#shout out to our buddy Max from the show for taking these! never got their @

[apparitionalprincess]

A series of unfortunate events

((we were talking about the Raiders))

[pancake-breakfast]

Totally cheating and writing this post early. IT'S THE ONLY WAY.

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts for TriMax Vol. 6, Chapters 5-6 below.

Chapter 5: Colorless Expression

Vash's careless pose with a cheerful smile is a very harsh contrast to the revelation at the end of the last chapter.

I wonder who got that photo of July going up. Also, shout out to the tiny, tiny headshot of Vash in the newspaper.

Never underestimate the cruelty potential of little old ladies. Especially if they think they have nothing to lose.

Is Vash going to church??

LOL, not if this kid has anything to say about it.

I dunno. I think Meryl might be onto something. Or maybe just noticing it for the first time. Maybe some of both.

Vash looks like he's praying. Or falling asleep.

Aaand there's tired Vash looking like Knives. Ugh, someone take care of him.

Very rude of them to bring guns into the house of God AND to then suggest murdering someone with them right then and there.

I read this guy's name wrong so from now on he's Justin Baby.

Never trust a Haliburton. They're always up to something.

Meanwhile, Wolfwood is in noodle bliss. I'm sure that's gonna last and he's gonna get to enjoy the whole bowl undisturbed.

Yep, he got a whole three panels before a cacophony of news about Vash's latest shenanigans interrupted his meal. You can see his peace and quiet melt out of his being.

Vash was already feeling pretty freaking depressed over all he's done. That's why he went to the church in the first place. This is not helping.

Wait, has Vash been drinking?? Buddy, don't you know alcohol's a downer? It's not gonna help with the depression. Even Wolfwood thinks this is a bad idea. Looks like he still has the moves, though.

Ohhhh, babygirl doesn't look so good.

Wolfwood and the girls know what's up, and Wolfwood in particular looks less than thrilled about it. First his soup, then sloppy mess Vash, and now his boss.

Vash, babygirl, what's going on in that spiky head of yours right now??

Wolfwood has clearly had enough of this morning's shit.

There's so much going on on this page, with characters overlapping without any panel breaks even though they're clearly not realistically positioned around Wolfwood. It's like our priest man is drowning in them. And then there's Vash, alone in the lower left corner, the last place you're likely to look when reading manga, and the only one set out from everyone else. ;_;

"Needle-noggin-isms." Heh.

Dude, this guy has Mad Max speakers.

Drunk or not, Vash still has mad skills.

He burned some of his power to catch that bullet. That's... he's really not in a good mental place, is he.

Meryl just goes into a full-on panic at the sight of it. Can't say I blame her, all things considered. No one was as up close and personal with that last encounter in the Dragon's Nest as she was.

Uggggghhhhh, Vash knows he's messed up.

Guys, I shoulda stopped three chapters ago. This chapter's depressing AF.

God bless Wolfwood. He's doing his best to protect Vash while abiding by them Needle-noggin-isms.

Milly's just straight up carrying Meryl, isn't she?

Vash, noooooo, this huuuuurts.

He's got too much he's trying to carry, and now he's just lost. Thank God for once he's not alone. He's got people around him right now, and that... that might be enough. Even one person having his back might be enough.

WHICH IS ALL HE'S GETTING APPARENTLY BECAUSE VASH CAN'T BEAR TO WORRY MERYL ANYMORE AND MERYL'S IN NO SHAPE TO DO ANYTHING.

Heh, the kid is trying his best to fight the adults. Good for him.

And Wolfwood, trying his best to lighten the mood. Awkwardly.

Chapter 6: Seeds Voyaging to the Stars, A World Inside A Pod

How DARE you show me their smiling faces after that. How dare. I'm in no mood. D:<

Oh, good. It's Knives. I think.

Ok, I love how in every one of these panels, the dark streak in Knives' hair is somehow hidden. It gets called out once on its own, but when we're looking at Knives' face, it's not there. It just kind of deepens how incredibly important it is.

The games are over. Now Knives has to find a different way to save his brother... and himself. Or risk them both dying in the process.

I wonder what Legato will think of his boss's new look....

I thought Elandira was down with Knives' plan because she had no issues with it for some reason, but now I think she's just here for the chaos and not really much more invested in who wins than Zazie is.

Ooof, Vash catching sight of his reflection. That face looking back at him is always his brother's.

Yeah, Wolfwood's run out of patience for this shit. He might punch Knives in the face if he had the chance right now. This... this is how he shows he cares about Vash's well-being.

Ooohhhh, is Vash getting echoes of what happened there?

Seeing his sister's corpse isn't sitting well for Vash, either.

Hells, even before the fall, we have Vash just floating around by himself. He has a whole-ass happy, non-genocidal brother and a caring surrogate mom, and our introduction to him here is him by himself, touched by nothing, backdropped by the void of space.

Hahahahaha, the boys look so confused.

Interesting that Rem is wearing a silly mask at this awkward birthday party when we were JUST TALKING ABOUT how Vash plasters a fake expression on to try and paint things a brighter color. I'm sure it has no significance whatsoever, especially with Rem awkwardly dodging Vash's question about what's the matter by saying how incredible a year it's been.

OMG BABY KNIVES!!! You can't look at this and tell me Knives didn't adore Rem at least as much as Vash did.

She adores them, too, despite how much she must feel like she's grasping at straws trying to figure out how to take care of them.

I love that every version of Trigun thus far has had a birthday scene for the boys with Rem.

Fishing them out of the plant bulb must have been a task.

Hahahaha, definitely a shortcut. In so many ways.

The boys aren't fooled. I know the boys are hyper-intelligent and all, but even normal kids often pick up on micro-emotions like this.

Ugggghhhhh, they both loved all the people on the ships. THEY BOTH LOVED ALL THE PEOPLE ON THE SHIPS!!!

Their conversation.... They both want to be friends with the humans, even if it takes effort.

Knives, maybe you should lay off some of the war movies.

I like to think they created Plants the way the Quarians created sentient AI in Mass Effect. They were just trying to do something that didn't include making a conscious intelligence, and then something went weird that no one understands, and now Plants.

Blaring space ship alarms are not a preferred wake-up method. Especially when you're on the spaceship.

Is Rem trying to hide the twins from the crew??

Cliffhanger ending?! Booooooo....

Author Bonus Chapter

Uhhhh, ok, I'm just gonna note the kana here...

...isn't exactly a sound effect like all the rest of the kana on this page. This is literally the word for "pants" (ズボン, zubon) repeated several times.

Why they're all shouting "pants" at a pro-wrestling event is beyond me. Maybe 'cause the guys often don't wear pants.

Tiny, tiny Nightow in the audience. You know, I would have never guessed he was into pro wrestling given the IMMENSE AMOUNT OF DRAMATIC POSTURING AND WRESTLING OUTFITS his characters wear all the freaking time.

Gods, I recognize some of those signs. I didn't even like pro wrestling....

"Check my monkey ass directly into smackdown hotel!" LOL

"Ah, this reeks of effort!" Classic Nightow.

LOL, I could see him trying to buy all the figurines for himself. Gotta admit, if someone made a figurine of the main character of something I published, I'd buy it, too.

I will never get over Nightow asking McFarlane to do an "American Check" on the gun. The legacy of my country, folks.

"Please detail this area as it pleases you." Good to know Nightow is paying attention to those small details when he draws. /s

Actually, he did bother to emphasize the need for the ear piercing and the mole, which is good.

Somehow, I don't think he regrets the chain too much.

Hahahahaha, he imagines the place like some sort of evil lair.

Ohhhhh, nooooo. New Jersey?? Gods, this must have been a thing for someone who wasn't very familiar with U.S. geography. This was in 2000, too, apparently, which means (for all you young 'uns) that the internet was notoriously unreliable for looking up stuff like this. This was back in the day when a lot of teachers banned the use of internet sources because it was just assumed they'd be wrong. Assuming your teacher wasn't afraid of the internet entirely because they heard people could find naughty images on it.

They make figurines via DARK RITUALS.

Good to know I'm not inexcusable. I may not have many figurines, but manufacturing processes have always intrigued me.

LOL, "san kyu." San kyu for writing it, Nightow. You bastard. I'm going to cry myself to sleep over fictional characters tonight because of you.

This song started playing around the time I finished up this volume, and it seemed fitting, so I'm gonna put it here.

Archive

Trigun Volume 1: Covers + 1-3, 3 Detailed Thoughts, 4, 4 DT, 5-6, 5-6 + DT, 6 DT, 7-8, 9-10 || Volume 2: Covers + Extras, 1, 1 Supplemental Research, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8

TriMax Volume 1: Covers + 1-2, 2 DT, 3-4, 3 DT, 5-6 || Volume 2: Covers + 1, 2-4, 5, 6-7 || Volume 3: Covers + 1-3, 4-5, 6-7 || Volume 4: Covers + 1-2, 3-5, 6-7 || Volume 5: Covers + 1-2, 3-4, 3 DT, 5-6 || Volume 6: Covers + 1-2, 2 DT, 3-4

[leewritesstuff]

Keeping Up With The Hollands | 04

Summary: You and Tom were offered to document your life since you are both famous in the entertainment industry. Now as you got older you left the entertainment industry and head for the medical field. How difficult can it be? Also, did I mention that you have kids?

Pervious | CHAPTER 04 | Next

Series Masterlist

WORDS: 1.6+k

Writting this made me laugh at some parts pfftt. Anyway let's pretend that Far Away From Home was shooting during the time the boys were of age (forgot their age ngl 2 or 3 somewhere there)

Tom woke up first, sensing something on his face. He opened his eyes and catch a small foot in front of him. In confusion, he turned and notice all of his children on his king-size bed. Slowly but gently, he removed the feet that belonged to Edward.

He got up and head to the kitchen. Preparing breakfast for the family. His girlfriend Y/N was on a press conference for her charity.

"So today, we are going on the set of Spiderman Far From Home. Um, I'm not really sure how I'm going to do that and take care of four children. I know Harrison said he will be there but... I'm scared" he said to the camera as he tries to flip the pancake.

"I actually tried hiring a babysitter, they only lasted a few hours. I think I had forgotten to tell them that there would be more than one kids. Anyway, Ed and Chase gave them hell so they all left." After flipping the pancakes, Tom separated them, one for each boy and three for him, with some whipped cream on them.

Finish fixing up breakfast, he goes to wake up the boys, seeing as they are on a time limit. When he got there, he saw Jake up, trying to wake up his brothers.

Tom smile and ruffle the boy's hair, "Morning bud, you slept well?" Jake gave him a toothy grin and nodded. Jake got up and jumped into Chase's body making the boy yell, which woke up Max.

"Get up" Chase got up and pushed Jake down the bed, the two starting a fight. Jake's leg accidentally kicked Ed in his face, making the boy cry. Tom pulled away Chase from Jake and grabbed Ed, trying to soothe his nose.

"Alright, alright, it was an accident okay? You're okay" Once the boy calmed down, he picked up Maxton and carried him to the kitchen, as his two other ducklings followed.

Chase and Jake climbed into their highchair while Tom put Ed and Max in there's. He grabbed the prepared plates and gave them it.

Tom sat down in front of them, trying to feed each of the boys, "Chase is the only one who could fully feed himself, so I have to help the others."

Max took a piece of pancake and gave it to Tom, when Tom saw what he was doing, he opened his mouth and let Max feed him.

"Thank you Max for sharing." Max smiled and nodded and continued eating. After the boys were finished, Tom took their plates and washed them.

When he was done, he went to get the boys dressed including himself.

They made it to the studio safely. Tom took out each boy and placed name tags on them. He took Chase hand's who was holding Ed, then Jake's then Max and walked towards the entrance.

"Pa where we at?" Questioned Ed as he looked around the building.

"Well, we're at my work. You get to see Ironman, Thor-"

"Do we get to see Batman?" Tom looked at Max as if he just asked the weirdest question. As he was going to answer, Ed beat him to it.

"No stupid, they have Captin America"

"Aye! Don't call your brother stupid!" Ed pouted but kept quiet. After checking in with security and handing the children their passes they were allowed to enter.

As they were walking, Tom felt something heavy on his foot. He looked down and noticed Maxton was on it, he let out a sigh and tried to get the boy off of him.

"Max let go, I need to walk"

"No"

"Max, come on buddy, I need my foot"

"No"

Tom huffed and bent down, then he grabbed the boy making him scream. He tried shaking the boy off his foot but he wouldn't move. Giving up, he grabbed back Chase's hand and dragged his right foot.

"Stay then. Bloody hell"

On his way to his trailer, he showed the boys all the objects that were on the walls, the posters, the banners, the pictures of people etc etc.

Tom had left the boys in the lounge area with his stylist, Rachael since she asked too. He was grateful for that, but what he didn't mention was that they were slippery. Literally.

The poor woman's attention was more focused on Jake and  Maxton fighting to get the last box of juice, that she didn't notice that both Ed and Chase were missing. Somehow, both boys ended up by the set where Tom was shooting his scene for Far Away Home.

They watch as 'Spiderman' fought Mysterio. Wanting to go help his father, Chase quickly took off his clothes and ran onto the set and started hitting Mysterio.

(I'm sorry I had to laugh at this scene pffttt)

"Someone's Kid is on set!" someone shouted

"Tom's!"

"Whoa! Hey hey! Get me down!" Tom yelled when he notices what's going on. Jake who was playing as Mysterio, 'fell' onto the ground yelling, "Argh! You got me! Man down!" Giggles and laughter could be heard around the seat.

After they got Tom down, he quickly grabbed his son, and shield him, "Mate, I get you're trying to save me and all but you need to keep your clothes on"

Chase smiled at his father, dimples on display. Tom couldn't hold in his laugh and just started bursting out. Jake got up from the ground and head over to the duo. "I guess we have a new spiderman?"

The director yelled for everyone to take a break, Tom, Chase and Jake head over to where Ed and Jacob were enjoying themselves at the buffet table.

"Ed, I thought I left you at Rachel's? Why didn't you stop your brother?"

"He's older" "Yes he is, but you know sometimes he acts like a div and you're stronger than him, so why didn't you?" "I saw food" Both  Jake and Jacob laughed at that while Tom let out a sigh. He picked up the other boy and carried them to who knows where. They spent a good few minutes looking for the other two Hollands. After giving him, Tom carried the two to the lounge area. Tom got irritated when he saw both Jake and Max sitting next to Zendaya and Angourie who was entertaining the two.

"You're shitting me right?" The four turned towards the voice, Max with his bag on his back and  Jake running up to their father's leg and hugging him.

"Daddy said a bad word" "Pay the cookie jar!" Both girls laughed at their friend, watching as his children scold him for cursing. Tom squeezed into the girls and sat on the couch. Noticing that his brother was nude, Max goes up to Tom and turned around. The said man opened the bag and took out some clothes.

While he was putting on the clothes on his eldest son, he kept mumbling about how 'what's with you and clothes?' and 'I will glue them onto you' or 'You have some issues with clothes'

Both girls found the whole scene to be entertaining considering the eldest son was fidgeting and feeling squirmish. Zendaya who had Max on her lap, played with the boy's hair while Angourie tickled Jake. Ed kept on enjoying his juice box.

After finishing dressing the boy, Tom took out a juice box from the bag and handed it to Chase. "Now keep your clothes on okay?" The boy nodded his head in return.

"So what's his issue with pants? Is it too tight or something?" Questioned Zendaya.

"No. He just doesn't like clothes for whatever reason. We're trying to break him out of it but it's hard. The lad just likes to keep his bits cool" "Tom never say that again please" "I'm just saying"

As he was going to say something else Rachel burst into the room panting and sweating, gasping for air. Quickly Tom got up and handed her a bottle of water while Zendaya rubs her back.

"Are you okay?" questioned Angourie. After calming herself down, Rachel turned to Tom and quickly started spurting out apologizes, "I-I'm sorry,  I got distracted by Max and Jake? I think and then I lost the other two and then I told the two that were with me to stay put but when I came back they were gone!"

"Rachel, love, it's alright. I forgot to explain hay they tend to wonder about so that's my fault. I shouldn't have given you four kids. They are a lot to handle" After trying to reassure the woman, he turned to his troublemakers who all gave him a cheeky smile.

"You should apologise for worrying Mrs Rachel."

"We're sorry" The woman nodded her head and left the room, feeling tired after all of the stunts that were pulled on her today.

Since Chase interrupted the scene, the director decided to call it a day and sent everyone home. After Tom changes out of his suit, he heads back to the lounge to pick up his troublesome children.

Once they got home, Tom took them to the shower, after doing that he dressed the boys into their nightwear with the extra stress from Chase.

Once they were out cold, Tom grabbed his phone and called his wife.

"Hey love"

"Hey, you sound tired, how was today?" He took his hand and rubbed his forehead. A minute had passed.

"It was alright until Max and Jake gave Rachel the slipped, then while I was shooting Chase ran onto the scene and started hitting Jake" "He what?!" "Oh! Not our Jake, I mean Jake Gyllenhaal" "Almost got me rilled up"

"Yeah no, we were shooting a scene and Chase thought I was being attacked so he started hitting Jake, it was cute and funny but it did give me the day off. I got them ice cream, so we had a good day, yeah"

"Well I'm glad you guys enjoy yourself" "Yeah.. I miss you. I'm going to bed alright?" "Sure, night, love you" "Love you too"

Tom hangs up the phone and heads to bed, as soon as he laid down, he heard yelling in the other room.

"You got to be pissing me!" He complained but head into the other room to try and get his trouble makers back to sleep.

T A G L I S T @webmeupspiderdaddy @runawayolives @nerdy-collector-festival @hopelessromm@bi-lmg @speedyhandsbonkpalace (If you see this then I couldn't tag you) Want to be added? Then message me!

[amor-immortalem]

My Adoring Fan chapter 9

a/n: time to get back to this

Previous

“Alright I’ve got them...” Aurelius dumps his books in the center of the little group consisting of Zulima, Max and himself. “Where’s ‘Zay?”

“Your dad wanted to talk to her as we passed by your parents’ room.” Max offered. “About what happened at RAD.”

The white- and black-haired boy nodded. “Alright then. Let’s get started then.” He flipped open to a random page and checked with his cousin and the human to make sure they hadn’t already covered the material yet: Transfiguration.

With a negative answer they began.

------------------------------------------------------l

Arella was deciding on something to make for lunch, when Cyrus and Mahlon made it back home from their time out. As soon as the toddler could get his little shoes off, Mahlon was in the kitchen tugging on the hem of his mother’s shirt as he bounced like an excited puppy.

“Mama! Mama! Mama! ‘M hungry. When’s lunch?” He asks with wide green-to-blue-to gold gradient eyes. “Awso- Awso- Awso, me ‘n Cy... me ��n Cy saw a weally pwetty kitty on da way home.”

“You did?” She asks with a soft chuckle. “Well, I’m not sure what I’m making for lunch just yet so why don’t you help me decide. Sound good?”

The toddler nods as Arella picks him up and places him on the counter. Cyrus enters the kitchen shortly thereafter.

“Sorry I couldn’t keep him occupied longer, Mum.” The half-demon reaches into the fridge to grab out a sportsdrink. “I know Dad’s not in the best of shape today so I tried to get Mahlon to stay out with me longer but he wouldn’t have it. Is he doing any better now, though?”

“A little bit...” Arella nodded. “He and your sister fell asleep together upstairs so I’ll wake them when lunch is finished.”

“’Zay’s home?!” Mahlon’s eyes lit up as he hopped down. “I wanna see ‘er.”

“Mahlon, honey, no. You’ll wake them right now.”

“But I wanna see ‘em!” The boy complains.

“They’re not going anywhere, Buddy.” Cyrus chuckled. “And I thought you said you were going to help Mum choose what’s for lunch?”

“Yeah.... Yeah but...”

“No buts, little one.” Arella smiled as she opened the fridge. “Your brother is up in his room with Zulima and Max. You can go see them if helping decide what’s for lunch doesn’t interest you anymore.”

Mahlon nodded taking off for the stairs as Arella turns back to the fridge to continue her task

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“Auwelius!” Mahlon exclaims as he jumps on his older brother’s back. “Why’dyu come home eawly? Hi, Zuli!” His multicolored eyes narrowed when he noticed Max, “Human... go away.”

“Hm?” The older teen looks back, “Don’t worry about it just yet, bud.” He ruffles Mahlon’s fluffy black hair. “Also don’t talk to Max like that. You may be the baby of the family but that doesn’t mean you get to act like a brat.”

Mahlon on let out a hmph as he turned his attention to one of the spell books. “What’s that?”

“It’s a spell for transfiguration,” Zulima explained.

“Can I see how it's done?”

“Sure,” Max offers, “I can do it for you.”

“No!” The toddler growled as he glared at her. “I wasn’t asking you. I was asking Auwelius or Zuli. Not you, Stupid.”

“Whoa,” Both Aurelius and Zulima cut in.

“Cool your jets there, Mahlon.” Zulima started, “Max just offered to show you what you wanted to see. You don’t have to be mean.”

“If you can’t act nicely, then you can go. The door’s that way.” Aurelius points toward the door. “The three of us are trying to study.”

“No! I wanna stay! I wanna stay!” The nearly three-year-old shouts as Aurelius covers Mahlon’s mouth with his hand.

“Mahlon, stOP! You yellin’ at the top of your damn lungs like this is not a good thing. Dad’s probably sleeping right now. Do you really want to be the one that wakes him up?” Mahlon shakes his head as Aurelius removes his hand from his brother’s mouth. “That’s what I thought.”

“Too bad it already happened.” Mammon says as he leans against the doorframe. “Mahlon, apologize to Max and then go downstairs.”

“I’m not sayin’ sowwy. Not to ‘er,” Mahlon crossed his arms with a huff.

“It wasn’t optional, Mahlon. Say yer sorry. Right now.”

“No! You can’t make me!”

“I sure as hell can put ya in time out until yer ready to though. Downstairs, now- or do I gotta come over there and get ya myself?”

Mahlon only shook his head and marched out of Azalea’s room, headed downstairs for his punishment.

“Here’s yer phone back, Max. Send me that audio so I can get it to Lucifer and Lord Diavolo.” Mammon sighed, “There’s no excuse for the four of ya ta have had what was said ta ya said ta ya.”

The blue-eyed human only nodded as she put her phone away and the demon left.

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

As Mammon and Mahlon make their way downstairs, the demon flips on a 5-minute timer on his phone.

“When this timer goes off, I’ll come get ya and we’ll talk about why what ya did was wrong and why ya did it, ‘kay?” Mammon says as he puts Mahlon in a corner for his time out and the boy nodded. The white-haired demon flips on the time and heads into the kitchen to get something to drink.

“Hey, right behind ya,” he says as reaches over Arella to grab a water bottle from the fridge. “So... Mahlon’s in time out right now because he’s refusin’ to apologize to Max for callin’ her stupid.”

“What? really?” Arella looks up at him with wide eyes. “That’s the second time he’s done that while she’s been over...”

