#yes that's her on the turtle shell!

[ashdash2417]

Hahaaaaa, finally jumped on the train of making fanart for this fic. (Which broke me but god it’s so good, if you haven’t read it, what are you doing.)

Got real lazy with the backgrounds until I got to the very bottom, so if it looks… wonky.. that’s why.

@eternalglitch thank you so much for writing this story. :) a lot of scenes punched me right in the feels, some much more so than others.

[ddarker-dreams]

Worthy Motivator.

Blade x Reader.

Warnings: Typical Blade morbidity, Blade's slightly yan because I can never write him as Normal, and not SFW implications. Word count: 1k.

Author notes are at the end of the story!

Washcloth in hand, you wipe away the perspiration clinging to your skin. 

While doing so, you squint, an act your reflection obediently mimics, confirming that yes; this disheveled figure is indeed you. You smooth out your hair, moisturize your face, then apply a light layer of toner. The process is completed in a timely fashion. A few hand motions made midair dim the bathroom’s lights.

Yawning, the door slides open at your behest, retreating into the wall like a turtle does its shell. The room is dome-shaped and customized to your liking. A light birch wood floor, pale pink walls, and windows showcasing scenery of a tulip field stretching on for miles. Windmills dot the distance, turning at their leisure. Gentle orange hues from two rising suns envelop the room in a cozy glow. 

If you hadn’t known any better, you’d believe you were actually on the planet Ethos, not traversing the cold, unforgiving space between galaxies.

While playing with the settings to change the time being depicted to twilight, it finally dawns on you that you’re not alone. 

Blazing eyes freeze you in place and your breath catches in your throat. 

“Blade,” you greet, wincing at how gracelessly the word rolls from your tongue, “I didn’t expect…” 

You cut yourself off, figuring that finishing the sentence will strengthen the bizarre atmosphere. What can be said, anyway? ‘Thanks for that,’ or ‘couldn’t have done it without you,’ maybe? Both options seem equally terrible. To make matters worse, he doesn’t explain why he’s stuck around. He continues to stand beside your nightstand, arms crossed over his chest, his lips drawn in a straight line. 

You’re the only one boasting signs of your previous tryst, the most obvious being your unsteady gait. Hoping to convey some decorum, you clasp your hands behind your back and straighten your posture. Surely, he’ll spill whatever’s on his mind and then make himself scarce. That’s been his modus operandi ever since this undefined relationship stumbled into existence. You tried not to take it personally. You’re both adults, if he doesn’t want to stick around for pillow talk, you won’t fault him for it. 

His eyes sear through your being. 

“You’re going to Illij.” 

You blink, thrown off by the flat delivery and the intentions it conceals. He’s either painfully blunt or cryptic in his word choice. It’d be nice if he could find a middle ground between both extremes, but that’s wishful thinking. 

With unusual impatience, he adds, “Alone.” 

Ah. 

A certain magenta-haired beauty’s previous words resurface in your mind. 

“—Alone? Not taking Bladie along for the ride?” she had tutted. “You’ll hurt his feelings.” 

You thought she was teasing, as she’s wont to do, yet your developing dilemma proves otherwise. That, or you couldn’t bring yourself to acknowledge the truth in her words. 

Whilst shifting your weight from one foot to another, you meekly reply, “Kafka gave me permission.” 

He has the audacity to roll his eyes at you. 

“Permission, huh?” 

The condescension corrodes your former sheepishness. 

Placing a hand on your hips, you reply, “That’s the word I used, yes.” 

Your room pulsates with palpable tension. He stands to his full height — having been seated on your bed’s edge — sauntering over like a cat poised to pounce. You cross your arms over your chest as the distance shrinks. He’s yet to fully dress himself, wearing only his signature gray pants. His bare torso is marred with innumerable scars that vary in length and angle. Every time you both succumb to the heat of passion, his bandages occupy a new spot, depending on the circumstances of his latest battles. Presently, the cloth coils around his midsection and upper left arm. 

He’s close enough now for you to notice the latter unraveling. 

It isn’t anything logical that urges you forward. The sentiment resides deep in the recesses of your psyche, unsuccessfully shoved down by denial and trepidation. This formless substance takes shape as you meet him halfway. Blade towers over you. Given the massive gap in your abilities, you should fear him, but you know your pounding heart isn’t spurred by negative emotion. 

Much to his perplexity, you set aside the nascent quarrel, focusing your attention elsewhere. Nimble fingers resecure the rebellious cloth. 

“You’re terrible at taking care of yourself,” you mutter. “Honestly, what am I s’posed to do with you…?” 

It’s subtle, but this shift in tone relaxes his muscles. That is, until you admit: 

“I don’t like you being my bodyguard.”

Confusion contorts his countenance, then something more raw; something dangerously intimate. 

“I don’t like seeing you get hurt because of me,” you continue, lowering both your voice and head. “It’s… it’s awful and— and then— you don’t even care!” 

Hoping to avoid further humiliation, you stop there, taking deep breaths to prevent tears from flowing. This wasn’t the direction you wanted the evening to take. You wanted to take a bath, dip into a game Silver Wolf wouldn’t stop raving about, and then prepare for your imminent trip. The trip that’d put thousands of lightyears between you and a man whose blood spilled for your sake could rival an ocean. 

“I’ll be fine on my own. I’ve got Silv’s disguise software and she knows how to track me. So — I don’t know — take it easy, or something. You’ve got the month off.” 

His response is immediate. “I can’t.”

“Wh— did you not hear anything I just said?” you sputter. 

“I heard,” he confirms. He raises his hand to the bandage you rewrapped, as if trying to savor your lingering warmth. “When you’re gone, I cannot ‘take it easy.’” 

Blade uses your stupefaction to his advantage. He takes your much smaller hand into his and places it over his heart. It thumps at a slow, steady pace, like it hasn’t been obliterated and formed anew thousands of times. Your fingers twitch. His body, though colder than the average person’s, emits just enough warmth to indicate life. You feel the raised, textured skin that’s present above his every vital organ. It speaks of untold horrors; untold suffering. 

His chest rumbles as he says, “If I’ve no choice but to live… you’d make for a worthwhile reason.” 

You rest your forehead against his chest and squeeze your eyes shut. 

Kafka… are you sure it isn’t my feelings that’re in the most danger? 

A/N: owing to mental illness, aside from nexus, i devised another storyline for (slightly) less unhinged blade, this time with a stellaron hunter reader. while it has the material to make a series, i don't plan on starting up another multi-chaptered work until i make further progress into my current project 😭 still, i'm happy to talk about it if anyone's curious! here are some tidbits that give additional story context for this universe:

reader isn't super thrilled to be a stellaron hunter. a desperate situation ended in them joining the ranks. they're the emanator of the aeon of illumination, whose name i'm still undecided on. essentially, they're a 'consumer of stars,' capable of absorbing + storing well. you guessed it. stars. as you can imagine, this ability can provide immeasurable energy or devastation depending on its usage.

as a consequence, when reader's performing the sealing process, they're extremely vulnerable. it isn't exactly subtle, people tend to notice when their nearby sun is going cyaaaaaa ✌ and try to stop them. that's where bladie comes in. he kills anything and anyone that threatens them.

ethos is a pretty meadow planet that's known for harvesting clean energy (hydro, solar, wind) and using minimum technology. most of its inhabitants go their entire lives without ever seeing a computer. long distance communication is carried out through a dedicated fleet of carrier pigeons.

illij is a laissez-faire paradise. consumerism galore. ads projected in the night sky, ads projected in your dreams in certain low income areas where people can't afford space adblock™. it's a lot but sometimes reader appreciates the distraction.

[copperbadge]

Was I looking for a giant wearable turtle shell pillow? No. Am I delighted endlessly by it? YES.

[ID: A screengrab from a retail website of the "Lelebear turtle power shell", a giant pillow shaped like a turtle shell. It includes an attachment that looks like a single-piece harness so that you can wear it on your torso; the image shows a woman wearing it, sitting on half of it, with her laptop propped on yet more turtle-shell pillow over her legs. She looks incredibly comfortable.]

[kakushino]

Lady in Red, Gentleman in Black

Tomioka Giyuu x Fem! Reader

Your boss had given you the responsibility of hosting that night. It led to something you didn't anticipate.

Tags: Mafia AU, mentioned character death, Yandere content, fluff, dub-con, smut, creampie, sub reader, mild bondage, mention of contraception/lack of it Word count: 6,8k

Masterlist

Your boss had given you the responsibility of hosting tonight; it was an honor to finally do an event solo - an important gala at that. Your boss had been secretive about the people who you were hosting though.

Makeup on point, hair styled to perfection.

You were ready.

At least once you found your neutral gray suit, you would be. Where was it? You swore you put it somewhere…

Oh, you were not ready.

You totally forgot to wash it. The suit of your choice was laying in the hamper, where you left it over a week ago. That meant only one thing… you had to wear the red dress your boss bought you for Christmas, or well, her money bought it - she’d given you a gift card to one of the fancier stores in the city so you had to make use of it. You’d planned to wear it to an event for fun not for work… it was even hardly suitable, with how low-cut the décolleté was. Had you not put on mascara already, tears of frustration would stream down your cheeks.

It was not going to be totally appropriate… but it would have to do. At least the skirt was flowy and not hugging your figure; it would have been hell on earth if you would have to be in a tight dress for the whole night. 

You quickly found a pair of comfortable low heels, grabbed your purse and went to catch a taxi to the venue. It was still some hours before the start, but you had to make sure everything was perfect.

And it was. You’d spent weeks planning it with the knowledge the client was important and was not to be displeased. All the specifications were assented to by your boss before you finalized anything, so you were pretty confident in the client’s approval. The catering was on point, waiters ready, bars stocked, and the opening went without a hitch. You kept up your rounds checking on each staff group to keep things running smoothly.

There was only one thing that was… not perfect.

There was a man behind you from the start, though he kept his distance.

He was following you, that much was obvious to you. A gentleman in all black - black suit, black dress shirt, black tie, black hair, eyes dark like the night sky-

“Miss?” 

You looked up from your flute of non-alcoholic champagne. A man in a dark blue suit with a green and yellow turtle-shell patterned tie approached you. “How may I help you?”

He gave you a friendly smile. “You just seemed lonely in your little corner. Thought you needed some company.” He grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter and raised it to you. 

You hesitantly clinked glasses together, a polite smile on your face as you both drank your drink of choice. “That’s very kind of you, sir.”

“You don’t have to call me ‘sir’. We’re all friends here, aren’t we?” 

You finished off your glass so you didn’t have to respond. He was quite forward, yet he hadn’t even given you his name. 

And you weren’t willing to tell him yours first.

“Do you live nearby?” he asked, swirling the wine in his glass, seemingly uninterested yet hanging on every word you were about to say.

You regretted chugging your drink. Setting down the flute on a nearby table, you were about to answer-

“May I have this dance?” 

You turned. It was not the man in front of you who asked. Instead, it was the gentleman in black who had been watching you the whole evening. His jaw was clenched, but expression was otherwise unreadable. His dark eyes were actually blue, and they pierced you with intensity you were not used to.

“Yes, thank you,” you shot an apologetic look to the man, who was speaking with you just moments before, and followed the gentleman to the dance floor. 

“The name’s Giyuu, Tomioka Giyuu,” he murmured as he took you into his arms, slow waltz starting to play. His frame was solid, offering you all the support a follower could want in a leader; it was as if he had been dancing for years and years, and the first few steps confirmed it - that is, if he wasn’t just crazy talented. 

You told him your name as he led you into a spin, making you feel like a princess as your skirt flowed in the motion. There weren’t many dancers on the parquet but you still felt very much alone there, with his warmth and strength leading you through the waltz. You didn’t want the dance to end.

Tomioka remained silent throughout the first song. 

Thinking it was a one time deal, you stepped back from him once it ended. However, his grip on your hand did not let up. 

“One more?” he asked quietly as a much faster music started to play. Yet another classic, a viennese waltz this time.

Though you weren’t sure if you could keep up with him, something made you agree. Perhaps it was the way he didn’t force needless small talk on you, or the way he offered you the support you needed to glide through the forms and figures of the dance. Maybe it was the way you two fit like a glove, or the way his darkness complimented your bright red dress.

Either way, you spent more time in his arms than out of it for the rest of the evening, orbiting each other like galaxies about to collide. 

You still had to do your rounds, and it surprised you he kept you company even then, guarding your back as you did so. As the night wore on, you started to actually talk in between the conversations with the staff and the many, many dances.

He lived at the edge of the city, he didn’t have any pets, he liked the color blue, his favorite food was salmon with daikon. 

You sat down for the first time of the night, moaning softly in relief. Your heels were comfortable, but not that comfortable. 

Though he wasn’t as animated with his emotions, there were minimalistic expressions on his face that you were able to catch because… well, you were looking. Giyuu was an attractive man, and you wouldn’t mind at all if he asked-

“May I have your number?”

You looked up at him as he stood by your side, a silent protector. You wondered why he hadn’t sat down at all. “Only if I may have yours.” You smiled, face feeling hot.

You went out shopping before your first date. He'd told you to wear something classy, formal. 

You were lucky to find a nice dark blue dress to your knees. It looked classy enough in the shop, but by the time it was five minutes until he was to pick you up, you were overthinking. 

Was it formal enough? Was your make-up too slutty or was it just right? Should you wear higher heels or-

The doorbell rang.

All your thoughts vanished. Giyuu was here.

And gods did he look amazing. He wore a dark blue dress shirt, which was only slightly off-shade to your dress, and black suit, no tie. 

Your face was flushed as he led you to his car - black and elegant, like him - while he complimented your dress.

Ever the gentleman, he opened the doors for you - the car, the restaurant - and pulled out the chair for you too. Chivalry wasn't dead.

The restaurant itself was fancy yet cozy, the type you thought you'd only see in movies. The tables were far apart to offer privacy yet close enough not to be completely isolated. It was situated in a high rise building, giving you a view of the city skyline in the sunset. 

"I hope this setting is fine with you. I admit it has been a while since I'd gone out," Giyuu told you softly. 

You smiled. "I've never been treated like this on the first date before. I think you're doing more than fine."

This seemed to please him, the corner of his lips quirking up a little. “Good. I didn't want to make you think I would harm you in any way… That's why I chose a public place to meet at first.”

Your heart squeezed a little at the quiet confession, touched and a little in love that he thought of your feelings about the subject. It was true - had your first date been somewhere isolated, you wouldn't say yes to it, the threat of… what happens to women, and men both, too vivid in your mind's eye.

"Thank you. I appreciate the thought, Giyuu." Your smile widened, your face feeling a little hot. 

He only nodded in response, his eyes flitting between you and the rest of the room, as if he were keeping watch. He'd told you during the gala that he wasn't much for crowded spaces, so this kind of date was perfect. 

"Have you been here before?" you asked when a waiter brought you the menus.

"A few times, yes." Giyuu opened his, more looking at you than the lists of food on paper. "I don't want you to look at the prices… I asked you to accompany me so I'm paying."

Chivalry was not dead indeed.

The conversation flowed smoothly, both of you relaxing in the push and pull of different topics, gentle waves on a calm sea. As you spoke, you placed your hand on the table, nearly touching his own. Second by second, you both inched closer unconsciously. 

Your hands met, as did your eyes. Your face felt hot but you were smiling, delighted at the show of comfort and intimacy with this handsome man. His own lips were set in a relaxed line, not quite smiling but close, the deep sapphire of his eyes bright.

The waiter came and went, collecting the menus and your orders, leaving you alone again. A glint of a gold bracelet on the hand of one of the other guests reminded you of something.

“Do you like art, Giyuu?”

He tilted his head a little, the only reaction you got before he told you, “Art gives me a lot to think about.” 

There was a deeper meaning to his words, but you could not decipher it just yet. His response was not negative however, and you latched onto that, hope budding in your chest. “There will be an art exhibition in town soon. It’s called ‘All gold that glitters’ - I don’t know if you’ve heard about it?” 

Giyuu studied you for a moment, the silence just a few seconds short of becoming awkward. “Most of the display will be Gustav Klimt.”

Excited, you said, “Exactly! Once I heard it would be here, I wanted to see his works up close… Though I don’t know if I will get in. A friend told me the tickets might be sold out already. The painter is very famous after all.” All your energy evaporated as you realized the futility of the situation. “The crowds would be too much too… I’m sorry for rambling. I don’t know what has gotten into me.” You tried to laugh it off.

Giyuu looked at you for a moment longer before nodding. “You aren’t much for crowds either?” 

You nearly sighed in relief when he accepted your diversion. It amazed you how receptive he was with these hints despite appearing stoic. 

You smiled at him, “Not really. It sometimes gets too much. Even at work I…”

Even with your brief stumble in the conversation, you both enjoyed talking to each other for a long while. The topics flowed from one to another again, there wasn’t ever a lull in you sharing your thoughts. The gentle atmosphere of the restaurant added to your ease.

You were comfortable with him. And that surprised you - how quickly you let down your walls in front of a… 

He could no longer be called a stranger. The time you spent together at the gala made you friends in your eyes. This outing was a date - could you say he was your boyfriend? 

The food arrived, interrupting your thoughts.

His salmon with daikon looked delicious, and Giyuu must have thought so too, for he dug in very quickly, barely muttering out an “Itadakimasu,” before he munched away. You slowly started eating as well, looking at him. 

Your face felt hot as you watched him. He looked so cute; he was clearly enjoying each bite, his cheeks full of the food. 

He looked up only once, and he spoke, but you were not able to understand a word he said, his words sounding like gibberish to your ears. You could only giggle; you had never thought a gentleman like Giyuu would do this. 

“Sorry, sorry,” you looked down at your food with a secretive smile. It was endearing to see him so unguarded. Though you had to say that he seemed relaxed in your presence, that pleased you greatly.

You ate in silence, each stealing glances at the other. 

One glance at him bestowed a gift upon you that you never thought you would see, yet again. Giyuu was smiling while he ate his dish. Not only that. He was a messy eater, little bits of the food sticking on his cheeks. He looked absolutely adorable. You were smiling wide and you had a sudden impulse - one which you acted upon.

Giyuu froze when you leaned forward, rising from your seat a little. The blue dress clung to your chest, trying to contain your breasts from spilling over, digging into your skin a little.

