#my quiet little stabby child

[drowsystarlight]

Quick and messy sketch but here is my Runner Five :333

Sheet belongs to @crownleys!!

[tanglepelt]

Dc x dp idea 93

Ra forces Talia to sacrifice her son to the ghost king. With his obvious re-awakening he most solidify the deal. It’s how he was gifted the Lazarus water in the first place.

Newley crowned 15 year old Danny did not want this child. Like at all. He’s already dealing with parents who want to tear him apart. That reveal didn’t go well at all.

Danny couldn’t take care of himself let alone a stabby 6 year old. The only good thing is he snatched the kid before he was killed by his scary mom and stinky grandfather.

By ancient law. This child belonged to him. Not only that, the child was bound to obey him. Found that part out on accident. He was tired of the murder attempts and promptly told him to knock that off be quiet and sit down. He’s ashamed to admit it took him at least two hours to realize Damian couldn’t talk or stand up.

Yea.

He’s taken to internal dialogue after that little hiccup. He later learned sign language had no effect. Apparently it had to be verbal. It’s not his say to order anyone around. He doesn’t care what the crown means. They were fine without pariah they’ll be fine without him.

At least while he’s still half alive. Despite what the council says he doesn’t need a legal guardian. He’s perfectly fine homeless.

So here he was with 9 year old child and on the run from the government, his parents, and the royal council.

Now when a man in a trench coat tries to expel the ecto-ghost to free the “boy” and the child. Well. He asked for help.

This leads to a dna test. Danny ignored how he had been told Batman by Damian it was of no help. Danny hadn’t even meant to ask, knowing Damian would be forced to answer. His mother must of lied to the poor thing.

With a shocking result, the father was Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne can reclaim his son, but Danny can’t simply hand him over. Something of equal or greater value has to be exchanged.

Obviously Bruce Wayne is happy to make a deal.

Danny just goes. Well either i need a legal guardian as the ghosts are on my butt about it and my parents want me dead. Or. A government organization taken down for trying to eradicate his species.

He gets both.

Damian and Danny refuse to tell anyone why Damian was sacrificed to him.

[driftingvoid-155]

HI!! Idk if you ever answered that, but I wanted to ask. What are your hcs/ideas of Henrys and Michaels relations :)? Mainly around fnaf 3-ffps

I really love these two and your AU idea got my interest peaked

Hi!!! Okay I’m not sure if you meant Henry & Mike in general or in the AU so I’ll just ramble through some of each :)

Bad ending AU (ie the one where William got stabby and everything went to shit):

I love the thought that like Henry that just sort of showed up to William’s restaurant and set up the band, Mike does the same to Henry on the fnaf 6 location. He knew the story of how Henry just sort of appeared and didn’t know how to go about reintroducing himself to a man he hadn’t seen in years so he just sort of showed up one day with trash and the gang after seeing the job application in the paper and at first, Henry was hella confused as to what this person was doing in his restaurant, especially with this pile of trash on the stage, but then it clicked and tho Mike didn’t look much like he did in his youth, being purple and all decomposing now, Henry did put two and two together and it led to a pretty heartfelt reunion. And Mike and Henry working on making the rockstars just like they once had all those years ago doing maintenance on the main crew.

Just in general:

In my personal hc of the timeline, I think it’s shortly after William disappears that mike and Henry stop talking. They both have suspicions about what William did and bc of that, can’t stand to face the other. Henry bc how can he face a child whose father he’s pretty sure killed his daughter and other kids and Mike for the same reason. How can he face a man whose daughter his father killed? (And who’s also scared who will only look at him and see his father reflected back in him. He did kill his brother after all)

Years go by and it’s around fnaf 3 era when they’re both closing in on William. Mike is the one who finds him in frights but it’s Henry that actually has a plan set up to recapture & Putnam end to him once and for all. Mike is still feeling a little burnt (both figuratively and literally) after frights when he sees the ad in the paper for a manager position for a new and upcoming fazbear restaurant. He applies bc he’s suspicious of the position but it’s not until he has the job he realizes who the mastermind behind it all is. He stays quiet for the most part. Keeps his head down & does his job and it’s easy to avoid Henry for the most part since the man isn’t around much. However, about a day or two before the ‘party’ they do bump into each other one night after closing and end up having a heart to heart discussion about it all and while mike doesn’t outright say he’s done with life, Henry is able to pick up on it.

That’s my wholesome general plotline idea. Of course I also love morally gray Henry who thought that Mike, bc of the remnant in him, had to burn like the rest and that was the reason he took away ‘the way out’. He just went ahead and assumed Mike wanted to die as that’s what’s he would want if he was in that position.

Anyways, I love rambling about fnaf tho so if you were looking for something more about any of these or I misunderstood, feel free to send more asks!

[spahhzy]

This Calling~

.

"The Guiseppe family is stepping over to our lines, encroaching with their drugs trying to potentially steal our customers and effectively our buisness." Neo rolled her eyes bored, wishing and praying to be somewhere else rather than here, as Roman continued to talk with the rest of Valean crime family.

Neo sighed before she pulled out her scroll and began typing.

"Miss both of you"

She wrote before sending the text. she didn't have to wait long for a response.

"Me and Lil Trinity miss you too ❤️" Was all that it said before another messaged popped up this with an attachment, Neo opened it, and her heart melted.

There was a blond man with blue eyes sitting comfortably on a recliner next to a fireplace with a small child no older than eight sitting snuggly on her fathers stomach.

"I love you both so much," responded Neo as she just wished to just leave this boring meeting and go back home to her family.

Alas, she couldn't just leave Roman. He was her family, too but sometimes she wonders...

"What if?"

"Which is why if these gents aren't dealt with quickly, they could strong arm more and more sections of our city," Roman said before sitting down finally next to his partner.

"So what do you suggest we do, Roman?" Junior asked as all eyes once again remained focused on him.

"Send a message," He said to them as he pulled out a picture of some man in a business suit smoking a cigar.

"Anthony Guiseppe, one of the high-ranking men in the Guissepe family - we have his whereabouts..." Neo once more tuned out all this businesses dribble as she received another text.

"Trinity's piano recital is coming up... I know you are busy with the family, but anyway , could you take a day with us? Maybe we can see that new Super Mario movie she's been wanting to go see?" Sent her husband.

"I'll make it happen, I wouldn't miss it for the world," Neo said, to which she smiled as her husband sent her an 'I love you'.

"And that's where my partner and most skilled assassin comes in," Neo sat down her scroll, going into business mode.

"She will be the one to take out Anthony. They don't know who she is other than that she is my assassin, she goes in, stabby stabby, pops out boom! this will send a message to the rest of their family," Roman concluded as Neo smirked, bringing up Hush to her lap as she nodded, ready to accept the job.

"Fine, if we're all in agreement, I think this little meeting of ours has come to an end, friends, family, thank you," Roman told them all before looking at Neo.

"You seemed awfully quiet today" Neo just made a so/so gesture to which Roman chuckled.

"How's your knight and my little niece?" Neo smiled before she showed him the picture her husband sent her.

Roman just smiled before gagging a little.

"So sweet, I might just vomit," a playful jab was sent his way before he immediately went back to professional mode.

"So you understand what your goal is?" He asked her, and she nodded, making a few stabby gestures with hush before making a slit throat motion.

"These boys are highly guarded but nothing you can't handle. Their family haven't been around long, but they have been moving swift and hard, " Roman said, to which she nodded, understanding that no failure could happen here, a message needed to be sent and she would deliver.

"Good, now go get some rest, okay?" Neo looked off to the side a minute before pulling out her scroll and typing to Roman before showing him her scroll.

"You want time off?" Neo nodded to which Roman shrugged.

"That's fine. After you take care of this job, I have a few people who can fill your role for the time being, I take it family? " Roman teased, and Neo blushed before nodding and typing on her scroll and showing it to Roman.

"Trinity's piano recital?" Roman said, and Neo nodded as Roman smiled, seeing his partner fully embracing being a mother.

" After you finish this mission, take the time off, and enjoy yourself, Neo," Roman told her warmly as he pulled out a cigar.

"I might also show up to Trinitys performance as well," he said, to which Neo nodded, happy at the thought of Trinity getting to performance for them all.

"Let's get through this family first and put them in their place, okay?" He raised a gloved fist and bumped it with Neo's.

-

"So how's things handling on the west end of Vale Anthony?" asked a finally dressed man as he put down a fork before wiping his face of some of the food.

"So far, we've been able to get a good couple of blocks to buy from us in business while also lending our 'support' to others," Anthony said as he drank from a small champagne bottle.

"The only issue we are having with is Tulkson Book stores. He is deeply rooted with the Torchwick family" He said to which the other gentleman shrugged his shoulders.

"Keep pressure on him. Your brother Arturo wants the west side under his control before the month ends, " said the man, as Anthony nodded.

"Me and the boys will pay him a visit this weekend. See if we can't change his mind, " he said with a chuckle as his goons began to chuckle as well.

"Just get it done. This is a big power play on our part, Anthony, and the faster we can secure parts of Vale, the better," said the man as he picked up his fork as Anthony waved at the man's concerns.

"It will be done, Garland, just tell my brother we will have West end in our grasp shortly," Anthomy said arrogantly.

"The Torchwick family has been running Vale for far too long, and it's time something new takes over," Anthony said to Garland as he raised a glass.

"To the Guiseppe family"

Garland raised his glass.

"To the Guiseppe family"

Garland and Anthony tap their glasses together before both drinking down the wine.

Suddenly, a cold shudder went through Garland as he shivered.

"Anthony, do you have a window opened or something?

Anthony didn't say anything as he was still holding the glass as if he were drinking.

"Anthony -" he was cut off as the stem of the wine glass suddenly broke from the main cup Garland looked in horror as he saw Anthony's eyes wide in shock and no sooner after, Anthony's head fell from his body and onto the floor.

Chaos erupted in the dining room table as all body guards present scrambled to secure the area.

Garland could only look around as two men went to pick up the now dead Anthony he felt another cold chill as he looked down to see a card written in fine ink, with the insignia of the Torchwick family.

"Message delivered"

-

It was a few weeks after the assassination, and already, things were swinging into the favor of the Torchwick family. So far, no progress was made from the Giuseppe family in trying to take sections of vale from them, and it appeared as though they weren't going to retaliate any time soon.

"Well, boys, it seems as though our message has been received, I think it's time we go ahead and reclaim our streets. What do you think?" Roman's gang cheered as Neo just nodded.

"We'll go out their and work the Torchwick magic." With vigor, the henchmen left the warehouse as Roman chuckled as Neo went to his side.

"Good job Neo!" Roman said as his partner took a bow before looking up to him with pleading eyes.

"Heh, you're good to g-" Nothing more was said as Neo shattered like glass, leaving Roman to smile, happy for Neo.

-

All was quiet in the Arc-Vanille has house hold as Jaune just yawned as he looked down at the sleeping daughter of his. They had just finished watching a movie and eating some ice cream, and they both slept soundly on the couch.

Gently getting up so as not to wake up, Trinity Jaune took a blanket and covered up his daughter before giving her a soft kiss on her head as he took the ice cream bowls and began to clean up a little.

It took him not more than ten minutes before all the dishes were done as he made his way back to the couch, his daughter still sleeping peacefully.

Carefully, he reached under and picked her up gently before walking out the living room and making it to her room.

He laid her down quietly on to her bed before covering her up once more with a blanket, the contentness never leaving her face.

Placing one more kiss on her forehead.

"Mommy and Daddy love you so much, our little Maestra," He told her quietly as he rose up from the bedside and walked to the bedroom door, looking lovingly at his daughter one more time before shutting off the lights and closing the door.

Jaune made his way to him and Neo's bedroom, stripping himself of his shirt and pants, leaving on a tank top and some shorts, Jaune picked up his scroll and sent a text to his wife.

"Our little girl is in bed. Her recital will be this Friday. She is super excited to see you! I love you and miss you, see you soon, " He texted her, and before sending it and giving a happy sigh as he sat at the edge of the bed looking at all the photo's on the wall of him and Neo, first dates, second dates, meeting parents and so much more.

"I really am so lucky," he said to no one in particular as he remembered their first encounter, which just so happened to be as random as can be when he was doing his job as an errand boy for Tulkson to help pay for his time at Beacon.

He accidently bumped into her, causing her to spill her ice cream.

Good lord, he thought he was going to die as soon as she flipped him through a table, and while most would be scared...he couldn't help but fall in love.

Shaking his head of the memories, Jaune just got under the covers as soon he reached for the desk light and shut it off, leaving only the moon beautiful glow to fill the room.

It was well into the night, and Jaune was sleeping. Suddenly, the bed shifted slightly as suddenly Jaune felt a light weight on his chest, opening his eyes slightly, blue eyes stared into pinkish red as a smile graced his face before encircling his arms around the small of their back as they brought them close into a hug.

"Welcome home," he whispered as Neo snuggled deep into his chest and gave a content sigh.

"Yes" she thought.

She was home.

.

"Mommy!!" Came a cry as Trinity awoke too her mother looking down on her with a smile on her face.

Trinity jumped out of her bed and into her mother's awaiting arms as Jaune smiled, leaning on the doorway as he watched the heart warming sight.

Neo turned to him and gave him a look before extending her arm out to him, inviting him to which he happily accepted and embraced his wife and daughter in this serene and peaceful moment.

Neo wished it would last forever.

"Momma, are you gonna come to my piano recital?" Trinity asked, squeezing out of the hug as Neo looked down and gave a nod as Jaune chuckled and moved out of the embrace to head down stairs and start cooking as Neo kneeled down to her daughter as she then reached into her bag and pulled out..

"SUPER MARIO TICKETS!" Trinity shouted with glee as her mother nodded enthusiastically as she was knocked down into a hug by Trinity who kept saying 'Thank you, I love you' over and over again.

'I love you too,' Neo thought as she giggled silently at her daughter's happiness.

"Girls, breakfast!" Called Jaune from downstairs, to which Trinity enthustically got off her mom and grabbed her by the hand.

"Come on, momma, daddy is taking us to the beach today, pre-recital beach day!" She said with a smile, and Neo playfully rolled her eyes but got off the floor and followed right behind her daughter into the kitchen where everyone ate as they listened to Trinity talk about how she is so excited for today and tomorrow.

"Did I hear Pre-recital Beach Day?" Came the voice of Roman Torchwick as he stepped in through the door.

"UNCLE TORCHWICK!" Like a ball of energy Trinity sprang out of her seat and pounced on her uncle who let out a over dramatic 'ooph' before smiling and giving his niece a big hug.

"Annnnnd, how's my little pickpocketer doing?" He asked and Trinity smiled before holding Roman's wallet in her hands with a smile.

"Gooooood" She said, to which Roman laughed before setting her down and then rubbed his chin pondering.

" Oh no, how will I ever enjoy the movie I'm going to if I don't have money for popcorn!" He said, flashing the movie tickets Neo bought her as Trinity just giggled before both exchanged the others items.

Then Roman made contact with his two favorite people.

"Ahhh, if it isn't my most favorite do-gooder!" Roman said as he grabbed the boy by the head and messed with his hair.

"I'm your only favorite do-gooder Roman," Jaune said as he escaped his hold, a smile on his face as he was happy to see his God father, in a sense.

"And how have you been, young lady?" He asked, pointing to Neo, who was busy stuffing her face with pancakes. She looked over, pointing to herself as she then gave two thumbs up.

"A little class Neo please" He joked, and all he got was a finger.

"Aht aht no rude gestures in this sacred home" Roman joked to which everyone else chuckled.

"Uncle uncle are you coming to the beach with us!?" Trinity asked her blue eyes lighting up with joy.

"Oh, you bet I am...I could use a little tan, and besides, I also want to see you perform my little Maestra!" He told her, and she had stars in her eyes as she was excited to be able to perform her piano recital in front of her uncle, dad, and mom!

"I'm gonna go upstairs and practice right now!" She ran past them, and Jaune called out."Don't forget to get packed up, sweetie!" To which "I won't" was the response.

"So, how's Grimm hunting been going?" Roman asked as he sat down as Jaune served him a plate before sitting down himself, to which Neo laced her fingers with his.

"It's been alright, don't take a lot of missions, just some high tier ones that require my attention," He tells Roman who nods.

"How high class we talking?" And Jaune shrugged.