“Yeah ‘n it's gonna be the last too.” He hums, “I think he’s just jealous of her because ‘Zay gives Max the attention that he wants from her. Ya know how much he loves ‘er despite the way she treats him ‘n how possessive he gets over us or his siblings.”

“Yeah, I thought we’d managed to curb this behaviour from last time though...” She rubbed her temples. “How are you feeling though after you’ve had that nap? You ready for lunch, love?”

“I’m a lil’ better. Kinda nauseous from not eatin’ all morning so I’m more than ready for lunch. Maybe gettin’ some food in me’ll help kick the rest of this. I’m tired of just sittin’ around doin’ nothin’.

“Just take it easy, alright? Remember what the doctor said all those years ago? Rest is the quickest way to come out of this.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just bored.” He sighed as the timer went off. “Welp, time to go talk to our son.” He took a swig out of his water bottle and went back out into the living room to talk to Mahlon.

“Alright, I’m going to wake Azalea and collect the others for lunch.” Arella says as she climbs the stairs.

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“Azalea,” Arella calls softly as she’s tries to rouse her daughter from her nap for lunch. “Time to wake up, my little flower.”

“Don’t wannaaaaaa,” The teen only rolls further onto her side trying to bury her face in the pillow. “’m not hungry.”

“I know you don’t but you have to. You’ll never sleep tonight and then you’ll be tired for school the next day.”

“Noooo, I’ll be fine.”

Well, if her daughter was refusing to get up, Arella had other strategies to wake the girl. Her hands snuck to Azalea’s sides and she began to tickle the girl.

“Ah! Stop! Stop! I give!” The half-demon laughed as she tries to roll further away from Arella only for Arella to pull her back in when she was in danger of falling off the king-sized bed. “Mercy! Mercy!”

The human ceases the tickle attack as she holds her daughter close. “I’m glad you saw it my way,” She smiled. “Lunch is ready, Princess. Your brother and I made sandwiches.”

“Which one? I have two.”

“It was Cyrus and no- you have three brothers, Darling.”

“Does Mahlon really count?” She asked.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean he can’t do much in the way of helpin’ if he can’t even reach the bloody counter now, can he?”

“Oh, that’s what you meant,” She let out a relieved sigh as Azalea laughed softly.

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“So, are ya ready to apologize to Max, now, Buddy.” Mammon asks as he sits with his youngest on the couch.

“No... I’m mad at her.” the black-haired boy puffs his cheeks out in a pout.

“You’re angry at her? Why? Did she do something to upset you?”

“She took ‘Zay away.”

“Whaddya mean by that, Mahlon?” The demon asks as he readjusts the boy on his lap. “Max didn’t take yer sister away from ya.”

“Yes, she did. ‘Zay don’t love me no more... She’s always with Max...”

“Mahlon, bud, that ain’t true,” The Avatar of Greed sighs. “Your Sis is just bad at showin’ those types of feelings sometimes but I promise you she does love ya... in her own way.”

“How do you know?” Mahlon’s multicolored eyes peer up at his father.

“Can I let ya in on a little secret?” He asks as Mahlon nods. “When you were a baby, Azalea hated ya. She didn’t want ya to be here- even still she’s not really yer biggest fan.”

“What? Why? Did I do someting wrong?”

“No, it's just that up until Mama and I had you, she didn’t have ta share our attention with anyone but Aurelius so she felt like you were taking us away from her and she felt like she was being replaced. Ya see, babies require a lot of work after their first born so we really didn’t have a lot of free time ta spend one on one with your brother and sister like we used to. She resented having ya around but as ya got older and ya started ta get more independent and not in need of constant supervision, she started ta calm down about it.”

“So she doesn’t like me?”

“She’s getting better about it. Ya just gotta give her time which leads me to my next point: You can’t be mean to Max. Not only is it wrong since she’s been nothing but nice to you, but do you really think your sister is going to like that you’re being rude and nasty to her friend?”

“... No...”

“So doncha think you should apologize?”

“Mhm...”

“That’s my good boy,” The demon ruffles his son’s hair. “It’s lunch time now so let’s go ahead and wash our hands and get to the table, ‘kay?”

“’Kay,” The toddler hops down from his father’s lap and heads off for the kitchen.

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Next

Find more on my masterlist

[daydreamingintheimpalax]

Four No’s and a Yes.

Prompt: Write about someone who gets proposed to five times on Christmas Eve.

Warnings: None, cuteness, fluff i guess lol

Dean x Reader (Childhood friends)

Chritsmas Eve 2016.

The Y/L/N’s house was decorated to the T, Mrs. Y/L/N always went all out for Christmas and to say Dean loved it was an understatement. Dean had grown up next door to y/n and her family all his life, every Christmas was spent with his best friend and her family, their families took turns every year on which family would host the big Christmas dinner. It was Christmas eve, this year, Y/n’s family was hosting Christmas Eve and Day. 

He watched as you sat down across from him, the same way you did every year, this time your boyfriend of almost a year sitting next to you. Dean frowned but for the most part accepted him and tried to make Carl as welcome as possible. 

It’s not that he disliked the guys she dated, he just never thought they were good enough for his best friend, it had nothing to do with the fact he’d been inlove wih you almost all his life, despite what Sam and his parents had to say about it. 

The meal conversations began, Dean smiled as he watched Sam’s wife wipe a smudge of food off his brothers face before then placing a small peck on his cheek. He was imsensely happy for his little brother, he had tried to find love himself but despite all the girls that came and went, none were ever good enough to bring home to Mary and John, none ever compared to, well, you. 

“So Dee, any news about that girl you took out last week? She seemed nice.” You ask, shoving a fork of ham into your mouth, he chuckles watching before he replies, “uh no, didn’t pan out, first date and she was already naming our kids.” He shakes his head, cringing. Y/N makes a funny grossed out face, “Yikes, stage 5 clinger”, Dean smirks, “Exactly, not my style, sweetheart.”

“Sweetheart?” Carl pipes up, raising an eyebrow at Dean. Right, Carl hated when Dean called you by a pet name, sucks for him doesn’t it. Dean shrugs, y/n reassures him its just for fun, that they’ve been friends forever and Dean’s the only other man allowed to call her that. Carl doesn’t seem happy but strugs it off. 

It’s almost 9 Pm when Carl speaks, he stands up from the tables, everyone having had a few rounds of wine by now and 50 conversations going on at once. He clears his troat, tapping his champagne glass with his fork, everyone stops, their attention on him. 

“Well, this has been an amazing night, y/n your family is incredible, i’m so happy to have shared this holiday with you all, but tonight, i want to share another moment with you guys, i know how important family is to y/n and i want to make sure i do this right.” He pauses, grabbing y/n’s hand and pulling her up, Dean can see the look on her face, shes shocked and confused, not sure what the hell Carl thinks he’s doing. 

He pulls something out of his pocket, Dean lets out a soft groan before taking a huge chug of his beer, Sam pats his back, a silent signal asking if he’s okay. He shrugs it off. 

“Y/n, i know we haven’t been together as long as other people, but my love for you has no limits, we are a perfect match and you’re a perfect part of me, you make me better, i love you so much, and i don’t want to waste anymore time,” 

He gets down on one knee, Dean watches, slightly angrily as y/n gasps, she slightly looks at Dean and he can see the panicked look on her face, she’s not ready for this, he’s ambushed her. 

“Y/n Y/l/n, would you do me the honor of being my wife, my partner in crime, my forever.” Dean rolls his eyes, his mother swatting his arm and giving him a disapproving look. Y/n stays silent, looking around as everyone watches her, Then, she bolts. 

Dean chases after her to see if she’s okay. 

Carl was never seen again after that night.

Christmas Eve 2017

Christmas was different this year, Their parents had decided they wanted a break from cooking, so they had booked a cruise for vacation, not telling any of their kids until last minute. 

Sam and Jess had decided to have Christmas with her family now that they were expecting their first child. Sam was over the moon at the chance to be a dad, he was going to be an amazing one. 

Dean checks the tickets, finding the seats and throwing the jackets over them, y/n heads towards him, sitting next to him in her own seat and she hands him his beer and the hotdogs she grabbed. Dean was lucky he booked last minute tickets to the wrestling match, not surprised that even on Christmas eve, the stadium was booked solid. 

They enjoy the fights, they’re small local fights, no big names, but they both enjoy it, laughing and enjoying their time together as best friends, it’s been a while. Since she started dating Max four months ago, he barely sees her, he’s insecure, especially when Dean’s around, probably because Dean’s twice his size in height and muscle, but that’s not his problem. Max starts fights with y/n anytime they hang out, so for her sake, he keeps his distance, waiting for her to call him for a hangout instead. 

An hour in and it’s break time, they sit and chat, and before they know it, a voice is speaking over the PA system. “Sorry to interupt everyone, but since we are on a break, it seems like the perfect time to do this. Y/n Y/l/N, if you wouldn’t mind looking up at the jumbotron, we have a message for you from Max.” 

Y/n’s eyes go wide, she looks at Dean curiously and he shrugs, just as confused. She looks at the screen, Max’s smiling face on the screen as he’s handed the microphone. 

“Y/n, i know this is random and out of the blue, but you make me really happy, i know you’re not big on attention and big romantic gestures, but i wanted to do something memorable, so, i was hoping you’d be down for being my wife, will you Marry me?” he speaks, Dean almost can’t believe it, what was with these losers, she deserved to be proposed to, but not so soon and definitely not on the spot, she hated grand gestures that drew attention to her. Y/n barely knew what she wanted to do with her life, let alone to settle down. 

Y/N starts breathing heavy, tears forming as she starts to panic at the whole stadium now staring at her and waiting for her answer, and just like that, yet again, she tries to run but Dean stops her, suggesting they go outside and talk to Max privately before she has a complete anxiety attack.

Another douchebag he never sees again. 

Christmas Eve 2018

Another year, another Christmas Eve, y/n is sitting on Deans couch, the two of them got stuck at the airport due to a snow storm and aren’t making it home for Christmas. They had driven back to Dean’s place and she decided to crash with him, She’d just broken up with her recent douchebag boyfriend and wasn’t in happy spirits. She lies on his couch, sniffling as she watches her favoirte Christmas movie, which is currently everything on the hallmark channel. 

Dean sits next to her, her feet in his lap as he messages her feet, warming them up from the cold. 

“Am i ever going to find the right guy? i mean, at this point it’s become a pattern, every fucking Christmas i end up single and alone, i should just give up finding the perfect guy.” She shrugs, wiping away a stray tear.

Dean sighs, “First off, you’re not alone, you have me. Second, you pick crappy guys, you have shitty ass taste. Give it time, sweetheart, the perfect guy for you is out there, and you’ll find him, you’re just looking in the wrong places.” Dean assures her and she gives him a dry chuckle.

“Oh yea, well if you ever come across prince charming, send him my way.” She rolls her eyes and he laughs. He hates seeing her upset. 

Theyre at the local skating rink when it happens, he finally got her to stop crying enough to take her out and here comes Jack, Jake, Joke, whatever the fuck his name was holding a bouquet of roses and a ring box, smiling widely at her, this jackass really thinks a ring will fix everything he’s done to her. What a damn clown. 

Y/n stops abrutly, eyeing him up and down, she’s definitely angry still. 

“That better not be what the fuck i think it is.” She snaps, tossing the roses in the trash. “Y/n, i know i fucked up, but you’re worth more than-” He’s cut off by the sound of her hand meeting his cheek. 

“NO!” She shouts, a few people now stopping to watch. “You have some NERVE showing up here, after cheating on me and for what? to propose? ARE YOU FUCKING DRUNK? In what fucking small minded universe that you live in do you think proposing to me is going to fix what you broke? No, i will not marry you. Go to hell, Jeff.” She stomps off, as good as she can in skates. 

Jeff, that’s his fucking name. He looks over at me and i shrug. “You fucked that up on your own man, you don’t deserve her.” Dean walks away.

She never mentions Jeff again.

Christmas Eve 2019

Their families get together again, Dean’s family hosts this year, y/n and he had flown home early this year to help with the food and decorations, y/n had run into one of her exes, a guy she dated back in highschool, He’d ran in Sam’s circle of friends, one of his old football buddies. They had gone on a date to catch up, ending up at the local bar with some old highschool friends.

Sam sits next to him, downing his own beer. “Man, why don’t you just tell her you’re her prince charming, watching her get with and dump all these idiots is getting tiring. Even mom and dad know you two belong together.” Sam chuckles, letting out a burp, he’s clearly borderlining between drunk and tipsy. Dean sighs, he’s going to have to call Jessica soon. 

“If i was her soulmate, she’d have noticed by now. I’m not going to make that choice for her. If it’s meant to be, she’ll realize it on her own, not because i forced her to like me.” He shrugs and Sam laughs, “You’re both so stupid.” Sam huffs and shakes his head. 

Before Sam can continue pestering him about his failure to woo Y/n, they hear a commotion, they turn to see Eric covered in beer, calling y/n a bitch and some other not nice words. 

Dean gets protective, not even a split second before he’s standing next to her, shoving Eric away from her. “Easy man, get away from her.” He yells and Eric huffs, throwing his arms in the air, “Whatever, you’re a waste of time, can’t believe i ever dated you, i forgot what it was like being with you.” He snarls before stepping outside, no doubt to light up another blunt. 

Dean frowns, “What happened?” he asks and you laugh. “He proposed, said he missed me and regretted ever breaking things off, said he finally realized i was the one that got away.” She airquotes before she sips her beer, huffing, “Turns out, that’s his game, he was hoping if i said yes i’d be over the moon and jump into bed with him again. Ugh, i hate men.” she grunts before walking out, Dean slaps a few bills on her table before going after her, a semi drunk Sam at his side. 

Chritmas Eve 2020

Christmas Eve dinner is a hit. Changing things up, Dean and Y/n had decided to host this year, flying their families out to vancouver. It’s cold and snowy, but makes Christmas actually feel like Christmas, unlike the warm sunny holiday in california, they love it there, but this year, with the snow, it actually feels like a real Christmas. 

They sit out on the back deck, taking a break from the family game night and friendly comeptition and yelling going on inside. Their families are nuts, but it always makes for a great time. 

Dean’s sure he’s ready, she hasn’t dated anyone since the last proposal, and he’s insane, he’s sure of it, he’s sure just like the others, he’ll be turned down, and he’s willing to make an utter fool of himself, but it’s time, he’s waited long enough, he needs her to know, he needs to tell her, he’ll never be able to truly move on and get over her if he doesn’t at least get an answer on wether she feels the same. 

“How long do you think that bingo game is going to last?” She asks, chuckling and she watches their families fight over who had bingo first. 

“Marry me.” He blurts it out without even realizing it. That’s not how he wanted that whole thing to go, he had planned it out, but plans go out the window when you spend time obsessing on things being perfect.

“What?” She’s stunned, but she hasn’t run away yet, and she’s not hyperventilating, that’s a good sign. He begins to babble like a damn idiot.

“I don’t have a ring, or a proper set up like a jumbotron or some shit, and this isn’t even how i planned on this day going, i’m not perfect, and i have my flaws, hell i’m so fucked up i’d be insane to think i even deserve even half your love, but i’m crazy about you, and i have been since 5th grade, when you gave me my first valentines card because no one in class gave me one and then kissed my cheek and told me you’d always be my valentine. I guess, what i’m trying to say is i may not be your prince charming, but you’ve always been my girl, i’ve never chosen anyone but you, and i realize, i don’t ever want anyone, except you.” He finally takes a breath, too scared to make eye contact, and he sighs.

“I know this is stupid and random and you can totally say no or run away if th-” 

“Yes.” She stuns him, completely silencing his rant.

He finally meets her eyes, “What?” He asks, sure as shit he heard her wrong. 

“Yes, Winchester, i’ll marry you.” She says, this time clear as day. 

He huffs out a laugh, “ Wait, seriously?” he asks, stunned and still thinking she has to be fucking with him.

She shrugs and smiles, “Yeah, I’ve known you all my life, you were always my prince charming, my perfect match, i was just waiting for you to figure it out.” She laughs. Dean’s eyes roam her face, for the first time, seeing how perfect she really is for him. 

“I literally could have been with you this entire time?” he raises and eyebrow and she shrugs, smiling. He shakes his head, not believing his own stupidity before he takes full advatnge, leaning in and finally claiming what’s been his this entire time. 

Safe to say, that was the last proposal she ever recieved. 

[thelastspeecher]

Best Revenge

Figured I’d name this ficlet with the AU name that I decided upon earlier today and am very proud of.  This ficlet is a follow-up to the previous ficlet in this variation of my Superhero/villain AU, which you can read here.  Be prepared for some more reasons to hate Angie’s ex-husband.  Enjoy.

——————————————————————————————

              Max took a deep breath.  He got out of his car and slowly walked up to Lute’s house.

              Well, it’s Angie’s now, too.  After all, she moved in.  He knocked on the door.

              “Just a sec!” Lute’s voice called.  Max stifled a groan.  He’d been hoping that Angie would answer it.  Lute had hated his guts for years now and, since the divorce had happened, didn’t bother hiding it.

              Not like he hid it much ‘fore the divorce… The door opened.  Lute’s kind face promptly warped into annoyance.  He leaned against the doorjamb, crossing his arms.

              “An’ what exactly do ya want?” Lute asked snidely.

              “I just…I just want to talk to Angie.”

              “Hell, no.”

              “C’mon, Lute, we were friends fer years!” Max begged. Lute shook his head.  “I haven’t even seen her since she filed the papers.”

              “That’s fer a reason, Buster Brown.  She don’t want to see ya.”

              “I-”

              “Unless yer here to drop somethin’ off or pick somethin’ up, get back in yer car and leave,” Lute snapped.  Max straightened.

              “No.”

              “If I have to make ya leave, I will,” Lute said. Max couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.  “What?”

              “Lute, yer the most athletic of yer fam’ly, but that don’t mean much.  I know fer a fact that you wouldn’t stand a chance against me.”

              “Maybe not against his skinny little ass,” a voice said.  A strange man appeared in the doorway.  “But you’d have a hard time taking me out.”  The man smirked at Max.

              Shit.  He’s right.  The stranger was much bigger and bulkier than Lute, even more than Max.  No, calm down.  He could only take ya down if he’s a super.  And he could easily be a normie.

              “Oh, I should prob’ly introduce the two of ya,” Lute drawled lazily.  “Stan, this is Angie’s ex-husband, Max.  Max, this is Stan.”

              “Lemme guess.  He’s yer new boyfriend?” Max asked.

              “Nope.  Angie’s,” Lute said.  Max’s jaw dropped.  “Yeah, she fin’ly found someone who was more her league.”

              “She’s- she’s already moved on?” Max whispered.

              “Yeah.”  Stan looked at Max with pity.  “Honestly, man, it’d be best if you moved on, too.”

              “I-”  Max clenched his jaw.  “No.”

              “No?  Fine, fuck up your life, I don’t care,” Stan said with a shrug.  He turned around.  A rock flew into Max’s hand.  Max growled softly and threw the rock directly at Stan’s back.  With unnervingly fast reflexes, Lute caught it before it could hit.

              “All right, that’s it,” Lute snarled.  “Get off my property.”  Without waiting for a response, Lute shoved Max off the doorstep. Max lost his balance, falling to the ground.  He threw up a hand.  A chunk of rock erupted from the ground, forming a barrier between Max and Lute. “What the-”

              Dammit!  I shouldn’t have revealed that I’m a super.  Max got to his feet.  Better get out of here ‘fore-

              “I don’t think your ex-wife would appreciate how you messed up her garden,” Stan whispered from behind him.  Max slowly turned.  Stan jabbed at Max’s chest.  Max let out a gasp of pain.  The poke felt red-hot.  “Fix it, then get outta here.”  Max waved a hand.  The chunk of rock retreated into the earth.  “Good.  Now, leave, before Lute and I decide to pull that same trick and use our powers to intimidate you.”  Stan’s hair was smoking.  Between that and how it felt like Stan’s touch had burned him, Max could tell what Angie’s new boyfriend’s power was.

              He’s a pyro.  Of course he is.  Pyros suck.  Max’s own archnemesis, Flamethrower, was a pyro.  His mind suddenly registered what Stan had said.

              “Wait, Lute is-”  Max looked over at Lute.

              “No shit he is,” Stan scoffed.  “You know Angie is.  Did you really think her twin would be a normie?”

              “I-��

              “You’re fighting outside your weight class,” Stan said, talking over Max.  “Go home.” Max clenched his hands into fists. Something flew overhead.  Max looked up.

              “Was that-”

              “Yeah.  It was Angie. You were picking a fight to see someone who wasn’t even home,” Stan said shortly.  Max’s fury was wiped away.  His head hanging low, he walked to his car and got inside.

-----

              Stan watched Max drive away.  Lute came over.

              “He’s geokinetic,” Lute commented.

              “Yep.  And there’s only one geokinetic hero in this area.  Richter.”  Stan grinned. “Wanna team up against him next time we see him in his mask?”

              “Of course.”

              “What are you boys doin’ in the front yard starin’ at the street?” Angie asked.  Stan and Lute turned.  Like usual, she had landed in the backyard, then entered the house through the back door. Now, she stood in the front door, looking at them curiously.

              “Oh, nothin’,” Lute said.  “Just people watchin’.”

              “Hmm.”  Angie crossed her arms.  “Don’t know if I believe that, but whatever.”  Lute and Stan went inside, Stan kissing the top of Angie’s head on the way.

              “Coming in?” Stan asked.

              “Nah, I’ve got to weed the bluebells,” Angie said. “I’ll come in when I’m done.” Just as Stan closed the door behind him, leaving Angie on the doorstep, there was a shout.  “What happened to my garden?!”

-----

              It took a week before Lute and Stan had the opportunity to come face-to-face with Richter, aka Angie’s ex-husband.  He showed up at the outskirts of town, trying to stop them from a basic robbery.  Stan assumed it took so long because Richter was supposedly taking some personal time off.  He raised an eyebrow as he looked at Max.

              He shoulda spent a few more days on vacation. Even behind Max’s mask, his eyes were red and swollen.  Damn, he’s really head over heels for Angie, isn’t he?  Stan actually started to feel a bit bad, before reminding himself of what Max had put Angie through.  No, he doesn’t need your sympathy.  He kept trying to force Angie to have kids and quit her job.

              “You seem a bit under the weather, Richter,” Stan taunted, easily catching the rock that had been halfheartedly thrown at him. “Maybe you shoulda stayed home.”

              “Stayed home and had yourself some tasty chicken soup,” Lute added.  He hit Max over the head with a whip of water.  “I don’t really want to catch whatever bug you’ve got.”

              “I’m not sick,” Max said in a choked up voice. “I’m just- I’m going through some stuff right now.”

              “If you really were going through stuff, you wouldn’t be here, completely failing at beating us,” Lute said.  Max growled.  The ground Lute was standing on erupted, sending him flying.  “Son of a-” Lute shouted as he faded into the distance.

              “I was a fool to think villains might go easier on me when I’m in crisis,” Max spat.  “Only someone with a shred of humanity would care about my life falling apart.”  Stan snorted.