He forced his eyes away from your cleavage, staring you in the face instead, but you were focused on his lips-? Were you about to-?

You reached out, thumb wiping at his cheek gently, and sat back down.

“You had a bit of rice on your face,” you grinned and ate the grain off of your thumb.

His face was red, blush stretching all the way to his ears.

Giyuu realized that he was in trouble, because something happened - something he didn’t account for.

He fell, hard.

“Where are we going?”

Giyuu had picked you up at your apartment, dashing as always in his black clothes. You didn't know how he did it, but everything looked so elegant on him - even if it was just a short-sleeved fitted shirt and black pants. 

"You'll see."

He'd offered you his arm, ever the gentleman, as you walked to his car. 

The two of you were a study in contrast, he thought. Where Giyuu was the dark, you were the light. You’d chosen a white sundress today, loose and airy - innocent and pure. A white rabbit hopping around in its meadow of flowers, unaware of the presence of a predator hiding in the shadows - a starved wolf, ready to pounce and claim the rabbit for its own.

The analogy reminded him of the fact he hadn’t given you any flowers yet. Fuck. He should’ve gone and bought you some before this date. Would you even appreciate flowers?

The drive was filled with warmth, despite the near-silence. It didn’t feel uncomfortable to not talk, you both were very much content. 

Or at least you were.

Giyuu had an urge to place his hand on your thigh, but he didn’t want to overstep or break the atmosphere, the comfort you were both in.

In the end, his willpower won. 

The car pulled into a side street, and you drove through a steel bar gate, the gate-keeper nodding at Giyuu respectfully. It made you curious where you were going. A small part of you rang warning bells - you didn’t know where you were and you didn’t know what would happen to you. But you trusted him, despite meeting with him only twice so far - today being the third. You hoped your trust was not misplaced.

Giyuu parked and turned off the engine, quickly getting out of the car and locking it when you reached for the handle. You looked at him in confusion, but then he was on your side, opening the door for you. Like a gentleman.

Blood rushed to your cheeks as you smiled at him. How could you have doubted him? He was such a silly man, trying to be as accommodating as possible for you. Giyuu took your hand in his, a loose hold which you could get out of easily if you wanted to.

He led you inside through a clearly personnel-only door, making you curious what exactly he’d planned for you two. 

An employee met you there, guiding you through various halls filled with wrapped… things? It looked like paintings but you couldn’t be sure.

“Enjoy your time,” the employee said, opening a door for you two at last. The light in the room turned on, reflecting golden hues off of every piece in the room.

This was it - ‘All gold that glitters’ was in front of you. But- it was supposed to open tomorrow, and there were no more tickets left, you’d checked, so how-?

You’d subconsciously stepped inside, letting go of his hand. You slowly looked around in awe, tears gathering in your eyes. You felt as if your soul had been caressed by Giyuu’s warm hands. 

Here, illuminated by the professional lighting and surrounded by paintings, the only art he saw was you. You spun in a circle, your loose skirt flaring up a little, your eyes sparkling as you took in the exhibition - devoid of life, sans the two of you. If he hadn't fallen for you already, he would have now.

Giyuu closed the distance, taking your hand in his again, bringing it to his lips to kiss your knuckles. Your excited expression made all the trouble he went through to get you both here worth it. 

Nevertheless, he asked, "Do you like it?"

You beamed. "I love it!"

You tugged at his hand, nearly skipping over to the first piece, absolutely delighted.

Flitting from piece to piece, you eventually let go of each other, content to enjoy the art at your own paces. There was no rush, no one to interrupt you two, you were there alone; just the two of you and the art.

You stood in front of Fulfillment, admiring the patterns. Each painting, each art piece, had a meaning and was supposed to evoke something in the viewer. Staring at the embrace of the two lovers, it gave you the same feeling you had when Giyuu took your hand for the first time - today. Dancing with him didn’t count, the restaurant didn’t count, that was you reaching out to him. Today was him seeking you out. 

Butterflies danced in your tummy as you smiled.

“Enjoying yourself?”

You looked at him, your smile widening. “Yes. You don’t know how special this is for me,” you admitted, walking closer to Giyuu. Glancing to the side, your cheeks felt hot. He was standing in front of the arguably most famous piece by Gustav Klimt.

The Kiss.

Giyuu remained silent.

You took in the details of the painting - the flowers, the position, the intimacy. You wished you’d be kissed like that, at least once in your life. An image flashed in your mind’s eye - of Giyuu holding you exactly like that, of kissing you exactly like that - and you had to blink and look at him again to make sure it was just a daydream, and not reality.

He was staring, his focus not on you as a whole, but on your lips. Your breath hitched in your throat.

There was conflict in his eyes when they met yours. It seemed as if the world held its breath for the two of you. 

The distance closed slowly as you gravitated towards each other, separate galaxies a hair’s width away from becoming one. So close yet so far.

You closed your eyes. Warmth touched your soul.

The first kiss was but a peck to the corner of your lips; your head tilted back slightly, one of his hands cradling the nape of your neck, the other cupping your jaw. You exhaled shakily. The first became second, right on the lips, soft and feather-light; then third, the air shared between the two of you.

There was a mist inside your mind, your thoughts incorporeal yet comforting, encompassing you in a blanket of Heavens. It didn’t feel wrong, nothing about this felt wrong; it was just right, being with Giyuu felt right. Each kiss stole your breath and returned it to you in the same second.

Giyuu felt as if life was filling his lungs for the first time in forever. Your warmth was everything, absolutely everything to him. You were so receptive to him, eyes closed and completely pliant in his hands. It felt as if you were made from the thinnest layer of gold leaf and one wrong move, one wrong touch would crumple you up, eternally lost.

Only when you both were nearly gasping for breath did you pull away. Giyuu was cradling you in his arms tenderly, a bright blush on his face, and you were hanging onto him for dear life, your own cheeks flushed.

It was a moment of understanding that you stood at the edge of something great blooming between the two of you, and neither wanted to stop it.

Giyuu signed the death certificate, numb.

Urokodaki Sabito, aged 28, dead. 

The pen rolled off the table and clattered onto the ground but he didn't care. The slight incessant ache in his arm hardly bothered him, the ache where his heart was felt like a more life-threatening wound than a mere scratch.

Sabito had nothing to do with the Ubuyashiki family, except being the relative and a friend of its members; Urokodaki Sakonji's only adopted son and Tomioka Giyuu's very best friend lay dead, the corpse long gone cold in the morgue.

It had happened so fast too.

One moment, Giyuu and Sabito were talking about Sabito’s upcoming wedding, the next, both were diving for cover as bullets flew overhead. Sabito had had some training from Urokodaki, though he'd steered clear of the true depth of mastery despite his clear talent at it. He'd always been better than Giyuu, at everything.

So why?

Why was Sabito dead and Giyuu alive?

Why was Giyuu still breathing and Sabito's chest forever stilled?

More importantly, who targeted him - them? Why had they done so? 

Were they going to strike again?

Oh no…

Not [Name].

Anything, anyone, but her.

He wanted to shout, to scream - She has nothing to do with this! Leave her alone! 

He knew, however, that it would be in vain. Whoever targeted them had done so very deliberately. They knew who would be where and at what time. 

And they could get to you too.

No.

He could not allow that to happen. He'd just gotten his first taste of you, an ambrosia for a mere mortal. 

And it wasn't even by his own making. It had been Sabito who'd forced him to approach you that night of the gala. He'd noticed Giyuu was following you around like a lost puppy all evening. He'd noticed and acted on it.

Sabito's interference led to a few of his happiest days in his life - the gala itself, the dinner, the museum, and the days spent texting one another.

All this could be lost with a short crack of thunder, a bullet released from the barrel of a gun - so disgraceful in these parts, where family conflicts were best solved honorably, with swords. 

He could not allow it to happen - no, he would not allow it to happen. He felt an intense hunger, his teeth ached with the need to bite, to tear flesh to shreds of those who would even think of hurting you, of those who would even look at you.

Giyuu's mind spiraled, a maelstrom pulling everything in reach down to treacherous depths. Plans made and discarded, his hand reached for his phone before he knew it, dialing your number before he could stop it.

"Hi," came your voice. Giyuu closed his eyes, enjoying the simplicity of hearing you, the knowledge you were still alive and well making his heart beat like a drum. "What's up?"

"Are you home?" 

"Yeah. Why? Is something wrong?" Hearing the concern in your voice would have made his chest feel warm normally, but this time the warmth was brought by the fact you were home, home meant safety… at least for a little while. He needed to get you close, to hold you in his arms.

His eyes snapped open. “I have something planned for us.”

"Planned? It's so sudden… It is a little late now but-"

“You just have to trust me," he interrupted you. “Understood?” He'd never used this tone of voice on you, the mask of a killer slipping on subconsciously.

There was a brief moment of silence. "Alright, Giyuu… I trust you.” 

I trust you. 

He hoped you’d trust him with your safety and life too.

“Thank you, dear. Wear that red dress for me.” 

He hung up, texting you his address along with 'Take your time' in the same breath. 

Giyuu had some preparations to make, after all.

You got out of the car - a driver he’d called for you, making you wonder just what his job was to have these connections - and stared at the house. You checked your maps, and it was indeed the address Giyuu had given you. 

The house was much bigger than you thought it would be. Sure, he was an elegant man, always put together but nothing about him screamed fancy… Okay, maybe a little. But this was a whole another level of-

The door opened. 

Your heart leaped in your chest, a smile rising to your face. Giyuu looked- your smile wobbled a little - he looked like he carried the whole world on his shoulders. You hurried to his side, clutching your purse and the wine you found in your storage - you wanted to bring at least something when visiting his home for the first time. Now it seemed you’d be drinking away some stress instead of celebrating life.

“Are you alright?” 

Instead of answering, he pulled you close, hugging you tightly, as if you’d run away from him if he was just a touch gentler. He buried his head into your neck, breathing you in. “You look beautiful… As beautiful as a rose in a bouquet…” 

Yet another thing he failed to do… He didn’t prepare any flowers for you again. He kept ruining everything, didn’t he?

You hugged him back awkwardly, the things in your hands a bit uncomfortable to hold at the same time.

Giyuu took a deep breath and pulled back enough to guide you inside. He closed the door and locked it. You placed the bottle and your purse both on the shoe cabinet at the side and embraced him again. He seemed to really need it. 

A moment later, he whispered. “Maybe that’s a wrong metaphor. You aren’t just one of many. You deserve to be the sole focus of the beholder…” His hold on you tightened again. “The beholder being me.”

His tone of voice made you shiver a little. Giyuu seemed to still be out of it. You had never seen him being as clingy or heard him speak as possessively as you did now.

“You’re mine, right?”

The question was a bit out of character to how you knew him. He was usually so reserved and soft with you. You didn’t hate it per se, but it was certainly strange. “Of course.”

“That’s right, you’re mine. Never doubt that you’re mine and only mine.”

You were a little confused about why he was like this, but you stayed silent.

“You never know who you can trust these days.”

You shivered again. “Giyuu, maybe we should sit down, yeah? Where..?” 

He stepped back and knelt at your feet, one of his hands raising your foot gently, the other pulling the straps of your shoes loose. Both heels fell to the ground, and he left them there, laying in the middle of the hall.

He stood up and took your hand in his, fingers intertwined and grip tight as if he never wanted to let go. Giyuu led you inside in a hurry, taking you through a spacious living room and up the stairs to- his bedroom?

“Don’t be afraid. You don’t need to be afraid of me,” he said lowly. “I’d never hurt you, my dear.” The pet name made blood rush to your cheeks.

Giyuu sat at the edge of the bed, guiding you to the space beside him, still clutching your hand. 

“Giyuu, I know you’re probably going through something… You don’t have to tell me. But I’m here for you, you know that, right?”

He nodded. You both stayed silent for a time. Your thoughts kept looping back, trying to think of what could be going on in his head. You realized you knew him, but at the same time you knew nothing about him.

His voice interrupted your train of thought. “I worry a lot for you.” 

You tilted your head, looking at him, “I worry for you too.”

Giyuu’s face relaxed minutely. He let go of your hand, stood up and grabbed you by your waist, moving you up the bed to lay on it, as he hovered above you, supporting his weight on his left hand beside your head. “From all the people I met in my life, from the billions I could have had - you are the One, and you are perfect. You’re perfect for me.” His right hand cupped your cheek, caressing your skin with his thumb. His eyes half-lidded, he leaned down for a slow and soft kiss. 

The kiss was everything to him.

When he pulled back, you said, “I’m just me… I can’t be perfect.” Yet he made you feel like you were.

His eyebrows twitched, as if he held back a frown. “Don’t ever doubt your worth, lovely.” 

The next kiss was just as slow as the previous one, but deeper, more sensual. It stole your breath away and conjured a fog over your mind; all you could focus on was him.

Giyuu trailed his lips over your jaw, pausing by your ear to whisper, “Nobody else can touch you but me.” 

“Yessss…” you hissed lowly in a daze, arching your head back, allowing him to continue kissing down your neck unobstructed.

“I’ll have to warn you, my dear, I am the jealous type,” he murmured against your pulse point. You wondered if he could feel it drumming against his lips. 

Giyuu bit down hard. You cried out in a mix of pain and surprise, waking up from the dreamy headspace he’d lulled you into.

“Giyuu!” You tried to struggle, but he held onto you, licking away the ache his teeth brought. Where before anticipation made your heart race, now it was fear, but you could only tremble in his grasp. There was no escaping the wolf now, and the wolf was starving.

He knew the effect this had on you. He knew that he wasn’t being as careful as he should be. It made his heart clench but it had to be done. He had to show everyone you were his. “There is no need to be scared as long as I’m here, my dear. I won’t hurt you and I won’t let anyone else touch you.” He won’t ever let you go.

You tried to slap him when he pulled back enough but he just caught your hand by the wrist, pulling it closer and kissing your palm gently. He maintained eye contact all the while, trailing his lips to the pulse point of your wrist. Your heartbeat grew faster against your will, the sensuality and intimacy of his gesture not lost to you.

His other hand reached into the back pocket of his pants, taking out a familiar green and yellow turtle shell necktie. "Please, don’t struggle so much," he whispered. 

Giyuu placed the tie next to your head. 

"You don’t want to see me angry, do you?"

You shook your head, this new version of him scaring you and arousing you at the same time. It was intoxicating. 

Would you even be allowed to speak? Did that count as ‘struggling’? You didn’t want to test his patience.

“Strip.” He leaned back, sitting on your thighs and waiting for you to obey. 

You couldn’t deny him. You knew he was strong, too strong to fight off or resist. You knew he’d take what he wanted regardless of what you tried to do. It was hot, your body felt hot all over. You felt like a freak for enjoying this, shame burning in your stomach as you undid the zipper on your side.

Giyuu watched you, eyes dark, while he himself undid the buttons on his black dress shirt one-handed. He shrugged off the material just as your dress slipped off your shoulders, leaving both of you bare from waist up. 

He was covered in lean muscle, a few scars on his torso- his biceps was in a bandage, a bloodied bandage. Your eyes focused on it, but he was focused on something else entirely.

Giyuu took your hands and bound them to the headboard with the green tie. You tried to wiggle out of them but he only smirked, dragging the red dress off of your figure, leaving you only in your panties.

"I never do something halfway, my dear, and I do need to prepare you for me," he murmured against your lips, his hand slipping under the seam of your silky panties. You were wet since before he'd led you to bed, too excited at seeing him, too turned on by his voice and scent. Now it only made you feel shame, for it made things easier for him.

But you couldn't truly say you hated what he was doing, especially when his nimble fingers slowly pushed into you. You gasped at the feeling, and he stilled for a moment.

"Does it hurt?" You shook your head, spreading your legs wider.

Giyuu swept his thumb through your wet pussy lips to circle at your clit in soft and slow motions. He studied your face for any discomfort as he started to pump slowly. 

"How do you want me to fuck you? Hard and fast or soft and slow? I will do whatever you ask of me, my dear." He curled his fingers inside of you, trying to find the spot that should make-

You moaned, flinching away from the shock of pleasure.

Giyuu swore later that your moans were the sweetest sounds he'd ever heard in his life; they were the only art a killer like him could create, and he intended to make a masterpiece of you.

As his right hand worked you up, he leaned down to kiss and bite at your throat, the vibrations against his lips feeling like Heaven on Earth.

His fingers played you like a string instrument, each flick and movement and curl dragging you higher and higher against your will, your moans pitching and breaking and finally cutting off in a silent scream as you came all over his hand.

"Beautiful…"

Giyuu withdrew his fingers, glistening with your cum, and brought them to his face, studying how the slick created a gooey string between them as he spread them apart. You had to look away from the lewd display, making his eyes snap back to your face.

You heard his belt buckle open, his weight briefly disappearing from your side. When the bed dipped again, his rough warm palms traced a path down your body, from your breasts, over your stomach, thumbs catching the fabric of your panties and pulling them down, down, down… off.

"To say you’re special is an understatement, [Name]," he whispered, spreading your legs and settling between them. 

Your whole body trembled, your arms tugging at your restraints again, but you were too weak, your orgasm chipped away at any strength you had left to truly resist him.

“You don’t just make me want you…" His lips kissed along your neck with feather-light touches, breath hot against your skin. "…You make me need you.” 

…Fuck if his confession didn't make you clench around nothing. Your mind fought against your heart and body in a three-way war, each trying to one-up the other. Your heart told you how deep you had fallen for him, how this was as good as a love confession. Your brain warned you you were in trouble, your boyfriend had lured you inside and was about to use you. Your body sang for the future pleasure he would bestow upon you, his talented fingers proving his skill.

"I'm keeping you here… for your own good." 

What? No- and Oh yes, please-! echoed in your mind.

"You will stay with me, you will never leave me, you will be safe here."

Oh, but how could you fight this?

 "I love you."

I love you.

Giyuu kissed you on the lips, deeply and passionately, setting you on fire with his touch.

You could feel him - feel his cock - against your body.

You could only shake in his all-encompassing arms.

He realized you were scared - of him. "I won’t harm you… I won’t ever, ever even think of harming you."

He kissed you again. He kissed you as if he needed it, needed you just to survive, like he needed you more than air itself. It was like he tried to devour you, a hungry wolf and a sweet rabbit.