"Enough for Atlas to request me at times" Now that caught Roman's interest.

"Atlas huh, old Jimmy wants your help?" Jaune chuckled before he shook his head.

"Ain't nothing special, you know I'm mostly only valuable cause of my semblance and aura." he felt a sharp pinch, and Neo glared at him.

"Yeah, kid, you're valuable without the aura... you've had a pretty impactful meaning on our lives!" He said to which Neo nodded rapidly, squeezing Jaune's hand.

"Ahaha, you're just saying that cause I was able to bust you out of situations," He joked

"Yeah, well, I'm sorry for nine months. You turned my dear partner into a watermelon! " Neo just blushed before puncing Roman in the arm.

"Ow! It was a compliment!" He said as he rubbed his arm and earned him yet another middle finger from Neo.

"Jaune, control your little gremlin!" Roman complained as Neo kept poking him in the arm, and Jaune just laughed.

"I think I'll keep my dear lady happy."

Suddenly, Trinity came down the stairs with a bag.

"I'm ready!" She said to everyone as Roman side stepped Neo and moved over to Trinity.

"And with that, Pre-Recital Beach Day is a- go! Come on, love birds!" He said as he grabbed hold of Trinity and put her on his shoulders while grabbing stuff.

Trinity just squealed with joy as Roman walked out the door.

Neo and Jaune just looked at each other, and both shook their heads before going to get their stuff for the beach trip ahead.

.

They arrived at a private beach that was owned by a friend of the Torchwick family. The sand had no litter, and the water was as clear as can be, but what was most important was-

"Mom! Dad! Look, it's a lighthouse!" She pointed at the tall structure in front of them.

"That's right, sweetie, this is me and your mom's favorite place. Did you know that?" Jaune asked he bent down and pointed up to the top.

"We used to go there and watch all the boats at night find their way across the sea" He told her as she looked up in awe.

"Remember what I told you, Trinity about lighthouses?" And Trinity nodded her head rapidly as Neo looked on in curiosity and amusement.

"No matter what storm may come, there will always be a light on the shore," She and Jaune both said as Jaune just looked at Neo, to which the mute blushed.

"Okay, you two love sick puppies. Me and the princess here are going to be building super sand-castles. Try to keep things PG will you" This caused Jaune and Neo both to blush super red as Trinity just got confused and ran to grab sunscreen, thinking they were both getting sunburn.

As they all ran out onto the sandy beach, far off in the distance, a black car drove away.

.

After lots of sandcastles and fun in the waves, day eventually began to descend over the horizon.

Roman had a fire pit started and was currently making food for his niece.

"Uncle Roman. I had a good time!" She said to which Roman nodded and smiled before handing her a burger cooked from the fires.

"Well, I'm glad you had a good time. I, on the other hand, am cooked, although this seashell necklace you made me will have the ladies swooning all over me. " he said as Trinity laughed before tilting her head and looking around.

"Oh, where's momma and dad?" To which Roman just nodded behind him at the lighthouse.

"Should we go get them for food?" Trinity asked, to which Roman shook his head .

"Nah, let them be in their own little world for right now kiddo, hey how about I tell you story?" And just like that, Trinity was bouncing I'm her seat she always loved Uncle Roman's stories!

.

Up in the lighthouse, sitting on the top of the cat walk, Neo looked off into the distance as Jaune came out, rearranging his shirt and pants before sitting down right next to his wife, who leaned into him and enjoyed his warmth.

"I love you, Trivia. No matter where your work takes, you, me, and Trinity will always be here waiting for you, " Jaune said to her, to which Neo looked at Jaune with tears threatening to leave her eyes.

"No tears now, we never cry when we are here, not at our little lighthouse," he told her, and Neo nodded as she dried off her eyes before she looked off to the side as Jaune tilted his head.

"What's wrong?" Neo just looked like she was pondering something before she took out her scroll and began typing soo brining it gently to Jaune's view.

"I've been thinking...of leaving," It said, and Jaune looked at her confused.

"Leaving where? Home?" Neo shook her head before typing again in her scroll.

"Work. That life" Jaune's eyes widened at her statement.

"Neo...are you...are you sure?" He asked her while some part of him was over the moon he knew she liked the thrill, freedom, and such it came with living like that.

"I don't know every time. It keeps getting harder and harder to be away from you and our Trinity." She wrote to him as Jaune nodded.

"Where would we go?" To which Neo shrugged.

"Anywhere, as long as you and her are there with me," She told him, to which Jaune just broke out in a big smile before pulling her into a big hug to which Neo gracefully accepted.

"Their was always one other reason why I'd like to come here with you, but mother nature never permit it!" Jaune said as he pointed to the clear sky, and Neo's eyes followed his finger, to which her pink and brown eyes widened.

Stars upon stars far as the eye can see.

Neo had never seen such a beautiful sight.

Jaune wrapped an arm around her shoulders as Neo went back to leaning into him as she marveled at the beauty of the night sky.

.

"And that is how your Uncle Torchwick defeated evil Ironwoods Atlas mechs!" He said out loud, only to hear nothing as Trinity was sound asleep in the chair.

"Hehe, good night, Trinity," he said as Neo and Jaune both came back down from the lighthouse as Roman looked at them with a grin.

"Well, did you two have fun?" He teased as both Neo and Jaune just blushed but smiled.

"Come on, you two, let's pack it up for the night, I'll get a limo squared away and get us home" Roman said as he began to snuff out the last embers of the bonfire.

.

Once everything was packed and the spot was clean, Neo lifted the sleeping Trinity onto her shoulder as both Roman and Jaune brought all the things to the limo's trunk and packed it in before all getting into the limo.

The ride back to the house was quiet and peaceful as Jaune and Neo just cuddled with a Trinity stuck in between, still sleeping as Roman played on his scroll.

"Neo?" said Roman from behind his scroll, Neo lifted her head from Jaune's shoulder and looked at her partner.

"You ever think about...?" Roman trailed off, making Neo tilt her head not understanding.

"You ever think about... walking away?" Neo's eyes widened at what Roman was now saying.

She pulled out her scroll and typed gently.

"I do" was all she wrote and Roman just nodded.

"Hmm, maybe after we reinforce our rule, maybe just maybe..." Nothing more needed to be said as Roman was pounced on by Neo, who had tears in her eyes. He could feel her lips move against his stomach, saying 'Thank You' over and over again. He brought a hand to her shoulders, smiling he embraced his daughter in all but blood.

.

It was recital time, and Trinity was NERVOUS.

she only ever performed for small groups, two to three max!

Oh what if she messes up!

Wrong key?

She falls up the stairs?

The notes blow away!?

"Trinity, relax." Came the voice of her father, who saw that his daughter was panicking.

"But dad, what if I mess up!" She said to him with tears in her eyes as Jaune bent down and put a hand on her shoulder.

"If you mess you, you keep playing...things happen, and there's no reason to ever be afraid of failure. It is your ultimate teacher, " He told her before embracing her.

"Me,mom, and Uncle Torchwick will be in the front row, cheering you on all the way," He told her, which made her feel better.

"We love you, Trinity, do your best and have fun," Jaune said before giving her a big hug before taking her to her piano teacher and making his way back to the audience finding both Roman and Neo in disguises.

"How's our little maestra?" Asked Roman as Jaune chuckled.

"She was like me on my first year of Beacon, scared and nervous," he told him as Roman laughed.

"Yeah, no combat skills or nothing... just a boy with a dream, " Roman joked as Jaune punched Roman in the arm lightly to which Neo chuckled.

The lights began to dim as the spotlight was focused on a big piano.

"And now introducing Trinity Vanille Arc" a round of applause as all three of them stood up, clapping and cheering her on.

"I will be playing 'Memory' composed by Andrew Webber," She spoke as she sat down on her seat and looked at the keys and the sheet music before looking into the front row seat seeing her family their made her all calm as she took a deep breath before exhaling and with great poise, strength and skill, Trinity played her best.

.

By the time it was nearing its end, Neo was in tears as the music flowed on.

Squeezing Jaunes' hand, she smiled and leaned into his shoulder as she watched her daughter effortlessly strike away at each key with precision.

Roman could only stare on in amazement at his little niece as she played her heart out.

He was so captivated that he almost missed his scroll going off, but lucky he caught it in time. Looking up, he saw it was from one of his top henchmen.

"What?" he whispered harshly into the scroll.

"I am at my nieces' Piano recital!" He said in anger trying to focus on the music.

"Someone's been tailing you, boss, we were able to catch him, but he ain't talking, I'd figure you'd come down here." Roman tsk'd hating to have to leave this performance, but if he was being tailed, then that means someone was putting a hit out on him, and he would be damned if he put his family jeopardy.

"I'll be right their, have him checked, make sure he ain't bugged," Roman said as he hung up and sighed, causing Neo to look over at him with a tilt in his head.

"Oh no, you stay here... I got a call back. Someone's been following me, " which made Neo look at him alarmed.

"No-no stay, we got him, imma get some answers and see what we know" As he pulled out a Mario hat and frowned.

"I really wanted to see it ah well buisness beckons," and with that, he waved at Neo, who also waved back as finally the music came to an end.

A rousing round of applause filled the auditorium as Trinity stood from her seat and faced the crowd before giving a bow.

Jaune and Neo had never been more proud of their daughter.

.

It took Torchwick thirty minutes to get back from downtown Vale Opera's house to a warehouse in the west end of Vale as he finally made it to where one of his goons was keeping watch.

"Has he said anything?" Roman asked, tapping his cane to the ground.

"No, all we know is he's one of the Guiseppe's boys." Roman sighed of all the nights to try and pull a hit.

He moved past the guard and into the room, where the man layer tied up beaten and bruised.

"Well, it seems my men were certainly doing a number on you, huh?" Roman said, walking in as his men backed up.

"Trying to scout me out, hmm?" He said as he grabbed the hair of the man head and made him look at him.

"Tell me what I wanna know pains stops, simple as that," he said as the guy said nothing. He just looked at Roman with disgust.

"Ah, tough guy, huh, I'm sure we can fix that right away," He said before smashing his cane over the man's knees hard.

The man groaned in pain but still refused to talk.

"It's only gonna get worse for you, Guiseppe boys, you shouldn't have"

Smash.

"Rolled!"

Smash.

"Unto my"

Smash.

"City!"

More cries of pain came as Roman took off his suit jacket and loosened his tie before taking his cane and tapping it as fire dust started sparking.

"I hope you can handle the heat, Guiseppe," Roman said sinisterly as he brought the glowing hot cane straight to the man's face.

Almost instantly the man began panicking.

"I'll talk. I'll talk. It was a bomb!"

Roman stopped mere inches away from the as he pulled his cane back and brought an ear to him.

"What was that you said?" he toyed with his prisoner.

"I-i-it was a bomb," the man repeated, trying to fight through the pain.

"Tsk tsk tsk, do you Gisuppe boys have no shame, are car bomb? Really, how tacky!" Roman chided as he put back on his Suite jacket.

"That boys is how you get information, check all our vehicles for bombs, and make sure nothing has been tampered with," Roman said to one of his enforcers who nodded as they ran out the room.

"All this fuss over tacky car bomb," Roman grumbled as he looked over to the man who was shaking his head.

"It...it's not" Roman stopped what he was doing and used the cane to lift his prisoners head.

"Gonna have to speak a little louder lamb chop. I still got this beautiful piana sound stuck in my head, " Roman said as the man spat out some blood before looking at Roman.

"It's not...a car bomb"

Roman's cane dropped.

.

"How did I do momma, daddy!? Asked Trinity as she came from backstage and greeted her parents, who just smiled and gave her big hugs.

"You were so great Trinity, me and your mother loved every minute of it." Neo nodded, pulling out a recording of Piano playing.

Trinity smiled, happy that her parents where their to listen to her play.

"But where did Uncle Roman go?" She asked, looking around, and Neo typed into her scroll and showed it too her.

"He had to go sweetie it was for business, but he said you were amazing, and he wants you to play for him at his mansion next time you visit." She read, and Trinity was soon giddy at the idea of playing Piano at her Uncles mansion!

" But before we get to that...it movie time!" Jaine said as he pulled out a Mario hat for each of them, Trinity grabbed it with lighting speed and squealed with joy as Neo just looked down at the hat and back to Jaune who was already wearing the hat and mustache.

Neo just stares at Jaune, and Jaune just stares back.

Neo, let's out a sigh as she puts the hat on her head.

"Wahoo!" Jaune and Trinity shouted, laughing at Neo's embarrassed face before all three of them walked to the Valean Cinema hand in hand.

.

"What do you mean it's not a car bomb!?" Roman said as he put his hands around the man's neck.

"We... we have...have been," he tried getting out, but Roman just kept squeezing harder.

"Boss, we can't get any information if he is dead," one of his henchmen said as Roman realized his mistake and took pressure off the man's neck.

"Talk. Now. What bomb." Was all Roman said deathly serious as the man just gasped at air.

"We-we have been tailing you a week after the assassination... from then till the beach. " Roman put a hand to his head as he gripped his cane tightly he had slipped up, and now his foolishness was costing him.

"So where is the bomb? And what time is it supposed to go off, Tell me now, and I'll be merciful and let you walk out of this alive " Roman demanded to which the man looked at Roman and back at the floor before back to Roman.

"Valean Cinema- 9:30pm"

He spoke the words, but everything was slow motioned for Roman.

"Valean Ciema-930pm"

Images of Neo, Jaune, and Trinity flashed through his eyes as suddenly he scrambled out of the warehouse but not before looking at the clock in horror.

It read 9:28pm.

He turned his gaze to his henchmen.

"He is not to leave here, and if he does kill him!" Roman said as he called his limo back around and immediately ran into the vehicle as soon as it pulled up.

"Where to sir?" His driver asked and all Roman could do was scream.

"Valean Cinema NOW!" Tires screeched, and Roman limo sped off.

"Come on, pick up, pick up." " he tried calling Neo, but she wasn't answering.

"Shit!" He cursed as he began texting her.

"BOMB AT VALEAN CINEAMA STAY AWAY!" he sent the text, and he just hoped and prayed he warned them before it was too late.

.

Neo, Trinity, and Jaune had finally made it to the movie theater just in time with five minutes to spare.

"Come on guys, let's take pictures before we go in," said Jaune, to which his daughter nodded rapidly and pulled Neo he just had a grin on her face.

"Okay, guys, all three of us first," said Jaune as he asked a random bystander to take a group photo using Jaune's scroll

9:28pm

"Now one of you and your mother, Okay Trinity," Jaune said, and Trinity nodded as she wS than lifted up into her mother's embrace to which Jaune moved back to get a nice picture.

snap!

9:29pm

"Okay, Neo, now use your scroll and take a photo of us," he said as he lifted his daughter in the air, getting a giggle from Trinity, which wS music to her ears.

Pulling out her scroll, she switched to camera mode and aimed it just right and was about to press the capture button when all of a sudden she saw in big bold letters.

"BOMB, VALEAN CINEAMA STAY AWAY!" Neo's eyes widened shock at the text from Roman

9:30pm

It was as if everything had happened in slow motion for her as suddenly an explosion went off outside the doors of the cinema.

Neo could only look in horror as her two most precious things in this world continued posing for the camera as if nothing was wrong and as fast as she wished she could be she was no match as flames engulfed the forms of both Jaune and Trinity and the explosion rocked sent Neo flying back.

~

"There are some things in life that you can't walk away from no matter how hard you try.~

(Continue?)

[thiotchi]

omg I just thought of smth regarding one of your aus and I kinda can’t stop laughing (just a little) so I wanted to share it with you

It’s about the demon Zoro au where Zoro gets pregnant with Laws child right

Basically imagine Mihawks reaction to all of that. First he has an injured Zoro at his doorstep, who then begs him to train him. Then they train for two months until Mihawk realises smth is up and well.. basically realises Zoro might be (def is) pregnant. So he‘s going to be a grandparent. Cue internal freaking out.

Then the girl is born and she looks so much like the mix between his student (his son) and that new Warlord, Law. To keep an eye on the father of his grandchild he goes to the warlord meetings and glares at him from the other side of the room bc he isn’t going to tell him about anything

He keeps Zoro updated tho, even though Zoro says he doesn’t want the updates he relaxes when he hears that Law isn’t dead

Just emo family with new born child yk idk why I found the idea of Mihawk being so protective funny but I did so I had to share 😭

Aha, you're not far off!

