, the inner struggle finally over with. 

“Good boy,” Bruce praises, running his fingers through Jason’s hair before he carefully wraps his arms around the boy’s waist and gently holds him to his chest as he sinks into the chair behind him. Jason whines as they settle, the movement forcing Bruce’s cock even deeper inside him, and the feeling has Jason’s head swimming. 

He rests his head heavily on Bruce’s shoulder, letting himself be pulled even deeper into subspace as strong arms frame him carefully, swiping and clicking at buttons and keys on the computer to pull up files he can’t be bothered to try and read. 

Time seems to drag on in lurches and lulls, and Jason doesn’t fight it or try to keep track of how long he’s perched there in Bruce’s lap, the man’s cock buried inside him. Every now and then, Bruce will absentmindedly thrust inside him, just enough to sate the itch and keep himself hard. Each time, it sends a white-hot pulse of pleasure skittering up Jason’s spine, making him drip around Bruce’s cock to pool on the chair between their legs. When Jason clenches particularly hard around Bruce, the older man will lean down to kiss soothingly across the boy’s shoulders, the angle of his chin against Jason’s back making it clear that he’s still looking up at the screen, and fuck if that doesn’t make Jason’s head swim. 

Doing this, there’s no risk of doing something wrong. No way he can fuck this up, like he does with everything else. All he has to do is be still and keep Bruce’s cock warm and hard inside him. He doesn’t even have to move. There’s no way to compare himself to Dick like this, no way he can come up short. Not with Bruce’s cock spearing him open and Bruce’s lips on his neck, murmuring praise into his neck about how good he feels, how well he’s doing. How proud of Jason he is. How Jason makes him proud. Dick can’t take that away from him; nobody can. Bruce’s pride in him, doing this right, this is something that’s just his. 

It’s about an hour later - or maybe it’s three? - that Bruce signs out of the Batcomputer and brings Jason’s attention back to his body with warm lips against the boy’s neck. 

“Are you ready to go upstairs and let Daddy take care of you?”

Jason’s thoughts are so fuzzy, slipping through his fingers as he tries to grasp onto them. It takes him several moments to find the presence of mind to respond, but Bruce just waits patiently.

“Mm,” he starts, and clears his throat to try again. “Yes sir.” Bruce gently wraps his arms around the boy, carefully pulling himself free of Jason’s clenching hole, and coos softly at the pitiful noise Jason makes at the sensation of feeling so empty.

“Shh, good boy. I’ll take care of you. I always do, don’t I, sweetheart?” Bruce asks, his voice gentle and grounding in Jason’s ear, the tether with which Jason keeps himself from free-floating into oblivion.

“Yes sir,” Jason slurs into Bruce’s shoulder, vaguely feeling himself being wrapped in a blanket and carried up the winding set of stairs that lead back up into the manor.

Gentle kisses are pressed to Jason’s hair, and are responded with half-aware content noises as Bruce pads through the manor, using a secret pathway here and there to ensure Alfred doesn’t stumble on the pair. Jason’s not sure when they make it into the older man’s bedroom, but the familiar scent of expensive sheets wraps around him, lulling him further into a sleepy, comfortable headspace. 

He knows that Bruce will always take care of him. It’s something that Jason never has to doubt or question, the depth of Bruce’s devotion to him. The tender way the older man’s lips touch his skin, the steadfast and sturdy way Bruce holds him in his arms, the way Bruce’s eyes soften every time his and Jason’s meet, all of it lays out how much Jason is loved. He just needs reminding sometimes, and that’s okay too. Bruce is more than happy to remind him as often as he needs.

- - -

Thanks so much for reading! If you liked this work, please reblog, and if you’re feeling generous, please go to ao3 and leave a comment, or drop one off in my inbox here!

[maybeimamuppet]

lost and found

hey little muppets!! happy wednesday!! its occurred to me that i should probably stop using that as my greeting because chances are higher that you are not reading this on a wednesday. whatevs.

anyway!! into the heavy stuff :(

tw for:

pregnancy

childbirth (nothing graphic)

cheating/infidelity

implied domestic verbal abuse

discussion of abortion

divorce

abandonment?? kinda sorta??

and as always if I've missed something please let me know so i can add that in :))

enjoy!

---------

Janis is making herself dinner and trying not to think too deeply about her life when she gets the message.

Getting a text from Cady is normal, they usually chat a bit at least once a day. Sometimes it’s just a good morning or goodnight message, but it’s still nice to keep in touch. Cady’s busy with her studies and work and husband, and Janis is busy with her own work and her cat and trying to get her commissions business up and running. Getting in touch whenever they can is normal.

What isn’t normal is Cady’s tone within the text.

caddycat: Hey are you busy??

jayjay: nah i’m just making dinner

jayjay: why what’s up

caddycat: Could I maybe come over for a little bit???

caddycat: Please

jayjay: yeah ofc

jayjay: is everything ok ??

caddycakes: I don’t know yet

jayjay: uhm… ok

jayjay: let me know if u need anything

caddycakes: I will

caddycakes: Thank you Jay

caddycakes: I’ll be over in an hour

jayjay: anytime <33

—-

Cady knocks on the door an hour later. Janis opens it to find her visibly shaking and clutching a shopping bag.

“Hey, Cads,” she says. “Need a hug?”

“Please,” Cady replies, sounding seconds away from tears. Janis immediately pulls her in, kicking the door shut behind Cady and holding her close.

“What’s going on?”

Cady inhales sharply. That’s never a good sign. She stutters out, “I-I… I think I’m pregnant.”

“Oh.” Janis says. She peeks into the bag Cady has and finds it to be full of pregnancy tests. “Is this, like, a happy thing? Do you want a baby?”

“I do,” Cady says miserably. “But Aaron… I don’t-I don’t think he does. I don’t know what to do, I-“

“Hey, shh,” Janis calms. “We don’t know for sure yet, there’s no reason to freak out now. We’ll do the tests when you’re ready and go from there, okay?”

“Okay,” Cady says, taking some deep breaths.

“Have you eaten? I have extra food,” Janis murmurs. “It’s just chicken and rice, it should go down easy.”

“That sounds nice,” Cady replies. “Hi Picasso.”

Janis’ cat beeps at her in reply, confused as to why she’s not picking him up for cuddles and pets like she normally does. He purrs and winds around their legs to try to coax some response.

“Soso, Caddy’s upset,” Janis scolds. “Let her get comfy before you try to get all her attention, you little whore. Where are your manners? I raised you better than this.”

Cady gives a weak giggle at that, following Janis and the cat to the kitchen. Janis plates up the extra portion she has and gives it to her. Picasso leaps onto the table to try and steal some, but is quickly foiled by Janis hauling him off and imprisoning him in her bedroom.

Cady eats slowly, pushing her food around the plate and taking a bite every few minutes. It’s good, but she’s so lost in her mind that she can’t focus on anything. Janis tidies up from cooking and lets Cady take her time.

Cady looks up at her when she finally finishes. Janis takes and washes her plate, then points to the bag standing ominously between them. Cady takes a deep breath and nods.

-

Cady does everything she needs to and sets a timer for all the tests. She clings to Janis once her hands and the bathroom have been sanitized and she’s waiting for the results.

“Either way, it’ll be okay,” Janis comforts. “One way or another. It’ll work out.”

Cady nods, but she still locks up when her timer goes off. “Could-could you… maybe check them for me? I’ll clean everything first, I just-I can’t… I can’t do this myself, I need everything to be okay for a few more seconds.”

“It will be,” Janis says. “You’re not alone. I’ll check them for you.”

“Thank you,” Cady says shakily. Janis nods and releases her to go get everything set up.

Cady opens the door again and gestures to the tests all lying face down on the counter. Janis steps in and takes her hand.

“Can you make sure they match? Before you tell me?” Cady mumbles. “If they’re all the same it’s a better gauge. If it’s a mix it could go either way.”

“Okay,” Janis says. Cady turns around and covers her ears so she can’t get any sense of Janis’ reaction to them.

Janis picks up the first test, a small white stick with a pink cap. She flips it over and sees two pink lines. It’s positive. The second one of the same brand is also positive. So is a flimsy paper one, and a digital one with a blue cap, and… the rest of them.

“Cads,” Janis says, just loud enough that Cady can hear her. Cady warily turns around and uncovers her ears.

“All the same?”

“Yeah,” Janis says. Cady takes a deep breath and pinches her middle fingernail.

“What… what are they?”

“They’re all positive,” Janis says quietly. “You’re pregnant.”

“Oh god,” Cady whimpers, immediately bursting into tears. Janis wraps her in a tight hug. “What am I gonna do, Jay? I-I-“

“Hey, shh,” Janis comforts. “Let’s get out of my gross bathroom first, come on.”

Cady doesn’t even grin at that, she just takes Janis’ hand and follows her to the couch. Janis has never seen her like this. Cady sinks down onto the soft cushions and curls in on herself, burying her head in her hands and weeping. Janis gently tugs her closer, and Cady tips to rest her head on Janis’ shoulder.

“You still have options,” Janis murmurs gently, rubbing Cady’s back in a desperate but ditch attempt to comfort her. “Do-do you want an abortion? I can go with you if you do. Aaron would never have to know if you don’t want him to.”

“No,” Cady chokes immediately. “I-you know me, I’d support any-anyone who needed one, or wanted one, but… I-I can’t do that.”

“Okay, I just wanted to make sure,” Janis says. “But you still don’t have to tell him right away. You have time before he’d catch on or notice anything.”

“He deserves to know,” Cady mumbles. “It is his baby. I-I… If he doesn’t… take it well, could… no, I can’t ask-“

“You can absolutely come back if he doesn’t react well,” Janis butts in. “I don’t have… a spectacular amount of room, but we’ll make a place for you. Picasso would love having you around a bit more.”

“Thank you,” Cady chokes. “I-he gets home tomorrow afternoon from his-his business trip, I’m gonna… I’ll tell him then.”

“Okay,” Janis says, pulling Cady a bit closer. “You can text me with what he says. I’ll come get you if he doesn’t take it well. But I’m sure he will, you guys would make great parents.”

“Thank you,” Cady sobs again. “For everything. You’re such a good friend.”

Janis’ heart aches a bit at that. Friend. “Of course.”

—-

Cady spends the night in Janis’ bed and in Janis’ pajamas. Janis sleeps on the couch to give her her space, but she can still hear Cady venting to Picasso well into the night.

Cady leaves just after breakfast. Janis spends the day worrying, pacing back and forth around her apartment and chewing her fingertips raw. Eventually she has to bust out her sketchbook and pencils to distract herself.

Cady never texts.

-

The first Janis hears all day is around eight in the evening. A knock on the door, again. She opens it to find Cady on the other side, sobbing heavily and clutching a small overnight bag.

“Oh god, Caddy,” Janis says sadly as Cady immediately lunges forward and starts crying into her shoulder.

“He-he left me,” she wails. “He’s not-not coming back.”

“Fucker,” Janis grumbles. “I’m so sorry, Peanut.”

“And-and he’s been cheat-cheating on me. He wasn’t on-on a business trip.”

Janis is seething by this point, having to actively restrain herself from hunting Aaron down and removing his testicles in a particularly violent fashion. But Cady is here right now, and she needs comfort more than Janis needs vengeance.

“I’m so sorry,” Janis murmurs. “Come here.”

She picks Cady up, very mindful of her belly, and carries her back over to the couch. Cady doesn’t let go. She just cries and cries, and Janis lets her.

“We’ll figure this out together,” Janis murmurs into her hair. She’s not sure if Cady can actually hear her over the force of her sobbing. But she has to say it. “You’re not doing this alone. You can stay here as long as you need.”

Picasso leaps up and worms his way in between them, settling on Cady’s legs and purring full force in an attempt to comfort. Cady doesn’t acknowledge him, but Picasso knows she’s grateful he’s there too.

-

Hours later, Cady finally calms down. Janis knows she’s not feeling any better, though. She simply ran out of tears to cry. “Do you wanna go shower? I’ll make dinner and get everything set up for you.”

Cady nods hollowly, finally giving Picasso a little peck on the forehead and Janis a final squeeze before she pads off to the bathroom.

Janis strips off her sheets and remakes the bed with her softest set, then fluffs the pillows and blankets so Cady has a nice place to sleep for the foreseeable future. She also remembers that Cady will need towels, so she grabs the softest few and leaves them outside with a knock to let Cady know they’re there.

-

Cady comes back about forty five minutes later, clad in Janis’ bathrobe and her auburn curls still dripping slightly. She presses against Janis’ back as she stands in front of the stove.

“Hey,” Janis greets quietly, switching the heat off. “How you feeling?”

“Empty,” Cady whispers. “But better, I guess. I’m just trying to process everything.”

Janis hums sadly and nods. “I have spaghetti. I didn’t add anything to it, I know pregnancy can kinda… mess with stuff, I didn’t know if you have anything you can’t eat anymore.”

“Not yet, luckily,” Cady replies, finally giving the smallest hint of a smile. “Least this kid can do is go easy on me.”

“Seriously,” Janis chuckles sardonically. “I have sauce if you want, or you can just freeball it.”

“This is fine,” Cady says as she takes her portion. “Thank you, Jay.”

“Of course,” Janis replies.

It’s a lot nicer to eat together.

—————

Janis does every possible thing she can to help Cady over the next few weeks. She helps get divorce proceedings started, goes with her to the clinic to get tested for STIs since Aaron had been exposing her (thankfully, everything was negative), and helps her find a doctor for the baby.

Cady asks her to come to the first scan with her, and Janis agrees in a heartbeat. She’s rather invested in the whole thing now, anyway.

Cady doesn’t let go of her hand through the whole vitals check and preparation process. Janis supposes she needs some sort of physical reminder she’s there. And she’s all too happy to oblige.

“Here’s your little one,” the doctor says once the ultrasound has started. “Face is up here, and then you can see some extremities starting to take shape.”

Cady and Janis both look as she points to all the parts. The baby is still vaguely shrimp-shaped, but it’s remarkably cute already. Janis gently squeezes Cady’s hand.

“Everything looks beautiful, I’m not seeing any major abnormalities or anything else to be worried about,” the doctor continues. “Would you like to hear the heartbeat?”

Cady nods, so the doctor flips a switch on the machine. A strange sort of pulsing sound fills the room.

“That’s you, hold on,” the doctor says. She shifts a bit and a similar, but more rapid sound can be heard. “Here’s baby.”

“Oh my god,” Cady whispers, holding her free hand over her mouth as she bursts into tears. “Hi baby.”

Janis finds herself holding back a few tears as well. It’s really hitting her now that Cady is actually pregnant and is actually going to have a baby soon. Man, I really am getting old.

“Sounds perfect, congratulations mamas,” the doctor says.

“Oh, we’re not together,” Janis corrects immediately. Cady, oddly enough, keeps quiet. “I’m just a friend.”

“Oh, my apologies,” the doctor replies, looking as if she doesn’t believe that for a second. “You’re about thirteen weeks along, so you’re due around the twentieth of October. Just a few more things and then we’ll let you go.”

Cady continues crying gently throughout the rest of the scan. Janis doesn’t know if she’s happy or upset by the events. Probably both. She never lets go of Cady’s hand, either.

“You okay?” she says when the doctor finally hands Cady her photos and leaves them alone.

“Yeah,” Cady sniffles, wiping her eyes. “It just kind of hit me now that there’s… a baby in me.”

“Me too. I get a mini-Caddy to play with,” Janis chuckles. “And you’re due around my birthday too, maybe I’ll get a twin.”

“You already look exactly like Veronica, don’t be greedy,” Cady teases. “Take me home.”

“Fine,” Janis laughs. Cady’s choice of words gives her pause. Home.

————-

In May, Cady is officially freed from Aaron and dubbed Cady Jane Heron once more. It was a long and difficult process, but Janis was there every step of the way. Child support payments are set in order for when the baby is born, and Cady gets their house in the settlement. But she doesn’t want it, and that’s a problem.

“Janis?” she asks about a week after everything finally settles.

“Hmm?”

“Could you maybe… help me move? I can’t stay in that house,” Cady says anxiously. “God, I’ll have to find a place, too, I didn’t even think of that.”

“Why?” Janis asks. “You can stay here. Picasso and I like having you around.”

“I like being here,” Cady replies. “But I can’t raise a kid in an apartment this small. No offense.”

“None taken,” Janis chuckles. She tucks her paintbrush behind her ear and swipes her hand over her forehead, unknowingly smearing it with purple. “Uh… you can totally say no, but would you maybe want to… move in together? Like, to a house or a bigger apartment? That way I’d still be around to help with the baby and stuff, and you might… not feel so alone?”

“That would be great,” Cady agrees immediately, visibly relaxing. She tenses again rather abruptly. “Whoa.”

“What?” Janis asks in a panic, rushing over to her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Cady says as she reaches for her. Janis is confused when she takes one of her hands and rests it on the side of her belly, until she feels a little pop pop pop flutter against her hand.

“Holy shit!” Janis yelps. “Baby peanut can move!”

“This is the first time they’ve kicked,” Cady laughs through her tears. “Man, they’re excited.”

“That’s so weird, oh my god,” Janis says, squealing as another round of kicks begins beneath her hand.

“It is kinda weird,” Cady agrees. “Like Alien.”

“I fucking hope not,” Janis chuckles. She bends down a bit closer to Cady’s tummy. “Hello little creature inhabiting my friend. I’m your auntie. I’m gonna spoil you so much, and probably steal you from your mom sometimes so we can hang out. Maybe I’ll teach you how to paint. But I’m gonna buy you so much candy, and toys, and stuffed animals. I’m your cool auntie.”

“You’re so sweet,” Cady laughs. “Thank you. For being here for us.” I love you.

“Of course,” Janis replies. She can’t bring herself to look at Cady or risk ruining everything. I love you too.

Janis coughs slightly and heads back to her easel. “Dame follows the real estate market like a hawk, he can probably help us find a place. And he’s still got dance muscles so he can help physically. I’ll make him.”

“Why does he do that?”

“Hell if I know,” Janis shrugs. “We both just know not to question anything the other one does anymore.”

“Fair enough,” Cady giggles. “Oh, I should probably… tell him about the baby, huh?”

“Yeah, probably,” Janis laughs. “Have you told anyone?”

“Just you and my family,” Cady replies. “And… him.”

“Fucker,” Janis huffs. “Oh, I should probably start learning to stop swearing.”

“Eh,” Cady shrugs, stretching out on the couch and watching Janis work. “It’s part of you. If they pick it up we can deal with it later.”

“Tits.”

—————

Janis apparently massively underestimated Damian’s abilities, because he manages to find them a three bedroom apartment in a decent part of the city for a reasonable price. And agrees to help them move.

“So why the sudden rush to move?” he asks as he helps them start packing. “I mean, I get Janis not wanting to sleep on the couch anymore, but why three bedrooms? Are you pregnant?”

He’s clearly joking, but Cady freezes. “Um…”

“Wait, really?” Damian asks excitedly, looking up at her from the ground. Cady nods. “You’re pregnant?! And you didn’t tell me?”

“I forgot, I haven’t told anyone,” Cady replies sheepishly. “Surprise?”

“Oh my god, Caddy!” Damian says, scrambling to his feet and running to hug her. “Congratulations, oh my god! Tell me everything.”

Cady laughs and hugs him back. “Not much to tell, really. Baby’s healthy, I’m healthy. I’m due in October, I decided not to find out the sex.” She cups her oversized shirt to show off her bump. “But your little niece or nephew is in here.”

“Oh my god, you’re so cute!” Damian squeals. “Hi baby bump. Damian junior.”

“Absolutely not,” Janis calls as she enters from the bedroom carrying a box. “I can’t handle two of you.”

“And what if it’s a girl?” Cady laughs.

“Damiana.” Damian replies immediately. “What? That’s a good name!”

“I’ll think about it,” Cady jokes, popping up to kiss his cheek. “You two are gonna be the best auntie and uncle.”

Damian notices how forced Janis’ smile is when she looks at Cady. Luckily, he decides now isn’t the time to mention it and instead says, “Hell yeah. This is gonna be the cutest baby ever.”

“Thanks,” Cady laughs. “Has some good genes, I hope they turn out cute.”

“Mini Caddy,” Damian says.

“Mini Caddy,” Janis agrees with a nod. “Damie, this is heavy, will you carry it for me?”

“What happened to being a ‘strong, independent woman who don’t need no man’?” Damian teases. Janis just points to her box again.

“You’re more of a woman than I will ever be,” she says affectionately. “But you’re also stronger. Chop chop.”

“Fine. But only because I’m happy that I finally get to be an uncle.”

—————

“Caddy! I found the best thing ever at the store ever!”

“Oh?” Cady hums, turning around from the stove as Janis comes barreling in. Janis nods eagerly.

“I found a Halloween costume for the baby!”

“Jay, it’s August,” Cady laughs.

“So?” Janis defends. “They’ll be here by Halloween. And it’s versatile.”

“You’re cute. What did you find?”

Janis roots through her bag and pulls out a teeny tiny lion costume along with a binkie decorated to look like a lion nose.

“Oh my gosh,” Cady says, immediately taking it and holding it up to her tummy. “This is so cute!”

“Why are you crying?” Janis asks worriedly.

“Sorry,” Cady sobs, wiping her eyes carefully before feeling the material of the mane on the hood and the fabric of the little paws. “I’m, like, really hormonal lately.”

“Don’t apologize,” Janis says, hugging her friend as close as she can around Cady’s belly. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Cady sniffles with a laugh. “You thought of everything. It even has mittens so they can’t scratch themselves. And it’s just warm enough to keep them cozy without overheating. My little cub, I can’t wait.”

“I can’t either,” Janis agrees. “You’re gonna be an amazing mom.”

“I hope so,” Cady whispers, resting a hand on her stomach.

————-

“What are you doing?” Janis asks when she comes home from work to find Cady sitting on the ground by the coffee table surrounded by several different kinds of curry.

“I read that spicy food can induce labor,” Cady replies with a shrug. She doesn’t look at all bothered by the one she’s eating. “I’m sick of being pregnant, I figured it was worth a shot.”

“I think that’s a myth,” Janis laughs. “But I get it, it has to be uncomfortable by now.”

“You think?” Cady huffs. “I’m huge. I look like I have a basketball stuck to me.”

“You’re beautiful,” Janis replies quietly. She grabs a fork and takes a bite of the curry Cady was eating. “Jesus Christ, that’s so spicy!”

“Is it? I didn’t think it was that bad,” Cady laughs. Janis snatches the water bottle she offers and chugs about half of it in one go. “You good?”

Janis gives a thumbs up and continues drinking after a breath. “Great.”

“I can finish the rest,” Cady chuckles. “Try this one, it was the mild one.”

Janis warily takes the offered portion and tries a bite. “This is better.”

“Then have at it,” Cady says. Janis digs in happily. She forgot her lunch, so she’s been hungry all day. But Cady is quiet.

“You good?” Janis repeats quietly, gently nudging Cady with a foot under the coffee table.

“Yeah,” Cady murmurs. “I’m just thinking.”

“‘Bout what?”

“Them,” Cady says, holding her tummy. “As much as I hate being pregnant, I don’t… I don’t know if I’m ready. They really could come any day.”

“You don’t have to be totally ready,” Janis replies. “I think if we’re both about half ready we’ll be solid. And we baby-proofed everything, so they’ll be safe while we work it out.”

Cady smiles at her. “How do you always know what to say?”

“I know you,” Janis shrugs.

“That you do,” Cady agrees quietly. “That you do.”

————-

“Janis?” Cady calls from her room at around midnight that night. Janis comes barreling in to check on her and promptly crashes into the doorframe.

“Ow,” she groans in defeat. Cady winces and comes to check her out.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Janis sighs. “Are you okay?”

“Oh!” Cady says, appearing to remember something. “Uh, no, I’m in labor. The curry worked after all, I guess.”

“You what?!”

“My water just broke. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine! We should go,” Janis says in a voice about three octaves higher than normal.

“Okay,” Cady chuckles. “Lead the way.”

—-

“Are you sure you want me here?” Janis asks quietly once Cady is all hooked up to monitors and cozy in her hospital bed. “This is kinda personal for you.”

“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” Cady replies sadly. “But it would really help me to have you here. You’ve seen my vagina enough at all their appointments. You’re basically their other parent by this point.”

Janis flushes at that. “Then I guess I’ll stay.”

“Good,” Cady grins. “Just let me know if you’re gonna pass out.”

“I could handle it in health class in middle school, I think I can handle this,” Janis replies. “Just try not to make this a regular thing.”

“Definitely not,” Cady agrees, breathing through a contraction. “And, um… thank you. For everything. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Don’t thank me yet, let’s get this kid out of you first,” Janis chuckles. “But you’re welcome. I can’t wait to meet them.”

“Me either,” Cady says as another contraction hits right after the last. “Jesus.”

Cady seems to have jinxed herself with that. Everything suddenly progresses more rapidly, and she’s surrounded by doctors before she’s totally aware of what’s happening.

-

Cady’s daughter is born at 5:26 in the morning on October seventeenth, 2025. Janis was by her side the whole time, providing water and ice and encouragement whenever Cady needed them. She cries along with Cady as her child is rested on her chest and cleaned off.

“Hi, baby girl,” Cady sobs quietly, gently holding one of the baby’s little hands. “Oh, shh, I know. That wasn’t fun for either of us, huh?”

“She’s beautiful,” Janis sniffles as Cady and the baby both get patched up and covered with a soft blanket. “She looks just like you.”

The baby really does, with her bright red hair, big blue eyes, and the chubbiest cheeks Janis has ever seen. There’s barely a lick of Aaron in her, thankfully.

Cady smiles and scoots her baby up to kiss the top of her head. “Thank you.”

Janis just nods. “Nice job, by the way.”

“Thanks,” Cady laughs. “God, that was horrific. I think you’re an only child, little one.”

“Probably a fair call,” Janis laughs.

She and Cady continue cooing over the little one for a long while. Janis feels strange. She feels like she’s intruding on this private moment between a mother and her child, but she also feels like she’s finally found a family of her own. Like this is her baby.

-

“Do you wanna hold her?” Cady asks after several hours of snuggling her newborn.

“Uh… sure,” Janis says anxiously. A nurse comes in to get all of her measurements, then swaddles the baby and passes her to Janis. Janis takes her hesitantly and gives her a gentle rock. “Hello there.”

“I think she likes you,” Cady giggles as her daughter stares up at Janis’ face. Janis smiles back down at the little being in her arms.

“What’s her name?”

“Maya,” Cady replies as she takes the pen to add it to the birth certificate. “Maya Jay Heron.”

“What?” Janis asks in shock, snapping her head to look at Cady.

“This isn’t an impulse thing, don’t worry,” Cady replies with a chuckle. “You’ve done so much for me. For us. You’re already a better parent than her sperm donor. I think Jay is a perfect middle name.” She continues filling out the form, and gasps when she sees the date on it. “Janis, it’s your birthday! You got your twin after all.”

Janis somehow smiles wider. “Hey, man. Stealing my birthday, what the heck?”

“But look at that sweet face,” Cady pouts. Janis hesitantly brings the baby up and kisses her forehead, earning herself a quiet but happy squeak in response.

“She looks so much like you,” Janis says quietly. “I guess I can live with it. As long as she likes chocolate cake.”

“She’s my kid, of course she will,” Cady chuckles. “You two are sweet together.”

“Thanks,” Janis says quietly, trying to hide her blush. “I kinda like her.”

“We kinda like you too.”

————-

Cady and the baby get released from the hospital about a day later. Janis and Cady are both completely taken with the new little human living in their house. Picasso is a bit more unsure. Maya’s a sweet baby, but very, very loud. Janis quickly gets used to being woken up in the wee hours of the morning by the wails of the babe, or hearing her shriek through the afternoon.

She’s not quite so used to hearing Cady cry along with her. So Janis decides to check on things.

“Caddy? What’s the matter?”

“I can’t do this, Janis,” Cady sobs, holding a screaming wriggly baby. Her hair is disheveled and clearly hasn’t been brushed in several days, her clothes are stained with all sorts of… baby fluids, and she looks as if she hasn’t slept in years.

“You already are,” Janis says quietly. “You’re doing great.”

“She won’t stop crying, I don’t-I don’t know what she needs,” Cady continues weeping. “She won’t eat, I can’t get her to-to sleep. I’m a horrible mother!”

“No, you’re not,” Janis says. “You’re a great mom. Newborns just… do that sometimes. You’re doing so well.”

“But-but listen to her,” Cady whimpers.

“Can I take her?” Janis asks gently. Cady nods and carefully hands her the baby. “You need more rest than you’re getting. I’ll get her calmed down and maybe take her to get some fresh air. You should shower and change clothes, and eat something. And nap. Picasso will take care of you in the meantime.”