And then he was sliding in. He'd prepared you to take him; even then the stretch was nearly too much anyway.

Giyuu slurred out a curse against your lips, the feeling of finally being enveloped by your snug warmth too much. His mind was nearly breaking, he'd never felt so loved, so intimate, so close to someone than he did as he bottomed out inside of your sopping wet cunt.

"You're perfect," he breathed out shakily, resting his forehead against yours.

He started slowly, letting you feel him inch by inch. You swore you could feel him in your throat, each glide felt as if he was pushing your organs apart, rearranging you from the inside to his liking.

Oh, but was it a delight. Fireworks exploded behind your lids every time his cock brushed against your sweet spot, earthquakes rocked your world, waves of pleasure crashed against each nerve under your skin. He set you aflame and quenched you in the same stroke.

You sang pretty moans for him, Giyuu joining you in the duet of passion the two of you shared. Skin rubbed against skin, sweat beaded at your brows, air was shared - Giyuu tilted his head and kissed you again, and again, and again.

He stole your heart, he stole your pleasure, he stole your breath, he stole you and yet…

“Let go for me, my dear-” he ground out between his teeth.

You went out with a whimper. 

Toes curled, back arched, but all you could do was take it as Giyuu continued to thrust, chasing his own release inside your heat.

He kept staring at your blissed out face. "I'm gonna-" One, two, three slams of his hips and he released a shaky moan, spilling his seed deep into your pussy. "…stuff you full of my love."

The warmth of him inside, the firm muscles against your thighs, his scent, the dripping sweat- 

He hadn't even asked if he could cum inside. He hadn't asked if you were on the pill. He truly intended to keep you, didn't he?

"I love you, my dear."

Tears welled up in your eyes and fell one by one down your cheeks. But damn him, you loved him too. You'd fallen in love with him, and he'd become your captor. 

Giyuu slowly leaned even closer to embrace you. “Shhh, this was meant to be, my dear.” He buried his face into your neck. The kiss he placed there was wet with his own tears.

What was he crying about? You were the one he was going to shackle down. You were the one with no way out. You were the one losing everything but him.

“I know this will take some time to adjust to.”

How else was he supposed to keep you from harm? There was no other way. He couldn’t regret it, wouldn’t regret it.

“In the end… all you have left is-” he leaned closer to your ear, “me.” Giyuu buried his face in your neck again, taking in your scent and listening to your heart beat - steady and well. Alive.

You were far safer with him, under his roof - in your now-shared bedroom.

“It’s better this way.”

There was nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He would make sure you had everything you needed.

“Shhh, sleep now.”

banners by the amazing @/benkeibear

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Crushing On A Classmate

MM!Turtles x reader

A/N: I am not American and have never been to an American high school, so I’m just guessing based off of movies and what little I know.

Warnings: Just spelling and sweet Mutant Mayhem stuff💙❤️💜🧡

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

Leonardo:

Leonardo would subtly try to impress you with his skills. He'd offer to help with homework, carry your books, and be your study partner, all while fumbling over his words, making his face feel hotter and hotter with every word.

Doing those times he brought you to the sewer to do homework together, he might showcase his expertise with his swords, hoping to catch your attention. He's protective, making sure you're always safe, and tries to be your personal hero. But then you would remind him that you still had homework due for tomorrow.

Leo would definitely be nervous around you, especially in the beginning. His usually somewhat calm and collected demeanor might falter, and he'd find himself stumbling over words or overthinking every interaction. Like that one time you didn’t hear him say hey. Left him in bed for days, wondering if you hated him all of a sudden.

When you sit next to him in class, Leo would feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. He'd try to act nonchalant, but you might catch him stealing glances at you. He'd be attentive, always ready to lend a helping hand if you need notes or assistance with anything, even if his hands would shake around his pencil.

Back at the lair, Leo would unintentionally bring you up in conversation more often than he realizes, with a dreamy look in his eyes. His brothers would pick up on it and start teasing him about his newfound interest.

Donatello might playfully analyze Leo's behavior, while Michelangelo and Raphael would make sly comments, causing Leo to blush and stammer in response. He was almost ready to die whenever they would do it with you around.

Michelangelo would tease him by singing love songs whenever you're mentioned, making Leo wish he could retreat into his shell.

Splinter, being wise, would observe Leo's actions and share a knowing smile. He'd offer guidance on matters of the heart, reminding him that it's okay to be vulnerable and express his feelings. Yet his dad would talk about love and dating as if he was an expert, especially after Scumbug had made her way into his life.

Leo might not openly admit to his crush, but his brothers knew straight away. He couldn’t keep a secret, and especially not when it came to you, but he tried. But after Raph just asked him once, Leo broke down admitting to everything. Yes he found you attractive, and yes he really wanted you to be his human girlfriend!

Raphael:

The tough and rebellious Raphael would probably act aloof at first, but deep down, he'd be more protective and caring over you than he'd like to admit. He might tease you playfully and engage in some friendly banter, but he often feared he pushed it too far, even if you laughed at his teasing.

Raphael would likely go out of his way to help you out in tough situations, and you'd catch him stealing glances when he thinks you're not looking. He did that quite often in class. Zoning out while staring at you from his seat behind you. That had caused him a lot of trouble when he didn’t follow along in school.

Raph, known for his tough exterior, would indeed feel a bit nervous around you. He might not show it openly, but his interactions might be marked by a subtle intensity, especially when he's trying to impress you.

While Raph is not one to readily ask for help, he might find excuses to be near you during group activities or projects. He'd prefer action over words, showcasing his skills and strength to get your attention.

Raph might not ask for help directly, but he'd appreciate your mental and physical strengths and secretly observe from a distance, admiring your capabilities.

At the lair, Raph would be more protective than usual. His brothers might notice him being a bit more on edge when it comes to your safety, no matter if it’s physical or emotional. Even just a little comment about you. Donnie and you liked to tease each other, but Raph did not like it at all.

Raph would likely express his crush through actions rather than words. He might offer you his jacket if you seem cold or step in to defend you during one of Donnie or Mikey's teasing episodes.

Raph's brothers would notice his crush through his protective and slightly more attentive behavior. Leonardo might be the first to pick up on it, observing the subtle signs of Raph's softer side.

Mikey would make light-hearted comments, teasing Raph about being a "hopeless romantic," while Donnie might analyze Raph's behavior more critically, telling him to quit being such a brute.

Raph wouldn't openly talk about his feelings, but his brothers would notice the extra effort he puts into being there for you and might offer some brotherly advice.

Donatello:

The tech-savvy Donatello would be the go-to person for any computer or gadget troubles you might have. He'd shyly compliment your intelligence, and you'd catch him staring as he admired your problem-solving skills with every test in front of you.

Donatello might find excuses to be close, offering to be your lab partner or working on a project together. His crush would be evident in the way he stumbles over his words, yet he would just brush it off as being a little cold, pulling his hoodie closer around him.

Donnie would be less nervous than some of his brothers, as his logical and analytical nature helps him keep his emotions in check. However, he might still find himself a bit flustered around you, especially if you catch him off guard.  It had happened that he almost choked on his juice box when you greeted him during lunch.

In class, Donnie would likely be a combination of teasing and helping. He'd use his intelligence to subtly impress you, offering assistance with challenging assignments or explaining complex concepts.

Donnie might playfully challenge you to solve problems or share interesting facts, finding ways to engage your intellect and showcase his own intelligence.

The moment he learned of your shared love for anime, he was close to starting running laps around the school.

When you visited the lair to do homework with him, Donatello would continue his supportive and helpful demeanor. He might offer to assist you with any tech-related issues or share interesting discoveries he made in his little lab.

While not explicitly talking about you, Donnie's brothers might notice the extra effort he puts into making sure you're comfortable and included. Raphael might make sarcastic comments, but Leo and Mikey would likely appreciate Donnie's caring nature.

Donatello's brothers might not notice his crush right away, as he's more subtle in expressing his feelings. However, over time, they'd observe his increased attention to you and the way he seems genuinely invested in your well-being.

Raphael might make snarky remarks, teasing Donnie about his "soft spot," while Mikey would probably cheer on any potential romantic development, saying it was about time at least one of them got a girlfriend.

Leonardo would offer some brotherly advice, encouraging Donnie to be more open about his feelings and not overthink things.

Michelangelo:

The fun-loving and carefree Mikey would probably invite you to pizza parties and movie nights the moment he realized he was developing feelings for you. He'd crack jokes, hoping to see your smile, and would be the first one to suggest a group hangout. Well, it didn't take long for him to ask you to hangout with him one on one either.

Mikey would absolutely try to make you laugh in class. He'd crack jokes, share funny stories, and maybe even doodle silly cartoons on your notebooks when you're not looking. His goal would be to brighten your day and see your smile, and most definitely succeeded at that.

He might even create a silly nickname for you as a sign of affection, and you'd find random doodles in your notebooks of you and him sharing a laugh. That had cost both of you stinging looks from your teacher, whenever the two of you would snicker at your table.

Mikey would be excellent at hiding his nervousness, using his cheerful and carefree persona to mask any anxiety he might feel. He'd make it seem like he's just being his usual goofy self around you.

Coming back home from school, Mikey would be even more energetic than usual, and his brothers would notice the extra pep in his step. He'd be excited to share stories about your day and any funny incidents that happened.

Mikey might not talk extensively about you, but he would highlight how cool and awesome you are. His brothers would catch on, and Raphael might roll his eyes while secretly enjoying Mikey's infectious enthusiasm.

Michelangelo would express his admiration for you by describing your coolest moments. "Dude, you should've seen (Y/N) today! She totally aced that move when she borrowed my skateboard. It was epic!"

He'd also try to include you in their pizza nights and movie marathons, subtly finding ways to spend more time together outside of school. It was becoming more and more common to find you and him in the brothers shared room, watching movies on his or your laptop.

When teased by his brothers about his crush, Mikey would play it off with a laugh, hands behind his head and a happy smile on his face, saying, "What? (Y/N) is just super awesome, bros. Can't help but appreciate that!"

To be honest, Mikey wasn't to scared about you or anybody else figuring out about his crush on you. Of course you made his heart skip a beat whenever you were close, but he did not fear the day you would learn about it. Actually, he looked forward to it.

[void-of-unparalled-chaos]

Rending Flesh From the Bone

Ah yes, the dpxdc "drabble" I decided to write for Halloween. Honestly not too enthused with how it came out but posting it anyway. I feel like some parts feel a bit rushed and there might be some plotholes. Oh well. As always, feel free to add on if you so desire.

TW: Gore, Cannibalism, Vomiting, Zalgo Text

Translations for the Zalgo are available at the end.

AO3 version

   “Are you sure about this, Hood?”

   Dick stared at the entrance of the abandoned subway tunnel, Jason practically vibrating out of his armor beside him. 

   For once, it was Jason who had broken into Dick’s apartment and not the other way around. He was rambling something about the Joker and needing Dick’s help, and who was Dick to say no? His little brother never sought him out on his own, let alone asked for his help. Never. Dick was so proud! If he rewarded this behavior then maybe Jason would do it again, and somehow that would lead to Dick being able to give him his highly sought-after best big brother hugs whenever he wanted. Dick was still figuring out the intermediate steps.

  The point is that Dick needed to help him, regardless of if this was all based on a gut feeling and not even a whisper that the Joker was around let alone planning anything. What the hell, Dick thought. Sometimes gut feelings are right, and push comes to shove, Dick will follow Red Hood around Gotham until his paranoia dies down. Then Dick can lovingly bully him into brother bonding time.

   So here they were, staring into the gaping mouth of an unused tunnel.

   There are worse ways he could have spent his night.

   Jason grunts, fists clenched as they gaze into the blackness. “It’s almost Halloween. You know how these freaks get this time of year.”

   Dick concedes the point.  

   “Come on,” Jason bumps against his shoulder as he stalks toward the blackness, “He’s down there I just know it.”

   Dick shrugs and follows him in.

   Something about it is oppressive. Like something is warning them to turn back or face the consequences. Dick swallows. He shouldn’t be getting so worked up over this. He had been in closed dark spaces like this before, tighter ones even! 

  “Dick.”

   Jason is pointing to the ground. Dark splatters. Blood. Fresh, and more than just a little nosebleed. 

   They make their way further in, following the convenient blood trail even as the urge to turn around gets stronger. They only walk a few feet before a loud scream breaks the silence.

   “I fucking told ya Nightwing!” 

   Dick grunts in response as they sprint down the tunnel, following the blood down twists and turns.

   The two vigilantes slide to a stop as the tunnel breaks into a new one. There is something in this new tunnel. Something large and glowing. The Joker is screaming as it bats him around. 

   Dick can’t bring himself to do anything but freeze, watching and assessing. 

   The first thing he sees is the crown. It floats crookedly above the creature’s white hair, bathing the tunnel in light with its green fiery glow. The being’s face almost looks humanoid, with long ears tapering into points. Its body is long and spindly like a man who had been left starving on an island for several weeks. The vertebrae in its neck are visible even underneath its skin. The spinous processes of the vertebrae break through the flesh, creating a long row of protruding bones that clack and rattle as the spine moves. Its pelvis juts out as if only a thin layer of skin is covering it. The ribcage is on the outside of its body like some kind of fucked up turtle shell. Space was underneath it, the purples and blues of nebulas and the blackness of night and twinkling stars and planets rested underneath the bones.

  The creature has the Joker by the neck. It reminds Dick of a cat Damian had fostered, one that had kittens and would carry them gently between her jaws. There is nothing gentle about this though. Red blood drips down to the ground as the Joker thrashes to try and free himself. The jaws tighten viciously around him and the creature shakes, flinging him around like a chew toy before slamming him down into the ground with a growl.

   A skull flashes underneath its face as if its skin and cartilage are merely a transparent overlay. Sharp, jagged bone peaks rise up smoothly from its mandible in a mimicry of teeth.

   The creature’s jaws are still wrapped around the Joker’s throat. He’s scrambling, screeching underneath the being despite the teeth that should be cutting into his vocal cords.  The Joker scratches at its chest, trying to push it away. It merely makes a low staticky hissing noise, one of its hands pinning him down by the shoulder. 

    The other arm raises upwards in the air. It's too long for the body of the creature, fingers tapering into sharp points. 

   The claws slash downwards. 

   The Joker choked on a scream as the digits tore his chest open like it were tissue paper. Mouth still wrapped around his throat, the being flipped a flap of skin and fat upwards like it was turning the page of a book. 

   The Joker continued to struggle, blood and something green gurgling out of his mouth. The being maneuvered itself until it crouched to Joker’s side, twisting his neck with it. 

  The Joker stilled.

   At first, Dick thought he was dead, but then he saw movement inside his chest wound. 

   His lungs.

   His lungs were still moving.

   Dick can see his lungs breathing.

   The creature reaches its hand back down into the Joker’s chest, wrenching the ribcage open with a snap. The Joker begins to struggle once more, red blood and green liquid splattering on the ground.

   One of the clawed hands replaced its teeth, pinning the Joker’s head down as it stuck its face inside the chest cavity. The Joker suddenly froze. When its face remerged a glowing violet orb was held between its teeth. Red and green dripped from its face.

   The green was familiar.

   Glowing green.

   …

   …Lazarus water?

   The tooth-like protrusions pierce the orb with a crack.

   The Joker falls silent.

   His lungs are no longer moving.

   The being’s head tilts back, the shattered orb disappearing down its gullet. It hunches back down over the corpse. The slimy wet sounds of its hands and head digging into the body are sickening. Dick watches as its head remerges with what looks like a kidney. The kidney follows the orb.

   Dick snaps out of his shock, but not quick enough to muffle his strangled gasp. 

   The being catches sight of them, green eyes, lazarus green, boring into them. Dick can see the dark hollows of the skull’s orbits underneath them. His head pounds.

   The creature began to stand. Its joints, too many joints, creaked as it unfolded its legs. It seemed like it struggled to maneuver its stiff limbs. Like it’s fighting against rigor mortis Dick noted absently.  

   Now standing at full height, the being’s crown nearly scraped the top of the ten-foot ceiling. Its maw parted, blue vapor billowing out between the spiked protrusions that were its teeth. The putrid stench of death and burning flesh that invaded the tunnel had Dick gagging. He quietly covered his mouth as he tried to bite back the bile in his throat.

   He glanced back at his brother to find that Jason had taken a step back. It was impossible to see his expression under the helmet, but Dick could read the tightening of his shoulders. Fear. Deep, primal fear. The kind of fear you feel when you know there are no more options. When you know fighting or running is pointless.

   Here, at this moment, the infamous Red Hood looked less like a feared crime lord vigilante and more like a one-week-old gazelle face to face with a lion.

   Dick reached to pull Jason out of sight but the pounding between his eyes made him uncoordinated. He tripped over his own feet and crashed into Jason’s side, gripping his shoulder with shaking fingers as he righted himself. Jason didn’t budge, remaining stock still despite the extra weight of his older brother against him. 

   The creature stared at them, the piercing green glow of its eyes brightening with a spur of power. Its head tilted to the side until it came to rest at well over ninety degrees. A pointed, frostbitten tongue lolled out between its teeth to lick its bloodied face clean.

   “C̷o̷m̶p̴a̵n̵y̵?̵” It sounded like the desolation of space, the static of electricity, the explosion of a star, the final screech before death.

   The space trapped in its chest began to bleed through its ribs, twinkling stars and asteroids and galaxies escaping the confines of their prison to drip down the being’s waist. It ran over its legs, building and thickening until a long serpentine tail had replaced the limbs entirely. Even as the coils moved, the stars and planets stayed in place as if the tail was merely a window. Watching it made Dick motion sick.

  Even as the elongated spines stretching out of its back clanked together in the mimicry of a death rattle, the creature made no move toward them. Another puff of foul-smelling mist escaped its mouth.