I've talked about this in the zolaw discord a bit but haven't shared it en masse because it hasn't come up (either via question or in the actual fic) so I can compile it here now that it's been asked--

Mihawk is definitely the first one to realize that Zoro is pregnant - suddenly grateful that he's banned alcohol for the younger swordsman when they started the training. He's been around pregnant women before so he knows the sign.

He doesn't even try to question how Zoro is pregnant because for all intents and purposes, he looks like your average male human - already showing enough promise to surpass Mihawk that he can't deny it, but still human and male - but everyone has their secrets. He's not going to be the one to force Zoro to spill the proverbial beans.

It isn't hard to suspect who the other parent is though, especially when a certain pregnant swordsman keeps stealing his newspapers as he's reading them - one pirate's wanted posters in particular. But he has no way to verify because Zoro stoutly refuses to say. Whatever, it's not his problem.

Except then the baby is born and she looks so much like him that Mihawk has to take a moment or many, many moments just to process it. It even has him questioning if he's actually Roronoa Zoro's father, spending a night with multiple open bottles of wine while trying to do the mental math of some 20-odd years ago.

Some months later, Mihawk is required to attend a mandatory Warlord meeting which is fine because his short trips from the island are the only semblance of calm and quiet he gets nowadays. The baby doesn't cry much - thank god- but Zoro and Perona are both loud enough to make up for it.

Only this time, he has to meet him. The current bain of Mihawk's entire existence. The newest addition to the ranks of Warlords and the entire reason he now has a baby to take care of on top of a goth ghost princess and irritable stabby stabby swordsman.

Cue Mihawk sitting at the far end of the table, menacing aurora as he glares down Law. If he makes a couple of small, subtle jibes, then no he didn't.

Some of my favorite include:

"Oh? You're a captain of your own crew? I didn't get the impression that you were responsible enough for that..."

"A doctor? I don't trust your medical practices if you can't even use the barest of protection..."

"A bounty that high?" unsubtly looks Law up and down. "I'll believe it when I see it."

(Law doesn't know why Dracule Mihawk seems to hate him so much out of the gate and there's not much he can do with Doflamingo right there so he just glares back, trying his best to ignore the comments.)

When he gets back to Kuraigana, he doesn't say anything to Zoro. After all, if the younger swordsman had refused to tell him himself, then there was surely a reason why (it has nothing to do with being his own form of payback; even going so far to hide the newspaper when it finally arrives with the announcement).

He definitely doesn't look six month old Akko down while Zoro is out training. "I don't understand what he saw in him." He gives her a firm look, far too serious for a baby. "You better take after Roronoa." -loud screams heard from outside- "...or better yet, don't take after either of them."

Mihawk is still very much the unwilling father of two goth disasters and grandfather to an (he'll reluctantly admit if pressed-) adorable baby girl but even he can admit that he might miss them - only a little - when its time for them to leave.

[dangan-tiki-bar]

Hey mod Taeko! Can I request some headcanons with Masaru and Monaca with the reader treat them like their are the reader's child?,like the reader and Masaru/Monaca are not related to them but the reader is so attached to them to the point to considered them their on child and the reader can sacrifice their own life for them. I hope this isn't a problem but can I be 🧃 anon? Take care of yourself! Bye bye! :D

MASARU & MONACA WITH A PARENTAL LIKE READER.

mod taeko ;; ooh, my first WoH request ! of course you can be 🧃 anon ! i hope you take care of yourself as well !

WARNING ;; angst, panic attacks, spoilers for their pasts, mentions of abuse & neglect, self harm in masaru's part, & manipulation/gaslighting (?) on monaca's part. dear god, sm warnings ...

MASARU DAIMON

why the hell was a demon sucking up to him ? he would scoff every time he thinks about it and how you would act so ... kind. it threw him off.

how you would offer to bandage his wounds every time he got hurt, how you would offer to make him his favorite foods, how you always suggested playing video games with him to distract him when he remembered his past, how you'd supervise him when he went demon hunting, and how you even tried to participate in his hobbies alongside him ...

you had to be sucking up to him because he was the WoH's most powerful and fearless leader, right ? ... right, of course he's right ... so then why does your smile seem so genuine and bright ? how do you manage to fake being so caring in your position ?

he's always getting mistaken for/called the bossy brat who's an idiot - and while it may take him awhile to notice something rather than the others who do so faster - he's not dumb. he's not an ultimate for nothing and most certainly not just for his physical skills.

so when he notices and deduces your behavior to being ... caring and protective out of all things after a long while, he's still cautious and confused.

he'll confront you with his usual hot headedness (is that a word ? LMAO) and point his finger in your face, aggressively asking you why you keep doing such things. he's partly angry, but that's mainly because he's extremely confused and it annoys him.

when you tell him that he deserves a second chance and didn't deserve the treatment he got, he freezes and stares at you in confusion, a mix of emotions evident on his face as he grabs his hair and sweat drops with a nervous grin on his face.

"w-what are you talking about, you d-demon ... ? i-i don't ... it's not like i ... i c-care ..." he'll manage out while taking a few steps back, beginning to tremble, his face once again contorting to anger when he realizes he's shaking.

"what the ... ? no - i'm not scared ! i-i'm not scared, i'm not scared, i'mnotscared, i'mnotscaredi'mnotscaredi'mnot-"

at this point, he turned his back to you, repetitively hitting one of his arms with tears streaming down his face until he saw that his arm would stop shaking, shrieking when he felt you come up from behind him and gently grab his arms after the first few hits.

"what ... ! s-stay away from me, demon ! g-get away from me !" he'd shout while struggling in your grasp before eventually falling limp against your chest when he didn't have the strength to fight back any longer, confused as to why you hadn't already hit him or - well, killed him.

you began stroking his hair as he hesitantly buried his face in your chest, overwhelmed by your nurturing presence before silently sobbing with his face hidden away from you.

"why do you ... why do you care ..." he sniffled, absentmindedly leaning into your touch. were some demons really ... not ... demons ?

after inspecting masaru's bruises and giving him a bunch of affection, the following day he somewhat goes back to his usual rowdy behavior. however, he's noticeably softer and kinder to you - just when none of the other WoH are around.

he'd scold any of the others if they put you in harm's way, telling them to not mess with "lord masaru daimon's slave or else he'll smite them" ... he then went on to lean in your direction and ask you what the word smite even meant in a whisper 🤦‍♀️

he wakes you up really early by jumping on your bed energetically. not to be mischievous, but because he's excited someone is actually kind to him and nutures him. he wants to spend almost all his time with you doing things he never could before. it's really sad ... brb, mod taeko is crying.

but, yes, in conclusion - masaru is "secretly" babie and is hyped to be around you. he sometimes falls back into his old habits which is a given, such as stealing things, beating himself up physically, flinching away from you (especially when you're angry or upset), nervously smiling so that you don't hate him like he did with his dad - but he always tears up just a bit and looks like a sad puppy when he realizes you're not the same.

you actually care about him and his wellbeing. that realization itself made him choke back on a sob.

MONACA TOWA

monaca is an extremely intelligent girl despite her age. however, although she's smart, she's still a kid all at the same time. it can be hard to remember this with how confusing her behavior and actions seem.

monaca catches on to your behavior pretty fast. at first, she’s simply amused, playing along to see if you have any unknown motives and/or if you’re trying to deceive her like a fool, but when she realizes that your behavior and actions are genuine - she admittedly gets pretty taken aback.

“monaca doesn’t know why a demon such as yourself is being so kind to her, meow !” she admits with her mischievous and childish giggle following afterwards, glancing up at you from her wheelchair with her “innocent” doe eyes.

even though she's small, a bit frail, and in a wheelchair, she's still terrifying. more so because of her mysterious aura and unpredictable actions.

though she calls you out on your behavior, plays dumb, continues to try and manipulate you like she does with the others, and acts pretty indifferently towards you, you've begun to grow on her like a leech - and it's slowly beginning to annoy her.

she'll try to get you to go away by threatening you with any blackmail she can get her little grabby hands on, but you just. won't. go. away.

"why ! are ! you ! so ! per - sis - tent !" she practically shrieks when she finally snaps one day and confronts you, slamming her fists against her armrests on her wheelchair.

when you tell her it's because she deserves a second chance and she's not as bad as everyone makes her out to be, pure shock takes over her face and she sweat drops, little hands beginning to tremble while she digs her nails into the cushions of the armrests.

she quickly regains her composure though - or at least tries to, smiling as she sweats visibly and continues to shake like a leaf in the wind. she can't breakdown now. she has to make big sis junko proud of her.

"what are you ... ! ... what are you talking about, silly ? are you just saying that because you feel bad for me ? why would a demon like you feel bad for me when you demons are the reason i'm like this ?" she giggles with a menacing closed eyed smile, backing up slowly in her wheelchair.

she's been the unwanted child all her life. these emotions ... are so foreign to her. it's overwhelming. she's not sure how to deal with this. she's not sure if she even can.

when you come towards her to try and reassure her, she's unsure of how to react, grinning nervously as she's backed up into a wall now. you were going to hurt her now, weren't you ? she pissed you off and got you to snap and you were going to finally take it out on her, right ?

she contemplates getting out of the wheelchair to run, but you end up hugging her which leaves her confused and shocked for the millionth time.

tears slowly begin to fall down her face as she hesitantly reciprocates the hug, once again overwhelmed - but now because of how gentle your touch is.

"w-why do you care for me ... i've hurt so many people ... and my friends ..." she'd mumble into your shoulder, clinging onto your arm/sleeve. monaca tries to keep quiet and not sob, but tears are streaming like waterfalls from her face.

when you reassure her that she's not a bad person, just someone who needs help and deserves so much better, she hiccups and chokes back on a sob, wailing into your chest. eventually, all the crying takes a toll on her, and she ends up falling asleep against you.

that night, you got to tuck in a genuinely peaceful and relaxed monaca as she begged you while being half asleep to not leave. if you tell her in the morning what she said, she'll deny it was out of care with a sinister smile and simply state it's because she can't have you telling everyone she cried, but we both know the truth.

after that confrontation, monaca is a lot more open and noticeably sweeter & soft towards you. she doesn't say it often and most of the time denies it, but she tries to express it through acts of service.

she bakes you lots of cookies ! the warriors of hope always complain about who will taste her cookies first, but she simply snickers at them, giggly and bubbly as she tells them that they're actually for you.

they'll all groan when she presents them to you or you two cook/bake in the kitchen together, jealous that you get to taste her cooking/baking first before any of them.

she'll become extremely terrifying to anyone who dares to lay a hand on you in a harmful way. she'll threaten to send her robots out to get them with a little innocent chuckle and a closed eyed smile. or she'll hold a knife herself and make stabby motions with a smile. either one works.

at the end of the day, as much of a menacing gremlin she can act like at times, she can be pretty loving and caring, too. she just needs someone with patience for her to open up and help her get out her bad habits and old ways.

[the-chicken-or-the-banana]

I always wondered how the foxes would react to finding out that it was andrew that "hit on" neil first (specially Kevin, since he was just standing right there while that happened)

(now, i don't think they would willing just talk about it but if one of them slip up...)

Btw: i absolutely adored the goodbye kisses series

AHHH sorry for being so MIA lately but i'm absolutely loving this! also i'm realizing that i'm very bad at actually getting to the point so enjoy a shit ton of irrelevant exposition :)

read it on ao3 here

— ··· —

Kevin didn't understand why they had to come to the zoo. It was smelly, there were kids screaming everywhere, and he'd nearly been stepped on three times in the past 10 minutes. He much rather preferred exy to this.

Team bonding sucked.

He trudged along beside Aaron as Dan, Matt, and Nicky actually tried socializing with the new Foxes. Normally, Kevin would jump at the chance to talk about exy with these recruits, but also, normally he didn't feel like he'd just just rolled through a flaming dumpster filled with screeching, pooping monkeys.

Kevin let out a sigh as they passed some sort of mildly interesting snake exhibit. He nudged Aaron, who was on his phone with a red face, which meant he was either texting lovey-dovey things to Katelyn or blasting an idiot in his Ochem class. You never really knew with him.

"Aaron."

Aaron just scowled at him. Kevin sighed again. Conversing was always so much more exhausting than he anticipated.

"Snakes."

"What."

"Do you want to... see the snakes?"

Aaron blinked in confusion. "Okay?"

Kevin led them to the snakes.

There, they shoved past some families and made it to the front of the glass enclosure.

"Well?" Aaron asked. "Now what do we do?"

Valid question, Kevin thought. He hadn't really considered what they were doing. He just wanted to see snakes.

He told Aaron as much, who rolled his eyes aggressively and went back to his phone.

Kevin felt a tap on his shoulder and twisted around, coming face-to-face (well, more like chest-to-face) with some sort of tour or information guide.

"Hi!" she smiled all too brightly. Kevin wanted to cover his eyes. "How are you enjoying the exhibition?"

"Um," Kevin gulped eloquently, then remembered his media training. "Oh yeah, it's great!"

"Awesome," she beamed. "You know, there's a snake feeding session in about 5 minutes if you and your son are interested."

Kevin's face contorted in confusion. He whirled around, assuming some tiny, lost child was latched near him, but when he turned back, the lady — Sandy — had her gaze intensely focused on the only other small person near him: Aaron.

Oh dear.

Aaron seemed to come to the same conclusion as Kevin did because his eyes widened comically and he hissed "I. am. not. his. son."

Sandy blinked owlishly. "Little brother then?"

Aaron threw his hands up. "I am 21! Leave me alone." He then proceeded to stomp out of the enclosure, dragging Kevin along and leaving a very flummoxed old lady behind them.

"I can't believe it," Aaron kept muttering. "Your son. Your son! I hate life."

Kevin was a bit miffed that he hadn't actually been able to see the snakes, but he figured Aaron's plight was slightly more significant than that.

After a few moments of silent walking (Kevin) and angry grumbing (Aaron), Kevin realized he couldn't see any of the Foxes anymore. He glanced around, instinctively searching for Andrew.

"Hey, do you know where Andrew and Neil went?" Kevin asked.

Aaron scoffed. "They're probably making out somewhere."

"Who's making out?"

Aaron and Kevin both gave unholy screeches as they turned around to find Nicky standing between them, a wide, innocent grin on his face.

"What the fuck," Aaron complained. "Don't do that again, you bitch."

Nicky waved him off. "Shut up. Who's making out? Might be able to close some bets."

Kevin rolled his eyes. "We just can't find Andrew and Neil anywhere. Aaron seems to believe they're off deflowering a zoo Port-A-Potty or something."

"Well then, we wouldn't want to interrupt them, right?" Nicky winked. "Anyways, we're all going to the butterfly exhibit right now so y'all have to join us. I'm not taking no for an answer."

It seemed that they had no choice, so after sharing a resigned glance, Kevin and Aaron trudged behind an overly enthusiastic Nicky while he babbled on about some parrots that he saw. It really didn't seem as interesting as Nicky was making it out to be, but Kevin didn't want to say anything lest he was expected to participate in the conversation too.

They finally reached the butterfly exhibit where the other Foxes were waiting for them. They entered as a mass of loud, mildy buff, smelly athletes and got more than a few glares from the parents of young children who moved out of the way.

But in all this movement, the path cleared and Kevin found... Andrew and Neil? He was about to turn to Aaron and tell him that they evidently not making out, until he noticed how still Andrew was standing and the glee on Neil's face.

Nicky's gaze caught onto them a second later, because he squealed and grabbed Kevin's arm, jabbing his finger at the sight.

"Oh my God," he whispered. "Is that a butterfly on Andrew's nose? That is adorable."

Kevin squinted, and yes, that's exactly what it appeared to be. Nicky's outburst had caught Allison's attention, and she began marching over to Neil and Andrew, the rest of the Foxes in tow.

Kevin could already tell this was going to be a mess.

When they finally reached Andrew, Aaron was the first to speak. "What the fuck?" he asked flatly. Andrew glared at him. Slowly, as to not move the butterfly, he raised his hand to gently flip off his brother.

Nicky immediately started cooing. "Aww, don't worry Andrew! I think you look adorable."

Andrew began slipping out a knife.

On Allison's left, Kevin saw Dan practically shaking with laughter as she pulled out her camera and snapped a picture.

