#aside from his big sis maddie

[beastologist]

One other reason why I'm more inclined toward Buck & Tommy? They understand each other's line of work, but they are NOT working in the same firehouse. They WON'T be constantly attached to the hips all day at work and outside of work. Just like Hen, Bobby and Chimney do have their significant others outside the 118 firehouse, I would prefer for Buck to have a significant other outside the 118 firehouse, too. Remember how Hen basically said Buck doesn't have anyone outside the 118? That's a potential difference and improvement Tommy could make for Buck.

[half-bakedboy]

Evan “Buck” Buckley/Eddie Diaz | Rated T | Chapters 1/11 | Posting Every Other Day 

When Maddie showed up at the one-eighteen covered in bruises and needing a place to stay, Buck didn't hesitate to let her into his home and the new life he had created in L.A. While he was happy to have his sister back, he was tired of insisting to her that he wasn't as lonely as she accused him of being. So when she assumes he's in some secret relationship with his coworker and best friend, Eddie, Buck decides it couldn't hurt to tell a little white lie, especially when it meant his sister could focus on something that wasn't her own past.

Now Buck is stuck trying to navigate through a ruse of his own creation while dealing with newfound feelings for his best friend that seemed to sneak up on him.

Oh, and did he mention the mysterious accelerant that kept finding itself in his path, putting everyone he loves in danger?

read chapter one on ao3

“I’m just worried about you, Evan,” Maddie sighed into the phone. Buck’s heart did that stupid little stutter directly correlated with disappointing his sister and he held the phone away from his face as if that would lessen the guilt he felt. 

“Mads, I’m—”

“You’re not fine.” 

Buck sighed. “I wasn’t going to say fine. I was going to say—” Buck thought for a second, but his sister was right—as she usually was—and who was he to argue with her? “Alright, I was going to say fine, but it’s because it’s true!” Buck urged, hoping that the more times he said it, the more likely she’d be to believe it. (Maybe he could convince himself of the fact along the way.)

“It’s been almost two months since Abby—”

“Really, big sis? You just gotta bring that up?” He complained, groaning more than audibly as he stared up at the firehouse ceiling. He had found in the last few weeks of overtime shifts that counting the tiles and slabs that made up the structure was a great way to pass the time. 

“Yes, little bro, I have to bring it up because I’m—”

“—Worried about you.” Buck finished the sentence with her and prepared for annoyance or, at the very least, another deep sigh, but instead, she stayed quiet as if giving him the chance to speak up. 

Another sigh resonated before Maddie said, “You’re all alone in this big city with no family. You have to understand my worry.” 

“I do, I really do, but I’m finally finding myself here. The 118 has really taken me in as their own; they’re friends who almost qualify as family at this point!” Buck argued, running a hand through his hair. Maddie couldn’t possibly understand what his fellow firefighters had meant to him. 

“Have you at least started dating yet?” Maddie asked. Buck resisted the urge to hang up on her and took a deep breath as he considered her question. He could tell the truth, which was that he hadn’t so much as touched a woman since Abby tore his heart out of his chest and stomped it into the ground. 

Or…

“I’m dabbling,” he decided to say instead. 

It wasn’t completely a lie. He had decided a few days ago with a lot of pressure from Hen and Karen that he needed to at least attempt to get back out there and downloaded one of the most popular dating apps he could find. He set up his profile—albeit very scarcely—and had been waiting for those likes to come in. What he wasn’t expecting was almost complete radio silence and for his ego to take a direct hit when Chim got a date within the first hour of downloading it. 

“Anyone I should know about?” For some reason, Buck wasn’t expecting the question. He thought that Maddie would shy away from asking or just be happy that Buck had divulged even just that little bit of information, but no. She just had to put her brother on the spot and have him panicking about what to say. 

“Soon?” He sputtered, immediately regretting his words the moment Maddie’s small squeal echoed through the speaker. 

“Evan Buckley, I knew you were keeping something from me the second you said you were fine! You knew that I wouldn’t just take that laying down, right? You must’ve!” The happiness in her voice broke Buck’s heart a little further and he couldn’t back down; not when her joy was so obvious in her rambling and the way she giggled into the phone. 

“I— It’s really new, Mads,” Buck muttered as he tilted his head to the side and let his phone rest against his cheek. 

“New is good and you deserve good, Buck,” Maddie said, the words like a gentle caress to his cheek that he would have leaned into if she was there. As if an idea had just occurred to her, Maddie gasped and said excitedly, “I’m gonna come visit. I’ve gotta meet this family of yours and you can’t avoid introducing me to whoever is making your life a little less lonely if I show up at your door.” Buck was annoyed that she had a point, but the prospect of having his sister around after a few years of space had his heart warming in his chest. 

“You’re welcome here any time, Mads. I’ve really missed—”

“I’ve gotta go,” Maddie said, her voice quieter and a bit more panicked than Buck would ever have wanted to hear. “Doug needs me to— Well, he just needs me. Will you please stop being such a stranger and let me in on your life from now on, little brother?” Buck rolled his eyes at the term of endearment but agreed easily anyway. 

“You know everything there is to know, sis.” 

He wished he could be surprised when he got the text a few hours later that a trip to L.A. just wasn’t in the cards for her.

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

The one-eighteen was quiet—though Buck wouldn’t dare say the word—for the majority of his shift a few days after his call with Maddie, which he was grateful for because Bobby was tabling his famous pasta bar as Buck skipped up the firehouse steps. The rest of the team was already seated in their usual spots and Buck took his next to the newest recruit, Eddie, elbowing his side as he leaned to scoop up the first piece of lasagna. 

“Ay, the rest of us eat first, unless you’re planning on serving me, Diaz,” Buck teased with an over-exaggerated wink.

“You know I just live to serve you, Buckley,” Eddie shot back easily and Buck couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up inside of him. It had been their thing since the new guy started. Buck would flirt with him until the rest of the team groaned or stopped it and apparently, Hen was at her wits end already if the piece of bread that slammed into Buck’s head was any indication. 

“ Jeez , Hen, we’re just having some fun,” Buck pouted, taking a large bite out of the piece of food that landed on his plate. 

“Do you always have to flirt with the newbie? It’s honestly sickening,” Hen complained with a roll of her eyes but Buck knew there was no heat in her words. He realized that look was all too similar to the one his sister would have given him. Buck laughed and tossed a grape tomato in her direction in retaliation. 

“There’s no stopping us now,” Buck assured her with a wink.  

And there really wasn’t. Buck and Eddie had been like that since the very beginning, and they only grew more comfortable and in sync in the few months they had spent working together. Eddie had joined the team as an openly gay single dad with no hesitation and Buck had respected that immediately. He was not one to hide his interest in any and all genders, but he wasn’t exactly waving a flag when he started at the one-eighteen. 

There was about a minute of silence when Eddie introduced himself before Buck decided that the best way to smooth him onto the team dynamic was to hit on him. Buck made a ridiculous come-on about a firehose that was brushed aside by the rest of the team, but Eddie laughed and gave it right back. The two had been fast friends ever since, much to the dismay of the rest of their team. 

“What’s everyone’s plans for the next three days off?” Buck asked as he stacked both his and Eddie’s plates full of food, tossing an untouched piece of bread behind his back that Eddie caught seamlessly just before it landed in his salad dressing. 

“Christopher and I have a Marvel marathon planned that I couldn’t even try to get out of,” Eddie offered, slurping up a spaghetti noodle as Buck sat back down. “Which reminds me that he wanted me to ask you if you could come?” Eddie asked, peering at Buck out of the corner of his eye. Buck wasn’t sure where the sudden shyness had come from, but before he could ask or answer, Bobby was chiming in. 

“May and Harry are with Michael so I will be finally showing Athena that my cooking skills are not just for show,” Bobby said with a large smile on his face. Buck liked seeing him like that, unapologetically happy for the new life he was starting. 

“I’m planning on sleeping until my alarm goes off in three days,” Chim laughed from where he leaned back in his chair. “What about you, Buckaroo?” 

“Well, I was going to try and find a date because my sister won’t stop bugging me about being single, but…” He trailed off, cupping Eddie’s shoulder tightly in his hand, “I just got an offer I’d be a fool to refuse.” 

Eddie smiled and shrugged off Buck’s touch with a fond roll of his eyes before they focused on his plate. Buck glanced around at his team with an uncontrollable smile on his face as they bantered and laughed and listened intently to whatever story Hen was telling about her son, Denny. He thought back to his conversation with Maddie and how worried she had sounded for him, as if he was alone without Abby. 

He wasn’t. His team—their laughter and camaraderie, their friendship and love, their shared stories and experience—was everything he needed.

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

Buck was stuck with the dishes once the table was cleared, but he didn’t mind. He liked to get lost in the mundane task of scrubbing and cleaning, the clanging of the dishes a friendly reminder that he had spent much-needed bonding time with his team. Plus, doing the dishes meant he got to decide where they would go out after their shift and he had the best places in mind. 

“Ma’am, are you okay?” Buck heard Chim’s voice softer than he expected from the second-floor terrace. 

“I’m— That’s just the question of the day, isn’t it?” Buck’s heart dropped as he recognized the all too familiar voice and before he could think twice, his legs were bringing him down the stairs in a sprint. “I’m looking for—”

“Maddie?” Buck asked. When she turned, he caught sight of the bruises littering her face and peaking out from underneath the collar of her shirt. The long sleeves did nothing to hide the darkness around her wrists and she didn’t even try to cover up the gashes on her cheek and lip.

“Hey, Evan,” she said weakly, a forced smile tugging at her lips. Buck had her in his arms before her legs could fully give out and he held her tightly to his chest, careful of the soreness he knew was probably hidden underneath her clothes. 

“Hey, hey, I got you. I got you, you’re okay,” Buck whispered into her hair as she sobbed, nails clawing at his back that probably would have hurt if he wasn’t so focused on providing his sister comfort. He caught Chim’s eyes over her shoulder, EMT bag in hand, and shook his head, searching the room for Hen. Chim seemed to understand exactly what he was doing and ran to the back where Buck was pretty sure Hen was resting. 

“I didn’t know where else to go,” Maddie choked out as she tried to pull away. Buck wouldn’t let her, though, as he threaded his fingers through her hair and kissed her temple softly. 

“Here is perfect, okay? Don’t worry about it,” Buck reassured. He wasn’t sure exactly what to say to her. He had known her relationship with Doug wasn’t the best and there was no doubt in his mind that that monster had hurt her. The way her body trembled and her voice shook had Buck feeling uneasy himself as he led her to one of the more comfortable couches in the station. 

“Hey, sweetie, I’m Hen. You’re Buck’s sister? Maddie?” Hen said as she approached, carefully as if walking up to an easily spooked animal. Buck appreciated it as much as it hurt him to see. 

“That’s me, the overbearing big sister,” Maddie attempted to joke, but it fell flat to everyone that had gathered around except for Buck. 

“I don’t think I ever used the word ‘overbearing’ specifically. Maybe persistent, annoying was probably dropped in there a time or two,” Buck teased. He was too grateful when Maddie’s hand came up to swat his shoulder to focus on the wince on her face at the movement. 

“She can’t be worse than you, Buckaroo,” Chim chimed in from where he stood a few feet away, flanked by Bobby and Eddie, who Buck noted was paying closer attention to where he kneeled beside his sister than he was at Maddie like everyone else. 

“I promise I’m not,” Maddie said weakly. Buck held onto her hand delicately as Hen settled beside her, the EMT bag on her lap. 

“Any family of Buck’s is family of ours,” Bobby stated, nodding at Hen as if giving her the okay to fully check up on her. 

“He’s told me a lot about you guys, his family away from family. I—” Maddie’s breath hitched as Hen pressed her thumbs over the bruises along her collarbones and she pressed her lips together to compose herself before she continued. “I’m sorry for barging in this way, looking like—”

“—Like a Buckley?” Eddie offered, easing the bit of tension of what wasn’t being said in the room. Buck sent him a thankful nod as he squeezed his sister’s hand. “We’ve heard y’all are prone to accidents. The number of times I’ve had to patch up this one on company time is too many and counting.” Buck laughed and tossed a friendly finger in Eddie’s direction, smiling when Maddie seemed to relax at the banter. 

“This one is always tossing himself into the fire quite literally, huh?” Maddie asked. Buck could tell she was relieved to have the conversation moved away from her and he didn’t mind being the target for her benefit. 

“I’ve only been here for a few months, but I’m pretty sure Buck would put anyone before himself.” Eddie’s voice was a lot closer than Buck had expected and he didn’t realize how much tension was building up inside of him until Eddie’s hand landed in between his shoulder blades. He glanced up to catch his friend’s eye, smiling softly at the steady and comforting press on his back. 

“Yeah, that’s exactly who he is,” Maddie muttered. When Buck glanced up at her, her eyes were narrowed and darted back and forth between him and Eddie accusatorily. That was not good . Buck cleared his throat.