Cady looks like she’s about to protest, but she knows she’s been neglecting her own health and self care. So Cady nods. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Janis says, bouncing Maya a few times in a ditch attempt to hush her.

“She has-has bottles,” Cady sniffles. “In the fridge, if she’s hungry. But she won’t usually-”

“Okay,” Janis says, cutting Cady off. “You just take it easy, I got her for a while. I’ll work it out.”

Cady nods and kisses Maya’s forehead gently before making her way to her bathroom.

“Okay, let’s figure you out, hm?” Janis murmurs to the wailing baby in her hold. Maya quiets for a split second when she hears her voice, but quickly continues her screaming. Janis checks her diaper and finds nothing, so that can’t be it. Cady probably already tried feeding her. What else do babies need?

Janis takes to Google. She doesn’t want to admit it, but all the research she did on babies may not be enough. She reads up on something called colic and learns that swaddling can help. Maya has her own little dresser in Cady’s room for the time being, so Janis roots through it until she finds a swaddle and then heads to the living room to figure out how to turn the baby in her arms into an effective burrito.

Janis manages with another internet search. It’s not quite right, but the baby is cocooned well enough. “There we go, is that better?”

Maya looks at her, her face still red from her exertion. Janis rocks her carefully a couple times to try to calm her further. But Maya gives another pitiful wail.

“Let’s try feeding you again,” Janis says. “Shh, Maya, please. You’re okay, I promise.”

Maya continues wailing and trying to wiggle out of her little straitjacket while Janis heats up one of her bottles under the tap and checks the temperature.

“Shh, little one,” Janis soothes, offering Maya the bottle. Maya latches immediately and goes quiet, just giving her little squeaks periodically as she suckles the milk away. “There we go! Auntie Janis to the rescue.”

Janis carries the baby over to the couch and sits down, staring down at the tiny thing in her arms. She grins slightly at the quiet nuk nuk nuk she can hear as Maya goes to town on her bottle.

“God, you look like Caddy,” she murmurs. “You’re absolutely beautiful. But you need to go easy on your mama, she’s been through a lot lately. And she worked really hard to get you here. And she’s still working, trying to make sure you’re healthy and getting bigger and happy. She’s doing a good job, huh?” Maya grunts at her. “Yeah. We both love you a whole lot, little one. Especially when you’re all cute like this and not screaming at us.”

Maya looks Janis in the eye and blinks a few times. Janis feels a sort of shock hit her gut at the level of trust in the tiny blue eyes. She may not have given Maya life, but she knows she’ll protect this baby to the ends of the Earth. Maya will know how much she’s loved. Janis will make sure of it.

“That’s better, huh?” Janis asks once Maya finishes off the bottle. “Tasty milk in your little belly. I guess I should burp you. How… how do I do that?”

Janis has vague memories of watching her own mother take care of her baby sister, and decides to try propping Maya up against her shoulder and drumming on her back. It should do something, even if it’s not what she’s wanting.

She winds up getting a bit more than she bargained for when Maya spits up all down the back of her shirt. “Oh, nice. Feeling better?” Maya just gives a quiet coo against her shoulder. “Then I guess I can’t complain. Now it’s time for Auntie Janis fun time. Patent pending.”

Janis carries the baby to her own bedroom and sets her down on the bed, then carefully blockades her in with pillows even though Maya can’t go anywhere yet. She changes out of her now stained shirt and into something a bit warmer, frantically looking over to check on the little one as soon as her eyes pop out of one shirt and into the other.

“It’s kind of chilly outside, I don’t know what you have in the way of warm clothes,” Janis hums thoughtfully when she picks Maya back up. Luckily for her, the baby is already starting to drift off now that her tummy is all full of warm milk. Janis carries her back to Cady’s room to look for a warm outfit.

The lion outfit she purchased is about the warmest thing she can find, and is the only thing that would cover Maya’s tiny ears to protect them from the chill. Janis grabs it and unswaddles the little blanket pocket to get Maya changed.

“Well aren’t you just the cutest little lion cub,” Janis coos when she sees her in it for the first time. She bought the smallest size, but Maya is still practically swimming in it. She appears to have gotten Cady’s genes in the size department as well. “Tiny little peanut. Okay, here’s your little… baby storage device, how does this work?”

Janis manages to strap the baby carrier to herself with some degree of success, finagling all the buckles into their correct places. It’s only after she has it on correctly that she realizes that the baby is supposed to go in first. So she takes it off and tries again, ending up with eight pounds of baby perfectly strapped to her chest.

“Haha,” Janis cheers victoriously. “There we go. You comfy, Emmy?” Maya squeaks quietly as Janis kisses her soft hair. It’s just starting to curl on top, which Janis is delighted to see. “Yeah? Okay, let’s go.”

Janis grabs her backpack and phone and keys, along with Maya’s diaper bag. She texts Cady to let her know where they’re going and is out the door.

-

Maya sleeps through most of their walk through the park. Janis decides she quite likes having the baby in the carrier. It’s a nice reminder of her presence but less strain on her arms. She can faintly hear Maya squeak and grunt around her pacifier as she has little baby dreams pressed against her chest.

Janis snaps a few photos of crows and the fall leaves around to use as painting references later as they walk around. She also keeps sneaking little glances at the kids running around the playground, rushing down slides and hurtling back and forth on the swings.

“I hope I’m still around this much when you’re big enough for those, My,” she murmurs quietly, drumming gently on Maya’s back and kissing the top of her head. “But I guess your mama’s happiness is more important. If I’m not then that means she’s found someone who makes her happy. Someone to take care of you. That’s all I really care about. But for now I like getting to see you grow up. Spend time with you and your mama.”

Maya doesn’t respond, still deep in the throes of her nap. But Janis’ phone does, pinging off her text tone. It turns out to be Cady asking if she would mind picking up some diapers and dinner. Janis texts back an affirmative and starts the trek to the nearest store.

-

“How old is your baby?”

“Huh?” Janis asks, her hand pausing as she reaches for the right size of diapers. “Oh, she’s two weeks old today.”

“Wow, you look great,” an elderly woman replies. “Only two weeks postpartum.”

“Oh, she’s not… she’s not mine,” Janis says quietly. “She’s my best friend’s. I’m just auntie.”

The woman shakes her head knowingly. “Not with the way you look at that little one. That’s a mother’s look, that baby is as much yours as she is your friend’s. You two will learn that eventually. Congratulations to her mother, though. A beautiful little thing.”

“Uhm… thank you?” Janis says, blinking in confusion as she tries to process everything she’s just been told and wondering if she’s just met some sort of witch or faerie. It is Halloween today. But the woman just nods and continues hobbling along to shop for her own groceries. “The fuck was that?”

Janis manages to stuff some discount candy into her various bags at checkout, and carries the diapers and microwave dinners home in her hands.

-

“There you are,” Cady says happily when Janis comes through the door. “How did you get her so quiet?”

“Uh… I swaddled her and gave her a bottle, then burped her and she just fell asleep,” Janis recalls as she starts putting things away.

“Whoa whoa whoa,” Cady says. “She took a bottle?”

“Yeah?”

“She hasn’t taken one before,” Cady murmurs. “Man, I’ll have to keep you around. Baby whisperer.”

Janis chuckles quietly at that. “I’ll be here as long as you want me. You look better.”

“I feel better,” Cady agrees quietly. “Thank you. How was she?”

“Once I got some milk in her she was fine,” Janis shrugs. “Snoozed for most of our trip, never fussed. I really like this thing.” Janis points to the baby carrier still stuck to her.

“It is handy,” Cady agrees with a chuckle.

“Oh, by the way, um… I know it’s, like, totally not my place, but have you looked into her having colic at all?” Janis continues as she carefully starts undoing all the buckles to free Maya. “I know Google also isn’t the place for medical stuff, but it sounds a lot like her.”

“Oh my god, of course,” Cady murmurs. “I didn’t even think of that. I took care of the little ones in the villages in Kenya sometimes, I had colic babies all the time. It just never crossed my mind with her.”

Janis relaxes slightly as Cady seems to take her advice to heart. “I remembered reading about it in the books, so I Googled it. Swaddling her seems to have helped the most, she actually calmed down enough to eat.”

“Wow,” Cady says quietly. “You read baby books?”

“I want to help you,” Janis replies sheepishly. “I did some research.”

“You’re so sweet,” Cady says with a quiet sniffle as she takes her little one back. “Hi, munchkin. There’s my sweet girl. Oh, and you’re in your little costume! My little cub, look at you!”

“What is it with this outfit and making you cry?” Janis jokes gently. She smiles seeing the contentment and peace on Cady’s face as she looks down at her daughter curled up in her arms. Maya still spends a lot of time huddled up, not totally used to being free from the womb yet. Janis thinks it makes her look like a little peanut. Which is rather fitting, given Janis’ favorite nickname for Cady.

“I’m still hormonal, shut up,” Cady defends with a noise that sounds like a laugh and a sob at the same time. “Popped a whole human out of me a couple weeks ago, that takes time to recover from.”

“I’m not judging,” Janis chuckles back. “I got us some discount candy, by the way. Figured we could have our own little Halloween party.”

“Oh my god, yes please,” Cady says in relief. “Gimme all the sugar.”

“After dinner,” Janis says, booping Cady’s nose as she passes by to go heat up their meals.

“Yes mom,” Cady jokes back. Janis freezes, but relaxes herself before Cady can pick up on anything.

-

“Come cuddle us,” Cady coaxes once Janis has finished with the dishes and Maya has finished her own dinner. “Let’s watch Halloween movies and eat all this candy.”

“Horror movies?” Janis asks eagerly.

“Halloween movies,” Cady corrects. “There’s a difference.”

“Fine,” Janis pouts. “You can’t use the baby card forever, though.”

“Yes I can,” Cady says happily. Janis pops Halloweentown into the DVD player and cuddles up with the two of them on the sofa.

“I think once she’s, like, three, we can start her on the weak ones,” she says, looking at Maya’s sleeping face. “Children of the Corn and stuff. The fakey ones.”

“Absolutely not,” Cady insists, protectively holding her little cub closer.

“I’m kidding, oh my god,” Janis groans. “No horror movies until Mama says so.”

“Thank you.”

Janis just chuckles and nods, smiling but tensing slightly as Cady rests her head on her shoulder to watch the movie. Janis covers both of their laps with a blanket and rests a pillow between them for Maya to snooze on.

-

“Can I ask something?” Janis asks quietly about halfway through the movie. Cady nods, noticing she’s looking at Maya. “Why did you name her Maya?”

“Maua is Swahili for flower,” Cady replies softly, taking Maya’s hood off and stroking a gentle hand over her small head. “But that’s a little on the nose, and tricky to pronounce. So I went with Maya. Flowers remind me of spring, starting over. And she’s my new start. New beginning, new life. My little flower.”

“That’s beautiful,” Janis murmurs. “It suits her.”

“Thank you,” Cady whispers. Janis knows she doesn’t just mean for that.

“Of course.”

—————

“Janis? Do you have-“ Cady calls from her room one day when she wakes up from a nap. Janis turns to see her when she heads to the living room, showing off Maya in her sling stuck to her chest while Janis works on a painting. “Maya.”

“Why are you crying?”

“You’re just so sweet, look at you,” Cady sobs. “Just painting away with the baby tied to you.”

“I heard her start fussing, I didn’t want her to wake you up,” Janis shrugs sheepishly. “Here.”

Cady takes her baby back as Janis scoops her out of her little cocoon and carefully hands her over. Maya burbles happily when she looks up to see her mama. Cady smiles back and wipes her eyes with her free hand. “Hi, baby. Did you help your auntie with her masterpiece?”

Maya gives a coo and reaches out to touch Cady’s face. Cady gently takes a small hand and kisses it.

“She’s been very helpful,” Janis agrees.

“Good,” Cady says. “Glad she wasn’t too much.”

“She never is,” Janis says quietly. “She’s you. I can handle her.”

Cady grins gently at that. “You think you can handle two of us?”

Happily, Janis thinks. Instead she jokes, “It’s a challenge, but I can do it.”

Cady rolls her eyes, but laughs. “You’re such a goof. Do you have time for a break?”

“Yeah,” Janis says. “Could use one anyway, my back is starting to hurt.”

“You should get an easel you can use sitting down,” Cady says in concern. “Standing that much can’t be good for your spine.”

“My spine is fine,” Janis groans affectionately. She comes and plops down next to them, carefully taking the baby and propping her up against her legs so they can see each other. “Huh, Maya? Mama worries too much.”

“Hey!”

“I’m kidding. I’ll look into one,” Janis says. She looks back at the little one still staring at her. “She’s getting so big.”

“She’s three months old today,” Cady agrees quietly.

“Damn,” Janis breathes. “She’s so sweet. Huh, My? You’re the sweetest little munchkin ever!” Maya beams at her, showing off her toothless smile. “Yeah.” Cady and Janis both smile back. Janis tips her head back so Maya can’t see her face, then pops it back down to surprise her. “Boo.”

Maya smiles again and gives a happy little squeal. Janis smiles back and does it again, and this time a little “Hee!” can be heard. Janis furrows her brow and does it one more time.

“She’s laughing,” she says in awe. She does it one more time to prove it. Maya’s giggles are undeniable this time.

“Oh my god,” Cady whispers around a sob. “She’s laughing at you! Do it again, see if she keeps going.”

Janis does, and earns herself yet more giggles. “Are you laughing at me, Emmy? That’s a bit rude!”

Cady continues weeping softly into her hand, delighting in the joyful sound of her baby’s laugh. “Can I try?”

“Of course,” Janis chuckles. “She’s your kid.”

Cady carefully takes her baby and covers her face with her hands. Maya whimpers when her mama disappears in front of her, but gives another squeal and round of happy laughter when she comes back. “Oh, my big girl! You have the most beautiful giggles.”

“Her whole belly moves,” Janis says affectionately. “And her laugh sounds like yours.”

“Does it?”

“Yeah,” Janis says softly. “Boo!”

Maya continues giggling at the both of them, and giggles harder as Cady brings her up closer to kiss all over her tiny face. “Oh, my little cub, I love your giggles. Makes me feel like I’m doing okay at this whole thing.”

“You are,” Janis says quietly. “You’re doing more than okay. Look how much this little peanut loves you.”

Cady looks at Janis for a second before leaning her head on her shoulder. “Thank you. You’re not doing half bad either, you know. She loves you too.”

We both do.

————-

“Morning,” Janis greets as she heads into the living room to find Maya lying on her tummy on the floor while Cady gets some work done next to her. Cady looks up and smiles.

“Morning. I made you coffee,” she replies.

“Oh my god, thank you,” Janis groans around a yawn. She pours herself the only mug of fresh coffee left and adds her usual sugar and dash of milk. Once that’s handled, she comes and lies down next to the baby. Maya smiles when she sees her auntie’s face pop into her view. “Good morning, Emmy! You’re getting so strong, holding up that heavy head all by yourself!”

Maya burbles happily at her, and Janis smiles back. Cady grins at the interactions between both of them. “You can pick her up if you want, she needs a break.”

Janis does, making a sort of hoop with her legs and sitting Maya down in the middle. “There we go, hi!” Maya looks at her curiously. “You’re getting steadier, can you sit all by yourself?”

Janis lets go of Maya’s little torso but keeps her hands close in case she tips over. Maya leans to the side a little bit, but one gentle nudge back to where she needs to be keeps her in place.

“Yeah, look at you!” Janis cheers. Cady looks up at them again and comes to join them this time.

“My big girl, look at you go, munchkin!”

Maya giggles at all the praise and gives a happy gurgle. Cady leans in and kisses her chubby cheek, inadvertently tipping her over.

“Whoa! Careful,” Cady chuckles. “Still a little topsy turvy. Oh, I’m so proud of you!”

Janis takes Maya and holds her up like an airplane, earning herself more delighted giggles. Maya reaches to grab her nose once she’s back at Janis’ eye level.

“Man, you have a strong grip, little one,” Janis winces as she gently pries the small hand off and away from her face. Cady leans in to sneak one more kiss from her daughter.

“Can you watch her for a sec? I wanna go get her picture stuff,” she asks, already moving to stand up. Damian had bought her little wooden plaques that list all the major milestones and ages for the first few years, and Cady has followed them religiously.

“Of course,” Janis says. “Huh, My? Auntie Jayjay can handle you for a second. Mwah.” Maya giggles as she blows raspberries on her cheeks.

Cady runs to her room and returns with the ‘I can sit by myself!’ plaque. Janis helps position the baby so she’s upright and runs to stand behind Cady. She does goofy dances and shakes Maya’s toys around to get her to smile and look at the camera while Cady gets her pictures.

Maya does her best cheesy giggles at Janis’ antics, making for some absolutely adorable pictures. Eventually she gets bored and decides to taste her little sign, which provides an opportunity for yet more photos.

“Good job, Emmy!” Cady cheers when she’s satisfied with the quantity of good pictures. Janis picks Maya back up and kisses her nose a few times.

“You’re getting so big! We’re so proud of you!”

Cady smiles seeing her best friend interacting with her child. She’s been having a strange fluttering feeling in her chest whenever she sees it, lately. She’s not sure what it could mean. She decides to ignore it for the time being and heads over to kiss both of their cheeks. Janis squeaks quietly and blushes.

“You’re so good with her,” Cady murmurs quietly. “Who would’ve thought that the great Janis Sarkisian is such a natural with babies?”

“I’m great?”

“I sure think so,” Cady laughs. “I think she does too. Huh, Emmy? You love Jayjay?”

Maya has a staredown with Janis, and Janis stares back. Maya has a very serious look on her face, seeming to be assessing Janis up close. After a few seconds, she apparently deems her trustworthy and cuddles into her shoulder like normal.

“Aww, yeah,” Cady coos. Janis is nearly in tears at the rather aggressive baby snuggles she’s on the receiving end of and kisses some little red curls. “It’s official, she’s chosen you. You’ve been knighted by Queen Maya.”

“I’m honored,” Janis chuckles. “Why does she smell so good?”

“Baby pheromones,” Cady shrugs. “Or something, I dunno. Well, looks like I’m making breakfast this morning. You two enjoy your little love fest.”

“I definitely will.”

————

“Whoa!” Janis yelps when she feels something crash into her legs while she paints. She looks down expecting to find the cat, but instead sees Maya, sitting at her feet and beaming up at her. “M&M, how did-did you crawl over here?”

Janis bends down to pick her up and goes to find Cady. She’s in her bedroom cleaning up after Maya’s bath.

“Did you lose this?”

Cady whirls around to find Janis holding up her child, and her brow furrows in confusion. “How did you get- oh no.”

“I think we have some more baby proofing to do,” Janis chuckles. “She’s on the move.”

“Finally!” Cady chuckles. “Was starting to think I was gonna have to carry this little peanut everywhere!”

Maya kicks her little legs in delight and happily starts telling her mama about her adventures to find her auntie. Cady takes her with a giggle and holds her again.

“Really? Did you sneak away from Mama?” she asks. Maya giggles in response. “Yeah? Why didn’t you tell me you can crawl, hm?”

“Let’s test,” Janis says. Cady sits against one wall of her room and sets the baby down. Janis sits at the other and reaches out. “Come here, Monkey!”

Maya giggles again and starts moving over. It’s more of a wiggle than a crawl, as she sort of inchworms her way across the room to Janis. Regardless, she’s definitely mobile.

“Oh my goodness, Emmy! You’re pretty fast!” Cady laughs. “Good stamina. Probably got that from your daddy’s side.”

Janis looks at Cady when she says that. It’s the first time she’s so much as mentioned Aaron in the nine months since Maya’s birth. Janis can see a glint of something melancholy in Cady’s normally bright blue eyes, but Cady moves on before she can check on it.

“That was, like, thirty seconds! She wouldn’t even crawl yesterday!”

Janis grabs the baby when she gets close again and holds her up. “We could put you in baby races. You got some serious speed there, Mymy. Can you go get Mama again?”

Maya crows happily and starts pulling herself back over to Cady. Cady grins back and reaches out to beckon her over. “Come here, sweet girl! You can do it! Come to Mama.” Maya’s a bit slower this time, but determined to make it. Cady scoops her up when she does and holds her up triumphantly. “My big girl! I’m so proud of you! Gimme kisses.”

Maya giggles happily as she gets loving kisses everywhere Cady can reach. Janis stays against the wall and smiles watching the two of them together. She’s glad Cady is smiling and laughing again. She deserves happiness.

“Why is Auntie Jayjay so far away? Tell her to come over here,” Cady says after a beat. Janis rolls her eyes affectionately and also crawls over to join them.

“Here I am.”

They stay like that until Maya has to go to sleep, just cuddling on the ground and talking about nothing. Maya even chimes in from time to time. Janis can sense this is a memory she’ll hold for a very long time.

—————-

“There’s Auntie Jayjay!” Cady cheers when Janis gets home with groceries one afternoon. Janis drops her bags at her feet and heads over to greet her and Maya. The baby looks up happily and points at her.

“Hi!” Janis says, kissing Maya’s cheek. She whispers, “I got you some cookies, don’t tell Mama.”

“Janis,” Cady laughs. “You spoil her too much.”

“She’s my niece, I’m allowed to!” Janis defends. “Auntie privileges. Right, Emmy?”

Maya giggles at her. Janis nods. “Yeah.”

Maya points at her again. But this time she babbles a, “Jaaaayjay.”

“What?” Janis asks in shock. “Yeah! I’m Jayjay! Say it again, who am I?”

“Jayjay,” Maya repeats happily. It sounds a bit more like ‘Dayday’, but the effort is there. “Jayjay.”

“Yeah! Oh my gosh, munchkin!” Cady says happily. “Look at you talking! What about me, who am I?”

“Mamamama,” Maya babbles. Cady sighs.

“Mama. Just two,” she coaxes. “Maaaaama.”

“Jayjay,” Maya says again, reaching for her auntie. Janis laughs and takes her.

“Maya, be nice to your mama! You can do it,” she says. “That’s Mama.”

“Mama?”

“Come on, man!” Cady laughs. “You’ll only talk for Janis? Say Mama.”

“Mamama,” Maya says.

“Say Mama,” Janis says to test the theory.

“Maaama,” Maya says, reaching back out for Cady.

“You’re so weird,” Cady teases lovingly. “My little squish. Mama.”

“Mamamama.”

“Who’s that?”

“Jayjay!”

“And who am I?”

“Mamama.”

“Emmy, who’s this?” Janis asks.

“Mama,” Maya babbles.

“You little stinker!” Cady laughs. “Guess I know who your favorite is. Goofy.”

“Little comedian,” Janis chuckles. “C’mere, Mymy, you wanna help me put stuff away?”

“Jayjay,” Maya bleats happily. Cady passes her over for a little hangout and heads to get a bit of work done in the meantime.

“No cookies before dinner!”

“Okay!” Janis calls back. She checks to make sure she’s out of earshot before she presses her forehead against Maya’s. “I think we can get away with one cookie. But don’t tell or we’ll both be in trouble.”

She can tell by the look in Maya’s eyes that their secret is safe.

————-

A week later, Cady goes out for the day to buy birthday presents for Janis and Maya. Janis isn’t allowed to come, and elects to keep Maya with her so Cady can have a peaceful trip.

Janis sketches on the ground while Maya sits next to her playing with some toys. Suddenly, Picasso makes an appearance and starts sniffing curiously at the little one. They’ve tried to distance the two while Maya is still so little for safety reasons, so this is the first she’s seen of Picasso so close up.

She gives a frightened whimper at the strange creature and looks up at Janis. “Oh no, it’s okay! That’s the kitty! That’s Picasso.”

Janis holds the baby in her lap and reaches out to pet Picasso’s little head. Maya seems much more comfortable being held while the cat sniffs at her toes.

“See? Just the kitty, you’re okay. I got you, I promise. Soso won’t hurt you.”

Maya looks curiously between Janis and Picasso, but apparently elects to stay with her auntie, since she makes no effort to get off her lap. Instead, she yawns and slumps down a little bit.

“You sleepy, Emmy? It is naptime,” Janis chuckles. “I’m kinda tired too. Hm.”

Janis picks them up off the ground and shifts to the couch. Maya could still fall off in her sleep if Janis drifts off too, so Janis tucks her into her oversized jacket for safety. Maya grins up at her with her three whole teeth and rests her sweet little head on Janis’ chest. She’s asleep almost immediately, lulled by the rhythm of her heartbeat. Janis smiles back and gently drums on her back to help her drift off.

Janis gently strokes a finger over the baby’s chubby cheek and tips her head up to kiss the soft red curls. “You have no idea what you mean to me, little one.”

She pulls out her phone and snaps a few cute pictures of Maya all bundled inside her jacket and decides to send one to Damian.

janjan: Sent a picture: i’m pregnant

damdam: AHEJSJJSKSKSISI

damdam: Oh. Dammit, Janis, we already had one surprise pregnancy. I can only handle one every three to five years

janjan: lmao noted

damdam: She’s so cute

janjan: she looks like caddy

damdam: So u think Caddy’s cute ???

janjan: shut the hell ur mouth

damdam: That’s not a no 👀👀👀

janjan: not a yes either

damdam: When are you gonna tell her Jan

janjan: never

janjan: wait shit

damdam: Caught in 4k

janjan: i mean uh

janjan: tell her what idk what ur talking about

damdam: Sometimes I want to hit you with a heavy rock

damdam: She likes you back Janjan

janjan: no, she doesn’t

damdam: Oh shit a comma u mean business

damdam: But,,,,,,,,,,, so do I

janjan: she does not like me back

damdam: YOURE LITERALLY RAISING A CHILD TOGETHER

janjan: AS FRIENDS

damdam: I’m hunting for rocks rn

janjan: dame really

janjan: i’m just here to help her with emmy until she finds someone better

damdam: Is she looking ??

janjan: …

janjan: she’s been through a lot lately, she deserves some time for herself. and she has to find someone she trusts to be with maya

damdam: Janis

damdam: I cannot with you

janjan: ???

damdam: Where is Caddy rn

janjan: shopping

damdam: So she left you

damdam: Alone

damdam: With Maya

janjan: yeah ???

damdam: I’m outside with a rock rn I’m actually gonna do it istg

damdam: SHE TRUSTS YOU WITH MAYA

damdam: Who did she go to for help when she found out she was pregnant

damdam: WHO DID SHE ASK TO BE THERE WHEN SHE PUSHED A BABY OUT OF HER UNMENTIONABLES

janjan: a friend

damdam: I literally-

damdam: She’s been in love with you for a long time, Jan

damdam: She trusts you more than anyone, especially with Maya

damdam: One of you is gonna have to fess up eventually.

janjan: i can’t lose them dame

janjan: she’d never look at me the same if she knew. she’d leave and never look back.

damdam: Or

janjan: damian i can’t

janjan: i’ll admit i’m in love with her and that i love maya like she’s mine but they can’t know that

damdam: Okay, Jan. I’m not gonna do anything. But you really should tell her.

janjan: thanks

damdam: I love you

janjan: i love you too

damdam: Tell Maya I say hi

janjan: lol i will when she wakes up

Janis clicks off her phone and sighs heavily, cuddling Maya a little closer. There’s no way Cady likes me back.

Is there?

—-

“I’m home!” Cady calls as she enters the door with her bags of birthday treats. She frowns in confusion when she doesn’t hear anything back. “Hello?”

She heads to the kitchen to put the food away first, then to the bedroom to hide the rest of the presents. She stops in her tracks when she finds the scene in the living room.

Janis is on her back on the couch, her long half-blonde hair cascading down over the arm she has her head resting on. She’s deeply asleep, with both hands resting protectively over a suspiciously baby-shaped lump in her jacket. Cady tiptoes closer and gently shifts the jacket, peeking in to find her daughter snoozing away as she’s held close and safe.

“Aww,” Cady coos softly. She quickly rushes to hide the presents in her closet and then comes back to sneak some pictures.

Janis wakes up about halfway through the impromptu photo shoot and looks at her. Cady only notices when she sees Janis raise an eyebrow at the camera and quickly hides her phone behind her back.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” Janis whispers.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Napping,” Janis yawns. She carefully pulls the jacket up to peek at Maya and finds her awake and smiling at her. “Or not. Good morning, Emmy! Look who’s home.”

“Mama,” Maya yawns. “Mama.”

“Yeah, Mama’s home,” Janis says happily. Cady heads closer and pulls the jacket away.

“Boo!” she says gently. Maya squeals in surprise, but giggles. “Hi, little love! Did you have fun with Jayjay?”

Maya nods happily while she stretches, but just cuddles back in once she’s handled that. Janis laughs and drums on her back a couple times. “You just gonna hang out there?” Maya nods again. “Okay. I’m not complaining.”