   “Y̶o̷u̸ ̶s̵h̴o̷u̴l̵d̶ ̴b̶e̵ ̸m̴o̴r̷e̸ ̴c̷a̴r̸e̴f̴u̷l̵,̷ ̸l̴i̴t̷t̶l̷e̸ ̶g̶h̸o̷s̴t̶l̷i̸n̷g̸.̸” It’s voice boomed, “Y̴o̸u̵ ̶a̸r̶e̵ ̷n̷o̶ ̷m̵a̸t̸c̶h̴ ̷f̴o̵r̴ ̸m̶o̵s̷t̷ ̴s̸p̵i̴r̴i̷t̴s̴ ̵a̸s̸ ̷y̵o̵u̵n̷g̴ ̴a̷s̶ ̶y̶o̵u̶ ̷a̸r̵e̵.̷ ̷E̶s̸p̷e̸c̵i̶a̶l̴l̷y̶ ̶n̴o̵t̷ ̴o̶n̴ ̶S̵a̶m̷h̷a̶i̷n̷.̶”

   The two brothers remained frozen in place. The stars in its tail flickered until millions of eyes were boring into Dick’s soul. With a stuttering gasp, Dick stepped back again. Jason refused to budge despite his urging. The next time Dick blinked the eyes were stars again.

   The being chuckled at them, “N̵o̴ ̴n̶e̸e̵d̷ ̵t̵o̶ ̵f̸e̸a̶r̵,̸ ̵g̸h̵o̶s̶t̶l̸i̴n̴g̶.̸ ̴I̸ ̵d̴o̵ ̷n̶o̶t̴ ̶w̶i̸s̵h̴ ̵y̸o̴u̸ ̷n̷o̵r̴ ̸y̴o̶u̴r̸ ̴f̵r̸a̷i̵d̷ ̴h̵a̵r̷m̸.̶” Dick found that hard to believe considering that they had just watched it eat the Joker’s kidney, “Y̸o̵u̴ ̸a̷r̴e̵ ̵v̵e̸r̸y̶ ̴l̵u̶c̸k̶y̴ ̶i̶t̵ ̴w̷a̴s̴ ̴m̶e̵ ̸w̴h̷o̸ ̸y̶o̷u̵ ̷c̸a̸m̷e̴ ̵a̶c̴r̷o̸s̸s̵ ̶r̸a̴t̷h̷e̵r̸ ̷t̵h̵a̷n̴ ̴a̵n̷o̴t̶h̶e̶r̵ ̷s̴p̷i̸r̸i̴t̸.̵ ̷M̶a̷n̶y̶ ̵w̴o̸u̶l̴d̸ ̷h̸a̶v̸e̷ ̵e̷a̷t̴e̴n̵ ̸y̸o̴u̶ ̴b̵y̷ ̵n̴o̴w̶.̴”

  “I-” Jason finally choked out, “What?”

  The being lowered itself until it was at eye level with Jason. It evaluated him once more before jerking back with what seemed to be an expression of surprise. “O̷h̷ ̸l̵i̶t̷t̵l̷e̵ ̴g̴h̴o̶s̴t̴,̶ ̶y̶o̶u̴ ̸a̴r̵e̸ ̵m̴u̸c̴h̴ ̸y̸o̷u̸n̴g̴e̴r̶ ̵t̶h̷a̶n̸ ̶I̵ ̵h̸a̷d̸ ̴t̵h̵o̵u̸g̸h̵t̵!̵ ̴Y̴o̵u̶r̵ ̷c̵o̴r̸e̵ ̵i̴s̴ ̷n̸e̷w̶ ̶a̷n̷d̵ ̸u̶n̶d̴e̷r̵n̴o̸u̸r̶i̶s̸h̵e̴d̴.̶ ̸N̴o̵ ̴w̸o̴n̸d̵e̶r̶ ̷I̷ ̴h̵a̸d̴ ̷n̵o̷t̴ ̴s̸e̸n̴s̵e̵d̵ ̸y̸o̶u̶ ̶b̷e̵f̵o̷r̷e̶!̴ ̶H̵a̵v̷e̶ ̶y̶o̷u̴ ̷b̵e̵e̵n̵ ̶e̸a̷t̸i̷n̴g̶?̸”

   Its tone seemed almost doting, motherly even. The image was broken by the fact that it was currently leaning closer toward them, supporting itself on what was left of the Joker’s exposed ribcage. 

   Jason shook his head in dumbfounded horror.

  The creature seemed to take it as an answer, humming in what felt like parental disappointment. “Y̶o̶u̷ ̵n̵e̴e̴d̸ ̶t̷o̷ ̷t̶a̵k̸e̵ ̷b̴e̸t̵t̵e̸r̶ ̷c̸a̶r̸e̴ ̶o̷f̶ ̸y̴o̴u̴r̵s̸e̷l̶f̴,̴ ̵l̷i̸t̴t̷l̶e̵ ̶g̶h̵o̸s̵t̴.̵ ̵I̵'̴v̸e̴ ̴n̵e̸v̴e̶r̸ ̸s̵e̵e̵n̷ ̴s̵u̶c̵h̵ ̸a̶n̴ ̸u̶n̷d̷e̸r̶n̶o̴u̸r̸i̸s̵h̸e̵d̶ ̷c̶o̶r̷e̴.̸ ̷Y̷o̶u̴ ̸m̴u̶s̷t̷ ̸b̷e̷ ̷a̵b̵l̷e̸ ̴t̸o̴ ̸f̸e̸e̶l̷ ̸t̶h̵e̸ ̸e̸f̷f̵e̷c̷t̵s̴.̶ ̵A̴r̴e̴ ̶y̴o̴u̶ ̴i̵n̸ ̸p̸a̵i̴n̶?̴”

   Dick knew that he was. If it wasn’t the emotional torment of the pit madness it was chronic pain. There had been many nights where he had to tend to his brother, trying everything from painkillers to ice packs to numbing cream in an attempt to stop it.

   Jason nodded hesitantly, “Yes…” he took his helmet off, letting it drop to the ground. His eyes were burning lazarus green, “It hurts all the time… like there’s a fire burning in my chest. It gets hotter and hotter and hotter until I feel like my brain is gonna melt outta my ears.”

   The creature slithered closer with a rumbling coo. It offered a hand to Jason. Its fingers curled unnaturally. It looked like it had an extra knuckle. “C̷o̷m̷e̴ ̵h̸e̷r̸e̴,̵ ̸g̴h̷o̴s̵t̷l̷i̸n̸g̶.̴ ̴I̷ ̷w̶i̴l̶l̸ ̸s̸h̴a̸r̸e̴ ̷m̶y̶ ̸c̷a̴t̵c̶h̴.̷ ̷I̵ ̷c̵a̴n̷ ̶s̶e̴n̴s̴e̵ ̸t̵h̴e̸ ̵c̴o̵n̷n̸e̵c̴t̶i̷o̷n̷ ̶t̴h̴i̵s̵ ̷r̸e̸v̷e̷n̴a̴n̸t̴ ̴h̴a̶s̸ ̸t̷o̷ ̸y̶o̶u̵.̶ ̷A̸s̸ ̵y̷o̷u̶r̴ ̷k̷i̵l̸l̶e̶r̶,̶ ̵f̵e̸a̵s̷t̴i̴n̸g̶ ̸o̴n̷ ̵h̵i̷m̶ ̸w̷i̴l̵l̵ ̴h̷a̸v̶e̷ ̶e̸x̶t̸r̶a̴ ̶b̶e̷n̸e̵f̸i̵t̷s̴.̸”

   Jason reaches out to accept the hand. Dick throws himself between them, “Little Wing, what the hell! You aren’t seriously going to… you're not…”

   “I… I need it, Dick.” Jason wiped drool from his lips. Dick caught the flash of fanged teeth, sharper than they should have been. “I don’t know how to explain it but I just- I’m so fucking hungry.”

   Dick… Dick wasn’t scared of Jason. He wasn’t. But at that moment, he felt like he needed to run. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t abandon his little brother to this…thing.

   “I̸ ̵u̶n̵d̴e̸r̶s̸t̵a̷n̴d̵ ̷y̶o̴u̶r̴ ̸a̵p̶p̷r̸e̶h̴e̷n̶s̷i̵o̸n̵.̵” the being addressed him, Dick struggled to look it in the eyes, the pounding of his head increasing, “A̶s̷ ̷a̷ ̶l̴i̷v̵i̴n̷g̴ ̷i̸t̸ ̴f̴e̵e̶l̸s̷ ̴w̷r̶o̶n̶g̵,̶ ̶s̴i̶c̵k̴e̴n̴i̶n̵g̴ ̶e̴v̷e̷n̸.̷ ̴I̸t̷ ̵t̷o̸o̶k̷ ̸m̵e̴ ̶a̶ ̷l̶o̸n̴g̸ ̸t̵i̴m̷e̵ ̵t̵o̸ ̷c̵o̵m̶e̶ ̶t̶o̴ ̷t̷e̸r̷m̸s̸ ̸w̶i̶t̴h̸ ̴i̸t̴.̷ ̵I̶ ̴u̸n̵d̶e̵r̷s̸t̶a̴n̶d̸.̸ ̴B̷u̴t̵ ̴i̵t̷ ̸i̵s̷ ̸s̸o̵m̸e̸t̷h̶i̸n̷g̶ ̷o̷u̸r̵ ̷s̴p̸e̷c̷i̵e̵s̸ ̷n̸e̸e̶d̵s̸.̵ ̸S̵u̶r̸e̷l̸y̶ ̴y̷o̷u̴ ̸m̶u̷s̴t̷ ̴h̴a̸v̸e̷ ̷w̴i̴t̸n̴e̸s̴s̵e̶d̸ ̶t̴h̷e̴ ̴e̴f̴f̶e̷c̴t̴s̶ ̶o̴f̴ ̶s̵t̶a̶r̴v̷a̸t̶i̶o̶n̴ ̵o̴n̸ ̸y̵o̷u̶r̷ ̶f̵r̵a̶i̷d̸m̶a̷t̶e̸?̵”

  Moments flash through Dick’s head. Jason breathes as he struggles against the pit so hard that Dick starts to worry his brother will pop a lung. Jason looked at the remains of another destroyed glass in dismay, before practically sprinting to hole himself up somewhere Dick couldn’t find him. Jason sobs into his shirt, begging him to make it stop, to take the pain away as Dick watches on helplessly.

   “I̷t̵ ̷w̸i̷l̵l̶ ̵o̷n̶l̵y̷ ̷g̷e̵t̵ ̷w̴o̸r̴s̸e̶ ̶i̷f̷ ̶h̴e̷ ̷d̵o̶e̶s̴n̸'̶t̷ ̸e̵a̶t̴.̵ ̶E̴v̶e̵n̵t̸u̴a̴l̸l̵y̸,̸ ̵t̴h̴e̵ ̵s̶t̶a̶r̴v̷a̵t̶i̸o̵n̵ ̸w̴i̷l̵l̵ ̶b̴e̶ ̶s̶o̷ ̸b̷a̶d̸ ̷h̷i̸s̵ ̴c̷o̴r̵e̵ ̷w̷i̸l̷l̴ ̷s̷e̵l̸f̵-̷c̴a̷n̴n̷i̵b̷a̶l̵i̵z̴e̷.̵”

   “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

   “I̶ ̷a̵m̵ ̷K̶i̶n̷g̷ ̷P̶h̵a̴n̸t̵o̶m̵ ̵o̸f̷ ̵t̶h̴e̸ ̶I̴n̶f̶i̵n̷i̶t̸e̶ ̶R̷e̶a̸l̴m̷s̴,̷ ̶t̴h̷e̶ ̵A̸n̶c̵i̶e̵n̶t̵ ̵o̵f̵ ̵S̸p̸a̶c̸e̸,̶ ̶P̷r̸o̶t̶e̴c̵t̸o̷r̷ ̴o̶f̷ ̶t̷h̸e̸ ̵L̷i̸v̵i̷n̸g̸ ̸a̵n̷d̴ ̸D̷e̸a̴d̴,̷ ̷t̵h̷e̴ ̶O̸n̸e̴ ̸W̶h̶o̶ ̷L̷i̴e̴s̷ ̸I̴n̶ ̴B̴e̷t̸w̴e̵e̴n̵,̷ ̶t̴h̶e̷ ̴K̵i̴n̶g̵ ̸o̷f̶ ̶G̶h̷o̴s̸t̷s̵.̴” What almost looks like a smile splits across his face, “I̴f̸ ̶I̶ ̴w̵e̶r̴e̵ ̷n̵o̸t̵ ̶a̴w̷a̸r̷e̶ ̶o̶f̵ ̶m̷y̸ ̵p̶e̴o̶p̷l̴e̸'̵s̵ ̸n̷e̶e̴d̵s̵ ̷I̴ ̶w̵o̷u̸l̵d̴ ̷b̴e̶ ̴a̸ ̷v̴e̵r̵y̷ ̷p̴o̸o̷r̸ ̴k̶i̸n̷g̸ ̶i̵n̶d̷e̸e̷d̴.̸”

   Dick turns back to Jason. His brother hasn’t looked this small since before his death. He’s shaking. He looks desperate.

   Dick steps to the side.

   Jason lets out a stuttering breath but remains still otherwise, hands clenched at his sides.

   The newly dubbed King Phantom returns to the corpse, digging through fluid and meat. “I̴f̷ ̸i̴t̷ ̷i̶s̴ ̸a̸n̸y̴ ̵c̴o̵n̸s̸o̵l̶a̸t̷i̷o̵n̶,̷ ̵h̶e̵ ̷w̶i̴l̵l̵ ̸n̴o̷t̸ ̶n̷e̸e̶d̴ ̵t̶o̵ ̶e̸a̵t̴ ̴o̷f̴t̶e̸n̶.̸ ̸O̵n̴c̸e̸ ̴o̸r̴ ̸t̶w̷i̴c̸e̵ ̷e̸v̷e̸r̸y̶ ̷f̴i̶f̸t̵y̶ ̵y̸e̷a̴r̶s̶ ̸o̷r̴ ̷s̴o̵ ̷s̵h̵o̶u̶l̵d̶ ̸b̶e̸ ̸e̴n̸o̵u̸g̵h̴ ̶t̸o̶ ̸k̶e̴e̵p̶ ̴h̶i̶m̷ ̶r̸e̴l̶a̷t̷i̸v̶e̷l̶y̸ ̵h̶e̵a̸l̶t̸h̶y̴.̶“ He pulls out the Joker's liver with bloody claws. "C̷o̴m̷e̵ ̶h̵e̸r̸e̷,̵ ̷g̸h̵o̴s̷t̷l̵i̸n̴g̸," he purrs, offering it to Jason as if it were an apple instead of a human organ, "I̴ ̴k̴n̶o̷w̸ ̷y̸o̴u̵'̶r̵e̷ ̴h̶u̶n̷g̶r̸y̷.̶ ̵T̴h̵e̸ ̷e̶c̴t̴o̵p̷l̶a̶s̷m̷ ̸i̴n̴ ̶h̷e̷r̴e̵ ̵w̵i̵l̵l̴ ̵h̵e̴l̶p̵ ̵b̵o̵o̸s̶t̵ ̸y̶o̵u̵r̵ ̷o̸w̷n̸ ̶e̶c��t̴o̴ ̸p̶r̶o̷d̴u̷c̴t̴i̶o̴n̵.̵"

   Jason reaches for it, eyes flicking uncertainly between the liver and the creature’s eyes. Despite everything, Dick almost hopes that he will suddenly come to his senses, slap the hand away, and leap backward gagging in disgust.

  Instead, he wraps a couple of fingers around one of King Phantom’s. His tank of a brother looks minuscule in comparison. Jason stares up at the being with wide eyes, like a child presented with cotton candy.

   “Are you sure I can have it?”

   King Phantom’s chest lets out another deep rumbling purr. “T̶h̷e̴ ̶l̴o̷s̵s̵ ̴i̸s̴ ̵n̸o̴t̶ ̷a̷ ̷g̵r̷e̶a̵t̸ ̴o̷n̷e̴ ̵f̴o̶r̴ ̸m̴e̸.̴ ̵I̵ ̵a̶m̸ ̷p̷o̸w̵e̷r̶f̸u̸l̸ ̵e̶n̸o̶u̷g̷h̵ ̷t̵o̴ ̶s̷u̷r̸v̴i̸v̸e̸ ̵o̷f̵f̶ ̷a̷m̴b̷i̶e̸n̵t̸ ̸e̸c̷t̵o̷p̷l̵a̵s̶m̸ ̸a̶n̸d̴ ̴e̸m̸o̶t̷i̵o̴n̸s̶ ̴l̴o̷n̷g̶e̸r̸ ̴t̸h̸a̵n̸ ̴o̶t̴h̵e̸r̸s̷.̷ ̸B̶e̵s̶i̸d̸e̸s̴,̶ ̴t̵h̵e̶r̴e̷ ̸w̴i̴l̷l̷ ̴a̷l̴w̴a̵y̷s̷ ̵b̸e̴ ̸a̵n̶o̷t̸h̴e̷r̴ ̸c̶r̶i̶m̷i̴n̶a̵l̵ ̸t̴o̸ ̷h̶u̸n̵t̵.̵”

   Jason snatches the liver with burning green eyes. The organ wobbles in his hands. To Dick’s dismay, Jason takes a large eager bite. His expression can only be described as blissed relief like he had just tasted ambrosia. He goes in for another, larger bite before he has even swallowed the first, jaw unhinging like a snake. 

   Dick is never eating Jello again. 

   He watches with detachment as Jason takes a third bite of the liver. His brother’s mouth is painted in red and green like a facsimile of King Phantom’s. For the first time, Jason’s chest stutteringly hums in relieved glee. King Phantom purrs in return as he tucks his face back into the corpse, like some sort of horrific feedback loop. 

   Dick tries to focus on something else, anything else, but the iron stench of blood and burning flesh is inescapable. He tries to avert his eyes away from the gorey pile of what used to be the Joker as his brother and the creature tear into it. The stars that makeup King Phantom’s tail stare at him. They blink. A sharp pain shoots behind his eyes as he shuts them tightly. 

   It feels like he loses time.

   When he opens them again, his brother is gnawing flesh off a rib. The entire front of his body is caked in red and green. King Phantom is staring at him with piercing green eyes. Intestines dangle from between its jaws. Its tongue maneuvers them further into its mouth like they are spaghetti noodles. 

   The bile rises in his throat again. Dick retches against the wall. He wipes the acid from his mouth and leans his forehead against the brick. The coolness of the stone eases the pain zinging between his eyes. He can still hear the squelching of meat and snapping of bone behind him. 