“Can you guys give us a minute?” Buck asked.

Eddie ran his hand up to Buck’s shoulder, squeezing gently and Buck couldn’t resist reaching up to let his palm brush over the back of Eddie’s hand, letting him know how much the gesture was appreciated. Bobby and Chim hesitantly nodded in response before they all disappeared, leaving an even more tense Maddie and nerve-filled Buck alone with Hen who was treating the cut on Maddie’s cheek. 

As if scared for Buck to ask, Maddie offered, “It had been a few months, Buck. I thought— I really thought he had changed.” Buck sighed and rested his forehead on Maddie’s knee, relaxing only marginally when Maddie’s hand patted the back of his head. 

“What was it this time? Did you argue with him a little too hard? Maybe you didn’t reach the level of perfection he always required of you?” 

“Buck—” Hen warned, shooting a look that could kill in Buck’s direction. 

“No, it’s— It’s okay. He’s right either way,” Maddie relented with a deep sigh. “It had been building since I said I wanted to visit you in L.A. I told him that you had alluded to seeing someone and that I wanted to see if it was true. He said I couldn’t go, that he was the only family I needed, and when I argued against that…” Maddie trailed off, gesturing to her face and that was enough for Buck to put together what happened next. 

“He did this because of me?” Buck’s voice shook as he glanced back at his sister, reaching a hand up to stroke a finger over the dark bruise on her jaw. Maddie grabbed it and turned toward her brother, leveling their eyes together with a protectiveness in them that provided him the calm he needed. 

“This was not your fault, Evan,” Maddie said sternly. 

“It’s neither of your faults,” Hen added, resting her palm on Maddie’s arm softly. Maddie nodded and smiled at Hen as brightly as she could given the circumstances. 

“She’s right and I came here because I can’t have this happen anymore,” Maddie stated, holding onto Buck’s hand a little tighter. “You mentioned your captain’s girlfriend was a cop?” 

Buck nodded and wrapped his arms around his sister, wishing he had never let go in the first place.

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

Athena had arrived at the station quicker than Buck had expected her to. Upon seeing him, she pulled him into a tight hug that he didn’t realize he had needed so much before disappearing into Bobby’s empty office with Maddie. He didn’t trust just anyone with his sister, but the second the door shut, he felt like he could finally take a breath. 

He was flanked by both Hen and Eddie in a flash while Chim paced in front of them, chewing on a piece of beef jerky to stay occupied. Bobby watched from above, silently observing his team, and looking ready to step in if Buck needed it. They were all there for him and when the door finally opened after what felt like hours later, the smile that tugged at the corner of Maddie’s lips told Buck she had seen just that. 

“Again, I’m really sorry for—” Athena shook her head and pointed a finger at Maddie, effectively stopping her unneeded apology. 

“You’ll only have to be sorry if you don’t let this one take care of you the way you deserve,” she said, raising her eyebrows like a challenge. Maddie pressed her lips together and nodded bashfully as she leaned into the arm Buck had thrown around her neck. 

“Buck, shift’s just about over. Why don’t you show your sister where she’ll be staying?” Bobby said. It was an order as much as a suggestion but Buck was going to take him up on it either way. 

“Yeah, that sounds great. Let me know if you need me to come back in.” Bobby silenced him with one look.

“We can survive the next hour without you, man,” Eddie chimed in. He walked over and pulled Buck into a one-armed hug as if he knew nothing could pry him away from his sister. Buck was grateful for the extra warmth Eddie provided him, either way.

“If you guys need anything, you know where we’ll be,” Hen assured, rubbing a gentle palm down Maddie’s arm until their hands were connected. Maddie squeezed it tightly and mouthed her thanks at Hen who brushed it off with a wave of her hand. 

“I can’t thank you guys enough,” Buck began, but he stopped himself from saying any more before any of his team could argue. “I’ll see you in a few days?” He asked, directing his attention to Bobby so he could let his captain know that his sister arriving wouldn’t impact his work. As if he already knew, Bobby nodded and wrapped an arm around Athena’s waist. 

“We’ll probably see you before then,” Bobby offered with a slight wink and Buck laughed. 

“You guys sure I can steal my little brother away early?” Maddie asked nervously. 

“Now that you’ve teased us with him leaving, you can’t take it back,” Eddie said from beside Buck. They both had to laugh and Buck punched Eddie’s arm in retaliation only for Eddie to grab onto his hand tightly, not letting him pull away yet. His voice was low as he muttered, “You’ll let me know if you need anything?” 

It was meant to be a question, but Buck knew it wasn’t. Everyone around them was so focused on Maddie and her injuries—which Buck couldn’t blame them for—that none of them really stopped to think how tough the next few days may be for the Buckley’s as a whole. But not Eddie. Just one glance from his friend told Buck that Eddie was well aware of the toll this might take on Buck’s good-natured mind and that Eddie was going to be there through it all. 

“Yeah,” Buck confirmed, resting a hand on Eddie’s neck in a friendly gesture of comfort, “I’ll call you.”

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

“I’m not going back there,” Maddie said the minute the door to Buck’s apartment shut. 

“I know you’re not,” Buck agreed because even if she hadn’t made the choice herself, he wasn’t going to see his big sister hurt like that again. 

“I grabbed what I could before I left and it’s going to take me a little while to get back on my feet, but—”

“Hey,” Buck said gently, wrapping his arms around his sister once more, “we’re gonna figure this out. It’s always been just the two of us, right? Sure, a few years have gone by, but you’re still the most important person in the world to me and we’re going to figure this out.” He repeated, believing the words so fully that Maddie must have, too. Her shoulders slumped in either relaxation or defeat, Buck couldn’t be sure which, and she pulled away enough for Buck to press a soft kiss to her forehead. 

“Can I stay here for a little? Just until—”

“Maddie, stop. You’re staying here whether you like it or not,” Buck said with a laugh, ruffling her hair in his hand before she could swat him away. 

“I just don’t want to impose on any guests you might have around,” Maddie said, crossing her arms over her chest and glancing around his apartment as if looking for signs of additional life. 

Buck sighed, “Go take a shower while I make up some dinner.” Maddie’s laugh was so refreshing, the tension of the last few hours seemed to fall right off of his shoulders. 

When he heard the water turn on, he busied himself with finding dinner even though he was still full from the large lunch at the station. He wasn’t sure when the last time Maddie had eaten was but her skin was too pale even through the bruises for him not to offer her something good. He rummaged through his cabinets for way too long, losing track of time as he listened to Maddie’s voice stop and start in the shower. 

He used to love listening to her sing. She had always been carefree and beautiful and that was always something he admired. He could hear the hesitance in her voice as she weakly sang through the chorus of one of her favorite country songs and wished he could heal whatever it was inside that had her balking. Buck loved her more than anything in the world.

With a deep breath, he reminded himself that she had made that first step, the one he had wanted her to so many years before. He smiled to himself, grateful that she made it back to him mostly in one piece. Even though she didn’t have that fire in her eyes that he remembered, he knew that her deciding to come home to him was the spark she needed to light it back up. 

A knock at the door had him cursing because the water had shut off and he still didn’t have dinner on the table. When he opened the door and saw Eddie, two pizza boxes in hand, he thought he might cry. 

“I figured you usually go grocery shopping with Chris and I and we’re running low on food for two so—” Buck interrupted him by wrapping him another suffocatingly tight hug. 

“Man, you could not have arrived at a better fucking time,” Buck sighed with relief. “I can’t believe you did this for her,” he muttered mostly to himself. Eddie opened his mouth, but before he could respond, Maddie trotted down the stairs, patting her hair down with a towel. 

“Eddie, right?” She asked, a twinkle in her eye that Buck wasn’t too fond of given the situation. “Did you bring us dinner?” 

Eddie nodded and mumbled, “Yeah, for, uh, you actually.” Buck took the pizza boxes from his hands and Eddie immediately ran his fingers through the hair on the back of his neck as if suddenly bashful. Buck thought he looked more adorable than usual but brushed it aside. 

“That is so sweet of you,” Maddie said, knocking her hip against Buck’s. “Isn’t that so sweet of him, Evan?” Eddie snickered and Buck knew it was because of the use of his first name. He shot an unimpressed glance at Eddie who pressed his lips together in return as if holding back more laughter. 

“Eddie’s just a regular old saint if you ask anyone,” Buck explained with much more sarcasm in his voice than he really intended. Maddie didn’t seem to notice as she smiled up at Eddie. 

“Are you staying for dinner? I’m sure Buck would appreciate the company,” Maddie said happily, side-eyeing Buck as if he’d even thought to go against her words. 

“Oh, no, I gotta get back to my kid,” Eddie said, gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder. Buck knew Christopher wasn’t with him or else he would have asked them both to come inside. 

“You have a kid?” Maddie asked, mouth agape for reasons Buck didn’t know but would definitely ask her about later. 

“Yeah, Christopher. He’s—”

“—The best kid in the entire world,” Buck interrupted, turning to his sister. “Maddie, this kid is a spitfire and he’s got jokes and comebacks for everything, I swear! And he’s like the smartest 8-year-old I’ve ever met, not that I’ve hung out with many 8-year-olds, but still. You’re gonna love him!” Buck decided. He must have been rambling as both his sister and Eddie were staring over at him with amused looks on their faces. “…What?” 

“I mean, I was just gonna tell her his age, but I guess all that stuff is true, too,” Eddie teased. He flinched when Buck swatted at him with the hand that wasn’t holding the pizza. 

“He sounds incredible. I hope I get to meet him?” Maddie asked. Buck nodded quickly and a smile Buck wasn’t sure he had ever seen before tugged at the corner of Eddie’s lips. Buck was just about to offer for them to come over the following night when he remembered what he had already agreed to. 

“Oh, crap. The Marvel movie night!” Buck exclaimed as he finally set the pizzas down on the side table. “Did you already tell Chris I was gonna join?” 

“Yeah, but it’s totally fine. I’m sure he’ll understand that your sister is here and—”

“Nonsense! You promised that kid a movie night, he’s gonna get a movie night!” Maddie shouted as she opened up the pizza box and helped herself to a slice. Buck was glad she seemed to still have the appetite he remembered. “I don’t mind having a night to myself. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to just cry over a sad Hallmark movie with a glass of wine, you know?” Buck didn’t, but he also really wanted to hang out with the Diazes. 

“We can always reschedule. Marvel isn’t going anywhere,” Eddie offered, but Maddie just shook her head and slapped Buck’s arm like it was his job to convince Eddie he would be a fool to do that. 

“I’ll be over tomorrow at five with sandwiches to pay you back for tonight, okay?” Buck said softly, holding Eddie’s bicep in his palm. A blush covered his face and Buck wasn’t sure why he was being so nervous all of a sudden; they bantered and touched like that all the time. 

“Yeah, okay. Maddie, thank you for letting me steal him and enjoy the pizza. Buck, I’ll, uh, see you tomorrow.” He waved as he backed away and Buck watched as he jumped into his car and drove off. 

Once the door was shut, Maddie smacked him on the arm and Buck recoiled, sending a confused glance at his sister. 

“What the hell was that for?” Buck asked, rubbing his skin even though it really didn’t hurt that bad. 

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were dating a coworker !” Maddie shouted, gaping at Buck with joy in her eyes that he had missed more than he realized. He was so focused on her happiness, it took him more than a few reasonable moments to realize what she had said. 

“I’m— Wait, what?” Buck asked, pausing mid-bite on the piece of the pepper and sausage pizza he made a mental reminder to thank Eddie for tomorrow. 

“Eddie?!” Maddie repeated in a squeal. “I knew after our conversation that whoever you were dating wasn’t just any old person, but another firefighter? A male firefighter at that? No wonder you didn’t want to tell me yet!” Buck blanched and finished chewing his pizza carefully so as to not choke. 

“Maddie, I mean this with no malice and all confusion; what the absolute fuck are you talking about?” Maddie scoffed and grabbed the pizza boxes, wandering to the living room and placing them on the coffee table. She made her way into the kitchen to grab two beers from the fridge before settling down next to Buck who had to sit on the couch and think before he fell over. 

“Oh, you cannot even pretend that you guys aren’t head over heels for each other. The hand on your back at the station? The side hug? Bringing you pizza after a rough day? The blushing?!” Maddie raised her eyebrows at Buck and he honestly didn’t know how to respond. 

He should have said it was nothing. He should have said they were the only two openly not-straight men that he knew of who worked at the LAFD and were closer because of that. He should have said that they were just friends who put their lives at risk for each other every day so their relationship was bound to be special. He should have said all of that. 

But Maddie looked so happy and carefree so instead, he lied. 

“It’s… really new,” he said, echoing the words he had told her before she came to L.A. Her squeal of delight was enough for any regret he might have had to wash away and for his heart to soar that he could put that bright smile back on his sister’s face. 