              “Sure, we’re the ones who don’t have any humanity,” he said.  “We’re not the ones controlling our significant others.”  Max froze.  He stared at Stan in horror.

              “What do you-”

              “I’ve made a lotta bad decisions,” Stan continued, ignoring Max.  “But not once have I tried to use a baby to trap the person I’m dating.”  Max clenched his hands into fists.

              “That’s not what happened!  I wouldn’t- I wasn’t-”  Max ground his teeth.  “You know who I am and why I’m a mess.”

              “Sure do.”

              “How?”  Max’s eyes narrowed.  “Angie.”  Stan marched up to Max and grabbed him by the collar. 

              “Don’t ever blame her, you piece of shit.  She’s a good person.  Too good for you.  I asked, but she wouldn’t say anything.”

              “Then how-”

              “You snitched, genius, when you used your power in front of me.”  Max’s eyes widened.

              “Yer her new boyfriend,” he whispered, no longer hiding his southern accent.

              “And circle gets the square,” Stan said coldly, letting go of Max.  Max brushed off his costume, glaring at Stan.

              “Was this some sort of scheme to get back at me?” Max demanded.  “Did ya seduce my wife to get her to divorce me?”

              “What?  That’s fucked up!  No!  I was in the right place at the right time to comfort her after you pissed her off.  Like I said, I didn’t know your secret identity until you had the fantastic idea to use your power in front of me.”

              “Hmph.”  Max crossed his arms.  “I can’t believe Angie would date a villain.”

              “You’d be surprised by what Angie would do when she’s not under someone’s thumb.”

              “She wasn’t- she-”

              “You tried to chain her to you with a kid!” Stan snapped.  Max snarled.

              “I did no such thing!  I just thought that we should get to havin’ kids quickly.”

              “Because then she wouldn’t be able to leave you.”

              “No, ‘cause then she would be more open to takin’ in Junior!” Max shouted.  Stan frowned.

              “Junior?”  His eyes widened.  He grabbed fistfuls of the front of Max’s costume and pulled him close.  “Buddy, are you saying what I think you’re saying? Are you- are you saying you already have a kid?”  Max paled. “How the hell would you have a kid, if you and Angie have been dating since high school?  Huh?”

              “Let me go,” Max whispered.

              “No.  Tell me. Tell me you cheated on Angie,” Stan snarled.  Loose dirt flew up, blinding him.  He let go of Max to rub the grit out of his eyes.  To his surprise, when his vision was cleared, Max was still there.  “You shoulda left when you could,” Stan said. His hands burst into flames.  Max stood his ground.

              “If you say a word to Angie, I’ll tell everyone who ya really are,” he said calmly.

              “What makes you think I won’t spread your secret identity to all my coworkers?” Stan demanded.

              “If you did, Angie would never forgive ya,” Max replied.  Stan ground his teeth.

              Dammit.  He’s right.  It doesn’t matter how justified it would be.  She wouldn’t tolerate me snitching like that.

              “Fine,” Stan spat.  “I won’t tell Angie.”  Max nodded. “Leave, before I beat your ass into the dirt.”  Max smirked, then turned around and slowly walked away.  By the time Lute had finally rejoined Stan, the hero was long gone. “Took you a while.”

              “Unlike some folks, I can’t fly,” Lute said.  He brushed dirt off his costume.  “So, what happened?”

              “The guy’s even more of a douche than we thought.”

              “Really?  Why?” Lute asked.  Stan groaned.

              “I can’t tell you.  If I do, he’ll leak my secret identity.”

              “Wh- ya really showed yer hand, huh?” Lute said, putting his hands on his hips.

              “I wanted him to know who was kicking his ass and why.”

              “Still…”  Lute sighed. “So much fer the big revenge plan.”

              “Yeah…hang on.”

              “What?” Lute asked.  Stan grinned.

              “I promised I wouldn’t tell Angie.  I didn’t say anything about not telling you,” he said. Lute’s eyes widened.  “Who knows, maybe what I told you somehow reaches Angie. After all, you didn’t promise not to tell her.”  Lute grinned as well.  “Then she can kick his ass.”

              “Look, Stan, I agree that Angie should be the one to handle him, but it took this long fer her to just divorce him.  What makes ya think she’ll go after Max?”

              “He cheated on her and had a kid with some other woman,” Stan said flatly.  Lute opened and closed his mouth a few times.  After a moment, he nodded.

              “Yeah.  I think that might be enough fer her to finally kick his ass like she should.”

[gabriel-agreste-has-no-rights]

Rating: G

Chapter Summary:  Adrien and Ladybug skate together. Chloe and Kagami play damage control.

Word Count: 2,809 | Chapter 3/4

XXX

“XY!”  Chloé shoved partygoers aside as she stormed up to the DJ table.

“Huh?”  Her former-favorite musician looked at her like she was crazy.  He was crazy!  ...And he couldn’t hear her through those stupid clunky headphones.

She yanked them off of his ears.

“Hey!  What gives, Cholera?”

“It’s Chloé.  Seriously, we’ve met five times!  How hard is it to remember my name?”  If she had to call Jean Claude by his real name, the least everyone else could do was give her the same respect.

“Chloé, Coleslaw, whatever.  Why are you yelling?”

Chloé pinched the bridge of her nose.  XY was probably just too stupid to remember.  Just like he was too stupid to follow basic instructions.

“You posted a picture to Instagram!”  

“Yeah?”  XY grinned and dug his pinkie in his ear.  Ugh.  His ears had to be clogged if he could stand being so close to the blasting music.  “Pretty cute, huh?  Lu’s a really good skater.”

It had been a pretty cute photo of Luka lifting XY above his head, while XY spread his arms wide like an airplane.  Frankly, it was shocking that Luka’s skinny noodle arms could lift his boyfriend.  But none of that was the point.

“No one is supposed to post photos until after the party.”  It shouldn’t have even been possible.  XY’s phone must have been some fancy model that could get past Max’s data block.  “You’re going to bring Adrien’s bodyguard right to us!”

“Pshaw, it’s no big deal.  They’ll be too busy looking at me to even notice he’s here.”

Chloé smacked her forehead.  She did not get paid enough for this.

“Is something wrong?”  Luka asked, approaching Chloé and XY with two slices of passionfruit cake.

“Yes, there is!  Your utterly ridiculous boyfriend is going to get Adrien’s party busted!”

Luka sighed at XY.  “Baby, we talked about this.”

XY’s bottom lip jutted out.  “But… it was just one teeny-tiny little picture…”

“Just listen to Chloé and take it down.  You can post it again when the party’s over.”

Finally, someone was taking her seriously!

“Awwww, fine.”  XY pulled out his phone and deleted the post.  “Happy now, Clooney?”

She huffed, but turned her back before she could say anything she’d regret.

“Excellent work, Chloé.”  

She jumped.  Kagami was standing right there.   How did she always show up like some kind of ninja?

“We will still need to engage our failsafes.”  Kagami began typing on her phone.  Chloé stood on her tip-toes, looking over her shoulder.  She was posting… some selfies with Adrien in a blue wig?  

“Hey, I thought no one was supposed to post pictures.” Chloé frowned.

“These will lead Nathalie and Adrien’s bodyguard off our trail.  I’ll adjust the lighting to make them appear as if they were taken just now.”  She added filters, and the background grew dark.  “Now they will believe Adrien is at the juice shop with me.”

“Not bad.”  Chloé smirked.  “You know, for someone who never lies, you’re awfully good at fooling people.”

“Only when necessary.  Adrien’s happiness tonight is my number one priority.”

Kagami’s gaze shifted down to the rink, where Adrien and Ladybug were skating hand-in-hand.

“You’ve done a good job,” Chloé said quietly, leaning against the railing.  Over her shoulder she watched Adrien and Ladybug weave figure eights.  Even over XY’s blaring music, she could hear their laughter.  Two years ago that would have made her jealous.  

But it was good to see her oldest friend and her biggest hero make each other happy, even if it was only for one night.

“Come on.”  Kagami smiled at her.  “No more slacking.  Time to learn how to skate.”

Chloé faked annoyance.  “Oh, alright.  If you insist.”

XXX

Adrien glided like he was in a dream.  The soft pressure of Ladybug’s hand in his was the only thing anchoring him to the ground, and even that felt too good to be real.

But she was real.  She was here.  She cared about Adrien enough to come to his birthday party.

“You didn’t hit your head too hard, did you?”  Ladybug giggled.

Oh.  He must have been staring at her stupidly again.  That was how he’d tripped over Marc and crashed the first time.

“I’m fine.  It helps that the ground is a built-in ice pack.”

She laughed again.  She never laughed at Chat Noir’s jokes this much.  Maybe she was just trying not to hurt his feelings on his birthday, but he’d take it.

“Look at that.”  She bumped his shoulder with hers.  “Looks like Queen Bee could use an ice power-up.”

He laughed as he saw Chloé wobble onto the rink, Kagami steadying her with both hands.  He was glad they were both getting along, or at least trying to.  Having so many of his friends in one place was the best birthday gift of all.

“I bet she’d love that.”  He wished he could use his ice powers too.  It would make it easier to avoid slipping and embarrassing himself again.

Not that she’d laughed at him, really.  That would be weird to get used to—not that he should get used to it.  As soon as he was suited up again, they’d be back to bantering and making fun of each other like normal.  

But for now, he savored the feeling of her eyes on his, of the way her brow softened beneath her mask every time he smiled.

(He was smiling a lot.)

“Hey, Adrien!  You gonna kiss her yet?”  

Adrien’s face caught fire at Kim’s shout.  Kim didn’t just say that.  

Please tell me he didn’t just say that.

His eyes darted to Ladybug’s.  She’d dropped his hand, and her mouth was stammering wordlessly.  

He couldn’t blame her.  His brain wouldn’t send a coherent thought to his mouth, either.

Kim turned around and started skating backwards.  “I’ve got a bet with Alix.  She thinks you don’t have the guts, but I believe in you.  Don’t let me down, man!”

He promptly crashed into Nino and Alya, and all three of them wiped out.  Normally, Adrien would’ve rushed to help his friends up.  But right now, he wanted nothing more to melt through the ice.

“Please just—ignore him,” he said quickly, falling back and clinging to the handrail.  “I don’t know where he got the idea that—I mean, not that I wouldn’t—er—I’m going to shut up now.”

She laughed hysterically, eyes darting back and forth.  Was she already looking for a way to escape?  

Gah, and everything had been going so well too!  He could almost believe that Ladybug… that she… what, liked him?  Just because she was nice to him and laughed at his jokes and held his hand…

“You know,” she said quietly, “I wouldn’t, um, mind if you…”

His heart sped up.  It could’ve done backflips in the pauses between her words.

“If I…?” He asked, trying not to sound too eager.  She could’ve been about to say anything, after all.  

Like maybe she wouldn’t mind if he left her alone forever.  Maybe she wouldn’t mind if he faceplanted on the ice like Kim did.  Maybe she wouldn’t mind if he locked himself in a tower, never to see the light of day until a fearless ogre came to save him.

She leaned in closer.  Her eyes sparkled as bright as the frosty tips of her tiara.

“If you… got me a slice of cake!”

He blinked, pulling back.  “O-of course!  Um, did you want me to bring it back here, or…?”

“Uh, yeah, sure!” She said.  “Er, on second thought, there’s no tables on the rink, haha, and I’ll probably trip even with my powers if I try to eat down here…”

“There’s tables closer to the entrance,” he suggested, still startled by Ladybug’s sudden shift.  The smile on her face looked strained.

“S-sounds great!”

Unfortunately, getting out of the rink meant skating past Kim again.  He’d finally made it to his feet with Nino and Alya’s help.  Alix sped past, blowing a raspberry at him.

“Just don’t make eye contact and we might be fine,” he said under his breath.

...Or not.

“Yo, Ladybug!  How’s my little monkey dude doing?”

Ladybug groaned.  “That’s my luck.”

“I thought Chat Noir was supposed to be the one with bad luck?” Adrien joked right before Kim got close enough to sling an arm around Ladybug’s shoulder.

“Hey, King Monkey.” She grimaced.  “Xuppu’s doing fine.  But, um, Adrien and I were just about to get some cake, so…”

“Aww, come on!  I bet my boy Adrien tastes better than some kind of fruitcake.  Who even thought of putting fruit and cake together?  Gross.”  Kim stuck out his tongue.

Plagg was shaking with laughter inside of Adrien’s borrowed hoodie.  Couldn’t the kwami Just Cataclysm him and put him out of his misery?

“It’s passionfruit cake,” he corrected on principle.  “And Marinette made it, so it’s going to be amazing.”

For some reason, Ladybug’s face only got more red at that.  “Right, amazing!  Definitely better than kissing Adrien, ha!  Ha ha ha…”

Ouch.  Now that hurt worse than a Cataclysm.

Kim winced in sympathy before patting Adrien’s shoulder.  “Sorry, buddy.  I tried.”

“Please stop trying,” he whined.

He and Ladybug finally escaped Kim.  Adrien glanced over his shoulder, and saw Nino flashing him a comforting grin.  Alya had dropped her head in her hands.

Me too, Alya.  Me too.

XXX

“Lesson’s over,” Chloé said while pulling her phone from her pocket.  She didn’t slip, even without holding onto the handrail.  Despite her attitude, she was implementing Kagami’s lessons well.

“The student doesn’t decide the length of the lesson.”  She crossed her arms.  

“She does when she has bad news.”  Chloé scowled.  “Max just texted.  That tracker you and Nino put on the Gorilla's car?  It’s going off.”

She held up her screen, which showed a map of the streets near their location.  A red skull icon flashed towards the ice rink.  Not good.  Adrien hadn’t even gotten the chance to eat his cake yet.

“We’ll have to deploy the contingency plan.”

“I thought you already—”

“The other contingency plan.”

Kagami grabbed Chloé’s hand and skated towards the exit.  

It was time to find Wayhem.

XXX

Marinette’s  pulse pounded in her ears.  Adrien was still holding her hand, even after Kim had come along and… well, been Kim.  But she could take it.  She was cool.  She was confident.  She knew Adrien had a crush on her!

And yet she was still too much of a coward to kiss him.

What if Nino and Kagami were wrong?  Granted, Nino knew Adrien better than anyone, and Kagami had probably never been wrong in her life.  

But still.

“I hope you like passionfruit.”  Adrien rubbed the back of his neck before cutting her a slice of the three-tiered cake.  It had taken her two days to fine-tune the recipe, not including the full afternoon she’d spent adding details with icing.  It was a pale shade of pinky-orange, dotted around the edges with rosettes of spring green.  Just like his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I love it!” she said.  It was a bit of an exaggeration, but she had gained a taste for it after eating one passionfruit macaron a week for the past two years.  “You’re lucky Chat Noir isn’t here.  He’d finish off this whole cake as soon as your back was turned.”

Adrien laughed.  “He’s got good taste, then.”

It was too bad Marinette didn’t know Chat Noir’s birthday.  Passionfruit was his favorite favor, too; she could reuse the recipe.  

They took their cake and some plastic forks and settled down at a table.  She sat across from him, but the table was small enough for her knees to bump his underneath.  She’d dismissed her ice transformation, so she didn’t have to worry about stabbing his feet with her blades.

“Wow,” Adrien said through his first bite.  “I knew this cake was going to be good, but this is—I’ve never tasted anything like it!”

“Really?”  She grinned.  If he was saying that to Ladybug, then he wasn’t just saying it to be nice.  He really liked her cake!

“Really.  I shouldn’t be so surprised, though.  Marinette’s amazing at everything.  She’s designed album covers for Jagged Stone, and won the student Ultimate Mecha Strike Tournament, and even impressed my father.”  He sighed wistfully.  “It’s too bad she couldn’t make it.  I really wanted to thank her.”

Her heart fluttered like a butterfly on steroids.

“I—I’m sure she wanted to be here too,” she said.  Should she find a way to sneak off and detransform?  Would Adrien have been happier if she’d come as herself?  “And I’m sure, if she were here… she’d want to thank you.  For being such a good friend.”

He stared at her with soft eyes.  A bit of icing still clung to his bottom lip.  She tore her gaze away.

You heard what he told Kim.  He doesn’t want to kiss you!

Wait.  That was what she told Kim.  After she’d panicked and blabbered something stupid by reflex.  Why had she said that?  She did want to kiss Adrien!  Now he was going to think that she hated him and probably hate the birthday present she’d brought and— 

“Ladybug?”  Adrien’s voice finally snapped her out of her spiral.  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Huh?  Why wouldn’t I be?”  She grinned too wide.

He glanced down at her plate.  Her fork was stabbed into the thin styrofoam.  That wasn’t the only thing she’d stabbed, apparently.

“You, um.  Spaced out and carved a broken heart into your cake.  Unless it’s supposed to be an upside-down spade…?”

She hurriedly shoved forkfuls of cake into her mouth.  Ugh, she was a mess without Alya here to help her keep cool.  How would Alya feel about getting her miraculous back for the sole purpose of wingmanning?  

It probably wouldn’t work.  There wasn’t an illusion strong enough to cover up Marinette’s spazzing.

She swallowed her cake.  “I’m sorry, Adrien.  I just got distracted for a second.  What were you saying?”

“I was just talking about Marinette… you two are friends, right?”

“Friends?  What—what makes you say that?”  She blinked.

“She helped you fight the Evillustrator and Kwamibuster.  I guess I just assumed, but—”

“Wait.”  Marinette dropped the fork back to her plate.  For once, her mind whirled for a reason other than proximity to Adrien.  “You—how do you know Marinette helped with Kwamibuster?” 

Had Chat Noir gone around blabbing about Multimouse to everyone?  No, there’d never been a trace of her on the Ladyblog.  And Chat wouldn’t reveal heroes’ identities like that, even if she’d already told him that “Multimouse” couldn’t hold a miraculous again.

“Um… because, she… told me?”  Adrien shrugged.  A tentative smile graced his lips.

Her brow creased.  “No, she didn’t.”

This didn’t make any sense.  How did Adrien really know, and why would he lie about it?  

Unless—?

Before she could follow that train of thought, Chloé’s hands slammed down on their table.

“Sorry to interrupt, but you two need to go.  We’ve got company.”

“What?”  Marinette blinked.  “Is there an akuma?  I’ll—”

She shook her head.  “Worse.  Kagami’s backups failed.  Nathalie’s here.”

“What?”  Adrien stood, nearly kicking Marinette’s shin in his haste to get up.  “I have to stop her before she tries to have Nino arrested again!”

Marinette grimaced.  Yeah, Adrien’s sixteenth birthday party hadn’t exactly worked out.  But she wasn’t about to let this one get ruined, too.

“No way, Adrikins.” Chloé blocked his path.  “Kagami’s handling her.  She told me to make sure you get out before you’re grounded for life.”

“But—!”

“Ladybug, I know you’re smart.”  Chloé turned to her before he could protest.  “Take him out the window before he pulls one of his little self-sacrificing stunts again.”

Self-sacrificing.  That would be like Adrien.

(It would also be like a certain partner of hers, who also liked passionfruit, knew about Multimouse, and had a crush on Ladybug.) 

“I can’t just leave you—!”

Marinette stood and wrapped an arm tightly around his waist.  He cut off, blushing at their proximity.

“You heard Queen Bee.”  She winked at Chloé, who smiled.  “Let’s trust your friends.  And trust me, too.  I’ve got a surprise for you.”

He looked down into her eyes, then hesitated as if about to ask something.

“Whatever, just take your surprise out there!”  Chloé pushed them away from the tables.

“Right.  Hold onto me,” Marinette told Adrien before grabbing her yo-yo.

“You don’t need to tell me twice,” he mumbled into her hair, his arms firm around her shoulders.

This is fine, she told herself while trying not to melt into an ecstatic puddle.  Then she cast out her yo-yo and swung through the distant window.

She and Adrien had a lot to talk about.

[disneymiraculousefandomsblog]

Hey guys! So I wanted to write a new dream Fic since I never really have written one yet so this is my first. I really wanted to write one because I wanted to include the characters for the series since we didn’t actually get to see them in the short and since we didn’t really get a scene where cass apologized to Varian I decided to include it so here it is. I also want to thank @lanceloth for helping me with some ideas I added to my story I hope you like it and let me know what you think?

Rapunzels Wedding

Rapunzel’s Long awaited day had finally arrived she was finally going to get married. Rapunzel was so exited she honestly thought she never would have even gotten this far when she lived in the Tower. She always thought that she would have been stuck in that tower forever and never get to have a adventure. But all that changed when she met Eugene and fell in love with him.

“Hello your highness, I see your already up, are you exited for the big day?” Faith asked Rapunzel.

“Hey Faith, yes I am REALLY EXITED!, Eugene and I have been together for a while now and we have had so many adventures together we even defeating Zhan Tiri together with the help of our friends of course, but now I am ready to be queen and rule this kingdom when the time comes.” Rapunzel replied.

Faith smiled, “I’m glad Princess you’ll make a great queen”. Faith stated.

Rapunzel smiled, Faith was very shy and she didn’t like to talk much not like cass did. Faith finished getting Rapunzel ready for the wedding when an unexpected friend showed up. Cassandra opens the door and walks in.

“Hey Raps!” Cassandra said. Rapunzel turned around and a huge smile came on her face.

“Cass!” Rapunzel shouted running to give Cassandra a hug. “What are you doing here?, I thought you were on an adventure and you couldn’t come” Rapunzel said hugging her tighter.

Cassandra smiled and returned the hug, “come on you didn’t think I’d miss your wedding day, Eugene and I do have our differences but I still wouldn’t miss your special day” Cassandra smiled pulling away from the hug.

Rapunzel smiled, “Do you want to help me finish getting ready like old times?” Rapunzel Asked Cassandra.

“Sure why not” Cassandra said with a smile. Faith left and while Cassandra was getting Rapunzel ready Eugene was in his room getting ready for the wedding.

“Lance I can’t believe it, After asking and asking Rapunzel finally said yes, i can’t wait to live the rest of my life with her” Eugene stated to Lance who was helping him put his suit on.

“I know who knew a lucky guy like you could have gotten a girl as pretty and Royal as Rapunzel, I mean you were an orphan, and most of your life you were a thief stealing and your big dream was to live on an island all alone with money” Lance said.

Eugene looked at Lance with a I can’t believe you just went there look, “Ok you are right I honestly didn’t think I ever settle down with someone, but I didn’t know I was a prince either” Eugene stated.

“Yeah look what you did to stalyan, you left her at the alter and you know what happened” Lance said remembering that day they kidnapped them and he almost died. Eugene remembered that day too it was probably the hardest thing he ever had to do to Rapunzel. He could just remember the face she made when he closed the door on Rapunzel, he didn’t do it intentionally but he had no choice to save Lance.

Lance looked at Eugene, “Hey, don’t be getting emotional on me” Lance said.

“That was all in the past buddy, today is the day you have been waiting for all your life, you deserve to be happy Eugene” Lance said putting his hand on Eugenes shoulder.