  A noise of concern sounds from his brother.

   Dick turns back in the direction of the horror show, keeping his eyes squeezed tight.

   King Phantom hums in thought. “P̴e̷r̷h̷a̶p̶s̶ ̴i̷t̸ ̵w̶i̷l̴l̷ ̸b̵e̵ ̸e̶a̵s̵i̵e̴r̸ ̶i̷f̴ ̸y̴o̵u̸ ̷w̵a̵i̴t̸ ̶o̷u̸t̵s̶i̵d̵e̷.̸”

    “Y-yeah.” Dick nods, voice cracking. “I think I’ll just… do that.”

   Jason makes a noise of acknowledgment. 

   Another bone snaps.

   Dick quickly makes his way back the way they had come. He stops briefly to vomit again, though there is nothing left in his stomach to throw up. When he emerges from the tunnel entrance he gasps on fresh Gotham air. He wraps his arms tight around himself with shaking fingers as he tries to steady his breathing. With the absence of the creature the pain in his head steadily fades away, though the images of bloody organs and sounds of desperate screaming remain persistent. 

   He’s not sure how long he waits outside, but it's long enough that he begins to worry something happened to Jason. He begins to wonder if the creature pinned him down like it had the Joker, restaining him with his neck between its fangs. What would Dick even do? How could he save his brother from that… thing?

   Jason remerges before he can figure it out. He’s clean of any visible blood or lazarus water, but the acrid tang of death and gore follows him. 

   Jason pleadingly stares at him through the eyes of his helmet. 

   Dick nods.

   They don’t speak of it again.

______________________

Zalgo Translations...

"Company?"

"You should be more careful, little ghostling."

"You are no match for most spirits as young as you are. Especially not on Samhain."

"No need to fear, ghostling. I do not wish you nor your fraid harm."

"You are very lucky it was me who you came across rather than some other spirit. Many would have eaten you by now."

"Oh little ghost, you are much younger than I had thought! Your core is new and undernourished. No wonder I had not sensed you before! Have you been eating?"

"You need to take better care of yourself, little ghost. I've never seen such an undernourished core. You must be able to feel the effects. Are you in pain?"

"Come here, ghostling. I will share my catch. I can sense the connection this revenant has to you. As your killer, feasting on him will have extra benefits."

"I understand your apprehension."

"As a living it feels wrong, sickening even. It took me a long time to come to terms with it. I understand. But it is something our species needs. Surely you must have witnessed the effects of starvation on your fraidmate?"

"It will only get worse if he doesn't eat. Eventually, the starvation will be so bad his core will self-cannibalize."

"I am King Phantom of the Infinite Realms, the Ancient of Space, Protector of the Living and Dead, the One Who Lies In Between, the King of Ghosts."

"If I were not aware of my people's needs I would be a very poor king indeed."

"If it is any consolation, he will not need to eat often. Once or twice every fifty years or so should be enough to keep him relatively healthy. "

"Come here, ghostling,"

"I know you're hungry. The ectoplasm in here will help boost your own ecto production."

"The loss is not a great one for me. I am powerful enough to survive off ambient ectoplasm and emotions longer than others. Besides, there will always be another criminal to hunt."

"Perhaps it will be easier if you wait outside."

[purplepixel]

What if the turtles were in the pokemon world? And what if they were never turtles, but in fact, mutated pokemon? What if they lived in the Castelia sewers of Unova instead of New York?

Meet my Rise/Pokemon AU!! Waaaah this has been on my mind for MONTHS now. Pokemon is that one fixation that'll never leave me. I'm THAT pokemon fan that knows WAAAAY too much about the games and lore. For those that don't know,

Raph is Drednaw

Leo is Wartortle

Mikey is Torkoal

Donnie is Lapras

Yes. They are all shiny. I started with raph, since him as drednaw is pretty much a no brainer. The shiny form fit too well with him and his color scheme. Than I realized if I made him shiny, I had to make the other bros shiny as well so THEY ALL SHINY. (draxum shiny hunter confirmed?) Also dual rock typing fits well with raph's character.

Wartortle for leo was also a pretty obvious choice. I MEAN LOOK AT HIM. Long flowy tail? Yes please. I had to keep his markings somehow. Wartortle has little dark cheek spots, so I just changed them to be leo's markings. Water typing leo. Go with the flow, think on the spot, it worked out too well.

Torkoal for Mikey was another easy one. Fire turtle? Passionate, warm, also DANGEROUS (he can be a menace ok) Say no more. His powers in rise are already pyro related. Also having him shiny helped a lot with the color scheme. Torkoal is normally orange so having mikey be the yellow shiny form meant I didn't have to mess with his mask colors

Donnie on the other hand....OHHH BOI I STRUGGLED WITH YOU. I went through 4 DIFFERENT POKEMON, before deciding on the least turtle like of them all. I am aware that we do have a softshell pokemon with enamorous, but it's a legendary so thats not happening. But it was really important for me to keep donnie's soft shell and battle shell. I wanted this to be a RISE au and donnie's battle shell is pretty tied into his character. (there's also tirtouga which I almost went with, but I didn't like that both he and raph shared the exact same dual typing) Soooo, Lapras. Its more of a loch ness monster but it also draws inspiration from a placochelys (prehistoric seaturtle esque species) so IM COUNTING IT. Very unconventional but I have my reasons. Ice typing is a good offensive type, but is pretty bad defensively. Which ties into rise donnie's fighting style. If I wasn't a coward, I wouldve made donnie the biggest of the bros. Since lapras is like 8 feet tall compared to the others being like 1-3 feet. But uhhh, I swear I have an in universe explanation for why he's so small ok.

And than there's April. She is not a pokemon trainer in this au. At least not in the traditional sense. I've been with pokemon for all of my 26 years of life, and I always wanted to know what the normal people of the pokemon world are up to. Not everyone is out here collecting gym badges, travelling, or catching them all. How do non-trainers interact with the pokemon world? So that's where I'm at with April. She will get a pokemon partner, but other than that, she's just an average high schooler who befriended the turtles from a young age and takes part in all their shenanigans. I took some design elements from rosa and hilbert with her outfit, but otherwise its pretty much the same.

We'll see how far I'll take this. I've been using this as a break from my many other projects, but like everything I do, it grew too many legs and is slowly becoming its own thing.

[scrollwyrm]

RainWing Headcanons:

They have trouble reading dragons with scales that don’t change, and often ask blunt questions like “what are you feeling right now” at random intervals of conversation because of this.

RainWings often keep rainforest animals as pets, ranging from the canon sloths to geckos or macaws.

RainWings naturally mimic the scale colour of the dragons they’re with.

They have a lot of music and story festivals handed down generations by ear.

RainWing eggs have translucent shells.

In DarkStalker’s time, most RainWings were travelling assassins, and were feared across the continent for their camouflage and venom.

Many RainWings, such as Pineapple, as mentioned by Luna in the Flames of Hope, do not have a resting scale colour.

Bromeliad resigned because of Kinkajou.

Glory and Kinkajou are both Orchid and Mangrove’s dragonets. At some point they will learn this when Kinkajou forces Glory to do a venom test because they ‘feel like sisters’ to her.

Turtle and Moon 10000% call Kinkajou ‘Kim’. Because yes.

[ju1cyfru1t]

rottmnt headcanons (pt.1?)

this is short I was just bored 🤞

(I have hella more than just these)

Raph

- he has one of those stuffed animal net things above his bed because he doesn’t have room for all of them ON his bed

- ^ apologizes and feels bad if he knocks one off accidentally + makes his brothers apologize if they so much as move one to make room or if they knock one off (Leo throws them across the room)

- Implemented a swear jar; to no surprise, Donnie has paid the most

- has a scar on his bottom lip from his snaggle tooth and accidentally biting himself

- sobbed while watching the Barbie movie because he realized they don’t rlly have a mom 😭 (he still smothered Splinter after)

- there are just random holes and dents in the walls in the lair (especially his room) from his spikes

Leo

- said it once, and I’ll say it over and over again. He is a Taylor Swift stan, and ONLY refers to her as ‘TayTay,’ ‘T Swizzle,’ or ‘T Sweezy’

- ^favorite album is 1989

- Blasts ‘tolerate it’ when he’s “mad” at Donnie or Raph (or when they hurt his feelings)

- messiest room out of his brother, EXCEPT he keeps his shelves with his figures, comics, and stuff super neat

- ^walls are almost fully covered in posters

- makes A LOT of audible turtle noises like hissing, churring, etc.

- his knuckles and joints crack so fucking loud (he does it just to annoy Raph bc he hates the sound)

- ASTONISHING intuition. he’s one of those people who just KNOW when you’re hiding something or just like when bad things are about to happen.

-

Donnie

- HATES carbonation

- Doesn’t usually show it, but it genuinely hurts his feelings when his family doesn’t listen to him about his science and inventions and interests

- He had a thin eyebrow phase only for like 3 days and it was NOT good 😭 he got absolutely flamed for it

- Velvet, felt fabric, and being sticky are big sensory no-no’s

- calls inanimate objects that he bumps into (and Leo) a whore

- I don’t think he likes coffee so much but if he does drink it it’s black

- his mask covers them but he has hella eyebags and dark circles

- prefers to watch a show/movie or youtube while he eats (iPad kid)

- Queen (the band) stan

Mikey

- graffiti artist. not in like an illegal way, but like on alleyways, on the walls of the sewer, rooftops, abandoned buildings, etc.

- Copies Leo and also blasts ‘tolerate it’ by Taylor Swift in his room at full volume when he’s mad at Donnie or Raph /if they hurts his feelings, but he screams the lyrics (specifically the bridge)

- there’s still a family portrait he drew when he was like 6 hanging on the fridge

- ADHD

- his nails are always painted; yes orange, but also tries like every color you could think of it

- ^ spent a lot of time perfecting nail art (like smiley faces, flowers, patterns, etc.)

- has THE fastest fucking metabolism you have ever seen. the teenage boy hunger is STRONG

- Melanie Martinez stan

- ^ his favorite album is Crybaby

- has his own little game where he tries to see how many stickers he can put on his brothers shells without being caught

- 20+ hours of screen time on YouTube every week

- rarely ever sleeps in his own room and rotates sleeping in Leo, Donnie, or Raph’s room

- Conan Gray stan

- dreams of having his own talk show like Wendy Williams 😭

[cupcakeslushie]

LITA MAY LITA MAY LITA MAY

Ok ok so I have like a bunch of questions feel free to ignore BUT

I) she has a tail. Is that a Kraang feature or do all the turtles in your universe have tails and hers is just extended?

II) Uh pink? Pink like Kraang? Did she choose her life colors, or???

III) Is. Is she. Is she autistic too

IV) Draxum-Hamato sooooo what does she call them? Did they argue about nicknames? Also was it Donnie’s choice to include Draxum’s name as well

V) Lita in the comics???

VI) Is there a reason her shell isn’t smooth like Donnie’s?

VII) What does she call Renet?

VIII) Ninpo question mark?

IX) Pupils! I love the way you draw her pupils. Is there a reason or is it just fun

X) Does she have a certain resistance to Kraang mind digging? Like that thing they did to interrogate Raph in the movie? To read his memories?

XI) So the cloak/scarf thing is Leo, the purple accents and stripes are Donnie, and the kneepads are Mikey. Any Raph references in her clothes?

Apologies if you’ve answered these before and I just didn’t see them! Have a good day and give Lita one too for goodness sakes girl’s had it rough already

1. It’s more of a Krang feature. I do love when the turtles are drawn with tails, but I didn’t do it from the beginning, and so for consistency sake in the EW universe I’ve held off. Maybe one day I’ll just say “fuck it” and give into the urge to give them all cute little tails. But even if I did, Lita’s would be much longer than any of the family’s (except Raph���s hypothetical tail lol).

2. Lita being albino and pink in the IDW comics pretty much made that Krang connection for me lol. I didn’t have to reach too hard with her design. She leans into it.

3. I have her personality very close to Leo’s canon personality, so she’s more on the ADHD side. She does have some sensory issues with sound, which a lot of ppl with adhd have (👋🏻). But being raised around the quiet and solemn Time Masters Sanctum it’s like really noticeable. When she visits the family, it can be very overwhelming, but rather than shutting down, she gets insanely riled up and can’t contain herself. It works though—everyone is more than happy to let her ramble on.

4. She never met either of them but Splinter of course would’ve been Jiji and Draxum would’ve been just Grandfather. Nothing too out of this world lol. And yes, Donnie chooses to embrace Draxum’s name.

5. Sorry idk what exactly this is asking. Like yes? Lita May is based off IDW Lita, from the comics 😅 sorry if I’m missing the question.

6. She is a spiny soft shell like Donnie, but yes, her spines are significantly more pronounced, thanks to, you guessed it!

7. Master Renet, or Aunty Ren in a more causal setting.

8. 🤫 we’ll see (I’m still trying to think of something cool and not too OP lol)

9. Her eyes are just for design fun, and to link her to Donnie some more!

10. That’s gonna be another big 🤫, but less because I haven’t decided and more just for the big spoilers! 😜

11. She’s kinda got two outfits atm and I think I might end up merging the two. Her simpler outfit of just her wraps and mask are very Raph coded, so I wanna figure out some sort of middle ground with the two.

[corroded-hellfire]

Big Brown Eyes - Eddie Munson x Reader, Part 5

Summary: After your miscommunication with Eddie at the graduation party, Dustin gets to the bottom of where the issue began.

Note: She’s finally here! Thank you everybody who’s asked about this series, it means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy 💙

Warnings: reader has anxiety, mom!reader, ex Steve x reader

Words: 7.9k

[Big Brown Eyes masterlist]

Everett runs over to the tank where the sea turtles are floating around, gliding through the water, and looking as if they have no problems in the world. The little boy’s eyes can’t focus on anything in particular as he tries to take in everything in the large tank. A turtle with a spotted shell swims right in front of Everett’s face and the three-year-old looks like he may pass out in excitement.

“Mommy! Did you see?!”

“I did,” you say, stepping up next to him. You card your fingers through his brown curls as Nancy comes up on your other side, pushing Everett’s stroller which is currently holding his new stuffed otter doll. “The turtles are cool, aren’t they?”

“Yeah!” Everett grins and walks down the length of the glass, following his new turtle friend as it swims along. 

Though your eyes follow your son as he walks away from you, you can feel Nancy’s gaze on you. She’s basically been chomping at the bit to talk to you about what happened with Eddie since she’d gotten into your car so the two of you could take Everett to the aquarium. Now that the toddler’s out of earshot, she takes her chance.

“You know you can talk to me, right? About anything.”

“I know,” you say quietly, keeping your eyes on Everett. “I don’t want to talk about it, though.”

“Are you sure?” Nancy asks. 

“Yes.”

Everett runs back over to you then, giggling about how cool the turtles are. He lifts his arms up to you and you sweep him up so he can get a better look at the reptiles floating towards the top of the tank.

“What do you think, Everett?” Nancy asks. “Are the turtles your favorite so far?”

His little face scrunches up in concentration as he thinks it over. The little furrow between his brows makes him look uncannily like his father. 

“Dolphins,” Everett decides. “But I like the tootles and ottahs, too.”

“Wanna go see what’s next?” you ask. Everett nods his head and scoots down from your arms. His little hand slips into yours as you make your way into the next room. Jellyfish were the next creatures awaiting you. They don’t interest the boy as much and it isn’t long before he’s curled up in his stroller, snoozing gently with his new stuffed otter in his arms as you and Nancy leisurely walk through the rest of the aquarium. Nancy respected you saying you didn’t want to talk about what happened between you and Eddie, but you know she’s still silently itching to know. So, you decide to let it out. 

“Okay,” you say with a sigh. There’s a bench at the other end of the room and you nod in that direction. Nancy follows behind you as you push Everett in the stroller. Between the seat and the wall, there’s a big enough gap for you to park the sleeping little boy and sit down next to him. 

“What’s up?” Nancy asks as she takes her spot next to you. Taking a moment to collect your thoughts, you watch the bright and colorful fish swimming before you in their tank. The light filtering through the blue water reflects and casts shadows against your face. 

“Eddie… He, well, he uh… When I went to ask him if he wanted to go out again, he said yes but he wouldn’t even look at me. Obviously, something was up. I asked him and he starts saying how he’s never dated a mom before and how it’s a lot.” Pressure begins building behind your eyes and you need a moment to take a deep breath before continuing. “He dumped me. Makes sense, though. It was the first time he really saw me be a mom, you know?”

“That’s,” Nancy starts before trailing off with a sigh. “That’s really shitty. I’m sorry that happened.”

Not trusting your voice, you shrug your shoulders and nod your head. Hopefully, Nancy reads that as you accepting her sympathy. 

“Yeah,” you manage to get out in a hoarse whisper.

Nancy’s brow wrinkles in confusion as she thinks over your words, though. “But, why would he say yes to a second date at all if he wanted to stop seeing you?”

“I don’t know.” Quickly, you wipe your nose on the back of your hand, trying to dispel the impending tears. “Maybe he wanted to ease me into it. Didn’t want to come out with a flat-out no. Especially with everyone else there at the party.”

“It’s his loss,” your best friend tells you. She rests her hand on your shoulder and gives it a light squeeze. “He’s an idiot and doesn’t know what he’s missing.”

The best you can do is offer her half a smile. It would be pointless to voice your self-deprecating thoughts that state the opposite because, the amazing friend that she is, Nancy would have a rebuttal for all of them. Later, a pep talk would be something that will help you. Right now, it would just go in one ear and out the other. 

“Ready to get going? Hopefully, this sleepy head won’t wake up in the middle of his naptime and be a little menace,” you say.

“A menace? Everett? Never.” Nancy’s smirk makes you chuckle as you stand up from the bench. 

“He’s Steve’s kid, of course he’s a menace sometimes,” you reply.

“You got me there,” Nancy admits, standing up beside you and walking with you toward the exit. 

“What’s going on?”

Dustin doesn’t want to shush his date, but his mind is entirely focused on something other than her. He takes a few steps out of the shadow he and Geri had been standing in when he first noticed you and Nancy walk past him and over to the bench to sit. A smile had lit up his face when his eyes landed on the pair of you, but as soon as he saw the downtrodden expression on your face, he bit his tongue. Dustin hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but how could he not when you were only a few feet away? 