“You two are cute. Was she okay?” Cady chuckles as Janis tries to sit up with Maya still huddled up inside her jacket.

“Yeah, she was fine. We napped most of the time you were out,” Janis hums. “Picasso came and sniffed at her and scared her a bit, but that was about it.”

“Aww,” Cady laughs. “I guess it would be a little scary to have something you’ve never seen before that close to you. They are about the same size.”

“They are,” Janis agrees with a chuckle. “Did you have fun?”

“I did,” Cady says, sitting next to them and resting her head on Janis’ shoulder and peeking down at her child in her little pouch. “I missed you guys though.”

“We missed you too.”

—————-

“Oh god!” Cady yelps quietly when she heads to the living room in the middle of the night and finds Janis there in the dark. “What are you doing?”

Janis grins sheepishly as Cady flicks the light on and reveals her surrounded by multicolored balloons. Cady can barely see the floor. “It’s her birthday, she needs balloons!”

“Janis,” Cady chuckles. “She’s only a year old, this is a little excessive.”

“She deserves it,” Janis shrugs. She finishes blowing up the one she’s been working on and ties it around her fingers. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Cady sighs. She’s not, she’s obviously been crying. Janis raises an eyebrow, and Cady crumbles. “No.”

“I figured. What’s on your mind?”

Cady sniffles quietly and comes to sit next to her. Janis pulls her in and lets Cady rest her head on her shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking about Aaron,” Cady mumbles, barely audible. “I’ve been so focused on Maya since she was born that I haven’t had much… brain power to spare for him, I guess. But now that she’s a little older…”

Janis just hums sadly. She squeezes Cady gently as she feels warm tears start soaking into her pajama top.

“I just… it’s hard not to feel guilty, you know?” Cady chokes. “My baby doesn’t know her father because… I wasn’t good enough for him.”

“No, she doesn’t know her father because her father is a walking bag of ass and doesn’t know what he gave up,” Janis corrects. “His stupid decisions have nothing to do with either of you. And it doesn’t make you any less worthy of love. Either of you.”

“Thank you,” Cady whispers. “I know this is stupid.”

“No, it’s not. You’ve been through a lot over the last year. And even longer, the whole pregnancy and everything happening was so rough on you too,” Janis comforts.

“I just… I know he’s not… who I thought he was,” Cady continues. “But who I thought he was would’ve been such a good dad. I see-I see so much of him in her. I wish-I wish that I’d been… no, I wish he had made better-better decisions. As much as I hate him, I want… I want him to see her. Know her. See what a precious little thing she is. My baby deserves that.”

“She does,” Janis agrees. “But she deserves love more. You’re right, Aaron isn’t who you thought he was. It’s absolutely okay to mourn the life you thought you’d have. But you should know that what you’re giving Maya now is better.

“She has a mama who loves her so deeply, with her whole heart, and she has a mama who’s growing with her and finding her happiness. She has a mama who’s learning how to be whole again. If you somehow worked out a way to stay with him, Maya would be living with a father who never wanted her and a mother trying desperately to stop her life falling apart. But she has this version of you instead, and you’re giving her the best life you possibly can. You’re kicking ass without him, Peanut. The love you have for her and the love she has for you is more than enough to make up for his dumb ass causing a deficit.”

Cady is quiet for a long moment as she carefully considers each and every word she’s just been told. Janis just holds her for a few minutes until she bursts into tears again, and then holds her closer. It’s remarkably similar to the night they first found out about Maya.

But it’s also different. With every heaving sob Janis can feel a few of the chains of Cady’s burdens clinking off and away. She’s mourning the life she thought she knew and learning to embrace what she now has at the same time. And Janis is here to support and hold her through everything.

“Thank you so much,” Cady chokes when she finally calms down a little. “For everything. Everything you’ve ever done for us. I’m so glad Maya has you. That I have you.”

“You always will,” Janis replies quietly. “Both of you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Cady nods and sniffles, pulling back slightly to wipe off her nose and eyes. She winces when she sees what she’s done to Janis’ shirt. “Sorry. I’ll wash that for you.”

“There’s a baby living here, my shirts have been through worse,” Janis chuckles. Cady giggles back and looks around for a clock. It’s now about one in the morning. She seems to have cried for a bit longer than either of them thought.

“Happy birthday,” Cady whispers. “Do you have a wish yet?”

“I can’t tell you or it won’t come true,” Janis replies. She’s had the same wish for years. But Cady doesn’t feel the same.

“I’m the birthday fairy, I’m allowed to grant one wish every year,” Cady declares, crossing her arms. The shaky sniffle kind of ruins the immersion, but Janis just grins.

“Fine, one wish… I want… a sleepover with Maya,” Janis says. “Birthday snuggles all night.”

“Okay,” Cady laughs. “I can do that. She’s kind of a wiggly sleeper, though, are you sure?”

“Yes. She gives the best cuddles,” Janis says immediately.

“What about mine?” Cady pouts, already about halfway to the door she shares with Maya.

“Fine, she gives the second best cuddles,” Janis chuckles quietly. Cady grins happily and disappears into her room. Janis kicks her way over through the sea of balloons.

“Here you go,” Cady whispers, carefully passing over the sleeping babe. Maya is carefully wrapped in her blankie and equipped with her pacifier and teddy bear. All the supplies needed for an awesome impromptu sleepover.

“Thank you,” Janis whispers back. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Cady murmurs back with a small smile. She carefully kisses Maya’s forehead before turning to head back to bed. Janis carries the baby to her own bedroom and gets her all cozy in the center of the bed before sliding in next to her to cuddle. Maya scrunches up her little nose when Janis kisses it gently, making Janis smile. It grows when the baby instinctively wriggles her way into her embrace and nuzzles into her chest. Janis holds her close and drifts off to sleep like that.

A great start to a great birthday. She has a feeling the next one might be even better.

————-

“Janis?” Cady asks gently one night, knocking on the frame of Janis’ door while she’s getting ready for bed.

“What’s up, Peanut?” Janis replies. She sees the look on Cady’s face and her smile falls. “Everything okay?”

“Uhm… I don’t know,” Cady says quietly.

“What’s the matter?”

“One of my professors is making me come back in person,” Cady says. “He says he can’t make allowances for me anymore now that Maya’s older. And I can’t bring her.”

“The fuck? Who does this guy think he is?” Janis demands. “She’s barely a year old!”

“I know,” Cady says sheepishly. “I tried everything, but I have to go back or fail, and I really can’t afford to be bumped back any more. I took so much time off when I was recovering.”

“Because you had a baby,” Janis says. “And it did a lot to you.”

“Yeah.” Cady sighs. Janis beckons her over, so she comes to rest against her shoulder. “They have a daycare center on campus, but I don’t… trust them with her yet. She’s still so little, I don’t-“

“I can watch her,” Janis says. “I work from home, it’s not like I have anywhere to be.”

“Are you sure?” Cady asks. It had been what she was going to ask, and she’s glad Janis has volunteered, but she still doesn’t want to impose. “I know you love her, but she’s a lot sometimes.”

“She’s a baby, babies are always a lot,” Janis chuckles. “She’s such a little nugget, of course I’m sure.”

“Thank you,” Cady says gratefully. “I don’t start until next week, and it’s just the one class for now, but I-“

“Caddy,” Janis says, grabbing her shoulders. “Breathe. I’m glad you’re getting some more time for you again, even if it is just a class. Maya and I will be fine, we got this.”

Cady nods and leans back in for a hug. “Thank you. She’ll be happy to get more time with you.”

“Of course,” Janis says softly. “I’m happy to get more with her.”

—-

Cady very anxiously leaves them the next week just after Maya gets put down for her morning nap. Janis has to practically force her out the door so she isn’t late to her class.

Janis has a bit of time to attend to herself while Maya rests, so she gives Picasso some much needed attention and does a bit of cleaning. She’s almost bored without Maya to keep her company, and her smile is wider than ever when she hears Maya wake up and start talking to herself.

“Good morning, Maya monkey,” Janis coos, heading in to get the baby up. “Did you have a nice nap?” Maya nods. “Good.”

Maya babbles about her dreams while Janis gets her changed and carries her into the kitchen for lunch. Janis buckles her into her high chair for safety, then heats up one of her mushy baby stews to feed her and grabs a silicone spoon.

“What do we think of this, M&M?” Janis asks as Maya chews her spoonful. “Got lots of veggies in here. Maybe you’ll actually grow past five feet if you eat enough. Beat your mama.”

“Mama?” Maya asks, looking around for Cady.

“She’ll be home soon,” Janis comforts. “I miss her too. But you get to hang out with me all day!”

Maya smiles at that, opening her mouth to accept another spoonful of lunch. Janis chuckles as her little tongue pokes out briefly while she chews.

Janis and Maya chat as they have lunch, until Maya decides she’s done. Janis goes to wash their dishes before everything dries on and becomes harder to clean off. Maya is displeased with this.

“Mommy,” she whimpers sadly. Janis whirls around to see her.

“What?”

“Mommy,” Maya repeats, straining against her buckles and pouting. Janis furrows her brow and goes to pick her up. Cady is usually ‘Mama’, but…

“Mommy’s at school, honeybun,” she says. “I’m your auntie.”

Maya shakes her head and cuddles in. “Mommy.”

Oh boy.

-

Janis doesn’t quite know what to do about this. She’s tried explaining the situation to Maya, but the barely one-year-old just doesn’t seem to put the pieces together. So Janis cuts her losses and straps Maya to her chest to work on a painting together.

Cady comes home an hour or so later, calling a “Hey!” as she kicks off her shoes and comes to find them.

“Mama!” Maya squeaks happily from her little pouch. Cady smiles and comes to pick her out of it when her baby reaches for her. Janis undoes the carrier the rest of the way and casts it aside.

“Hi, my little cub! Did you have a good day?” Cady asks, kissing Maya’s chunky little cheek. Maya nods happily and rests her head on her shoulder. “Good. Jay, what’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” Janis says, her scarlet blush and squeaky voice betraying her. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. What’s up?” Cady insists, bouncing Maya on her hip slightly.

“Don’t be mad,” Janis pleads. Cady raises a suspicious eyebrow. “Uhm… MayacalledmeMommy.”

“What?”

“Maya called me Mommy,” Janis repeats quietly. “I tried to tell her you were at school, but… I don’t know how babies work yet, I couldn’t-“

“Janis, hey,” Cady hushes. “I’m not mad. Come here.” Janis warily tucks her brush behind her ear and approaches them. “Flower, who am I?”

“Mama!”

“Yeah, that’s right!” Cady says. She points to the cat. “And who’s that?”

“Soso,” Maya says, nibbling gently on one of her little fingers.

“Uhhuh, my clever girl,” Cady coos. She gently pokes Maya’s belly. “And who’s this?”

“Maaaaya!”

“Yeah, that’s my Maya,” Cady grins. She points to Janis. “Who is that?”

“Mommy.”

“Yeah! You’re so smart,” Cady says, kissing Maya’s hair. Janis looks between them in shock. “I’ve been teaching her that. I did it on purpose, I promise I’m not mad.”

“You… but…” Janis stutters. Maya reaches out for her, so Janis hesitantly takes her. “Hi, kid.”

“Hi Mommy,” Maya replies. Janis sniffles and blinks away tears. “Luff Mommy.”

“I love you too, Emmy,” Janis murmurs. Maya wraps her tiny arms around her neck and plants a wet kiss on her chin. Janis laughs at the ticklish sensation and kisses Maya’s forehead.

“Luff Mama?”

“You love Mama too?” Janis asks, holding up a hand and smiling as a chubby fist grips her thumb. But Maya shakes her head. “No?”

“Mommy luff Mama?” Maya asks. Janis tenses and flushes bright red. She can faintly hear Cady let out a flustered squeak from next to them. Maya isn’t satisfied with the lack of response and pats her little hands against Janis’ cheeks. “Mommy? Luff Mama?”

“Yeah, M. I love Mama,” Janis replies quietly. “I love Mama a whole lot. I always have.”

Maya nods triumphantly and turns to Cady, who’s now frozen in place with wide eyes and her jaw slightly dropped. “Mama? Luff Mommy?”

“Yeah, pumpkin. I love Mommy,” Cady says, sniffling quietly and trying to recover from the emotions of the last few seconds. “I have for a long time.”

“Now kisses!” Maya says happily, pressing her tiny hands together and grinning at them with her handful of little teeth. Cady slowly bridges the gap between them and looks up at Janis.

“We mean this the same way?” Janis whispers before they do anything. Cady cups her jaw and pulls her down for a sweet kiss.

“I mean it that way,” she murmurs, flicking her blue eyes up to meet brown.

“Same,” Janis says, pressing in again. She remembers they have company when Maya gives a delighted little squeal. “You little matchmaker! You’re the cutest couples therapist there ever was!”

Maya chortles happily as Janis spins her around and kisses all over her face. Once they stop moving, she yawns widely and plops her head against Janis’ shoulder.

“You sleepy, Flower?” Janis murmurs. “I think it’s nap time.” Maya nods and rubs her eyes with a chubby knuckle.

“Ninight.”

“Night night,” Janis hums, kissing her red curls one more time before handing her to Cady. Cady gives her a goodnight kiss and cuddle before passing her back to Janis to put down for her afternoon nap.

-

Cady gets slightly concerned when Janis doesn’t return. Maya doesn’t usually take very long to put down. She heads into her room to find Janis standing over her crib and staring down at the sleeping child. Cady watches from the doorframe until she hears Janis sniffle and watches a tear drip down her nose.

“Jay, what’s the matter?” she asks sadly, making her way over and wrapping an arm around Janis’ waist.

“Why did you teach her that?” Janis murmurs shakily.

“To call you Mommy?” Cady asks. Janis nods. “Because you are.”

“But I’m-I’m not,” Janis says.

“She doesn’t know that. Look at it from her perspective,” Cady murmurs, stroking a stray curl away from her sleeping daughter’s face. “She doesn’t know about genetics. She doesn’t care about DNA, or blood. She cares about love. All she knows is that she has two people who take care of her, and protect her, and love her the same way.”

“But…”

“Janis,” Cady insists. She cups Janis’ cheeks in her warm hands, staring kindly into watery brown eyes. “My child will probably never know the man who gave her life. He doesn’t care about her enough to meet her, or to get to know her. To love her. And that-“ she pauses to clear her throat as her own tears start flowing. “That breaks my heart, that my little angel won’t know her daddy. That’s always gonna hurt. But she has you. You’ve been here for her since before she even came into this world. She has two parents.”

“But Caddy,” Janis pleads.

“Janis Olivia Sarkisian, look at me,” Cady demands, growing slightly upset now. Janis pouts a little but listens. “Do you take care of her? Protect her? Care for her?”

“Yeah, but-“

“And do you love her?” Cady asks. “Janis. You look at that baby and tell me you don’t love her like your own.”

“I do,” Janis whispers shakily, looking down at the little one holding her teddy bear and sucking periodically on her binkie. “I love her more than anything. She’s… she’s you.”

“Then how are you not her mother?” Cady pleads. “Just because she doesn’t have your genes? Are adoptive and step and foster parents not parents? Same sex couples who had to do surrogacy? Trans couples who had to do artificial insemination? Infertile people who had to use a sperm donor? Family is more than blood, Janis. Family is love. And you love her. That’s all that matters to her, and to me. You’re her family. My little love has two mothers who love her to the moon and back seven times over. She has the most wonderful family I could have ever dreamed for her.”

Janis just lets out a strangled noise at that, sinking into Cady and muffling sobs against her shoulder. Cady gently leads her to the couch to leave their daughter a quiet space to nap.

“I’m not asking you to be a replacement for what she doesn’t have,” Cady murmurs, holding Janis against her and rocking her the same way she rocks Maya. “I’m asking you to be you. Be what she already has. Just with a new title. I think it’s a nice promotion.”

Janis nods slightly against her and clears her throat. “I love you. Both of you. But she’s asleep, so… I love you.”

“I love you too,” Cady says with a hint of a chuckle. “I love you so much. And I have for so long.”

Janis doesn’t answer that, she just props herself up and tips Cady back slightly. Cady willingly falls to the couch cushions, her auburn curls fanning out around her. Janis sniffles and wipes her eyes before leaning in. “Can I kiss you?”

“Always,” Cady replies quietly. Janis leans down the rest of the way and gently presses their lips together. Cady strokes some hair away from the side of Janis’ face and leaves her hand there, tilting her head slightly to the side for a better angle. Kissing Janis feels more right than kissing Aaron ever did. It feels like she’s finally home.

Janis purrs slightly when Cady flicks her tongue against her lips, gently parting them and brushing their tongues together. Cady gasps and groans quietly when Janis carefully nibbles on her lip.

“I love you,” Janis whispers when they regretfully have to break apart to breathe. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me this. For loving me,” Janis says. “Trusting me with your child. Giving me a family.”

“Of course,” Cady replies. “Thank you for loving us. Making us a family.”

“Speaking of,” Janis sighs when Maya starts calling for them. “Babies are real cockblockers sometimes.”

“That they are,” Cady laughs. “I’ll go get her.”

“Okay,” Janis says, rolling off of Cady and sitting upright. She smiles as she listens to Cady with their baby as Maya continues waking up.

“Hi Mommy!” Maya says excitedly when Cady carries her back to the living room. Janis smiles this time and reaches for her.

Cady sets Maya down to make her way over herself, so she sets off. Janis scoops her up once she crashes into her legs on shaky feet and rests her on her lap. “Hi baby. Did you have a nice nap?”

“Nap,” Maya confirms with a nod. Janis nods back.

“Good. Do you know something very important?”

Maya tilts her head in confusion. Her thinking face is exactly the same as Cady’s, a furrowed brow and bottom lip just barely poked out. “‘Po’tant?”

“Very important,” Janis confirms. “Do you know… how much I love you?” Maya shakes her head, continuing to look at her curiously. Janis makes sure she’s steady on her lap and holds her arms out as far as they can go. “Thiiiiis much.”

“Wow,” Maya says in awe. Janis laughs and holds her again.

“How much do you love me?”

Maya holds her own arms out. “Dis.”

“Wow,” Janis chuckles. “How much?”

Maya does it again. “Dis much.”

“How much?”

Maya does it one more time, but this time Janis sticks her fingers into her little armpits and tickles her. Maya shrieks in surprise but quickly starts laughing her sweet laugh and squirming around in Janis’ lap. Janis picks her up and kisses just under her jawline, earning herself more squeals and giggles.

“What is going on out here?” Cady chuckles when she returns from making Maya’s bed. “Goodness. My two crazies.”

Maya continues laughing and shakily reaches out a hand for her mama to save her. Cady snatches her up and tosses her in the air a few times. “Is Mommy getting you?”

Maya nods, her chubby cheeks flushed and hair even more disheveled than it was a second ago. Cady chuckles and runs a careful hand through it.

“My sweet girl,” she says quietly, kissing a chubby cheek a few times. Janis quietly approaches and presses in on the other side. Maya giggles happily as her moms both kiss a cheek, squishing her lips out into a fish face. “Mmmmmmmwah!”

“‘Gain,” Maya laughs, so they squish in again. She tries to talk around it this time. “L’ff you.”

“We love you too,” Janis says.

“Sooooo much.”

—————

“Flower, what movie should we watch?” Cady asks, settling in next to Janis and trading Maya for a bowl of popcorn.

“Uh…” Maya hums thoughtfully. “Hawoween!”

“Which one?” Janis chuckles. “Come here, show me.”

Janis carries Maya over to the movie rack to pick which DVD she wants. Apparently she meant Nightmare Before Christmas, so Janis helps her put it in and then returns to sit by her girlfriend on the couch. Cady nuzzles into Janis’ neck and rests her head on her shoulder to watch. Janis kisses her forehead and tugs her a bit closer, until she practically has both of her girls in her lap.

Maya wriggles uncomfortably as she’s suddenly squished and releases a frustrated whine.

“Hey, kid, not my fault you’re hogging my girlfriend,” Cady chuckles. “Come here.”

Janis lets Cady adjust the lot of them. She willingly falls back against the arm of the couch when Cady nudges her, and smiles when Cady tips back against her chest with Maya resting on her own.

“Better?”

Maya pokes her lower lip out in thought as she considers the new positioning. “Need b’ankies.”

Janis chuckles and pulls one off the back of the couch, resting it over Maya’s back and letting it drape down over herself and Cady. “How’s that?”

Maya nods and finally cuddles into Cady. Cady smiles and strokes her soft curls with a loving hand. “There we go.”

Cady has to bend her arm at a strange angle to reach the bowl of popcorn, but she doesn’t complain. Janis looks at her girls as the movie starts with a fond smile and a kiss to Cady’s temple. Cady smiles back and kisses the part of her chest she can reach.

“I love you,” Janis murmurs.

“I love you too,” Cady sighs contently. “So much.”

Maya continues munching on her popcorn and looking intently at the screen. Her moms both chuckle at the tiny crunching noises they hear as she watches her movie. “Hey.”

“Wha’?” Maya asks when Cady taps her head, popping up to look at them.

“We love you,” Janis says, booping her little nose. Maya giggles.

“Luff you,” she replies, resting her head back down to go back to her movie. Janis chuckles affectionately and starts watching as well, tenderly stroking through two heads of red curls.

————-

“Happy birthday, my loves!” Cady greets, kissing each forehead. Maya snuck into bed between them yet again and is being spooned by Janis.

“Hi Mama,” Maya grins.

“Hi pumpkin,” Cady says. “Happy birthday! You’re two years old today! You’re getting so big!”

“Mommy birt’day,” Maya says, wriggling around to see Janis.

“Yeah, it’s Mommy’s birthday too,” Cady chuckles. “Mommy’s sleepy.”

Maya brings up a hand to try to carefully pry an eye open. Janis groans sleepily and pulls her closer, but Maya is having none of it. “Mommy!”

“What?”

“Birt’day!” Maya insists.

“Let’s have a birthday nap,” Janis says, rolling over onto her back and squishing the little one on top of her. Maya wriggles discontentedly until she’s sitting upright and bounces up and down a few times.

“Wate up!” she pleads.

Cady giggles at their antics and crawls back into bed with her family. She kisses Janis’ cheek and lets Maya crawl to be on top of her instead.

“I made a special birthday breakfast for you two,” Cady says in an attempt to coax Janis into the waking world. “And there’s cake. And I have some special presents for you.”

That gets one of Janis’ eyes to pop open. “Present?”

“Mmhmm,” Cady hums. “I think you’ll like them. But only after your pumpkin waffles and super special chocolate cake.”

“Socklet!” Maya cheers happily. “Mommy! We hab cake!”

“Okay, fine,” Janis chuckles. “Birthday girl wants cake. Let’s go.”

-

“Here, pumpkin,” Cady says, handing Maya the next present. “Go give that to Mommy.”

Maya makes her way over happily and deposits the present on Janis’ lap. Janis picks her up and holds her on her other leg, then checks the tag. “From Maya. Can you help me open it?”

Maya nods eagerly and very helpfully removes all the tissue paper from the small bag. Janis reaches in to see what the actual present is, and pulls out a frame. Her brow furrows in confusion as she reads over the paper within, before shooting back up her forehead as her eyes well with tears.

“Adoption papers?”

Cady nods. “You wanna be Maya’s mommy for real? Legally, anyway?”

“Yes!” Janis sobs. “Are you serious?!”

“Of course,” Cady chuckles through her own tears. “Just sign those and it’s official.”

Maya looks between them in confusion. “Why you cwy?”

Janis holds her up and kisses Maya’s little nose. “I’m crying because I’m happy. This paper Mama gave me is super important and special.”

“Oh,” Maya says. “Happy cwy?”

“Happy cry,” Janis confirms with a laugh. Cady smiles seeing them interact and cuddle, and giggles as Maya tries to dry Janis’ tears and accidentally pokes her in the eye.

“One more,” Cady says. “C’mere, Mymy, I need you for this part.”

Janis pouts when she has to let Maya go, but does willingly hand the child to Cady. Her girlfriend takes Maya back to the bedroom and apparently changes her clothes, given the snippets of conversation she can hear between them.

“Mommy!” Maya yells when she comes back, barreling on shaky feet back to Janis. Janis catches her with a laugh and holds her close again.

“Maya,” Cady chuckles when she comes back too, holding one hand in her back pocket. “Did you even let her read your new shirt?”

“Oh!” Maya says when she remembers what she was supposed to do. She giggles as Janis grabs her under the shoulders and holds her up in the air to see her adorable new shirt. Janis nearly drops her when she reads it.

‘Will you marry my mama?’

Janis carefully brings Maya back down and holds her close, revealing Cady on one knee next to her. Janis claps her free hand over her mouth as Cady pulls out a ring box and opens it.

“Janis,” Cady begins. “My love. I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You gave us a home when we needed one, and so much love. You’re everything I could ever want and more. You’re the perfect mother to our little munchkin,” she says, tickling Maya’s foot. “And the most wonderful partner. I want forever with you. With us. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” Janis sobs, barely letting Cady slip the ring on her finger before she hauls her up and slams their lips together. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Cady chuckles against her lips, kissing her sweetly and brushing her tears away. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

Maya looks very concerned as both of her moms are now crying. “Mama?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Happy cwy?”

“Yeah, baby,” Cady confirms. “Happy cry.”

————-

“You ready?” Damian asks as he prepares to walk Janis down the aisle. Janis smiles faintly and nods as she takes his arm.

“I’ve been ready for a long time.”

“So have I,” Damian jokes as they start moving. He kisses her forehead once they make it down and heads to his spot behind the microphone.

Janis looks back down the aisle when the music picks up again, and grins when she sees little Maya standing at the other end in her big puffy dress and holding her basket of flower petals. She looks a little nervous to be in front of so many people. Maya carefully adjusts her flower crown and looks around for a second, before she spies Janis at the altar.

“Mommy, Mommy!” she calls, running down towards her. The only flowers that hit the aisle are the ones that fall out of the basket from her bouncing. Janis rolls her eyes lovingly and crouches down to catch her.

“Hi, Mymy,” she greets.

“Hi Mommy!”

The guests chuckle at that. Maya is still cute enough to get away with stuff. Janis points to the basket. “What’s in here?”

“Oh.” Maya says when she notices. Janis laughs and kisses her cheek.

“It’s okay, honeybun. I’ll go with you this time,” she offers. Maya nods, so Janis carries her back down the aisle and then back to the altar. She stops periodically for Maya to drop a fistful of her petals. “There we go, you did it!”

Maya grins happily at her before she’s passed off to Cady’s mother to wait for the ceremony to begin. Janis giggles quietly as she faintly hears a, “Woooooow.” from their daughter at the sight of Cady in her dress. Janis would be lying if she said she didn’t have a similar reaction.

“Hey,” Janis greets quietly when Cady finally makes it to her. “You look beautiful.”

Cady grins at her and adjusts the skirt of her dress. It’s quite simple, just plain white with a large, tiered skirt and a slit that goes a bit past her knee. Her hair is just in her natural curls down her back, and she’s holding a bouquet of the same flowers that make up Maya’s crown.

“Thank you,” she whispers. She reaches out to feel Janis’ white blazer. “So do you. You’re a little risqué.”

“Yeah, one wrong move and my whole chest is just out,” Janis chuckles quietly.

“Or one right move,” Cady flirts, waggling her eyebrows for emphasis. Janis flushes but manages to keep her shocked laughter quiet.

“Keep it in your dress ‘til we’re alone.”

“Fine,” Cady pouts. She peeks around Janis to see Maya sitting next to her mom and already munching on some snacks to keep her quiet. Maya looks up when she feels her gaze and waves eagerly, and Cady gives her a little wave back.

Damian begins his speech then, asking Janis and Cady to hold hands. Neither of them listen particularly close after that, electing to stare at one another instead. They do laugh when he says, “I came out to my mom as gay about fifteen years ago, and I know there was just a teeny tiny bit of disappointment that I wasn’t marrying a woman. I’m very excited that she gets to watch me marry two of the most incredible women today.”

After that they get lost in one another yet again, until Damian asks them to give their vows. Cady goes first, taking a small set of notecards from Damian with a thankful smile.

“Janis,” she says, looking her in the eye and squeezing her with her free hand. “Where do I begin?” She takes a breath before continuing. “I suppose the beginning is as good a place as any. Almost exactly three years ago. I came to you with one of the most difficult things I’ve ever faced. Finding out I was pregnant wasn’t quite the happy occasion I had always dreamed of. But you were there, and you supported me. And then her father left us.