Eugene smiled, “Thanks Lance, I know we don’t really talk about our emotions but your the best friend I could ask for thanks buddy “ Eugene told Lance with a smile.

“Alright, let’s finish getting you ready” Lance said with a smile while fixing Eugenes Jacket.

Meanwhile back in Rapunzel’s room, Cassandra finished fixing Rapunzel’s dress, “Wow Raps, you look beautiful!” Cassandra told Rapunzel.

“Aww thanks Cass” Rapunzel answered with a smile.

Cassandra put the vail on Rapunzel’s hair and she was finished. Rapunzel turned to look into the mirror and see herself. “Wow, Thank you Cass for helping me and coming all this way to see me get married” Rapunzel said giving Cass a hug. Cassandra smiled and returned the hug.

“Cass can you do me a favor? Can you go find Varian and ask him if he’s ready he is done helping Max and Pascal they are going to hand us the rings.” Rapunzel asked Cass.

“Sure Raps, I’ll be back before the wedding starts” Cassandra answered heading to the door to leave.

Varian was in his lab getting ready for the wedding since Eugene has asked him and Lance to be his best man, Varian felt honored he never got invited to a wedding before and he certainly never thought he be someone’s best man but he was happy that his two best friends were finally getting married after everything that happened they deserved to be happy.

Varian heard a knock at the door, “I’m coming” he shouted. Varian opened the door and to his surprise it was Cassandra, he wasn’t expecting to see her at the wedding since she was on her adventure.

“Oh Hey Cass, what a surprise I thought you couldn’t make it to the wedding?” Varian asked sheepishly.

“Hey Varian, uhh Raps wanted me to ask you if you were done getting ready and if you finished helping Max and Pascal with the rings?” Cass asked trying to not make eye contact. Varian gave a small smile,

“Oh.. yeah they are ready their just waiting for me to finish getting ready.” Varian said sheepishly. There was an awkward silence for awhile, Cassandra felt uneasy with Varian because of what she did to him when she was bad, she didn’t know if varian actually forgave her for what she put him through kidnapping, Drugged him, pushing him off a cliff, but most of all controlling his dad, he had already suffered with him loosing his dad and she just had made it worst for him.

Varian felt a bit odd being around Cassandra he was still trying to get over what she did to him. she never really apologized to him for what she did and what she caused him to go through she just got up and left. No Jail time or community service, it just didn’t seem fair that he was tossed in Jail for his crime and Cass wasn’t. Varian liked Cass and he knew she changed for the better now but he still had some kind of resentment towards her.

Cassandra saw Varian and she knew what she did to him was wrong and that she needed to make amends because Varian at once did think of her as his friend.

“Varian, I’m really sorry for everything I did and put you through, I know I never really fully apologized to you and it wasn’t right and I don’t know what I can do to make it up to you?, I’m really sorry Varian for everything” Cassandra said with her head down and a sad tone in her voice.

Varian didn’t know what to say, he knew Cass wasn’t a person who liked to share or show her feelings, but he understood what she went through because he went down that path of darkness too and if Rapunzel was able to forgive him and trust him again and give him a second chance after everything he did he should do the same.

“Cass, it did hurt me what you did to Corona and to me, and I tried reaching out to you but you refused to Listen..but I understand because I went down that path of darkness myself and it blinds you and makes you into a monster...but just as Rapunzel forgave me and gave me a second chance then I should do the same.” Varian said with a half smile.

“Cass I forgive you, I forgive you for everything and I hope we can learn to trust each other and be friends again”Varian told her giving her a smile. Cassandra looked at Varian and gave him a smile.

“Th...Thank you Varian, I promise I am going to try my best do whatever i can to make it up to you” Cassandra said putting her hand on his shoulder. Varian gazed at Cassandra and gave her a smile.

“Thank you Cass, It’s great to have you back” Varian said giving her a hug. Cassandra smiled and Returned the hug.

Varian pulled away from the hug, “well I have to finish getting ready I’ll see you at the wedding?” Varian asked Cassandra.

“Yea I’ll see you at the wedding” Cassandra answered.

Varian waved goodbye to Cassandra and finished getting himself ready. The wedding was about to begin all the guest were arriving and getting to their seats Eugene was already at the alter with Lance and Varian beside him waiting for Rapunzel to walk down the isle. The doors opened and the wedding march started playing the king was walking Rapunzel down the isle Eugene couldn’t take his eyes of his Fiancé she was beautiful she was wearing a beautiful white dress with a long lace design vail. He still couldn’t believe that the day he had been waiting for finally arrived after asking and asking Rapunzel finally said yes.

King Fredric kissed his daughter on the cheek and handed her over to Eugene. The priest started saying

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company of witnesses to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony”. Max and pascal were waiting close to the bride and groom to hand them the rings when they asked for them. But a flower flew into Max nose and he could stop himself from sneezing.

The sneezed made the pillow go up and down tossing the rings up and rolling them outside. Max and Pascals face went pale luckily no one was paying attention to what just happened. Max and Pascal immediately ran after the rings to try and catch them, Varian saw them leave in a hurry and wondered what happened because they were going to ask for the rings soon, Varian sneaked our of his place and went out the back to try and catch Max. Luckily Max saw Varian and ran up to him while Pascal was still trying to catch the rings.

“Max what are you guys doing?, They are doing to ask for the rings soon....Max where are the rings?” Varian asked with concern.

Max snorted trying to tell him what happened and Varian understood. “A flower flew up your nose and made you sneezed causing the rings to fall and roll away? Varian asked Max to confirm that’s what happened. Max shook his head yes.

“Well let’s go find them and get them back quickly before they notice that we are gone” Varian said staying to run after the rings.

They ran throughout the entire market trying to get the rings, Max was running after Eugenes ring but he didn’t see the wheel cart in front of him and she stepped on it causing him to fall inside and make the cart move. He manage to catch the ring with his mouth when the cart was on the move, but he didn’t see the frying pan signs and he couldn’t control the cart and he got hit with 4 signs he was passed out. When the frying pans were hitting Max the person releasing the lanterns thought the bell rang and let the tarp go to let the lanterns fly. Pascal saw one of the rings get caught on one of the lanterns they were going to release after the wedding bell rang, pascal looked at Varian.

“Ok Pascal, do you think you can climb up there and get it?” Varian asked.

Pascal saluted Varian with his hand and started to climb. he saw the tarp fall and the lanterns started to fly away. Pascal managed to get to the lantern with the ring before it flew away and tried to grab it but a strong wind blew the lantern making the ring fall. Varian ran after it trying to catch it before it fell.

“I got it, I got it” Varian shouted reaching his hands to catch the ring, but he wasn’t watching where he was going and bumped into a fruit cart full of blueberries. He fell into the cart face first getting his black suit all stained with blueberries. “Gah! this is never coming off, and my dad is going to kill me” Varian stated to himself lifting himself up from the cart and dusting off any remaining blueberries.

“I’m so sorry I will pay for the damage as soon as i get the rings” Varian told the merchant still running after Rapunzel’s ring.

Max had finally woken up the cart was still rolling he opened his lips to see if he still had the ring and he did he was happy. Max looked around to see where he was and to try to stop the cart, when he saw Rapunzel’s ring rolling on the ground, Pascal managed to land the lantern he was on and he started to run after the ring again. Varian continued to run after Max and Pascal he was trying to avoid as many obstacles as he could. He Spotted Max and Pascal he ran as fast as he could to catch up. Pascal had managed to catch Rapunzel’s ring and max pulled him into the cart they smiled at each other as they saw that both rings were safe.

Varian spotted a cliff, the road was about to end, “*gasp* guys look out!” Varian shouted to Max and Pascal.

Max and Pascal looked forward and saw a dead end they looked at each other and a scared look came on their faces. Varian kept running and was thinking to himself how he was going to stop that cart.

“Ugh, if only I had brought my Alchemy balls I could stop the cart,.... Wait I do have one” Varian said breathlessly from all his running. He pulled a ball full of blue liquid, he tossed it at the cart, the ball exploded, the smoke finally cleared and some kind of blue hoop had stopped the cart just in the nick of time but the cart was going so fast that when it stopped it tossed Max and Pascal into the sky.

“No..No..No.. that wasn’t supposed to happen it shouldn’t have tossed them out...it was just supposed to stop the cart” Varian said with anger and worry. What if they don’t land somewhere safe, what if they die from the fall no one can survive a fall from that height, it would have been his fault that Max and Pascal were gone and Rapunzel and Eugene wouldn’t have any rings and the wedding would be ruined and everyone would hate him again. Varian looked up and saw that they managed to fall in a tar factory.

“ohh.. that’s not good” Varian shockingly said. He started to run towards the tar factory, when he arrived Max and Pascal were covered in black tar. “Oh guys.... I am so sorry...I...I didn’t mean for this to happen” Varian told them with sadness in his voice.

Max and Pascal looked at each other and smiled, Max nudged Varian telling him to look at them, Max opened his lips and Pascal opened his hand and they put the rings in Varian’s hands.

“*gasp*, you still have the rings!” Varian said with excitement. “Oh no... the wedding must almost be over we better leave now” Varian stated.

“I’m sorry about the tar incident can you forgive me?” Varian asked Max and Pascal. They smiled and gave him another nudge telling him they forgave him.

“Thanks guys” Varian said with a smile. They made their way back to the castle running as fast as they could, they managed to make it at the exact moment the priest was done.

“May I have the rings” the priest said.

Rapunzel and Eugene turned around and were absolutely in shock at what they saw, Max and Pascal were mostly covered in tar, and Varian was standing right next to them and his suit covered in blue stains and his hair was all messed up and dirty from when he was running. Nobody knew what to think or what happened, Eugene grabbed his ring and put it on Rapunzel’s finger, and Rapunzel grabbed Eugene ring and placed it on his finger, they looked at each other.

“You May kiss the bride” the priest said.

Eugene and Rapunzel kissed and everyone started shouting and clapping congratulating the newly weds. Eugene and Rapunzel made their way to the out of the church to the castle where they would finished celebrating their wedding. Varian smiled he was so happy they were able to get the rings back and that the wedding wasn’t ruined. Cassandra and Lance came over to Varian.

“What happened to you?” Cassandra asked

“Yeah why are you all dirty?” Lance asked

“Hehe... it’s a long story” Varian said sheepishly putting his hand behind his head.

“Well we have till the party is over, here let’s go get you cleaned up before you dad sees you” Cassandra said with a smile

“Hehe ok thanks Cass” Varian answered with a smile.

Lance took Max and Pascal to try and get them cleaned up as well before the party started he didn’t know how he was going to take off the tar but he’d finds a way. Cassandra managed to get some of the blueberries stains out and she fixed his hair, Lance found a natural remedy Exavior gave him to get rid of the tar without pulling the skin, Lance rubbed olive oil around the tar and waited 15mins and he gently pulled the tar off. They made their way to the party, everyone was dancing and singing and having a great time, Varian told Lance and Cassandra what happened.

“Wow, all this happened and no one even noticed” Cassandra answered

“Well that was kinda the point heheh” Varian said sheepishly.

Varian spent time with Cassandra and Lance, Cassandra told Varian and Lance what she had done during her adventure and what she encountered, Varian and Lance told some jokes to Cass who didn’t really laugh much but they sure did try to make her.

The party was a hit all the people of Corona were happy and Rapunzel and Eugene were happy to finally be Married. It was time for Cassandra to leave she went up to Rapunzel and Eugene.

“Raps, I am so happy for you, I still think you like have gotten married to someone else but...” Cassandra said with a smile looking at Eugene.

“Haha.. very funny Cass” Eugene teased.

“Haha, I’m kidding Eugene, I know you would do anything for Rapunzel” Cassandra said with a smile

“I’m so proud of you both” Cassandra said pulling them into a hug.

“Thanks for not giving up on me” Cassandra whispered to them. Rapunzel and Eugene Retuned the hug with a smile.

Cassandra went over to Varian, she wanted to leave right this time, “Varian it was great seeing you agin and I’m glad that we made up, I know it wasn’t easy for you to forgive me but I hope we can learn to trust each other again and be friends” Cassandra said with a smile.

“Thanks Cass, and we are friends” Varian said with a smile. Varian pulled Cass into a hug, Cass smiles and returned the hug. Cassandra waved goodbye and left.

Not long after that Lance went home with the girls, they congratulated the newly weds and went back to their tree house. Varian was ready to go home himself it was a long day, but he wanted to stay to see Rapunzel and Eugene leave for their honeymoon. The party was over, Rapunzel and Eugene walked out down the stairs to get to their horses that were already there waiting for them, Varian came up to them before they hopped on their horses.

“I just wanted to say thanks... to both of you for everything you’ve done for me, especially you Rapunzel for pardoning me and not giving up on me...and Eugene thanks for being like a father to me, for Letting me be apart of your team and being there when I need you” Varian said with a half smile. “I’ll miss you guys” Varian said with a smile.

Rapunzel and Eugene looked at Varian and pulled him into a hug, “we love you Varian, we couldn’t have saved Corona without you” Rapunzel said with a comforting tone.

“Yeah bud, we love you, and it wouldn’t be Team Awesome without you, well miss you Varian, try not to get hurt while working your inventions ” Eugene said with a smile hugging him tighter.

Varian smiled, “hehe thanks.... I promise I’ll be careful” Varian said with a smile. “I love you guys too” Varian said returning an even tighter hug. Varian pulled away for the hug and waved one last time before heading home.

They waved goodbye to their family and friends, Varian waved one last time before they got on their horses, “you ready sunshine?” Eugene asked Rapunzel. “Ready” Rapunzel answered.

“I love you Eugene” Rapunzel said with a smile

“I love you too Sunshine” Eugene answered.

They kissed each other on the lips and Ran off into the sunset. They lived Happily Ever After!

The End

I hope you enjoyed reading this? I’m sorry of it ran long, I had more ideas and i actually looked up on how to get rid of tar so part of this story is true lol I had a few other ideas so I added them so it kinda just came out like this😶 this was also my first time making a New Dream Fic so it’s not that great. Anyways let me know what you think? I’d love to hear your feedback it’s what keeps me going 💕 thanks for baring with me and reading this till the end💕

[ceratinus]

Can you write a story about like doppelgängers?? Like that one astronaut one where there’s a guy outside the ship asking to be let in but also the same guy inside saying that the other is a fake!!

I hope you like this, it felt nice to stretch my creative muscles in this direction thank you ^_^

Idk how much this counts as a Doppelgänger but-

June 29th, 1992

Grace fidgeted with her necklace, twisting the little plastic charm over in her hands as the old camp bus rumbled over pockmarked dirt. Each hole was marked by a loud thud and she would bounce slightly in her hot vinyl seat, one hand leaving the charm necklace to hold her bag, just in case. This was her third year at Camp Clearwater, a run down summer camp full of noisey bunks, sticky benches, and a small lake buzzing with mosquitoes and every nasty bug children dare each other to touch without getting scared. She sighed and looked out the window, squinting at the hot sun. Her mother had told her to pack sunglasses, but Grace had forgot. Again. The bus rounded a corner and started its descent down to the campgrounds, hitting every bump and hole head on.

Giving a small grunt as she hiked her backpack onto her shoulders, Grace made her way off the bus with the other campers, taking in the familiar scenery. There came a shout, the head counselor was beckoning the "mayflies" over to a corner under a tree. That was her this year, not old enough to be a senior at the camp, leading songs and getting time with the canoe- but two years too old for the best beds or using the dilapidated playground. Grace bet her legs still wouldn't touch the ground on the monkey bars, unlike everyone else she hadn't grown an inch. She ambled over to the circle under the tree, looking for a familiar face in the group. Her summer camp friend was Sid, who always got to the camp a week early with the kids from the southern town closer to Clearwater. She was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she was late. Somehow.

The head counselor shouted at them to sit down in the grass and Grace obeyed, dropping herself and her enormous bag onto the cool earth with a thud. Everyone else had done the same, whispering among themselves and exchanging far-fetched stories of school conquests back home. The two other southern kids were sitting in silence, glued together. Grace leaned over and tried to ask about Sid, but a harsh whistle from the head counselor made her snap back around.

"Welcome to your third year Mayflies! Very happy to see you all here again. I assume you all know the rules by now, but just in case: No swimming in the lake without councilor supervision, no going anywhere without a buddy, and curfew at sundown! If we see you out after dark without permission you will be confined to my office for two days, meaning you will not only miss any activities, but you will also have to deal with me!"

She gave a loud, barking laugh, then continued her lecture. Grace was starting to lose focus, tuning her out in favour of ripping small bits of grass from the ground. Each little bit felt like some small rebellion, like she was sticking out her tongue at the councilor and her yearly mile-long list of rules. Something grabbed her attention though, pulling her out of her trance by the roots of her hair. It was a gasp from the kid sitting next to her, making her snap back into focus. The head counselor was still talking her nonsense, but there was someone next to her now. Someone tall, very tall, and with short red hair mostly covered by a camp ballcap that was casting a shadow over most of his features, making them blurry and hard to make out.

"And before I forget, I have someone I'd like you all to meet! This is our new camp counselor, Max. He will your primary counselor this year and I hope you all treat him with the same respect you treat me. Remember, you're big kids now, with bigger responsibilities. I expect nothing less than perfection. "

She gestured to Max, letting him take the stage while she strutted off to talk to other groups. As he came into the shade, the shadow over his eyes softened, and she could see a pair of watery green eyes. They looked like the algae sludge that covered logs close to shore, smelling of rotten plant matter and sticking to your hands if you touched them. It was when he spoke, however, that her blood ran cold. His lips peeled back,

"I know... I am new here, but hopefully that does not stop us. From becoming familiar. I am looking forwards to us getting to know each other, and I promise I will do everything in my power to make this a.. memorable experience for you all."

Was there something about the way his jaw moved when he talked, or maybe it was his tongue, clicking and rolling around in his mouth like some fattened grub? Was it his hands, or his eyes, that twitched in such an unnerving manner? She didn't know, only that something about Max made her sick. Her palms were tingling, right in the deep middle groove, her stomach doing cartwheels up near her lungs. He was done with his little speech and stood back in apparent expectation, being met with small claps and welcomes from some of the campers. They were dismissed to unpack, Grace picking up her backpack and sprinting to the cabins as fast as she could.

The inside of the Mayfly cabin was one of the oldest, and it showed. She was lucky enough to get a top bunk, but almost wished she hadn't as she stared up at a fat brown spider crawling across a beam on the ceiling. The other campers were on the floor, still talking about one thing or another, she didn't feel like joining them. Sid would have usually crawled up here with her, tucking her long legs into her chest and leaning against the back wall regardless of spiders or rusty nails. Sid was brave and impressive, always the first on the slack line or to jump off the pier. Grace had never been brave or impressive, but Sid never cared. And now she was gone. Grace tried to rationalize that maybe, just maybe she had decided to miss this year, take soccer or stay at home where she probably had loads of friends, cool ones. Yet, something just wasn't sitting right. Her mind kept peeking back at Max, turning his orange dead-leaf hair and sticky eyes over in her head. She turned over in her cot and slowly started unpacking in some effort to get rid of her worries, she was here to have fun. Or try at least.

A The Little Mermaid blanket with a picture of Ursula's human form gasping in rage on one side, Ariel on the other. Her camp pillow, stained on one side from her first year at camp, boring stuff for cleaning she left in her bag alongside the sunscreen and underwear. Two chapter books, one new and one already read twice, a stuffed caterpillar, and a Walkman plus four casettes. She popped open the little door where she put the tapes and gasped with delight. Sitting in the slot was a new cassette, popping it out revealing a note from her father.

"Dear Gracie, have lots of fun at camp. Stay safe and try not to miss us too much. Love, Dad and Mom."

The next three days passed uneventfully, eating greasy mess hall food and trying to get a chance to speak to the two southern kids. They were joined at the hip, never farther than a couple feet from one another, and never ever speaking to anyone else. Everytime she crept closer or sat next to them during dinner, they became silent almost instantly. Only their eyes belied a great fear.

Max was another story. Aside from his strange inflections- which he was mocked for mercilessly in the Mayfly cabin after curfew, he seemed perfectly normal. Normal like jerky or dried fruit. There was just something missing that made the throat dry up and the tongue swallow back. She watched him eat at the counselor's table once after being unsuccessful in her attempts to interrogate the southern kids about Sid. He was holding pleasant comversation with another counselor, tapping his fingers along the dark wood, plate empty. His mouth kept moving, but one eye slid away from his acquaintance and locked with hers. The floor dropped out from under her as he slowly blinked then went back to ignoring her. It was clear as day he knew she had been looking at him, her entire day out on the water was spent in fear. She looked down at her reflection on the lake and thought she saw someone behind her, but there was never anything there.

He caught her after dinner, speed walking towards her cabin. A warm feverish hand clamped down on her shoulder, any semblance of a scream dying in her throat. She turned around, hands shaking as he looked down at her. His face was twisted in something like.... concern? He bent down to her level and suddenly Grace was feeling somewhat confused. With both hands resting on his knees now he spoke softly, how one does when they are trying not to scare a wild animal.

"I know. That we may not have started off on the... right.. foot. But I don't want us to be strangers, eh? Please, let me talk with you by the water and hopefully I can remove some of this border between us."

Why she followed him she never knew, her legs just turned to reeds, and the wind was blowing in that direction. Sitting on the old camp log in the sand, he motioned for her to sit down next to him, and she did. His voice was still soft, trying to be friendly, honey sweet and non-threatening.

"I am aware... that you have been attempting to talk to Michael and Lucile about something. And that something is your friend. Sidney. Yes?"

Her hands dug into the wood, trying to keep them from shaking. How did he-

"She talked about you a lot, truth be told. Was very.... sad to go without getting to see you. But. We had issues between her and another camper. Two, Michael and Lucile, actually. I am. Technically not supposed to talk about this with campers, but you seem trustworthy. I can trust you yes?"

Trust her.... she nodded, if nothing else out of instinct. He nodded back, clicking his worm-tongue and looking out at the water.

"There were old grudges from their town. A feeling of replacement. Jealousy over what one felt to be the other taking a spot that was rightfully theirs. I think. The two started harassing Sid, and. It got bad enough that.... she had to leave. For her own comfort. The head counselor does not like to talk about these things you see. She does not want any one to be afraid. Of anything but her."

His laugh was almost imperceptible, more of a wheeze. It crept out between his teeth, grating on her ears and buzzing in her skull. Her entire body was buzzing, she wanted nothing more than to run, run far away from Max. But something was keeping her there, something new. He said he trusted her, he was talking to her like a person, more than most anyone but Sid talked to her. Sid... Michael and Lucile would do that? Drive away her only friend over some petty grudge? She didn't know what to think.

"I hope, you think about all consequences of your actions. Before you do anything. Some may ignore a... great deal before they find people a problem instead of a background."

And he was gone. Loping back towards the camp, leaving her with the last glow of a dying day.