“Evan Buckley, you have to tell me everything !”  Maddie crossed her legs on the couch and settled back against the cushions, making herself comfortable in the place Buck had started to call home. Even with the bruises and cuts littering her face, she looked at ease, and Buck smiled over at her widely. 

“There’s nothing to tell, Mads. He started at the station a few months ago and we just… hit it off. Like I said, it’s new and he’s… good.” He wasn’t sure why he had hesitated but he hoped she didn’t read too much into it. When she rested a gentle hand on his bicep and squeezed, he knew she had believed every word of what he had said. The fact it wasn’t a total lie was the only reason he didn’t let his guilt build up too much just yet. 

“I’m really proud of you, you know?” Maddie said softly, moving her hand up to cup the side of his face and brush her thumb along his cheekbone. He melted into the touch and closed his eyes, the words resonating through him as the ones he always longed to hear. 

“What for?” Buck asked. 

Maddie sighed and said, “For being you.” She tapped his nose with the tip of her finger before she added, “Now tell me all about him!”

[bbrandy2002]

Fool’s Rush In

Part 3

I’m participating in @wackydrabbles​ prompt #52: Sure, alcohol solves most problems, but in this particular case, I don't think it will help  (It is highlighted in bold).

Series Premise: With two weeks until Liam is to marry Madeleine, the guys throw him a bachelor party in Vegas. After a drunken night, he finds himself with way more than he bargained for.

You can find the previous chapters here.

MC did not exist in Liam’s social season. OC Riley Brooks lives in Las Vegas.

Pairing: Liam x OC

Book: The Royal Romance

A/N: This is an 18 plus series. There is mention of an STD, so if that is a trigger … might not want to read.

A/N: Thanks to @burnsoslow and @choiceskatie for snippet reading. And Burnsy and @jessiembruno for suggestions.

Word Count: 1752

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Standing in the bathroom of the hotel's penthouse they shared with friends, Maxwell broke the news to a stunned Drake about his ... unfortunate condition.

"What're you gonna do about them, Drake?"

Frustrated, Drake ran a hand down his face, wanting to be anywhere but with Maxwell at that precise moment. "I don't know, Maxwell," he spat. "This is my first crabbing!"

"Maybe we can have a doctor look at them. Get some ... I don't know ... kind of comb or poison or something."

He pulled his pants back up and groaned. "I just need a drink."

Maxwell followed Drake out of the bathroom, keeping a good distance from his friend. "Sure, alcohol solves most problems, but in this particular case, I don't think it will help."

Liam and Leo sat on the sofa watching the Instagram posting of the wedding ceremony as the duo walked by. 

A disgruntled Liam stood and gestured to the laptop on the coffee table. "Maxwell! Why the hell did you post this? Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Drake was already out the door headed for the hotel bar. Maxwell never broke stride as he trailed. "No time to talk, Li. Got an STD emergency."

The door slammed with a jarring thud. Liam turned back to Leo with a confused look. "What was that?"

"Sounds like the Drakester didn't wrap it up," Leo chuckled while sippng on a capri-sun, while never taking his attention away from the screen. "Oh! Oh!" He waved his younger brother over with excitement. "This is the part where you sang, Moves Like Jagger, to Riley during the ceremony."

They both listened in as Liam's garbled voice reverberated from the speakers watching the King grind fervently against his bride. "Take me by the tongue, and I'll know you. Kiss me 'til you're drunk, and I'll show you all the moves like Liam. I've got the moves like Liam. I've got the moooOoooOooOooves like Liam."

Liam's hands flew in the air out of bewilderment. "I don't even know that fucking song!"

Leo slurped through his little yellow straw then replied, "I think you do. Videos don't lie, Liam."

A haste knock interrupted their viewing; Liam answered the door, surprised to see Riley.

The frantic woman held her phone up to his face. "Do you want to explain why I'm all over the internet with you, Elvis, and this … this monkey?  Also, it says we got married?"

Leo bolted from the sofa. "Hey! That monkey has a name, you know.”

"Not now, Leo," Liam grumbled.

Riley leaned to get a better look at the sandy-haired blond who was approaching the door. "Who are you?"

Stepping in front of his brother with a hand extended, he flashed his signature grin. "I'm Leo, your new brother-in-law. But only by half because my mom left me. Then I got a new mommy: Liam's mom -- then she died. Then we both got another new mom. Wait … is  Regina still alive? Oh my god! Tell me we still have a mom, Liam!"

"Leo! Get the hell out of here!"

He huffed. "Fine. I'll go make a sandwich. You want one sis?"

Riley shook her head.

Liam gave her an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry about him. Please come in." He stepped aside and offered her a seat on the sofa. 

She couldn't help but notice the laptop on the table paused on their abrupt ceremony. It was apparent to her that Liam was trying desperately to get his own answers.

Liam pushed the laptop aside and sat across from her on the table; his elbows rested on his thighs as he sat forward. He let out a heavy exhale. "I suppose we have a lot to talk about."

"Yes, we do. What is all of this? And you're a King? Why didn't you tell me that?"

"I am. It's a small country in the Mediterranean -- Cordonia. And I couldn't tell you because my head guard wouldn't allow me to come on this trip without him unless I remained discreet about my identity."

Riley regarded him thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense." 

Leo handed her a Capri-Sun with the straw already pushed in. She took it hesitantly and thanked him. "I guess I just need to know how we ended up married to one another last night?"

Liam's remorseful eyes idled up to his brother, who was now standing next to him, eating a turkey and Frito's sandwich. "According to my brother here, whose heart is bigger than his brain, I called him and asked him to marry us."

Leo shook his head. "That's true, Riley. It's all Liam's fault."

Liam rolled his eyes. "Leo, why don't you go check on Drake and Max."

"Fuck that!  Drake ain't got nothing I wanna be checking on right now."

"No, stay," Riley pleaded. "You seem to be the only one who knows what happened last night. Can you tell me everything, please?"

Leo gave Liam an arrogant smirk before falling back onto the sofa beside Riley.

"I'll tell you everything, but you two have to promise to name your firstborn after it's Uncle Leo."

Liam dropped his head into his hands. "Leo, dammit."

Leo nudged Riley in the side and leaned into her. "Your husband's an asshole. Probably inherited from our daddy. If he ever makes you drink from a wine goblet, you should probably run."

Riley patted his knee like a child and spoke softly, assuming at this point he was a mental case. "Leo, sweetie, can you just tell me what happened last night, please."

"Well, as I told Liam, I was getting my prostate milked from hot Nurse Trisha at the bank. I just needed change for a twenty, but they said I had to make a deposit first. They even give you porn in this private room. So she's two fingers deep when I get a call from Liam, who was as drunk as Cooter Brown at a church picnic and said he needed me to come down to that Graceland Chapel because he was getting married. So after I sputtered in the little cup, I left in such a hurry I didn't get my change, but I called Drake and Max and told them they had to meet us at the chapel."

Riley cocked her head. "Why was a monkey there?"

"Oh, that's Mongo, the ring bearer. And if you pulled on his nipples, he'd hump your legs and give you a quick reach around. The coolest fucking monkey I ever knew."

Riley snapped a wide-eyed stare at Liam, who just shrugged at her and said, "I ... I've got nothing."

Leo bit into his sandwich. The crunch from the mound of Fritos could be heard in the casino fifty-one stories below. "You know, Liam --" He smacked his lips a few times. "Now that you're married to sis, you don't have to marry Maddie. You can have the wife and Queen you've always wanted. And judging by the noises I heard coming from your room last night, she makes you very happy."

Riley chuckled, slightly embarrassed, while Liam stood and walked to the wet bar for a drink and some distance.

"Leo, I appreciate the thought," he said while pouring a tumbler of scotch. "But Riley and I are just strangers who had a good time, but made a huge mistake." Liam took a sip of his drink and walked back to the sofa. "Don't worry about anything, Riley. I will take care of the annulment in Cordonia and here in the states."

She smiled. "I would appreciate that. Thank you."

Leo tossed his sandwich on the table. "No! Liam, man, this is your chance to be free. You came to Vegas and hit the jackpot. And maybe you two kids are strangers now, but there's no reason why you couldn't get to know each other and fall madly in love. You already know you'll never love Mads. And then at the end of the day, I'd be the big sexy cupid who made it all possible."

It surprised Liam that his brother's suggestion tempted him... and that Leo actually made a coherent suggestion. He sighed. "I don't think so, Leo."

Riley looked between the two men, who seemed to have a stare down over the logic of this idea. She liked Liam; he was the handsome, mysterious guy that she had always dreamed of meeting.  She took a long drink of her juice and sat it on the table. "I think I will go, now. Is there anything you need from me, Liam, to quicken the annulment?"

"If you could write your contact information down in case my lawyer has questions, that would be great. I'll be sure you receive copies of everything as soon as possible."

Riley pulled a notepad and a pen from her purse as Leo walked over to Liam to debate further. "Don't do this little brother. Don't you do it. We can't afford to lose another member of our family. First it was daddy, then Regina, now Riley. I can't take it, Liam."

Liam placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "It's done, Leo. And ... Regina is alive. You just spoke to her yesterday."

Leo's head dropped back with a heavy sigh of relief. "Oh, thank god."

"Here ya go, Liam." Riley stood and handed the paper to him and grabbed her purse from the sofa. 

Leo clutched both of her shoulders and shook them. "Please, Riley, don't go. Don’t leave my brother an orphan. You're the Queen of Cordonia now. Think of the people!"

Riley snorted from just the thought. "I know nothing about being a queen. I doubt I would have anything to offer your little country."

"Liam could teach you! Hell, I can teach you, too. I'm the smartest one in the family. You'll be bossing people around in no time."

"That's very kind of you, but I think I like my little life just fine here in Vegas, bossing kids around the classroom all day." She patted his arm endearingly and walked past him toward the door.

Liam stood there, watching her walk away while the words of his brother replayed heavily through his mind. Nothing made sense; he was sad that she was leaving, knowing that it was completely irrational to feel that way. Leo was right, though: this was his chance to be free, and even if it didn't work out in the end, it could buy him time to find the one he would love and have the family he always wanted.

He turned away and walked back to the wet bar to pour another drink; he wouldn't be selfish and ask this complete stranger to give up her life for him. 

With his back turned, he closed his eyes when he heard Riley speak her goodbyes and opened the door. 

A familiar voice rang out that shook him to his core, and he whipped around to see his current wife stopped at the door by his future one.

"Oh, you must be the one who thinks she can steal my crown."

[darks-ink]

What A Nice Surprise CH.11

Almost at the end! Also I have such a good time writing these family fluff scenes, not gonna lie.

First Chapter - Previous Chapter - Next Chapter AO3 - FFnet

The doorbell rang, and Maddie looked up from the dinner she was preparing, startled. From the corner of her eye she could see Jack do the same, the invention he was tinkering with immediately put down on the table.

“D’you think that that’s Phantom?” her husband asked, turning to glance at the clock. “A little late for him, don’t you think?”

“He might be in trouble.” She put down her knife, glad that she hadn’t put anything on the fire yet. “We shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

Jack nodded, following her towards the front door. “Right you are, Mads.”

When she opened the door, she was immediately – instinctively – scanning over Phantom’s appearance. Glow was bright but flickering – emotion, maybe, instead of exhaustion – and no ectoplasm stained his suit. No visible injuries, tears, rips.

Then she noticed the ghost hovering next to him, almost identical in appearance, and she blinked in surprise.

“Hi Maddie, Jack,” Phantom said, a lopsided smile on his face. “Can we, uh, come in?”

“Of course.” She stepped aside, and both ghosts floated in. The other ghost glanced around, green eyes wide with curiosity, which further cemented Maddie’s suspicion that this wasn’t a duplicate gone wrong. Not that she thought Phantom was capable of duplication, anyway, but he had a tendency to surprise them.

“Who’s this?” Jack asked, smiling at the girl ghost. He offered her his hand, and hesitantly, she took it. “I don’t think Phantom ever mentioned your name, kiddo.”

She glanced from Jack to Phantom, then back again. “I’m, um. Danielle. But call me Dani, please?”

Jack released her hand, instead patting her on the shoulder with his massive hand. “Dani, nice to meet you! I’m Jack, and this is my wife Maddie.” He gestured over to her, and she reached out to shake hands with the ghost as well.

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said as they shook, smiling at the young ghost. Younger than Phantom even. By a couple years, if she had to guess. And so similar that they must’ve been siblings. “I didn’t know that Phantom had more ghosts in his family, to be honest. He’s never spoken of you.”

Dani laughed awkwardly, glancing over to Phantom again. The other ghost came to her rescue, nodding towards the living room. “Ah, yes, well. I’ve got a good explanation for that, and one that maybe… we should sit down for?”

Maddie caught a concerned look from Jack, and silently agreed. To Phantom, she nodded. “Yes, of course. Come, have a seat.” She added the last for Dani, gesturing at the couch.