Neil opened his mouth, probably to tell off Dan but Nicky rushed in to talk to him.

"Soooo," he waggled his eyebrows. "I didn't know you could see the future, Neil."

Neil stared at him blankly and turned back to Andrew as he pulled out a map, but Nicky rallied on.

"Like, you must have been able to predict that one day Andrew was going to be this adorable. That's why you asked him out, right?"

"What?" Neil asked distractedly. "I never asked him out."

Kevin blinked in surprise. After a moment's consideration, he realized that considering how utterly oblivious Neil could be, it really was no shocker that Andrew had to ask him out first.

"Wait wait wait," Matt shook his head. "So Andrew asked you out?"

Neil waved them off as he continued squinting at the map he was holding. "Yes yes, just go ask Kevin, he was there."

All eyes turned to Kevin. Kevin was very lost.

"What the fuck," Aaron repeated. "I'm so confused."

"Me too," Kevin muttered. "Me too."

— ··· —

After their long day at the zoo was over, the Foxes finally began the trudge back up to their respective dorms. The younger Foxes dozed off immediately, but the older Foxes gathered in the girls' room to drop off the bags they had borrowed for the trip.

In all the commotion, no one really noticed Andrew and Neil leaving together. But right before they slipped out the door, Renee caught sight of them.

"Good night, you two!" she called. Neil turned around and gave her a tired wave, his body slumped on Andrew.

"Wait!" Nicky scrambled off the sofa. "Before I forget: Neil, how did Andrew ask you out?"

Neil blinked sleepily. "Well," he slurred. "He asked if he could blow me."

The room went silent.

Andrew heaved a sigh and dragged Neil out the door, leaving seven wide-eyed, very much awake athletes in their wake. Slowly, everyone turned to Kevin.

"You!" Allison weakly jabbed a finger in his direction. "You knew about this!"

Too late, Kevin realized what Neil's statement meant. Andrew had asked out Neil in front of Kevin. By offering sex. Nothing could have possibly ruined Kevin's night as much as this information had.

He met the Foxes' eyes slowly. Even Renee looked a bit surprised at Neil's admission, but she was clearly biting back a smile. "Trust me," Kevin groaned. "If I had known this had happened, I would have won myself so many bets."

"Damn," Nicky sighed. "I wish Erik and I had such an iconic story. Who knew the quiet, stabby cousin was such a horny gay bastard?"

"I," Aaron announced hotly. "have never wanted to forget a conversation more than this one."

"But Aaron. Andrew asked to blow him."

"Nicky, I swear— "

"OH MY GOD. They're probably having sex right now! Kevin, could you— "

Aaron put his head in his hands. "Please shut up now."

[darthstitch]

How to Deal When Your Spooky Homicidal Nuclear Trashfire Disaster of a Supreme Commander Sith Lord Adopts A Child

(Inspired by @jackdaw-kraai 's Excellent Engineer Luke Skywalker 'verse)

1.  There's about a dozen of the vod'e who have been fans of Scrap Hunting from the very beginning.  Look, the kid was funny, poked fun at the same things they laughed at, albeit on the downlow, as it were, and the half of them that weren't really mechanically-inclined still found Luke Lars entertaining.  Actually, Force help them, they did end up learning SOMETHING.

2.  The 501st are also responsible for bestowing nicknames on Engineer Luke's veritable army of mouse droids.  The little guys are now fondly considered as "pets" and apparently have distinct personalities all their own.  The most infamous mouse droid is the one nicknamed "Stabby" who apparently has made it its mission to follow Darth Vader around.  Surprisingly, His Lordship doesn't mind the company and has been heard to ask the droid to relay messages to its young maker.

3.  The pilots on Lord Vader's shuttle knew what was up the moment their Lord had come back with the wide-eyed farmboy from that backwater sandpit.  Mental images of a giant black asthmatic Corellian duck fussing over their one duckling were NOT healthy things to think about in the presence of a spooky armored mind-reading space wizard so the pilots carefully thought about other things.   Like tooka kits.  Yes.  Tooka kits with sandy fur and big blue eyes.  Totally safe things to think about!

4.  Look, Trooper MTV-15387 a.k.a. Molotov wasn't sure why his Special Brand of Corellian Moonshine Hooch was suddenly the hottest commodity on board.  One of his brothers finally told him it had something to do with that engineer kid from the Outer Rim and Lord Vader.  Molotov doesn't get it, really.  But hey, business is booming and if General Veers himself actually ordered a case of his Specials, then it was all good, right?

Molotov was a bit surprised to get a "thank you" note from Alderaani Senator Bail Organa himself, congratulating him on the "excellence of your vintage."  Apparently, General Veers was generous with the treats.  

5.  Death Squadron would like it known that THEY were the first to officially adopt Head Engineer Luke Lars because of the amazing work he'd put into making sure their ships were less flying coffins and more of the badass war machines of the glorious Empire that they were supposed to be.

6.  The 501st would like to object to that.  The Goran was theirs and they were definitely keeping him, especially after the wild success of the SUTA project.  

7.  Captain Piett does not want to get into the midst of this argument.  He's fairly sure that Lord Vader has officially adopted young Luke Lars.  Piett already has all the necessary Navy forms ready for filing whenever His Lordship gives the word.   He's also gotten the same forms ready for Veers, once young Zevulon gets on board ship.

8.  Captain Piett carefully does not think about overprotective Correllian ducks and their ducklings in the presence of his mind-reading Supreme Commander either.  Even if young Luke does an incredibly good impression of a happy sunshiny duckling.  

9. Piett is just happy that Lord Vader is now mostly calm and contented enough that the ongoing betting pool of "Who's Going To Get Choked to Death Next" has quieted down.   Mostly.  Okay, so the odds are definitely on Admiral Ozzel for the whole choking business and there were a few good-natured grumbles after news of That Incident at the Imperial Ball spread through the ranks.  "Why'd the kid have to stop His Lordship then?!"  

Piett carefully pretends he hasn't heard that.  

10.  Perhaps the happiest amongst them all was The Lady Herself.  All right, so Star Destroyer A.I.'s weren't supposed to develop such distinctive personalities of their own, but then again, mechanics tended to behave and react strangely around people who happen to be Skywalkers, even if one of them pretends he's forgotten all about it and the other is carefully keeping the name secret.  The Lady had been pleased with this little one's clever hands and quick mind, the way that he had carefully sorted through all that needed to be fixed and repaired, the marks and traces left behind by careless hands and the battles the Lady had fought.  The Lady was very pleased that Her Shadow had finally found the little one.  Her Shadow had existed in pain and grief for far too long.  

She had always known that there was still good in him.

- end -

A/N:  Yes, I really went there.  I regret nothing, I tell you.  NOTHING.  The Lady Ex has Opinions, okay?

Stabby the amazing Space Roomba is a Tumblr Legend. I had to pay my own tribute to him.

This is the result of me trying to tide myself over until the next installment in the Guides 'verse! :P

Read it all here:

https://archiveofourown.org/series/1902145

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Isn’t Runaan still technically bound to kill Ezran? That might be enough for an, albeit temporary, reason for Callum and him to be on opposite sides.

As long as that binding is on, sure, he technically is. And that may come back around and become relevant, maybe even in a sudden and dangerous way.

See, Runaan figured he’d be dead by now. He did choose to let Ezran go, but he did so with the full expectation that he wouldn’t live to see the sunrise, so he could perish with his honor intact and no one the wiser for his soft and very quiet sidestep of his duty to kill the Prince of Katolis when he had the chance.

Maybe, either in the dungeon or in the coin, he rethought that soft decision. Maybe he thought that giving Rayla two good hands would give her a better shot at getting the egg back to Xadia, while removing the shortest and slowest member of her little squad and thus speeding their journey at the same time. Maybe he wondered if Rayla really could be hard enough to do whatever it takes--by carrying the egg to Xadia with a grieving and furious Callum at her side, after Runaan slew Ezran right in front of them.

Some fine angst there, yesno? But I’m not really feeling it. We’ve got several bits of lore orbiting Runaan which indicate he’s very quietly influenced to be softer by those he trusts, and that includes Rayla. Yes, their trust was definitely damaged when she lied to him, but he sees her as a child, not as an enemy. She’s still family, and he’s trying to protect her, in the end. Else he really would’ve killed her and taken the egg from her.

He may not agree with her mission, or her choice of companions, but when it came down to choosing whether to kill her or let her embark on that journey, Runaan chose life. It’s a messy complicated issue for everyone involved, and I bet he’s not okay with much of what Rayla has chosen. But she would stand between him and Ezran again, and they both know it. If Runaan ever did feel the urge to salvage his honor and take Ezran, he would have to contend with the permanent rift that would cause between him and Rayla.

And that’s probably a place where he’d draw the line and say No. Not because of Ezran, or his own honor, but because of Rayla.

If Ezran is present when Runaan is freed from his coin, and Runaan perceives that he’s there, there could be some tense moments, and those won’t be good. Runaan’s metaphorically in hell right now, and that’s going to have a negative impact on his outlook. If he’s feeling stabby when he is freed, he may try to share his pain without really thinking his actions through. He bound himself to take Ezran’s life, and then he didn’t, so he could have a weak and dangerous moment and try to rectify that decision, purely on instinct, and out of habit, as a veteran assassin with a lifetime of kills under his belt.

But the show wouldn’t be the same without Ezran, so any such impulse wouldn’t achieve completion. If Runaan gave into his darker instincts, someone would save Ezran, or stop Runaan, or both. I can see pretty much everyone stepping between Runaan and his target then, including Rayla and Callum of course, but I think the best person to make Runaan stand down would be Ethari. I just hope he doesn’t stab him before he realizes who he is.

oh did I spill some extra angst there, my bad

If more time passes than just that initial release window, I think the state of Runaan’s arm is going to be more of a pressing matter than the state of his honor. Callum wouldn’t need to defend his brother against an assassin who can’t stand up because he’s losing one quarter of his limbs to a binding ribbon. In fact, since we’re being angsty, Callum may appreciate that ribbon’s presence. Why fight an assassin when you can just sit back and wait for karma to take his arm for you?

How delightfully pragmatic.

[hopeswriting]

KHR Jujutsu Kaisen AU Part 3

About the Varia & Bianchi & Dino.

Here’s part 1 with the Arco.

Here’s part 2 with the Vongola Tenth Gen and the Kokuyo gang.

Words: 2360

The Varia are all humans.

Squalo, Bel, Luss and Levi don’t have cursed energy.

They’re all in the “killing people��� business because of no Tragic Backstory at all, but simply because they figured they’d be good at it, and they like it, and they’re just plain awful people.

They end up being cursed, and proceed to fight the Cursed Spirit (CS) sent their way, and kill it.

They kill all the others one too, and that’s how they learn about CS and Jujutsu Sorcerers (JS) and get used to fight against both.

They submit some of the CS to do their bidding through sheer fear only and by beating them hard (and sometimes just by being awful people enough the CS recognizes them as one of their own), because it’s much easier to fight CS with CS.

The CS don’t like this much. The humiliation of being turned into obedient pets is bad enough, but the fact it’s done by mere humans who don’t even have cursed energy, let alone aren’t JS?

The fact the JS treat them as one and the same doesn’t help (though it just happens to be they never interrupt them when they’re going after other CS lol.)

They become enemy number one. And they thrive and slaughter their way through the onslaught of attack.

They still are enemy number one after that, but the CS aren’t so eager to act on it anymore lol.

------

They learn about each other through the CS and JS talking about them and lumping them together during their fights.

They instantly hunt each other down because 1) one of them is more than enough, and 2) they sound like they’d be one hell of a fight.

They end up bonding together by very begrudgingly and reluctantly becoming Bel’s dads after repeated fights with each other.

Bel who’s only eight years old here because it makes it much funnier as far as I am concerned.

Little 8yo Bel just goes around wreaking havoc and very much killing both CS and JS all stabby stabby like, and then turns around and demands quiet for his nap. Or else.

So of course Squalo, Luss and Levi have to make sure he grows up to reach his full potential so they can kill him properly. And no one else.

Also they sometimes get overwhelmed having to fight off the CS community (?) single-handedly, but they’re not gonna admit that.

(They’re even less going to admit they just enjoy each other company and the very fucked up and bloody aesthetic they respectively have going on.)

------

Xanxus is a JS. Was a JS.

Nono saves him from a CS back when he was on the field, and adoptes him because of his already awoken cursed energy.

That’d only keep leading CS to him, and he can’t possibly just leave him by himself to die.

(And I’m just pulling fanlore out of my ass now uh? aqsdfghj)

Also he feels guilty to not have come in time to save his parents.

(Which yeah, it would have happened often, but idk, he’s at a particularly low point that time or something.)

Anyway, Nono adopts Xanxus, and it’s not that bad. Nono’s a bit of an absent father because of his work, but Daniela dotes on him a lot and it makes up for it.

So Xanxus grows loved and into a hell of a lot more put together teenager.

Of course he also grows to become a JS, and all goes downhill from there.

------

Because see, Xanxus is smart, and willing to do what is done and bears the consequences of it, so when he takes one look at the current situation, he decides they’re doing this all wrong.

There will obviously have no end to this if all they do is going after CS after they’re born.

And though his first thought isn’t to wipe out all the non-JS, he thinks strongly wiping out the ones being openly piece of shit of human beings would be a good start.

Nono immediately shuts him down, and actively pressures him to squash this thought to nothingness. Daniela doesn’t stop him, though she tries (and fail) to offer some comfort on the sideline.

Xanxus reigns himself in, until one dreadful mission when he just snaps. He knows better than to go back.

Nono sends Iemitsu after him without Daniela’s knowledge, and has him seal Xanxus’s cursed energy.

(When Nana gets pregnant not soon after, it's the last little push Iemitsu needs to retire.)

Daniela is furious, but before she can reach out to Xanxus and try to salvage whatever she can, Xanxus cut all ties and disappears.

Nono swipes all of this under the rug, and no new students of both the Tokyo and Kyoto school ever learns about Xanxus’s existence since then.

(And everyone else who knew him assumes he’s dead and sure as hell never brings him up to either Daniela or Nono.)

------

Viper starts their rogue career and spreads the word they’re looking for strong allies.

The CS seize the opportunity because of course they know of them (and their strength), and tell them they have to take care of this group of humans first to gain their trust.

Viper laughs when they learn about what these humans did to occur their ire, because how it is JS never tried to cause a civil war among CS yet?

(Mukuro sneezes somewhere ahjkfsd.)

They wouldn’t mind using the same method if only it was more reliable. And it’s not like they aren’t confident in their capabilities to submit them too, but always being prepared to a backstabbing sounds exhausting.

(But it also almost sounds worth it, the taste of CS disgusting, and they hate it, hate it, and what is even the point when they won’t ever be able to swallow enough them?)

Viper shrugs and says yes and gets to work.

------

They meet Bel first, and he wavers their convictions just the slightest bit.

(Because killing all non-JS would also mean the children, wouldn't it? And they’re pretty sure all of them won’t be as kind as being serial killers.)

Bel spends the whole fight trying to uncover their face when not trying to kill them, and, okay, he’s very cute. In a very child serial killer way, but still.

Viper decides it’s too early in their rogue career for them to kill children, so they don’t kill Bel.

Next thing they know Bel, Squalo, Luss and Levi show up in their apartment because of course Bel tattled.

They aren’t interested for shit in what they have to stay, but listen anyway once Viper beats them up to attention.

They’re even less interested to achieve world piece (or a world free of CS anyway), but the way to that promises a lot of fun and fights and spilled blood so sure, count them in.

Also Bel is attached already.

------

They stumble upon Xanxus finishing off the CS Viper wanted to recruit.

Yeah, you didn’t think you saw the last of him, did you? Let’s have a little flashback.

Iemitsu seals his cursed energy (which is very painful and scars him physically, and yeah he fought back to the very end but it changes little), and doesn’t find it in him to chase after him when he runs away.

(To bring him back to the Tokyo school, not kill him lol.)

Xanxus takes a year and some to recover, but the seal stunts his growth so he ages very slowly.

During that year he basically turns into Canon!Xanxus except worse because this time there was actually genuine love going on.

(I feel like there’d have to have been someone taking care of him during that time, but I can’t come up with anyone to save my life lol.)