“I had resigned myself at that point to the fact I would be a single mom. You let me grieve, held me while I cried, and took such good care of both of us while I was pregnant and recovering afterwards. Nothing I could ever say or do would even begin to be enough to convey my thanks to you for that. But I’ll try my best here. I realized on Maya’s first birthday that I had never been a single mother. From the moment I found out there was a baby in me, you were by my side. You were there for her birth, her first laugh, her first words, her first steps. For her. And for me. And now it’s my turn. I promise I’ll stick by you through everything we face, and I promise to love you through it all. I promise to support you like you’ve done for me, and to share the joys and sorrows of life with you. I’m so excited to share our life with you. Forever.”

Janis sobs quietly a couple times as Cady finishes and slides the ring onto her finger. Cady grins at her through her tears and tenderly swipes her tears away. Janis has to actively restrain from kissing her until she’s allowed to. But now it’s her turn.

She wrote note cards, but leaves them in her pocket. She knows she kind of rambled in them and figures it’s better to just fly by the seat of her pants and get the core message across.

“Caddy,” she begins. “I love you more than I can begin to say. And I have for as long as I can remember. You make me better. You keep me balanced, and grounded. And so, so happy. The years I’ve gotten to spend with you have been the best of my life. I wouldn’t trade a single moment in them for anything. Everything you do, every word you say, just makes me love you more. I thought I knew before what it meant to love, and then you came back into my life full force. And you gave me a whole other little person to love, too.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve the both of you, but I’m forever thankful for it. Both of you are such a light in my life. I can’t wait to watch our girl grow up while we grow old together. To spend my life with you. I love you more every day, and I promise to give you the rest of them. I promise to share every up and down of this crazy life with you, and love you through every moment. I always have, and I always will. Both of you. Thank you for everything you’ve given me.”

Cady sobs quietly a few times as Janis slides the ring home on her finger. She prepares to grab Janis’ face for the kiss, but Janis regretfully pushes her away.

“Maya,” she coaxes. Maya pops her head up to look at her with her precious smile. Janis beckons her over with a finger. “Come here, baby.”

Cady looks a bit confused, but bends to pick her baby up as she toddles her way over. Janis reaches into her pocket again.

“Now for yours. My little sunflower, my M&M candy girl. My Maya monkey. You bring me so much joy, so much happiness. I love your cuddles and your hugs, seeing that cute smile and hearing you laugh. I love watching you grow and learn new things. You remind me so much of your mama. You have her beautiful eyes, and her hair, and her precious smile, and her spirit. I got two of you to love. You have my whole heart, little one. I promise to give you so many cuddles and hugs and kisses, and to make all your owies better. I promise to snuggle you after you have bad dreams, and sneak you cookies when Mama says we can’t have any before dinner. I can’t wait to watch you grow up, and I can’t wait to see what incredible things you get up to. I love you so much, Emmy girl.”

Janis knows Maya doesn’t understand most of what she’s telling her, but she seems happy to just be included. Janis pulls a necklace the rest of the way out of her pocket and carefully fastens it around her neck. Maya reaches to feel it and smiles at her. Cady pulls it away slightly to look at the charm, and gives a watery smile at the gold heart with their birthstone on it.

“Okay, kiss the baby first,” Damian coaches. Maya giggles happily as she’s squished in her favorite kind of kiss before she’s put back down and released back to her grandma to show off her new necklace. “There we go. Now you two. I now pronounce you wives. You may kiss.”

Neither of them waste a second, grabbing the other wherever they can reach to pull her close. They can feel their happy future approaching as their lips meet for the first time as wives.

—-

Maya watches eagerly from the sidelines as her mothers have their first dance, and then runs over as she’s called to join them. Janis scoops her up and holds her between them as they move around the dance floor as a unit.

Cady kisses each of them and heads off, leaving Janis and Maya to dance together. Maya giggles happily as she stands on Janis’ shoes and holds her hands to be led around the floor.

“Are you having fun, M?”

“Yeah,” Maya says happily. “Mama got big dress.”

“She does have a big dress. Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Janis asks. Maya nods again. “You do too. You’re the most beautiful little princess here.”

Maya beams at her and cuddles in as their song ends and she’s held close once more.

She seems even more delighted when they get to the cake. Janis feeds her a bite and smiles at the stray chocolate on her lip.

“Yummy?” Maya nods eagerly and opens her mouth for more. Janis chuckles and gives her another bite. “Save some for us.”

Maya runs around to greet all her relatives during the speeches. Cady giggles quietly as she trips over her shoes on her way back to her moms. Maya just pushes herself back up and continues on her way. “Hi!”

“Hi, baby,” Cady chuckles, lifting her onto her lap and continuing to watch. Janis scoots her chair closer and rests on Cady’s shoulder. Cady tips her head to rest against Janis’, content to just hold both her loves close.

Once the speeches are over and the music kicks up again, Maya runs off to go dance. Her moms watch and laugh as she tears up the dance floor with her adorable moves.

-

“Cads?” Damian asks as she rests on his shoulder for a moment.

“Mm?”

“Where’s your child?”

“I dunno,” Cady yawns. “Janis had her last. I should probably go find her.”

“Yeah,” Damian chuckles.

Cady hauls herself upright and pops up on her tippy toes to look for her wife and child. She grins when she spies them on the dance floor as far away from the music as they can be.

“Hi,” she greets. Janis whirls around when she hears her.

“Hi, Peanut.”

Cady peeks a bit closer at the situation and feels her heart melt a little further when she sees Maya sound asleep against Janis’ shoulder. She’s cuddled close and her head is securely supported by Janis’ hand as they move around to the music. Cady comes close and kisses Maya’s chubby cheek gently.

“Couldn’t handle the party anymore, huh?”

Janis chuckles and adjusts her grip. “She’s out cold.”

Cady nods and rests her head against Janis’ shoulder. “Our girl.”

“Our girl,” Janis agrees softly. “My loves.”

“I love you,” Cady murmurs, popping up for yet another kiss. Janis returns it carefully so as not to wake the wee one resting in her arms.

“I love you too.”

“My parents are gonna take her for the night,” Cady says, gesturing to the baby. “So we can have our night together without… interruptions.”

“Can’t wait,” Janis replies. She kisses Maya’s forehead before passing her to her mama. Maya stirs and releases an anxious whine.

“Mommy.”

“It’s okay, Emmy,” Cady hushes, trying to rock her back to sleep. Janis gently runs a hand over Maya’s little cheek.

“Go back to sleep, baby. I’m right here.”

And I always will be.

-----

thanks for reading!! hope you enjoyed!!

a big thank you to my friend julez_20 on wattpad for inspiring me to start writing way back when and also for letting me steal janis' wedding outfit description for this :))) and also just for generally being a lovely human. go read her stuff go now go.

anyway!! i hope you enjoyed this and i shall see you next week!

lots of love,

ezzy

[georgiedx]

Don’t blink

Summary - When Y/N, Jay’s partner is taken during an undercover op, what will the team have to do to get her back?

Read part 2 - https://georgiedx.tumblr.com/post/643582775508729857/summary-in-the-fallout-of-an-undercover-op-gone

Word count - 2k

Warnings - potential abuse and sexual assault

“What the hell just happened!” Voight shouted as he stormed up the bullpen stairs. His subordinates stared back at him, dumbfounded, as they too were processing the chaos that had just unfolded.

Kevin was the first to speak up, “Sarge, slow down…” He was interrupted but the harsh shouts of his sergeant. “Don’t tell me to calm down Kevin! One of my detectives was just abducted and not one person here can care to explain? Huh? Not even her partner. Halstead?”

Jay cast his eyes down to avoid the burn of Voight’s stare. He was ashamed. He was still processing. How had this all happened? Why didn’t he protect her?

“Sarge, I don’t know what to tell you, those guys, they just blew up, snapped. They pulled guns, put one to Y/N’s head, and dragged her into a truck that was waiting in the alley around the back. It must have been a setup, Sarge.” Jay replied, his voice laced with guilt.

“Ruzek, I thought you said your CI was solid?” Voight turned his anger to Adam. “He was...or at least I thought he was. Look, Sarge, I’m so sorr…”

“Enough. I don’t want to hear it. We just need to focus on getting Y/N back.” His sergeant snapped back. The rest of the unit mumbled in agreement, heads hanging low, all weighed down by the guilt of the parts they played in allowing Y/N, their partner and friend, to be thrown into the back of a truck by violent criminals.

...

The team all sat around the bullpen as their sergeant emerged from his office. “Right, talk to me, what do we have?”

Jay jumped to his feet and walked over to the board to stick up a photo. “This is Nicolas Heath. Vice has had him on their radar for years, he’s a known pimp, big in cross-state trafficking, and has priors for sexual assault, trafficking, and fraud.

Jay placed two more photos up underneath Heath’s. “These were the guys at the meet last night. They were the ones who took Y/N. They have similar priors to Heath but seem to be more like his lieutenants. We’ve got them on pods driving Y/N away in a black SUV Toyota. That was tracked to a house in Evanston where we think Y/N is being held.”

Ruzek walked up to the board next, reading a file in his hand. “That checks out, my CI is sitting in interrogation room 2 right now. The prick told me he’s been taking money from Heath over the last few weeks. In exchange, he invited girls to parties at clubs that Heath runs. My CI was getting nervous so reached out to me with fake info about Heath, he wanted us to take Heath down to save his own ass.” Ruzek then pinned up a few photos of a large, fortified, white house. “He tells me this is one of Heath’s places, it’s in Evanston so that checks with the footage of the SUV. But he also tells me it’s heavily secured with armed guards and it’s likely that if Heath has Y/N and we try to move on it, she’ll be dead before we get through the front door.”

The whole team sighed in frustration. They knew what type of guy Heath was and the longer they waited the worse things would potentially be for Y/N. Finally their superior spoke up. “Adam get your CI to reach out to Heath. We need to know if Y/N’s cover is still intact. If we can’t go in through the front door maybe we can set up a ‘buy’ and get our girl back.”

The team shook their heads in a mix of frustration and disgust at the thought of having to ‘buy’ back their teammate from that monster like she’s some object.

…

A few hours later and Jay was down in the roll-up, fixing a wire to the buttons of his shirt. A plan had been formulated; Halstead was going to meet a contact of Heath’s, posing as a pimp looking to move some ‘product’.

A quick, yet painful, phone call between Adam’s CI and Heath revealed he was still unaware Y/N was a cop. Jay had said on the phone he was looking for a specific type of ‘product’ and once he described a girl roughly matching Y/N’s description, Heath said he had someone for Jay. A meet was set at 9 pm by the docks.

The whole team was on edge. Some were scared of what Y/N was going through in the hands of the monster that is Nicolas Heath, most were nervous of the ‘buy’ that was soon to go down, but all were feeling guilty for allowing Y/N to be in this situation in the first place.

Once the wire was fixed and the van set, the team rolled out the back of district 21, with a thousand things racing through their minds.

They arrived at the predetermined meet point and waited. The surveillance van with Kevin, Adam, and Voight was hidden around the corner, whilst Jay waited in a UC truck parked out in the open. His jean-covered legs were bouncing up and down, but not from the cold. His partner, no, his best friend was out there somewhere in the hands of a rapist-pimp, alone and defenseless.

After 20 mins, a tattered grey van turned the corner and parked opposite Jay’s truck. Halstead sent a quick text to Voight notifying them of its arrival and then climbed out the truck. He looked on trying to see his partner beyond the blaring headlights of that grey van. When the white beams were cut he finally locked eyes with her.

When he saw her weak and bruised body with legs barely holding herself up, in a vice grip of two thugs, Jay’s instincts were to run to her, but he couldn’t. Thug 1 had a Glock 19 jammed into the side of her head and Thug 2 had one trained on him. He had to play this smart. The only way to get Y/N out of this was to play along with the ‘buy’, despite it making him sick to his stomach.

Jay casually walked around to the back of the truck and pulled out a black bag from the back. He checked his watch, stalled a bit to not seem too eager, put a stick of gum in his mouth, began to chew, stalled some more, and finally walked back towards Heath and his thugs.

“What you got for me then?” Jay questioned nonchalantly as he nodded towards his partner. “She what I asked for? Cuz I got a lotta cash here and I ain’t about to waste it.” Saying this was breaking him, but he had to play along.

“Yeh this one’ll be worth your trouble, she’s feisty, trust me.” Heath laughed back at his ‘buyer’. Jay’s heart sank. What had he meant by ‘trust me’? What had he done to her?

“Halstead keep your cool, flash him the money and get him to hand Y/N over” his sergeant’s voice spoke through his earpiece. Jay listened and opened to bag up to show Heath he meant business. “It’s all there. Hand her over, I wanna get a look before I hand this over.” Jay swallowed the sick in his mouth as he watched his partner shift uncomfortably between the two men.

When Y/N cast her eyes back up to look at Jay, he could see her tears in her eyes, despite the bruises there. His body kept playing the role but his eyes were calling out to her, he was internally begging she could see through his facade.

Thug 2 lowered his gun once Jay had flashed the money. Thug 1 kept his gun tight against Y/N’s head as he roughly pulled her towards Jay. He released her and she stumbled, on weak legs, the short distance to Jay.

Jay, careful not to grab at bruises, yanked on her arms and roughly pulled her towards the truck. He wanted to hug her, hold her and wipe her tears but he couldn’t. There were still 3 armed men 10 ft away who couldn’t know they were cops.

Y/N let out a small cry as the zip ties on her wrists dug deeper into the red, bleeding skin. “Quiet!” Jay demanded. “Move. Go on.” He pushed her around the back of the truck, attempting to shield her from any further potential dangers.

“Your money’s all there. Was a pleasure doing business with you.” Jay called out to Heath and his thugs.

“Pleasure’s all mine man, anytime. Enjoy that one” he nodded his head towards Y/N and stuck out a hand to Jay. Reluctantly Jay shook it and forced himself to say “Oh I will.”

The three men climbed back in their van with the money and reversed around the corner.

Shortly after, sirens and shouts of Chicago PD could be heard but Jay paid no attention. As soon as that van was out of sight Jay ran around the truck to Y/N.

Only now did he have a chance to fully take in her appearance. Her wrists were bleeding underneath zip ties. Arms were painted a horrible mix of blacks and blue. Blood was drying around her eyebrows and lip. Her left eye was swollen and purple and both were glistening with tears. She was in a short dress, ripped and filthy. But worst of all she was shaking violently, perhaps from the lack of layers and cold but more likely from the trauma of the last 24 hours. And that thought haunted Jay, he knew it always would.

When he finally reached her small and trembling body he cut the ties quickly and engulfed her in a hug. She sunk into his warm and then down to the floor. Jay went down with her, just holding her close as sobs shook through her body.

A hand came up to her face and he wiped her tears away and tucked her hair behind her ear. His strong arms held onto her so tight she thought she might crumble into a hundred pieces if he ever let go. So he didn’t.

“Shh. You’re okay. You’re okay Y/N/N. I got you. You’re safe.” He whispered into her ears. “I’m so sorry Y/N. I’m so sorry.” He began to choke up and the sound of her sobs. How had he let this happen?

Shortly after, the surveillance van and a few patrol cars arrived on scene. As Voight and the other officers climbed out their vehicles they were horrified at the scene before them.

Y/N looked like she’d been through hell. She was clinging to her partner desperately. Her shaking, although likely caused by a state of shock, prompted Adam to take off his coat and walk over to the partners on the floor.

He placed the coat on her shoulders and then squeezed one, trying to show his support and love and remorse through the action. Kevin walked over next with a blanket and knelt down with them.

“You’re okay Y/N. We’re here. You’re safe.” Jay kept repeating those words to his broken best friend, whom he held in his arms. Only when she heard the gruff voice of her sergeant did she take her head off Jay’s chest and lookup.

“I’m sorry Y/L/N. You’re gonna be okay kid.” Spoke Voight to his detective. The four men consoled their teammate, their family member, for a while longer. Their voices cracked and caught as they continued to whisper words of comfort until the ambulance arrived to take her to safety.

Read part 2 - https://georgiedx.tumblr.com/post/643582775508729857/summary-in-the-fallout-of-an-undercover-op-gone

I hope you guys liked it! Again I have no idea what I’m doing, this is just fun and a nice little escape for me.

[cdelphiki]

I’m writing the next chapter of The Best Things now. This will probably be a tomorrow thing, once it’s done. 😬 Sorry I’ve been so bad about keeping to schedule the past couple months, but it’s a work in progress. 

I ended up switching the POV from what I’ve been working on all weekend and it’s coming out SO MUCH EASIER now. So we’ll see if I’m able to get it done tonight or if it’ll still be a tomorrow thing. I’ve got work tomorrow so I can only stay up another half hour or so. But we’ll see!

I’m gonna give y’all a sneak peek at a whumptober fic in the meantime, just as a sort of sorry for not updating anything lately. 😂 It’s a super-work-in-progress (meaning this entire thing might get revised) but I am excited about the concept:

Untitled Baby Tim & Bruce WIP, set after The Best Things, but nothing spoiler-y. Assuming we all already know Bruce is taking Tim and Cass in permanently. LOL  

- 

Bruce avoided business trips at all cost. He tried his best to force all trips to be contained into a single day. He owned a plane. He could take off first thing in the morning and return late that night. No big deal.

He hated business trips. Too much ‘networking,’ meaning too many people trying to kiss up to him, too many fake smiles, too many drinks avoided, and far, far too many meetings.

Which is why when it became clear in mid-June that he’d have to travel to San Fransisco for a week-long trip, Bruce just groaned.

Right there. In front of Lucius and everything.

It didn’t get him out of it.

The kids were not nearly as fazed by it as Bruce thought they’d be. He supposed they were used to him having to go away for a few days a time.

Usually it was League business, but the result was all the same for them.

At least League business was typically more enjoyable than a week’s worth of meetings.

“Kay, whatever,” had been Jason’s response, when Bruce told them all at dinner the night he found out, “you gotta bring me back something, though.”

“Yeah,” Damian shouted, “presents!”

Bruce sighed and looked over to where Cass and Tim sat next to each other, to his left. Cass grinned at his attention, then took another bite of her dinner. He was fairly certain she’d understood his announcement. If she had something to say about it, she would have said it.

Tim stared back at him for a beat, then asked, almost uninterested, “When will you be back?”

“Friday.”

“Okay,” he said, with a nod. And that was that.

At least. Bruce thought that was that.

Because when it came time for him to leave Sunday night, everything broke down.

“Be good for Alfred,” he said to the kids, who were all sitting in the living room playing a card game together. He tried to give each of them a goodbye hug, but they were far more interested in their game than they were in saying good-bye.

It was amusing.

“Yeah, yeah,” Jason said, as Bruce leaned over the couch and wrapped an arm around him, “Okay. Bye. Now get off me, old man.”

Bruce chuckled as he moved over to Damian, who actually stood up on the couch to give him a proper hug with an upbeat, “Bye, Dad!” as he did.

Cassandra grinned wide and let Bruce hug her as she said, “Yes. Good. See you.”

“I love you, sweetheart,” Bruce said as he let go.  

Then he turned to Tim, with the intention of giving him a hug, too, but paused.

Because Tim was sitting there, stiffly.

Bruce rounded the coffee table so he was right next to Tim’s armchair and knelt down, making himself level with Tim.  When he held his arm out, asking for a hug, however, the dam burst.

“Don’t go,” Tim cried, not leaning forward for Bruce to hug him, “You aren’t supposed to go.”

With a sigh, Bruce set his shoulder bag down on the floor and moved to be right in front of his son. “Tim, buddy,” he said, running a hand up and down Tim’s arm, “It’s just for five days. It’s okay.”

“That’s what they always say,” Tim whined, as he pressed the palm of his hand into one of his eyes.

How many times had Tim had this conversation with his own parents? How many times had they promised him a week and been gone for two?

Or seven?

He already hated Jack and Janet Drake. He didn’t need more reasons.

“Come here,” Bruce said, tugging Tim forward so he could finally hug him, “Tim, it’s—“

“I know, I’m sorry,” Tim interrupted, as he squirmed in Bruce’s arms until he could press both his hands into his eyes, “You have to, I know. It’s work. It’s more important. I’m sorry, I’m trying to stop. Sorry.”

Bruce might not need them, but Tim would never stop supplying him with more reasons to hate them.

And every time he said ‘sorry’ or suggested anything was more important than him?

Bruce’s hatred increased tenfold.

“Shh,” he said, squeezing Tim a little tighter as he whispered into Tim’s ear, fully aware that only two of the kids had left the room when Tim started crying, “You don’t have to be sorry. It’s okay to feel this way. And nothing is more important than you kids and your happiness, including work, okay?”

He wasn’t sure how many time’s he’d have to say such a thing to Tim, but he’d keep saying it. Over and over. Until one day Tim finally prioritized himself without prompting.

“I,” Tim started, sniffling once before he broke down into sobs again, “I don’t want you to leave me.”

Curse the Drake for making simple business trips so painful for Tim.

“It’s not forever,” he promised, still holding Tim close, “I promise I will be back on Friday.”

Tim merely let out another heart-wrenching sob, and Bruce couldn’t take it any more.

“Okay,” he said, pulling Tim back away from him, “Go pack a bag.”

If Tim couldn’t handle him going away for five days, then Bruce would just take him with.

“What?” Tim said, startled into silence.

“A bag,” Bruce repeated, standing to his feet and picking back up his own shoulder-bag, “Five days worth of clothes and essentials. Maybe your camera, if you want. Don’t forget pajamas and your phone charger.”

Tim shook his head, and asked again, “What?” Like he couldn’t believe what Bruce was saying.

Of course he couldn’t believe it. Jack and Janet Drake would have sooner died than bring Tim along on a trip, Bruce was sure. They probably though he’d get underfoot, or something.

Admittedly, he probably would get underfoot. He was ten. And Bruce had a week full of meetings ahead of him. Tim was going to get bored within the first hour of meetings, but at least he’d learn that business trips for Bruce lasted exactly as long as he promised they would.

“Hurry,” Bruce said, “Or we’ll be late. I’ll get you some travel stuff you’ll need, okay?”

Even with that, Tim still hesitated, so Bruce said, rather authoritatively, “Go,” and Tim sprang into action, out the room and up the stairs.

“No fair,” Jason whined, once Bruce turned around to face whichever kid didn’t leave to give Tim privacy, “Why does he get to come? I want to come.”

Bruce was not dealing with two kids on the trip.

“Jay,” he said through a sigh, deciding to just be blunt about it, “Do you have abandonment issues?”

“Maybe,” Jason said, crossing his arms and jutting a lip out at Bruce, “You don’t know my life.”

He might not know every detail of Jason’s life, but he knew enough to know Jason would not be scarred deeply by Bruce leaving him with Alfred for five days.

“Jay,” he said again, as he wrapped an arm around Jason, “He’s terrified I’m going to leave and not come back for months. I’m just going to show him what happens on business trips, which is a lot of boring meetings, and prove that I stick to my schedule, okay? Next time he’ll want to stay here, because here is more fun.”

“Fine,” Jason exclaimed, in feigned annoyance as he pushed Bruce back off him, “But you better bring back something super cool.”

Laughing, Bruce pat Jason’s head and said, “I’ll call you tonight like always.”

“Kay.”

[ssa-jennifer-prentiss]

Safe Here With You

back with more jemily! i decided to rewrite the end of 200 because jj going to a bar after being kidnapped was just not it. i hope you like it!

pairing: jj/emily

words: 2936

tw: blood, guns, death, ptsd

read on ao3

JJ stood with her hands suspended above her head in the middle of the cold, dark room she had been in for over 24 hours now. Matt had just given up his security codes, so she figured she didn’t have long now. They heard shots ring out from outside the room. Hastings ran out to investigate, leaving JJ, Matt, Askari, and his helper alone.

Askari took care of his assistant first, slitting his throat without a second thought. He made his way over in front of Cruse. “Stop!” JJ yelled despite knowing she couldn’t stop what was about to happen. Askari stabbed Matt in the abdomen. He removed his knife and lowered him to the ground. JJ was horrified by the amount of blood she watched pool around her friend’s body.

She heard footsteps come up behind her, now it was her turn. She felt Askari’s breath as he closed in. Before he managed to raise the knife to her neck, two shots rang out. She screamed slightly as she watched her captor drop to the ground.

She felt two familiar hands press against her side. It was Emily. Real Emily. Her Emily, here to save her. “Emily,” she said, voice wavering slightly. Emily knelt down to grab the keys to the handcuffs off Askari. “I knew they’d call you. I knew it.” And she did know. The only thing that kept her going was the certainty that Emily would find her. Emily would always come through for her.

“Shh,” Emily whispered, unlocking the handcuffs from JJ’s wrists. JJ’s arm wrapped around her side, the pain from the burn still present. Emily placed a hand on her back, wanting nothing more than to hold her, but knowing she couldn’t in the moment. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” JJ insisted. “Help Matt, please.” Reluctantly, Emily made her way over to where Hotch was crouched by Cruse.

“Hastings is headed to the roof,” Matt said while struggling to breathe. “You have to stop him.”

“Comms aren’t working down here. He’s lost a lot of blood. How’s JJ?” Hotch asked.

“She’s standing but that’s-,” Emily turned around to check on her friend. “Where the hell did she go?”

“She went to get Hastings.”

“It’s personal for her,” Matt muttered.

“Go help her. I’ve got him.” With that Emily took off looking for JJ.

JJ ran after Hastings as fast as her tired, dehydrated body would allow her to. He was making his way to the roof, JJ didn’t trail too far behind. He made it to the final ladder that led to the top. JJ rounded the corner behind him, firing a few shots in his direction. Hastings dropped down off the ladder and fired back.

After a few more shots JJ had emptied her gun. Frustrated, she tossed it on the ground and sighed with relief at the sight of Emily running up behind her. Emily pushed JJ behind her, firing a few shots of her own in Hastings’ direction. It only took a few more shots before Hastings emptied his own gun. He returned to climbing to the roof. Emily and JJ followed suit.

Emily made it to the top first. She attacked Hastings from behind. JJ was right on her heels, going for Hastings as soon as he knocked Emily down. As they fought they moved closer and closer to the edge of the roof. Emily stood just in time as Hastings and JJ rolled over the edge of the building. She managed to catch JJ’s arm as Hastings fell to his death.

“I got you,” Emily breathed, hanging on to JJ with every bit of strength she had. Simultaneously, the two looked over to see Hastings' lifeless body lying flat on the concrete beneath them. Emily was painfully aware of the reality she would be facing if she had been even a second longer.

JJ turned her head, eyes filled with fear locking on Emily’s. Emily pulled JJ back over the edge of the building and into her arms. She wasn’t sure how much longer JJ could stay on her feet, so she lowered them to the ground. JJ collapsed against Emily’s chest, trying to focus on slowing her heart rate. She had a grip on Emily like she was in the middle of the ocean and Emily was the only thing keeping her from drowning.

They sat in silence for a while as Emily rubbed comforting circles on JJ’s back. JJ’s head was spinning with the events of the last day or so. She wasn’t entirely sure how long she had been locked in that room, but she knew those hours would stay with her forever.

JJ lifted her head from where she had it tucked against Emily’s neck so she could look her in the eye. “You came for me,” her voice was barely above a whisper. “You came the whole way from London to rescue me.” Her eyes filled with tears as she stared at the brunette agent in front of her.

“Did you ever doubt that I would?”

“No,” a few tears slipped out. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against Emily’s. “I knew you would come. I just wasn’t sure I would make it to the time you found me.”

“But you did Jayje, you made it. You held on.”

“Because of you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw you,” she hadn’t planned on telling Emily about what she thought she saw, but she decided it was something she should know. “I was lying on the cold floor and I thought they had just shot Matt. I didn’t think I could keep going. I thought I had to give in, but if I did then they would have killed me.” She took a deep breath and continued, “I hallucinated you. You found me. You were right in front of me. I heard your voice and I felt your hand. It was so real.”

“JJ…” JJ shook her head and looked back at Emily.

“You kept me going Em. You’re the reason I didn’t give in. I knew you would find me. I didn’t know how long it would be, but I knew in my heart that you would.”

“Always, sweetheart. I will always be here,” she smiled down at the blonde. “Now, can we please get you down there and checked out by a medic?” JJ nodded. Emily stood, offering the younger agent a hand. JJ threw her arm over Emily’s shoulders. Emily wrapped one arm around JJ’s waist and her other hand held JJ’s that was hanging off her shoulder.

They made their way to the ground floor where the team stood waiting for them. JJ made her way around, giving each of her friends a hug. She then walked out to the ambulance where Matt was being tended to so she could thank him. Emily stood by, waiting for her so she could make sure JJ actually allowed one of the medics to look at her.

“You know I can take care of myself, right Em? I’m a big girl.”

“I know. But, I also know that you like to say you’re fine when you’re not. Besides, if you really think I’m going to leave your side right now, you’re crazy,” JJ smiled at her before turning to walk toward the medic waiting near the other ambulance.