She, herself, sat down on the couch itself, Jack by her side. Phantom and Dani both perched on the armchair, simultaneously, each taking an arm. The two ghosts shared a look, one she couldn’t decipher, but she did catch the shrug from Dani and the exasperated eye roll from Phantom.

Definitely siblings.

“So, now that we’re all situated…” She leaned forward, hands interlinked, expression patient and open but waiting. “I think we would both like to hear more.”

“Right, right.” Phantom looked over at his probably-sister, comfortingly patted her on the shoulder, then turned back to her and Jack. “So, basically, the short version is that Plasmius tried to clone me but didn’t do a very good job of it.”

Maddie felt her jaw drop, and Jack produced a strange noise between a cough and a surprised yelp.

“Excuse me?” she said, already seeing that they were serious – Dani looked seriously uncomfortable, and Phantom was clearly trying to make her feel better despite the circumstances. “But how? Why?”

“Because he sucks,” Dani mumbled under her breath. More loudly, she added, “He wasn’t happy with how well Phantom was doing. He still wanted to train Phantom, but he stood no chance of getting the actual Phantom, so he figured he would make his own.”

“Except that that was easier said that done,” Phantom continued, picking up the slack for Dani. “No matter how he tried, he couldn’t produce a stable ghost, one that could last. So he, uh. Decided to go a little more traditional on how ghosts are formed.”

The ghost wrapped an arm around his supposed clone, pulling her against his side. “He decided to use human DNA, too. I’m not sure what he was expecting – maybe that the human side would die and help guide the formation of the ghost? But I do know what ended up happening.”

“Well, it must’ve worked somehow.” Jack gestured at the two ghosts perched on the armchair, frowning. “Although he must’ve done a bad job with the DNA either way, if she ended up a girl.”

Dani glanced between Phantom and Maddie and Jack, brow creased. Then she nudged Phantom. “I’ll just show them. That’s easier, right?”

“Probably,” the ghost acknowledged. To the two humans, he said, “Trust me, there’s a good reason why I’m confident in saying that things didn’t work out as Plasmius expected. And there’s also a good reason why we came here.”

The clone nodded, pushing off of the chair. Rather than float, however, she settled with her feet set on the floor. She balled her hands into fists, then resolutely raised them in the air.

Maddie was about to ask what she was trying to achieve when a bright spark formed close to the girl’s waist. It expanded rapidly, forming a ring of white light around the ghost. One ring became two, slowly splitting apart and moving across Dani’s body.

Admittedly intrigued by this, Maddie sat back and watched with a strict eye. The area between the rings, which they had passed over, seemed to change in appearance. Rather than the black-and-white suit which she wore, reminiscent of Phantom’s own, an oversized blue hoodie and red shorts appeared. Her bare legs had the same skin tone as her face, that strangely human tint, and eventually blue-and-white sneakers appeared as well.

Then the ring passed over her head, over her scrunched-shut eyes and her hair… and white turned pitch black. A red beanie appeared, but it did little to hide the messy black haircut.

She gasped, and Dani opened wary eyes. Blue eyes.

The girl – ghost? – flinched under the watching eyes of her and Jack, folding in on herself, and Phantom quickly laid a calming hand on her shoulder.

“Shh, it’s okay Dani,” he soothed, pulling her back onto the chair and against his side. “They’re just surprised because they’ve never seen anything like that before. It’s okay, right, Jack, Maddie?”

Startled back to the present, she quickly nodded. “Yes, of course. It’s just…” She gestured at Dani, vaguely. “I’m not sure I get it. Is this not just a form of shapeshifting? A little strange, of course, if it’s not a power you possess, but–”

“No, no,” Phantom cut her off, shaking his head. “She didn’t just change on the outside. She became human. V- Plasmius, he used human DNA, right? And now Dani isn’t entirely ghost. She’s part human, too.”

She frowned, looking over at Jack. Surely that wasn’t possible…? They had looked into it before, the possibility of combining living matter and ectoplasm, but they deemed it impossible. One couldn’t be alive and dead at the same time. Ectoplasm simply wasn’t complex enough to sustain such a thing.

But wasn’t Phantom virtually alive, too? With a heartbeat and organs, and a need to breathe and eat and sleep?

“Do you know whose DNA he used for the human side?” Jack asked, seemingly unconcerned by whether or not this was scientifically possible. “To what extent does she resemble you, Phantom? Any traits carried over from when you were alive?”

The ghost started, eyes big and staring at Jack. “Well, um. We don’t know where the DNA came from, so. We don’t know how much came from the human DNA, and how much might’ve come from me. We think it might be 50/50, but we can’t prove it.”

“And I’m not really interested in finding out anyway,” Dani confessed with a shrug. Her sneakers thumped against the chair, legs too short to reach the floor from where she was perched on the arm again. “The whole… genetics thing, I don’t care about. I wasn’t born, so as far as I’m concerned, I don’t have a real family. A blood family.”

Jack snorted, then hummed. “A family doesn’t have to be related to be a family. And, the same way, people can be related to you and raise you your whole life and not be your family. It’s all about caring.”

Phantom raised the arm that was wrapped around Dani to ruffle her hair. “And you’re still my family, anyway, lil sis. We share DNA, and I care about you, so you’re my family twice over.”

Her face twisted into a shaky smile, and she shoved Phantom. “So you keep saying.”

“I keep saying it because it’s true!” the ghost protested, barely holding onto the chair, fingers digging into the plush material. “I called dibs, you’re mine now! Don’t make me lick you to prove it!”

“Lick me?” Dani repeated with a questioning frown and a smile. “What’s that supposed to–”

Phantom lunged, suddenly, wrapping both of his arms around Dani and pulling her against his chest. Then he stuck out his ecto-green tongue, pretending to lick her, before ruffling her hair. “There!” he exclaimed loudly, “Everyone knows that once you’ve licked food it’s yours, so obviously the same rule goes for siblings, right?”

“Ew, dude.” Dani made a disgusted face, attempting to grapple Phantom off of her again. “That’s disgusting!”

Maddie felt herself smile involuntarily. Jack nudged her, and she looked over to see him grin widely as well.

“Remember when our kids were like that?” he asked, face so bright she wouldn’t be surprised if he glowed like a ghost.

“Are you sure these aren’t ours too?” From the corner of her eye she watched Dani, her crystalline blue eyes and her roughed-up black hair. The shape of her face, so similar to Phantom and so similar to… to Danny.

Her eyes softened. “Jack, don’t you see it as well? They don’t know where Dani’s human DNA came from, but…”

“You think it’s Danny too?” He wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss against her temple. “Well, I’m not opposed to having another kid.”

“Phantom is practically ours as well,” she agreed, a soft smile on her face as she leaned against her husband. “But we’ll have to ask the kids too, honey. Phantom only drops by occasionally, but I won’t let Dani do that. She has human needs, and deserves to be raised that way, too.”

“Do you really mean that?”

Maddie started, suddenly reminded that Phantom and Dani were there too, and looked over to the two. They had halted in the middle of a fight, Dani sitting on Phantom’s chest, her wide blue eyes staring at Maddie.

“Do you really… Are you really saying you want me to stay here?”

“Well… Of course, sweetie.” She shifted, and Jack took the silent message and let go of her. Standing up, she crouched down next to Dani. “Phantom is virtually our family. And if you’re his family, then you’re ours as well.”

Dani blinked big watery eyes at her. Then suddenly she sprung forward, her twiggy arms wrapping around Maddie. She stumbled, barely catching the girl, but held her nonetheless.

The couch creaked behind them as Jack got up too, moving closer. He wrapped an arm around the two of them as well, tugging Phantom closer with his other. “We’re all a family, Dani, Phantom. Blood-related or not.”

She nodded against Maddie’s chest, warm in her arms. Her breaths – short and stuttery due to her tears – were hot against Maddie’s bare neck.

“Thank you,” Dani muttered between sobs, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Maddie untangled one hand, gently wiping a few tears off of Dani’s face. “I don’t care where you came from, sweetie. If you’ll have us, we would love to be your new family. We’ll have to ask our other kids, but they’ll be happy to have you, too, I promise.”

“If you say so…” Dani fidgeted, shooting a fleeting glance over at Phantom. Catching the underlying meaning, Jack dragged Phantom even closer, one arm slung around the ghost’s shoulders. Once he was close enough, Dani dug her fingers into his jumpsuit, pulling him into a proper hug, the two of them sandwiched between her and Jack.

Phantom spluttered, surprised, color fading from his extremities as he instinctively tapped into intangibility. But Dani held on, and once he realized what was happening, Phantom melted into the hug, too. He was cold where Dani was warm, his snowy white hair gently waving on a non-existent wind. But he was no less real for it, soft muscle and sharp bones in a too-lean body.

A green flush spread on Phantom’s cheeks, his glow warm and soothing, illuminating the matching red blush on Dani’s face. The two of them were curled into each other, with her and Jack’s arms wrapped around the both of them, pulled against both of their bodies.

She wasn’t sure how long the four of them ended up sitting there. Eventually she became aware of the hum Phantom seemed to emit. The ghost didn’t seem aware of it, despite it steadily increasing in volume, but Jack’s wide-eyed look suggested that he heard it, too. Felt it, as well.

It was… it was almost like a purr. With his eyes scrunched closed and his face soft and pleased, Phantom looked – and sounded – like a content cat. Did ghosts purr, somehow? Had they simply never noticed before, too occupied to hear the soft sound?

“You’re purring again,” Dani murmured, voice soft and somewhat sleepy as she nudged Phantom. “It makes my core feel weird.”

Phantom’s eyes opened as he squinted at her, and the hum quieted. It didn’t leave entirely, though, as he protested, “It’s not a purr. It’s just my core humming.”

“It sure sounds like a purr.” Dani grinned, lopsided. “You sounds like a cat.”

Luminescent green eyes opened further just so Phantom could roll them, and he pushed himself slightly further out of the embrace just so he could look at her properly. “It’s a hum. It’s normal for ghosts, in case you didn’t know, when they’re content and around their family.”

“So it is a purr,” Jack teased, a faux-thoughtful look on his face. “Like a happy cat.”

The ghost gasped, offended, as his gaze swept over to Jack. “Not you too! It’s not a purr, it’s my core!”

“Are you really upset that we’re comparing a phenomenon we’re not familiar with to a much-beloved equivalent in cats?” Maddie asked, ruffling Phantom’s hair. “A ghost core is strange to us, as is its behavior. The purring of a cat, however…”

He huffed, a childish pout on his face as he crossed his arms. It only lasted for a few moments before he broke out in a laugh, chuckling. “Alright, alright, fine. I’m not mad.”

“You almost had me going, kid!” Jack laughed too, clapping Phantom on the shoulder. “I was worried for a sec!”

Maddie watched the three of them laugh, a soft smile on her face too. Then she caught sight of the clock on the far wall and froze.

“What’s wrong?” Phantom asked almost immediately, clearly worried. His glow flickered anxiously.

“Nothing, nothing. I just saw how late it was getting,” Maddie confessed, starting the arduous task of untangling herself from the pile of limbs. “I barely got started on dinner, and I’ll need to make more now. Phantom, sweetie, will you eat along too?”

“I, uh, shouldn’t.” He made a complicated face, then patted Dani on the shoulder. “You’ll be okay without me, right? I’ll stick around so you can get introduced to the Fenton kids, but I really should go afterwards.”

Dani looked hesitant, but relaxed a little as Phantom explained. She nodded. “Okay, I guess. I can’t force you to stay, anyway.”

“If you couldn’t make it without me I would stay, of course.” He nudged her, keeping half an eye on Maddie as she wrestled herself out from in-between the ghost and the half-ghost. “But Maddie and Jack will take care of you, you know that, right?”

“Yeah,” Dani agreed, expression softening as she looked at the two of them. “Yeah, I know that.”

Phantom patted his sister-clone on her shoulder once more, then he lifted in the air. Phased himself out of the pile, which allowed Maddie to pull herself out as well.

Jack, seeing the pile get broken up, pushed himself to his feet as well. “I’ll call the kids down, then. Get everyone introduced.”

She nodded at him, dusting off her jumpsuit a little. “I’ll be in the kitchen. Call me over if you need me for anything.”

“Will do,” he agreed with a nod, helping Dani to her feet as well. “But I’m sure it’ll be alright. We’ve got some great kids, Mads.”

“Even more now that we had before.” She smiled over at Phantom and Dani, watching them react simultaneously; both blushed, turning to face away from them. Laughing a little at the identical display, she started making her way to the kitchen.

It didn’t take her long to realize she was being followed, and she glanced over her shoulder to see an awkward-looking Phantom. Quirked an eyebrow at him.

“Figured I would see if I could help,” he explained, rubbing the back of his neck as he floated after her. “Since I’m kind of responsible for the hold-up, and all that.”

“You really don’t have to, sweetie. It’s not your fault.” She paused in front of the pan of already-peeled potatoes, frowning at the crumpled things. Without their skin, they hadn’t lasted.