He puts himself back together and doesn’t leave behind the JS business, cursed energy or not.

Except this time there’s quite the humans dying too along the CS. And he can’t bother helping or saving the JS he stumbles upon either.

He didn’t change his mind at all about what needs to be done with the CS, and decides if Nono doesn’t have the guts for it, someone else who has just needs to take over.

He thinks over a one-man coup, not because he’s a prideful, confident and competent stupid bastard (but also, yes he is aqsdfh), but because boy, that’s some trust issues he got as a parting gift.

------

That’s when he meets with the rest of the Varia before he can try anything.

He shoots Bel without meaning to (much like Viper he’s not that deep in the dark side yet lmao), and all hell break loose.

They fight each other until they’re half-dead and can’t move anymore, and only then they talk while bleeding out.

Viper & Cie straight up laugh at Xanxus face because what kind of suicide dumbass plan he has going on?

They laugh harder when they realize Xanxus is very serious, but oh, that’s a drive and will they can get behind.

And while Viper and him aren’t exactly on the same page, it’s such a relief for both of them to meet someone else who understands and is willing to act on it.

(Not that they’ll ever say that to each other.)

Thus the Varia is born.

------

Bianchi waltzes into the Tokyo school like she owns the place to be given a mission because she’s bored.

It’s a thing she sometimes does even if she has her own thing going own.

She walks to Gokudera like it’s no one’s business upon seeing him to catch up with him.

Gokudera is shell-shocked, and that close to start exorcising her.

“Onee-san, what the fuck? You ran away from home with your boyfriend and we never saw you again? We never heard of you again? I thought you were dead. We buried you, Onee-san, what the fuck?”

Bianchi goes “Oh yeah, that piece of shit? I killed him. I didn’t want to involve you into this mess.”

She never elaborates further. (But does apologize properly once Gokudera is ready to hear it.)

------

Here goes another flashback.

Bianchi is fourteen and in love and doesn’t think twice about running away from home with her boyfriend Romeo.

The dream turns quickly into a nightmare, and instead of breaking up with her like a normal person, Romeo curses her.

Bianchi kills both Romeo and the CS, and her first thought is: she has to keep her little brother out of whatever this mess is.

And so she never goes back home or stays in touch in any way at all.

She digs deeper, and learns about CS and JS, and figures out how to use her cursed technique.

It works through the food she cooks that ensnares CS long enough for her to kill them.

Somehow she ends up with some permanent CS she cooks for on the daily because they like her cooking, but they’re useful and strong so she considers it a fair deal.

(It’s the Simon.)

(Yes I’m just throwing around as many names as I can.)

(No I won’t elaborate this side plot further, it’s your problem now lmao.)

------

She’s not too sure about the JS‘s stand on the matter though.

It seems much more efficient to her on the long term to take care of the problem at its roots.

(Yeah I know, that’s three of them already lol, but isn’t it very likely there was more than one Geto Suguru in JJK?)

(I feel like the JS would have to take care of the ones that stray from their imposed right path every now and then.)

She’s more reasonable than the other two though lol.

She makes Romeo the first of many, and makes a business out of hunting down fuckers who think they just can go around cursing people (and only them).

Good thing they’re often rich bastards because she isn’t payed for that.

Though she still needs a steady paycheck, who knows whenever Gokudera will need help of any kind.

(Yes she keeps tabs on him all this time.)

That’s why she makes the JS agree she’s not too much their enemy they can’t give her missions.

Yeah she kills bastards posing as humans and lives with CS, big deal, who cares, she’s not leaving until they tell her how to earn some money.

(Lal loves her so much, idk, it just struck me right now, and I like it.)

------

Dino is a CS. Not your average CS either, he’s strong.

He’s still clumsy, except it takes the form of his cursed energy randomly hitting such a low he’s basically reduced as a human being for random amount of times.

On the other hand when it comes back it always reaches an all time peak he can’t reach normally.

And yeah it has nothing to do with clumsiness lol, whatever.

He meets Reborn during one of his Low Phase, and fails to recognize him as the threat he is.

He strikes a conversation with him like they’re the best of friends, already acting as his self-proclaimed older brother, because he never saw this CS before? He must be a newbie.

Reborn finds it so funny he goes along with it. Dino doesn’t realize his mistake when he gets back his cursed energy, because Reborn is a bastard and by then he was already concealing his cursed energy.

Reborn messes with him for weeks, and it’s the funniest fucking thing when Dino finally realizes.

He doesn’t have the common sense to stay as far away as he can from Reborn even then, which is good because common sense is boring and Reborn has no need for it.

Reborn adopts him, not as a friend or because he’s lonely or anything below him like that, of course not, but simply as an entertaining pet.

He trains him because he’s a walking waste of potential, and not because he’ll need the skills if he is to hang out around him, and Reborn would hate for him to die too soon, of course not.

Dino suffers. Reborn is happy. Everything is well.

------

Meanwhile, the different sides in this war between JS and CS keep blurring more and more.

*

Thanks for reading!

Here’s part 1 with the Arco.

Here’s part 2 with the Vongola Tenth Gen and the Kokuyo gang.

Also I don’t think I said it in the other posts, but feel free to add to this AU to your heart’s content :).

[angsty-aliens]

Truck Stop Knives And Other Accessories of Childhood (2/3)

Thank you a million times to @jocarthage @foramomentonly and @haloud for the beta and brainstorming. 

Here is part 2 of what I’ve been calling my “feral stabby baby” fic. Alien tech manifests an inner child for Michael. And that inner child has a knife. You can find part one on Ao3. (CW: discussions of child abuse)

***

Alex’s cabin was a solid half hour out of city limits. Close enough to not be too much of a hassle, but far enough away to not have neighbors. It’d been a while since Michael had been alone with Alex and he tried not to let that nervousness show as he parked.

Things were good. He and Maria broke up amicably. Michael was good at pushing people away. It was a carefully cultivated skill set and eventually even though he tried to be good, it wasn’t fair to Maria. He was a mess and she deserved someone better than him. And throughout all of it, Michael and Alex tried to maintain an alliance if not a friendship. Michael didn’t have friends. He didn’t know how to be one. Closest he had was Liz, and he figured she tolerated him because he was adjacent to Max.

The kid was giving him suspicious looks the longer they lingered in the dark outside the cabin. The lights were on. Alex was clearly home. They just had to knock.

Finally the kid rolled his eyes and kicked the door.

“Hey! You could have knocked!”

Mikey raised an eyebrow, “YOU could have knocked.”

Michael’s retort was cut short by the door opening. Alex. No matter what, seeing Alex made the knot between his shoulders ease. Even when they crashed into each other and pushed on each other’s bruises, Alex still felt like home.

Alex may have been texted the sit-rep for this little alien misadventure, but it was one thing to read his ex-boyfriend had manifested an eleven year old version of himself, and another to see it. To his credit, he only gawked for a second before gesturing them inside.

“So….”

“Uh, yeah. Alex this is me as an eleven year old. Inner Child, this is Alex.”

The kid gave him a look of disgust, “Don’t call me that.”

“Liz was calling him Mikey.” Michael said.

Alex held out a hand to shake, “Michael Guerin, I’m Alex Manes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

It took an elbow from Michael, but Mikey accepted the hand and gave his best adult impression as he shook it. “So, what happened to your leg?”

Michael’s jaw dropped, “you can’t just ask someone what happened to their leg! What’s wrong with you?!”

“What? He stands weird.”

Alex coughed, “it’s fine. Kids are curious.” He pulled up the hem of his pants to expose the metal prosthetic, “I’m in the Air Force and I lost my leg in combat.”

The kid crouched down to take a closer look and ordered, “I want to see where it connects. Show me how it stays on.”

Michael mumbled an apology, grabbed the back of the kid’s hoodie and marched him into the kitchen.

“You’re not being curious, you’re being an asshole. Stop it.”

The kid exploded in sudden anger and hissed, “YOU brought me to the house of someone in the military! Do you WANT us to be cut open?”

“He knows about aliens. He’s a good guy. No one’s getting vivisected. He’s on our side.”

The little boy threw his hands up in revulsion, “Does EVERYONE in this shitty little town know about aliens?”

“Max resurrected Liz. Apparently once you bring someone back from the dead, the secret gets out. But the people who know are Team Extraterrestrial. No one’s gonna blab to the government. We… trust them.”

Mikey sneered, “Do you?”

“Okay, Max and Isobel trust them. I trust Alex. We can trust Alex.”

“I can’t believe I grew up to be a dipshit.”

“I can’t believe I was such a little prick!”

Alex knocked at the door frame to get their attention, “you guys aren’t exactly being subtle… or quiet. Instead of yelling at each other, do you want dinner? It’s almost 7pm. I can order pizza, or I’ve got some frozen dinners we can microwave.”

The Guerins stood in the kitchen still glaring at each other.

Michael’s jaw clenched, but he broke the silent warfare, “we ate at 4 but we could probably eat again. I can also cook if you want.”

Alex opened an empty cabinet, “If by cook you mean heat up a can of soup, sure. But there’s not really anything else to cook here. I haven’t stocked up on groceries in awhile. I’ve got some microwave oatmeal packets for breakfast so no one’s going to starve to death, but we’re not gonna get a Leave It To Beaver dinner out of this kitchen.”

The kid gave a calculated look between the two men before asking, “are you fucking each other? Are we gay?”

Michael sucked in air through his teeth before stalking angrily away from the kid who was swaying on his feet in anticipation. “Alex, I’m sorry. I don’t know why he’s being like this. I shouldn’t have brought him and bothered you. We can go back to the airstream.”

Alex explained gently, “He’s poking the bear. He wants to see what’ll happen. You STILL do this so it’s not surprising you do it as a kid too.”

Michael turned back to the kid with a considering gaze, “do you want to see if I’ll hit you or if Alex will?”

Kid shrugged, “It’s Saturday. Doesn’t really matter which of you does it.”

Michael exhaled suddenly like he’d been punched in the stomach, “It’s Saturday. I can’t believe I forgot about this.”

Alex looked between the two Guerins. Michael scrubbed his face angrily. The little boy held himself completely still. Alex waited for an explanation. Michael leaned against a countertop and carefully looked at a spot on the wall. Looking anywhere but at Alex or Mikey.

It took him a minute to speak. This was hard.

“On Saturdays the religious freaks would line us all up and paddle the crap out of us. Didn’t matter how good we were. On Saturday you were getting your licks. They said it was to cover all the sins we did during the week that they didn’t catch. Because they’d whack you if they thought you were doing something wrong. But on Saturdays no matter what, no matter how good you tried to be, you were getting it. They said it was…”

The boy calmly stated, “Taking your medicine.”

“Yeah that’s right. Taking your medicine.” His jaw twitched, “Like they had to beat all the bad stuff out so on church Sunday we could be good again. We could absorb the lessons. And the man in charge of the home said children listen better on sore bottoms.” Michaels’ face twisted up, “That fucker.”

Mikey looked uneasy. Michael took a steadying breath and forced himself to remain calm, “We don’t do that here. No one’s gonna hit you here. I might yell. But no one will hit you no matter what a little shit you are. I’ll explode anyone who tries with my brain.”

The kid stared at them both, silently making calculations before nodding once. “I want pizza.”

Alex made mental plans to find out the names of these fundamentalists and completely ruin them online.

***

The call for pizza had been made, and Alex awkwardly watched the two Michaels sit on the floor methodically taking his toaster apart. He tried to insist it wasn’t broken, but Michael just made meaningful eye contact and repeated, “let us fix it.”

So now the toaster was in pieces, scattered across the hardwood floor. Alex had to admit this was the calmest he’d seen the boy. Having a task seemed good for him. And two Michaels were actually getting along, passing a phillips head screwdriver back and forth. If he had to buy a new toaster, it’d be worth it for this momentary peace.

The pizza wouldn’t arrive for a while yet, the downside of living in the boonies. His cabin did have a washing machine though, and unless Isobel made good time, she probably wouldn’t have new clothes for the kid until tomorrow.

Alex cleared his throat to get their attention, “I have a load of laundry I was going to start, and I can stick you stuff in there too Mikey. That way you have clean clothing for tomorrow. If you want you can take a shower and I can try to find you pajamas. Dinner should be here by the time you get out.”

The boy protested, “but the toaster…”

Michael began to pick up the mess, “the toaster will still be here. This isn’t a time sensitive project. No one will be in trouble if it doesn’t get fixed tonight. Clean clothes probably isn’t a bad idea. I’ve got a couple shirts that could use a wash too.”

He pulled the kid to his feet, and steered him towards the bathroom. “Alex has good water pressure and the tank is huge. Hot water for days!”

With the two house guests preoccupied, Alex started to gather clothing to wash. It was just an excuse and Michael knew it, but maybe it’d make the boy feel less awkward if he thought everyone had laundry to do. He heard the shower start and Michael exited the bathroom with an armful of clothing. The challenge was going to be finding the boy something to wear while his clothing was being cleaned. A tshirt would hang like a dress on him and preserve his modesty, but Alex doubted he had any sleep shorts with a drawstring tight enough to stay up on a child.

The two men began to load the washing machine. Michael added a couple shirts from his backpack. Alex didn’t know if they actually needed to be washed or if Michael was just trying to keep the kid from feeling weird.

“You okay?” Alex asked.

Michael dug through the kids pockets quickly and removed four quarters, a shiny rock, and a plastic bag with two pancakes inside. Deeming the clothing now safe, he crammed it in the washing machine. “Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“Because you’re suddenly the guardian of a very angry eleven year old version of yourself who manifested from alien technology we don’t understand yet?”

Michael laughed, “yeah when you put it that way… today is a lot. Thanks for letting us crash here. We would have killed each other in my airstream. At least you’ve got a couch the kid can sleep on. I’ll take the floor.”

“What? No, you’re not sleeping on the floor.” Alex’s forehead furrowed, “You can… look my bed is big enough. We’re adults.”

“I don’t want this to be weird for you.”

“Then don’t make it weird.”

And with that statement Alex walked back to his bedroom to find the boy something to wear. When Michael followed him, he handed him an oversized air force shirt, and a towel.

Michael sheepishly handed the shirt back, “Maybe something that doesn’t have a military logo on it? Kid isn’t a huge fan of Uncle Sam.”

Another rummage through his drawers, and Alex a plain black shirt. It wasn’t quite as big as the Air Force shirt, but it was still an oversized shirt Alex used to sleep in. It should be long enough for the boy.

Michael gratefully took the items and knocked on the bathroom door in warning before leaving the towel and shirt inside.

Sure enough by the time the pizza arrived, Mikey was done with his shower and standing in the living room shifting from foot to foot. Alex knew he was eleven, but he looked smaller engulfed in his shirt. It made his heart feel tight to see Michael Guerin’s face on a child wearing his clothing. Like he’d crush anyone who ever hurt this kid.

The boy attacked the pizza, and Alex spotted a thin red mark on his thigh, peeking out from the edge of the shirt. Alex was familiar with marks like that, but his marks were always wider. Belts tended to linger. Michael Guerin was carefully avoiding his eyes, as he reached around the kid to grab his own slice. When he finally managed to catch his gaze, Michael just shrugged as if to say “shit happens.”

Alex knew that. And he knew better than to mention it to the kid. It was no secret that he and Guerin connected over shared trauma. It just felt like a punch in the gut to see evidence of a beating on a kid. It was surprising Michael wasn’t triggered to hell being confronted with his worse childhood memories in technicolor.

Alex carefully peeled his own piece of pizza off the cardboard so they could all pretend this was perfectly normal.

***

Michael could hear the thump of clothing in the dryer as he made Alex’s couch up for bedtime. He carefully tucked a sheet around the old seat cushions and layered some homemade quilts on top. The overall effect was very homey, if a little ill-matched.

The kid was still wearing Alex’s shirt like a dress and that red mark was impossible to ignore. When Michael buried his head in the closet to look for an extra pillow, Michael casually asked “do you need some neosporin?”

Mikey was still poking at the disassembled toaster, “for what?”

Michael carefully kept his voice calm and disinterested, “The switch marks. Anything bleeding?”

“Nah. Her aim just sucks. Or maybe she did it on purpose. It’s a new placement. She got my back and my legs, not just my butt.” Mikey hesitated, “Did she do it on purpose?”