She thinks she was dumped, Dustin thinks. Why does she think Eddie was dumping her?

“Dustin?” Geri asks. 

“Yeah?” he responds, trying to settle himself back in the present moment. 

“You okay?”

“Fine,” he tells her with a smile. “You wanted to go see the penguins, right?”

“Yes!” Geri takes Dustin’s hand and gives it a squeeze as they head in the right direction for the exhibit.

Maybe Steve will know what’s going on. I’ll have to track him down after this date.

The sun is setting as Dustin drives down the lonely road after dropping Geri off at her place. He’d had a nice time with the girl he met at work, but it was obvious to both of them that his mind was somewhere else the last half of the date. Now, he’s heading towards the station to see if Steve’s on call tonight or not. 

His car is parked outside in the small parking lot, but Dustin knows there’s a chance his friend could be out on the ambulance for a call. Taking his chance, Dustin gets out of the car and pockets his keys as he walks into the open bay that houses the ambulances. 

“Hey, Thompson,” Dustin greets one of Steve’s fellow paramedics. 

“Henderson, how ya doing? Looking for Harrington?”

“Yep.”

“He’s inside,” the paramedic says, nodding his head towards the open door that leads to the interior of the station. 

Dustin gives him a salute in thanks before walking inside and looking around the small area. He finds Steve in the kitchen, feet kicked up on one chair while he lounges in another, bowl of cereal in his hands.

“Dufstin?” Steve asks, mouth full of Captain Crunch and milk. “Wha’re you doin here?”

“Wanted to talk to you.” Dustin grabs another chair and turns it around before sitting on it backwards and resting his arms on the back. 

“Bout?” Steve asks before swallowing what’s in his mouth.

“I had my date today, you know,” Dustin starts.

“Oh yeah. How was it?”

Releasing a sigh, Dustin tilts his head up and stares at the ceiling for a moment before looking back down to Steve who’s shoving another full spoonful of cereal in his mouth. 

“Was good. Until I overheard a conversation between your ladies.” Dustin had started referring to you and Nancy as “Steve’s ladies” a couple of years back, and at first, you and Nancy rolled your eyes at the term. But when Dustin offered to change it to “Steve’s girlfriend and baby mama,” you two thought being called ladies wasn’t so bad. 

“Oh, they took Ev to the aquarium? That’s funny. Wait–why was your date good up ‘til then?”

“Because I overheard them talking about Eddie.” The look Dustin gives Steve has the older man frowning and straightening his posture in his seat.

“Why’re you staring at me like that?”

“Eddie told me a different story at the party than what I heard today,” Dustin says, ignoring Steve’s question. Steve’s stomach sinks with guilt. Shit, Steve thinks. Eddie told Dustin what happened and now he knows this is all my fault. But Dustin’s next words surprise him.

“What do you know about what happened?”

“Why do you think I’d know anything?” It sounds more defensive than Steve intended, but he knew he’d end up caving and spilling his guts to his best friend anyway. 

“You drove her home last night,” Dustin says, raising his eyebrows. “What did she say?”

“She said she’d been dumped.” Suddenly, Steve finds the contents of his bowl interesting and keeps his gaze on the last few pieces of golden cereal floating around. 

“Eddie said he just wanted to take things slow because of Everett.” Dustin bites at his bottom lip for a moment, eyes staring at the floor next to him, mind somewhere far away. “Why did she think he was breaking up with her?”

At first, Steve thinks it’s a rhetorical question—and maybe it is. But the way Dustin stays silent, as if waiting for Steve to say something, weighs on him and he feels the need to break the silence. 

“I-I don’t know, maybe she…”

“Steve.” The harsh tone of Dustin’s voice has Steve looking up from his bowl, his brown eyes swimming with guilt. “What the hell did you do?”

Conscience finally becoming too heavy to bear, Steve thunks his bowl down on the table and runs his hands over his face. He’s never wished for that alarm to go off for an emergency call more than he does right now. 

“Shit,” he hisses. The weight of Dustin’s glare makes Steve’s skin crawl as he sits up properly in his chair and kicks away the second chair he’d had his feet on. “Look, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. All I said to Eddie was that I didn’t want Everett to become attached to him if he wasn’t going to stick around. Is that so wrong of me?”

“Jesus Steve, they’ve been on one date! They’ve known each other a few weeks!”

“I know. I’m an asshole,” Steve responds, not quite yelling but certainly louder than he was talking before. “I just felt really fucking weird about everything, okay?”

Dustin shakes his head in disbelief before leveling his gaze on Steve again.

“What, did you think she’d be a single mom forever, never fall in love, while you have Nancy?” The question isn’t meant to be mean, but it stings Steve nonetheless. He never wanted anything less than the best for you.

“No! Of course not. She deserves to be happy. It’s less about her–”

“About Everett, yeah,” Dustin interrupts. “Dude, Eddie isn’t trying to be his dad.”

“I know, I know!” Steve pushes himself out of the chair and begins to pace back and forth. Dustin’s eyes track him all the while, as if he’s watching a tennis match. “I just don’t want my son getting hurt.”

“Well, no shit,” Dustin scoffs. “But it looks like things were going fine until you opened your big mouth.”

Steve sighs and ceases his pacing. He purses his lips and stares in the direction of the wildlife calendar on the otherwise blank wall in front of him, lost in thought. Hadn’t he known what he was doing was wrong all along? If it wasn’t wrong, he wouldn’t have tried keeping the conversation secret from those around him. 

“What do I do?” he finally asks.

Dustin’s eyes bulge, thinking the answer was the plainest thing in the world. “Fix it!”

“How?” Steve runs his hands through his hair, a sure sign of his agitation. He’d definitely be looking in a mirror as soon as possible to straighten it out. Dustin cocks his head at his friend and shrugs one shoulder. 

“Your big mouth got you into this. Try using it to get out of it.”

As if concentrating wasn’t hard enough for you at work on Monday morning, Mrs. Montgomery says that you need to reshelve books in the romance section. Every time you pick up a book there’s either a couple embracing or a title about love or some affection-laced mushiness. It’s nauseating and you don’t even realize you’re slamming the books around until you whack one on the cart too hard and it goes flying halfway down the aisle. A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you trudge over to pick it up. A face pops around the corner and you’re startled to see Nancy standing there. 

“I was going to surprise you for lunch,” she says as she comes to stand fully between the bookshelves, “but uh…are you okay?”

“Fine,” you say as you notice the lunchbox Nancy is holding. You take in the flowy floral summer dress she’s wearing and become self-consciously aware that you’re in an old pair of jeans and a black polo shirt. 

“Lunch?” Nancy asks, holding the lunchbox up in front of her face.

The two of you go into the back room and she unpacks the sandwiches she made and two cans of coke. She waits until you’re both a few bites into your food before she speaks.

“So, Steve called from the station last night. Said Dustin paid him a visit there yesterday afternoon.”

“Oh?” You pop open your soda and take a fizzy sip.

“Mhmm,” she hums as she finishes the bite she just took. “Apparently, Steve was a bonehead and said something to Eddie at the party.” At the mention of his name, you feel anxious, and it must appear on your face because Nancy rushes to get the next sentence out. “He said he didn’t remember exactly what he said but it was something about not wanting Everett to get hurt. Don’t worry, Steve said as soon as you both get off work this evening, he’ll be over and groveling at your feet. Well, he said he’d apologize but I’m going to make sure he grovels.”

Anxiety turning to anger, you wipe your hands off on a napkin and nod your head. “Nancy, if I murder Steve and the judge is a woman, do you think I’d be able to get away with it?”

Your best friend considers this, tilting her head from side to side as she thinks.

“You’re less likely to get caught if I help you hide the body.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Dustin drives towards Benny’s Burgers with Eddie in his passenger’s seat. Yesterday, Steve had begged Dustin to get Eddie to come to the diner on his lunch break so he could talk to him. 

“I’m not leaving you alone with him this time. You need supervision,” he’d told Steve. So, Dustin had called up Eddie and asked if he wanted to grab lunch together the next day. Whether or not he mentioned that Steve would be there, well he figured a lie by omission wasn’t really a lie. 

Steve’s standing outside the diner when Dustin pulls into a parking space. Eddie’s brows furrow in confusion and he looks over to see Dustin avoiding his eye. 

“Why’s Steve here?”

“He, uh, wants to talk to you,” Dustin says, glancing in his direction. 

Eddie sighs and drops his head back against the headrest. He’s not entirely sure how he feels. He isn’t exactly mad at Steve, but he doesn’t have the warmest feelings towards the man. 

“You can definitely tell him just to fuck off,” Dustin offers as he unbuckles his seatbelt. 

“Nah,” Eddie says with another sigh. “Might as well hear what he has to say.”

Dustin already knows what Steve has to say because they’d practiced it over the phone last night and then again this morning. He didn’t hide the fact from Steve that he was afraid he was going to fuck this up even worse. 

Steve awkwardly greets both men as they get out of the car. There’s a tense silence between the three of them as they head inside and sit down at a table. Dustin almost picked a booth but didn’t want to be shoved into a seat with either of them in case things got ugly. The waitress who comes to take their orders has to sense the uneasiness that was settled over the table. Steve waits a few moments after she walks away before clearing his throat and starting his prepared speech.

“Look, Eddie, I shouldn’t have said anything to you the other day. It wasn’t my place.”

“But you’re right,” Eddie says with a shrug. He lifts his eyes from the table to look at Steve where he’s seated across from him. “He’s your son and you want to make sure he’s not gonna get hurt. I don’t want to hurt anyone, that’s why I wanted to talk to her about slowing things down. For Everett.”

“Is that what you said to her?” Steve asks. 

Eddie sighs and brings a hand up to rub along his eyebrows. “I tried.” He throws his hand out to the side before nervously rubbing it along his stubble. “But she started to get upset and I got confused.”

“She, uh,” Dustin starts, letting out a small cough, “thought you were breaking up with her.”

“What?” Eddie turns his attention to the younger man, completely flabbergasted by his words. “Why? Why would she think that?”

“Her anxiety,” Steve says, lightly rapping his knuckles against the tabletop. “It makes her brain tell her all kinds of shit that isn’t true.”

“Her insecurities get the better of her,” Dustin adds. “Makes her jump to the worst-case scenario.”

Eddie takes their words in, nodding absentmindedly as he tries to wrap his head around this.

“What? Does she think I don’t find her attractive? Because she’s fucking gorgeous,” he says. 

“No, it’s not that,” Steve says with a shake of his head. “Well–it may have crossed her mind, but that’s not what this was about. It’s about her being a mom.”

This only adds to Eddie’s confusion and his face wrinkles up as he squeezes his eyes shut. “Why would that bother me?”

“Unfortunately, it would bother a lot of guys,” Dustin says. Eddie shakes his head in disbelief as if this personally offends him. 

“Look,” Steve says, leaning his elbows on the table. “I just wanted to apologize and sit down to talk with you. You seem like a good guy, Eddie. She needs a good guy.”

Eddie’s shoulders slump as he slides down in his seat. The array of emotions he’s felt over the last twenty minutes is enough to give him whiplash. They buzz around his thoughts like bees, but he tries to shake them off and just focus on one thing: you. How he feels about you. How you’re out there thinking that he didn’t want to be with you all because you have the sweetest kid he’s ever met. Bitterness burns his stomach, and he knows he has to talk to you as soon as he can. But would you even hear him out?

“If she thinks I broke up with her, will she even want to see me?”

Dustin nods his head. “Nancy went to see her and told her that this one over here opened his yap when he shouldn’t have.”

It’s all Eddie needs to hear before he’s fishing out his wallet and tossing a twenty on the table. It’s more than enough to cover what he and the other two ordered. Hungry stomach be damned, you’re more important. He’s confident either Steve or Dustin will eat the lunch he ordered, and he gives them a half-assed wave as he jumps out of his seat and heads for the door. Dustin jogs out after him and slaps a hand down on his shoulder.

“I drove you here, Romeo.”

“Oh, right. Could you take me back to the garage so I can get my van?”

“No problem.”

As soon as Eddie gets into his van, he pulls out onto the street and races towards the library. His eyes dart to the clock on his dash and he prays you haven’t had your lunch break yet. Even if you did, it was unlikely the library would have so many people in it that you wouldn’t have a minute to talk. He makes a quick attempt to make himself look as presentable as possible in his rearview mirror before hopping out of the van and taking large strides up to the library door. Brown eyes scan around the room, looking for any sign of you as he makes his way to the front desk. That’s where he’s seen you the most but lets out a little huff when he sees you’re not the employee who is behind the desk today. The brunette on duty tells Eddie that you had been at work that day, but your son was sick, so you went to pick him up and take him home. 

The adrenaline that was coursing through Eddie’s veins at the thought of seeing you and maybe sorting this whole mess out starts to dissipate, and it makes his limbs feel heavy and his body sluggish as he makes his way back to the van. Boosting himself inside, Eddie slams the driver’s door and lets his head fall back against the headrest. If Everett is sick, Eddie figures that you probably won’t be up to talking. Maybe he’ll call you after Everett goes to bed and pray that you hear him out. Smacking a hand against the steering wheel out of frustration, Eddie takes a few moments to collect himself before starting the van and heading back to work.

Eddie paces back and forth in front of the phone hanging on the wall of his trailer. The edge of his thumb is being gnawed on by his teeth as the nerves start getting to him. He wasn’t even this scared to call you the very first time. But what if even after he explained the miscommunication you still didn’t want to see him? What if you don’t even want to hear him out at all? What if, what if, what if. 

“Just do it,” Eddie grumbles to himself before snatching up the phone. He dials your number and holds the phone against his ear, starting to pace again, but only as far as the cord would let him this time. The phone barely rings once before he hears your sweet voice.

“Hello?”

“Hi,” Eddie says as he brings up his free hand to rub at the back of his neck. “I-Is this a good time?”

“Oh.” Eddie hears the surprise in your voice when you realize it’s him on the line. You didn’t expect him to call? That seems like confirmation that you really did think he was breaking up with you. The thought makes the crack in his heart even deeper. 

“I-I went by your work at lunchtime, but they said you had to go get Everett because he was sick. Is he feeling better?”

“Uh, yeah,” you answer. “I gave him something for his fever and he just fell asleep. It’s why I picked up the phone so quickly–I didn’t want it to wake him.”

“Shit, I’m sorry,” Eddie says, heaving a sigh. “I didn’t mean to bother you o-or take your time away from Everett. I guess I just wanted to see if you would be okay to talk for a few minutes after his bedtime because I just couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to tell you at lunch but you weren’t there, and I can’t go another day with you thinking I was trying to break up with you.”

There’s a beat of silence as your brain registers what he just said. To Eddie, it feels like an eternity before you speak.

“Wait. W-What?”

“Sweetheart, I am head over heels, over the moon for you. I was only going to say we should take things slow because of Everett.” Eddie isn’t sure he’s ever poured his heart out for anyone like this, let alone someone he’s only known for a few weeks. But there’s something about you that makes Eddie feel like he could tell you anything and everything–and he practically has over the nights you two have spent on the phone together.

“But you said…” You trail off as the sound of whining comes from Everett’s bedroom.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Eddie says, tone softer and lighter now. “We can talk later. Take care of your boy.”

There’s rustling on the other end of the phone before you reply. “Um, I’m staying home with him tomorrow. Y-You can call or come by after work if you want.”

“How about I call on my lunch break and see how the little dude is feeling? I don’t want to intrude if the poor kid is feeling lousy,” Eddie offers.

“Yeah, okay,” you say. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Eddie.”

“Have a good night, sweetheart.”

Everett is still sick when he wakes up the next morning. He spends most of his time curled up on the couch with his head in your lap. The gentle stroke of your fingers through his soft brown locks seems to soothe him as he rewatches the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle VHS that you’ve rewound so many times you’ve lost count. You can tell your son is feeling better as the morning goes on by the way he squirms around and talks more excitedly about what’s happening on the television. 

When the telephone rings, Everett’s head pops up and he stares at the phone on the wall. Luckily, he’s shuffled off of you enough that you don’t feel bad for getting up to answer it. Still, you keep your eyes on the little one as you pick up the phone and lean against the wall–mom anxiety is always on duty. 

“Hello?”

“Hey,” Eddie says, voice only slightly more confident than it was yesterday. 

“Hi, Eddie.”

Everett sits up straight, eyes widening when he hears the name. Despite the mixed feelings that have been churning through your system for the past few days, a small smile graces your lips at Everett’s obvious excitement. Small chubby hands reach up and make a grabbing motion.

“Eddie! Wanna talk!”

“How’s Everett?” Eddie asks before you have a chance to say anything to your son. By the lack of clanging and scraping in the background, you can tell Eddie is on his lunch break though, so probably doesn’t have time to chat with both you and Ev. 

“He’s better,” you tell Eddie. “Jealous that I’m the one talking to you right now, actually.” 

This makes Eddie chuckle, and the sound sends butterflies flying throughout your whole body. 

“He up for a visitor later then?” he asks.

“Honestly, I think he’d love that.” So would you, even though your heart–or is it your anxiety? — is hesitant to admit it. 

“What about you?”

The question softens you a little. It reminds you of Eddie’s kind and thoughtful nature and how considerate he’s always been of how you feel. God damn it, Steve, you think. Why’d you have to interfere and mess me up more than I already was?

“Yeah,” you say, nodding your head. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your handsome face either.”

Eddie lets out an exhale and you can practically feel the apprehension releasing from his body, only to be replaced by relief. 

“Great,” Eddie says, his voice more chipper than it’s been in days. “I’ll just get cleaned up once I’m off of work and I’ll be there.”

When you hang up the phone, warmth surges through your body. Eddie didn’t want to break up; he only wanted to protect your sweet son from potential disappointment. Leave it to Ev to burrow his way into your boyfriend’s heart within a matter of weeks.

Little did you know, Eddie would say the same about you. 

Of course, the first time Eddie experiences traffic in Hawkins is when he’s trying to get home to get ready to see you. He pulls up to a red light and lets out an irritated sigh. His head lolls to the side as he impatiently waits for the signal to go. A store on his right catches his eye and Eddie’s tongue pokes out of his mouth as he ponders the idea rolling around his brain. Deciding to head in, he flicks his blinker on and turns into the shop’s parking lot.