“Maybe not,” the ghost acknowledged, “But I feel responsible anyway, and I want to help.”

She clicked her tongue, then turned to hand him the pan. “Well, if you insist on helping, get rid of these for me, please. But really, Phantom, it’s alright. You can calm that rabid sense of responsibility, I promise.”

“No can do.” He huffed out a laugh, grinning at her as he moved to the trashcan. “It’s an uncontrollable beast.”

“That honestly sounds a little worrying.” She watched him with a creased brow. “You’re just a kid, Phantom. You shouldn’t feel responsible for so much stuff. Even what you’re doing for Amity Park, it’s a little much, isn’t it?”

“I’m fine, Mom,” Phantom groaned. Then he stilled entirely, flushing bright green, staring wide-eyed at her. Embarrassed, apparently, at having called her ‘Mom’. Like she and Jack hadn’t been telling him for forever that he was basically one of their kids, born to them or not. Maybe if he would tell his own parents he wouldn’t go searching for new ones.

But it wasn’t like she could just tell him that. He would clam up.

Instead she crossed her arms, stared him down impassively, one brow raised. “Is that so? Because you look a little thin, Phantom, have you been eating properly? Honestly, you’re as bad as my son.”

Phantom spluttered, pressing his hands against his face but peeking between his fingers to watch her. The white gloves stood out starkly against his flushed-green skin. “Are you for real?”

“Oh, I’m for real.” She smiled at him, then decided to take mercy and turn away. Instead she started rummaging through the fridge, hoping to find something to warm up – cooking an entirely new meal would take too long. “I feel like he never eats, and I’m not sure why. And you, Phantom, might be busy, but that’s no reason to skip meals!”

The ghost continued to sputter behind her, and her grin grew wider. Not that he could see, anyway, since she was still facing the fridge.

Speaking of which, wow, what a sad sight. She definitely needed to do groceries. Might as well take a trip to the mall too, take Dani along so she can buy some more clothes. Her hoodie and shorts certainly seemed like actual human clothes, but Maddie highly doubted that she owned a lot of those. Maybe even nothing besides what she was wearing. And really, that wouldn’t do.

She clicked her tongue, straightening up again. But the kitchen was empty – Phantom seemed to have left. Strange. She hadn’t heard Dani call for him, but maybe he had left to escape the situation. That, or maybe he had just gone invisible. Really, she had no way to tell.

Instead she wandered over to the living room, pausing in the doorway. Watched her husband sitting on the couch, Dani curled up next to him, with Jazz sitting on the armchair and Danny standing close by. They were all talking animatedly, but Maddie couldn’t overhear from where she stood.

They looked happy, though.

The bellowing voice of her dad startled Jazz into awareness. She blinked, dully, at the open book in front of her. Then she rubbed her eyes, frowned at the clock, and got up. Was dinner done already?

She exited her room, trying to neaten her hair back into her hairband. Made her way down the stairs and saw her dad sitting on the couch, Danny sitting next to him.

Stopped. Looked again.

That wasn’t Danny. That was some girl who, for whatever reason, looked almost exactly like Danny. What the hell?

“Dad,” she finally managed to say, eyes still locked on the girl sitting next to him, “Who is that?”

“Jazzy-Pants!” he cheerily greeted her back, one massive arm curled around the tiny girl. Her black hair was mussed up, looking like it had been subjected to Jack’s ruffling several times already. “That’s what I was hoping to talk to you and Danny about! Do you know if your brother is coming, too?”

“No clue,” she answered, moments before hearing a door slam upstairs. “Oh, no, there he is already. Never mind.”

And, as if timed, Danny appeared at the top of the stairs. Looked over from her, standing at the bottom, to the couch with Jack and his female look-alike.

“Huh,” he said, eyes darting between all of them again. “That’s… huh.”

The girl on the couch giggled, but when Jazz looked over at her she buried her face in Jack’s side to hide. Hmm. Shy, maybe?

“That’s a good way to summarize it, son.” Jack grinned brightly, patting the girl on her back. “Come on, have a seat. It’s kind of a complicated story.”

“Please tell me you didn’t accidentally create a new kid in the lab,” Jazz muttered darkly, claiming the armchair as hers. “Because while I’m not opposed to having a baby sister, there are more normal ways of acquiring children.”

“Well, you’re pretty close actually.” Jack scratched his cheek, and Jazz felt her brain grind to a halt.

“Excuse me?” she snapped, wide eyes darting back to the girl. She really did look suspiciously much like Danny, except younger. Just slightly off. “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Pretty sure he was about to tell us,” Danny grumbled, pushing her back into the seat. Instead of sitting down as well he simply leaned against the arm of the chair, his own arms crossed. “So if you’ll just settle down…”

“How are you not freaked out about this?” Her eyes shot between him and Jack and the girl curled against Jack’s side. “He just said–”

“That you were close, but not entirely right. So let him talk, big sis, and he’ll explain. Right, Dad?”

“Uh, right.” The man in question nodded exuberantly, then ruffled the girl’s hair before leaning forward. “So, yes, she was created in a lab. But no, we didn’t do it nor were we responsible in any way.”

“But…” Jazz turned to stare at the girl, meaningfully. “I mean, come on, can you not see the resemblance?”

“A ghost called Plasmius created her. Cloned her, sort of,” Jack started to explain, gesturing with his hands. “He tried creating a clone of Phantom, but apparently that didn’t work out well. So he used human DNA as well, of an unknown source.”

“Oh,” she said. Next to her, Danny remained silent and still. His gaze was locked on the girl. And Jazz might not know what was going through his head, but she sure knew what was going through her own. The resemblance was uncanny. It was incredibly unlikely that Plasmius could’ve combined the DNA from Phantom and a random human being that wasn’t Danny and ended up with someone so much like him. Right?

Jack cleared his throat, smiling comfortingly. “So, yeah. This is, uh, Danielle. She goes by Dani.”

“With an I,” the girl – clone? – said, speaking up for the first time since Jazz had joined them. “It’s Dani with an I.”

“But wait.” Jazz held up her hand, halting the conversation. “If she’s a clone from Phantom, wouldn’t she be, I dunno, a ghost? Or at least have like… white hair or green eyes or something?”

“She does,” Jack started to say, while Dani simultaneously protested with “I do.” The two of them paused, turned to look at the other, then shrugged. It was Dani who spoke up again.

“I do,” she repeated, crossing her arms with a disgruntled huff. “But only in my ghost form. I’m half ghost, but I can shift between which side is more dominant. So now I look human, but I’ve still got a core, and by triggering it I can become more ghostly, and I’ll look more like Phantom.”

Beside her, Danny hummed, thoughtfully. She turned her head to quirk a brow at him, but he ignored her to keep looking at Dani. At his sort-of probably clone? Wow, that was weird to consider.

“So… I’m guessing she’s here for a reason?” Danny cocked his head at the two on the couch. “Is she just here temporarily, or…?”

“Well,” Jack scratched his cheek, grinning sheepishly, “We were kinda hoping you kids were okay with her staying here permanently. Phantom is already basically family, and, well.” He gestured at her, and both Jazz and Danny nodded their understanding. “Plus, she’s just a child. She needs – deserves – a family, and you can bet that the ghost who created her wasn’t planning on giving her one.”

A pregnant pause. The idea made sense, at first glance; a ghost who was willing to just create new life like that likely wouldn’t make good family, no. But neither did they, and it was already hard enough to handle the household with the four of them. Who knew what kind of complications a half-ghost clone could bring?

Before she could say anything, though, Danny blurted out, “I’m alright with it.”

“What?” Jazz snapped, whirling around to look at him. Danny himself fidgeted under her stare, an uncertain smile on his face. “Danny, no offense, but do you really think that we’re the right family for her?”

Dani gasped on the couch, and Jazz turned to look at her again.

“Well, yeah,” Danny started to explain himself beside her, forcing Jazz to look away from the sparkling blue eyes on the couch. “I mean, if she’s part ghost she should be with ghost experts, right? And we already know Phantom, so. Obviously we’re the best family for her.”

Jazz blinked at him. “Did you just… Yeah, no, I guess you’re right. That makes perfect sense.”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Danny grumbled, rolling his eyes at her. “I’m not that stupid.”

“Sure don’t look like it.” She shook her head, then turned to look at Dani again. “I guess they both have very good points, so. I’m okay with it too. Dani, if you want, welcome to our family.”

“It’s a mess,” Danny warned dryly, a wide grin on his face as he pushed away from the chair. “This is your first and only warning.”

Dani laughed. “I think I’ll be alright,” she managed in-between giggles. “I’ve got ghost powers, how bad can it be?”

“Not sure if ghost powers can protect you from ecto-powered food, to be honest.” Jazz hummed, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “Little brother, do you think you can go intangible to avoid getting bitten by the Franken-Weenies?”

“Probably not,” he answered with the same tone of faux-thought. “Although if she can shoot ecto-rays on her own power she might be able to fend them off.”

Jazz snapped her fingers, turning to point at Dani. “That’s perfect! Now we won’t have to use a baseball bat if the turkey comes back to life!”

“That was one time!” Jack grumbled, resigned but with a fond tone beneath it. “And so were the hotdogs!”

“Not if you count up all the separate times food came back to life.” Jazz quirked a brow at him, and he huffed. “Just because they’re different products doesn’t take away that it shouldn’t be alive.”

Before they could bicker more, however, Maddie joined them. “Speaking of food, kids, anyone opposed to having pizza today?”

“Hadn’t you already started on dinner?” Jazz frowned at her. Sure, the thing with Phantom and Dani had probably taken a while, but surely not this long?

“It kind of wilted away while we were talking with Dani and Phantom,” her mother admitted with a sheepish smile. “Besides, we’ve got something to celebrate, right?”

“I’m okay with it.” Danny shrugged, a wide grin on his face. “Pizza is never wrong.”

“Boys,” Jazz huffed under her breath. Not quiet enough, apparently, based on the soft giggle from Dani on the couch.

Well, would you look at that. She had a good sense of humor, too. Maybe a tad more common sense than the others, too. Wouldn’t that be something?

[yeetdam]

Could you ship your mutuals with silverboys/treasure 13? I’m curious 🙀

smh i accidentally closed the tab before i could save it fml but anyway: instead of studying maths and after killing my body with a 45 min workout, i am here to answer this ask that was long overdue thank you anon for being so curious uwu!! also i apologize i might’ve got carried away skjdl and this is not proofread in any shape or form

@yoonbins x yoonbin is the couple that tries to keep it low but everyone knows that they’re a thing imo 💖 mini god kara i’m not trying to call you out but yoonbin would gladly accept that s***** from you anytime úwù skinship in public isn’t really their thing, but if bin is feeling bold, he’d secretly hold her hand under the desk klasjdklajs kara isn’t one to show her emotions a lot but it’s fine bc yoonbin is an attentive guy and just knows how smitten he is for her!!! not really the most romantic couple out there, but when it comes to banter? OOF nobody can beat them what a pure relationship (also, expect long cuddle sessions when it’s just the two of them teehee)

@byounggonsgf x byounggon is the power couple everyone on ygtb tumblr and their MUMS know of and approve of: first of all, visual wise?? GOD TIER. SUPERIOR. YOU WISH. we all know how much of a visual kweenie angel zeen is, and we all know how hot gon is (pls the entire fandom has a crush on him) and the two combined?? YOUR FAVS COULD NEVER (unless your favs are zeen and gon uwu) also, just one glance at zeen’s tags just show how much love she harbors for him and i imagine her to be the type to write stuff abt him in a seperate notebook and when gon finds out, he’ll go all out and arrange some romantic candlelight dinner or shit 💖 in other words, they’re the disgustingly sweet couple you’d see in romance anime uwu

@ggoncafe x byounggon is also a ship i advocate !!! he’d do anything to make ess smile and laugh; it’s one of his fav sights after all - especially that thing that ess does where she scrunches her nose whenever she laughs??? he is SOLD. WHIPPED. IN AWE. i feel like gon can be quite the romantic in his way and would write so many songs abt ess lskjdlkj aside of that, ess strikes me as the type to annoy the shit out of him just for fun LMAO - it’s nothing bad, imagine this: she’d text him in capslock and keyboard smashes just to garner his attention and then, he’d face time her and try to be fed up but in reality? he’s glad she did that? bc that gives him the perfect excuse to see her lkjsdj 

say what you want; okay cool you think the earth is flat fine then but not thinking that @mashilove x byounggon is a cute ship? sis you’re abt to cATcH ThESe HaNDs - uyen radiates something akin to big mom energy: maybe it’s partly bc she’s just as old as gon but her tags to everyone just SCREAM soft protective nature 💖 also i feel like uyen, as great as she is, sometimes deals with huge insecurity issues and gon would try his best to lift up her spirits and convince her that she is a beautiful child of the angels the world doesn’t even deserve!!! we are talking abt gon dedicating 28398309 songs to her and cuddle attacks and soft shit oof

looking back i realize byounggon also has a mf power harem and to finish it off, i also think that @speckofglitter x byounggon is the couple you should be scared of. why scared? bc they’re gonna make you set your standards so impossibly high AND THATS THE TEA 💖 gon picking up tiyi after her lectures at university? every time when he can afford to? which is pretty much every second day? and if he has much free time before he’d make sure to buy some food for tiyi? it doesn’t help that he’s a soundcloud rapper of course everyone’s gonna have high standards! it doesn’t stop there tho; just imagine them trying some couple dances like ellen and Brian hnnngh 