That night her dreams crawled in and out of terror, she drowned in a green pool of algae before a hand pulled her out, a tall figure wearing Sid's face. It smiled at her with a mouth that stretched outside of its face before dropping her through rotten wood boards, down into a loud noise outside her window. She bolted upright, heart fluttering, skin coated in sweat. There is was again, a sharp tapping on the window by at her feet. Grace took a sharp swallow and crept over the edge, peering down to Lucile's drawn face. They met eyes and she immediately tucked out of view, leaving Grace with the option to go back to her Not Sid and worm-eaten wood or gather her courage and sneak out the door.

Michael wasn't there, and Lucile immediately stepped around the corner of the cabin when she saw Grace, beckoning with a single hand. Grace's feet stayed firmly planted on the porch, her eyes darting back and forth, looking for a counselor that might catch her. Lucile looked back over and made a pleading noise, grasping at something in between them with her hands. It was a please, plain and simple. When Grace still wouldn't budge she sighed and ran over, dragging Grace behind the corner of the cabin. She tried to protest, but Lucile immediately clamped a hand over her mouth and yanked her down to the ground where the two were completely concealed by grass and weeds. Grace met her gaze, a wild one at that. Lucile was more rabbit than person, eyelids twitching and pupils like two small dots despite the dark. To Grace's surprise she spoke, barely a whisper but fervent all the same.

"I can't say much or he'll hear me. The old storage cabin down the old trapper's trail. It's all there. All there all there all-"

Her muttering cut out and she started to get up, not bothering to brush any of the dirt off her nightgown. Grace tried to grab her, saying,

"Who? What's down there... what did you do to Sid?"

But Lucile just shook her head, a tear falling down her cheek as she turned her head and ran back to her cabin.

The rough dirt and stones hurt Grace's feet as she raced down the old trail, lungs heaving and legs carrying her as fast as they could. She gripped her necklace as she ran, the little butterfly becoming slick in her sweaty palms. Trees blurred past her, snapping into her face out of nowhere and making her face sting. The storage cabin came into view, its decaying shape sitting squat and rotten in the small clearing. It held a kind of menace, sending daggers of fear right into her chest, catching her breath and pinning it to her spine. She wanted Max to be right, she wanted to get caught after hours and spend two safe but boring days inside, away from two people she wanted to be nothing more than lying bullies. But, bullies don't get that afraid, she'd never seen someone who was supposed to be a bully that terrified in her life. The door to the cabin was unlocked.

Rot.

Rot and webs and death. The entire inside was covered in webs, carrying something akin to the dead squirrel she had found while helping her dad clean out the yard. Something deeper though, heavy and oppressive. It crushed her and pressed all the air out of her lungs, filling them instead with this foul smell. She started heaving and ran over to a corner of the room to vomit, hand against a wall for support. As her eyes opened she looked down and gave a small cry, involuntary and painful. She screamed and backpedaled, trying to reach the door as quickly as possible, away from the hand of her decaying friend.

She raced out of the cabin and looked up, then froze in her tracks, face already hot with tears. She needed to get out, go back, do something, get her mom tell someone she just wanted to be safe where was her mother where was Sid why that couldn't have been no no no-

He was standing at the end of the pathway, maybe fifteen meters away from her.

She screamed, loud and rough like clearing all the dust and rot from her lungs. He didn't hesitate, just sprinting at her, and she ran as well, back behind the storage cabin and on the continuing trail, wherever it went.

His feet made no noise as he hunted her down the trail, but she heard his voice getting closer and closer. That and the sound of wet popping and cracking, the breaking of bones and tearing of muscle. The silence of his movements was getting more irregular, segmented and jittering. A wet voice gargled at her, rotten breath clawing at her neck.

"I. Told you hhghhhgss told you told you.... stupid little girl."

A wet skinless hand pinned her to the ground, rolling eyes aflame with hunger, fat tongue quivering among needle point teeth. It leered down at her, tracing her cheek with a single boney finger, hissing,

"I think I'll have your hide."

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

It’s The Avengers (03x02)

Loki x Reader Avengers The Office AU (Slowwwwww Burn)

Season 3 Episode 02: The Boyband

Series Summary: Living in the Avengers facility post-apocalypse in a better timeline   Tony Stark has decided to capture every moment by pulling The Office on the Avengers. All of housemates are pretty used to the idea except for you, who had just come here to finish her degree, and the newest member- Loki.

Warnings: cute? mad? possessive?

Word Count: It is not until the blood gushes out do you realise that those stupid tears you cried in the office in front of everyone due to some fucking pentup emotions was the PMS all fucking along.

Written for @serpienten ‘s 1k Writing Challenge. Thank you so much for letting me participate! I was supposed to start with the Season with the challenge but due to some stupid screwup from my end I wasn’t able to. My apologies.

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

The camera panned in on your face, recording your hair flying in the desert loo while you had your face covered with your shirt, your jacket wrapped around your waist, letting the maroon tank top absorb the sweat your body had churned up on the walk to whatever town you and Loki were supposed to head to.

Speaking of Loki, the camera moved a few degrees forward to show Loki walking ahead of you, his face covered by a helmet 'borrowed' from the wolf army. Though both of you were in boots, the movement through this slippery sand had not made any of it easier. Which was why Loki wanted to cover more of this hard ground you three were on before nightfall.

"You okay, Javi?" Your weak voice called out, making the camera come back to you, panning out to take the entirety of your defeated figure in one frame. Javi's shadow by your side on the ground did a thumbs up.

"We're close," Loki announced, "let's keep moving."

"But I'm tiiiiiiiiiiiii-yu-huh-huuuuuuuh-d!" You moaned, on the verge of tears, coming down on your knees at the nearest pile of husk shining under this alien sun. "Let me just rest by this grass bunch."

The camera caught Loki turning around, his eyes on the edge of rolling till he saw you. "Uh...Y/N, that's no-"

You felt something fluffy stroke your head, making you scream and jump; which in turn made the little pile of grass scream and jump away from you.

"IT MOVED!"

"Because that's not grass. That's a living breathing organism."

"THAT THING MOVED!"

"That's a Has-krot Nuer."

"That Grass-got-boo MOVED!"

"Not gra-"

Loki stopped midway, the camera taking a subtle angle to catch the clench of his perfect jaw as he closed his eyes and breathed in a lungful.

Loki: *looking far away into the barren land* I have survived the craziest of creatures. I have even survived death. *stops as the camera zooms just a little to record you looking at the hairy creature with crazy curiosity and shouting 'Loki, it's not doing anything. Is it okay?!'* *blinks at the camera without any change in this facial expression* I don't think I can survive her.

*In the background, you raise your finger cautiously to poke that creature*

Loki: *instantly* *without even looking* Do not poke it!

"They're amphibians. Versatile creatures. They can live in any environment. But they're usually in groups," Loki contemplated, getting down on one knee and taking the back of his fingers to stroke the creature. "It's unusual for one to be alone like this. They can't survive without their family for long."

The creature purred at the touch, bending a little towards Loki's hand. Loki's eyes shifted from the purring being to you, followed by a furrow of his brows.

The camera turned too, catching you face experiencing an emotional rift.

Javi moved a few feet back to catch both of you in a single frame, making the camera jiggle a little as he did.

"Y/N, no." His words came out like a soft cautious tale. Almost too poetic.

Your lips pressed on to each other, while your brows stood arched in a sad curve. "Loki-"

"No," he raised his hand, pointed his finger at you to stop, "don't."

"Come on!" You whined.

"But-"

"We're already three people with no means on a foreign planet. There is no way we're taking this one with us."

"Loki, pl-"

All through the bickering, the golden husk kept turning between the two of you, making a low hooting noise like an owl.

"No!"

You didn't speak this time. Your eyes went wide while your lips pressed into each other. Loki was already shaking his head at it. Your cheeks- already red from the heat- blew up a bit. "Mm-mm. No." And the combination of it all created the best puppy-eyed face.

"Y/N, we are not taking it with u-"

Loki: We're taking it with us. *sigh* *camera focuses out of Loki's face to show you scratching your little hay-buddy and it purring back at you* *camera focus back on Loki*

*closes his eyes* *whispers to himself* curse those stupid eyes.

"We'll help you find your family, okay?" You tried to convince the little one, who tilted- what apparently was its head- at you. "Hopefully before we find a way back to ours. So-" you got up and turned in the direction you were heading earlier- "wanna join us?"

The head tilted up in your direction, then towards the way you were looking, then back at you.

Loki meanwhile stood with his hands on his hips. "I don't think this is a good time to make promises, darling. Especially not for someone who has zero ideas about the universe."

A chirp came out of it, bringing your- and Loki's- attention to its cute little motion of 'walking' a few steps ahead of you before what seemed like an arm protruded out of it and pressed somewhere in the middle of his anatomy. Out came a click sound.

"Did it just press its stomach?" You asked your universe guide, not realising he wasn't looking at you or the creature. But at something far out in the barren land.

"Yeah, not the thing we should concentrating on for now."

Your eyes were barely able to register the dusty whirlwind at first. "Is that a sandstorm?" You asked Loki while shading your eyes with your hand.

"A sandstorm does not rise like that. Not with aliens in it."

You tried to squint hard to look at it but could not see anything except riled up dust. Suddenly it wasn't the sandstorm that was taking away your attention.

Music.

There was music coming from somewhere.

Clearly, Javi knew it before anyone else, for the camera was pointing at the little guy as the tempo and volume increased a little.

"It's coming from...this one," you told yourself.

The little one was doing little jumps on the beats while seemingly looking at the dust storm.

And soon enough, the camera too could see what Loki was seeing.

A vehicle shaped like those monster trucks from Mad Max hoarded an entire bunch of aliens on it. Aliens that looked human enough as the monstrosity on wheels got closer.

I don't trust nobody I don't even trust my mind

Faces started to appear out of the dust. And oh! What faces indeed. You could feel your eyes wanting to blink again and again just to make sure they were not dreaming.

Losin' everybody They can never take the grind People always switchin' sides People always hit my line Never ask me how I'm doin' They just wanna waste my time

The vehicle stopped a few feet in front of the party. The creatures- all looking like humans but coming in various shades of the galactic rainbows- came with quite some attitude, stepping down onto the ground.

So I don't hate nobody Just stay up out my life And I won't hurt nobody So just stay up out my sights

"Holy fuck," you whispered, scrutinising those perfect beings from head to toe, "looks like Tom Hardy had kids with a K-Pop band."

Indeed. The close slo-mo zoom-ins by the camera on every face could vouch for the fact.

People always hold me down They just told me that I'd drown When you livin' how I'm livin' All these leeches come around

Loki's brows furrowed as he turned to you. "Tom who?"

You tskd, a little annoyed to have to rip your eyes away from the buffed up alien boyband.

'Cause we don't trust nobody We don't even trust our minds Losin' everybody From them lows to them highs I was always gettin' high Never took a look outside I was livin' in the dark Thinkin' I would never shine

"You know that guy from...did I show you Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?"

No answer from Loki assured you you didn't.

"How about Batman?"

"...a man who is a...bat? Is that a comedy?"

"... you're lucky no batman fan can hear you right now. Okay...um...oh yes! Remember that guy Eddie we met at the tavern?"

"Eddie who?"

"That guy who's got a parasite. He goes by the name Venom."

"Oh yes, I remember him. And the parasite. Is that Tom?"

"Oh no. He looks like Tom. Just a little more rugged...and weird. Hot, no doubt, but a little weird."

Loki couldn't help but notice you lick your lips and hide that hint of a smile on the edge of your lips.

Loki: *gives a knowing look* so, she has a thing? A thing for the weird. *smirks at the camera* Well, aren't you naughty, Y/N Stark.

"You guys lost?"

You and Loki watched as those seven boys- aliens- stood in a perfect formation and the one who looked like a leader addressed your party of four.

"Yea, we were looking for the nearest tow-"

"We're fine," Loki cut you short, "are you all travelling northwards? I'd suggest you prevent those rocky hills. Met some weird knuckleheads in those parts."

You looked at the camera and blinked.

"Come on, Y/N. Javi. And...and you," he addressed the little hay, who chirped back with excitement and followed him.

"Actually," you started, making Loki stop and turn to grab your arm but not before it was too late, "it would be really helpful if we could hitch a ride to the nearest town. If it's not too much trouble for you boys." You clasped your hands in peace, not resisting the need to whisper, "Gods, you look so much like that familiar K-Pop band. They have no idea how many girls could go crazy over them."

"Yes, it would be too much trouble for them," Loki insisted, trying to pull you in his direction, "come on, we'll find something on the w-"

"We don't mind at all," the leader spoke, stepping forward towards you. You did not see it coming. Neither were you ready when his pale hands took your left one ever so gently, making you let out a muted a gasp while Loki stood there watching the whole thing unfurl with dull shock. "This is the least we could do for a heavenly beauty like you."

Loki's eyes rolled so hard it felt like they might go all the way back.

Another click sounded through Little Hay's stomach and out came another song.

You're so beautiful, girl a blind man could love you (Woo! yeah. woo! yeah)

"Really," Loki called the new member out flat. Little hay shrugged and hooted while pointing at you and the rainbow K-Pop.

You're so beautiful, girl a blind man could love you (Woo! yeah. woo! yeah)

"Stop it," he ordered, making it let out a whine before reluctantly clicking its stomach to stop.

Loki was about to speak but you cut him away like a sharp sword cutting the wind in half.

"Alright, listen, you galactic rip-offs," you started, taking your hand away from that pale- almost white- guy and crossing your arms across your chest, "we need a ride to the nearest town. Drop that sweet talk, start your engine and get us there before it's dark."

Loki, mouth just a little agape, stood there in veiled awe, sharing a look with the camera.

"Now." You pressed your authority, making the leader call out for the green-skinned boy to start the engines.

"Anything for you, my love," he declared ever so sweetly, trying to take your hand again.

"Touch me and I'll rip your arms off your body," you announced every so softly.

The leader paused where he was, bowing in respect and directing you towards the vehicle.

You turned towards Loki and Javi, your expressions making a one-eighty, replacing the dark with the cheery, "shall we?" And then you skipped away towards the vehicle.

Loki: Hm. Maybe we will survive space. Or maybe we will land up in more trouble. *Shrugs* Guess it'll depend on what mood she is in.

You: I think we'll be fine. *scoffs* Hm? Oh, I don't like it when someone is too forward. Too flirty. Blame my childhood and those stupid truth or dare games where boys would dare each other to tell me they liked me. My defence mechanism got a bit strong since and whenever anything like this happens I metaphorically smack that person into just getting away from me.

*looks at Javi* *furrows brows* what? Ugh? Why would harsh words be a kink?

You turned to look to your left where Javi was pointing. The camera panned out to show Leader looking at you all starry-eyed while resting his face on his palm as the vehicle moved over the rough terrain, letting you all shift with the inertia

You shifted a bit away from Leader, never turning away from him while he continued looking at you with a smile. Uncomfortable, you got up and made your way next to Loki, who turned at the graze of your arm on his, watch you cocoon yourself while staring at Leader with an uncomfortable glare.

"Don't worry," Loki sighed, looking at the road ahead, "He's just a puppy. He isn't going to come near you till you tell him to."

You grunted with disgust at the fact. "Bad dog."

Leader whimpered while speaking something you didn’t understand. Two of his companions, one the colour of the sky and the other looking more orange than a tangerine, looked at you the same way, with different undertones. The sky guy practically blushed and shied away looking at you. The tangerine oozed with sluttiness, biting his lips and licking them, often moving his fingers over his jaw or his neck, trying to throw hints in your direction.

And you? You sat there with disgust plastered on your face the whole ride while Loki chuckled silently and closed his eyes for a nap.

 The Lounge- Night-Time

"Oh my God!"

Disgust-filled curses, shocked exclamations and scoffs echoed through the dark lounge with the only light coming from the big screen showing the white alien taking your hand in his.

"The audacity of this alien bitch," Peter whispered with a mouthful of popcorns, pointing his hand- again, filled with popcorns- at the screen, "right in front of my O-" he stopped, watching eyes turning to him, freezing for a second- "my popcorn. Right in front of my popcorn."

Peter relaxed only when everyone went back to the screen -whether in confusion or agreement- and looked at Scott who mouthed, 'dude!'. 'I got caught in the moment,' Peter mouthed back. Both of them immediately whipped their heads to the screen when Bucky turned back to look at Peter, almost sure he heard him whisper something.

Steve sighed with a worried look on his face. "These aliens don't seem that bad."

"Why didn't we ask for Thor's help, again?" Sam asked a logical question, once again.

"Tony did," Natasha acknowledged, "He said his people needed him and that Loki was smart enough for the three of them to figure his way back home."

"... okay?"

Vision looked at Sam with questioning eyes. "You don't seem okay with that decision."

Wanda, Peter and Scott were the only ones still crunching on their popcorns through the judging silence where everyone waited for an answer.

"What. I know y'all thinkin' the same thing. If it were my brother I'd go look for him, no matter how bad that s-o-b is."

Natasha narrowed her eyes at him.

"I saved Bucky's ass in the Philippines, didn't I?"

Bucky looked at the camera with a tensed jaw and a tired look while everyone else silently agreed.

"Someone should talk to Mr Hammertime about this," Sam stressed. Everyone paused, looking at each other before immediately raising their fingers shouting 'not it'. Everyone except Sam.

Sam: *resting bitch face* kids.

"Wait," Pietro interrupted, "what did that guy say to Y/N?"

"Something on the lines of 'your boyfriend doesn't know how lucky he is'," Natasha murmured while busy licking the remains of tater tots in the bowl in her hand. She stopped midway as all eyes rested on her in question. "What."

"How do you know?" Scott asked.

"Their dialect has a strong base of Korean," she simply shrugged, going back to the bowl.

"She's right," Bucky chimed in.

"Huh," Pietro wondered out loud, "are they really a space K-pop band?"

"Yeah, space band or not," Steve declared, "let's just keep the boyfriend thing under wraps. Away from Tony."

Everyone agreed.

"Or Clint," Wanda added as she munched on the chicken wings.

"Yeah," Steve agreed, "what is with him lately? He seems to act pretty defensively whenever Loki's in the room."

"Tell me about it," Scott muttered through a mouthful of popcorns and an eye roll.

"He still ain't over the whole monkey business?" Sam asked Nat.

"He told me Loki apologised and told him how Thanos was pulling the strings. As far as I know, Clint's over the whole thing. There's something else he seems to be mulling over."

Everyone seemed to take a few moments- between the crunches and munches to think it over. Steve, with his brows of justice, suddenly seemed to have a realisation before anyone else who was actually trying to think.

Steve: I think I know what's bothering Clint. *smiles*

Nat's voice: What?

Steve: *nearly jumps* *hands curled into fists* Jesus! Where the heck did you come from?

Nat: I've been sitting here the entire time, Steve.

Steve: *tries to speak* *stops* *shifts in his seat* *exchanges glances between the camera and Natasha*

Nat: So? *rests one leg on another* *tilts towards Steve* what's bothering Clint.

"Those aliens look quite, how you millennials call it, hungry," Vision stated as he watched Mr Tangerine try to make his move on you. Everyone shouted curses and made faces at him. Vision observed the reactions before looking at the camera.

Vision: I think I...*slowly raises hands to make finger guns* nailed it.

"Suddenly, I'm really glad she's got Loki by her side," Steve mentioned, surprised at his own words. Bucky and Sam agreed. Scott and Peter smiled at the exchange, fist-bumping at the back of the sofa.

"The moment she gets back, we gotta work on that defence mechanism of hers though," Sam added, "otherwise she'll never get a date."

"I think she'll be fine," Nat enunciated, "I'm sure when the time comes she'll like the right one."

"As long as she gets to enjoy it all," Sam raised his beer bottle to get a cheer from Nat's.

"I have to say I like that little hay," Sam pointed out, getting 'amen' from the room, "dude's got a freaking boombox inside him."

"Y/N's going to adopt it, isn't she?" Pietro chuckled.

The cutest howl left Zuko as he sat beside Bucky, looking at Pietro with angry eyes.

"Ay, you're makin' her baby angry," Sam guffawed. Everyone laughed, cuddling and cooing at the little fur-face to calm him down. He did calm down, but he was still furious at Pietro.

On the screen, the camera showed the vehicle come to a halt. Leader-Kun got out first, along with Loki, and had his hand out for you.

You paused, looking reluctant to do anything with those eyes stuck on you. Taking a step to your side, you waited for Loki- who was scrutinising the place- to turn to you.

When he did and took in Leader-Kun’s eagerly waiting arms, he didn't just open his own.

"Oh I'm sure your lover here is happy to help you ou-"

"Shut up and get me down," you spat back, your arms stretched out, waiting for his shoulders to come close.

"Are you sure?" Loki stressed, "Because I don't want to make him jealous-"

"Loki, for f***'s sake, I don't like being teased about men I don't like as much as you don't like being compared to your brother. So, if you don't want me to blabber about Thor for the rest of the way-"

"Alright, fine! Fine!" He quipped, feeling the sour taste in his mouth.

He stepped forward, letting you rest your hands on his shoulders as he grabbed you by the waist, helping you down safely.

"Damn," Sam chuckled, "our girl plays dirty."

"You play dirty, woman," Loki stated right after, earning a smile from you. "Thanks," you raised your shoulder in appreciation, "I learned from the best."

Natasha looked at the camera with a smirk.

Natasha: *holding out a knife with sharpest edges, its hilt holding a beautiful carving of Black Widow's symbol* this is my birthday present. The one Y/N made me and was supposed to gift me before she left for space.

*swings the knife in her hand* I've been preparing her since she arrived. If anyone's going to take advantage in space, it's Y/N. If anyone tries to hurt her, then they *catches the knife in attack position* and Loki will answer to me.

The new place greeted them with a tavern by the road and all sorts of creatures going in and out of it. The tavern, seemingly made of wood that was entirely blue, stood with neon signs spelling out something supposed to attract customers.

Feminine figures, green luminescent blobs, purple tentacled odd creatures stood outside the entrance at different corners.

"O...okay-" you narrowed your eyes at the whole scene- "I may be wrong...but this does not feel like a place one normally visits."

"It's a tavern cum brothel," Loki acknowledged, looking around the area, at the minimal housing along the road. "Looking at the size of the town, it seems like it's for the crowds that travel here from other planets. This might be a stop."

"Good, we can ask for a lift back home then," you agreed, ready to walk towards the building.

"What?" Loki stopped you short, "you cannot just walk in there?! Heaven knows what kind of miscreants hoard this place."

You sighed. "I'm guessing that's what's to happen any place we visit."

Loki scoffed. "Of course, it will. You should be more scared of space."

"I am scared, Loki," you stated, taking his arm that was holding onto yours, "I'm scared like hell. I barely go around town for the fear of being mugged or raped or murdered. Think what I'm going through right now. Look, the thing is, bad guys are everywhere, your survival skills are peak perfection and I am a weight you'll be carrying around till we find a way back. Come in terms with the fact that I will be going to places I shouldn't even know about and you can only do so much."

A warm breeze blew Loki's hair, letting shadows play over his face in this planet's golden hour.