The medic looked JJ over. She was very dehydrated, covered in bruises, and her burn mark needed immediate attention. He cleaned up her wound, but recommended a hospital visit for further care overall. Emily thanked him for his help however, JJ was not happy.

“Emily I do not need to go to the hospital. I’m fine!”

“If the medical professional says you need to go then you need to go! You spent over 24 hours hanging from your wrists. You’re going!” Emily put her hand on JJ’s arm and pulled her over to the SUVs.

It was a rather short ride to the hospital. JJ was taken back almost immediately, Emily never leaving her side. The doctor checked her shoulders, making sure nothing appeared to be torn. They hooked her up to an IV of fluids due to her level of dehydration. She didn’t have to stay long, just until she was able to get some fluids in her.

“See Jay, aren’t you glad we came now?” JJ glared at Emily.

“No,” she pouted. “I can drink water on my own. I don’t need this.”

“This hydrates you much faster. And besides, you’ve got the best company,” she grinned widely at her friend. Most of the time was spent with Emily telling stories about London to try to distract JJ from the thoughts she knew would creep up on her when it was silent. It wasn’t long before JJ was discharged. They walked out to the waiting room where Spencer and Morgan were waiting to ensure everything was fine with JJ before heading home.

Emily stood watching her friend carefully. JJ hadn’t spoken since they first arrived at the hospital. It had only been a few hours since she barely caught JJ from tumbling off of that building. Only a few hours since JJ’s constant torture ceased. Emily had a feeling where JJ’s head was, but she knew if she pushed she would just shut down.

After spending years working alongside the best profilers, JJ knew how to hide her feelings, how to convince everyone she was okay. Emily though? Emily was different. There wasn’t a single thing she could hide from her. She could feel Emily’s eyes on her as she stood beside her coworkers attempting to be present in the moment.

The last 48 hours have been a blur. She had spent the last few hours in the hospital, now she stood alongside her friends as they were deep in conversation. JJ though, she was deep inside her head, thoughts spiraling too fast for her to handle. JJ hadn’t been able to process anything that had happened. She wanted to go home, shower, and give in to the overwhelming exhaustion she felt.

“Well guys,” she started before she could talk herself into staying even longer, “I think I’m going to head home.” She stepped out into the chilly night air, checking her surroundings carefully before turning to walk towards the car.

“Jen!” She turned to see Emily step out of the door behind her. “Do you maybe want to come back to the hotel with me? I’m not sure alone is the best place to be right now,” she said with a soft smile.

“I don’t know Em. I don’t want to intrude,” she looked down at her feet. She wanted nothing more than to be near Emily, the person who could always make her feel better, feel loved, feel safe. But, JJ never wanted to feel like a burden to her.

“You’re not intruding if I’m asking. Please Jay?” She took a step closer and JJ’s eyes met hers. She simply nodded and slipped her arm through Emily’s. They walked in a heavy silence to Emily’s vehicle. Emily opened the passenger’s side door for JJ to slide in before turning to climb in her side.

JJ sat quietly watching as Emily pulled out of the parking lot and into the street. She still felt like none of this was real, like she was still in that cold room in the middle of another hallucination. Before she could think twice she reached out and grabbed Emily’s hand that was resting on the center console. She needed that reassurance that this was real, that she was safe. She smiled softly to herself when Emily intertwined their fingers and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

The drive to the hotel wasn’t long and Emily pulled into a space at the front of the building. JJ made her way around the car to meet Emily, immediately slipping her hand back into hers. They rode the elevator to the top floor and made their way down to Emily’s room. Emily opened the door and allowed JJ to slip past her. The room was undisturbed besides the suitcase Emily clearly threw across the room in a hurry.

“I think I’m going to take a quick shower,” JJ whispered softly. Emily just nodded in response as JJ walked quickly into the bathroom. She didn’t want to let JJ out of her sight, but she thought feeling clean may help her feel a little better.

Emily made her way to her suitcase and pulled out two pairs of pajamas, being sure to pick out JJ’s favorite shirt of hers. Her brain had not quite caught up to the events of the day. Everything happened in a rush, but she vividly remembered almost losing JJ. Twice. Emily kept trying to remind herself that JJ was safe and alive. That was all that mattered. She changed as fast as she could, needing to see the blonde.

“Jayje?” She knocked gently on the bathroom door. “I brought you a change of clothes.” She waited for a response, but there wasn’t one. Her nerves escalated as the minutes passed. “JJ, are you alright? I’m gonna come in, okay?”

She pushed the door in and the scene in front of her broke her heart. JJ was sitting in the corner of the shower. She had her knees pulled up to her chest and was staring blankly in front of her where the shower was still running. She seemed to not even notice Emily had entered the room.

“Jen?” She opened the door to the shower and knelt down slowly so she didn’t scare JJ. “JJ, it’s Emily. Can you look at me?” JJ didn’t move, her eyes were still fixed on the running water as her body trembled slightly. “Jennifer,” Emily said with a little more force hoping to break through, “look at me please.”

“Em-Emily,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper and still not meeting Emily’s eye.

“Yeah baby, it’s just me. You’re safe, okay? It’s only Emily. Please look at me,” slowly JJ turned her head, tired blue eyes meeting concerned brown ones. Emily could see the fear reflected in her eyes, a drastic difference from the light and joy usually seen. “Can I help you?” JJ looked nervously at Emily. “Please Jayje, nobody is going to hurt you now.” JJ nodded as Emily reached up to turn the water off. “Is touch okay or is that too much?”

“It’s okay, just keep talking please. I need to know it’s you,” she whispered and Emily nodded in response. She helped JJ stand and her heart clenched when she saw the countless bruises covering JJ’s entire body. She wrapped one of the soft hotel towels around the blonde and helped her from the shower to sit on the toilet. Emily continued speaking softly to her. She kept reminding her where she was and who she was with.

JJ’s entire body was shaking as she tried to hold back tears. “I can do this by myself Em. It’s okay, really. You can go lay down” Emily crouched in front of JJ. She placed her hands on JJ’s legs, rubbing comforting circles on her thighs to try to give her something that would keep her in the present.

“I’m not leaving you Jen, just let me help you. It’s not a problem, I promise.”

“I don’t want to burden you. I’m not weak, I can handle it,” she whispered, a few of the tears she was holding back slipped out.

“I know you’re not Jayje,” Emily cupped JJ’s face, using her thumbs to wipe the tears from her cheeks. “You’ve been through hell, your body is tired. I’m here to help you. You are never a burden to me, okay?” JJ nodded. Emily began helping her to dry off, being careful around her wounds. She never stopped talking, always letting her know what was happening before she did it. She helped her slip the shirt over her head and then her pajama shorts on. Emily carefully brushed through JJ’s damp tangled hair.

Eventually, they made their way back into the room. Emily pulled back the covers and sat down against the headboard. JJ slipped into the opposite side.

“Come here,” Emily whispered, opening her arms for JJ. JJ slid over, throwing her legs over Emily’s before tucking her head under her chin. She could hear the brunette’s steady heartbeat where her head rested against the older woman’s chest. Emily ran her fingers through JJ’s hair and down her spine. JJ took her free hand in her own, sliding their fingers together and holding on tight. In that moment, JJ needed to have as much contact with Emily as she could. They sat like that for a while. Emily hummed softly to JJ as she held her tight.

“Are you ready to try to sleep?” the brunette asked softly after JJ yawned a third time. JJ nodded and moved away slightly so Emily could lay down. As soon as she did, JJ’s head found its place on her chest again. Their legs tangled together so their bodies were pushed flush against each other. Emily leaned down to press a soft kiss to the blonde’s forehead.

“I love you, Jen. You’re the strongest person I know,” she felt JJ press a light kiss to her collarbone.

“Thank you for saving me,” she heard JJ murmur against her chest. “I love you.” JJ fell asleep quickly, Emily not too long after. They knew the road to recovery would be long, but at least they had each other to take that journey with.

thanks for reading! please let me know what you think!

[grumpyhedgehogs]

I'm a platonic hurt/comfort kinda gal, so.. anxciet apologizing for the argument that drove them apart?

You, my friend, are a gal after my own heart. But first, can I tempt you with a side order of angst-ridden rehashing of the argument before the hurt/comfort?

~

“So you’re sticking around then.”

Janus slaps on a smirk and ignores how tight his shoulders feel. He straightens his gloves and turns to Virgil.

The anxious side is hunched up inside his hoodie--the new purple and black one, the one he never had before- before-- and staring somewhere over Janus’s right shoulder. 

“Disappointed?”

Virgil’s eyes flash to Janus’s for a second, sharp and dark, before flickering away again. He ducks his head and his bangs fall across them; Janus always used to push his hair back for him when they were young. “Are you?”

Janus arches a brow, although his aloof bravado is probably put off by the lost expression he’s sporting. Trust Virgil not to allow him his feigned disinterest for long. “Why would I be disappointed that Thomas is listening to me for once?”

“Not that,” Virgil snaps. His shoulders hitch higher, brushing the bottoms of his ears. He must truly be upset. Something twists in Janus’s stomach. “It’s just-- you’re staying with us.”

That...did not help clarify anything. “Uh...yes?”

Virgil gives him a significant look. 

Janus blinks back.

“With me.”

“I,” Janus says slowly, picking his words deliberately, “have no idea what you’re trying to say right now.”

“I thought you’d be disappointed to see me.” Virgil sounds like he’s gritting his teeth. He is once again looking anywhere but at Janus. He’s probably balling his hands into fists; tension makes him vibrate slightly where he stands.

Janus’s teeth are set on edge just looking at him; he can feel the tightness in his shoulders spreading to the muscles in his back now, sending his spine ramrod straight. His stomach turns again but Janus ignores the queasy feeling for the burn of old, hurt anger in his chest. 

“I was under the opposite impression, of course.” Janus breathes in deep when the other side doesn’t look up for more than a second. Something flashes across Virgil’s face. Confusion, maybe. Janus tips his head courteously, dangerously. “You’re the one who left, Virg. Not me.”

Virgil flinches, but something in him seems to turn to steel. He takes a step forward and Janus tenses even more. “It’s not like I had no reason to.”

“Oh yes, here come the accusations. What will it be this time, hm? I didn’t pay enough attention to you even though I was the one to teach you how to stop the panic attacks? I didn’t do enough to help Thomas in high school, even when I was the one who made Thomas able to stand going to class by lying to him that everything would be fine? Or how about something new, huh? How about something like, ‘Janus, you may be the one who helped me choose my own name, but you’re still the bad guy because you didn’t coddle me enough?’ How about it, what’s the new insult going to be--”

Virgil flares up to the challenge, unable to resist a good argument. “Oh, that’s rich. Who was it that told me I was gonna be the death of Thomas if I didn’t do my job, huh? Or, oh, yeah, who actually made sure Thomas didn’t go out to do those stupid stunts he could’ve gotten hurt at, ‘cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the guy who told him everything was gonna be fine! And who told him something wasn't right about that guy he met last month who turned out to be a huge creep, huh? Because it sure wasn’t the one who said I was probably just overreacting!”

“You think I’m a villain just for doing my job!” Janus accuses, voice also rising. He steps close too, unwilling to give any ground. “Which, let me remind you, you’d complain about the Light Sides doing to you all the time! I’m one half of self-preservation too, you know, I have just as much of a say in protecting Thomas as you do. I help make decisions by providing a new perspective and you’re just mad because now you’re gonna have to actually found your arguments on something other than fear.”

“You made me believe I had to be a jerk to the other sides just to make sure Thomas listened to me.” Virgil is even closer now, and he jabs a finger into Janus’s solar plexus. Janus grinds his molars together and glares down at the other side. Virgil isn’t looking away now.

“We did! They never used to listen to us otherwise, and you know it. I taught you how to survive. I taught you how to take care of yourself and Thomas. And then you had to go and make other friends and suddenly my teachings weren’t good enough for the high and mighty Anxiety, is that it? Had to make room for your new friends and they didn’t like to play rough, huh?”

“You told me to leave!”

Janus closes his mouth with a snap and stares. Virgil, too, seems surprised by his outburst, slapping a hand over his mouth. His eyes are wide over dark shadows; his knuckles are white with how hard he’s pressing his fingers against his mouth, like he’s holding in another scream. 

There is silence.

Then, slowly, Virgil lowers his hand. “You told me to leave,” he says softly now. “You--you told me I wasn’t one of you anymore and that I should just get out, so I did. You…” He trails off, voice shaking, and Janus closes his eyes against the last, worst blow. “You told me to never come back.”

“I didn’t mean it,” Janus says, his voice sounding small to his own ears. “I didn’t mean it.”

He feels more than sees Virgil rear back. His voice is choked when he speaks. “You liar.”

A pit opens at the bottom of Janus’s stomach and he forces his eyes open. Virgil’s eyeshadow is black as death and he’s pale now, black and purple veins standing out at the corners of his eyes as he gasps for breath with too-small lungs. He staggers back from Janus but Janus can’t let him walk away. Not this time.

“No!” 

With an uncharacteristically clumsy lunge forward, Janus manages to snatch Virgil’s wrist before the side can sink out. Virgil tugs mightily at his hold but Janus adds his second right arm to the mix and keeps them both anchored. 

“I’m not lying,” Janus tries. He’s discombobulated, upset, not half as put together as he usually appears. Is this what Patton has to deal with every day? All these weird, squirming emotions in his chest? God, he’s never going to make fun of the man again. “I’m not lying, Virgil, please.”

“No,” Virgil is shaking under his hands, denying, “No, you are. You are.”

They're both babbling, struggling, upset. This is getting them nowhere. Janus breathes deep, even if it seems there’s no air left in the room.

“Virgil. Remember your breathing.” He tries a stern voice, but soft, gentle. He uses another hand to press gently at the center of Virgil’s chest, a mirror of a moment ago. Virgil shudders, breath stuttering. “Four-seven-eight, right?”

Virgil’s eyes are squeezed shut, but his arm is limp in Janus’s grip now, and he nods, just a little. “R-ri-rig-”

“Shh. Let’s count.”

It takes a while. Janus keeps ahold of him in the meantime, counting aloud. “Six, seven, good. Now out, Virg, you’re doing so well. One, two…”

“Why are you doing this?” Virgil mutters after the third time he can exhale without his breath hitching too much. Janus would prefer he be fully recovered, but Janus almost never gets what he wants. 

There are so many things Janus could say right now. Lies flit like birds through his mind; he wants Thomas to be safe from panic attacks, he’s looking out for the equilibrium of the sides now that he’s been accepted, he just doesn’t want Vigil to complain to the other Lights that Janus was being mean. They all sound paltry and weak.

Oh, horror of horrors. He’s going to have to tell the truth on this one. It’s going to be a conversation. 

“Because I’m telling the truth, Virg.” It comes out softer than he means it to. Virgil has to rock forward just a little to hear him. He watches and feels how the other side tenses when he says it, but doesn’t drop his hands from where they’re connected. He isn’t quite sure he can let go right now. “I never wanted you to leave. I just-- I didn’t actually think you would. And then when you did…”

Virgil isn’t pulling away anymore. Janus swallowed the lump in his throat. “When you did leave, I kept waiting for you to come back.”

“I thought you didn’t want me back,” Virgil breathes. “You told me--”

“I lied, Virg. I do that from time to time.”

To his surprise, Virgil huffs lightly. Janus lets his fingers loosen around his wrist but is loath to drop his palm from Virgil’s chest. He’s unconsciously counting breaths, measuring how far Virgil’s chest expands on every intake of air. 

“I shouldn’t have said those things to you.” Virgil says abruptly. It startles Janus enough to step back and get a better look at his face. Virgil doesn’t move, but this time, he meets Janus’s eyes directly. His face is doing something strange, working wonkily like he’s maybe trying not to cry. Janus feels his heart lurch. “I didn’t mean any of them. I--I missed you, ya know. I didn’t want-- when I left I didn’t think I’d never see-- yeah. I missed you. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too.” Janus tries to smile but his face is behaving strangely too, and it comes out mangled and wrong. Virgil doesn’t point that out, though. He’s polite like that. “I really didn’t mean to push you the rest of the way out. I was scared.”

Virgil blinks and Janus curses himself. “I didn’t want you to go. I was afraid of how much it would hurt to say goodbye so I just-- just--”

“Made sure we could never say it?”

“Well. Yes.”

Virgil smiles now, and it’s watery but that’s okay. It’s better than okay, actually. Janus feels his own smile become more natural in return. “You’re a pretty dumb guy, Jay, you know that?”

“It takes one to know one.” Janus thinks for a second and then hisses in realization. “And I’m sorry I called you Anxiety. You didn’t deserve that, Virg.”

Somehow he must have said the wrong thing, though, because Virgil’s face crumples again unexpectedly and Janus stutters again, worried. He raises his hands in surrender, trying to think of what would make Virgil stop crying, please, for the love of all that is holy. Instead, however, he just gets an armful of crying side.

The solution is easy to see after that.

Janus squeezes as tight as he dares, wraps his arms as far as he can reach around Virgil, wraps them both up in his cape and ignores the way his hat goes flying when he leans his head against Virgil’s. Virgil’s hair tickles his cheek and Janus holds on even tighter, closing his eyes. It seems like he can actually breathe for the first time in a very long time. Virgil’s hands are fisted in the back of his shirt and his forehead is hot where it presses against Janus’s neck. He doesn’t even protest when Janus wraps his other two pairs of arms around him, just lets them sway slightly in a soothing rhythm. 

“Not that I don’t like this,” Janus tries for conversational and winds up somewhere in the wet territory, “but can I ask what prompted this spontaneous display of affection?”

“You’re the only one who calls me Virg.”

Janus hides a smile in Virgil’s hair and hums.

[anothertimdrakestan]

A Lovely Intervention  -  Damian Wayne x Jon Kent & Tim Drake x Conner Kent

Words: 2.3k

Requested? Yes! From a lovely anon!

“Can you make a fic out your short where Damian is taking after his brothers? Maybe like an intervention or something? I love your shorts I basically binged them😁😁”

LINK TO PROMPTS  -> REQUESTS ARE STILL OPEN!

I LOVE THIS! TimKon is my everything and we love Damian and Jon secretly taking after their brothers and it turning into a whole family moment. This req made me soft, thank you so so so much and I’m glad you like my shorts hehehe 💓 Hope you enjoy!

“We gotta talk get here asap.” Dick called his family, needing to investigate the current problem.

“I’m bringing Kon if you’re interrupting my day” Tim buzzed in, and Dick smiled, everything was going exactly to plan. “Yeah Red that’s fine, I want him here anyways” Dick replied, hearing the whoosh of Tim and Conner take off towards their rondevu point.

“Kay gang’s all here except the demon, you hiding him here somewhere?” Jason mocked, eliciting a harsh look from Dick.

“No, this meeting is actually about him, or about us. Have you guys noticed Damian and Jon trying to imitate us recently?” A lightbulb went off for Conner as he stole the floor, recollecting his most recent interaction with the boys.

“Oh my god yea, wait get this: I’m at the farm gettin’ work done so I could hang with Timmy - don’t blush babe everyone knew we were out together - yeah, then I see Damian tearing across the field with one of Ma’s horses. And I’m like ‘Hey Punk! She isn’t yours!’ and the kid gives me this shitty little smirk like he knows something, and he keeps going! Then he has the balls to flip me off! In my house?!?” Kon was waving his hands around trying to get the point across. “Is this gonna go anywhere airhead?” Jason interrupted, and Tim grabbed Conner’s hand, pulling him down back onto the ground after he began floating with anger.

“Shh babe lemme finish I was there too” Dick looked taken aback “TIM YOU SPENT THE NIGHT AT CONNORS? YOU TOLD BRUCE YOU WERE WITH THE TITANS” Tim quickly blushed and kept talking “Well yeah, but that’s not the point! I was watching Damian cuz he wanted to go over and ‘watch the stars’ which seems lame but the kid’s messed up enough maybe he needs some star gazing” Jason rolled his eyes, tapping his wrist to hurry his younger brother up. "Shit I took Kori star gazing a few weeks ago!" Dick mumbled before Tim got back to explaining.

“Sorry, sorry, so I wake up before Kon and go down and Jon is showing Damian pictures of all his pets then he ruffles Damian’s hair [ Dick audibly gasps ] yeah I fucking know, he let him touch him. Then it gets worse. Jon was wearing your jacket Kon. With the fucking spikes. The. Spikes. And Damian complimented him like I always do like he said ‘looking sharp Kent’ and that’s literally my line. So I have to do some recon but you’re right Dick, the kid’s a robot or something, not the demon” Kon nodded, finishing his story right after Tim “Oh my you’re right, Jon told me that he wanted to give Damian something to cement his feelings, like how I give you some of my clothes and souvenirs babe, except he gave the punk a whole ass horse!”

Dick realized it was getting worse that he thought. “This is good info guys, Tim I don’t think Damian is a robot but I think he’s taking after us, remember when I caught you trying on my Nightwing outfit? Jay you did it too, do I need to remind you about the Robin suit? And Kon you know what it’s like” The three boys shifted, uncomfortable with being called out by Dick.

“Alright so what do we do? Jump off a bridge and see if the demon follows? Kid doesn’t take after me so I don’t know why this is a problem?” Jason crossed his arms, still a little hurt by the robin reference. “Shut up Jay you’re with Tim running interference while Conner and I take the lead” Dick looked at the group explaining his plan. “Conner you’re talking to Jon about being himself, don’t roll your eyes they’re teens they need shaping in the right direction, it’s the least we can do. I mean look how well Jason turned out, you don’t want that happening to Jon!” Conner nodded, glancing at Jason who was openly scowling at the group. “Shut up Jay you’ve got the easy job unless you rather take mine and try to talk to Damian about his feelings. That’s where you guys come in, if Damian tries to make a break for it you’re security.” Tim and Jason high fived, excited at the possibility of having to cage a demon.

“So, plan A is the civil plan, plan B is caging the bird and then trying to be civil what happens if plan B fails?” Tim was well aware there were odds Damian wouldn’t want to hear it. Dick sighed, “well, plan C is disgusting Jon and Dami with Kon’s sappiness” and Kon cheered. “Plan C it is!” And it was time to set the plan (s) in motion.

“Dami look! I’m like a bat!” Damian tried to suppress a smile as Jon grinned, hanging upside down on the tree he’d climbed. “C’mon I can see that smile come hang with me!” Jon cooed and Damian easily scrambled up the tree, sitting on one of the limbs with his back against the trunk. “TT Kent I’m Robin not Batman, besides shouldn’t I be trying to impersonate your father?” he joked, tracing an S on his chest.

In a flash, Jon was pulled from the tree by his big brother. Damian jumped up, not sure what had taken Jon. “At ease soldier, it’s just Kon!” Tim walked up to the base of the tree, gesturing Damian down. Sliding down the tree Damian mumbled “your Kent stole my Kent” and Tim nudged him “so you’ve staked a claim huh?” and Damian blushed, looking down and walking towards the house. “Dames Dickwing needs you for something I think he’s waiting outside. “And you’re not coming? Gonna spend another night with Conner, who is your excuse this time?” Damian sneered as it was now Tim’s turn to flush with red. “Hey you wanted to go too! Don’t pretend like you didn’t hold Jon’s hand on the way over” Damian didn’t turn around, flipping Tim off as he raced toward’s Dick’s car.

“What’s with the super-snatching?” Jon huffed while Conner set him down on top of the family barn, the view of their home from on top of the barn was a favorite spot of theirs. “Well, uh, I’m never good at these but I’ve noticed you and Dames getting really close, and that’s really cool ya know”

Jon gagged and tried to begin climbing down from the roof, “oh god Kon no. I don’t want whatever talk you’re trying to give me. You really? Aren’t you already with a bat yourself?” Kon snorted “so you admit you wanna be with the bat?” and Jon huffed, sitting down again. “Maybe a little bit - what does it mean to you!” Jon refused to make eye contact with Conner. “Kid nothing’s wrong! But if you are I just wanted to give some advice, one SuperBat to another!” Jon shook his head at the cringeworthy ship name but eventually gave him attention back to Kon.

“What I’ve learned is that each of those boys is their own person, and so are we. And you know how hard that was for me to learn especially! So, I guess we’ve noticed you kinda trying to act like me and Tim but I just wanted to tell you that Damian isn’t Tim and you aren’t me, you gotta make your own path bro” Kon nudged Jon as he nodded, “yeah, I mean you’re right Damian is nothing like your coffee addict, he’s strong and passionate and really cares if you actually look deeper and - uh, yeah. I get what you’re saying.” Kon smiled, it wasn’t often they had a good “bro moment” but it went well. “Okay good talk bud, I’m gonna take ya back over now, but remember I’m here to give advice. You know Damian is emotionally constipated and so’s Timmy sometimes so I’m here when ya need me, okay bud?” Jon rolled his eyes “okay there we go, too sappy Kon, let’s go back... Oh no, are you guys trying the same thing with Dames?” Conner nodded, and Jon groaned knowing Dami was gonna be in a bad mood now if he hadn’t torn one of his brothers to shreds yet. “Let’s go back now”

“What do you need Grayson” Damian slumped in the passenger seat while Dick began driving. He noticed Dick locked the doors and noted all the ways he could escape if Dick wasn’t who he seemed to be. “Not much little-D just wanted to chat n grab some food, I’ve missed ya!” Damian narrowed his eyes, “I thought you liked Kent, you let Tim sleepover too and he had significantly more fun with the clone than Jon and I, who knows what they were doing while we traced star patterns” Dick cringed, noting that he’d have to talk to Tim later. “Well this is actually about Jon! You’ve gotten really close huh?” Damian shifted in his seat, getting a clear view of the car’s side mirror which showed none other than Red Robin trailing a couple hundred feet behind Dick’s car. “What is happening Grayson, we’ve done nothing wrong, not to mention nothing the clone and replacement haven’t done,” Damian couldn’t fathom why he was being tortured by his mom brother.

“That’s just the point baby bat, you and Jon haven’t done anything for yourselves. You invited Jon to star watch, Kori and I did that two weeks ago, Jon’s ruffling your hair the way Kon does Tim, and you’re saving news clippings from your adventures with Jon just as Tim does with Kon. It’s time to be your own guy Dames!” This was too much emotional intervention for Damian. Noticing Tim had fallen behind he pulled the lever on the car seat and use the momentum of it flying forward to push himself out the car’s side window. Never without his tool belt, he grabbed his grapple but cursed Smallville for having nothing good to swing towards. He heard cars honk and a child threw themself out of a window, rolled smoothly on the grass beside the road, and took off.

He was in the clear until he heard the rev of Red Hood’s motorcycle. Muttering under his breath he pulled out the comm he and Jon had exchanged just a few days before, he’d seen Jason do it with his teammates why shouldn’t he? As he signaled Jon he let his thoughts divulge for just a second at how similar he was to his brothers, and how Jon really liked to copy Kon as well. “Might have a point but this is good fun” he mumbled as he radioed Jon.

“They try the intervention?”

“I think I’m still being intervened for lack of a better word. Care to give me a lift these damn Smallville buildings aren’t big enough to swing from.” Damian heard Jon chuckle. “I would say ‘I’m on the way bird-brain’ but I think that’s Kon’s line and we aren’t supposed to do that anymore” Damian groaned at the realization they’d already gotten to Jon and knowing him he’d want to talk about it with Damian. There truly was no escape, but Jon was better than getting captured by Jason and Tim.

“C’mere you little shit!” Jason screeched as he saw Damian pick up the pace. Damian would usually know when he’d lost and go in for a fight but the kid kept running. “Something’s up, he’s not fighting” Jason lookup up to see Tim soaring down towards Damian. “Wings aren’t flapping Drake you’re not airborne much longer” Jason noted as Tim cascaded through the air. “Long enough idiot, pick up is on the way”

“of - fucking - course it is” Jason stopped in his tracks when he saw not only Jon but Conner flying in, Conner on Jon’s tail. “So is this just a fun exercise now? I think the kids got the message” Tim had connected Kon to the group. “Leave ‘em be let’s go for plan C” Dick told the group and the comms filled with Tim’s groans and Kon whooping. “Nah I’m out but I still wanna give ‘em a run for it. Dami is smart he’ll figure out what he and Jon are” Jason tried to sound caring and thoughtful, but really he wanted to chase Damian and not have to watch Conner makeout with his brother. “Alright we can talk later, go get them” Dick gave the go-ahead and the three took after their younger brothers who had quite the head start.