@junkyeu x junkyu is ! so ! pure !!!! junkyu would be so so smitten and so so proud of Linh and he’d take any opportunity to boast abt her. she’s so beautiful? he’d say that to every second stranger they pass by. she’s a multilingual queen? he’d tweet it out several times a day, post it on his snapchat, probably write it on a wall “LINH IS A MULTILINGUAL LEGEND YOUR S/O COULD NEVER 💖“ and so on. he is so damn supportive up to the point where it might be a little excessive to her but she still loves him dearly :’) the harshest thing she might do is prolly insult him lightly in any language he doesn’t understand LMAOOO

1/3 of the seunghun harem ship i support is @kimseunghoney x seunghun ! yet another couple that would flaunt that they’re together but guess what?? everyone is LIVING for it 💖 christina is such a soft fluffball who’s trying her best to get through her exams and seunghun being the supportive (yet needy) boyfriend he is, would partly distract her partly help her?? he’d be the type to randomly come over to her place with the reason of wanting to help her study bc ! good ! grades ! is ! what ! she ! wants ! but then five minutes later, he’d try to get her to take a break and then woo her to a nap bc she’s been working so hard uwu (also, the perfect timing for him to fill up his camera roll full of pics of christina saljdlk)

2/3 of the seunghun harem is @seunghunies x seunghun 💖 now with those two combined,,,, get ready for the skinship and disgustingly domestic and tooth rotten fluff between them uGh [edit: the latter got deleted WHY TUMBLR WHY SMH so starting here is the cont.] seunghun is the type to show off that vale is his up to the point where he might shove it up everyone and their mum's faces jskdk but it's full of love!!! Snapchat? Instagram? Everywhere — he's gonna say how much he loves vale during an ig live or in his story dedicated to vale and vale ONLY 💞🤧 also!!! Restaurant dates!!!! So many!!!! They'd go taste testing in the entire city !!!! And he'd take so many pics of her and the best thing abt the cute shit? Vale plays along!! (At least most of the time teehee) say he'd want her to pose for the camera? She'd gladly do it- unless she's feeling a little sneaky then she'd do anything to mess up the snapshot kajdjdjkdk we love banter 😜💓

3/3 of the harem is @seunghunn x seunghun uwu THE. SOFTEST. COUPLE. IN THE UNIVERSE. mashikyu doesn’t compare anyway, we’ve already established how much of a passionate lover hun is right?? and i peg seunghun the type to crave his s/o’s attention at any time possible so if you ever lay his eyes off him, he’d do anything to win your attention back! perhaps one might say that maddi cherishes her sleep more than our #1 furry king and if she’s particularly stressed, she’s heading straight to her bed and to the one-hour nap she desperately needs. depending on how hun is feeling, he might either a) play the big spoon and nap with her sdjlkjsa or b) be the whiny bitch he is and try to wake her up (ofc only if he’s 100% sure that she wouldnt mind as much as usual) 💖 in case he guessed wrong and woke her up while she’s pissed, he’d make up with some good homecooked food UGH

@moonxlika x hyunsuk is the badass couple who always hype one another up you don’t even KNOW. be it a competition or a game, you can bet that one is cheering for the other - unless they both participate, then it’d be a mixture of “good luck uwu” or “i’m gonna beat your ass just watch me” 💖 they’re the type to bond over their music taste and seriously lika and hyunsuk aren’t afraid to show that they’re a thing it’s so cute kljfl you know that some ppl get embarrassed when their s/o suddenly does a hoe drop or dresses really hot like with chokers or shit? then there are some ppl who get pissed / jealous / idk at least not embarrassed and shy when their s/o does that? neither of them fall into any of those types. say hyunsuk is suddenly out there with a choker and what do i know a mesh shirt? lika strikes me as someone who’d go yES BITCH THAT HOT DUDE RIGHT THERE IS MY BOYFRIEND SEE HIM and say lika pops of on the dance floor, hyunsuk would be like mY GIRLFRIEND HAS SOME MOVES Y’ALL 

whereas lika x suk could be classified as one of the more hard couples on the spectrum, @hyunsukmyass x hyunsuk is the epitome of bubblegum and sugar and (perhaps little) spice (at least that’s what everyone thinks but sshhh) 💖 i feel like in public suk would try hard to have the image of being sim’s edgy boyfriend but little does he know that sim dishes out the truth to all of her friends HDSJKHSKJ like that one time suk admitted his wallet was suffering due to the bouquet of flowers he bought her when sim was feeling low? or the time where he put his pride and sanity aside and took care of her when she was sick even tho it was a given that he’d get infected too? everyone knows and whereas suk is HIGHkey embarrassed to a certain extent, he’d try to find something he can tease sim with!! and then… he finds it... cute shit sim writes abt suk…. or even worse… her fanfics abt celebrity xy and suk has a LOT of fun teasing her with it ksajdkljkl he’d never say anything negative but once in a while he’d go like “so,,, sim,,,, wanna recreate that one scene you wrote in fanfic xy?” or even “hey what do you think if i were a rocker but also super super good at school?” gET READY FOR THE BANTER AND LAUGHTER AND TICKLE FIGHTS THAT FOLLOW SUIT

[ectowaves]

Scrapbook Memories

Prompter: @feministhotline

Prompt: Jazz Phantom from an alternate universe in Clockwork’s tower

Words: 1885

Warning: Unedited, implications

“I’ve been expecting you.” Clockwork’s quiet voice droned.

The figure in the door shifted, before stepping forward into the light. The shadowy figure was revealed to be a teenage girl. She had long blue hair, green eyes, extremely pale skin, and wore an orange hazmat suit. In her arms she was holding a single book.

“Clockwork,” Jazz Phantom whispered, “why?”

The time ghost said not another word. Instead he motioned towards an old sofa. The girl nodded and sat down, knees up against her chest. Her shoulders shook as she began to softly cry.

Clockwork didn’t comfort the girl. Instead he continued to stare into one of his viewing screens. He could never understand what the girl had recently gone through.

Jazz’s weeping may have lasted for hours, or perhaps a few minutes, but soon she had cried all that she could cry. She gently opened the book and smiled.

“He made this for me you know,” Jazz murmured, “He said that it took him hours to get right. I think it is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I wished I could have thanked him for it.”

She turned a page in the book and stared. Suddenly, she started laughing like a maniac.

“At the time I hated this picture, but he seemed to love it. I couldn’t understand why.”

Jazz frowned as her brother poked her. She had just spent the last three hours trying to catch all the ghosts that Dash had accidentally released. Why did she need to sit still while her brother painted her? He usually only painted the night sky!

“Quit moving or I’ll have to start all over again!” He ordered, before going back to sit at his painting stool. He corrected his wonky beret that he had borrowed, then picked up his brush.

“Can’t you just take a picture?” Jazz whined shifting on her chair. She debated playing with her hair just to mess with the ‘apprentice’ painter.

Daniel shook his head, a patronizing smile on his face, “Oh Jazzy, you know that I paint best when my subject is right in front of me. Be a bit more patient, and I’ll pay you.”

Even the offer of money couldn’t calm the half ghost girl. She stuck out her tongue and frowned. She stood up randomly, started singing her father’s song about the joys of ham, she even started to mock Daniel’s idol, Michelangelo.

“If it wasn’t for the ninja turtles, Michawhatsit would be forgotten to time.” Jazz grinned. Her brother sighed and stood up from behind his easel. He walked over towards her, paint brush in hand.

“Fine, you win.” He told her. Before Jazz had a chance to celebrate, Daniel painted a red smile on her face. Fast as lightning he got beside her and took a picture.

“Now I have forever captured your beauty, my dear sister!” He laughed as his sister screamed in embarrassment.

“Daniel!”

Jazz laughed again. She would do anything to recapture that moment. She had ended up chasing Daniel around the house until he promised to never post the photo online. Her older brother had kept his promise.

Jazz felt her eyes starting to water. Daniel only ever lied and broke a promise once. She started to shake, thinking about that promise. She turned the next page.

The page was filled with baby pictures of her and Daniel together. When they were younger, Daniel was super protective of her. He would take the blame for her when she did something bad, and he would stick up for her when someone bullied her. They were the best of friends when they were little kids and had remained so up until their teen years.

The next page showed pictures of Jazz, Daniel and his girlfriend Ember hanging out. That summer had been one of the best Jazz knew. Their parents were gone for most of it, and Daniel had basically no rules. The summer was only ruined when Jazz discovered that her brother’s newest romance happened to be a ghost bent on world domination. Daniel had been heartbroken for weeks.

Not wanting to remember the days when Daniel was mopey, Jazz turned the page again. She was greeted with dozens of pictures of her saving the day. She blushed when she remembered how she had thought that her brother had a crush on her ghost side.

Jazz Phantom stood heroically as she answered various questions from reporters and fans. She had just rescued a group of people from becoming kitty food. Everyone seemed to be congratulating ‘Ghost-Girl’ for her victory. Jazz basked in the praise.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she spotted her brother and his friends. They seemed proud of her victory. Then Daniel’s pervert friend asked her brother if he thought the ghost girl was hot. Jazz didn’t wait for the answer. Ignoring any other questions, she flew into the air and fled home. She refused to talk to Daniel for a week after the incident. It was only later when she realized that Tucker was being a jerk and that Daniel had known the whole time.

Jazz sighed, looking at all her big accomplishments. One picture was of her saving the world from Technus’ VCR attack. The next was of Jazz Phantom and the Fenton parents forming an alliance. Beside it was a photo of Jazz and Paulina, while she was dressed in her ghost hunting equipment, saving a random ghost child that could make herself look a lot like Daniel. The last photo was a picture of her standing tall in the face of the disasteroid, with Dash, Kwan Starr and even Paulina at her side.  Jazz didn’t even know how Daniel got those pictures. Maybe his friend Sam took some of them?

Thinking about Daniel’s girlfriend made Jazz want to cry again. It wasn’t fair to her either, he had just bought the ring to propose. Sam would never know that; Jazz couldn’t bear to tell her.

She wondered what Sam and Tucker were doing now. Were they comforting each other? Did they blame her for what had happened? What was going to happen to...?

Her own friends were probably looking for her. She couldn’t bring herself to care. She needed to be alone, at least that’s what her psychology books had said. She couldn’t face the crowds of people that would be asking her questions. They had chased her through the city and into the ghost zone. Here was her only solace.

Jazz Phantom turned the page and her eyes immediately blurred. She remembered this moment all too well.

“Happy birthday dear Jazz. Happy birthday to you!” Her friends and family sang. Some of tem , mainly Tucker and Kwan, had sung off key. It clashed with Danny’s and Sam’s beautiful harmonies. Jazz loved the sound anyways.

“Make a wish Honey!” Her mother cheered. It was Jazz’s sixteenth birthday after all. Jazz looked at all her friends and family, then blew out the candles on her cake.

“What did you wish for?” Starr asked as Maddie removed the cake from the table in order to cut it. Jazz only smiled and put a finger to her lips.

Daniel had chosen to pick her up and swing her around at that moment. Sam had taken a picture of Jazz’s shock, and Daniel laughing his full head off. When he put her down, Jazz could barely stand straight!

“Happy birthday little sis!” He grinned as their parents started handing out slices of birthday cake, “Hope your day was spinning!”

The picture was one of Daniel’s favourites. He had hung it on his wall until he had graduated. As she stared at it, Jazz wished she could go back. She wished that she could go back in time and warn him of the future.

Jazz looked through more and more pages of photos that her brother had collected. Some them brought tears, and others made her howl with laughter. Finally, she reached the last page. There weren’t any pictures on it. Instead there was a note.

Dear Jazz,

These are some memories I found that show you are truly awesome! I know that sometimes you are in the dumps about how ‘weird’ you are. You should know that you have done some really cool things.

Have you made some mistakes, well duh! You are human, not just a ghost. People mess up. Those psychology books that you are obsessed with should have taught you that. Stop beating yourself over the mistakes you have made and move forward. Trust me, you’ll be happier that way.

Keep saving the world and making it a better place. We need someone like you! If you fall get back up again! Don’t listen to Vlad. Ignore any thoughts on your ‘Evil future Self’. Vlad’s an idiot, and that future isn’t happening.

Hoping to make another one of these books,

Danny.

P.S Sam helped a bit with this book. She wanted me to tell you that.