Eddie finds what he’s looking for almost instantly and drives back to his trailer so he can wash up and make himself look presentable for you. He toys with the thought of adding a dab of cologne, but he knows he already smells like oil and gasoline and he’s not sure the cedar scent would mix well with those. 

After what seems like a lifetime, Eddie finally arrives at your place and jogs up the steps to your apartment door. A sudden feeling of apprehension bubbles up in his chest. This is the first time he’s going to see you since the misunderstanding where you hastily left with your sleeping son in your arms. Eddie hopes this time his words will come out more concise and he can convey what he really feels, not just enough vague statements that leave blanks large enough for your anxiety to fill in the rest. A giddy, infectious child’s laugh floats through the wood of the door and it brings a smile to Eddie’s face. The sound calms his nerves and gives him the push to raise his fist and knock. 

Every beat of his heart from the time he knocks and the time you answer the door makes him feel like his blood is pumping too fast. But your smile when your eyes land on him has him practically melting at your feet, so maybe the rapid rush of blood is all that’s keeping him upright. 

“Hi,” you say, biting your lip with a shy smile. It makes Eddie want to combust. 

“Hi,” Eddie responds.

“Eddie!” Everett runs over and wraps his arms around the man’s legs. Eddie chuckles and smooths a hand over the boy’s chocolate waves of hair. 

“Hey, little dude. You feeling better?”

Everett looks up and nods his head. “Yep!” Your son notices the plastic bag Eddie is holding and tries to peer inside. “Whassat?”

“Honey, let Eddie inside before you try and mug him,” you say, ushering Everett back into the apartment. Eddie chuckles as he steps inside and crouches down in front of Everett. You watch the pair of them as you close the door and there’s a fullness in your heart you’ve never felt before. 

“Well,” Eddie says, setting the bag down on the floor next to him. “I heard you weren’t feeling so great, so I thought I’d bring you a little something.” He pauses and lets out a sigh. “But it seems you’re feeling better now, so I guess you won’t want it.”

“No, no, no!” Everett protests, bouncing up and down on the spot. “I do, I do want it!”

“You sure?” Eddie teases, raising his eyebrows at the boy. 

“Yes!” Everett promises.

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

Your son is practically vibrating out of his skin as Eddie reaches into the bag and pulls out a Spider-Man action figure. Everett’s eyes widen and his hands come up, but don’t reach for the toy. He seems too transfixed to consciously move his arms to take it. Eddie chuckles and glances over at you. 

“You like Spider-Man, right?” he asks.

Everett nods and finally reaches his little arms forward to take the doll from Eddie’s grasp.

“He’s da bess,” Everett replies, his voice revealing that his sinuses are starting to get worse again now that evening is approaching. 

“What do you say?” you prompt.

“Thank yew! So’s much!” Everett flings himself forward and wraps his arms around Eddie’s neck. It’s such a strong squeeze for a little boy and it takes Eddie by surprise. He doesn’t hesitate to hug your son back, though. A large ringed hand rubs up and down his small back.

“You’re very welcome.”

Everett pulls back and stares at the toy. A grin lights up his face, dimples on full display, and runs back over to the couch. He hops up and kicks his tiny legs over the edge as he moves Spider-Man’s arms and legs into different positions.

“You didn’t have to—,” you start, but Eddie cuts you off.

“I brought something for you, too.” He pushes himself up to his feet and picks the bag back up. You’re shaking your head, but Eddie just smiles as he pulls out a Tupperware container. “Made some more of those cherry cobbler bars for you last night.”

You accept the baked goods from him and shake your head again. Eddie would’ve thought you were rejecting it if it weren’t for the soft smile on your lips.

“Okay, I’m going to ask you again. Where's the catch with you?” you ask. 

“Hmm,” Eddie muses as he slips his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Pretty sure we’ve discovered that it’s me not being able to articulate the things I’m thinking.” 

“I guess that mixed with my anxiety-riddled brain is the perfect recipe for some miscommunication, huh?”

Eddie opens his mouth to respond, but Everett lets out a sneeze loud enough to wake everyone on your floor. He looks at the boy as you check your watch and let out a sigh. 

“Time for more medicine, Mister,” you announce. Everett pouts and flops back on the couch. The medicine makes him drowsy, so you know that once he takes it, he won’t be grumpy for long. “Come on, you know it makes you feel better.”

“Blech,” Everett groans as he keeps his eyes on the superhero doll in his hands.

Eddie heads towards the couch while you set the Tupperware down in the kitchen and pick up the bottle of Everett’s grape-flavored medication. The little cup it gets poured into has some medicine from this morning now sticky on the bottom of it, so you wash it out as Eddie takes a seat.

“When I was little,” Eddie tells Everett, “my uncle would give me medicine and it tasted so bad.”

“Mine too!” Everett says, pushing himself up to a seated position.

“He taught me a trick though,” Eddie says. “If I pinched my nose closed, I couldn’t taste it!” 

“Like if ya swimmin’?” Everett asks.

“Exactly like that!” Eddie takes his thumb and forefinger and plugs his nostrils shut to demonstrate. Everett giggles and copies the action.

“Okay, let’s test it out then,” you say as you bring over the dosage for him. He still looks a little hesitant, but Eddie shoots him a wink and the boy nods his head and holds his hand out for the medicine. The new action figure gets put down on the cushion next to him so he can use the other hand to pinch his nose closed. 

An amused look is shared between you and Eddie as Everett takes a deep breath to steady himself before he downs the grape syrup like you would a shot of vodka. Once he’s swallowed, Everett holds his nose for a moment longer before letting go. He pauses, determining if Eddie’s tactic worked or not. A small gasp escapes his lips as he turns to Eddie with wide eyes.

“It wasn’t icky!” he exclaims. 

“Alright!” Eddie holds his hand up for a high five, which Everett returns enthusiastically. You toss the empty cup into the sink before plopping down on the other side of Everett from Eddie. 

It doesn’t take long for the medicine to kick in and Everett’s eyes begin to droop. His head rests against your arm and you gently coax him into your lap so it will be easier to take him to bed without too much jostling. His clogged nose means when Everett finally does fall into a deep sleep, he’s snoring like a bear cub in hibernation. Slowly, you tighten your grip on him and rise to your feet.

“I’ll be right back,” you whisper to Eddie, who nods in return. Everett stays in his medication-induced slumber as you lay him down in his bed and tuck his powder blue blanket around him. You place his new Spider-Man action figure on top of his nightstand and gently lay his otter stuffie by his side. Some hair has flopped down into his eyes, so you brush it back and press a soft kiss to his forehead.

“Goodnight, baby.”

When you walk back out into the living room, Eddie is leaning back on the couch, fidgeting with the rings on his fingers. 

You plop down in your previous spot, unsure of what to say now that Everett is no longer there as a buffer. What you really want to do is lean over and press your lips against his. You’re aware that’s not the best idea though, so you bite at your lower lip instead. 

“I missed you,” Eddie finally says. 

“I missed you, too.” Your voice is quiet, but you’re glad the ice has been broken. 

Eddie turns towards you and leans in. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t clear about what I was trying to say at the party.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you offer him an apologetic smile. “I didn’t really let you finish.”

He scoots in a little closer to you and looks at you with those doe eyes that make your heart feel like it’s bouncing on a trampoline. When his tongue comes out to lick over his lips, all you can remember is the way it felt up against yours in the back of his van at Lover’s Lake. Was that really only a week and a half ago? It simultaneously feels like it was ages away and just happened yesterday. 

“Steve put all this in your head, didn’t he?” you ask.

“Well…yeah,” Eddie admits, looking sheepish. You admire the fact that he doesn’t want to come out and throw the father of your child under the bus, even if that's where the blame belongs. “But that doesn’t mean it’s not true. I’d hate myself forever if I ever disappointed that little dude.”

The thoughtfulness Eddie continues to show towards your son only has you falling farther down the rabbit hole for him. It eases a worry you didn’t even know you had. Steve’s words to him may have some validity, but it was not his place to say any of these things to Eddie. Steve was definitely taking Everett to his next dentist appointment after pulling this. 

“Steve has never been one for keeping quiet,” you tell Eddie. “And I get that he’s concerned about his son, but Everett is my son, too. I always intended to move slowly because of him.”

Eddie considers this, but you can see in his tense posture that he’s not completely mollified. 

“You didn’t know I was going to be at the graduation though,” Eddie says, his shoulders slumping with a sigh. “I should’ve told you.”

“No, it was a nice surprise,” you assure him. He still doesn’t look convinced, so you reach out and take one of his hands in your own. The warmth envelops your cold fingers, and the rough calluses feel steadying and calming against your softer skin. “Everett remembering you and warming up to you instantly was nice, too. You and I just hadn’t discussed how we were going to be in front of him yet. I think that talk would’ve saved us all this confusion.”

“I swear, I wasn’t trying to end anything. I just—if Everett got attached and then for some reason this didn’t work out, I’d hate to hurt him. And I never want to cross a line. If I ever do, please call me out on it. With you or Everett.”

Your top teeth begin to worry at your bottom lip as you nod your head. An odd sensation fills your body; like you’re lightheaded and weighed down all at the same time. It isn’t because of Eddie’s words—or is it? The confirmation that he wasn’t breaking up with you—the live, in person, seeing-the-words-coming-directly-from-his-mouth confirmation, you realize, has relieved you. Relief. Relief that the pain you thought you were being forced to endure was unsubstantiated. Relief that Eddie seeing you be a mom didn’t drive him away—though that is something you still want to talk to him about. Relief and pure joy at the fact that Eddie wants to be with you. It’s dizzying, honestly. But there’s still the matter that all of this confusion was put upon you both in the first place. 

“That’s why we have this talk,” you assure him, voice strong yet hushed. “Be boring adults and figure out the boundaries so we can go back to making out like teenagers.”

Eddie chuckles. “I like the sound of that.”

Taking a deep breath, you give his hand a squeeze. “I know Everett doesn’t know what dating is. His whole life he’s known there’s Daddy and Nancy, and there’s Mommy. Because he’s so young, I don’t think he’ll have a problem seeing you gradually become a part of his life. But I do think it should be gradual.”

“That’s smart,” Eddie says with a nod of his head. “None of us should be moving too fast.”

“He clearly likes you,” you say, giving a small chuckle. “I think for now though, maybe it’s better if he sees you in group settings. Like, when he sees his aunts and uncles. Every time the kids get together, they ask if Everett can make an appearance. He can get to know you as one of the gang.” 

“Yeah, that sounds good,” Eddie says. “I want you to always tell me what you’re comfortable with. You’re his mom first.”

“I’m your girl too though, right?” The way you jut out your bottom lip and give him an over-the-top pout has Eddie laughing and leaning in to press a kiss to your temple.

“Baby, nothing would make me happier than that.”

“Just…one thing.” The way your body tenses and you look away from him makes Eddie nervous. There’s this niggling thing in the back of your mind and you know your brain will never let you rest until you talk about it. “Tell me honestly. Me being a mom doesn’t bother you? At all?”

“Sweetheart, no.” A frown settles onto Eddie’s face and his eyes are filled with steel sincerity. “I adore you. Every part I’ve seen of you so far, it’s only made me crazier for you. Including the mom side. I see how strong and resilient you are all while being the most compassionate and attentive mother to that wonderful little boy. You’re a damn superhero in my opinion.”

This gets a smile out of you, and that’s all it takes to wipe Eddie’s downtrodden expression away. He leans in and presses his lips against your forehead. 

“Like Spider-Man?” you ask. It makes Eddie chuckle against your skin.

“Even better than Spider-Man, baby.”

“Don’t say that to Everett.”

“Mm, I’m pretty sure he knows his mom is way better.” 

“Ah, see that’s a boundary,” you say, poking your finger into his chest. “You can’t lie to me.”

Eddie playfully rolls his eyes before leaning in and nuzzling his nose into the ticklish spot he’s discovered is on the side of your neck. It causes you to break out in giggles and throw your hand over your mouth so they don’t wake your sleeping son. 

“Not a lie,” Eddie mumbles. 

“Fine, fine,” you say. 

He pulls away from your neck and Eddie sits back up straight, looking at you, his eyes shining with admiration and fondness. You’re not sure you’ll ever get used to how he looks at you. You hope you never do.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” you ask.

“Do I get to hold you?”

“Of course.” A smile comes to your lips, and you give a gentle tug on Eddie’s hand. “But get comfortable first. You’ve got to be warm in your leather jacket and boots.”

“Mm,” Eddie hums as he pushes himself off of the couch with a cheeky smile. “Coulda just said you wanted me to undress.”

“I knew you were going to say that,” you admit with a soft giggle. Warmth comes to your cheeks just at his suggestive joke; what would happen when you two finally do start going further?

Eddie takes his boots off and rests them next to your shoes by the front door and hangs his jacket on a peg attached to your hall closet. When he comes back over to the couch, he leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead before plopping down next to you–closer than before. Not close enough for your liking, though. You scoot closer to him, and he takes the hint to wrap his arm around your shoulders as you snuggle up to his side. 

“Hi,” you say, tilting your head up to look at him.

“Hi,” Eddie answers. His eyes scan your face. You can tell he’s admiring you and it brings a mixture of flattery and self-consciousness at the same time. When his eyes find your lips, they stay there the longest before he finally looks back up into your eyes. “Been wanting to kiss you since I last did it,” he murmurs in a soft voice.

“So do it.”

The words barely leave your mouth before his lips attach to yours. Eddie’s hand comes up to cup the side of your face, his thumb gently caressing your cheekbone. The kiss is full of longing and reassurance, both of you wanting the other so badly and just as fiercely wanting to show each other that you’re not going anywhere. When you part, Eddie nuzzles his nose against yours.

“So, uh, movie?” he asks. 

“Right.” You stand up and pick Ghostbusters out of your stack near the television and eject the tape you’ve been watching with Everett all day to pop this one in. Eddie’s arms are back around you the moment you sit down. As much as you love this movie, there’s something you’d rather be doing. 

“One last boundary?”

“Mm?”

“You gotta kiss me whenever Ev isn’t around. Gotta make up for all the times we can’t, ya know?”

“Oh, you don’t have to tell me twice.”

[plump-lips-imagine]

Could I please request a fix where Bowser hires a “Human Expert” aka the reader to help him understand humans better thus understanding Peach and her wants and needs, even help a bit with practice proposal and practice dates. The reader going along with it as not only does Bowser pay good money, but it gives them a chance to learn and write about Darklands and its inhabitants. They become close from their frequent interactions and perhaps maybe even closer…

Hmmm. Nice! Let's see if I can make something with this. I hope you Like it! I tried!

The Cupid and The Dragon

You Were currently in a cage a bit scared and a bit agitated. Yes. In a cage in Bowser's Castle in the Throne room currently waiting for Bowser's arrival while Koopas stand guard.

How did you get here? Well, about 40 minutes ago-

Earlier that day.

You Were traveling across the mushroom kingdom to learn about the people with your backpack in tow, excited to see new people. You are a bit new to the Kingdom to know a lot about it, but here enough to make a name for yourself. You see, you're an expert when it comes to the subject of love. You give excellent advice to those who ask for it, you give readings to see compatibility, and give an in-depth reading into the person's love language.

You are known as 'The Cupid'.

But what's a love expert doing out here. Well, you Were making your way to the dark lands. You came to study the habitants and the kingdom, maybe hopefully making some discoveries and new friends along the way.

But whenever you would ask anybody in Toad Town about the Dark Lands, they would shiver in fright and say it was too Dangerous to go there.

But Curiosity kills the Cat, as they say.

You step over the line that connects the Mushroom Kingdom and Dark lands together. It was hard and hot. The air was dry, and the heat was intense as magma littered the lands along with the soot.

‘The weather here is harsh. I’m surprised anyone lives here.’ You thought to yourself, covering your face from the climate and soot. ‘But…It’s kinda cool.’

You stared in awe at the magma that flow on the land, as a perfect blanket to the surface. It was pretty if you looked from a different perspective. It made your eyes shine in delight at the sights in front of you.

'It's a hazard to be here, but it seems fine if you were into lava and a darker theme. I wouldn't mind staying here for a bit. I wonder where the locals are at?' You ponder as you see no sign of life anywhere. But your sight-seeing came to a halt when a blur behind you whooshes past you as they came to a stop in front of you, making you stop as well. It was... A turtle. A Turtle with a red shell and wings, with a helmet as its only piece of armor with a spear at the ready pointing at you.

"Halt! You have trespassed on the Dark Lands under the All-Mighty Bowser Rule!... Are you human?" "The Turtle asks, his spear still close to your face. You take a small step back at this as you nervously glanced back at them. "Um, yes? Yes, I am! I didn't mean to trespass, I was just exploring new areas as I'm still new to this world, and I was curious about what the dark lands were. I can leave immediately."

"Likely Story." Two more of them came swooping down, spears at hand also. "Humans are rare here. King Bowser is going to need to see you before you go anywhere. You are under arrest." Three Spears pointed at you in a menacing manner as you raise your hands in the air for surrender.

Oh dear.

***

And That's why you're here now. Waiting for your 'meeting' with "King Bowser'. You heard about him; the toads would tell you stories about him. His massive claws, the spikes so sharp that they could kill at the touch. Sharps teeth, Large Menacing build that can send the Kingdom into Chaos!

Safe to say you weren't excited to meet him face to face. It didn't help that the rumbling of footsteps was coming closer. The doors open with a boom, making you stand up in your cage. He's Here.

And he's HUGE!

Bowser stands Giant compared to you, his presence made the room shudder in fear by his intimidating glare, and it was directly aimed at you.

A smaller Koopa in a Blue robe and glasses follows behind him. "Here They are, your Grouchiness."

"Well, Well, Well. What do we have here? You must be the trespasser my koopa troops were telling me about." He bought a his claw finger to your torso and pointed at you harshly, making you move backward by accident. "What Business do you have here human.?

"P-Please believe me when I say I mean no harm or ill will. I'm just a wondering traveler learning about the land from experience. I just wanted to learn about the kingdom, and the locals is all. Honest" You put your hand above your heart in swear to being truthful. Bowser smirks, but his eyes tell a different story. He's not buying it and he was disinterested in your attempt at being honest.