Michael couldn’t pretend to fluff pillows in a closet forever. He turned around and swallowed hard, “Yeah. She really liked smacking my legs. Aimed for the lower thighs a lot, where it really hurts and where it’s hard to cover. I got in trouble in PE a lot for not wearing my gym shorts.” Michael ran a lot of miles around the track in jeans, but it was worth it to not have those marks visible to Max and Isobel. They didn’t need to know. And he wasn’t willing to risk being moved out of Roswell if a grown up figured things out.

The kid didn’t seem surprised, “How long do we stay with them?”

“Three years. We get moved after our fourteenth birthday. Single family placement instead of a group home. It was better.”

His foster dad kicked the shit out of him, but anything was better than being exorcised. Kid didn’t need to know that. “And when we’re fourteen, we meet Sanders. He’s an old dude who owns a junkyard. He teaches us to fix cars, and lets us crash on his couch sometimes. That’s where I work now. I can fix anything. We can fix anything.”

That felt important, but Michael didn’t want to make it awkward so he peeled back the covers so the kid could tuck himself inside.

“How did you know Alex was missing a leg? He doesn’t stand funny.”

The kid shrugged, “he had a fancy crutch leaning against the fireplace. Those mean there’s something really wrong. I just guessed his leg was messed up. I didn’t know it got blown up.”

Michael sighed, “Can you lay off of bugging him about it? He’s doing us a favor.”

“Yeah.” Mikey thought for a second, and then continued, “I really AM curious about the leg though. I wasn’t JUST being an asshole. I really do want to see how it all connects.”

Michael rubbed his forehead, “maybe he’ll show you later, just… can you relax with messing with him? He’s not gonna get mad and hit you. I’ve pissed him off as a grown up, and he never hit me, he’s definitely not gonna touch you.

The kid shrugged noncommittally.

“By the way, we’re bisexual.”

“What?”

Michael repeated, “You asked earlier if we were gay. We’re bisexual.”

“Huh.”

“Don’t act surprised. We had a crush on Taymon Johnson in fifth grade.”

The kid protested, “No we didn’t! He was just cool!”

Michael raised an eyebrow.

“Oh.” The boy looked like he was reassessing every hero he ever had.

“Yeah. Oh. And yes, Alex and I had a thing, but we’re just friends now and it’d be awesome if you’d cut out the ‘are you fucking’ line of questioning.”

The kid smirked, “Aren’t you about to go have a bisexual slumber party with him?”

Michael narrowed his eyes, “Yeah, a totally platonic slumber party. We’re friends now.”

The kid raised an eyebrow.

“Shut up.” Michael rolled his eyes and pulled the quilt up around the boy’s chin. People never tucked in kids like Michael Guerin. Not foster parents anyway. Sometimes if he got to go to a slumber party at a classmate’s house, a well meaning mom would also tuck him in. Once a mom kissed his forehead before she shut off the lights. He didn’t know that was a real thing that happened sometimes. Michael always assumed it was just in movies. He felt stupid when he realized it was real, it just wasn’t for kids like him.

With his stomach twisting up at that memory, Michael dug in his pocket and pulled out the switchblade he took from the kid that afternoon. “I’m giving you this back because I’m trusting you not to stab anyone, and I know you’ll sleep better if you have it. And I know you’re gonna want to go to Foster’s Ranch.” The kid opened his

mouth and Michael cut him off, “I KNOW. But the military bought it, and the last thing we need is an alien hanging out on top secret government property. Plus the hitchhiking didn’t always work out well for us. So let’s just not, okay?”

The kid clutched the knife and begrudgingly nodded.

“Go to sleep. We’ll figure out the rest of this tomorrow.”

***

Michael closed the door to the bedroom behind him. “Kid is in bed. Doubt he’ll sleep much tonight, but at least I’ve got him all tucked in.”

Alex was making puzzled faces at his laptop. “I keep looking at the glyphs on your disk. I don’t recognize most of them and we translated ‘child, memory, temporary’ but there are more glyphs on the back.” He squinted, “This may say ‘permanent.’ Guerin, I don’t know how this disk works. I don’t know what you did.”

Alex scrubbed at his hair, frustrated. With a sharp exhale, he closed the laptop and tucked it away. Michael watched Alex slip into bed and swallowed hard, “I can still sleep on the floor if you want. I’m used to it.”

“We can share. It’s fine.”

Michael tried one more time, “I could go sleep in your creepy murder bunker. That’s an extra bedroom.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, “Do you WANT to sleep in the creepy murder bunker?”

“No. It’s a creepy murder bunker.”

“Okay, so stop being weird about this and come to bed. I promise I won’t cuddle you in your sleep.”

Michael muttered under his breath, “I wish.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boots. He unbuckled his belt and reached for the button of his jeans when he suddenly stopped. The words burst out of him, “I should have figured out the stupid Saturday thing earlier. I was in that group home for three years.” Michael turned to face Alex, “I didn’t stop getting weird about Saturdays until senior year when I lived in the truck.”

Alex watched him from his side of the bed, face still pressed against his pillow. “My dad played mind games like that too. He liked creating obstacle courses for me and my brothers. Last one to finish got his ass kicked by my dad. I’m two years younger than Flint. Unless one of my brothers was incapacitated, I was always the one who lost. Every time they had us run a course in basic training, it was like I could see my dad waiting at the finish line with his thumbs stuck in his belt.”

Alex paused, “maybe it’s good. Having Mikey here. Maybe it’s time to work through some of this stuff.”

“You sound like Isobel.” Michael shucked his pants off, and pulled his shirt over his head in one practiced move. His clothing sat in a rejected pile on the floor and he slid under the covers, Alex’s knees almost touching his thigh.

“Is she wrong? Neither one of us talk about it. We just pretend everything is fine.”

Michael turned on his side to face Alex with a huff, “Everything IS fine!”

“If everything was fine, we would have kept dating after high school and we’d probably have a dog by now. Instead I became a runner, and you like to self-destruct.”

They were silent a minute. Michael admitted, “I didn’t self-destruct after high school because of you. There were other things. You were one of the only good things in my life.”

“I know.” Alex touched Michael’s hand, rubbing a thumb across his knuckles. “You were a good thing in my life too.”

Michael closed his eyes so he wouldn’t see how his next statement landed, “you still are. You still are a good thing.”

Alex pushed his head forward so their foreheads touched on the pillows. “You are my good thing too.”

Michael exhaled, “What are we doing?”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want you to stop answering a question with another question.”

Alex tilted his face and lightly pressed his lips to Michael’s. “Is this okay?”

Michael answered by cupping Alex’s cheek and pulling him in for a deeper kiss. It had been too long since someone touched him this way. Too long since Alex touched him this way. They were hungry for each other. Knees knocked together awkwardly under the covers as they tried to press their chests flush to each other, wanting as much skin touching as possible. Finally feeling like they could both breathe.

Michael wormed his arm underneath Alex so he could pull him closer. He keened as Alex threaded a hand through his curls and tugged just slightly. Michael’s hand drifted down Alex’s cheek, stroking his shoulder, then disappearing beneath the covers. His fingers stroked down Alex’s stomach, and dipped just under the waistband of his boxer briefs.

Alex pulled back with a gasp, “wait.”

The hand retreated immediately.

“No I want to. I want to. It’s just…” Alex panted against Michael’s lips, “I don’t want to screw this up. We’re really really good at the sex parts, and not so great at the communication parts. So maybe we should…”

“Focus on communication?” Michael asked.

Alex kissed him lightly, “Yeah. Yeah, I don’t want to pause but… I don’t want to fall into old patterns. I want to build something new with you. Something stronger. Plus there’s an eleven year old sleeping on the couch twenty feet away.”

Michael returned his hand to Alex’s cheek. “Is this okay? Hands above the waist at all times?”

Alex smiled with his lips still pressed to Michaels, “Yeah. That’s good. Let’s do that for awhile.”

Michael could feel Alex’s heartbeat thump against his chest. He could feel the swell of Alex’s belly with each inhale, his skin sliding against his own as they breathed in unison. He sent a trinkle of power to turn off the lights, and tugged Alex tight against him. Michael’s nose nuzzled down into the dip of his shoulder, rubbing his face into the curve and breathing deeply. His whole world smelled like Alex, and it felt right. He could feel Alex sigh against his hair, and his hand massaging the back of his neck, occasionally venturing up to play in his curls. And Michael let himself close his eyes and drift off to sleep.

***

Michael woke up suddenly. There was a new connection in his head that he hadn’t noticed. The places where he could sometimes sense Max and Isobel were muted after decades of practice. That connection had atrophied and he never tried to repair it. But now there was a sudden feeling of distress that could only be coming from Mikey.

He slipped from the bed, pulled on a shirt to go with his boxer briefs, and with bare feet, padded his way to the living room. The kid was sitting up, hugging himself with fists twisted around the loose material of his nightshirt, and breathing shakily.

Michael crouched next to the couch, “Bad dream?”

The kid didn’t even look at him. He just shrugged and tried to calm his breathing.

“Can I touch you? Or no?”

Mikey took a second, then nodded. Michael sat behind him and rubbed his hands down the kid’s trembling arms, like he was trying to warm him up. Michael remembered nightmares like this. Where he woke up not sure what feelings were real and what feelings were memories. Phantom pains lingering from his nightmares, that could only be soothed away by proving it was just a dream. His body was safe. He was okay.

The kid took a deep breath, then another. His hands unlocked from his sides and he leaned his back against Michael’s side. Michael let his arm rest heavily against the boy’s chest, like a seat belt grounding him to this world.

“Better?”

Mikey nodded and let his head thunk back against Michael’s shoulder. During the day he’d never allow this comfort, but in the dark, after a nightmare, he needed it even though he’d never admit it. Facing away from his older self, he had the courage to admit, “Nightmare. They were hurting me. … And they had Max and Isobel.”

“Those are the worst. I hate the dreams where I’m being hurt, but if Max and Isobel are there too…” Michael exhaled sharply, “Do you want to call them? So you know they’re safe? They won’t care if we wake them up.”

Michael would never call his siblings over a bad dream, but he knew in his bones they’d never mind a phone call from the kid. It felt okay to offer this to the kid.

“I don’t even LIKE Max or Isobel.”

“Yeah, I don’t always like them either. But they’re still mine. They’re still family. And the idea of someone hurting them makes me want to set the world on fire.”

They sat on the couch in silence. Mikey would never ask for a hug, and Michael wouldn’t volunteer one. But with the boy leaning against him, and his arm slung around him, it felt like a hug. They both felt settled. Like their bodies weren’t being flung into a nebulous nightmare void where everything bad could and would happen. They both felt real. They were on Alex’s couch, in Alex’s living room, in Alex’s cabin. They were safe.

[ranawaytothedas]

A Rose for the Sparrow

Because your girl loves to wait till the actual 11th hour to do things, here is the first prompt from @scharoux prompt list that you can find here. This is unbetaed so if I missed words or things I am sorry... I just wanted to get this out!

I never really know how to do pure fluff, so it’s a wee bit angsty but I swear there is fluff in here someplace. 

The previous few days had been tough on Maeve. Being away from Jena for the first time was really getting to her. The mission was only meant to be two days, a short one just to see if Maeve was ready to get back to business but they had run into a fair bit of trouble from bandits on their way down into the Hinterlands. It was the fifth day and they would finish their return to Skyhold in the morning being back by no later than supper time Alistair had noted to her several times. Yet, it did nothing to calm the guilt and anxiety she was feeling over leaving her very young child for the first time. 

Alistair has spent much of the trip trying to keep Maeve calm as they ran into each delay. He had done a far better job of it than Sera. As sincere as her friend’s attempts were, saying, “She is too little to remember, don’t you worry we could be gone a month and the worst that would happen is she wouldn’t remember ya.” Which only serves to send Maeve running into her and Alistair’s tent trying to hide choked and muffled sobs. If Sera hand not been so upset herself that she had Maeve so upset by saying the wrong thing, Alistair would have played into her. Instead, he stood up from the log that was being used a makeshift bench and walked away. Without saying a word.

He could hear Maeve crying in the tent. His heart sank hearing her sobs and he paused turning away from the tent his hand going to his brow. There was nothing he could do to stop this, she had every right to be hurt and upset. They all, even Cullen, had convinced her she was ready when it had become blatantly obvious that she was not. Debating for several moments, Alistair looked back at the tent several times before turning around and walking into the lightly wooded forest on the edge of their camp. He wanted to scream, not at Maeve but at himself. He had sworn that he was not going to let everyone, himself included, push Maeve to her breaking point again. It was a foolish promise that he knew he would never be able to keep but this one time he could have put his foot down. 

A low groan of frustration slipped from his lips as he leaned back against an old and haggard tree. “Andraste’s tits, this could not have gone worse,” Alistair mumbled to himself. Even if things had gone to play, Maeve most likely would have still been withdrawn and quick to anger. “She was not ready…” He mumbled as hand rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes closed. The lone voice against Maeve going on this mission had oddly enough been Morrigan. Though the sister still were at odds much of the time, the one matter that seemed to unite them after all these years was Jena. 

He would never speak the words out loud and certainly never tell Morrigan, but she had been right in saying Maeve was not ready. There was no going back and changing things. While apparently, some manner of time travel is possible, Redcliffe had proved that. He did not think it was wise to risk the fate of the world to right this wrong. Though, for a brief moment, he did ponder who he would ask for such a favor. “Raven, she likes that level of unnerving magic the most.” His mind wandered for a moment before falling upon startling conclusion that if any number of those who counted themselves Maeve’s family. Cullen, Morrigan, Raven, even Zevran learned he had walked away while she was sobbing the would have his head. 

He shook his head and took a deep breath before opening his eyes. The first thing they fell upon was s small rose bush. The flowers were a pale pink, so pale in low moonlight they almost looked white. His lips curled into a small smirk. Walking over he pulled out a dagger from his belt and cut a single stem and bloom from the bush. “That’s what I was doing..” Alistair concluded with a sigh, “Getting something to make the Sparrow smile…” 

The walk back to the camp was short and Maeve’s cries had quieted but were still the first sound that Alistair heard upon entering the camp. The others had all gone to their tents. He slipped into the tent to find Maeve culled up, on the bedroll, blanket covering her face as she sobbed softly. 

The smile faded from his lips as he set the rose down at the end of the bedroll before crawling in next to her wrapping his arms around her. “I know you miss Jena, I miss her too..” His tone was soothing, even and calm even as her sobs grew for a moment. “She is in the safest place possible,” Alistar reassured, and Jena really was. Skyhold was becoming quite the fortress and everyone there adored that baby. Most would likely give their lives to save hers, most of her father.  “Do you know how many people are fussing over her right now? I bet she has not left Cullen’s sight this whole time, you know how much he loves his little girl. He controls the entirety of the Inquisition’s forces” A low sigh escaped his lips as he hand reached over and peeled the blanket away from Maeve’s face. “That little girl has armies, some of the most powerful mages and skilled templars protecting her. I know it’s not her being safe that has you so upset.” Maeve looked up at him with her golden eyes. She chewed on her bottom lip and shook her head. “Well talk to me, Sparrow, please. I can not try to help you if you do not tell me what about this…” 

“I am a horrible mother, I left her…” Maeve choked out her hand covering her mouth as she looked away. 

Alistair’s eyes grew wide and he sat up, “No, you are not Maeve. Maker’s breath, you are out trying to save the world and you left Jena with her father and his army… your army” He reached out and took Maeve’s hands trying to pull her up. “Please, Sparrow… sit up and listen to me.” He was not planning on being so forceful on the subject but when she called herself a horrible Mother he had to put an end to that thought. Right then, right there. Maeve reluctantly sat up but wouldn’t look at Alistair so he took her face in his hands. “My Love, you have done everything possible to protect that little girl from the second you realized you were pregnant.” Alistair’s thumb brushed away her tears as they rolled down her cheeks. “You nearly died giving birth and still, still you tried to take care of her by yourself. Not letting Cullen or I, or anyone else for that matter, take care of her. You dote upon Jena, Maeve. We all know how much you love her and want to keep her safe.” 

Maeve sniffled and looked up at Alistair. “I miss her so much,” Was all Maeve managed to choke out.