Danny had been so excited to give the book to her; he gave it to her three days ago instead of waiting the two weeks until her birthday. Jazz had laughed and put it aside. She didn’t appreciate the gift as much as she did now.

Jazz placed the book beside her, Daniel’s words ringing in her ears. She could almost hear him talking. It wasn’t fair! This was the last message she would ever get from him, the last thing to remember him by. It was almost like he knew, but that wasn’t possible, was it?

“Clockwork, why did he have to die?” Jazz sobbed.

Jazz transformed back into her human form. Her red hair was tied back in a bun, mascara was dripping down her face. She wore a plain black funeral dress.

Her brother had been found dead in his room. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Jazz knew she would have nightmares about it for the rest of her life. She had screamed and screamed until her parents came running.

The police said Daniel had put up a fight. They told her the attack was completely unexpected. Jazz noticed that her brother was lying close to a ghost weapon and close to the ecto shield button their parents had installed in his room. It was a ghost attack. Their parents tried to comfort her that it wasn’t her fault. The ghost girl knew differently. She should have known! Jazz overheard the police saying that there were no possible suspects.

Jazz continued to sob, “Why? Who would have done this to him? Please, tell me! I need to find them, and… and…”

The time ghost didn’t say a word. How could he tell her that an alternate evil version of her brother (from a completely different dimension) had murder a version of himself in order to trap her in despair? How could he explain that Daniel Fenton had died in that same manner in Sam Spectre’s, Tucker Ghoul’s, and Valerie Haunter’s dimensions? How could he tell the mourning girl that Danny rarely lived in the dimensions where he wasn’t Phantom? It would not help her grief. He had seen all possible timelines where he told her, and none of them ended well. She would have to discover that truth on her own.

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

“NYU Freshman”

Summary: Izzy has started college. Poor Bucky is having a hard time letting his baby girl leave the nest. Part 1 sets the stage for the mayhem that ensues in Part 2!

Pairings: Daddy!Bucky x Izzy x Jillian Barnes OFC: Little Stevie, Nat, Wanda, Steve, Sam, Tony, Maddie

Word Count: 1,440

A/N: Thank you @shy2shot for the writing prompt. Part 2 delves into the actual incident. I hope you’re pleased!!

Prompt: “While at a party, you hear screams coming from the main floor and you see flashing lights out of the window. You assume the party is getting busted. What walks through the door is much worse than a police officer.”

Isabella Marie Barnes, 18, entering her freshman year at Columbia University, majoring in Computer Science. Bucky and Jillian weren’t ready for their ‘baby bird’ to leave the nest. You have no idea how many times Izzy’s uncles and aunts tried to dissuade her from living on campus. Bucky even went as far as threatening to get an apartment near the school and hire an undercover officer to tail her!

Jillian called for a family meeting for EVERYONE before Izzy left. Grumbling could be heard from Steve, Sam, and Bucky. Nat and Wanda gave Izzy a crash course in self-defense. Tony donated a rather generous gift to the university anonymously for a new state of the art security system; especially Izzy’s residence! “Okay, listen up.” Jillian’s voice was low and stern. “I know you love Izzy, but this is important to her. I’m not ready for my baby girl to leave home either. This will be good for her to experience life outside of here. Please allow her to be her own person.”

Bucky started to speak but Jillian shot daggers at him. Sam chuckled; Steve simply shook his head, feigning innocence. Izzy understood her overprotective family and she loved them, but it was time to enjoy life away from Stark Tower.

Moving in was an absolute nerve wracking experience. Bucky and Steve donned the tightest t-shirts known to man, accentuating their bulging muscles; Sam deployed Redwing hovering over the campus; Nat and Wanda had menacing scowls on their faces and one of Tony’s Mach WHATEVER stood near the moving van at Hartley Hall.

Izzy wanted to crawl under a rock and hide forever. Understanding her plight, Jillian took her aside for a mother/daughter chat. “Mom, I’m gonna die. Would you please tell them to stop?”

Hugging her distraught daughter, “Sweetie, after today, you’ll be on your own. They love you so much and only want the best for you.” Izzy smiled tightly, “I love them too, but I’m never gonna have a social life, dad and uncle Steve are scary. Look at them.”

Steve carried in a desk, Bucky chose the mattress and box springs. It was a show of strength just in case anyone messed with their Izzy. Parents and students alike marvelled at the sight of the Avengers on campus.

Pulling her Columbia University hoodie over her head, Izzy and little Stevie, now 14, ducked inside to her room. She and Maddie were magically roommates. Kayla opted to leave New York for the University of Georgia, but vowed to keep in touch with her ‘sisters.’ Maddie’s parents were elated when they found out Tony paid her tuition for 4 years, room/board, and set up a student bank account in case she needed to pay for books just go shopping.

After the last item was brought in, Bucky stood at the window of Izzy’s room, staring  into the university courtyard. He remembered the times she called him “Daddy Buckwoo.” Now a freshman in college, Bucky really had a difficult time grasping the concept of his Sugar Plum leaving home. He didn’t try to hide the tears rolling down his chiseled jaw.

Izzy walked over and wrapped her arms around his thick waist. “Daddy, thank you for loving me. We’ve been through so much, but you still love and take care of me. I’ll always be your Sugar Plum. You’re an excellent dad. I couldn’t ask for a better one. The best day of my life was you marrying mom and adopting me. Thank you!”

Bucky and Izzy stood there crying. He raised an intelligent, responsible young lady.

“Take care of yourself okay? I’m only a phone call and quinjet ride away.” Izzy laughed through her tears. “Yes dad, I know.”

One by one, Tony, Sam, Steve, Nat and Wanda said their ‘good-byes.’ It was quite the spectacle seeing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes reduced to blubbering messes.

Little Stevie hugged his sister, “I’m so glad you’re gone. Now I’ll be the only child at home. Jk, Imma miss you Izz.” Pulling him tight against her, Izzy teased her brother. “Yeah, you may be the only child at home, but I’m the smart one. Take care, squirt.”

“You too big sis. I love you.” Little Stevie kissed Izzy on the jaw and walked out with his head hung low.

Jillian waited until everyone was out of the room. She walked over to her daughter half smiling, half crying. “Isabella Marie Barnes, I’m beyond proud of you. Being your mother is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s time to leave the nest so spread your wings and fly baby bird.” Jillian embraced Izzy one more time before she left. Maddie was outside with her parents.

Izzy waved at her family. Bucky appeared to be frozen in place. Jillian and little Steve grabbed his hands, pulling him to the car.

Maddie came in and hugged Izzy. “Well Izz, we’re college students now. Let’s unpack and meet our sophomore mentors.”

Their dorm room was decked out in purple, blue, pink and white. It was quite festive. Maddie and Izzy’s desks were filled with family pictures; the latest Hp laptops (gifts from Uncle Tony); a small refrigerator filled with snacks, soda and water and Columbia University flags. Izzy was creative with her bedding; blue sheets, a purple duvet and Bucky Bear on her pillow. Maddie chose pink sheets paired with a pink and white polka dot duvet. She had a Falcon bear!

Even though she missed her family at Stark Tower, Izzy knew it was time to fly solo.

Meanwhile, at the Tower, little Stevie moped around. He sat on Izzy’s bed. They fought like brothers and sisters usually do, but their love was unshakeable.

Bucky, Steve, Sam, Nat, Wanda and Tony sat in the common room, enjoying a drink, reminiscing on Izzy’s childhood. She literally grew up before their eyes. Thor came bearing gifts for Bucky and Steve; Asgardian mead.

Looking at her somber husband, Jillian walked over and gave him a kiss atop his head. “Babe, she’ll be just fine. I know you miss her, so do I.” Returning the hug, Bucky replied, “What if she forgets about me?”

“My love, Izzy will never forget you. I’m going to check on little Stevie. When I walked past her room, he was sitting on her bed.”

Nat and Wanda, thoroughly enjoying a couple of dirty martinis, couldn’t contain their laughter. “Bucky, you act as if Izzy’s gone off to war,” Wanda slurred. Nat added, “Look, Izzy’s a good girl. We all need to trust she’ll do the right thing.”

Referencing his namesake, Steve chimed in, “Little Stevie is not allowed to leave home until he’s 30. Buck, let’s lock him up now.”

Raising his glass, Bucky mused, “Good idea.” Jillian pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. Two brawny super soldiers succumbing to “my daughter’s in college” syndrome.

Bucky’s phone rang. He saw Izzy’s name and panicked. “Sugar Plum what’s wrong?! Do I need to suit up and come get’ya?”

She had him on speaker phone. You could hear Maddie laughing in the background. “No dad. I’m fine. We met with our sophomore mentors, got a mini-tour of the campus and had dinner in the dining hall. I met other freshmen. Dad, it’s unreal.”

“M’glad you’re having a good time baby. I miss ya.”

“I miss you too. Just wanted to call and say goodnight and I love you so much. Tell mom and Stevie I love them too. Smooches.”

Maddie giggled, “Goodnight Mr. Barnes.”

“Goodnight Maddie. Hey, Izzy. Thanks for calling. I love you too.”

After the call ended, Bucky sighed. No, he didn’t want Izzy to grow up but it was inevitable. One of the greatest gifts he’d ever received was being a dad. Having a wife, son and daughter proved more than he could fathom.  

James Buchanan Barnes’ life was complete. He went through hell and came out on the other side.

[firstpumpkin-blog]

Sapientum: On the Road, Over the Hill and Under the Falls

December 12, 2016 - Monday

Meet The Gang

From being plantamates and designing equipment and plant, Sapientum is now on pursuit of a good place to be. We have Philip, our mighty driver who was in charge of keeping us safe and alive. He owns Tanner, a tangerine Vios. (Got a hint why he’s named Tanner?) Raemiel on the front seat was our navigator/living Waze. Among us, he’s the most familiar to the area. And at the back seats were the prettiests, Aura, Erika (yours truly), and Jesserie. I was the snack distributor in chief aka Pandesal Girl. Aura was the “promotor" who napped like a boss. She turned the back seat her personal couch and me & Jesz her pillows. (talented being) Jesserie was our RnD representative who made sure that cameras were always ready for photo op. She is also our natural happy pill. 

We, Philip Raemiel Aura Erika and Jesserie, are Sapientum and this is our first road trip/getaway. 

Let the road trip begin…  

From our good friends’ apartment (big thanks to Miller, Chie and Sarah for accommodating us when in LB), we hit the road at 5:20 am, driving around UPLB first.  

Off we go

Mandatory stopover and photo op

Our morning drive was very cool and serene I can still imagine how the wind felt as it brushed my skin. There weren’t the usual green fields and blue skies because of the gloomy weather but the sight still brought some kind of inner peace. 

Seeing the day break while in transit

We were on a lookout for arcs on the road because passing one means one town farther, a milestone!

I read blogs for directions to Hulugan Falls. So I had ideas of which jeepney to ride, where to take off and what towns we were supposed to pass. But since I barely know the place, I was surprised when I noticed we were driving over a hill overlooking Lake Caliraya.

I must admit then I had uneasiness considering the slippery road, newbie driver, and the unfamiliar place. Also, we almost had the road to ourselves which was both creepy and exciting. But then and there I realized Rule no 1 for road trips. Travel with people you trust.

Rule no. 1. Travel with people you trust.

In that way, you can shake off the worry you may feel about being in a place new to you and appreciate it better. You’ll barely notice the heavy traffic or other delays or conflicts.

First Stop: Japanese Garden

After 1 hour and 40 minutes, we reached Japanese Garden. According to Laguna Travel Guide, it was made to remember the Japanese soldiers who died during World War II.

The main attractions there, for me, are the little toris and the site dedicated to General Yamashita.

When in Japanese Garden, be sure to climb the stairs there for you to see why Luisiana is called the “Little Baguio of Laguna”. It was a good place to emote...

Philip: Nasaan ka na?

Raemiel: Darating ka pa ba?

Aura: Maghihintay ako.

To discover...

Apple Tree

To be free...

And to let lose.

(Mabuting tao po si Philip, palabiro lang)

Aside from the good sight, the garden has approachable staffs and clean rest rooms which were a plus. We left there with happy hearts from the “chill walk” which we didn’t know by then was our warm up for our next destination, Hulugan Falls.

Hulugan Falls 

In search of an affordable destination within Laguna, Kuya Google directed us to blogs about Hulugan Falls by The Lost Kids and The Poor Traveller. It was called “The Hidden Gem in Laguna” and had good reviews so we decided to go there. From the Japanese Garden, it was 1.5 hours away. Bloggers were right when they said that you will not miss the drop off point to the falls. There, we were welcomed by tour guides who were very polite. 

Tarp to travelers: “You won’t get lost. I’m hard to miss.”