Wind blows Blew me to where I belong

"Not now, sweety," you called out, making Little Hay hoot and click his stomach and stop the song.

The silence was used by the two of you to come to terms. "I don't like it either but judging by how little you've said about ways to get back, I figured we don't have much to work with right now. So we'll need all the firepower we can," you declared softly. “Don't worry. Being there for each other in grim times, that’s what friends are for.”

Loki took in a lungful, closing his eyes, dropping his head before finding back his stature.

"I hate you," he finally admitted.

"Aw-" you broke into a smile- "I love you too!"

"If we're going in there, you have to stay close to me, not touch anything strange, no talking to strangers, especially the ones who look alluring."

"My my, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're being possessive."

"..."

"What. I like it," you teased him, "as long as it's healthy."

A chirp came from Little Hay, as he rubbed itself on your leg while moving around.

"Come on, guys, stay close," you announced, walking with Loki towards the tavern while turning towards Loki, "you know, we should really give a name to our little hay baby."

"He's not out baby, Y/N."

"Hey! Don't say that in front of it. You might hurt its feelings."

 The silence in the lounge was suddenly broken by low sniffles, slowly making heads shift towards teary-eyed Scott and Peter barely holding the moisture in their eyes, their smiles too wide to contain.

"You okay, Peter? Scott?"

Both of them nodded. "We're fine," Scott's broken voice reassured them. "Mmhmm," Peter added."

"There was too much spice in my tater tots." Scott nearly broke again at the end of the sentence.

"I just remembered Mr Barton has my special Spider-Man suit and he said he won't give it back to me," Peter sniffled while poking at the empty popcorn bowl in his hand.

"Oh, he won't be saying that anymore," Natasha pressed, "I promise you that."

Sam: Well, Clint's 'bout to die.

"Let's try calling Carol in the morning," Steve declared before getting up and looking at the screen. "Everyone, get some shut-eye. We'll catch up with them in the morning."

Everyone greeted goodnight and made their way to the dorms- all except Scott and Peter.

"No, Cap," Scott nearly shouted, making Steve freeze halfway to the screen's power button, "leave it like that. Please?"

Steve stood back straight, a shade of concern over his face. "Sure you guys okay?"

The camera focused in on Scott and Peter.

Scott and Peter: crying with joy Scott: Babbiees! *squeals and sniffles* Peter: ow my heart! *clenches his chest* 

“Yes,” Scott nodded with the purest smile, “we’re okay.”

[angsty-aliens]

Truck Stop Knives And Other Accessories of Childhood

The fic isn’t finished yet, but it should be soon so I’ve started posting it on Ao3. 

***

A little boy stood with his back against the wall, one hand hidden in a pocket, heaving panicked breaths. His jeans were worn through at the knees, with frayed bottoms where they dangled a bit too long. His shirt was a solid blue with small holes near the neck and slightly faded, like a hand-me-down of a hand-me-down. He had an oversized grey hoodie with grime encrusted elbows and a mysterious stain on the front. Ketchup? Blood? His entire ensemble gave the impression of being discarded, an after-thought. Nothing chosen by him, everything chosen for him and without much care.

Liz took one step closer and he plastered himself flat to the wall, nowhere else to go. His eyes were wide and flickered back and forth, trying to track every possible threat at once and finding the number of threats to be overwhelming. He looked like a trapped animal ready to gnaw off his own leg for a chance at freedom.

She raised her hands and spoke gently, “hey… hey it’s okay. You’re okay. No one’s gonna hurt you. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Liz took a cautious step forward and the little boy's hand clenched into a fist inside his jeans pocket.

Michael watched this exchange and warned, “Don’t touch him Liz.”

Liz didn’t let her eyes leave the boy, “He’s your inner child, Michael. He’s adorable.”

“My inner child will stab you.”

She spun around at that, “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Michael just shrugged, “His hand is in his right pocket. There’s a switchblade there. I stole it from a truck stop when I was ten. Blue handle. Keep stepping closer and I’m sure he’ll show it to you.”

The little boy looked at Michael with betrayal and the older man just raised an eyebrow, “Don’t stab my friends.”

Liz took a step back and the kid took a shuddering breath but unpeeled himself from the wall. He was still ready to run, but looked less likely to make anyone bleed to do it.

This was the stupidest lab accident Michael Guerin had ever been in, and he was the idiot who let Liz inject him with various science projects like a lab rat. He’d found something alien buried out near the pods and brought it back to the bunker under the airstream to investigate. He’d been so careful not to touch it with his bare hands. They’d had the artifact for days. Long enough for Alex to run some programs to try and translate the sigils covering the flat shimmering disk. Long enough for Liz to swab, looking to break down the chemical components of the artifact. All Alex was able to translate was “memory,” “child,” and “temporary.” They were all just educated guesses, but considering there was a tiny version of Michael Guerin standing in his bunker because he touched the disk and without thinking, pressed it to his forehead like it was muscle memory… Michael was pretty sure that translation was correct. He had a physical embodiment of his inner child standing in his lab, ready to stab Liz. Perfect, must be Tuesday.

Michael took a great heaving sigh and forced himself to walk towards the kid who was scowling, and who’s hand was definitely still in his pocket, fisted around the knife. “Do you know who I am?”

The boy pressed his lips together tightly and glared up at him.

“Okay, so we’re gonna rip this off like a bandaid. I’m you, but 28 years old. There was an accident and you… manifested. No we’re not messing with you. You’re an alien. You can drink acetone. Max and Isobel are also aliens.” Michael telekinetically ripped the switchblade out of the kid’s pocket and floated it into his hand. “Believe me?”

The boy’s eyes widened as he watched his weapon float away and Michael slapped a palm over his face, “shit I forgot we didn’t develop the TK until we were twelve. Um, yeah, spoiler alert, that’s a thing you can do.”

Michael slipped the knife into his pocket. Better not to have the kid armed right now. Liz examined the alien disk while being careful not to touch it. “So he’s a construct of your memory? He’s not like literally you from the past? We’re not going to alter the future, right?”

“I promise to let you know if I turn into Marty McFly, but I don’t think I’ll be disappearing from any photographs soon. I mean this thing didn’t come with a users manual, at least not one we can read. But I think he’s me… but you know, shorter.”

Liz watched from a respectful distance, “mijo, how old are you?” She whispered to Michael, “he’s tiny.” With a great bellowing voice the kid shouted, “I’m ELEVEN and you’re UGLY.”

He bolted, but Michael just grabbed him around the waist and hauled him up before he reached the ladder. “Fun. Great, we’re like one big happy family. Ugh, but seriously why am I so little? I thought eleven year olds were bigger. I FELT bigger.” He held the kid out in front of him, dodging kicking feet. “I mean Isobel was always taller than me, but I could have sworn me and Max were the same size. Is this what eleven year olds are supposed to look like?”

Liz smacked the back of Michael’s head, “put him down. He clearly doesn’t like being told he’s small.” She turned to the still squirming child and said in a slow syrupy voice, “I’m sorry, you’re not small. We’re just not used to kids. We don’t know how big eleven year olds are supposed to be. I’m sure you’re a very big eleven year old.”

The kid just glared and tried to kick her while still dangling in the air. Michael gave him a shake in retaliation.

“Michael Guerin,” Liz hissed, “you will not shake him. What’s the matter with you? He’s a kid.”

He shrugged, “he’s not a real kid. He’s me. And it’s not like it hurts. If I whack him, then you can yell at me.”

Liz was scandalized, “you’re not gonna WHACK him.”

Michael rolled his eyes, “of course I’m not gonna whack him. But I’m also not gonna let him kick you.”

“And he IS a real kid. I mean, this might be a temporary thing. Maybe a therapy tool? You have to learn to love your inner child or something? But he is real.”

The two Michaels gave each other distrustful looks. Liz didn’t get it. Michael had never been a real kid. He was the changeling stuck in other people’s nests. He may have looked like a kid but he was never real. His foster parents understood that. There were good kids with parents who loved them unconditionally. And then there was Michael Guerin, who got left behind and never got picked. But Michael did remember what it felt like to be physically restrained by someone bigger, and so with a stern look he put down his younger self. “Do NOT kick Liz. Do not stab Liz. Maybe don’t even look at Liz. Stop being a little shit.” “I’m calling Alex. You’re terrible with children.” Liz threw her hands up, “I don’t get it, I’ve seen you interact with kids before and you’ve always been so nice, Michael. You’ve been gentle and patient. I don’t understand why you’re not giving Mikey the same care.” “Mikey?” They both asked her in unison.

Liz shrugged, “it’s easier than calling you Big Michael and Little…” She quickly corrected herself, “Younger Michael.”

She mused, “Maybe I should call Isobel and Max too. Kyle? Should we get Kyle to check him out?”

Mikey was eyeballing the ladder again and Michael just put one careful hand on his shoulder to discourage the impulse. “Do not call Kyle. Mini-me never actually stabbed a grown up. I just kept the knife to scare away fellow foster kids mostly. But if you call a doctor, the kid will freak out.”

“I won’t freak out. I don’t freak out.” The kid grumbled, deeply offended.

“Yeah? What happened when the Lees took you to that shitty pediatrician when you were eight?” Michael narrowed his eyes at the scowling eleven year old.

The kid announced proudly, “I bit him.”

“You bit him.” Michael added, “And we got our asses roasted when we got home.”

Mikey protested, “No doctors! You know no doctors!”

“Yeah. No doctors. Can’t let anyone know the secret. And yes, throwing an absolute fit every time we were supposed to get a booster shot meant foster parents generally didn’t try to take us. But Kyle already knows. I can give you a list of the grown ups who know. Obviously we’re not announcing it and having an Alien Pride Parade but we have some people who know now.”

Michael turned to Liz, “but we still shouldn’t have them all show up at once. Even I don’t like being in a room with that many people and I’m not an artificial construct of my inner traumatic childhood.”

The kid muttered, “you’re an artificial construct of my farts.”

“Call either Alex, or Isobel and Max. I don’t care which. But not your whole Scooby Gang.”

***

After several attempts to reconnect the Michaels by having them both hold the artifact, they ended up in Max’s living room. It was decided that the bunker was too small and the airstream was definitely too small and it’d just be easier to meet someplace a little further from town where no one would show up for an oil change and see a kid who shouldn’t exist.

The two Michaels sat on the couch as Liz, Max, and Isobel stood in front of them with arms crossed. Michael was starting to feel like a specimen, and Mikey sunk lower on the couch, once again feeling like an inconvenient piece of trouble.

Max broke the silence, “Well this is certainly Michael when we first met him.” He crouched down and said in an awkwardly soft voice, “heeeey buddy. I’m Max. Do you remember me?”

Michael rolled his eyes and whispered to his younger self, “don’t stab Max either.”

With that reminder of their first meeting, Max stood up and took a safer step back. Both Michaels chuckled conspiratorially. Isobel was more pragmatic, “Okay so we’re going to need clothing, a toothbrush, pajamas… What size clothing are you? Mikey? Ugh Liz, that’s a terrible nickname. Mikey, stand up so I can check your sizes and make a list. This is also the time to make any requests, or I’ll finally get to give my little brother…”

“Not your little brother!” Michael interrupted.

Isobel continued, “Give my little brother the makeover I’ve always wanted to.”

The kid found himself bullied up to his feet and Isobel began reaching into his shirt to check for a label. Mikey tolerated it until she spun him around to check for the label in the back of his pants. When she started to raise his shirt and grab at his waistband, he jerked away.

Isobel stepped away with hands raised in surrender. “Sorry. I’m sorry Mikey. You can tell me your sizes later. I… Honey, who hurt you? Your back…”

Michael found himself standing in front of the kid to placate his siblings, “Iz, you know I was with the religious fundamentalists. Leave the kid alone.”

Isobel protested, “I didn’t know they hurt you like that. Michael, his back…”

Michael turned back to the kid, matter of factly, “Hey Mikey, do you wanna talk about this?”

“Fuck no.”

“There’s your answer, Iz.”

Isobel looked torn between reprimanding the boy on his language, and trying to pry further. Max eventually took his sister’s elbow and led her to the kitchen where they could whisper furiously about all of Michael’s childhood traumas and pretend no one could hear them.

Liz twisted her hands, “soooo… are you hungry? I could make pancakes.”

Michael rolled his eyes, “it’s 4pm, Liz.” Liz replied, “Everytime is a good time for pancakes, Michael.”  

Mikey interjected, “Look, if the lady wants to make pancakes, let her make pancakes.”

Grateful to have a task, Liz disappeared into the kitchen where she could join Michael’s meddling siblings in whispering about them.

Michael flung himself back on the couch with a dramatic sigh, and Mikey joined him. They stared at Max’s empty fireplace, carefully not making eye contact.

“So where do you want to stay tonight? We can crash with Max, or I can maybe call my... friend, Alex. Alex has a cabin and he won’t be weird about this. Maybe. Hopefully he won’t be weird about this.”

The kid shrugged.

Michael swallowed, “what’s wrong with your back?”

Kid stared intently at the fireplace and shrugged again, “switch.”

Michael closed his eyes and nodded. “Yeah.”

It felt like no time passed at all before Max, Isobel, and Liz came out of the kitchen, which was an open concept kitchen and a terrible place to try and whisper about Michael’s childhood trauma. Michael gave them an unimpressed look to try and convey that thought through some artful eyebrow lifting. Isobel just shrugged, completely unrepentant. Liz had made pancakes as promised and they gathered around the dining room table. Mikey already had a hand out, pancake almost in reach. “Wash hands first!” Liz pulled the plate back.

Michael smirked and reached for the pancakes, “Yeah, kid, go wash your hands.”

The plate shifted again and Liz poked him in the chest, “¿Qué estás haciendo? Animals, all of you. Go wash your hands. Didn’t anyone teach you manners?” Michael couldn’t catch the rapid fire spanish that followed, but he was pretty sure she called him a filthy vulture. With mutual grumbling, they went to the kitchen to scrub up. When they returned to the table, the other adults were already eating having previously washed their hands. They left two chairs open for them between Liz and Isobel sitting at either end of the table. Max sat across from them, and continued to stare at the little boy with doe eyes. Michael was finding the whole thing extremely irritating, and based on Mikey’s rhythmic kicking at his chair, the kid was equally uncomfortable. Michael made the boy a plate with three pancakes and plenty of syrup before grabbing his own stack. Liz watched in horror as they both rolled a pancake up like a burrito and shoved it in their faces. There were going to be sticky handprints everywhere, little child sized ones, and big adult sized ones. Ridiculous. Isobel cleared her throat, “so… Mikey, do you want to tell us more about your foster placement?”

Michael looked up from his second pancake burrito and warned, “Iz. Leave it.”

Isobel protested, “Michael, I don’t see why it’s a big secret. We should be able to talk about these things.”

With a huff, Michael shoved the entire pancake into his mouth and wiped at his sticky hands before gesturing for his sister to follow him to Max’s bedroom. The kid just watched this exchange in silence as he kicked at the rungs of his chair, and took another giant bite. Maybe he could fit one of the dry pancakes in his pocket. If it didn’t have syrup on it, it’d probably stay good for at least a day.

Michael closed the door behind them, because unlike his siblings he knew how to meddle without being heard by the whole room.

“Iz, I know you’re concerned but not only does he not want to talk about this with you, but I don’t really want to talk about it either. I didn’t share and care as a kid ON PURPOSE.” She threw her hands up in frustration, “Why wouldn’t you have told us it was this bad though? We could have done something!”

“What were you going to do? Tell your parents? They weren’t going to come in and rescue me. They didn’t want me at seven, they weren’t going to want me at eleven. Were you going to tell the cops? Because they also didn’t really care. Only thing that maybe would have happened is I’d’ve gotten a new placement, and that could have been anywhere. It took four years for me to get to Roswell. I wasn’t going to whine about some bruises and get shipped back to Albuquerque. I know I wasn’t warm and fuzzy to you and Max at first, but I still didn’t want to leave.” “You could have still talked about it. Even if we couldn’t do anything, you shouldn’t have had to keep it a secret.” “I talked sometimes, and it always freaked you both out. I didn’t… I don’t want to be someone you pity.” Michael snapped, “Lots of people have shitty childhoods. They get over it. It’s not a big deal.”

Isobel gave him a displeased look. “Okay but Mikey could talk about it. You think the disk may have been a therapy tool. Maybe he NEEDS to talk about it. Just because you chose to keep it a secret as a kid, doesn’t mean you should have kept it a secret. And you don’t need to keep it a secret now. I’m not going to pity you Michael. You’re far too annoying for me to pity. I can be mad people hurt you without it being pity.” “Mikey…” Michael shuddered, “I hate that nickname and I’m annoyed it’s actually useful here. Mikey, can talk to me. It’s MY therapy. Even if it is therapy. I wish I never touched the damn thing. I thought I was so good putting up a mask as a kid, and obviously I sucked at it and it’s just adults didn’t care. He’s a walking, talking open wound and I’d rather everyone not get to examine all my childhood traumas. You wouldn’t enjoy a little Isobel walking around so we can all remember how scared you were of not being perfect.” She socked his shoulder, “I wasn’t scared of not being perfect.” “If we had a little Isobel here, I’m pretty sure you’d see and EVERYONE would see you were very, very scared of not being perfect.” He gave her a pointed look, “It’s not fun being under a microscope. Can we just… not? Kid literally manifested like an hour ago. Lets not force him into group therapy right now.”

Isobel inhaled deeply and raised an eyebrow, “fine. I’ll stop asking for now. But we’re having a conversation about this later, the two of us. I thought we all agreed, no more secrets.”

Michael laughed, “My childhood isn’t a secret. I’m surprised I didn’t win “Most Tragic Orphan” in the school year book. You and Max knew, I just didn’t give you the unabridged epic version. You got the cliff notes and that’s all you’re getting. Leave my little clone alone.”

Isobel in true, queen bee splendor, fixed her brother with a considering gaze before sauntering out of the room like this whole thing was her idea to begin with. Michael trailed behind her as they rejoined the table. Max announced in an awed whisper, “He’s eaten six pancakes.”

Michael beamed proudly as the kid licked syrup off his palm.

Before long, Max was on dish duty as Liz tried to wipe the kid down with a wet cloth while he squirmed,  “I’m eleven, lady. I know how to wash my own face!”

She attacked a particularly sticky spot on his cheek, “Unfortunately for you I know Michael Guerin as an adult and if I don’t trust an adult Michael Guerin to properly remove syrup, I definitely don’t trust you.”

Both Guerins gave her an outraged look, but Liz was an expert at ignoring people and she just kept scrubbing the kid’s face. Without moving her gaze from the boy’s cheek, she dictated to Guerin senior, “You better wash your hands before you touch anything. I can’t believe you two didn’t use a knife and fork. Pancakes are not finger food.”

Michael rolled his eyes, but obediently went to wash his face and hands. He even submitted to Liz’s inspection afterwards to make sure he did an adequate job. His younger half seemed delighted that someone else was receiving Liz’s attention. In a fit of true maturity, Michael flipped off his younger half and while Liz was distracted being scandalized, Mikey made sure to flip him off right back.  

Now that basic necessities were taken care of, Michael needed to figure out a place to stash the kid. The airstream was too small. Michael knew he could make it work anyway. He never expected anything fancy as a kid, and he hardly ever had his own room. Crashing in a sleeping bag on the floor wouldn’t be the end of the world by a long shot, but despite that, Michael wanted to give the kid a better experience than that. Max would die from doe eyes if they attempted to crash here. Michael could already feel Max’s overwhelming sense of guilt, and it was exhausting. The idea of being here without Liz and Isobel as a buffer was excruciating. Staying with Isobel? No. Too nosy. And asking to crash with Liz at the Crashdown wasn’t even an option. Arturo could sniff out an orphan a mile away and Michael needed to keep his little mini-me far away from mainstreet. Maria was also out of the question. They were still friends despite the breakup, but The Wild Pony was too close to town and a bar was no place for the kid. Alex was the only real option left. His house had more space, but was in the center of town. But the cabin was far enough away from main roads that hopefully Mikey wouldn’t get the urge to hitchhike to Foster’s Ranch at 2am. It was small, but the couch was comfortable enough, and Michael could trust Alex not to see this as an opportunity to dig into Michael’s past. He understood the importance of secrets.

With that decided, Michael sent him a text trying to explain the situation. He knew Alex wouldn’t turn him away. They may not be together anymore, but they were still friends. At least trying to be friends. With that in mind, he collected Mikey from the clutches of Isobel.

“I promise you can torment us both later. But I need to grab clothes from the airstream, and we’re crashing with Alex. You can drop off essentials tonight, or tomorrow. Whatever’s easier. It’s Saturday so Walmart will be open late.”

Michael steered the kid towards his truck while waving vaguely in the direction of his siblings and Liz.

As he drove off, the kid asked, “it’s Saturday?”

“Yeah, and I made Iz promise not to go crazy with the clothing. She owes me so many favors. Don’t worry about it. I fixed her instapot last week. Do you know what an instapot is?” The kid shook his head and Michael shrugged, “yeah me neither. But I fixed it. So she owes me. And we’re literally the same person, so she owes you too.”

At the airstream, Michael stuffed some essentials inside a ratty blue backpack. When he got back to the truck, he handed the kid two packets of peanut butter crackers. “You can eat whenever you’re hungry. No one’s locking down the kitchen. But I know I like having some emergency food anyway.” As the kid started to protest, he pulled a plastic bag out of his pocket and pressed that into the boy’s hands. “For the pancakes. So they don’t get lint on them.” Mikey glowered at him, “I don’t have pancakes in my pocket.”

Michael shrugged with feigned nonchalance, “We’re the same person, and if I were eleven and a lady made a stack of pancakes, I’d have at LEAST one in my pocket. I mean maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I didn’t get good at swiping food until I got older. Eleven is pretty young.”

The kid glared and pulled two pancakes out of his hoodie’s pocket, and shoved them into the plastic bag. “You’re old and I don’t need your help. You think you’re hilarious, but the only thing funny here is what a joke your life is.”

Michael started the engine, and refused to make eye contact. He wasn’t going to let an infant hurt his feelings. He didn’t need to prove anything. He was doing fine.

[superman86to99]

Superman: The Man of Steel #27 (November 1993)

Lex Luthor Jr. throws a party in honor of Superman's resurrection in his fancy blimp, but some Underworlders rudely barge in uninvited. Also, they try to kill everyone, which is even ruder. These buttfaced sewer mutants are upset at one of the blimp's VIP guests, Project Cadmus Director Paul Westfield, for flooding their home and drowning a bunch of them a while back. The Underworlders go to some mysterious S&M enthusiast called Bloodthirst to ask for a way to kill Westfield, and when he suggests blowing up the blimp, one of them is like "But innocent people will die!" Bloodthirst then demonstrates his blood thirst by killing that guy in front of the others, who decide to go on with the plan.

Meanwhile, Lois Lane investigates the strange fact that unprofitable buildings owned by LexCorp are crumbling or going up in flames, supposedly due to Doomsday's fault -- apparently, he punched Metropolis so hard, shit is still falling down months later. Surely good ol' Lex Jr. has nothing to do this! Lois attends the blimp party intending to talk to Lex Jr. about the exploding buildings issue. He's very eager to talk to her too because, hot damn, look at her.