Alistair let out a heavy sigh and nodded his head. She wasn’t his child, that was obvious the moment she was born but he still loved Jena like his own. He missed her as well but he knew it was not the same. “I know, I know…” He mumbled softly as he pulled her into a tight hug, Maeve’s chin resting on shoulder. “How about we leave at the first light of dawn tomorrow? We can slip through woods, stay off the roads like we used to with Ella? We will make a better time and get you back to Jena before you know it.” Alistair concluded. It wasn’t a plan that Cassandra would be pleased with but he would deal with her when they got back to Skyhold. 

Maeve leaned back and looked at Alistair wide-eyed, the tears had stopped. “Really?” 

“Really,” Alistair replied simply. “I promise you, you will see your baby before midday.” Alistair smiled and for a moment, he could see Maeve’s lips twitch upwards almost into a tentative smile. It made him feel so much better than he had only a few moments before. Sensing the shift in mood, he reached on hand behind and him and picked up the rose, narrowly avoiding it’s thorns. “I saw this and thought of you..” He said with a cheesy smirk as he show Maeve the rose. 

A low chuckle escaped her lips at his line. “Really? A rose, Alistair? How does that remind you of me?” She asked skeptical at first but taking the rose from his hands and bringing to her nose.

Alistair shrugged. “It’s a little fragile at times, does not fare well in cold weather, is beautiful and sweet… and just a little bit stabby.” As Maeve lowed the rose down Alistair leaned forward and cupped her cheeks. “Just like you…” He muttered as he leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her lips. His thumb brushed against her cheek as she let the kiss linger longer than he had expected. The rose still in her hand she draped her arms over his shoulders as she leaned back.

A faint smile played on her lips. “Fair point..” She started in a soft whisper before her eyes focused on his. “Thank you,” 

“Anything for my Sparrow..” 

[askbittyerror]

Wedding RP part 7

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "I can manage that." Bells leads the way to the wall, pressing against a slight indentation... a door slips open, though they pause, glance at Flare again, and seem to tug sonething only half glimpsed. The door opens more, to accommodate for his size, and they lead the three through.

The stairwell on the other side is a plain, very solid stone with wide steps, as Bells readies to close the door once theyre through, before leading them upward, and away from the party. @Askbittyerror

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 They follow, Umbra continuing to tug. The trio seem to have relaxed some, although Flare is still on alert and Mo's smile has at least faded to gentle bliss.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 Once the door is closed again, they head up, away from the crowds. The stairwell is large, though Flare probably shouldn't... hop, or anything. "You're almost bigger than Kudzu," they muse, as they continue up, "but, lamia. So most of his length is tail." The wedding party grows further distant... "it's not much further, promise."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "It's fine." Umbra pants, struggling to wiggle his way up and squeaking when Mo hoists him, cradling the smaller man carefully in his arms and smiling like he just got a highfive from god.(edited)

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 They give Mo a grateful look, not that they suppose it will matter to him, then press the door they've arrived at open. ...it's a water garden, with beautiful mosaics half hidden on the far walls, overgrowth of plants and pretty things all but overflowing the room, as pools of water tumble musically into each other all little falls. Much of the furthest part of the room is 'open' to the 'sky,' though in this case the sky is a deep utter blackness, filled with distant shifting lights that gleam and burn like stars, and a river of fragmented white light that travels across it's distance. ...it's, actually fully enclosed, with strong magic shields. But it's pretty. "...is this okay? I've got other rooms, but, Flare will have to size down to seven feet for most of them."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "Pretty." Mo notes, sitting in the grass and nuzzling his confused nootdoot. Flare stands behind, watching them.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they take a moment, seeing thet look better, before looking back at Flare. "-oh yeah. you're the reason I came to talk in the first place, huh?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Flare continues to watch.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 Quiet, then a sigh, as they find a spot by one of the pools of water to sit. "I wanted to thank you for the wedding present. But mostly, wanted to apologize for my daughter attempting to tackle you across the whole room like that. There was already a lot of tension in the air, and I know that didn't help." ...they gaze at the flowing water, offering quietly, "she's very protective of her da. even if she doesn't remember it, having been so young, he once dusted under her hands as she reached out to try holding onto him. Crumbling under her touch." "-even if we got him back, there's a part of her that's terrified of losing him again."(edited)

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "she's a soul of bravery with the magic of two very powerful guardians within her, as well as the heart of a warrior... and the self preservation instincts of a very young, very traumatized child."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Flare doesn't move. “Um,” Umbra pushes Mo away from where the Dream nuzzles against his cheek, wiggling out of his lap. “Dad is, uh, he’s- there’s not much in there, right now.” All expression fades from Mo at his absence and he just sits, hands in his lap, weedle tucked under one arm, staring straight ahead.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 A nod, and they look back at the water. "Guess I'll say it later, then." "...Stars, I wish my mates and their mates would stop doing that stuff to each other. I guess I should be grateful I wasn't the one to have to break it up this time, at least."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "Is..." Umbra looks away, biting his lip. "What- what happened?"

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 they blink, looking back at him. "...what happened when? with my mates attempting to murder each other on multiple occasions, or with-" "..." [6:27 PM] "Right."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "...with Dad." He looks at his hands, tentacles twitching to wrap his wings around him. "What set him off?"

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they look at Flare, then Umbra. "-that, would be what I was talking about. Um. Well, Erebus at one time attempted to flat out murder Greylu... and well?" A grimace, rubbing the back of their neck, "Greylu tends to get stabby around Dragon. Who your father is, uh-" "...Not that they haven't managed the traumatize the hell out if him more than once in return. Turned full dragon in his throneroom and chased after him with fire in their breath talking about what he'd taste like..." "But. First I'm guessing Dragon brought up the stabbiness, considering the reaction from Huitzi and Flare, then Greylu reacted all growly, then my daughter started snarling and aura flaring and setting off all her siblings to do the same... and, then Huitzi tried to restrain him, and-" "Well. I'm guessing all of that, mostly."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra winces and nods. "...yeah. Okay. Thank you."

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they look back at the water. "-the only one of my lovers that hasn't severely maimed the others is Sci." "But we're all a bit of a volatile group. I got a nasty bit of burn from Dragon on my arm, when we first became 'introduced,' that I only lost when I... lost the arm." They lift their hand, which looks mostly fine, other than a large dark scar on the back of it, considering at ruefully. "dragonfire lingers. but that was... before. that whole body's gone now."(edited) [6:43 PM] "..." "Are you okay? You brought him back, right?"(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra stares at the ground for a moment too long. He shrugs.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." "..." "Was bad, huh?" [6:46 PM] "..." They gaze 'skyward.' Not pressing further.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra nods and shifts. On his side, hidden under his left wing, a dark, purply splotch stains his shirt. It looks to be spreading. He winces.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 They look back as he shifts... ...and stop. "...are you bleeding?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra doesn't say anything. He looks a touch too pale. Mo looks up, his brows furrowing.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." They offer a hand, and simply, "heals? I don't mind... and there's not many places where my magic is stronger."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "Please." He whispers. Mo looks up at Flare and starts to growl. Umbra spins around to glare at him, "No, stop-" Then he sways and crumples to the ground.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 Their breath catches, and they quickly move to scoop him, gently, into their arms, healing magic already flowing from their touch- at the same time, they look up at Mo, evenly. "don't." they caution, not order, but warning, "it'll only stress him more. the two of you can talk about it after I've healed him."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo looks at them and approaches. "He can't really heal." He kneels, a foot away. "I can't either."(edited)

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "no?" They frown, drawing their hand back, and shifting him a little to look at the wound. "void take it, I even healed the tall red lunk there when he was dripping gold all over the sidewalk..."(edited) [7:13 PM] "...or wait, do you mean he doesn't have healing magic?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Against Umbra’s side, in the center of the dark bruise covering the entire left half of his body, is a long, deep gash, its edges jagged and torn. The Nightmare looks to have haphazardly stitched it shut, then tore it back open when he escaped Mo’s lap. “Both, mostly second but still some first.” Mo looks at them. “Our magic is broken. Nothing works likes it should.”(edited)

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...huh." they inspect it carefully, not touching, then tilt their head, thinking. "-don't suppose you two count as undead? that definitely takes its own sort of healing, healing food can't do anything but replace lost magic for me."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo stares down at his brother. He squeezes his plush. Something starts rising from his back and Mo shuts his eyes, hissing something under his breath. Whatever it is melds back into him with a quivering grumble. “…I don’t know.”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...ease." they breathe softly, lifting their gaze to Mo. "I'll do all I can for him. but what I need you to do is remain calm. if you lose control, I won't be able to do anything for him." this said, they reach out, and pluck something glistening from midair, a slender, gleaming thread no more than wisp or thought... or magic. "now, wish me luck. but keep in mind for future reference... if this works? this is magic I can very literally only use here, in the entire omniverse. this whole tower? Is an extension of my magic... breathe, slow breaths." "I'm not starting until you're sure you can hold control. Because i can't be interrupted once i start."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo nods sharply, breathing deep, his plush cuddled tight to his chest. “H- I’ll be calm.”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 a nod, their gaze gentle, before turning back to Umbra. "...so. let's see what's been done to your magic-" they murmur softly. from the touch of their free hand, faint lines of light appear to trace the path of his own damaged magic, the paths and courses that wind through him, looking specifically for the lines that had been severed by the damage left by the wound. A tracing outline to show the way, no more...(edited) [8:01 PM] ...but hopefully this part was something that could still work...(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 The magic crossing him is faint, hard to detect, vanishing almost entirely around the wound and anywhere the bruises touch. It spirals from there to where his soul should be, up in a line to what looks like a branch- then stops. Mo’s breath hitches and he shudders, holding his Weedle closer. Flare twitches.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...I see." Softly. They led the lines fade, save near the wound itself, and using the glimmering bit of thread to stitch healing, with slow care, to cross the damaged area, one fragmented line to another. a single stitch of faint, gleaming, concentrated healing magic- -a single stitch, no more, as they wait to see if this will help. not willing to go further until they know.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 It… actually seems to be. The repaired magic shines just a little bit brighter.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...okay then." one stitch at a time, working on stopping the blood loss first. after four more stitches they stop, and wait again, watching.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 The wound is sealing shut. Mo looks up. He… may be about to cry.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 they don't see these tears, too focused on the next stitch, and the next. slowly, one by one, until the place where the damage had cut, is now fully spanned by the gently gleaming magic threads. ...and the last stitch is done. they loosen their grip on the greater magic of the tower, relaxing slightly.(edited) [8:38 PM] the threads vanish from their hand... but the repairs remain.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 The gash is sealed. Umbra breathes a little easier. Mo is definitely crying. Just softly, and into his plush.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 they wipe the hair back from their brow- and pause, seeing Mo crying. "are you okay?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo's shoulders shake. He doesn't speak.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they're not sure how to help, so they just lift adjust Umbra back into a more comfortable position in their lap, and wait for either him or Flare to 'wake.'

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 “S-sorry.” Mo mutters, wiping at his eyes. “It’s just- um.” He exhales, smiling weakly. “Is he okay?”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "you don't have to be sorry," they deny, "it's okay. and yes, I think so." they brush Umbra's hair back just enough to get a look at his face. "...I've healed a lot of different beings. the first time is always the hardest- enough practice and, it gets easier." [9:15 PM] "...but, this was a bit different." They admit softly, after a moment more.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra looks calm. Soft. Like a child. “Did you-” Mo whimpers. “…see, what was wrong?”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...um. sort of. it's hard to put to words- mostly I just saw the damage. essentially, magic as I've learned it has these lines... leylines. Threads. Both worlds, and people, have them." "Umbra's... looked like they'd been severed, repeatedly. And never quite reattached right. And, left damaged, and so thin in places they almost weren't there." "...do you know why?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 “He, um, Nouveau, I mean.” Mo shifts, plush tucked under his chin. “He- he severed us, somehow, I think. We’re supposed to be connected, at least I’m pretty sure we are.” He laughs weakly. “I… guess separating us, was what did us in.”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they consider him, then look at Umbra. "My husband was separated from his brother too. Rather, forcefully. Dragon was able to repair the damage, but-" "-i, don't know if it was done the same way. the person who severed my husband from my brother in law knew what he was doing. it was a clean break, as much as that kind of thing can be. "it, looks like Nouveau just... uh. used trial and error. a lot."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo rubs his chest, wincing. “Yeah…” “I don’t… think we can be reattached…” He looks at his brother, something like envy in his eyes. “I’m pretty sure Flare has that handled...”

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...admittedly I'm not sure what you mean about Flare, but I'm not sure I want to ask, either." They're not sure when they started stroking Umbra's hair, and watching him in soft worry, but oh well. more quietly, they add, "and... I'm sorry, that was done to you."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Mo grumbles and glares up at Flare staring off into the distance, then is immediately by Umbra’s side as he starts to wake.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 Their hand may yank back like it was burned, not realizing they'd essentially been petting him as he rested, and looking embarrassed. "... hey." they greet softly.

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 A tentacle grabs their hand and plaps it back on his head. “What happened?” Umbra looks up, groggy and confused.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they continue petting. "your uh, stitches came open. you passed out. but, you have me permission to heal you first? so I did." simplified, sure, but pretty much accurate. "how do you feel? any soreness?"

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra blinks, registers, sits up, spins around, and grabs their hands, eyes frantic, arms shaking from the exertion. “Please don’t be upset with Dad.” He begs, Mo shutting his eyes and looking like he’s somewhere between homicidal and sucking on a lemon.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "..." they blink, looking surprised by this- then squeezes his hands gently. "I'm not upset with him, Umbra. If I got upset with him, I'd have to start a list of people to be upset with, for getting caught up in an LV driven frenzy. I'm a little annoyed he lost his cool in the first place, but-" "but being told his datemate had been attacked, and all the other stuff that followed-" "I can't say I'm really surprised, either."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 “Okay…” Umbra exhales, letting them go. “Okay.” He squeaks as his tentacles swing him back around, plop him back on Bells lap and put their hand back on his head. “Wh- you- stop that!” He slaps at his tentacles, trying to push himself back up and then just giving up when they drag Mo down too, doing happy victory wiggles as Mo immediately makes happy noises and snuggles him.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 a soft snort, smiling, as they resume stroking his hair. "your tenntacles have a mind of their own." they reflect, a near silent purr rumbling in their chest. "you didn't answer my question though... are you still sore? Mo did say you don't generally heal easily."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 Umbra huffs and glares at his traitorous appendages. “I’m-” He shifts, grunting, Mo nuzzling him and making a concerned noise. “…fine. How did you even heal me?”(edited)

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...sort of... sewed the lines of your magic back together, where they'd been severed across your wound. used threads of healing magic, boosted by my tower." "This place is, pretty much woven into every part of me. I pulled it back together when the timeline shattered. just, sort of did the same for you, on a smaller scale."

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "...can you teach me how to do that?" Umbra asks.

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "I can try? my ability to do stuff like that only extends as far as here. this place is my legacy, it echoes to my magic-" "Its uh, my inheritance. from my sire." something about the way they say 'sire' sounds similar to the way someone might say 'fucking abuse piece of shit,' only less bluntly. "...I'm willing to try though. your power level might be enough on your own, without the added boost."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "My uh, my magic level is like just, notnexistant." Umbra winces, squeaking at Mo's insistent neck nuzzles. "I can use my tentacles and that's about it." He glares at his wibblers, one giving Bells sympathetic headpats of it's own accord. "And they dont even listen half the time!"