We were directed to Kap’s House. We parked Tanner there. Kap and his housewife were also kind and hospitable. They had a little sari-sari store where you can buy snacks or toiletries. But since the place is remote, their goods cost more than they should. They also have 5 shower rooms. Taking a bath cost Php20. BTW, entrance/registration fee is also Php20 as stated in reviews written in September 2015. No price increase. 

Breakfast at Aling Ganda’s Tapsilugan

Aling Ganda’s tapsilog is Php70. It was okay for me. I liked that they served their food in banana leaf atop a native plate. If you’ll eat there, be sure to try their Pansit Habhab. It cost Php60 only and was good for all of us. Aling Ganda also sells souvenir items including shirts and key chains.

We rode a tricycle until where we had to trek. (Fare is Php10 each) And so we reached the trail. Reviews said it was steep, so I expected scary steep. The trail was worse than I expected but doable. After all, we managed to reach the falls and go back alive without major injuries. (Ehem! May nahulog, ayun nasaktan. And so the hugot series begins.)

I categorized the trail into two levels. I call the first as “Maddy Mud” and the second as “on the Rocks” (Akala mo, Rocky Rock?). Maddy Mud lasted for about 10 minutes. We didn’t wear rubber shoes since we were already warned that the trail then was extra muddy due to the bad weather. (Mahirap maglaba ng rubber shoes) We ended up trekking barefooted since it was more slippery wearing flip flops. So if you have one, be sure to use hiking footwear. (Para hindi ka iiwan sa ere o hindi ka ilalaglag).

Feel the earth.

We left our slippers in the first aid station. Kuya Arnel, our tour guide, made each of us a cane out of the fallen branches. They take care of visitors in Hulugan which made the place charismatic, I guess. Lesson in life: Show people you care. Next up: on the rocks where the struggle became real.

Before the reality of what’s coming bites. (Nakakangiti pa)

Station 2: Rest then suffer. 

In level 2, my fear of heights was intensified by my fear of falling. I repeatedly told myself: “Bawal ma-fall, nakamamatay!”. I also thought “Di ko na ‘to uulitin” because it was scary for me. One wrong step, you may slip. You may even hurt those ahead of you on the way down. But then again I was with determined and careful people. They motivated me to carry on. Really, company matters. Very much. We were on the rocks for more or less 25 minutes which was tiresome but hearing the sound of the falls fueled us to go on. It was exciting.

Her majesty - Hulugan Falls of Luisiana, Laguna

Seeing this hidden gem for the first time

Sapientum conquered Hulugan; a happy place to be.

My words may not equal the joy Hulugan gave me that day so I wouldn’t describe it. Just a friendly reminder if you’re planning a visit too, bring waterproof camera. We only managed bringing a waterproof bag and an alay phone. On the way back, we maintained our formation which we found efficient. Kuya Arnel lead. Raemiel followed, then Jesz, Yours truly, Aura then Philip. Squad for keeps.

Rule no 2. Expect all possibilities and conquer.

When on a getaway, especially if adventurous, expect all possible scenarios instead of sticking with what they usually say “Don’t expect, you’ll only get hurt”. In that way, you ready yourself for whatever lies ahead. Will yourself to attain the purpose of the trip. Yes, as carefree as the word road trip may sound, it has one or two. In our case, see the hidden gem in Laguna – Hulugan falls with our own eyes. I’m glad we conquered the trail and sleepiness. (We partied the night before so we barely had a decent sleep) Hadn’t we conquered these, maybe up until now I’m still wondering how the falls looked like. I’ll set up another trip and postpone and get frustrated. So I'm just glad we did it. Achievement.

Caught in the crime of napping | Sapientum made it to Hulugan.

When in Hulugan, don’t miss their special bibingka. It was delicious I forgot to take a picture. It is 3 pieces for Php100 and comes in a small woven basket which makes it a very good pasalubong.

Last stop: Air Summit Gourmet

As soon as we got back to the car, I felt accomplished that day. It was only a little past afternoon. We still had a couple of hours before the day ends and we were up for more drive and spontaneity. We decided to head to Quezon. Raemiel knew of a good place there to eat. Here comes rule no. 3.

Rule No. 3. Go with the flow.

Sometimes, the best attitude is just let things be. Let life’s surprises unfold on their own and make it worthwhile. Do not worry. So long as you’re with trustworthy people, you’re on the right track.

From road trip to air trip. We ate inside an airplane-turned-restaurant. It’s fancy and very #KMJS worthy. What’s even cuter is the staffs acted as if they were flight attendants and we were passengers. We even had plane ticket. The role-play completed the flight experience. Below are pictures of us while we were waiting for our "flight" and a piece of the "terminal".

No comb moment. For some, no shirt moment. | Place for hearts and roses.

33 feet above ground on a business class during a cuddle weather

Cozy

Eating aboard

They served good food at a good cost too. What we had best there was quality conversation which we’d like to keep to ourselves. Indeed, we’d traveled far. But at the end of the day, we came back to the place where it all began - UPLB. And that’s how our trips will be. Always.

It had been a long day. So now signing off, Sapientum. Until our next trip. ;)

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

New York University Freshman

Summary: Izzy has started college. Poor Bucky is having a hard time allowing his baby girl to leave the nest. Part 1 sets the stage for the mayhem that ensues in Part 2!

Pairings: Daddy!Bucky x Izzy x Reader  OFC: Little Stevie, Nat, Wanda, Steve, Sam, Tony, Maddie

Word Count: 1,440

Warning: None

A/N: Thank you @shy2shot for the writing prompt. Part 2 delves into the actual incident. I hope you’re pleased!!

Prompt: “While at a party, you hear screams coming from the main floor and you see flashing lights out of the window. You assume the party is getting busted. What walks through the door is much worse than a police officer.”

Isabella Marie Barnes, 18, entering her freshman year at Columbia University, majoring in Graphic Design. Bucky and Y/N weren’t ready for their ‘baby bird’ to leave the nest. You have no idea how many times Izzy’s uncles and aunts tried to dissuade her from living on campus. Bucky even went as far as threatening to get an apartment near the school and hire an undercover officer to tail her!

Y/N called for a family meeting for EVERYONE before Izzy left. Grumbling could be heard from Steve, Sam, and Bucky. Nat and Wanda gave Izzy a crash course in self-defense. Tony donated a rather generous gift to the university anonymously for a new state of the art security system; especially Izzy’s residence! “Okay, listen up.” Y/N’s voice was low and stern. “I know you love Izzy, but this is important to her. I’m not ready for my baby girl to leave home either. This will be good for her to experience life outside of here. Please allow her to be her own person.”

Bucky started to speak but Y/N shot daggers at him. Sam chuckled; Steve simply shook his head, feigning innocence. Izzy understood her overprotective family and she loved them, but it was time to enjoy life away from Stark Tower.

Moving in was an absolute nerve wracking experience. Bucky and Steve donned the tightest t-shirts known to man, accentuating their bulging muscles; Sam deployed Redwing hovering over the campus; Nat and Wanda had menacing scowls on their faces and one of Tony’s Mach WHATEVER stood near the moving van at Hartley Hall.

Izzy wanted to crawl under a rock and hide forever. Understanding her plight, Y/N took her aside for a mother/daughter chat. “Mom, I’m gonna die. Would you please tell them to stop?”

Hugging her distraught daughter, “Sweetie, after today, you’ll be on your own. They love you so much and only want the best for you.” Izzy smiled tightly, “I love them too, but I’m never gonna have a social life, dad and uncle Steve are scary. Look at them.”

Steve carried in a desk, Bucky chose the mattress and box springs. It was a show of strength just in case anyone messed with their Izzy. Parents and students alike marvelled at the sight of the Avengers on campus.

Pulling her Columbia University hoodie over her head, Izzy and little Stevie, now 14, ducked inside to her room. She and Maddie were magically roommates. Kayla opted to leave New York for the University of Georgia, but vowed to keep in touch with her ‘sisters.’ Maddie’s parents were elated when they found out Tony paid her tuition for 4 years, room/board, and set up a student bank account in case she needed to pay for books or shopping.

After the last item was brought in, Bucky stood at the window of Izzy’s room, staring  into the university courtyard. He remembered the times she called him “Daddy Buckwoo.” Now a freshman in college, Bucky really had a difficult time grasping the concept of his Sugar Plum leaving home. He didn’t try to hide the tears rolling down his chiseled jaw.

Izzy walked over and wrapped her arms around his thick waist. “Daddy, thank you for loving me. We’ve been through so much, but you still love and take care of me. I’ll always be your Sugar Plum. You’re an excellent dad. I couldn’t ask for a better one. The best day of my life was you marrying mom and adopting me. Thank you!” Bucky and Izzy stood there crying. He raised an intelligent, responsible young lady. “Take care of yourself okay? I’m only a phone call and quinjet ride away.” Izzy laughed through her tears. “Yes dad, I know.”

One by one, Tony, Sam, Steve, Nat and Wanda said their ‘good-byes.’ It was quite the spectacle seeing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes reduced to blubbering messes.

Little Stevie hugged his sister, “I’m so glad you’re gone. Now I’ll be the only child at home. Jk, Imma miss you Izz.” Pulling him tight against her, Izzy teased her brother. “Yeah, you may be the only child at home, but I’m the smart one. Take care, squirt.”

“You too big sis. I love you.” Little Stevie kissed Izzy on the jaw and walked out with his head hung low.

Y/N waited until everyone was out of the room. She walked over to her daughter half smiling, half crying. “Isabella Marie Barnes, I’m beyond proud of you. Being your mother is one of life’s greatest joys. It’s time to leave the nest so spread your wings and fly baby bird.” Y/N embraced Izzy one more time before she left. Maddie was outside with her parents.

Izzy waved at her family. Bucky appeared to be frozen in place. Y/N and little Stevie grabbed his hands, pulling him to the car.

Maddie came in and hugged Izzy. “Well Izz, we’re college students now. Let’s unpack and meet our sophomore mentors.”

Their dorm room was decked out in purple, blue, pink and white. It was quite festive. Maddie and Izzy’s desks were filled with family pictures; the latest Hp laptops (gifts from Uncle Tony); a small refrigerator filled with snacks, soda and water and Columbia University flags. Izzy was creative with her bedding; blue sheets, a purple duvet and Bucky Bear on her pillow. Maddie chose pink sheets paired with a pink and white polka dot duvet. She had a Falcon bear!

Even though she missed her family at Stark Tower, Izzy knew it was time to fly solo.

Meanwhile, at the Tower, little Stevie moped around. He sat on Izzy’s bed in her room. They fought like brothers and sisters usually do, but their love was unshakeable.

Bucky, Steve, Sam, Nat, Wanda and Tony sat in the common room, enjoying a drink, reminiscing on Izzy’s childhood. She literally grew up before their eyes. Thor came bearing gifts for Bucky and Steve; Asgardian mead.

Looking at her somber husband, Y/N walked over and gave him a kiss atop his head. “Babe, she’ll be just fine. I know you miss her, so do I.” Returning the hug, Bucky replied, “What if she forgets about me?”

“My love, Izzy will never forget you. I’m going to check on little Stevie. When I walked past her room, he was sitting on her bed.”

Nat and Wanda, thoroughly enjoying a couple of dirty martinis, couldn’t contain their laughter. “Bucky, you act as if Izzy’s gone off to war,” Wanda slurred. Nat added, “Look, Izzy’s a good girl. We all need to trust she’ll do the right thing.”

Referencing his namesake, Steve chimed in, “Little Stevie is not allowed to leave home until he’s 30. Buck, let’s lock him up now.”

Raising his glass, Bucky mused, “Good idea.” 

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Tony chuckled. The former Winter Soldier, falling to pieces because his daughter’s in college!!

Bucky’s phone rang. He saw Izzy’s name and panicked. “Sugar Plum what’s wrong?! Do I need to suit up and come get’ya?”

She had him on speaker phone. You could hear Maddie laughing in the background. “No dad. I’m fine. We met with our sophomore mentors, got a mini-tour of the campus and had dinner in the dining hall. I met other freshmen. Dad, it’s unreal.”

“M’glad you’re having a good time baby. I miss ya.”

“I miss you too. Just wanted to call and say goodnight and I love you so much. Tell mom and Stevie I love them too. Smooches.”

Maddie giggled, “Goodnight Mr. Barnes.”

“Goodnight Maddie. Hey, Izzy. Thanks for calling. I love you too.”

After the call ended, Bucky sighed. No, he didn’t want Izzy to grow up but it was inevitable. One of the greatest gifts he’d ever received was being a dad. Having a wife, son and daughter proved more than he could fathom.  

James Buchanan Barnes’ life was complete. He went through hell and came out on the other side.

TAGS: @omalleysgirl22 @pegasusdragontiger @erisjade @sebstanfanma @rebelslicious@sgtjamesbuchananbarnes107th @supersoldierslover @this-kitty-has-claws @barnesvogue @bolontiku @writing-is-my-elixir-of-life @papi-chulo-bucky @caplanbuckybarnes @goodnightwife @magellan-88 @love2rhyme