“Clone is on our tail, can’t you go faster?” Damian complained. “Good one Rob but if I’ve got this correctly I’m the one carrying you.” Damian rolled his eyes, using his wrist computer to find the quickest hiding spot. “Left here, hard turn” Damian instructed as Jon dove into a field of grains. “Not that hard idiot” Jon laughed and Damian couldn’t contain a giggle. “Well they won’t find us... what should we do?” Jon poked at Damian.

“Sometimes I wonder how I befriended you”

“So you admit we’re best friends!”

“Glad that’s what you got”

“Well now that we’re here wanna talk about our..... feelings?” Jon waggled an eyebrow at Damian.

“Forget it, Jason finding me is better than this” Damian began to get up when Jon grabbed his hand, stopping him dead in his tracks. “Stay with me Dames, just for a little” and though Damian wouldn’t admit it, he was glad Jon asked him to stay, because he was never good at the feelings thing but with Jon he kinda wanted to try. He wanted to find what the feeling of his heart pounding out his chest and his brain being fuzzy was, and just how he could feel it just a little more often.

[siimjaeyun]

Chapter 5: Mystery Song 

Synopsis: At the dawn of night, a soft tune plays in the air, bewitching children and driving away every adult possible from the city of Seoul. Not to mention, Jay is finally up to solving a real mystery and disappointing his parents for once in his life. 

Series Masterlist 

------ 

The little boy sat with his legs crossed in front of the bright screen. An episode of Spongebob was displayed, entertaining and distracting his young mind. 

You slowly approached the T.V, managing to shut it off. 

“Time for bed Chan.” He nodded quietly and waited for Jay to come and help him clean up the mess he had made earlier. One clean-up later, and he sat patiently in his bed under the covers. 

“Goodnight buddy.” You planted a kiss on his forehead and Jay gave him a fist bump before switching off the lights to let him rest. 

“We’re lucky we got Chan, remember when Jungwon and Sunoo tried babysitting their neighbor’s kid?” 

“Yes, considering we were the ones who ended up babysitting.” The both of you laughed reminiscing the old memories: paint splattered walls, and juice stains on the cushions were definitely how you wanted to spend your weekend. 

“We make a good team, you know. Aside from our bitter rivalry.” Jay slowly played with his hands while looking down. 

“We do. You know if you ever want to join us on an inves-” You didn't get to finish your statement before the two of you heard the sound of a flute from outside. Jay drew back the curtains and was met with a cloth covered person who was too far to distinguish. 

At the same time, a small crash was heard from upstairs. Worried, you went to check on the young boy you had promised to babysit. He came out of the room, jumping on top of you; his hair had become white, and his fangs clearly meant that he was not the sweet boy from earlier. 

“Come on.” Chan chased you downstairs until the two of you managed to jump out the window. He retreated backwards, closing the window you had just jumped out of. 

In the distance, a creature had claimed his first mission. 

------- 

“We don’t know what happened. One moment he’s falling asleep, and in the next, he’s trying to threaten me and Jay. Do you think we can check on him?” 

“Sure, not like we’ll miss out on anything at school.” It took a while for Heeseung to process his statement until a subtle light bulb appeared in his mind. 

“Actually no, I’m failing civics, and I’m this close to losing my trap privileges.” 

“I could help you! I’m great at civics.” 

“Sure you are.” At hearing Sunghoon’s cocky remark, you grabbed your small chapstick and chucked it at his shoulder while he was distracted with the sugar treat in his hand. 

“Thanks, but my dad already hired a tutor. She’s a senior.” Your expression fell at hearing the clear “her,” in his response, but frankly you no longer carried the energy to settle for another response. 

“Hey take a look at that, people are moving out!” Jay, who agreed to tag along with your group of friends, pointed towards the street of fleeing cars. Heeseung parked and all of you rushed to see the amount of parents who were packing their belongings. It even included Chan’s parents. 

“Hey Chief Kim, what’s going on?” Chief Kim turned and saw your faces and wasn’t shy in expressing his clear disappointment. 

“Well they tell of this creature, ‘Que Horrifico.’ It has been appearing late at night, playing a tune on their flute and spookifying children.” 

“It’s true, it explains why Chan grew fangs and yellow eyes.” Your bodies remained on the sidewalk, quietly observing as more and more couples fled from the street. 

“Well, guess that means a new mystery!” Jake had celebrated a little too soon, before Chief Kim and the other officers placed handcuffs on the group. 

“But dad!” One by one, the teens were placed in the back of the police car, clearly unsurprised by the times this has occurred before. 

“Nothing, this is a great business! And all you can do is not flunk civics!” Mayor Lee led his son inside the car, and slammed the door shut to drive them school. 

“Wow, at least it’s Jake and Jay’s first time getting arrested!” 

“You say that like it’s a good thing Sunoo.” Sunoo rolled his eyes, and used his shoulders to shove Jay slightly. 

“Well, at least maybe they’ll cut some slack on y/n from now on.” 

------- 

Out of good will, the entire group had agreed to accompany Heeseung to meet his new tutor. 

“Lee Heeseung.” A tiny voice called out for him, and was met with a young girl with huge rimmed glasses staring intensely at him. 

“You’re my civics tutor?” The other boys tried to cover their laughs, but were unsuccessful given that Heeseung stared back in a strangling manner. 

“My name is Naeun, and yes. Civics is my passion. I’m actually supposed to be in college, but they told me High School would help with social skills. I applied to be appointed to the Seoul Civic Board, but your father said I was, ‘too young.’ Come now Heeseung.” Naeun grabbed his hand and led him off towards an empty table while the rest of you saw the scene unfold in front of you. 

“Let’s go get ice cream while he studies!” Jake lazily slung his arm over your shoulders and you had no reaction until you accidentally collided with the person in front of you. 

“My apologies Dr.Lopez!” You got down on your knees to help him with the stuff he had dropped seconds before. Oddly enough, a page was opened to an image that Chief Kim had demonstrated earlier about ‘Que Horrifico.’ 

“Ah, yes. Thank you.” Almost quickly, he snatched the book from his hands and went off in a hurry leaving you both confused and puzzled. 

… Later that night 

The night had made its presence in the city, and once more the tune of a pan flute began. Parents recoiled from their spooked children and escaped their homes. 

Que Horrifico had claimed its next mission. 

------ 

“More people are leaving?” Another trail of cars followed the exit of the city, meanwhile the van drove towards the street. 

“At this point, Seoul is going to be a ghost town.” Everyone nodded in agreement to Jungwon’s statement. 

“Where’s Jay by the way?” You stayed silent. 

“Your parents huh?” Sunghoon looked at you before your look gave away the response. 

The night before, Jay had run into trouble with your parents after they heard he had hung out with you and your friends. They were even more upset when they knew you had been arrested and dragged away to school. They had prohibited any connection with Jay and your friends; they were fearful he would be like you. 

Heeseung parked the car on the curb and broke the rest of you away from any thoughts. As the six of you stood waiting, Sunghoon’s mother was seen leading a city tour. 

“Mom?” Sunghoon waited patiently, and his mother gave him a quick smile. 

“What did I tell you? Go to school, this is good for the business!” 

“But-” His mother managed to lunge a t-shirt at his face. 

“Wear it to school! And if they ask, it’s $15!” 

Once you arrived at school, you lead the team towards Dr.Lopez's office. In one movement, Sunoo opened the door, finding a room filled with artifacts. 

“What is all this?” Jungwon began playing around with the posters, before pulling back the cloth covering a pan flute. 

“What are you doing in my office?” Dr.Lopez stepped into the room, glancing at what was a bunch of teens snooping at his belongings. 

“I’m so sorry, we just wanted to come talk to you.” 

“Cool dart piece by the way.” Heeseung complimented him before Jake stepped in to correct him. 

“It’s a pan flute.” 

“And!? Just because I have a pan flute, I’m Que Horrifico. How dare you accuse me!” He slammed his fists on the table; meanwhile you all just kept your stares on him. 

“We’re not. We just want to know about Que Horrifico.” 

“Ahh yes. Give me a moment will you.” Dr.Lopez set up the monitor, displaying the slideshow in color and everything. 

“The tale of Que Horrifico says that using his pan flute, he stalks the streets at night. His tune turns children into monsters. He takes them to his home and builds an army.” 

“Yikes. What kind of person needs a child army?” 

------- 

“Lee Heeseung, we have civics tutoring remember!” Naeun, like usual, stopped by and tried to drag the young boy away. 

“I’m sorry Naeun, but I’ve got something more important to do!” 

“What can be more important than civics!?” The child crossed her arms and paid no attention to the other teens staring at her from behind Heeseung. 

------ 

“Shh, don’t make a sound.” Sunghoon gestured a shush motion as the six of you ducked under the window vision of Dr.Lopez. 

“Why are we here anyway?” Sunoo asked in a whisper like manner; the teen’s head sticking from outside the bushes. 

“We have to make sure that if Dr.Lopez is Que Horrifico, that we can stop him.” It was a few seconds before you noticed Jay running across the street in your direction. 

“Guys!” All of you quickly repeated Sunghoon’s earlier motion, but achieved no luck when Jay crashed into the trash cans causing Dr.Lopez to open his windows. 

“You do think I’m Que Horrifico, and...I’m starting to think it’s true. Come inside.” You helped Jay up from the floor and walked into the cozy room that was furnished with fun trinkets. 

Heeseung grabbed a long chain and began to wrap it around Dr.Lopez who was seated on the chair. Now, they waited. 

------ 

An hour passed by and nothing had still occurred. 

“It’s happening!!!” Dr.Lopez began to scream with all his might, but a small gas sound escaped from him. 

Still, nothing. 

The same flute sound began once more, it echoed in the distance. Immediately, you all raced out the front door and saw Que Horrifico with a pan flute in its hand. 

It was not Dr.Lopez after all. 

“We need to set a trap, now.” 

------ 

“Uhh, why are we at a house?” Jake questioned his older companions, but saw as Heeseung took out a couple of costumes from a bin. 

“Well, let’s just say a new family will be moving in.” 

“And who’s stupid enough to do that?” Sunoo emptily looked at his friends, before a proud smirk appeared on Heeseung’s face. 

Jungwoon and Sunoo were now dressed in children’s clothes, while you were dressed in a stereotypical stay at home mom outfit. Meanwhile, Heeseung placed a suit blazer over his outfit, and Sunghoon, (who hated his outfit the most,) found himself in a grandpa costume. In the meantime, Jay and Jake took the liberty of setting up the trap upstairs. 

“Wow. Look at all these toys.” Jungwon’s sarcastic tone made Jay roll his eyes while he mounted the sets of ropes. 

“Wow, don’t you think this is a wonderful night.” You unconsciously placed a hand on Heeseung’s shoulders, but he was quick to move it off. 

“Quit it, we’re married. We can’t be happy.” 

“Come on children, it’s time for bed.” Sunoo and Jungwon got up from the grass and headed indoors with you, Heeseung, and grandpa Sunghoon following. 

In a matter of seconds, the same tune began to play again. This time, you were prepared….or so you thought. 

At the first sight of Que Horrifico, Jake and Jay let go of the ropes which successfully planted the net onto the creature’s body. But what they didn’t expect was the monster children that were marching behind them. 

“Get them!” In a shriek like manner, the children were commanded to attack. 

All of you dashed towards the home, splitting into three different directions. Sunoo and Jungwon ran upstairs, while Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon went into the kitchen. That left you and Heeseung running to the living room. 

You had attempted to bolt the door shut, but the children dropped oil onto the floor causing you to slip backwards before Heeseung managed to catch you in a typical kdrama manner. 

Upstairs, Sunoo and Jungwon had found refuge in the closet, while the 02 liners found themselves fighting off the young monsters heading into the kitchen. 

“Come on.” There was no escape, and the child army only approached you closer and closer. 

“I guess this is it Jungwon. It was nice being your friend.” 

“I’ll miss you Sunoo!” As Sunoo and Jungwon hugged each other tightly, but were startled when the shaking at their closet door came to a stop. Your foot had pressed on the remote controller which turned on the TV to Spongebob. It distracted the children and suddenly all of them began to sit on the floor with a quiet giggle. 

“You fools! The plan!” Que Horrifico was by the window and sprinted off when he saw the seven of you chase him with a net in hand. 

The net finally trapped him accurately, and Chief Kim had also arrived on time. 

“Now, let’s see who you are…” Jake pulled back the mask and it revealed the young girl who claimed herself a civics master. 

“Naeun, but why?” 

“I’ll tell you why. I told you I had brilliant ideas for running the city, but when no one listened, I needed to make my own plan. I learned about Que Horrifico in Dr.Lopez’s class, and I used the drama department to make my costume. I went to every elementary school and used my english skills to promise them utopia! But when that didn’t work, I offered them candy. My tune was a signal for them to get dressed, the town would be free of adults. And I would have been successful if it wasn’t for you meddling school people!” 

Chief Kim casted a pair of handcuffs and dragged her away. 

In the meantime, Jay had gone off under a tree to answer a phone call. He was not ready to give up the new life he had found with friends.

 He was ready to stop being perfect. 

------ 

Next Chapter: The tale of Hong Chanmi 

My ask box is now open! :)) I’m planning to make a taglist, so if you’re interested, send an ask! 

P.S: I hope to introduce Niki to the story soon! 

[fairylightsandchai]

The Internship - Part 3

A/N: Hello, again! Just popping in again to say that I know I don’t usually post fanfic here, but I really wanted to take part in @darkficsyouneveraskedfor​​‘s Pre-Code Challenge! Just ignore this if you don’t follow me for fanfiction. :) Also, I’ll be adding tags in a reblog. 

Read Part 2 Here! 

Pairings:  Dark!Professor!Steve Rogers x Reader

As a side note, after writing this, I made a new blog dedicated to fanfic. If you wanna check out out, click here!

Summary:  You are a student in the former-Captain America’s American History class, and you soon notice that Professor Rogers has been paying more than a professional amount of attention to you. But when he approaches you with an internship opportunity that’s too good to be true, how can you say no?

(A/N: This fic contains non-con elements, stalking, and manipulation, and this part will inclue rape, breeding kink, and kidnapping. It is also inspired by The Wild Party, a film from 1929. I hope you enjoy, and please let me know what you think.)

               You lost track of time as you lay there, your body bruised, bloody, and spent. At one point you’d tried to roll over onto your back, but your ass stung so badly at the feel of the sheets against its abused flesh that you gave up on the effort. Your mind was reduced to white noise as it played over, again and again, what had just transpired.

               Steve’s moans echoed in your ears, and even when you squeezed your eyes shut, you could still see his face as he came inside of you. Your pussy clenched at the memory and you let out a yelp of pain; you could still feel something trickling out of your used channel, but you knew that it was no longer his cum dripping out of you – it was blood.

               The worst feeling, though, was the one of guilt that was rattling in your chest. At one point, you’d…enjoyed it. You’d wanted to find your own release with him, and even though you never achieved it, you still felt fresh tears start to fall as you were overcome with self-hatred.

               Time passed by too quickly and too slowly all at once, because before you knew it, the door to your prison was once more being opened. You didn’t move when you heard Steve descending the stairs, but you could hear the rustle of shopping bags over the sound of his whistling. Once he’d set down his purchases, you heard him getting closer to you, but you still refused to so much as look his way when he sat down on the mattress next to you.

               “You ok, doll?” His voice was soft, almost uncertain as he spoke to you. When you didn’t reply, he put his hand on your shoulder and turned you onto your side, but even then the only sound you made was a groan of pain.

               You could see his face in this new position, and you almost felt angry at the look of concern on his face as his eyes skirted up and down your body.

               “…I think I owe you an apology, hon,” he said after a long pause. “I didn’t mean to get so rough with you; even if you did deserve your punishment, that was still…well, it was intense for your first time.”

               The small rebellious part of you wanted to snort at his words. Oh, you think? What gave it away, my bleeding ass or my bleeding pussy?

               But you were too scared to voice those thoughts, now that you knew what this man was capable of.

               With a sigh, Steve cupped your cheek in one hand, his eyes focused intently on yours.

               “Let’s get you a bath, doll,” he murmured.

               He stood up and leaned over the bed, maneuvering your body as if it weighed nothing as he picked you up. When his hand grazed your ass, you let out a yelp, clinging to the material of his shirt.

               “I’m sorry! I’m sorry,” he hurriedly apologized, adjusting you to lay more comfortably in his arms. “I know you’re sore; I got something at the store that should help with that.”

               You blinked away the tears in your eyes as he started to walk towards the door on the opposite wall of the bed, and once he opened it you saw that it was a bathroom. Your eyes squinted against the glare coming off of the white tile walls and floor. In the corner, there was a large garden tub, and once Steve was standing in front of it, he gingerly set you down onto your feet.

               “There you go, baby. You just stand there and wait for the tub to fill up, ok?”

               You nodded shakily, keeping a close eye on him as he rolled up the sleeves of his button-up and started the water. You took the time to look around at the rest of your surroundings; next to the tub there was a modern-looking glass shower, and dotted around the room were framed drawings decorating the walls. The one above the toilet, you realized with sickening dread, was of the very bridge in Central Park where Steve had abducted you. Next to the mirror above the sink, there was one of a blue-jay singing as it perched on a branch. And above the bathtub was one of…

               Your eyes widened when you realized it was a picture of you. Well, it was of your profile. In the drawing, you were sitting at a table, hunched over a book with your hair up in a messy bun. You gulped, looking between it and the man who was currently picking out a bath bomb from a glass case filled with them on a shelf next to the shower.

               As if he felt you looking at him, he glanced at you over his shoulder and smiled when he saw you staring at the drawing.

               “Do you like it?” he asked, finally settling on a pink bath bomb and starting to unwrap it. “I did that one about a week after I first saw you in the café on campus. I think it’s still one of my favorites I’ve done of you.”

               “Th-there’s more?” you rasped. You couldn’t tell if your voice was scratching from the screaming you’d done earlier or from Steve strangling you in the park.

               “Oh, yeah,” he chuckled. “I’ve tried to draw other things over the past couple of months, but nothing inspires me the way you do. Maybe I could get you to model for me sometime.” He shot you a wink with that last statement, but you just turned away, hugging yourself tightly.

               When the tub was finally full, he set the bath bomb into it and walked towards you, but when your eyes widened and you started backing away from him, he stopped and sighed.

               “Hon, you don’t have to be scared anymore. I love you, you know that, right?”

               “Then why,” you whispered, squeezing your eyes shut as a tear escaped them, “did you hurt me?”

               You jumped when Steve put his hands on your shoulders, resisting the urge to lean into him when he started massaging them gently.

               “That isn’t far, doll. You were being difficult. And, I mean, you hurt me too, right? Biting me when all I wanted was a kiss? You needed to be punished; I think, deep down, you know that.”

               You let out a sob, looking down at the floor and willing yourself to stop crying.

               “Shh, baby, it’s ok,” Steve cooed, pulling you into a tight embrace, “I know. It’s never easy to take a punishment. But, hey.” He pulled back and tilted your face up to look at him. “I can be gentle, too. I can make you feel so good, if you let me. I can make it all better.

               “C’mon, go ahead and get into the tub for me. I’ll show you.”

               Not seeing any other option, you slowly walked over and lowered yourself into the tub, letting out a low hiss as the warm water hit your raw skin. Once you were fully settled, though, you couldn’t help but moan softly and let your tense muscles relax as it started soothing your wounds.

               “Keep making noises like that and I might just have to join you in there,” Steve chuckled. Your eyes widened in a moment of panic, but you relaxed once more when you saw him making no moves to get in the tub with you.

               No, all he did was roll his sleeves up a bit more and grab a cup from a shelf above you. Kneeling next to the tub, he gently guided you to let your head tilt back, and then the warm, soothing water was being poured over your scalp.

               You closed your eyes, suddenly not caring about your nakedness in front of him, not feeling that same old spike of fear. You needed this; you needed a respite from the pain you’d just endured.

               “That’s it, baby,” Steve murmured, using his nails to scratch lightly at your scalp as he started shampooing your hair. “See how nice it is when you just let me take care of you?”

               You tried to tune him out as he kept murmuring soft words of encouragement, letting yourself zone out as he rinsed out your hair. You didn’t even protest when he took a sponge and started washing your body.

               But when his hand started trailing lower and lower, you finally opened your eyes and grabbed onto his wrist.

               “No,” you said, trying to pull his hand away from the apex of your tightly-clenched thighs. “Please, just…let me?”

               Steve let out a sigh through his nose, but he relinquished the sponge to you. Nodding your thanks, you slowly opened your legs, wincing when you saw a thin ribbon of blood twist up through the water from your pussy.

               “Oh, baby,” your captor sighed, moving his hands back to your shoulders to continue rubbing them. “I’m so sorry. I promise that once we start having sex more often, it won’t hurt as much. Soon, you’ll want it just as much as I do.”

               With a stilted gasp you tore yourself away from him, clambering to the other side of the tub and pressing yourself against it. Steve let his head hang with disappointment, shaking it once before turning to look back up at you.

               “Do you want another punishment?” he asked, the cherry-sweet tone completely gone from his voice.

               Gulping, you shook your head, holding the sponge to your chest as it heaved up and down with your breathing.

               “Then get back here and let me finish your bath,” he growled.

               Turning away from him, you slowly, reluctantly moved back to your previous spot, gasping when you felt him tear the sponge out of your hands.

               “There you go,” Steve sighed, sounding exacerbated. “I won’t warn you again, baby. Behave. I promise I’ll give you something special if you do.”

               He didn’t talk anymore as he finished washing you, gesturing for you to stand up when you were all done. You hurriedly took the towel he offered you, wrapping it around yourself to provide some form of cover over your body.

               “Not so fast, doll,” Steve said, turning you around to face the mirror. “Lift the towel up and bend over for me, ok?”

               You stared back at him in the mirror as you complied, silently begging him not to do whatever it was he had in mind. He stepped out of the room for a moment, but when he came back he was still fully-clothed, a green bottle of aloe vera in his hand.

               “This should help you feel better,” he explained, squeezing out a dollop of the gel and rubbing it into your skin.

               You let out a soft sigh, grateful for the relief it brought; the stinging in your ass started to fade away as he massaged in the jelly, and when he was all done, he let you fix the towel around yourself once more.

               “I’m gonna go clean up a little, now,” he told you, pushing some of your damp hair out of your face. “You do whatever you need to feel comfortable, ok? Dry your hair, put on some clothes if you really feel the need to, whatever will make you feel better.”

               “Clothes?” you asked, looking around the bathroom to see if you’d missed any.

               “The closet’s through the door the left of the bed when you walk out,” he instructed.

               With that, he left, and once the door was finally closed you rushed to lock it behind him, even though you knew it would do nothing to stop him if he really wanted to get to you. You let yourself sink to the floor, finally letting the tears you’d been suppressing fall while trying to stay as silent as possible.

               How had this happened? You’d seen all the warning signs; why hadn’t you heeded them? How would you escape this place – escape him?

               You closed your eyes and pulled your knees up to your chin, trying to trample down the anxiety rapidly expanding in your chest. You were smart; you could get out of this. But you couldn’t let him get the best of you.

               You tried to think back and analyze your situation from a clinical standpoint, devoid of emotion. There was only one door that led out of the room you were in, and you’d heard the jingle of keys when Steve was opening and closing it; you assumed that Steve kept those keys with him wherever he went, probably in his pocket.

               So now it was a matter of getting the keys. You knew that you would only have one shot to get them; if you failed in any way in your escape attempts, Steve had said he would tie you to the bed and keep you there. If that happened, you could kiss your freedom goodbye.

               Your first option was to try and be sneaky; you could wait until Steve fell asleep and try to steal them from his pocket. But with his super-hearing, you knew that the chances of that plan succeeding were slim to none. He would hear you with those keys from a mile away, and you wouldn’t be able to outrun him to the stairs.

               Your next option was to try and convince him to let you out. The pros of that were that he, in his own words, ‘loved’ you. If you could convince him that you’d fallen for him, too, then maybe he would get more comfortable with you. You could ask him to take you on a date after a while, or say some bullshit about wanting him to meet your mom.

               But you shrugged off that idea; it would take too much time, and you didn’t know if you could wait that long.

               Your last option was to fight; you were tempted to just laugh that option off, but something in your memory gave you pause. You traced back your steps, remembering when Steve had first cut you loose from your ropes.

               He’d used a pocketknife.

               And then it dawned on you. Maybe the way out wasn’t through using just one of those plans. Maybe it was using a combination of all three.

               “Hey, doll? You okay in there?”

               You jolted, looking up to the door from your spot on the rug.

               “U-um,” you called out, hurrying to your feet. “Yeah! Just… trying to figure out how to use the hairdryer!”

               You searched beneath the sink, finding the device in question and plugging it in.

               “You need any help with it?”

               With trembling hands, you turned it on, praying that he wouldn’t come in.

               “No, thanks! I got it.”

               You didn’t even usually dry your hair, but you didn’t tell Steve that. You just used a comb while the hair dryer was running, watching your reflection’s movements.

               You were going to get out of this place, even if it killed you.

               When you were finished in the bathroom, you held onto your towel tightly and walked out into the bedroom. Steve was stripping the bed when you walked past, and you winced when you saw the large bloodstain on the white sheets you’d left behind.

               Tearing your eyes away from the sight, you scurried into the closet and closed the door behind you. Looking around at the large space, your eyes fell to the teddy bear in the corner; it was the one Steve had won you at Coney Island.

               You looked at it pleadingly, as if it could help you escape, but all it did was slump against the wall.

               “At least I have one friend here,” you sighed to yourself sardonically.

               Tossing your towel into the hamper by the door, you surveyed the room around you. Most of the closet was taken up by dresses. The majority of them had short poodle skirts and low necklines, but towards the back of the small room you found a rack of nightgowns. The longest one reached just to your knees, and its neck- and hemline were lined with lace. You would’ve preferred a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, but there were none to be found. The chest of drawers shoved up against the wall was filled only with lingerie. Your stomach had turned over when you saw the frilly, lacy undergarments, cringing to think of Steve picking them out for you.

               When you’d pulled on the nightgown and the most modest pair of panties you could find (they were lace like the others, but the material was thick enough not to be see-through), you took a deep breath and opened the door.

               The first thing you noticed were the fresh set of sheets covering the bed; these ones were a dove gray, the same color as your sheets back home. Steve was sitting in one of the armchairs by the bookshelves, a paperback novel in his hands. You just then noticed that there was a vase of fresh flowers sitting on one of the nightstands – daisies.

               “Oh, hey, baby,” Steve said, standing up from his chair and walking over to you. You turned away when you saw how his eyes were raking up and down your body, focusing instead on the daisies, so pretty and innocent, like you used to be.

               “Hey, you like those?” Steve asked when he saw what you were looking at. “I always liked daisies. They were my mom’s favorite flower.”

               You flinched when you felt his hand on your cheek, but otherwise you remained motionless as his fingertips drifted down to the neckline of your gown.

               “I knew you would look good in this,” he murmured. “Just like an angel.”

               You cleared your throat, shifting on your feet.

               “I-I’m tired,” you stammered. “What time is it?”

               He glanced down at his watch, letting out a short whistle.

               “Sheesh, it’s already 10 pm. No wonder you’re tired,” he remarked. Then, a sly smile stretched across his features. “Plus, I must’ve worn you out earlier.”

               Your knuckles were white with how tight you were clenching your fists, and you felt a wave of nausea settle in your belly when his hand moved down further, palming at your breast.

               “It wasn’t all bad, was it? You were practically begging me to make you cum there at the end. And don’t,” he murmured, pressing his lips against your ear, “forget what I told you after; good girls get to cum. And you’ve been very…very…good this evening.”

               “Please, Steve,” you whispered, trying to push him away, “Please, can I just…go to bed?”

               That sly smirk was still on his face as he nodded his head.

               “Sure, baby. Go ahead and crawl into bed.”

               You gulped as you did as he said, lifting up the sheets before laying down. His hand caught your wrist when you moved to cover yourself with the blankets, though, and you nearly screamed when he started crawling onto the mattress.

               “Steve, please, I just want to sleep,” you begged. “Please; I’m so sore, I don’t want-“

               He shushed you, pressing a finger to your lips while his other hand started creeping up your inner thigh, slowly pushing your nightgown up.

               “Don’t worry, baby,” he assured you, pressing a soft peck to your lips. “We don’t have to make love again. But I do wanna show you, just like I promised. I wanna show you how good I can make you feel.”

               You didn’t know what to feel more sickened by – the hand that was delicately peeling off your panties, or the fact that he’d called what he’d done to you ‘making love’. You wanted to kick him right in his perfect teeth, but then you reminded yourself of the half-formed plan you’d come up with in the bathroom. If it was going to work, you would have to make him believe he was winning you over.

               At least, you told yourself that that was the reason why you let out a moan when his fingers grazed your clit. You bit your lip and looked up at the ceiling, feeling the heat of his stare as he slowly started spreading your wetness around your sensitive bud.