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 a faint smile at the tentacle, before turning their attention back to Umbra, and considering him. "-i imagine your power level is probably just fine. your 'threads' are just so shredded that you cant access it." "...like a generator, with faulty connectors leading to the stuff that needs powering.:

Askbittyerror09/27/2020 "If you say so?" Umbra shrugs. "...why is my magic broken? I thought it just... was that way?" Mo drops his weedle on Umbra's face and emphatically shakes his head at Bells. Umbra sputters and picks up the plush. "Where did you even get this?" "It appeared in my room." Mo nuzzles him, smiling at the resulting squeak. "Its soft. I like it."

with-bells-upon09/27/2020 "...i dont know your life well enough to say." Theyll let Mo decide whether to tell, at least gor now. Its not their place. "I just saw the damage done to the threads your magic should follow." "...theyre, very much not... as intact as they should be." September 28, 2020

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Umbra frowns thoughtfully. Maybe he wasn’t as weak as he thought after all… And is then abruptly brought out of his musings by Mo licking his cheek. “Ooookay!” Umbra shrieks, shoving him away and rolling into a kneeling position. “That is enough! What is even with you today?! You’re not normally-” His tentacles wiggle in displeasure and he slaps at them, Mo looking at him with big sad eyes, confused and a little hurt. Umbra grits his teeth, starting to growl, and sighs, his hands in his lap. “Just- whatever, I don’t care.” He lets his tentacles drag him back into place and pull Mo to his side. “Just keep your fucking tongue in your mouth.”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 The look they give Mo is puzzled. Not wanting to delve into Nouveau abuse they understand, but if this a distraction for just, not learning that isn't powerless... "..." "I can show you, if you like."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Mo has returned to ecstatic nuzzling. "Please?" Umbra looks up.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...okay. but dont get worried, okay? this will seem a bit strange, but it wont hurt. And i'll stop if you ask me."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Okay." Umbra nods.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 Bells reaches out to lay ahand against his arm... and as before, they draw on the magic in themself and in the tower, and begin outlining the threads of his magic, letting him see himself the places theyre... broken. "...these threads are meant to allow your magic to move properly through your body.." they explain, "but-" [12:22 AM] "...um. they cant, really."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Oh." Umbra frowns, looking over himself. He points at his chest. "...is that my soul? I've... never actually seen it."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." they consider the place he's pointing.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 “Yup.” Mo says, tucked under Umbra’s chin, breath tickling his neck. “Ours look pretty similar. They’re nothing interesting. You aren’t missing much.” “If you say so…” Umbra stares down at his chest, shivering.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 Bells looking at Mo, and again, considers Umbra's... soul?(edited) [12:33 AM] "..." Thats not right. Yeah. [12:33 AM] Bells draws their hand back,  letting the sight of the threads vanish. [12:34 AM] "..." Two trees of the same rootstock, like theirs downstairs... or in this case, two branches of the same tree. [12:36 AM] ...severed at their joining.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 The outline of his soul is the expected apple, but it’s… withered almost, and much, much smaller than it should be. “…what are you doing.” “Dad!” Umbra sits up, smiling. “You’re back!” “Yes.” Flare nods, eyes on Bells. “What is happening?”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...he was injured. I healed him. He woke after, and wanted to know how i did it." "...i showed him why healing is hard for him, and told him how i did it." They figure they should probably keep this simple.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "...I can heal him." A golden tentacle extends and taps him and Umbra gasps sharply, any remaining injuries repairing in a instant. Mo holds his Nightmare as he coughs and wheezes, trying to get his breath back. Flare stares at him. "...get off my child."(edited)

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...he carried Umbra here." they point out, quietly. "like I said. he was injured- and, stairs can be rough to traverse with a tail." they didn't openly challenge his right to be protective, but that seemed like a point worth offering, just the same.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 “Get. Off.” Flare snarls, ignoring Bells completely. “Fuck. You.” Mo growls right back, hugging his Nightmare tighter. “Would you two please stop-” Umbra freezes, paling as a tentacle reaches up and slaps Flare right in the face.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...for fuck's sake." Bells whispers, closing their hand around Umbra's. they will teleport all three of them out of there if they need to. not sure to where, but-

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare blinks. He grabs the tentacle. “Please keep yourself under control.” He says evenly. “R-right.” Umbra pulls the angrily wiggling tentacle back, holding onto it tightly. “…sorry.”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 A soft exhale, and they loosen their grip, at least. "...I can't imagine controlling any part of his magic comes easily," are they talking to Flare? maybe, "magically speaking, his wiring is fried."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "It is?" Flare frowns, kneeling by his child, pausing to shoot a look at Mo and being answered by a glare in turn.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "-that's what I was saying before, yeah." okay. relaxing. tenatively. "You know how leylines work in world's, I'm guessing? Veins and mapworks of magic, So on?"

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Yes."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...well, people have them too. and Umbra's... are faded, broken, and tangled... basically all of them."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "...how did that happen?" Flare quietly asks.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." "..." "I can outline the lines again, with his permission. I, don't feel right offering more than that right now."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Do it." Flare says, Umbra nodding and Mo looking like he's considering biting the bit of Flare's arm near his face.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 They try to catch Mo's eye, but a moment later just nod, resting their hand against Umbra's arm again. The broken mapwork of threads begin outlining his own, all the way to his soul, and... to the bit, rather like what looks to them like a forked branch, broken at the joint. though of course they could be wrong...

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare frowns. Another line to Umbra’s soul lights up, a second branch in a vivid red-gold, wound around the first and trailing off beyond his body, briefly illuminating. Flare smiles and relaxes, Umbra looks confused, and Mo is seconds from whipping out his borrowed knife and stabbing Flare right in his stupid face when a tentacle grabs him and slams his face into Umbra’s neck, completely plastering him against his Nightmare’s side. Mo immediately slumps, making a soft happy noise, Umbra squeaks and Flare scowls.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...that. is my guess." they answer, very quietly. [2:10 PM] "-or rather, the broken bit." [2:10 PM] They are looking at Flare a bit strangely, admittedly.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 “Something happened when he was young, maybe thirteen.” Flare says, growling lowly, glaring at Mo. “He had been unwell for several weeks when he suddenly collapsed, screaming. I cared for him the best I could, but he was still unconscious for several months.” “I don’t remember that…” Umbra mutters, Mo whimpering and nuzzling him. “You were a child.” Flare says softly. “It was traumatic.”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...Flare." their voice was very quiet, meeting Flare's eyelights evenly. "Mo. Didn't do anything. Keep in mind... he was a child too." "May i... speak to you?"(edited)

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Certainly." Flare says.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 Bells gets to their feet, and moves away from Umbra, intending to have a moment privately with Flare.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare follows with only a passing warning glare back at Mo and a scowl when Mo simply continues nuzzling Umbra.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 Once theyre... sufficiently out of earshot, Bells sits on the edge of one of the stone walls that shapes the pools of water, looking up at Flare. "...you know what that severed line was, correct?"

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 He kneels. "No."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...there tends to be a bond, between guardians. generally, a fate bond of one kind or another. it's an intimate connection, allows one to always find the other, always feel the other, and forms a connection... soul deep. sometimes, if one dies, both will die." "Its, never supposed to be broken." "...it looks like someone hacked clumsily at the link between your son and Mo, with a dull knife, until it finally gave way from Mo's end." "-whatever your son suffered, indirectly? Mo suffered, extremely directly. Its not his fault. And very likely, his magic is every bit as fucked, if not more."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 “I suppose that is why I have never seen Mo use magic as his own self…” Flare muses. “And why Umbra is always so sickly.”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...and likely why Mo is drawn so very strongly to Umbra." they agree, quietly. "that bond, is never meant to be broken. and while Umbra himself pushes Mo away? His tentacles grab, and hold him close, given the chance." [3:52 PM] "That. Speaks of something."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 “…I see.” Flare looks away, troubled.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." "I was able to repair a few of the threads, by the wound. it's how I was able to heal it. But I have no way to know if the repairs will last."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare nods.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." there's not much more they can add to that. so- "I'd also like to talk to you about what happened downstairs. If you think you can without getting upset."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "I can."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...I know you're aware that Greylu has attacked Dragon. they've also attacked him. literally chased him around his throne room in full dragon form, fire licking at their teeth. they, tend to antagonize each other." a... less than pleased note to this. "one stabs, the other bites off a tentacle- "More recently, they've been trying to make peace. Mostly for Hood's sake, I think. So that's... somewhat settled." "Im... sorry you were pulled into it."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "If he does it again," Flare says softly. "I will feed him his arms."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...they'll grow back. they always do." they sound, tired.(edited)

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Noted."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." "My daughter is very protective of him." They're not, quite looking at him now. "She's had him crumble to dust under her hands, while she tried to hold on. She was too young to remember it clearly? But it left an impression." "...especially... when her own bondmate had been left dust as well. she has both back now... but part of her soul remembers. try not to hold her protectiveness against her."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "Okay."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." they're not sure what to say now.

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare is just staring off into the distance. He grunts and rubs his chest.

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." now they're watching him. "-g for your thoughts?"(edited)

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 "...I think I may have bonded to Umbra."

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "..." a soft sound, not easy to read. "yeah. I know." They admit quietly, "so does Mo. you two were the only ones who didn't." "It. Has to hurt, so much. Him knowing that his bondmate is not only taken from him... but tied to another."

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare nods. “…you said the bondmates die without each other. I assume I inadvertently saved Umbra.” He looks at them. “But what about Mo?”

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 "...I said sometimes they do." They correct quietly, "generally even then, it's if one dies." "..." "My husband, was separated from his bondmate, for almost half a year. Dragon isn't the only enemy he's made... but Dragon was the one to repair the damage. That's, also part of what's helped make peace." "...if Mo does have another bondmate, it's not something I'd be able to tell just by looking at him. but then, I have no idea what that phantasmal creature was, that rose out of him before."(edited)

Askbittyerror09/28/2020 Flare gazes at Mo, still cuddled up to his son, for a long moment. He stands and walks over, yanking the pair apart and dangling the Dream in the air by the throat. “Dad!” Umbra exclaims from the ground, trying to push himself up and whimpering when a golden wing thumps onto his chest, pinning him down. Mo thrashes and tries to kick his chest, wheezing as Flare’s grip tightens. The once-Paladin holds his hand over Mo’s chest, grips, and yanks- and what comes out… really isn’t a soul. A quivering mass of blue, red and cyan pulsate wildly, cut through with spasming black striations and glitches. It’s bigger Mo’s entire chest and the colors spiral around a withered golden apple, its surface faintly shimmering with an oily rainbow sheen. “What is-” Flare brushes his fingers against the mass and for a moment, time freezes- Then reality shudders and Flare is blasted back, skidding on the grass and letting out a pained grunt. The not-soul spreads across Mo’s body, covering him completely, and rises until it’s bigger than Flare, hunched back brushing the ceiling, hundreds of disjointed limbs tearing deep gouges into the dirt, thousands of hollow eyes glaring daggers, dozens of mouths slathering tar-like sludge that boils and bursts into knotted blue thread when it hits the ground.(edited)

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 When Flare steps back to the others, they start to ask what hes doing- -when they see what he's doing they get to their feet. "Hey! Flare, just because you can-" aaand then there's that. "...holy fuck." they whisper, staring. "..." "..." "FLARE! JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SOMETHING DOESNT MEAN YOU SHOULD JUST GO AHEAD AND DO IT!!!" Maybe forgive the yelling, the lich is in full panic mode, and doing very badly at hiding it. Their children are here-!!!(edited)

with-bells-upon09/28/2020 What do do? Open the ceiling and shove them out? fuck-fuck-fuck-fuck- Instead Bells grabs their phone, and sends out a mass text. 'GET THE KIDS OUT OF HERE!'

[goatkingwc]

HIDE & SEEK THE SEWING SAINTS Episode 3 of GKWC

GOAT KING WRITERS CLUB, The loosest storytelling Podcast in all the land, were we don’t let Grammar get in the way of a good yarn.

HIDE & SEEK By Nathan Hull

Contrary to popular belief the fun and games began when i lost my eye. Both eyes to be exact, i'm still not sure how it happened. I was sitting at home bored attempting to do my taxes, when out of nowhere darkness took over... at the exact same time i heard two dull slaps as my peepers hit the floor and rolled off to who knew where.

At first i was shocked and slightly worried, life could possibly become a touch hard without vision. I panicked, flailing around my kitchen smashing and crashing into anything in my proximity before i tripped on a rogue jam jar and hit the ground hard. I was down for some time, contemplating my options when it struck me, this was the greatest thing to ever happen.

In my youth i was a champion hide and seek player, i spent those years traveling from town to town, seeking out hidden children to rapturous applause, from those communities slack jawed populations. Life had been great. That is until i turned 14 and all of a sudden i was forced into retirement. A large man child with unkept strands of facial hair and increasingly bad body odor was NOT who parents wantedwanted hunting there children out of hidey holes, no matter how much of a genius i was at the fine art of hide and seek. It had been a cruel blow i never recovered from. I spent my teenage years home schooled with no friends and little connection with the real world. My parents never forgave me for becoming a teenager, and ruining all of our lucrative sports wear contracts, and their for cutting off our family's main source of income. As i grew i stayed introverted i was ashamed when people brought up my past. They would hide under tables in pubs and restaurants, laughing at me sadly pointing them out to there friends. I had no purpose no real reason to exist i was just floating through life aimlessly. But now... now I had a reason to exist, the greatest game of hide and seek ever, a blind depressed Thirty five year old vs his missing eyes. It was an epic match, it went on for days. I ran into walls, i crawled along the floor, i rolled and flipped and fell and sniffed and listened employing every visionless technique i new during the search.

Eventually almost defeated from dehydration and hunger i swiped out and like two delicious dust covered balls of bubble gum my eyes where back in my hands.I slowly put them back in there respective sockets i took in all i could see, i smiled life was beautiful. I took a drink, ate a ham sandwich and had a well deserved rest. Then i took a spoon popped each eye out and threw them in opposing directions, it was game on again.....a life worth living again. 

THE SEWING SAINTS By Sean Conway

It was a calendar anomaly that Susan had never experienced. Two of the biggest holidays in Susan’s diary converging on a Friday and Saturday night, to form a magical weekend of debauchery.

National Sewing Machine Day was crossing paths with National Bourbon Day. A pair of holiday’s that mean very little to the regular Tom Dick and Harry, But for Susan who is a member of the local sewing group this was a very big deal. Despite their wholesome name, the Sewing Saints are notorious amongst the sewing fraternity for two reasons, first for agreeing to sew the patches for the most diabolical bikie gang in the country The Diablos and second for when Abby McMillion stabbed a rival Sewing group member and received a 4 year sentence in the state penitentiary and garnering the nickname Stabby Abby.

Every year the rival sewing groups would meet up for their annual get together and this year it was the Sewing Saints turn to organise the shin dig. This party took 12 months of planning, and the event was to be held at the Diablos club house, with music by DJ WhizDik and would have so much alcohol, cocaine and prostitutes, it would put the local police Christmas party to shame.

The party was going off without a hitch, the ladies were drinking, dancing, and sneaking off to any free room with their younger male counterparts, even Stabby Abby was cutting lines for the lady she stabbed 4 years earlier.

After an hour of decadence, the bikie prospect Shit Sticks ran through the door to warn the women of the impending danger that was approaching but before he could he was shot dead by a Mexican cartel member. As the cartel member walked triumphantly through the clubhouse, he was somewhat surprised by the lack of bikie members and the overwhelming number of old ladies, but before he could wrap his head around this conundrum he collapsed to the ground with a broken bottle in his throat and Stabby Abby standing over his lifeless corpse.

A drug war between The Diablos and the Mexican cartels had been brewing for years and the Sewing Saints were in the eye of the storm.

Susan lead the charge alongside Stabby Abby, arming every woman and prostitute and demanded they hold the line. With cocaine running through their veins these once old geriatrics fired round after round into the wave of cartel foot shoulders charging the bikie club house.

These old Dames fired on the cartels, but it was no use, for every member they shot 2 more would appear. They fired so furiously that if they continued, they would run out of ammunition before the end of the next Whizdik song Susan knew that there was only one way to win this battle, and that was to plant a bomb in the path of the charging cartel. As she collected the explosives needed for the suicide mission, she was stopped at the exit by Stabby Abby who starred into her eyes with blood lust and said “you’re not going without me” before doing a bump of coke off her clenched fist and running into the wilderness.

The clubhouse was eerily quiet, the music had stopped, the ammunition had run out and the only thing you could hear is the gurning of the old timers jaws.

KABOOM I giant orange light illuminated the midnight darkness followed by the sound of blood and guts raining down on the clubhouse that caused an air of excitement amongst the people in the room. The excitement had quickly turned to mourning as they realised their survival had cost the Sewing Saints their two greatest assets, the room collectively dropped their heads in despair for the lose of Susan and Stabby Abby

“What are all you sluts mopping around for” a blood soaked Stabby Abby screamed walking arm in arm with Susan to the thunderous roar of coke filled seniors.

Susan sat at the bar feeling content, sipping her first Bourbon on National Bourbon Day watching on as the old biddies danced and snorted lines. She smiled because she knew, The Sewing Saints had put on the best damn National Sewing Machine Day party ever.

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