(Not sure if Jimmy is drooling because of Lois or because he's just Jimmy.)

That's when the Underworlders (who snuck in using cloaking devices to hide their ugliness) start hassling Westfield, and soon all hell breaks loose in that classic Jon Bogdanove style. Superman makes his fashionably late entry to the party right in time to save Lex Jr. as he falls to his death. He also gets rid of the Underworlders pretty easily (despite the giant '90s weapons Bloodthirst gave them) and takes the blimp down safely.

The next day, Lois has her formal interview with Lex Jr. and he tries to get fresh with her, which cements her impression that he's just like his "dad". Come on, that's unfair! Then Lex sees her making out with some mild-mannered dweeb with glasses and a ponytail and decides everyone must "burn" so, uh, maybe she had a point.

Character-Watch:

First actual appearance of Bloodthirst, who was first mentioned (as "Blood Thirst") almost exactly one year ago on Man of Steel #18. Right now, all we know about him is that he likes to go around sowing chaos in cities around the world, and now it's Metropolis' turn. He won't stick around for long, but considering that we've got two major storylines called "The Battle of Metropolis" and "The Fall of Metropolis" coming up in 1994, I'd say he was pretty successful. (Also, just realized that Lex's "they'll all burn!" moment is probably foreshadowing that too.)

This is also the debut of a surprisingly much more durable character: Franklin Stern, aka "Frankenstern", the Daily Planet's publisher and an old buddy of Perry White. Looking forward to the issue with their youthful KKK-punching adventures.

Plotline-Watch:

This is actually the beginning of the end for poor Lex Jr. So far Lois and Clark have more or less been unaware of his shitty side, but now that she's got his scent, he's screwed. Ironic that after causing so many murders and supervillain terrorist attacks, in the end it's insurance fraud what will eventually cause Lex's downfall.

On top of that, Lex is losing his shapeshifting alternate dimension girlfriend, Supergirl. He's mad at her for going to fight the Cyborg in Engine City and then disappearing for a few days (because she was posing as Clark Kent), and then she gets mad at him for ignoring her to go gawk at Lois. You can do so much better, girl! Hell, even a caped horse would be preferable to this guy.

Another significant event in this issue: Lois gets a haircut! And it's Cyndi, the same hairdresser she visited almost four years ago in Superman #45, which pleases my continuity obsessed-ass.

After being the star of this comic for the past several months, Steel barely appears for a few panels, in which his psychic pal tells him "see you in Washington". Apparently she's been reading the solicitations for his solo comic. Speaking of solo comics, note Superboy staring longingly at a headshot of his friend Tana, who just moved to Hawaii...

Pa Kent is almost as heartbroken about the fact that he can't eat Ma's famous rhubarb pie (since he's on a diet after his heart attack).

Finally, this is also the fateful issue in which Clark Kent decides to become roommates with Jimmy Olsen, since his parents gave up his apartment while he was dead. Is... Jimmy tugging on Clark's ponytail? (Whit looks devastated that Clark didn't room with him instead.)

Patreon-Watch:

Special shout out to our very first Patreons ever, Aaron, Murray Qualie, Chris "Ace" Hendrix, britneyspearsatemyshorts, and Patrick D. Ryall! To be as cool as them, and gain access to two exclusive ‘90s Superman-related articles (with more coming every month), plus new Superman art from Don, click here: https://patreon.com/Superman86to99

And speaking of Don, stick around for his section after the jump!

Art-Watch (by @donsparrow​):

We open with a great cover, echoes of my favourite Bogdanove image, his pin-up in Action #600.  There’s just something about Superman rescuing kids from a fire that really works. [Max: Same! It’s why I love the panel below, too.]

Inside the issue, I was struck right away with what I viewed to be the start of Bogdanove’s looser, late style.  Bogdanove’s art was always a little looser and more cartoony than the rest of the super books, but after what I viewed as top level effort during the “Death” and “Return” storylines, Man of Steel settles into a pretty sketchy, almost carefree style that really sets it apart from the more realistic art of the other books.  As much as I think this could have to do with Bogdanove (I noticed a similar looseness toward the end of his Power Pack run) I actually think the layouts look more or less the same as the previous issues, making me think it might be the inking that is getting a little loose, relative to previous issues, with thicker, flatter ink lines than during the “Return” storyline, or certain issues when Janke was inking Ordway.  (I say all of this with the caveat that everyone involved is about a million times better than me as an artist, these are just my observations—I wish I could be as good as Bogdanove, or Janke’s sloppiest work on my best day!)

That’s not to say that there isn’t still some amazing imagery in this issue.  The full page splash, on page 5, of Superman soaring back to Metropolis with Lois in his arms is great—I love the lighting effects coming up from the bright city, as well as the motion created by the swirling cape.  Nice, nice stuff.

The next page is a cute and intimate look for Lois in her terrycloth robe which was a highlight for me.

Page 12’s half-page spread of the cityscape, with zeppelin is very well done, and Supergirl’s transformation on page 13 looks great.  The way she is drawn here also highlights the ongoing creepiness of her relationship with Lex II, as she looks very young, which she definitely is, especially mentally at this point.

Bog always excels at the more cheesecakey panels and the first look at Lois’ Teri Hatcher inspired haircut (and evening gown) doesn’t disappoint (though I could have done with losing Jimmy literally drooling!). The full page splash of Superman lifting the gondola is another great image.

STRAY OBSERVATIONS

Lots of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman stuff in this issue, as Max pointed out.  They make reference to Lois getting her hair cut, and also hastily mention that Ma Kent is losing weight, and will cut her hair, perhaps in an effort to align the show closer to the look of Martha Kent as played by K Callan. [Max: Wow, I actually hadn’t noticed the L&C haircuts similarity but it makes total sense.]

We’re fully in the Tarzan-hair era (don’t call it a mullet) and Clark’s hair is never longer than when he’s being drawn by Bogdanove.  The ponytail is tough to take, but adding a medallion, as Clark has on page 7, is a bridge to douchiness too far, for me. [Max: Maybe he got it from Jeb?]

Page 10 has a kid in a Sunsoft t-shirt, a reference to the video game maker responsible for the 1992 (hard as hell!) Superman game, and 1994’s The Death and Return of Superman.

I like that even someone as rarely seen as Lois’ hairstylist is still consistent, as Cyndi last appeared in Superman #45.

I find it interesting how long it took for Lois to get wise on Lex II—the original Luthor was so evil, I always found it a little unbelievable that he could keep up the act long enough to fool anyone, masquerading as his own son. [Max: I think the Jesus look helped make him appear more saintly.]

[moeruhoshi]

Red String of Fate prompt #1

Natsu groaned as he fell off the steps of the train and onto the cobblestone platform of the station. He crawled onto his elbows and inched his way through the crowd, grateful to those who saw him and immediately veered out of the way to avoid the sick looking man. He found a free bench to heave himself onto, subsequently passing out as he waited for the world to stop spinning.

“I swear...if I have to take another train, I’m not gonna make it...” The dragon slayer frowned as he wearily opened his eyes to stare at the red string tied around his pinkie that led deeper into the town he’d gone to. “Happy’s gonna have my ass if I’m not back soon...”

He took another few moments to rest, satisfied as the churning in his stomach calmed, and his journey called for completion.

His red string of fate became visible to him after a scheme between Mirajane and Juvia went awry and cast not on their intended target, but him instead.

“Eh?! Where’s the food Juvia made?!” She gasped as the plate of meat suddenly had vanished from its place on the bar counter. “Did Mira-san already take it to Gray-sama?”

“Didn’t you?” The white-haired shapeshifter darted her eyes for the ice mage who was drinking a pint along with Max and Vijiteer as they talked about random things, oblivious to the two girls behind the counter.

“If Gray doesn’t have it, then where...?” Their attention was stolen by a loud burp that received applause from the guild, Natsu grinning as he pat his stomach.

“Thanks for the food, Mira! It tasted a bit different today, not as spicy as usual.” He critiqued as he pushed back his plate, turning a confused brow at the two pale girls. “What’s going on?”

“Do you...feel alright, Natsu?” Mira asked in a controlled whisper, gulping as Erza approached the bar to inspect the slayer as his hue turned positively pink.

“What did you two do now?!” The redhead scolded the lovesick girls as they sweat under the pressure of her gaze, Natsu limp to the floor.

“I-It was just a love spell! He should wake up soon...” Mira sighed as Juvia felt tears well in her eyes, sadly staring at the boy who stole her potion.

“A love spell? We’re not going to have that problem in our guild again, are we?” Erza frowned and crossed her arms, referring to the time when many of the members ran rampant and declared others their rival.

“Juvia was told it would reveal your true love,” The water mage sighed as she avoided the gaze of the ice wizard approaching.

“Did flame brain have one too many drinks? Or rather, why the hell does he look like a strawberry marshmallow?” Gray kicked the slayer lightly with his toe to try and beget a response, only to receive Erza’s answer instead.

“You could say that. Help me get this idiot into the infirmary.”

Natsu helped as he suddenly flew forward, extremely confused as he found himself in one of the guild’s hospital beds.

“...What happened?! Was the guild attacked?!” He shouted at the master who walked in as he checked himself for bandages.

“No, you idiot. Juvia put a spell on you by accident, it was meant for Gray. Do you feel any different?” Makarov asked, glad to see that Natsu wasn’t pink anymore.

“Should I feel different?” He quirked his brow and got out of bed, stretching his arms and legs, the fire in the pit of his stomach still burning hot. “I’m alright as fa––wait!”

Natsu narrowed his eyes at the thin string strangely tied around his pinkie and lifted to inspect it. “Where’d this string come from?”

And upon further inspection and research, the string revealed to be connected to Natsu’s fated partner, whom he felt he needed to meet as soon as possible.

“They’re my family, I can’t sit still knowin’ that I know where they are now. And I’ll bring ‘em back to the guild!”

“But why can’t I come with you? I want to meet them too,” Happy teared up as he clung to his partner's arm, Natsu’s hand coming up to scratch his ear softly.

“I don’t know how long it’s gonna take to bring ‘em back, little buddy. And I’ll need you here to make sure the guild’s all nice and ready for them!”

“I doubt someone is just going to up and abandon their life to come here with you out of nowhere. You need to think about what they’ll want too.” Gray scoffed as he offered his advice before shoving Natsu onto the train as the whistle blew for its departure.

The dragon slayer groaned as he steadied himself on his feet again and sighed at the sun setting in the nearby distance. Having taken too long waiting for his stomach to calm, the day went half wasted. He sighed and rolled his shoulders as he continued through the town of Acalypha, ignoring the strong grumble in his stomach as he kept his eyes on the red string.

It led him through the town and into its more rural area, stretching far towards nature and away from the broader population. He entered what looked to be a smaller and separate town, confused by the sudden change in architecture and groomed landscape.

“...Is that a castle?!” Natsu blanched as he came upon the massive building centered at the plethora of hedges and distant buildings. He zipped his lips and zoomed behind a bush, wrapping his scarf around his head as voices rounded the corner and approached his location.

“Your father will return tomorrow, Lucy-sama. I don’t know that we’ll be able to continue training as rigorously as we have these last couple of weeks.” Bero sighed as he walked alongside the girl dressed in loose stable clothes, her blonde hair furled and dirt on her cheeks.

“I’m only just getting the hang of sparring with Capricorn,” Lucy sighed as she rolled her shoulders, walking through the large double doors of her mansion before they closed loudly behind the two.

Natsu, not really listening to the conversation as much as he figured he would, focused on the movement of his red string as it glided through the air along with the steps the girl took into her home. His heart kept a bit in his throat at the realization he finally found his fated partner, resolve burning in his chest to bring her home with him.

The moon rose higher in the sky as the night ticked on, the witching hour string him down as the string finally stopped moving through the house. It aimed towards a high window on one of the top floors, a smile spreading on his lips as he hopped up the architecture.

He was grateful that there weren’t any guards wandering the ground to spot him, although a little disappointed that he couldn’t show off any of his expert ninja skills.

Natsu peered into the open window the string led him to, looking around to make sure whoever the girl was, wouldn’t be too surprised by his sudden appearance in her room.

He slowly climbed over the window seat and landed lightly onto the floor, seeing his fated partner asleep at her desk. The wind blew in a sharp chill, her shoulders shivering as her thin nightgown did nothing to repel the cold.

His body moved quickly without much thought, wanting to provide his heat to warm her up. He carefully lifted her out of the desk chair, his eyes nervous as they rested on her soft expression.

The dragon slayer felt a bit weird as he felt her in his arms, his fingers pressing into her plump thighs and fluffy skin. Compared to the other girls in his guild who grew up with fighting as their second nature, their more toned bodies felt stiffer than hers. Not that that was a bad thing, Natsu never knew a girl could be so soft or look so peaceful as she slept, or smell so sweet. He kind of never wanted to let her go.

She was already so different from the women he grew up with. Granted he didn’t know her personality yet, but she seemed like such a...girl? He never thought of a girl as a girl until he decided to follow his red string. Or thought to think of a girl as a girl until he was provided the information that she was his destined partner. The subject made his head hurt, but she was his family, like Igneel and Happy. She was his new life, and hopefully, he was hers.

“What a weirdo,” He grinned as he laid her under her blankets, the blonde cozying up to the hand on her cheek as he let some of his heat seep against her skin.

Closing her window and drawing her curtains together, he laid comfortable on the plush window seat, he couldn’t help but smile as he stared at the stranger.

[doginshoe]

The Thorn of a Rose

hello! This is a Valentine’s Day piece I wrote for a contest in my discord server. It’s a Nalu x Gruvia server so if you’d like to join I'll leave the link here Genre: fluff, lemon mentions, little hurt/comfort with Lucy being slightly sad, modern au

read on ff.net here

Lucy eyes flittered open as she stirred from sleep, her dull stare meeting wilted roses that were placed in a vase on her bedside table. The blonde removed her naked body from the sticky mess under the sheets and let her legs hang off the edge of the bed. The roses her father sent her stared at her in disgust - her bed mate not even stirring as she tore her gaze from them and padded her way across her apartment in the nude.

The shower washed away the slick feeling on her skin as she stepped into the boiling water. She scrubbed at the marks her fling had left and the dried up substance between her thighs that were the only remainder of their short and uneventful night. Well, for Lucy that was all it was. Another disappointing flirt from the bar that managed to sneak into her bed when she had drowned herself in alcohol. They were always the same.

Her eyes were heavy as she dressed herself, her cheeks sunken and void of colour making her look like death. She had tried to apply make up, but everyone in the office already knew what a sorry of an excuse for a woman she was so she stopped trying. It was near impossible to not hear the rumours that the younger receptionists whispered to each other. Lucy sighed, her father was right about one thing and that was that people did know just what type of girl she was - an easy pass after a bit of buttering up and a glass to drink.

When she left her bathroom her one night stand was gone, but Lucy was happy he had. It was almost torture when the white knights tried to stay to have breakfast and then insist that they’d see her again. Which they didn’t. It was even more degrading than being a simple quick fuck that was later forgotten about - like they were teasing her with the romance she could never even come close to having that was filled with second dates and something more than just sex.

It left a sour taste in the woman’s mouth that deepened her frown as she briskly walked to work. Though, that frown was nothing compared to the scowl that set itself in stone on her face as she got her morning coffee. Everything was fine until the cute young guy working the register called out a quick ‘Happy Valentines Day’ as she turned to leave.

It wasn’t necessarily the fact that he had mentioned it to her, but that he had reminded her that this Thursday was the holiday that she loathed. She knew it was coming - the roses from her father being a reminder that it was close as he sent flowers to her for every bloody holiday. To remind her that he was ready to accept her when she cleaned up her act. However, she had been so caught up in trying to disappear from her own life that she’d forgotten everything.

She looked around her and scoffed, the deep red foil balloon hearts mocking her for not noticing them as they lined basically every shop. Her heart coiled in on itself and it was hard to breathe as she realised just how many happy couples were around. It made her sick and she picked up her pace as she nearly jogged to the office - hoping to drown herself with some spiked coffee and then have a snooze at her desk, or a mental breakdown.

When Lucy reached the sanctuary of her desk, she blew a loud sigh of relief only to have her momentary peace interrupted by the sing song voice of her co worker and desk buddy, Juvia Lockser.

“Good morning~” she chirped as she peeked her head out from behind her computer but then gasped immediately when she laid eyes on the blonde that was slumped in front of her, “what happened, Lucy? Juvia thinks you look worse than usual.”

The exhausted woman looked up and blew strands of hair from her face as she shot Juvia an unappreciative stare.

“I’m just peachy thank you very much,” Lucy grumbled sarcastically. She loved Juvia, the woman she had been working with for almost two years, to bits but sometimes she was just too honest for her own good.

Juvia cheeks tinted when she realised how rude she sounded but she pushed past it, a huge smile forming on her face as her blue eyes took on a sparkly look as she nearly yelled, “Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!”

She was also just too damn happy as well.

Lucy wailed, “Please don’t mention it.” Her head hit the desk again, a whine escaping her as she wondered how hard she’d have to do it to be knocked out, or better yet dead.

“Juvia knows you are having a rough time since you’re last break up,” she sighed, “but today is not time to be sulking! We must set forth and sail and see where our hearts take us.” The desk buddy Lucy had cupped her cheeks as she got a dreamy look about her that made the blonde want to roll her eyes. The mention of her ex stung as the dark cloud rolled over her mind as she recalled how he had broken off their engagement just a month before the wedding.

“Well I don’t know where your boat is heading, but I hope mines into a ditch,” she murmured.

Juvia’s scolded her with a shake of her head. “I do hope you at least remembered a gift for the game of secret Valentine today.”

Lucy froze.

“I thought I asked to not be included in that shit,” she hissed as she leaned forward, eyebrows furrowed.

“Well,” Juvia said simply, “you have the pink card of who you’re meant to be getting something for on your desk.” Her blue eyes looked to the said pink card pinned to her stand up notice board along with many other documents and sticky notes.

Lucy reached for the envelope before ripping it open. Her face paling even more as she read the name of a man in the office scrawled in glittery silver cursive.

“Who the fuck is Max?” She asked bewildered at the woman across from her.

“Oh, he works on the upper floor close to maintenance,” Juvia stated. Her face wincing at Lucy’s foul language so early in the morning.

Lucy pulled at her hair as she groaned, “I don’t have anything!” The woman moped as her head once again slammed onto the wooden desk beneath her where it seemed to be taking up permanent residence. Why did she have to stuck in a stupid work game to buy some loser something. Did maintenance even count as co workers? All they did was keep the place tidy by sweep-

“I’ve got it!” She shouted before she quickly scurried out of her seat, whilst Juvia stared at her retreating form as if she had finally lost it.

.

.

.

Lucy cringed at the broom that was wrapped in newspaper and duct tape when she saw the many other presents that lined the offices pigeon holes where they collected mail or important documents from the bosses. Some had small pink boxes while others were stuffed with large bouquets and chocolates, but they all looked better than her disaster of a present no matter the effort they had put it in.

A sigh left her lips as she taped a large paper sign to the top of the broom that just read ‘MAX’ in capital letters. It wasn’t her fault, the blonde had specifically told the managers assistant Mira that she wanted no part in this stupid game! So with a shrug the blonde turned around to then crash right into someone.

A bag of chocolates fell to the floor and a cuss filled the air as the person tried to readjust their hand on the small bouquet of red and white carnations. Lucy immediately ducked down to help picked up the chocolates, lucky that only a few had spilled from the bag.

“Lucy!” he nearly shouted as she pushed the chocolate into his hand with the flowers, the other holding a hot takeaway cup of coffee that she was glad hadn’t spilt all over her.

“Uh, hi?” she muttered while she eyed him, his pink hair and dark green eyes not sparking anything familiar. She didn’t really know anyone that well in the office so she didn’t know how he had known her name. However, his sudden blush had her wanting to crawl into a hole.

Fuck, have I slept with this guy??

“I didn’t think you’d be at work this early,” he blurted as his eyes looked past her and at the many presents that filled up the pigeon hole.

Lucy’s eyebrows narrowed when she saw he wasn’t looking at her face. It made her angry that he couldn’t even give her enough respect to actually look at her when he spoke to her. Not to mention that the gifts that he held caused a spike of envy to shoot through her body.

“Listen here, buddy” she seethed while she stood up straighter, “I don’t know what we had but could you atleast grow up and treat me with a bit of respect.”

His eyes snapped to her’s in a surprised look. “What are you talking about, Lucy? You’ve really gotten even weirder since I saw you nearly beat up the front door.”

She blinked. Then again.

“Oh, Natsu!” she cried and he gave her a puzzled look. “I’m sorry I’ve had a really shit morning,” she pointed her thumb at the many presents behind her, “I completely forgot this entire thing was on and just, you know.”

“Is that broom wrapped in newspaper your present?”

“Yes.”

Natsu cheeks puffed as he tried to hold in his laughter, but lost it a second after as he bent over and nearly spilled his coffee all over the floor.

Lucy tried to look annoyed but the soft smile that pulled on her lips gave her away. She remembered him now. It had been a week after her fiance had called off the wedding. Lucy had taken time off work, but when she came back she would work overtime to try and distract herself from the cold and lonely apartment that she had to return home to. It was on one of those night where she had stayed back that Natsu ran into her trying to break the glass of the automatic doors because it wouldn’t open. After telling her to put the chair down and showing her the side door for night employees (the sliding doors were shut off after 7pm) they talked while they walked home and even stopped to get ice-cream together at the request of Natsu. Lucy hadn’t seen much of him since, only a grin and wave offered if they passed each other.

Lucy huffed, “I didn’t even ask to be in this! It was actually pretty smart last minute improvisation on my part if I do say so myself.”

Natsu grinned down at her, “No, you’re just a weirdo.”

The blonde’s eye twitched as she crossed her arms, “Well, sorry I’m not planning a highschool confession,” Lucy gestured to the gifts in his arm, “You look damn near ready to propose with all that cheesy stuff!”

“What?” his expression growing worried, “You don’t like this?”

A deep blush coated her cheeks as she turned away. An assortment of hand picked flowers and a bag full of different types of chocolate? No, Lucy didn’t like this. She loved it. Her inner child swooning at his nervous eyes and the pout that rested on his face.

“I mean,” she bit out, “What girl wouldn’t like that?” Her gaze soften, as she let go of the sour clip to her tone. It really wasn’t her place to put him down because of her own issues. “You did a good job.”

Natsu smiled, “Well that’s great because these are for you!” He said while pushing them into her arms.

“Happy Valentines Day!”

Her brown eyes bulged as she took the present.

“Oh, and I also booked us to go paintballing just cause you know… You don’t have to go, but eh yeah.”