               “You know, you’ve been acting like you don’t want me,” he murmured, his nose brushing against yours, “But your pussy sure is wet for me. How do you explain that, hm?”

               You didn’t answer, simply allowing your eyes to close as he kissed you again. It was nothing like your first kiss; it had been bruising and possessive and punishing. But the way he was kissing you now was…pleasant. His tongue slowly dragged along the seam of your lips until they opened for him, and he didn’t rush the pace of it. No, he kissed you as if he was unwrapping a present, as if he was savoring every last bit of your mouth.

               “I wanna show you how I wanted it to be,” he whispered. “Our first time together.”

               He slowly started moving down your body, lifting your nightgown up around your hips as he dragged your panties all the way down your legs. Your ass stung with the slide of fabric against it, but when he pressed you down into the sheets and kissed the top of your mound, the discomfort started to fade.

               You gasped when you felt his tongue slide against your folds, and you unconsciously spread your legs for him. You glanced down just in time to see his smirk widen before he delved in, sliding his tongue over your entrance and up to your clit.

               “Fuck-“ you moaned, your back arching up against your will.

               Your hand clapped down over your mouth, trying to muffle the noises that were escaping it as he started slowly lapping at your bud, but Steve heard them anyway. Your eyes were wide open, staring at the ceiling as you started losing yourself in the pleasure. No one had ever done this for you before, and Steve definitely knew what he was doing.

               The sloppy sound of his tongue moving against you filled the air alongside the soft moans you couldn’t hold back, and each time your hips bucked up, each time you gasped as he moved his tongue at just the right angle, you heard him let out a growl.

               When he slid in one of his fingers, he was met with no resistance, your pussy greedily sucking in the digit as he suckled at your clit. You glanced downwards and could see your wetness glistening within his beard, and for a reason you would feel ashamed about later, you felt yourself clench at the sight.

               First one and then two more fingers were added, but the stretch was delicious, nothing like the burning feeling of his cock slamming into you earlier. Once more, you felt your orgasm rising up inside of you, but once more he pulled away at just the last second. You did nothing to contain your desperate wail at having your release taken away so cruelly, but when you looked up to see Steve unbuckling his belt, you frantically tried to push yourself away from him.

               “Hey, none of that,” he snapped. “You were being so good. Just let me do this and I’ll let you cum.”

               You whimpered, but when he lay between your legs again you forced yourself to stay still, not wanting to face yet another one of his brutal punishments. His mouth crashed onto yours, forcing you to taste yourself on his lips.

               This time, when he entered you, you only felt a small twinge of pain. The moan that escaped your lips, though, came as a surprise to you both. The head of his cock was pushing against that spot so deep down inside of you, and you couldn’t help but moan again when he drew himself almost completely out of you and thrust back in, dragging his dick along that spot once more.

               “Oh, baby,” he sighed, working his hips slowly, “you have no idea how good you feel…”

               Your nails dug into his biceps when he started to move faster, rolling his hips fluidly and hitting that spot that made you see stars. You kept your eyes on the ceiling, trying to imagine that it was anybody else on top of you, that you were back home in your apartment instead of some basement. That you were free instead of trapped with this madman.

               “I’ve thought about this for so long,” Steve whispered in your ear. “Fuck, I’ve wanted to feel you cum around me so bad-“

               He clenched his teeth and let out a growl, all of a sudden starting to slam into you. Your eyes met his for a second as he rose up onto his knees, lifting your hips up to meet his thrusts as if you were a ragdoll.

               “Take it, doll; take me nice and deep-“

               “F-fuck-!” you cried up, feeling your orgasm starting to build up once again. Your hips were moving of their own accord, trying to rise up and chase your release as the pleasure inside of you crested.

               Finally, finally, you felt the knot inside of you burst, and you heard yourself screaming Steve’s name as you came. You couldn’t tell if your eyes were closed or open for a moment; vaguely, you were aware of Steve letting out a howl as he came inside of you, but you were floating, not able to concentrate on anything except the aftershocks of pleasure coursing through you.

               “Doll? Doll, you ok?”

               You blinked, focusing on Steve’s face as he panted above you, and nodded your head. You let your arms fall back to your sides, feeling as if they weighed a ton each.

               “Good,” he smiled. “Thought I’d knocked you out there for a second.” His lips were warm and wet when he kissed you, and you noticed that he was still very hard and very much still inside of you.

               “Didn’t I tell you that I could make you feel good?” You gasped when you felt him start to thrust again, feeling a twinge of soreness as he bumped against your already-battered cervix. “Hm? Can you feel it now? How perfectly we fit together?”

               You were too spent to anything but lay there as Steve took you again. For a moment, you felt as if you were going to pass out from exhaustion, but then his hand had roughly squeezed your cheeks, prompting your eyes to fly open.

               “Eyes on me, hon,” he panted. “I wanna see you cum again; you’ve earned it.”

               At first, you thought it would be impossible, but when you felt your lower half stirring once again, you gripped onto his shoulders again, looking up  at him pleadingly.

               “You getting close, baby?” he grunted. “Say it. Tell me how good it feels.”

               You were silent, looking away in shame, but his hand smacked your hip, causing you to yelp and look back up at him.

               “Say it,” he demanded.

               “I-It feels so good,” you whispered.

               “Are you gonna cum for me again?”

               One of his fingers found its way to your clit, and your entire body jolted as if it had just been electrocuted.

               “Y-yes!” you cried. “I-I’m gonna cum!”

               “Then say it,” he growled. “Say, ‘Please, Steve, let me cum.’ C’mon, be a good girl and ask politely.”

               Your back arched up off of the bed when his fingers quickened, and you rushed to comply with his order before you came again.

               “P-please, Steve, let me cum,” you begged. “Please, please, I’m so close, I need-“

               “I know what you need, baby,” he moaned. “I know what you need. Cum for me, doll. Cum for me-“

               Before he could even finish his sentence, you were cumming. You felt your pussy clamp around him, and with a muffled, “O-oh, God-“, he was finding his release as well.

               After he’d pulled out of you and rolled over onto his back, you didn’t move, shame starting to creep its way into your afterglow. You tried to tell yourself that it was all part of the plan, that you were only pretending to like what he was doing because you wanted him to trust you. But deep down, you knew that that was a lie. You’d never cum that hard in your life.

               “You were so good, (Y/N),” Steve sighed, pulling you against his side. “I love you so much, doll. I wanna take such good care of you.”

               You let your head fall onto his chest, too exhausted to fight your way over to the other side of the bed. He was still whispering sweet little things in your ear when you fell asleep, his quiet declarations of love becoming more and more disturbing as you drifted off.

               The last thing you registered him saying before you went to sleep was truly terrifying, sending an icy spike of fear straight through your heart, and it echoed in your dreams while you tried to rest.

               “You’ll make such a good mother.”

_________

               The next day, you woke up alone, a note resting on the pillow beside you. Trying to ignore your aching muscles, you sat up and read it.

               Good morning, beautiful. I’m out running a few errands, but I’ll be back around 9 with some breakfast.

               I love you.

               Rolling your eyes, you swung your legs over the side of the bed, letting out a groan of disgust when you felt his dried cum flaking off of your thighs. You waddled into the bathroom and, after struggling to figure out how his shower worked for a solid five minutes, you took a hurried shower, scrubbing your skin raw as if it would wash away his touches from last night.

               By the time you finished, it was around 8:30, so you took your time getting dressed. None of the dresses were really your style; they looked vintage, like something from Steve’s time. Your stomach turned as you pulled on the first dress you saw that didn’t actively repel you; you hated playing along with his sick fantasies.

               Your dress came down to your knees, and it was black with tiny little cherries embroidered across it; its skirt flared out at the hips, swishing gently with every step you took. When you finally exited the closet, you meandered over to his bookshelf, skimming the titles.

               There was at least one copy of every book you owned back home; he must have gone into your apartment at some point.

               “Sick freak,” you muttered to yourself.

               You paused when you came to a book that didn’t look like all of the others; sliding it out of its place, you realized that it was a leather-bound sketchbook. You opened it to the first page and smiled at the drawing of the New York City skyline; even though you knew Steve had been the one to draw it, you couldn’t deny that it was a well-done sketch.

               Your smile fell when you turned to the next page, though. It was a drawing of you, like the one Steve had hanging up in the bathroom. In this one, though, you were laying down in bed, wearing the oversized college sweater and pajama shorts you usually wore to bed. You gulped, flipping to the next page – another picture of you, laughing at something he hadn’t bothered drawing.

               Feeling a wave of nausea rising up in your throat, you kept flipping the pages. You, you, you, you – they were all of you, save for two. The one of the skyline, and then one of a man. You thought that his face was familiar, but you couldn’t place where you’d seen him before.

               He had long hair in the drawing, and his cheeks held a thin layer of stubble Steve had shaded in. Aside from his handsome features, the most striking thing about him was his metal arm. You frowned as you stared at the man’s face, certain that you’d seen him somewhere.

               The door behind you opened suddenly, slashing through the silence in the room with the squealing of its rusted hinges. Steve walked in holding a brown paper bag and a large wooden box, giving you a radiant smile when he saw you.

               “Hey, doll,” he said, setting the objects in his hands down onto the bed. “You look fantastic in that dress; I knew you would the moment I saw it in the store.”

               You forced a smile to your face, trying to ignore the hammering in your heart; focus on the plan, you told yourself. Focus on the plan.

               “Thank you,” you told him meekly.

               He walked over to you and pressed a kiss to your cheek, his smile only growing when you didn’t move away. His eyes skirted down to the sketchbook still in your hands, and for a moment you were afraid that he would be upset with you for being nosy.

               But he only took the book from your hands and studied the drawing of the man you’d been looking at.

               “You checking out more of my artwork, baby?” he asked. “What do you think?”

               “Um… I think it’s really good,” you said, forcing a strained smile to your lips. “You’re a really good artist.”

               Steve seemed to glow under your praise, and he leaned down to press a soft, lingering kiss to your lips.

               “Thank you, baby,” he smiled. “That means a lot coming from my best girl. Speaking of! I brought a present for you.”

               He gestured for you to follow him to the bed, and you watched as he excitedly opened the box atop of it. Inside, there was a brand new Crosley record player, and beneath it were a stack of records.

               “I have one of these at home, but I figured it would be nice for us to have some music while we’re here,” he explained. “Did you know that record players are getting popular again? A brand new record shop opened up close by; I guess history really does repeat itself, huh?”

               You nodded, starting to flip through the records. You noticed that two of them were from your favorite band. There were several dedicated to older music, too - Frank Sinatra, Nat King Col,  old movie soundtracks.

               You looked up to see Steve watching you expectantly, and you gave him another weak smile.

               “This is great, Steve,” you assured him. “I love it; thank you.”

               “You’re welcome, baby doll,” he cooed. You felt his arms wrap around you from behind, and his breath was warm against your ear when he spoke. “I do have one condition, though.”

               You gulped, fearing the worst when you felt his pelvis press against your ass.

               “Wh-what’s that?”

               “That you dance with me,” he said, “after I have it all plugged in.”

               You nearly slumped with relief, and you nodded quickly.

               “Sure, Steve. We can dance together if you want.”

               Your captor’s face lit up, and he quickly let you go to start hooking up the machine. You sat on the bed as he worked, reading the back of the records to see what songs were on them. Every now and then, your eyes would look up to Steve, sliding down his body to his ass. Or, rather, to the shape of his keys where they rested in his back pocket.

               “Alright, hon, I-“ Steve straightened up and caught you staring, his lips twisting up into a smirk when your eyes rushed to meet his. “Oh? See something you like?”

               Your cheeks burned, and you emphatically shook your head no, but he still had a mischievous look on his face as he walked back over to you.

               “There’ll be plenty of time for that, later,” he chided you. You opened your mouth to protest, but you gave up before you even began.

               He flipped through the records until he found the one he was looking for, gesturing for you to follow him as he went to put it on the player. When he set the needle in place, the sound of a vintage big band flooded the air, and you recognized the tune as “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” by Harry James.

               “This is my favorite song,” Steve explained, moving your hands to rest on his shoulders. You felt his huge palms rest on your hips as the two of you started swaying. “I knew from the second I saw you that I wanted to share it with you.”

               You sighed, feeling your heart constrict. If things were different, if he hadn’t done all of the horrible things to you that he had, you would have melted upon hearing him say that.

               “When did you first see me?” you suddenly asked. “You mentioned yesterday that, um… Well, you made it sound like you’ve known me longer than just two months.”

               He smiled, looking almost sheepish for a second.

               “I saw you for the first time back in April,” he confessed. “You were sitting in the café with Tina, and just… I’d always laughed off the idea of love at first sight, you know? I didn’t think it was possible. But you were so beautiful, so…perfect, and I just knew you were the one.”

               You felt as if something had sucked all of the air out of your lungs. April. He’d been stalking you, he’d been obsessed with you, since April.

               “Why,” you asked, “Why didn’t you just…talk to me? Why do all of this?”

               Steve flinched, his eyes sparking with that same anger you’d seen yesterday, and you ducked your head, letting it rest against his chest.

               “I heard you telling Tina you didn’t wanna date until you graduated,” he eventually admitted. “And I just knew I couldn’t wait that long. I… I waited too long one time; I wasn’t going to let it happen again.”

               You had no idea who he was talking about, but you didn’t press the issue, just continuing to sway to the beat with Steve. When he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you flush against him, you let him, letting your hands trail down his back, towards the pocket where he kept his pocketknife.

               Now isn’t the time, you reminded yourself, forcing your hands to stop at the small of his back. Soon. You just have to be patient.

__________

               Five days went by, and if it wasn’t for the terror of cohabitating with a crazy person, you would’ve been bored with the routine you’d fallen into.

               In the mornings, Steve would usually be gone. The only appliance in the small space was a minifridge, so he would usually stock up with food for the day in the mornings. While he was away, you would shower and dress, and when he came home you would let him give you a kiss.

               After that, the two of you would read while sitting on the couch; he forced you to sit in his lap, but the books always served as a good distraction. In the afternoons, after lunch, he would ask you to model for him. At first, it didn’t bother you so much. The first day he drew you, you’d sat in one of his armchairs reading, ignoring him for the most part.

               On the second day, he’d asked (or ordered, more like it) you to wear one of his shirts, leaving it open to show your lingerie underneath.

               “I don’t feel comfortable doing that,” you’d said at first, desperate for him not to force you into any state of undress. “What if someone finds your sketchbook and sees?”

               Steve had just smirked and pecked your cheek.

               “Then they’ll know that you belong to me,” he’d answered. “Now go on, don’t be shy. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, doll.”

               On the third day, he’d made you pose in lingerie he picked out – a pale pink, lacey bralette with matching panties. You’d been on the verge of tears the whole time he was drawing you, but in his final picture, you’d had a smile on your face. You’d wondered, then, if that’s what he always saw when you were sad. If he really was so crazy as to believe you were happy with him.

               After dinner, he would put on the record player and lay with you on the couch while the two of you talked. Or, actually, he would talk. You would zone out most of the time, only muttering a quiet ‘uh-huh’ every now and then. Mostly he would talk about his childhood, sharing stories with you about his mother or Bucky. He’d even opened up about ‘the only woman he’d ever loved’ – a British agent named Peggy Carter.

               You couldn’t help but wonder if he would have done the same things he was doing to you to her. You hoped not; you hoped that he’d only lost his mind after he’d been fighting for so many years in a time he never should’ve lived to see. But you would never know for sure.

               The one thing in your routine you refused to get used to was the sex. Every night, and at least once during the day, he would fuck you. And the only time you never came was on the first night, when he’d stolen your virginity, your innocence, and, really, your life.

               It was never as brutal as your first time had been. His touches would start off gentle, teasing your skin as he whispered filthy things into your ear. He, thankfully, never asked you to give him oral, but he sure seemed to love giving it to you. You’d lost count of how many surfaces he’d eaten you out on; on the second day, it had been the bathroom counter. On the third, it was the sofa and then one of the armchairs. Really, if it was horizontal and strong enough to support your weight, he’d made you cum atop it.

               You still never got used to the stretch of his cock inside of you, though. Because, while nothing was as bad as that first night, the stretch always stung, always took your breath away. That initial pain never lasted for long, though. Soon enough, whether you liked it or not, you would be moaning for him. He would always, without fail, make you beg to cum, and you always, without fail, would. You hated it even as you loved it, but it was only when you noticed yourself craving his touch while he was away that you knew something had to give.

               He was conditioning you to want him, but you would be damned if it would be that easy to break you.

               On the fourth night, you stayed awake, waiting for his arm to loosen around you in his sleep. When it did, you waited even longer, not moving a muscle until you heard him start to snore. Holding your breath, you started wiggling away from him, lifting his arm off of you as you slid towards the bed.

               When you were finally out of his grip, though, you heard him stir, turning onto his side to face you.

               “M’where ya goin…” he mumbled, voice rough with sleep.

               “Just to the bathroom,” you whispered. You squinted in the darkness; the only light in the room came from the glow of the alarm clock, but you could just make out the movement of him nodding before letting himself fall back against the pillows.

               “Hurry back,” he slurred. “’s cold without you.”

               You slid your feet onto the cold floor, dragging them with your steps, heading towards the pile of his clothes he’d left on the floor. When you felt your toe come in contact with them, you threw yourself onto the ground, making a gasp of mock-surprise.

               “(Y/N)?” You saw Steve sit up onto his elbows, looking towards your prone form on the floor. “You ok, baby?”

               “I’m fine,” you assured him. As you stood up, you fumbled, knowing this was your only chance. “Just tripped on your clothes; go back to sleep.”

               He hummed and laid back down just as your fingers slipped into the pocket of his pants and found his pocketknife. You slipped it out of its pocket and stood up, wrapping your fist around it as you went into the bathroom.

               You locked the door behind you and sat on the toilet, going about your business as you studied the weapon in your hands. It wasn’t large, but it was something; one more part of your plan was fulfilled.

               You stowed it between some towels in the linen closet and washed your hands, stepping out of the bathroom to find Steve standing up, naked as the day he was born, holding his jeans in his hands.

               “S-steve?” you asked, doing your best to calm the wild hammering in your heart. “What, um… What are you doing?”

               He looked up at you, and for a moment you felt all of your hopes, all of your plans, torn into pieces. But when he smiled, you faltered, forcing a matching smile onto your lips. Maybe it wasn’t all over.

               “They’re still here,” he said.

               “Um… What’s still there?” you asked.

               “The keys!” He walked over to you, cupping your cheek. “Sorry, I just… I thought maybe you would, uh…”

               “Try to take them?” you finished. He smiled sheepishly and nodded, pecking your lips.

               “I’m sorry, doll,” he sighed. “I should’ve trusted you. I just… I don’t want anything to happen to you. To us.”

               You made yourself grin and cup his cheek.

               “Steve, I… I don’t think I want to leave anymore,” you said. “I mean, I would like to leave this place, but… I promise I don’t want to leave you. I’m starting to think… Well, maybe it sounds silly, but I’m starting to think you might’ve been right. Maybe we were made for each other.”

               Steve inhaled deeply through his nose, his lips parted as he searched your face of any signs of a lie. You carefully schooled your expression into one of honesty, meeting his eyes with a small smile and praying that you were a better actress than you’d previously thought in your life.

               His eyes started watering, a tear slowly rolling down his face as he looked at you, and suddenly you were being lifted up into his arms. He pressed your body flush against his, kissing your shoulder with trembling lips.

               “God, baby, I… That’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear you say. I love you so, so much,” he said. He sat you down, a broad grin parting his lips as he wiped away his tear. “Jeez, doll, I don’t think I’ve cried in years. What’re you doing to me?”

               You blamed the small prick of guilt you felt on Stockholm Syndrome and pushed it aside, giving him the most earnest grin you could muster.

               “Let’s go back to bed,” you suggested.

               That night, Steve made love to you slowly, and you were able to stop acting as he pulled orgasm after orgasm out of you – first, with his fingers, then with his tongue, then with his cock. He left the lamp on so his eyes would never have to leave yours, and something in his blue eyes made it impossible for you to look away.

               The next morning, you woke up before him, something that had never happened before. You sat up in bed, turning to your side so you could watch his sleeping face. He seemed peaceful; you never could have guessed that so much evil could reside underneath his handsome features.  

               But your sore muscles were a testament to all he had done to you, as were the finger-shaped bruises on your hips. With a sigh, you started to move away, but then his eyes opened and he smiled at you.

               “Good morning, baby,” he murmured. “How are you feeling?”

               “Sore,” you answered honestly, drawing a chuckle from him.

               “But a good kind of sore, right?” He didn’t wait for your answer before standing up and walking over to the closet, pulling a cableknit sweater out of the drawer he’d reserved for himself and a pair of boxer briefs.

               “I’m thinking breakfast burritos this morning,” he said as he dressed. “What do you think?”

               “That’s fine,” you answered, standing up. You’d grown accustomed to him seeing you naked, though your skin still crawled anything you caught the hungry look he would get in his eyes. “Just hurry back to me, ok?”

               Steve paused at this, arching an eyebrow at you.

               “You…mean that?” he asked, and you smiled. Now was the time to sell the act.

               “Yeah, Steve.” You leaned up on your tip-toes, pressing your lips to his for just a fraction of a second. “I mean it.”

               He broke into an ear-to-ear grin and captured your lips once more.

               “God, I love you,” he breathed before pecking your forehead. “I’ll be thirty minutes tops, ok?”

               You nodded, giving him one last peck before going into the closet to pick out your clothes for the day. You threw on a pale blue dress, walking out into the main room right as the door at the top of the stairs clicked shut behind him.

               It was time.

               With your heart beating a mile a minute, you ran to the bathroom and retrieved the knife from its hiding spot, clicking open the blade and gripping it in one of your hands. As you walked out of the bathroom, your eyes swept over the space you’d been living in for the last half of the week, wondering if there was anything you should take with you. But there was no money to be found; you’d spent most of your mornings alone looking for anything that would help you.

               But no, the only thing you would need was Steve’s keys. And, if your plan went accordingly, you would have those soon enough.

               On shaky legs, you climbed the stairs, pressing yourself to the side of the wall as you waited. When Steve first walked in, he wouldn’t be able to see you where you were currently standing, a fact that you would be taking advantage of. You played out all of the possible scenarios in your head, heart beating frantically; you wouldn’t be surprised if he could hear it on the other side of Brooklyn.

               You didn’t allow yourself to relax as you stood there, keeping all of your muscles tight as a bowstring, your knuckles white from how hard you were gripping the knife. You can do this, your brain kept saying. You can do this.

               You jolted when you heard his keys slide into the lock on the other side of the door. It was now or never.

               As soon as he walked through the door, you were on him, plunging the knife as deep as you could into his chest.

               “SHIT,” he wailed, reflexively throwing you off of him.

               Your back hit the wall so hard that, when you landed on the ground, you were winded, but you still managed to scream when you felt Steve’s hands on your biceps. You thrashed as he tried to pick you up, slashing blindly with the knife until you saw blood covering your hands.

               “YOU FUCKING BITCH-“ he screamed, punching you in the side as you slashed across his chest. You stumbled, knowing immediately that he’d at the very least bruised your ribs, but you were being fueled by adrenaline.

               You ducked when he tried to grab you again, plunging the knife into the side of his thigh and pulling it out, washing as blood spurted out of the new wound. Steve went down onto one knee, clutching at the hole in his leg frantically.

               You stumbled to the side when his other arm swung out at you, trying to get past him to the door. A hand wrapped around your wrist, though, jerking you back towards him so hard that the knife went flying out of your hand, clattering down the stairs.

               “I’m gonna make you pay for this,” he was growling. Despite the menace of his words, though, you could see his face getting paler by the second, and when you kicked him in the shoulder as hard as you could, he lost his grip on you.

               For a second, you felt as if the world was moving in slow motion. As soon as he lost his hold on you, you spun to the side, running out of the still-open door. Gripping the handle with both hands, you wrenched it shut behind you, just barely catching the look of surprise on Steve’s face as he tried in vain to reach the door in time.

               You thanked the heavens that his keys were still in the lock, and with shaking hands you hurried to lock him inside. As soon as it was done, you watched as the handle started jiggling wildly from the inside, and for a second you only stood there in shock, staring down at the blood on your hands.

               But then you heard an animalistic yell from its other side, and you stumbled back when you heard the distinct booming of his fist pounding against the door.

               “LET ME OUT,” he screamed, his voice more high-pitched and desperate than you’d ever heard it before. “LET ME OUT YOU FUCKING BITCH!”

               The metal groaned when he hit it again, and you didn’t want to stick around to see if he would actually manage to break it down. Turning on your heel, you started walking down further into what you now recognized as a house. You were in a hallway with photographs lining the walls, and you gasped when you realized who they were of – you.

               Every single picture was one of you – in your bed, in a classroom, in a library. They were all of you. You hurried past them as the banging got more and more insistent, heading straight for the front door. You only paused when you saw a wallet resting on the side table beside it, hesitating only for a moment before grabbing it.

               “I’LL FIND Y-“ you heard Steve start to shout, but his voice was cut off as you walked out the door, slamming it shut behind you.

               You blinked in the sudden rush of sunlight; you were on in the city. The distant shapes of skyscrapers rose up behind a row of brownstones, and when you saw a taxi driving by, you stumbled down the steps of the home behind you and waved at it frantically.

               When it paused on the side of the road, you didn’t hesitate to climb into the backseat despite the protests of its driver.

               “Watch it, lady,” he cried. “Is that- What the fuck are you doing covered in blood? You better not get it on my seats, or I’ll-“

               “I need you to take me to Buffalo,” you interrupted him.

               The cabbie laughed, and you could see his eyes roll in the rearview mirror.

               “Yeah, right, girlie,” he chuckled. “I don’t go out of the city.”

               You rooted around in Steve’s wallet, pulling out a handful of hundred dollar bills and holding them out to him.

               “I can pay you $500 now, and I’ll give you $500 more once we get there.”

               It only took the cab driver a second before he put the car in drive and started heading down the street, rolling down the partition to accept the cash.

               “Jeez, lady, you must be in some kind of trouble,” he sighed. You leaned your head back, the gravity of what you’d just done weighing heavily on your shoulders.

               “Not anymore,” you replied. “Not anymore.”

[z-rayed]

Anxiety - AxelxJemma

Hey there! As I see, my first drabble was pretty much of success, so I decided to write one more, now with Axel. Attention! There’s a topic which can influence your mental condition! If you are mentally unstable, please either be careful or don’t read it! Word count: 1913

The school day was finally over. A lot of students gathered in small groups, chatting happily about interesting things they saw or heard during the day. But for Axel there was no place to have fun in his heart. 

'Where are you? Why didn't you tell anybody what happened to you?'

The worst thoughts came into his mind, and no matter how he tried to not to think about anything bad, the thoughts kept popping out. And there was the reason for that. For the first time in 2.5 months Jemma didn't come to classes. At all. 

The first class was math. Usually she came at least 10 minutes before the lesson started, but not that day. The bell rang, and still there was no sign of the blonde girl. Soon after came Ms. Rodrigues and looked around the classroom.

'I don't see Jemma, does anyone know what happened to her?' She asked.

There was an unearthly silence in the class. Everyone looked at each other, waiting for an answer, but nothing was said. 

'Strange, even when she feels bad, she comes to classes.' She signed. 'Anyway, let us begin the lesson.'

Axel skipped math class as usual and didn't know about the situation. But before the next class Raquel found him playing the guitar in the garden. 

'Hey bro, do you know anything about Jay?'

This was the first thing she said. Not 'hello', 'how are you' and so on. That confused Axel.

'What do you mean?'

'She wasn't in math class and no one knows where she is!'

At that moment Axel felt like the world began to ruin inside of him. He jumped up abruptly and headed for the infirmary. Maybe he could get information there. Unfortunately, the nurse didn't know anything.

'I'm sorry, Axel, but she didn't come here and no one told me what happened to Jemma.'

He started to shake a little, his legs buckled, but he still managed to thank the nurse and dash out of the infirmary. So many questions were in his head; where she was, what she was doing, whether she was okay or not and many others. The only thing he knew was the fact he needed to find her. He didn’t give a damn about classes, who even cared about those classes at the moments like this? As Axel approached the exit a strong hand gripped his shoulder. So many negative emotions hit him at that moment: anger, even fury, resentment, bitterness and pain. He turned around only to see the last person he wanted to see now.

‘Tadashit.’ There was a clear threat in his voice, but Tadashi was unwavering. Axel tried to let go of his grip but it was very strong and his strength seemed to leave him. ‘Leave me alone.’