She looked up at the sheepish young man as he scratched the back of his neck while looking away from her, digging his face in his scarf. It wasn’t like Lucy hadn’t received a valentine’s day present before, but her eyes watered as she looked back down to the soft petals of the carnations that he had given her. Maybe it was because there wasn’t no incentive that this was all to get her in bed with him, or maybe she had just been so wrapped in telling herself that there was nothing left for her in love that she had driven herself insane. Either way, Lucy couldn’t help the light feeling in her chest as she gave Natsu an ear splitting grin.

“I can’t wait to kick your ass.”

Natsu looked up, eyes wide. “Seriously? Yosh! I’m all fired up.”

Lucy laughed and teased him while they walked out of the break room, both with large smiles on their faces before getting back to their respective desks.

And when she finished work she would go home and dance around her apartment to sappy songs instead of down at the club. She would wash her sheets and hum with delight as she cooked herself dinner. The wilted roses would be in the bin and while she went to sleep the carnations would be in the vase on her bedside table - to be blooming bright the next morning as she opened her eyes and a smile would force its way on her face.

And Lucy would be happy.

I hope you liked it! Thank you UwU

[ninwrites]

47. “Why are we whispering?”

Magnus had expected to come home, chuck his coat, scarf and shoes off at the door and maybe fix himself a nice dry martini for the hell of it. He didn’t expect Alec to be home, considering the fact that he’d been in LA for the past thirteen days, helping Helen out with some new Institution guidelines they’re rolling out as the opening phase of the Shadowhunter-Downworlder alliance.

He certainly hadn’t expected to be drawn into the cloak room – the tiny closet utilised when hosting and entertaining to keep the clutter out of the entryway – by Alec’s hand, firm around his upper bicep, gentle but unrelenting.

Magnus clicks his fingers, the ceiling light filling the room with a warm glow. Alec’s hair is in disarray, his button-up loose at the collar, his sleeves haphazardly rolled up his forearms, and there’s something a little manic in his eyes.

“Alexander-“

“Shh.”

Magnus frowns, gaze skimming to the finger hovering against his lips. Oh, how the roles have reversed.

“Why are we whispering?” Magnus asks, his voice as hushed as Alec’s. He kisses the top of Alec’s thumb, barely able to resist a grin when Alec blushes, red creeping down his jaw in patches. It seems not even marriage can wane the effect that Magnus’ flirtations have on Alec, and it’s a wonder that Magnus prays never ceases.

A creak sounds from the other side of the door, and Alec stills, like a deer in headlights. For a talented and trained Shadowhunter he’s spooked by the oddest things, sometimes.

“Alexander.” Magnus whispers, curling his hand against the back of Alec’s neck. “What’s going on?”

Alec relaxes, minutely, under Magnus’ touch. He turns his focus back to Magnus, his charming doe eyes still enough to make Magnus weak at the knees with a single glance

“I came home early,” He explains – Magnus is kind enough to refrain from pointing out that he’d figured that much out already. “I felt bad, for being away so long … I know that you thought it would take longer, but I was only hoping for it to be a few days, a week at the most.”

Magnus idly strokes the back of Alec’s neck. It had sucked, being apart from Alec for so long, burned in his heart like a hole that had been drilled straight through his rib-cage, but it was important for Alec to go, important for the future of their world that he take the opportunities to help incite change when they arise.

Alec is doing wonderful, life-changing things – Magnus is hardly going to stand in the way.

“I got back to the loft,” Alec continues, still whispering. “Cat and Max were already here, and Max … I know that you understand, my having to be away so long, but he’s barely four, he’s still so, so young. I can’t apologise to him, he won’t get that, so I suggested we play hide-and-seek.”

It all falls into place before Alec has taken the chance to finish explaining it.

“I didn’t realise how good his magic was getting,” Alec grins, ear-to-ear and unmistakably proud. “The old hiding spots just weren’t cutting it.”

Magnus nods – he’d tried hiding behind the couch, and instead of walking around the couch to find him, Max had levitated the couch instead. Not very high, barely an inch, but still – levitated.

“So you locked yourself in the cloak room.” Magnus sums up.

Alec nods, solemnly. “I know. I spent twenty years trying to get out of the closet, just to find myself stuck here again.”

Magnus is unable to help the laughter that bubbles up his throat, but he’s not given a chance to worry about being heard – Alec surges up, his hands curling in the lapels of Magnus’ blazer, a move not too dissimilar to their first kiss. And their first kiss as husbands, but then Magnus is a little biased, the latter was at his wedding, after all.

“I don’t think is the best lesson to teach our child.” Magnus admits, thumb pressed behind Alec’s ear.

“Hiding in a closet? He’s the warlock son of two same-sex parents who happen to be a Shadowhunter, and the High Warlock of Brooklyn, I doubt he’ll have to come out.”

Magnus gently nudges Alec’s side. “I meant the fact that we’re hiding from our four year old son in the efforts to play hide-and-seek in the closet – not a typical place he’d think to look.”

Alec shakes his head, hands smoothing up Magnus’ chest. “I was in here for barely a minute before you came home. Besides, Max is smart. He found me in our en-suite. Behind the shower curtain. Calm as can be, he bopped my nose and told me I was it, then ran off god-knows-where. It took me twenty minutes to find him, and he’d only hidden in the pantry.”

Magnus tuts, not unkindly. “Alexander, you’ve never been great at these games. I blame your stuffy Shadowhunter upbringing myself, but nobody can deny that you put your all into trying.”

Alec pouts, but he doesn’t deny it – he can’t. The first time they’d all played, Magnus and Max against Alec so that Max could get acquainted with the game, it had barely taken Max five minutes to find Alec, crouching behind the daybed on the balcony. His tall frame admittedly doesn’t lend a lot of assistance to the game, but Magnus has begun to think that Alec has some sort of bad luck streak.  

This much is proven when the door to the closet creaks open. Magnus shuffles back, his shoulder knocking into Alec’s chest, Alec’s arm winding around his waist to rest against his abdomen. Magnus melts almost instantaneously into his hold, for it was in Alec’s arms that he’d found his place in the world, and it always has – and always will – remind him of comfort, and safety, and home.

Of course, it’s quite easy to find a similar sense of home in the twinkling, mischievous blue eyes blinking widely at him from the other side of the door.

“Papa!” Max shouts, voice hitting something of a siren’s screech. He practically leaps forward, his tiny blue fists wrapping around Magnus’ knees. “Papa, papa, you’re home and Daddy’s home you’re both home-“

“By the Angel,,” Alec sighs behind Magnus, a low gust of breath that’s aching with relief. “I missed this.”

“I heard you and Daddy were playing hide-and-seek,” Magnus exclaims, stroking his thumb against Max’s favourite striped pirate shirt – he has many varieties of pirate shirts, but this one seems to be his favourite. Magnus has been re-sizing it since Max was eight months old.

“We are,” Max nods enthusiastically. “I’m very good at finding Daddy.”

He leans in, almost conspiratorially, whispering at a level that tends to be where most people talk. “Daddy isn’t very good at finding me, but.”

Alec faux-gasps behind them. “I found you behind Papa’s magical cactus.”

Max grins, showing off the gap where he’d lost his first tooth a few weeks prior. “That’s because I wanted you to find me.”

Magnus chuckles softly, squeezing Alec’s hand, fingers interlocking against his stomach. “Well, if you’re up for another round, I’d quite like to join in.”

Max claps excitedly, fortunately stepping back a bit so when he jumps up and down it isn’t on Magnus’ suede boots. “Yes! Papa you have to play with us – me against you and Daddy!”

“Two on one?” Alec hums. “Are you sure you’re up for that, buddy?”

Max nods, practically vibrating out of his skin from excitement. “And, and, and if I win, we get to have ice-cream for dinner!”

“I have fed him dinner,” Alec mumbles against Magnus’ shoulder. “A bit early, but still. It was a proper meal.”

Magnus holds his hand out, and Max shakes it as rigorously as a five-year old warlock has the strength to, which is surprisingly more than expected. “You have a deal, Blueberry.”

“You can go hide first,” Alec explains, hooking his head over Magnus’ shoulder. “Papa and I will count to one thousand before we catch you.”

“Silly Daddy,” Max sings, backing out into the hallway. “You can’t catch me!”

Magnus stares after Max with love buzzing inside of his veins like bees in spring. “We’re going to have ice-cream anyway, aren’t we?”

Alec drops a kiss to the underside of Magnus’ jaw. “Duh. You think I can deny that kid anything? I painted myself purple when he was three because he decided I was left out on account of not actually being a warlock like the rest of you.”

“It was quite a look.” Magnus acknowledges, tipping his head back against Alec’s chest. “We really lucked out with him, didn’t we? We could of gotten a tantrum-throwing, wailing, argumentative monster. Instead we got an angel.”

“Yeah, we did.” Alec wraps his other arm around Magnus’ waist. “I’m cancelling my next trip.”

“Alexander-“ He’s due in Idris in two weeks, to sit in meetings with the Inquisitor, on implanting stronger bonds with Downworlder communities. It’s not something he can just skip.

“I’m not going.” Alec declares, kissing the wing of Magnus’ clavicle. “Lily as memorised the guidelines we wrote up, and Maia can command a crowd with more charm than I’ve ever mustered. I couldn’t have done this without them, but they can definitely take this next meeting without me.”

“You’re the founder,” Magnus points out, trying to fight the flutter of his heart, a far cry from how it aches like bones in the cold when Alec is away.

“And I’ve been remiss in not attending more of the cabinet meetings that sparked all of this.” Alec declares. “More importantly, I’ve been neglecting my most important duty. My family.”

Magnus spins in Alec’s grasp, hands coming up to wind around Alec’s neck. “You mean it.” Magnus whispers, certainty lifting his spirit. “You’re not just considering this, you really mean it.”

Alec nods, stroking his fingers lightly across Magnus’ ribs. “I’m not going anywhere – at all – for the next month, at least. Maybe the next six. I hated being away from you and Max, and I realised that … I don’t have to be. Yes, this job is important, and I love what we’re accomplishing but, I love you guys more. I’m a father and a husband before I’m a delegate, and I never want to forget that.”

“I won’t let you.” Magnus promises. “I won’t stop you, from achieving what you desire, of course, but I won’t let you forget us, either. I’ve waited long enough to find you, to have a family of our own. There’s a balance here, and we’ll find it. Together.”

Alec grins. “Together.”

[foursugars]

Reborn chapter 2

Arthur is resurrected in the modern era, and he has to learn how to cope with a new world and new ideas, as well as his feelings for Merlin.

If you haven’t read the first chapter go do that, it’s actually pretty good. And I’m going to say this again, please please leave a comment or review or whatever. I want to know what you guys think!

----- 

Six months had gone by since Arthur had come up out of the lake, returning from the dead. Merlin was very proud of how much Arthur had adjusted in that short time, and he was also very proud that he had gone four whole months without trying to stab anyone.

Arthur was proud of himself too. He could work the microwave, he was no longer terrified to ride in cars, and he knew how to use Siri. Merlin had gotten him a phone so that Arthur could google things whenever he was confused. (And so that he could text Merlin when he wandered outside and got lost, which was surprisingly often.)

All in all, Arthur seemed to be adjusting to what he had come to accept as his new life fairly well. He still had bad days of course, there were still things that made no sense to him, but overall he had come to the point where he understood more than he didn’t.

Except for one thing. Fukcing feelings. 

Six months had gone by since Arthur had come up out of the lake, returning from the dead. Merlin was very proud of how much Arthur had adjusted in that short time, and he was also very proud that he had gone four whole months without trying to stab anyone.

Arthur was proud of himself too. He could work the microwave, he was no longer terrified to ride in cars, and he knew how to use Siri. Merlin had gotten him a phone so that Arthur could google things whenever he was confused. (And so that he could text Merlin when he wandered outside and got lost, which was surprisingly often.)

All in all, Arthur seemed to be adjusting to what he had come to accept as his new life fairly well. He still had bad days of course, there were still things that made no sense to him, but overall he had come to the point where he understood more than he didn’t.

Except for one thing. Fukcing feelings.

Arthur was sat behind the shop counter, glaring over the top of a book at the back of Merlin’s head. Merlin was talking to a customer, nodding and waving his hands around a lot.

‘Why does he have to be so goddamn cute??’ Arthur thought to himself angrily. ‘He’s doing it on purpose, I know it. He’s trying to… to sabotage me for… something.’ The truth is, Arthur had been having thoughts like this for weeks. Angrily trying to except his feelings and failing miserably. He was sure the only way he could come to terms with this was to run far away, change his name and live the rest of his life as an isolated sheep herder. Or to angrily make out with Merlin. One or the other.

Merlin glanced over his shoulder at him, and Arthur hurriedly looked back down at his book. He peeked back up a couple minutes later and sighed in relief to see that Merlin had moved behind some shelves. Then he felt annoyed because he couldn’t stare at him with an unobstructed view anymore.

Arthur set his book down and wandered over to Merlin. “Hey, I think I’m going to go upstairs and check on Loaf. Call me down if you need help with anything k?”

Merlin smiled at him. “Sure thing you royal prat.” Arthur’s heart did cartwheels.

Arthur climbed up to their flat, scooped up Loaf, hurried to his room, and collapsed on this bed. He groaned, smushing his face into Loaf’s fur. “Why does he have to be so pretty? It’s not fair.”

Arthur was shocked out of his stupor a couple hours later with his phone ringing.

“Hey Arthur,” Merlin said from the other end, “you think you could come downstairs? I have a bit of a boyfriend situation.”

“Why are you whispering? Are you ok?” Arthur said getting out of bed and heading to the stairs.

“I’m fine, I’m supposed to be getting a book from the back. Just come downstairs ok?”

“Ok, I’m coming down. Don’t worry.” Arthur knew that Merlin was perfectly capable of protecting himself after thousands of years of practice, but all he could think of were the few times that Merlin fell on his butt in the middle of a fight and nearly got his head chopped off before Arthur swung in and saved him. He needed to protect Merlin from whoever was bitching at him.

Arthur got downstairs just as Merlin was coming out of the back. He pushed past a tall, imposing man standing in front of the counter to get to Merlin.

“Hey what’s wrong?” Arthur said softly once he was standing at Merlin’s side.

“Hey jerk! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?! I saw him first!” The man that Arthur pushed past slammed his hands down on the counter and growled at Arthur.

“What??” Arthur snarled back, instinctively stepping in front of Merlin.

“Well sweetie,” Merlin said in a voice that was all too calm, “James here was offering to take me out for an evening where we would do very, ahem, interesting things in his bed. I thought you might want to meet him.”

“What??” Arthur shouted again. He didn’t have to be a millennial to understand what that man had been insinuating. “How dare you?”

“Hey, mind your own fucking business man,” the man leaned over the counter, trying to act imposing, but Arthur was better at it. Even several inches shorter and fifty pounds lighter, Arthur had a regal and intimidating air that no man could replicate.

“I’ll mind my own fucking business when your business doesn’t involve threatening to take my boyfriend up the ass douchebag.” Arthur smirked inwardly. He hoped Merlin would be proud of how much modern language he just used.

“Boyfriend?” The man said incredulously.

“I told you I was seeing someone James,” Merlin said putting an arm around Arthur’s waist and squeezing his hip. “And I’m afraid he would notice if I was gone from our bed at night.”

Arthur flared his nostrils, too angry to even notice the weight of Merlin’s hand on his body. Just who did this guy think he was?

“Yeah and let me tell you something buddy. If you so much as look at my boyfriend again I will personally rip your head off your body with my bare hands.”

“I’d like to see you try,” the man shot back, not sounding as confident as he had a minute ago.

Arthur threw his head back, laughing. “‘I’d like to see you try’. Merlin did you hear that, he’d like to see me try! Oh god this is too much, sir it would be a pleasure. Unfortunately I already maxed out my number of allowed homicides for today, but in the meantime, you can get the fuck out of our store. The doors over there.”

The man had enough self respect to not try to challenge Arthur again, instead storming out of the store, yelling profanity the whole way out. The other customers stared after him in embarrassed silence.

“What a jerk!” Arthur fumed. “Just who does that stupid idiot he think he is? What gave him the outlandish idea that he had any right to treat you like that?? And did you see him yell at me? Me! The bloody king!”

“Calm down Arthur,” Merlin chuckled. “He was just an over entitled guy who spent his whole life in privilege and never experienced someone telling him no before. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last. And in any case, you certainly gave him what was coming.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes at Merlin. “You didn’t need me here to scare that guy off.”

“No,” Merlin said, “but it’s fun to see you all jealous and protective. Reminds me of the good old days.” Merlin squeezed Arthur’s hip again and wiggles his eyebrows at him before walking away. Arthur could feel his whole body heating up.

-----

“Move your fat butt dollop-head,” Merlin said, sitting down next to Arthur on the couch. Arthur obediently scooted over and held his hands out for the popcorn. Merlin chuckled and handed it to him, grabbing the remote and turning the tv on, flipping through channels.

“Right,” he said, “what are we feeling tonight?”

‘You,’ Arthur thought. “Comedy,” he said.

“Oh, good choice,” Merlin said. “Coming right up.” A moment later a cheesy comedy was playing on the screen and Merlin and Arthur were cuddled up together. Arthur tried not to think of how close they were, of how easy it would be to just turn his face a little and plant a kiss on Merlin. Of how intimate this moment all ready was, but he found he couldn’t focus much on the show.

Despite how high strung he was, it was late and he hadn’t slept well the night before, so it didn't take long before Arthur’s eyes began to droop, and the next thing he knew, he woke up gasping with Merlin bent over him looking concerned. “Arthur?” he asked, reaching for his hand.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what- this is so dumb, Merlin I’m sorry,” Arthur said, pulling away even though he was shaking.

“Arthur, how long have you been having nightmares?” Merlin spoke softly, and looked at him intently. Arthur wanted so badly to just curl up against his chest and let him hold him.

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

“It’s not fine, I can tell you’re shaken up. You can tell me. Please.”

Arthur almost did. He looked into Merlin’s eyes and could see how much he really cared about him, and he almost told him about how he’d seen things almost every night since he had return. Scenes of battlefields, of fallen friends, of betrayal and sharp pains in his side. His lungs filling up with fluid while Merlin clutched him to his chest and wailed. But Arthur didn’t tell Merlin any of this.

“You know, it’s late, we should probably be getting to bed-” he looked away and moved to stand up, but Merlin caught his forearm before he could run away and pulled him back down.

“Arthur,” he said, his eye’s flashing gold for a moment, “please tell me.”

And just like that Arthur was crying. Sobbing into Merlin’s shoulder and spilling everything, while Merlin rested his head on his and rubbed circles on his back. There was a small voice in the back of Arthur’s head shouting at him, “what the hell are you doing?! You’re a king for gods sake, why have you suddenly become a sniveling mess??” But now that he had started, Arthur found he couldn’t stop the stream of words coming out of his mouth. There was no going back.

“... and I can hear you breathing in the other room, so sometimes I just lay awake and listen to you because then I don’t feel like I’m dying, because you always protect me, even when I didn’t know it you’ve always protected me, and I shouldn’t feel safe next to such a scrawny little wimp but oh god I love you, and I can’t imagine being safe without you and-“ Arthur cut himself off and clamp his hands over his mouth.

“Shit, I didn’t mean to say that,” he whispered.

Merlin was grinning at him, still rubbing circles on his back. “I knew it,” he said. “You’re such a little liar Arthur Pendragon.”

“What??” Arthur said incredulously. “I may be a lot of things, but I am not a liar.”

“Hm,” Merlin said, “I think I’m gonna have to disagree, cause I seem to recall an incident a couple months ago where you swore up and down that you were as straight as they come, yet here you are professing your undying love for me.”

“I didn’t say undying,” Arthur mumbled.

Merlin laughed and put a hand under Arthur’s chin, “it’s ok you giant idiot, I love you too.”

Arthur’s eyes went wide, and he barely had time to process what Merlin had said before his lips were on his. Arthur sat stunned for a moment, not sure how to react, but Merlin was moving slowly, and it didn’t take long for him to catch up.

Arthur pushed himself up against Merlin, wrapping his arms around him, one hand tangling in his hair, the other pressed against his lower back. The kiss turned heated and messy, no longer slow and chaste. Merlin moaned into Arthur’s mouth, and Arthur pulled away. Merlin made a small sound of protest, tugging at the front of Arthur’s shirt.

Arthur looked down at Merlin in his arms, his pupils dilated, face flushed, hair everywhere. He was beautiful, and Arthur loved that he could make Merlin look like that, that he could make Merlin beg for him to come back, to kiss him more, but that wasn’t what he wanted right now.

Arthur whined and scooted down so he was hanging off Merlin’s neck and looking up at him. He’d never felt so vulnerable in all his life, but with Merlin he could be as vulnerable as he needed.

“Merlin,” Arthur breathed heavily, “I, I need you.”

“You sap,” Merlin chuckled.

Merlin quickly took over in leading the kiss, continuing the heated direction, pushing Arthur down into the couch. Just as hands started wandering, a loud bark interrupted them.

Merlin started laughing against Arthur’s lips when he let out a loud groan of disgust. “Loaf! I’m busy!” Arthur complained.

“Maybe we should move to somewhere more private,” Merlin whispered against Arthur’s neck.

“Maybe,” Arthur agreed. Merlin took him by the hand and led him to his bedroom, Loaf following at their heels.

“Sorry Loaf,” Merlin said once he and Arthur had stepped inside his room. “Adults only.”

Arthur felt a little bad about locking Loaf out in the hallway, but then Merlin’s mouth was on his again and he was falling back into the bed and he forgot to care.

Hours later, Arthur lay wrapped in Merlin’s arms, his head in his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“I can’t believe that seriously just happened,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin simply hummed, running a hand through Arthur’s hair. “I’m still convinced this is a dream.”

“It’s not a dream,” Merlin said with a yawn. “I would know.”

“Of course you would,” Arthur said. They sat in comfortable silence for a couple more minutes and then, “you used magic on me didn’t you? Earlier I mean. I saw your eyes go gold before I told you… everything.”

Merlin shrugged. “I just wanted you to be honest with. I don’t like seeing you in pain. I honestly had no idea how much you would feel like spilling.”

“You knew though didn’t you? You knew that I liked you.”

“Yeah I guess I did. You didn’t really hide it well. You were terrible actually.” Arthur prodded him in the side and Merlin squeaked. “Careful Merlin, I am still king.”

“Well,” Merlin started.

“Shut up I am,” Arthur insisted.

“Whatever you say sire,” Merlin said sarcastically. If nothing else, Arthur was positive that Merlin would never lose his ability to snark every person he talked to.

“Wait, so if you knew, why didn’t you ever say something? We could have been doing this,” Arthur gestured between their two bodies, pressed together, “this whole time.”

“I wanted to wait until you were ready. I wanted you to tell me yourself.”

“Well that was dumb,” Arthur said. “And I thought you were supposed to be smart Merlin.”

Merlin laughed and pulled Arthur closer to him, kissing the top of his head. “If you want,” Merlin mumbled into Arthur’s hair, “you can stay here tonight. And every night. If you want.”

Arthur closed his eyes. “You couldn’t keep me out.”