‘Listen, Axel.’ Tadashi began to speak, choosing his words as carefully as he could. ‘I know you worry about Jemma. Me too. But you shouldn’t-’

‘Leave me freaking ALONE!’ The last word was so loud everyone in the main hallway looked in his direction. ‘I don’t give a damn what you think and what you say. Just stay out of my way.’

‘And do you really think your skipping classes would help Jemma? And if you find her, what good will it do you?’

‘I don’t care what it would cost me! Just move your ass already!’ With his hands clenched into fists, it was as if he was killing anyone who stood in his way with his gaze.

‘Well, let's say you find her after spending a lot of time, but you will be expelled, and you will not be able to be together. Is that what you want? To make her feel alone?’ Tadashi’s voice was quiet, deep and quite angry, but he tried to stay calm as much as possible. He knew Axel was in pain, he didn’t think clearly. For the first time he felt sorry for someone like him. That was why Tadashi tried to put him on the right track, not to do the mistake that would cost him a lot.

Axel said nothing. He just couldn’t. It was like something hit him so hard he couldn’t do anything. He shivered all over. The only thing he managed to do was to cover his face with hands. Tadashi finally let go of his shoulder. Having no strength to stand, Axel squatted down, and tears began to fall on his palms. Unable to look at him, Tadashi turned away.

‘You can skip the next class but not the others.Calm down and after that come to classes. I'll figure something out.’

Axel nodded, stood up, wiping tears, and went to the direction of the cafetery. He had a long day ahead of him so he needed some energy. 

After a really hard day, he still had a mission to accomplish. He had to find Jay. 

‘Jelly. I will search for you no matter what. I have so much to tell you and to show you. Just wait a little bit longer.’ He was so desperate he even began to talk to himself. His hands were still trembling but he tried to stay calm. And, to be honest, he did it pretty well despite the situation he was in.

Taking a deep breath, Axel headed out to the dorms. He looked around carefully while he was between the academy and the dorms, having a little hope he could find her there. No luck. He reached the door to her room and was ready to knock but then he noticed that it was slightly open. Taking a deep breath again, he came in. But he didn’t expect to see what happened here.

An almost pitch darkness met him. There was no light except for the one that came from a corridor but it was so not enough to light up the room but enough to see what was on the floor. A lot of pills and the person he worried about as hell in the middle of this circle of drugs. Jemma was sitting there but she didn’t even turn to the source of the sound and the light. Axel rushed to her, moving all that medicine away and looked at Jay’s eyes but once he studied her glance he was horrified. It was empty, almost lifeless. Axel put hands on her shoulders and began to shake her a little.

‘Jelly, can you hear me? What happened to you?’ Nothing changed. She still looked like she didn’t notice him at all. He began to panic and hugged her desperately.

‘I’m here, sunshine! I’m here for you! Please, come to me!!!’ With the last sentence he began to cry again. ‘Please… I have so much to tell you, just come to me…’

‘Uh…’ Suddenly Jemma moved a little. Trying to calm himself down, Axel carefully moved away from her, his hands were still at her shoulders. She glanced at him and smiled faintly, her eyes began to glitter a little.

‘I’m… so… sorry… I…’ Not finishing the sentence, she fell right on Axel. He felt so frightened he barely could think. But he knew one thing: he needed to take Jay to the infirmary. Taking her into his arms, he rushed out of her room, hoping she would be alright.

***

‘Thanks for bringing her here, if you have done it a bit later, that would have been a disastrous outcome for her.’ The doctor came to Axel after taking some blood tests and examinations. ‘Sorry for not giving you the option to stay with her.’

‘I understand, sir. How is she?’ Axel was nervous, very nervous.

‘Actually, you’re right on time. She woke up a few minutes a-’ Without listening to the end of the sentence, he hastily opened the door and dashed to infirmary beds, finding Jay immediately and hugging her tight.

‘I’m so glad you’re awake! I was so worried about you and-’ Jemma groaned a bit and Axel moved away a little, looking frightened ah hell.

‘I’m happy for such a greeting, but it hurts…’ He was ready to put a hand on her head and stroke her hair but was interrupted by the doctor cleaning his throat.

‘Young man, please don’t do this again, you could interfere with patients’ rest. Anyway, here are the results of your tests and according to them you had-’

‘Overdose. That was my conscious decision.’ To say it was strange for Axel to hear that saying so casually was to say nothing. He felt as if the ground was slipping away from under his feet. He was shaking a lot and was ready to cry again, but he managed to place his hands on Jemma’s.

‘Why did you do that?’ His voice cracked a bit but he tried to stay as calm as he could and not to worry Jay. She took one of his hands and put it in her cheek.

‘I’m sorry I’ve worried you so much. But… how should I start?.. Okay, I’m going to tell this straight. My mom’s condition got worse. Much worse. Dad called me yesterday in the morning. He was crying. You know, he’s a captain of British Navy yet he cried so bitterly… It was awful but the most awful was that I couldn’t do anything to help my mother. I felt so useless I began to have a breakdown. The pain was so big I wanted to numb it. And then… well, you saw me, Axel. I’m sorry. I am truly.’ Jay started to cry and Axel hugged her carefully this time, letting her cry into his shoulder. The doctor looked at them with a bit of sorrow.

‘I looked through your medical file and I have one question for you. Have you had the overdose before?’ Jemma hesitated for a few seconds but lying to a doctor couldn’t make her any good.

‘Yes. It was about two years ago.’ Axel hugged her tighter.

‘And what was the treatment?’

‘That overdose affected me stronger so I had to lie in the hospital for some time.’

‘I see. You can rest now. I’ll give you some privacy so you two can talk and then I’ll prescribe a diet to you.’ The doctor was ready to leave but Jemma stopped him.

‘Can you… not tell my family about it? I don’t want them to know I’m in such condition.’ The doctor thought for a bit then nodded.

‘Usually I don’t agree not to inform parents in case of students being minors, but I understand your decision. I won’t call them.’ And with that he left.

Now there were only two of them. A comfortable silence surrounded them and they tried to enjoy it. Still, there were words to say and things to do. Axel let go of Jay for a bit, not taking his arms away from her, and began to talk.

‘Jelly… Please, don’t do that again. At least for my sake. I was so-’

‘Shh.’ She touched his lips with her finger and then lightly kissed him on the lips, shaking her head. ‘There’s no need in words, darling. I know.’

Axel nodded, smiling, and kissed her again. That was a kiss full of hope to be with a person they loved as much as he could. Sitting quietly in the infirmary and being in each other's hands, they were in their own world where no one put life into danger and just expressed their feelings.

[toothlessturtle21]

Cold Blooded

So as some of y’all know, I’m a fanfic author, so I figured why not publish some of my oneshots on Tumblr? So, here’s the first one in a (maybe) series of oneshots being posted. Enjoy!

---

Jay's talking gets him into a lot of trouble, sure, but when he's faced with a mob boss who wants to work with him to resurrect his dead father, his chatter might be his only weapon. (Mafia AU) (tw: kidnapping, guns, mentioned death)

All of his life, Jay had been told that his excessive blabbering was annoying. His friends and his family were not safe from the chatter, everywhere and all the time. And god forbid  that he was nervous, because butterflies in his stomach seemed to equate to words spewing from his mouth like a fountain. So when he found himself tied up and blindfolded after a nasty run-in with some gang members, what else was he supposed to do?

"So, uh, what kind of wood is the chair I'm in made of? It feels pretty strong, but I also can't see the color to make any guesses," Jay quirked his mouth, and one of the men nearby grumbled, having put up with his incessant rambling for the better part of the hour. "Is it grainy? I can't really tell through my pants, but if it is you guys should really sand it. Splinters are no joke, even if you're wearing gloves. They always wait until you're least expecting it and then ouch, there's wood in your hand."

His company was silent, perhaps hoping that he would shut up if left unanswered. After a few beats of silence, Jay tapped his feet on the floor, an uneven rhythm that was in no way musical. He tried to think of some beat to mimic that would take his mind off of his situation. He hummed some jingles, some pop songs, and even snuck a little bit of some showtunes in there before a harsh slap to the cheek stopped him, causing Jay to cry out indignantly.

"Hey, I'm just messing around! What's the big deal anyway? You guys are the ones who nabbed me off the street, why should I listen to- mmph!"

A hand was slapped over his mouth very quickly, accompanied by a sharp shh. For once, Jay decided to listen, and heard another man in the room on the phone.

"Please sir, he's driving us insane, can't we just..."

Silence for a few minutes. Jay's heart raced at the thought of there being a man higher up waiting to get his hands on him, despite his current situation already being pretty undesirable.

"Wait, really?"

Muffled words from the other side of the line were audible now, and the man with him laughed a little, obviously relieved.

"Thank you, boss! We'll get him to you right away."

And just like that, Jay was in the air, the chair he was tied to lifted by some thug, and he squawked in surprise as he was gripped roughly by strong hands, the grunts talking amongst themselves as they brought him along. Finally, they stopped, and set him down onto a tile floor, judging by the sound of the legs hitting the ground. One ripped off his blindfold, and they immediately scurried away, leaving Jay to blink his eyes like a newborn kitten to adjust to the light.

"Ah, so you're the famed Ninja of Lightning. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Walker."

Jay finally found his sight, and discovered he was in an office, of sorts. The walls were a circle, bookshelves lining the room, except for the one area where a cabinet full of guns stood. The furniture was elegant, smooth curves and a sleek black sheen to everything made for a very intimidating look.

What was even more intimidating, however, was the figure perched on top of the desk at the far back. He looked to be young, black leather clothes contrasting with his stark white hair, combed back into a feathery undercut. Clear blue eyes stared the ninja down, and Jay felt his skin crawl under the scrutiny.

"Oh, don't tell me they harmed your vocal chords on the journey over, I've heard so much about your jabber," The man slid off the desk, striding over with quiet steps. Now that Jay was closer, he was quite tall, most definitely taller than himself.

"No, they didn't," He managed to squeak out, clearing his throat afterwards. "And how do you know my name?"

"I know a lot of things," The man shrugged. "For example, I know that you were born and raised in a trash heap, your favorite food is blackberry pie, and your name is James."

"If you know so much about me," Jay's cheeks burned from hearing his birth name and from the insult towards his parents' livelihood. "Then who are you?"

The man thought for a moment before answering, almost as if questioning himself. He seemed to finally decide on an answer after a few tense moments.

"Call me Snake."

"No offense, but you don't really don't look like a Snake," Jay blurted, and the man raised an eyebrow in amusement. "I mean, you have a pretty blue, black, white color scheme going on, and snakes are usually green. You seem more like an Spider or Shark to me than a Snake. You don't give me slimy vibes."

"Thank you for the feedback," Snake nodded, stepping back a little. "I suppose I will keep that in mind for the next time I have to choose a persona to give to strangers."

"Was that a joke I heard?" Jay asked, and Snake's expression never wavered. The blonde looked at his gun cabinet for a split second before returning his gaze to his hostage.

"So, Mr. Walker, it has come to my attention that you are especially skilled in robotics, correct?"

"I mean, yeah, but-"

"What do you normally create?"

"Small robots, mostly. Y'know, can sweep things, stack bricks, charge phones, and..." Jay trailed off, mentally slapping himself. "Actually, it's none of your business what I do. You're the one who organized my kidnapping, I'm not telling you anything!"

"Hm, just as we were doing so swimmingly. Very well then," Snake walked away, returning to his desk. He once again avoided the chair, choosing to stalk Jay from his desk like a bird of prey.

"Also, consider changing your name to Falcon. Still fits better than Snake."

"I thought we had moved on from my name, James," Snake smiled amusedly. "Although Falcon does have a nice ring to it, thank you. Perhaps I will keep that one in mind."

He pulled his legs up, crossing them on his desk. It was then that Jay noticed the portrait sitting next to his knee.

"Hey, who's in the picture?"

Snake's expression darkened, and Jay's heart picked up once more at the thought of his last words being so lame.

"Perhaps you don't understand your situation. You are in no position to be asking questions, especially ones about my personal life. As far as guests go, you have been treated rather graciously, Mr. Walker. Although I do consider myself rather forgiving in the face of insubordination, I too have a limit."

Jay went quiet, at least for a few moments, but a sudden bird cry followed by a black shape swooping past his face made him shriek, and Snake laughed at his expense. He held out his arm as a black bird rested on him, and Snake gently took the note from its mouth.

"You really are quite entertaining. I might keep you just for that."

"Usually my jokes are a little more thought out than- wait, what do you mean by keep-"

"Hush, I am trying to read, James. Do be polite."

You could hear a pin drop as the man read, cool blues scanning the page. He bristled as he hit the bulk of the letter, presumably receiving bad news.

Snake scoffed, and snatched a lighter from beside him on the desk. He lit the flame, and held it up to the paper.

"Burning letters is so much safer than texting, wouldn't you agree? Plus, fire can be oh so fun to play with if done properly."

"I'm not really a big fan of fire. I guess I just don't like heat."

"I would be inclined to agree. Ice is often much more effective, anyway. It is a silent killer, with much less destruction than fire."

"Um, killer?"

"I run an organized crime ring, do you think I reached where I am by playing nice and holding hands?"

"How did you weaponize ice?" Jay asked, and then quickly backpedaled. "Uh, sorry, no questions, I'll stop."

"There are many ways, but I will indulge you with my personal favorite," Snake released his bird, the avian flying out the small window it had come in from, and stalked towards Jay. He touched a gentle hand to his bound arm, and Jay felt his breath quicken at the contact.

"I am the master of ice. Blood is half water. If I were to concentrate right now, I could freeze your veins and arteries, leaving you stiff like a doll. My ice does not melt easily, and so it creates a wonderful display if presented properly. Of course, the victim would need to be positioned correctly, but that is beside the point."

"You're sick," Jay strained against his bonds, suddenly comprehending the danger he was in. "Is killing people a game to you?"

"Not necessarily. If I kill by necessity, then deaths are quick and painless. If they have wronged me greatly, however, I enjoy watching them writhe to the best of their ability as they feel their blood freeze under my grasp."

"Then why am I here? I haven't wronged you, as far as I know, and I'm not already dead. What do you want from me?"

"I want your expertise. I am interested in your abilities. You are skilled at creating artificial life, James. While I have trained myself in many areas, capturing the essence of a living being is something I've yet to grasp."

All of a sudden, the puzzle pieces clicked in Jay's head. The color scheme, the white hair, the obsession with birds and robotics, and the ice all suddenly brought back memories that Jay forgot that he had.

"...Zane?"

The blonde smiled sadly, and then let out a small, hollow laugh.

"Ah, so you do remember. It's been a while, I know."

"Yeah, since we were toddlers."

"Are your parents well?"

"As far as I know, yeah, they're pretty good. How about your dad?"

Zane scowled, resting his chin on his hand.

"Dead. Killed in one of your little endeavors fighting Garmadon. Tasteless, really. My father deserved a death more fitting of the great mind he was than rubble crushing his body."

"I'm so sorry," Jay bit his lip, dread filling his bones. "So, uh, you're a gang leader now?"

"In a way, yes. I was already rising to power when he died, and his passing only drove me further. And now we are here," Zane gestured to the Lightning Ninja, still tied up. Jay's fingers twitched from their bound position.

"So why didn't you tell me your name off the bat?"

"What would be the point in that? None of the men under me know my name, so why I would I tell a stranger?"

"Fair, I guess. So why am I here?"

"Considering that you killed my father, I feel it is only right that you bring him back too."

"I'm the master of lightning, not a necromancer!" Jay writhed in his bonds. "And I haven't killed anyone. You're insane!"

"I'm not insane, I'm insulted you would think that way," Zane frowned. "You recall how I told you that my ice was especially cold, correct?"

"Yeah? What's that got to do with anything?"

"I have his body frozen downstairs. My ice takes an incredibly long time to melt."

"You what?" Jay shrieked. "I'm going nowhere near a frozen corpse!"

"You won't need to," Zane reassured, although his tone was anything but lenient. "I have brought you here for your mechanical skill. Together, we can bring my father back to life."

"And if I say no?"

"I have a cabinet full of guns to my side as well as the power to freeze your blood, and you're tied up at my mercy. We may have met in our earlier years, but familiarity has never stopped me from killing before."

"Uh, okay, noted," Jay said hurriedly, annoyed at himself for forgetting his situation. "So you want me to help you bring your father back to life by building him a body? But what about his memory?"

"You leave the software to me. You're here for the hardware."

"Ok, ok," Jay nodded slowly, although his mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure out how to escape. "Can you untie me though? I can't exactly build if I'm stuck here."

"You just called me insane and have been nothing but resistant this whole time. Why would I let you roam?" Zane sneered, crossing his arms. "However, I can release you to some extent, since you will be working for me."

And with that Zane untied and retied him so that his hands were still bound, but had enough wiggle room to work. Zane kept a length of rope knotted around the middle, to prevent the Lightning Ninja from breaking away.

Jay's cheeks burned at the thought of being led around like some pet, although he supposed his captivity could have been more humiliating. At least Zane was holding him by the wrists and not by some borderline kinky rope collar.

"What, don't like it?" The blonde laughed genuinely, albeit a little cruelly. He glanced over Jay, almost as if reading his mind. "I could change the positioning, if you'd rather. I was trying to spare you some dignity."

"No, it's fine," Jay looked down and away, refusing to make eye contact with the man currently holding him on a leash.

"James, if we're going to be working together, you need to be able to look at me."

"Don't call me James."

"Why not? If you call me Zane, I feel as though me calling you James is just as personal. Although I do request that you call me Snake in front of the others. I have worked for a long time to reach my status, and I would hate to have my persona crumbled by one pesky ninja."

"Fine, I'll call you Snake, just don't call me James."

"You are in no position to bargain, but I suppose I could allow you this one reward."

"Don't call it a reward, I'm not your pet," Jay hissed, and Zane raised an eyebrow threateningly. Jay gulped. "Sorry."

"Now then, shall we get started?" The blonde purred, and Jay bit his lip to stifle a snarky comeback. His stomach decided to respond for him in the form of a growl.

"Uh, actually, do you have any food?"

"Pardon?"

"I haven't eaten in a while, and nerves makes me extra hungry once I stop feeling anxious. Do you have anything to eat?"

"I'll have someone grab some food for you."

"Thanks," Jay said quietly, and silence fell over the pair, Zane staring off into the distance as if calculating something. "I really am sorry about your dad. I remember him being pretty nice."

"The last memory I have with him is the day before he died. He was telling me about his newest plans for building a robot capable of passing the Turing Test. It was shaping up to be a wonderful project, I would have loved to have seen it."

"Yeah, that would've been really cool. I wish I was better at programming, y'know? People like hardware and stuff, but it's really the code that makes a machine cool. Like, I wish I had a fraction of the capability that your dad had. Wait, if you're planning on bringing him back, that must mean that you're pretty good at coding too, right?"

"I suppose so. But what does this have to do with resurrecting my father?"

"If you miss him more for his inventions than his company, maybe you shouldn't be bringing him back."

Zane didn't say anything, but his eyes bore holes into Jay's head, blue iris filled with cold fury. If looks could kill, Jay's blood would already be solid. Just as Jay was about to backtrack and retract the statement, sensing that it did way more harm than good, Zane yanked Jay towards the side of the room, holding fast to the rope while rifling through the cabinet holding his guns.

"Z- Zane, wait, what are you-"

"Shut up."

The room was silent except for Jay's panicked breathing and his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. Zane pulled out a handgun, the sleek black barrel glinting in the low light of the room.

"Are you religious, Jay?"

"N- No."

"Then pick a god and pray."

Zane loaded it quickly, and pulled Jay closer before he could react, pressing the weapon against his forehead. Jay felt tears form in his eyes, the realization that he was about to die making his muscles spasm and he kicked out, landing a hit on Zane's knee but also handicapping himself, his shaky limbs betraying him as he fell to the floor.

"No-! Don't, please, I'm sorry, just please don't shoot!"

"Too late. We cannot work together, and now that you know who I am I cannot leave you alive."

"I won't tell anyone, I promise! I don't want to die!"

"Neither did my father, and yet you still killed him anyway."

"I- I think I understand why you want him back."

Zane kept the gun pointed at his head, but allowed him to continue.

"You feel like you have no one left for you. Sure, you have your cronies and whatever, but you're just lonely. And you don't have to be," Jay offered, and squeezed his eyes shut just in case the next feeling he knew was a bullet going through his brain. Seconds passed, and nothing happened. The rope around his wrists was still pulled taught in Zane's grasp, but nothing changed.

After a few more moments, Jay slowly opened his eyes to see the gun still pointed at him, but the expression on Zane's face had changed into one of uncertainty.

"What do you mean I don't have to be? I have nothing left."

"You're the master of ice, right? I'm sure Sensei wouldn't mind another student, if you're willing."

"You- you want me to join you?"

"Okay, if I'm being honest, maybe not. You did just almost shoot me. But maybe you could make some friends. It wouldn't do any harm to lower your guard a little."

Zane looked away, and the hand holding the gun shook.

"Damn it," Zane muttered to himself, voice broken, and roughly untied the ropes holding Jay's wrists together. "Just go."

"You're letting me leave?"

"Just get out before I change my mind," Zane mumbled, throwing his gun down on his desk and sitting with his head in his hands. "You're right."

"Hey, woah," Jay couldn't believe his own actions even as he performed them, but he walked towards his captor and rested an easy hand on his shoulder. "I mean, thanks for letting me go, but take care of yourself, alright? We may on opposite sides here, but I'm sure you can be a nice guy if you set your mind to it."

Zane looked up, gaze weary.

"I'm not sure about the truth of your statement, but I appreciate the sentiment. Goodbye, Jay. Perhaps this will not be our last meeting."

"Maybe not," Jay pat him once on the shoulder before walking away, finding his way out pretty easily. Sure, he could run back to his friends and storm Zane's hiding spot if he wanted to, but something told him that would just end up with Zane putting a bullet through his own head instead of Jay's. As he was greeted by the cool night air, he decided on two things.

One, he needed to go back and talk to Zane again sometime, as he was still sure that there was a good guy down there somewhere. And two, never before in his life had been so thankful for his chatter.

[msmarvelouswinchester]

I'll Be There For You

Summary - It's just a fic of j2 and their remarkable friendship.

Pairing - Jensen x Jared (platonic)

Warning - Swearing, angst-ish, self doubt, talks of depression, panic attack, some hateful comments (I spent fifteen minutes to come up with hateful comments against this amazing human being)

A/N - This is written for @devil-in-my-boots's request.

Jensen groaned as the alarm on his phone went off.

"I'm getting too old for this", Jensen murmured while thinking back to the events of the previous night. He didn't remember much. His memory being fuzzy indicated it was a wild night. He checked his phone, their panel started exactly in one hour. He reluctantly left his bed. He went into the bathroom to get freshened up. After getting dressed for the day, he left his room and trudged his way towards the green room hoping that a freshly brewed cup of coffee would be waiting for him.

He reached the room and his eyes scanned the area for the coffee and a particular person. His eyes lit up when he saw a creation con worker approaching him with a cup of coffee.

"Have you seen Jared?" Jensen asked the girl after he exchanged morning greetings and told a heartfelt thank you for the coffee.

"No. Maybe he is late. If I see him, I'll let him know that you were looking for him", Jensen nodded his head in agreement while taking the first sip of his energy drink.

"Hey Ackles!" Jensen heard his name being called.

"Remind me next time to never go out to get a drink with you guys", Jensen rolled his eyes.

"You weren't complaining last night", Richard smirked, "Where's your other half?"

"Jared? I don't know and I've been asking the same question", Jensen frowned.

"Your panel is in twenty. He is never this late", Richard copied Jensen's expression. "You are right, I'm gonna go and check on that dumbass. After last night, he probably missed his alarm", Jensen rolled his eyes but as he turned to go towards Jared's room, he saw the latter making his way towards them.

"Morning. What took you so long?" Jensen raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know. I'm not feeling great today", Jared frowned.

"I told you to not drink so much. It's probably the hangover".

"Yeah, I guess so". "Jared your coffee", a con worker interrupted their conversation and handed Jared his cup.

"Thanks", Jared gave the girl a little smile.

It was a quiet morning. Most of the cast members were suffering from severe hangover. None of them talked much and Jared mostly kept to himself before the panel started.

"You both are up in five". They both nodded and made their way towards the stage entry.

"You okay man?" Jensen eyed his best friend suspiciously. They have had nights like that before but Jared speaking not a single word the morning after was highly unlikely of him.

"Yeah. I'm fine", Jared tried to assure the green eyed actor but the latter was not convinced at all. Before Jensen could ask Jared more questions, they got their cue to go up on the stage.

On stage, Jensen noticed that Jared was trying to joke and make everyone laugh but Jensen could tell the actor had put on a fake smile for the fans. He kept a close eye on Jared hroughout the entire panel. The panel came to an end without any problems.

"Jared, what's up with you today?" Jensen asked.

"I don't know. Maybe today is not my day", Jared shrugged. Jensen knew that moment, his best friend was not okay. He was having an off day.

"Talk to me, Jare. What's troubling ya?"

"I said it's nothing. I need some space", Jared said and went to sit down in a secluded corner of the green room.

"Hey Ackles, Padalecki", Misha called out getting no reply from Jared.

"Hey", Jensen gave Misha a little smile while his eyes were fixed on Jared.

"What's up with him? He seemed fine yesterday," Misha pointed at the tall man.

"I don't know. He won't tell", Jensen frowned.

The rest of the day went on without a hitch. Jared didn't speak to anyone unless it was necessary. Jared's behaviour not only concerned Jensen but it started to worry the other actors too.

Jensen tried to remain as close as possible to Jared throughout the day in case he needed him unti he was pulled into his solo photo ops.

"Jare?" Jensen called out when he saw his friend sitting at the table in a secluded corner of an almost empty green room.

Jared didn't reply back. Jensen came closer to him and saw him sitting with his head down, his phone displaying the twitter app was lying in front of him on the table.

"Hey, hey, hey. What is it? Talk to me", Jared looked up at his best friend and Jensen noticed Jared's eyes were red indicating he had been crying.

"I-I can't. It's too much-...I don't know.....I tried", Jared answered in broken sentences.

"Hey buddy, have you been on twitter? You know you can tell me everything", Jensen nudged his friend.

"There is nothing to tell. I don't know, I just don't feel myself today and-" Jensen sat down on the chair beside him and looked at his phone. There were pictures from the previous nights along with some really hateful comments.

"Jared Padalecki is a messed up human being"

"He just wants Jensen's attention"

"Jared is selfish and arrogant. He doesn't care what his friends want. Especially Jensen"

"#jaredpadaleckiiscancelled"

Jensen swallowed thickly.

"Why did you go on twitter? You know that is-it's a very hateful place".

"It's not. They are right. Look at me Jensen. I just need your attention. I'm a fucking mess", Jared scoff.

"No you are not. This is just a bad day and those comments made it worse. Those are not true and we all know that", Jensen said sternly.

"They are right. I'm not worth all this Jay. Y-you could've gone back to your room but instead you are stuck with me. I'm not uh-worth the trouble", that one sentence made Jensen's heart beat faster. It felt like a déjà vu. "I'm so tired of this. T-The voices in my head just won't stop and-I-they are worse today.....They say fake it till you make it. I-I-I tried Jay, I t-tried to uh-f-fake it. But"- the words got stuck in Jared's throat and Jensen could see he was on the verge of a panic attack.

"Hey, hey shh. Match your breathing with mine. Okay?.......Take a deep breath now. Come on. That's it buddy.....You are fine. You will be fine. Always keep fighting, right?" Jensen kept assuring Jared.

"It's just-I create problems for everyone. They are right. T-Those people are right about one thing. I am trouble and....I am not important to anyone. You are worried about me too, j-just because I can't keep my shit together", Jared said in a strained voice.

Jensen pulled his best friend into a hug.

"Stop it Jare, you are a fucking human being. Those people who are hiding behind computer screens, they don't know you. You know why am I here today? Because you are important to us. You are important to your family....To me. Fuck those people! You can have good days and bad days. And then there are days which are absolutely shitty. Buddy, you have me, you have Gen, you have the other guys. We will always have your back, brother", Jensen tightened his embrace around Jared. Jared nodded. He knew Jared needed that comforting touch. He had to let Jared know that he was not a burden. He knew he had to let Jared know that he was not alone. Jensen's blood started to boil when he thought about those petty fans on twitter. His best friend didn't deserve those hateful comments.

"Jay?" Jared let go of Jensen's hug.

"Hm? What?" He looked at Jared.

"Don't kill anyone tonight", a tiny smile appeared on Jared's face.

"Smartass", Jensen rolled his eyes, a tiny smile playing on his lips too.

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Forever taglist - @donnaintx @devil-in-my-boots @amandamdiehl