"Likely Story, Human. No one dares to walk in my land if they wish to make it out in one piece. Only Those that wish to get burned come here!" Smoke comes out of his mouth in repressed annoyance as his finger is at your face. You shake in fear.

gulping, you bring your hands to your head and remove your hoodie. You reveal your face in an attempt to show that you can be trusted. you felt vulnerable. Bowser's eyes widen as he removes his claw away from your face.

"You're....The Cupid"

"O-oh, you've heard of me, your majesty." this is news to you.

he huffs. "'Heard of ya?', You're practically the talk of this Kingdom. Your abilities make my minions desperate from reading from you. You are all they can talk about." He glares at you, but it wasn't the same as before. It was more of a 'minor inconvenience' than a threatening glare.

But now that you're here. he could use you to his advantage. With your love expertise, you can tell him the secret of him making Peach his. This will be a piece of cake with you as his secret weapon.

"Human." You look up at him. "Be thankful. You're going to be helping me get Peach to fall in love with me!"

"Huh?"

"Did I stutter? You going to help me when Peach Over! Aren't you the expert in that Category?!"

You look at him dumbstruck. "Your Highness, I don't make anyone fall in love with anybody. I'm just a matchmaker that gives good advice."

His Hold hand suddenly grabs your cage in his hand, threatening to Crush it. You yelp in surprise.

"THEN YOU"RE GOING TO TELL ME THE SECRET OF WINNING PEACH OVER!" "I-I-I.... I CAN'T DO THAT!!"

"ARE YOU DISOBEYING MY ORDER? YOU DARE SAY NO TO ME!?" His hand closes around the cage a bit, making a dent in it.

"You dare disobey the King?" Kamek Butted in.

"I CAN'T BECAUSE THERE IS NO SECRET, BUT I CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES WITH HER!"

He stops crushing the cage, giving you a chance to breathe. He looks at you confused.

"What do you mean by that? Explain."

"Well... I can read compatibility and the chances for you to get with your loved one, depending on the percentage and what I see, I could help you. That's my expertise. I find True Love for You. I don't make it Happen."

He stares at you for a minute contemplating what you just told him.

"Kamek, Lower the cage." Kamek looks at him in Surprise but used his magic to lower the cage to the ground and opened the door.

You step out and looked behind you at the barely put together cage and gulp but turn back to Bowser.

"Well, how do you do it?" He asked lowly.

"Pardon?"

"This Reading. How do you do it?" He asks again in an annoyed gruff.

You look away for a second and then speak. "I'll need your palm of hand to start."

"Why?"

"It helps create a connection with you and only you, so It becomes clear to me to tell you the answers you need."

"I've never heard of such a thing. What type of trick are you pulling human?" Kamek didn't believe you for a second. He was waiting for you to try and make a run for it.

"It's not a trick I swear. It's how my Powers work. Honest!"

Bowser doesn't say anything else, but he did get on one knee to attempt to get to your height. He still overpowered you, but it was for him to show you his hand, giving permission to read him like a book.

He was even more, intimated even outside the cage, but you shallowed your fear and gently brought your hands to two of his fingers as that's all you can hold in your hand. You softly rubbed them to get a feel for him. His hands were rough, and they held incredible strength, but also control when he need to be gentle.

as you continued to rub, you felt him shift his hand away. It made you look up at him. "Are you alright, Your highness?"

"I'm fine! Just do what you need to do."

if you didn't know any better. He looked...Shy?

You shake your head as you read his palm. "I want you to imagines your loved one. I need you to create the perfect image of them in your head."

He closes his eyes as he did what you said. His aura was that of a strong fire, intense rage, and Passion. The Aura he was imagining was that of a soft but firm sweetness, a loving and strong sprit. It was an attractive pink aura.

The compatibility of them together.....Yeesh. You gulped at the numbers. This is not good.

"Uhhhhhhh....."

"Well, What do you see? Are Me and Peach destined to be? A match Made in Heaven?"

***

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN '6 PERCENT!!?" He roars loudly as fire spews out his mouth, making you duck for cover.

he didn't take the news well.

"That's the number I saw, Your highness!! Please, don't burn me!!!"

"You better read again. You must have made a mistake! There no way!"

"Your Highness, there is no mistake! I made sure to check before I told you!-

"THEN YOU MUST BE A FAKE!! I SHOULD"VE KEPT YOU IN THE DUNGEON AS SOON AS I SAW YOU> YOU"RE MAKING FUN OF ME-"

"THAT"S NOT TRUE AT ALL!! DON"T SAY THAT!" you yell at the top of your lungs. He growls at you, flames at the ready.

"How dare you raise your voice at-"

"I AM NO FAKE! That's why I told you the results. I knew you wouldn't like the numbers, but I still told you anyway. I take pride in my work, and I won't lie just to make you happy. I attend to be accurate. I don't care if you don't like the results and it makes you furious, but you deserve to know the truth. So don't call me a fake.... please" You stare at him as you stand your ground, shaking but firm.

you dealt with too many people criticizing your work because it was something they didn't want to hear, and you'll be damn if you'll let someone that is getting your reading for practically free disrespect you like that.

He glares at you at your arrogance, but...he felt a bit of respect for you hearing you say that. It was refreshing that someone was going to be straight with him. Still, he was angry. He stomps the ground in a mini tantrum.

"So what, are you saying I have no shot with her!?"

"No, I'm saying there's a low chance. It's low but you still got a chance."

"Yeah, that helps." He says in a sarcastic tone.

"I can help still."

"Oh really, how?"

"Well, it's Princess Peach right. She a human like me. I can provide some great love advice and coach you what she most likely sees in a Man- errr....Turtle?"

"Koopa."

'Koopa. because you're not loveless and you obviously love her, but she doesn't see that side of you. we just to figure out how to make it show.'

"I don't need a coach. I am perfectly capable of showing her what I have to offer." he states in a cocky way.

"And has your approach to her worked in the past?"

"...."

"Look, I just want to help. Everyone deserves Love, and I'm sure you will find it once you at least hear me out. I promise I know what I'm talking about." You look up at him with pleading eyes.

He contemplates this and sighs... "Fine. but don't think you're the boss of me. You will stay here until i don't need you anymore. don't even think about running away."

You stare at him, and think. 'Sweet! A place to stay. But I gotta stand my ground.' You take a deep breath.

"I agree to help you win Peach Over. However,......My services are not free. Each session cost 30.....35 coins. And I request a tour of the Dark Lands and to learn more about your Kingdom...Please."

He stares at you in amusement at your demands. Your pathetic attempt at confidence can be called cute if he didn't find you annoying.

"Very Well. You got a deal." he reaches his hand to you and you grab his finger to shake.

Let the coaching begin.

***

"I guess Love makes a guy come out of his shell. Let's rule the world, together. Will you Marry Me?" he held out his hand to you with a bouquet of piranha plants. His eyes shine with a soft gaze in them. it was different from how he usually acted.

you stood there in a pink dress and pink lipstick on, staring at him.

"Not Bad. It was Cute." You admitted bluntly.

"Only 'Not Bad'? I worked months on that proposal!"

"Well, you're coming off a little too strong. I'm saying not to use pick-up lines, but you might not want to start with that one. I would say it after you hear her accept the proposal.The cornyness of won't be as strong. And probably skip the carnivorous plants as the bouquet, it can make her a little jumpy if they decide to bite. Eep!" The plants try to bite at you all at once, just an inch away as Bowser quickly stomped on the flowers to put you at ease. You sigh in relief and Bowser looked a little sheepish.

"Besides, Why the proposal? I think a date would be the first course of action. aren't we moving a little too fast?"

"What's the point of beating around the bush if I intend to marry her?" He asked as it was an obvious question. You contemplate how to break it down for him.

"Well, she might want to take it slow. Humans usually like to get to know their partners before they can even think about marriage. They want to get to know you. "

Bowser rolls his eyes at this. "Please, what do you know? I already know everything I need to know about My Peaches."

".....Alright. Tell me about her. Tell me everything you love about her. Why do you want to Marry her?" You sit down on the ground as he did the same.

"Well, What's not to love about her. Her beauty is like no other, Her golden hair, Her beautiful blue eyes, and the crown that stays forever in place. Her sweetness is almost too addicting-."

You sat at him as his eyes shone at just Talking about her. He had this lovesick expression on his face. He went on and on, but you don't mind.

***

"So... What type of king are you?" You and Bowser were in the dining hall as y'all took a break from coaching. Servants quickly place food on both sides of the table and went back to their positions before they could say thank you.

Bowser looks at you weirdly. "You don't know?"

"Nope. I'm afraid only know your name. When I try to ask The Toads at the Mushroom Kingdom, they would be too scared to tell me."

he chuckles to himself as he smirks proudly at himself. "Well, My presence does intimidate most. I am a King of the Koopas. I rule with an Iron in this Kingdom. Soon the Whole World. Don't you forget it." he Exclaims proudly, eyeing your reaction. You look at him awestruck, interested in what he had to say. it was...kinda cute.

"What about the small brown mushroom guys. There not koopas, are they?"

"What? Oh, you mean the Goombas. No, but I rule over them too."

"Really? And what about Kamek?"

"He's a Magikoopa, also a type of Koopa." Bowser doesn't know why, but he didn't mind answering your questions. He would've thought he would be more annoyed but the way your eyes looked at him with curiosity made him want to talk with you more.

"Have you been a ruler your whole life or did it happen suddenly?"

"My whole life. Kamek is the one that raised me to become a Strong leader when I was a koopaling."

"And he must've done a good job considering that you're still ruling to this day." Kamek sneezes in the distance somewhere. " It can't be easy Ruiling at such a young age, so you must be an excellent king if you are still ruling to this day."

Bowser chokes on his food a bit at your sudden compliment. A light blush coats with face as he stares at you wide eyed.

You look at him confused. 'Did I say something wrong?'

bowser coughs before continuing to eat. "How's your food, is it to your liking." He asks changing the subject.

"It's delicious. I've never had anything like it. My compliments to the chef." You say with a smile.

Both of you are unaware of the minions looking with shock across their faces. Did their king just get flustered?

***

"Absolutely not!"

"What Why?!" "Because no sane human would want sacrifices of literal people to show them love!!

"But how do I show my undying love her!?"

"You make figurative sacrifices for her, not literal!

Kamek looks between the two of you boredly as both You and Bowser get into a debate of loving gifts for Peach. He shakes his head at his son. Well, at least his anger seemed to go down.

***

"Woah.." You look out the outside view of the Dark Lands from from the Castle. You can see Peach's Castle over yonder if you squint. the Lava mixed in with the Sunset made it beautiful to see. You could See the Goomba Patrol training outside.

"Nice, isn't it"

"It's amazing. i din't know lava could look so beautiful."

"...You're a werid human."

You look up at him. "Werid how?"

"You are as calm as ever in the dark lands, in frint of me of all people, and You actually like it here."

"well...It's not so bad. at least to me. I wouldn't mind living here. You're not that bad either. It's nice to seeing you in love. "

"Oh really?" He looks at you with this look that said, "I don't believe you."

"Yes, it's true. I Love 'Love'! And if you're willing to hire a coach to help you with the woman you love, then how bad can he possibly be." You smile brightly at him.

'Too bright" Bowser thinks to himself as he brings his hand to your heads, giving you a light noogie.

"Now whose being corny. Stars,that was cheesy."

"Ow, hey. Sorry! Quit messing with my hair."

Kamek watches this display in the background. he looks at both of you in wonder. Bowser is never this calm. What was even more shocking was that Bowser had a genuine smile on his face.

***

"Okay. what is something that Humans crave in a relationship?"

"Power!!"

"NO!! Human beings crave affection and safety!"

"I can provide that!"

"Bowser, what was the first thing you said when I asked, "what is she's says no?"

"I said I would attack and destroy the Mushroom Kingdom along with those toads if she tried!"

"That's a problem! That is not safety! That is coercion! If you have to make her love you,THAT'S.NOT.LOVE."

"But She's so stubborn. I tried so many times and she won't say yes! What other way can I make her mine?!"

"You can't!"

"THEN WHAT'S THE POINT IN ALL THESE LESSONS!!" He voice booms in the room as he stomps loudly at you, his eyes glowing red with rage.

You're breath gets caught in your throat and you can't speak as you shiver in place and flinch, waiting for something to happen.

He sees this and his gaze softened. he didn't like the look on your face. the thought that you expect him to hurt you made him feel...guilty. he lets out a breath to release anger and steps away from you to let out the steam in his chest. You look at him in surprise.

"...I'm never going to get Peaches to like me, aren't I?" He solemnly asks, more in a rhetorical tone.

You slowly walk up to him, careful with every step you take. this is the most vulnerable you have ever seen him. You reach your hand to his claw, grabbing it in your hands. You pause for a minute.

".... I wouldn't say that. Your compatibility increased gradually. It's now 32%. It's still low I won't lie, but Your chances have increased. It might take some time, but real love is worth waiting for. And I see you're really trying. Most People wouldn't change for a loved one, but I see you trying so hard. It would be crazy not to fall in love with you."

Bowser stills says nothing, still not looking at you.

"For what it's worth. I think you would make a nice husband." You admit quietly. you used this as your que to leave the throne room, as you felt you've overstayed your welcome and made him uncomfortable.

But Bowser wished you stay in the room a little longer. He found himself missing your presence as soon as you left. this felt...weird.

He would have to make a note to tell Kamek to double your pay when he had the chance.

[sebastianswallows]

Feyd-Rautha — sad headcanons

— WARNINGS: angst, mentions of kidnapping, child molestation, mentions of Feyd's child by Margot (Marie Fenring), it's just dark and depressing I'm sorry

— A/N: @localravenclaw asked for headcanons yesterday, here you go girly, no returns. This is a hybrid of book and movie Feyd.

His first memories are of ice floes on the black waters of Lankiveil, fitting together like the blocks inside his puzzle box. The wailing of sea creatures underneath the waves. Enormous weapons mounted on ships leaving harbour. The deep bell chimes that floated on the air, colouring it golden, splitting time in measured pieces like a great grandfather clock, from the temple of Ohashi.

He remembers playing in the sea foam. Duelling his playmates with driftwood they picked up in abandoned ships. Filling the nests of rock turtles with the pearls that rolled up on the shore. There were so many that they spilt between his fingers.

He remembers gathering stiff crystalline flowers which grew on the rock their castle sat on, but not what they were called...

And he remembers making his mother a necklace of blue spiral shells, with the help of her handmaids. He wonders now and then what became of it, and then he stops himself.

Childhood memories are too tainted with what came afterwards. With what cut it in two halves.

With the grim understanding, in hindsight, of what his uncle’s touches meant during his first days on Giedi Prime. Skinny little Feyd. Did your father never feed you? How pretty you are, just as he was as a boy. Did you fall and hurt yourself here? No? Are you sure? I can feel a little dent where one shouldn’t be, yes, yes, right between your bones.

They seemed like comforting caresses at the time.

It was always surface touches on the thin and tender canvas of his skin, dry kisses, fondlings with an almost anatomical curiosity to them, and always with rough laughter resounding in the halls.

Many years passed before he realised, through hints gathered here and there, that his uncle was diseased. Longer still to find out that it was a Bene Gesserit who did it. Sexually transmitted, requiring constant treatment, and the cause of his enormous bloat.

Many pieces fell into place in the puzzle box at the back of his mind then. Why his uncle never showed to him the same sort of close attention he showed to the slave boys. Why it was always those large fingers heavy with rings that traversed his body, and traitorously gentle kisses, and long lingering glances once he let Feyd go.

How strange he felt, after being brought up to hate the Bene Gesserits and fear them, when he became conscious of a sort of gratitude he owed the witch for protecting him, beyond the grave, from the worst of his uncle’s attentions.

He remembers the first time he fell sick on Giedi Prime. It was during his first month there, when his body couldn’t take the toxic fumes and the industrial meat. His body revolted, flushing with an allergic reaction.

And he remembers his uncle’s visits, a few of them. How he slipped his fat hand between his thighs to feel them shivering, sweaty with fever, and laughed. The doctors around his bed laughed too, not daring to do anything else. Even at the age of 11, Feyd thought there was something wrong about it, but he had nobody to turn to, nobody to ask. How stupid he feels now.

And then there was a time, a broad swath of his adolescence, when he was planning quite seriously to kill the Baron.

He had devised a naïve scheme involving one of those awful oil baths and a stone lid, and he allowed himself to fantasize that if some day, for some reason, a Bene Gesserit would come, she could help him gain control of all the slaves through mind tricks, like the witches were rumoured to do. And he could escape with her, hidden in the soft folds of her dress while, in his imagination, the palace was boiling with fear and revolution upon the Baron’s death.

He grew out of these childish fantasies at around age 15. Nobody was coming to help him.

It was then that he started taking the arena more seriously. Killing slaves felt good. Feeling warm blood on his hands felt good. And it felt good to be so close to a human body while someone else suffered. It filled something in him he never knew needed filling.

His first taste of spice was around this time too. His uncle deemed him ready. It tasted like cinnamon, but never the same after that. And the dreams…

The dreams that came true scared him. Fate predetermined, fate out of his reach. His hands around a dozen throats could not make him feel in control after that.

But the other dreams, the ones that never came to be, those took him beyond fear, beyond anger, to a pit inside his soul. Demons swirled around him, teasing, tormenting him with the way his life could never be.

Dreams of impossible futures are the ones he hates the most. Dreams where he is wed to an Atrides bride, where his son sits on the Imperial Throne, where their enemies are humbled, and absolute power brings peace.

Feyd wakes up still on Giedi Prime, still under his uncle’s fat thumb, still with his concubines to pacify him while his true destiny is nowhere in sight. And when he does dream of a Bene Gesserit, she is not there to kill his uncle or to help him escape. She’s there to use him.

And sometimes, Feyd dreams of a little girl with a sweet and simple name, with her hair in dark ringlets, and sullen eyes like his. She runs through blue and silver halls, she plays in a field of flowers, she breathes the salty sea air of a distant planet and meditates upon the cliffs. He dreams of never meeting her, and wakes up wondering why that troubles him so much.

[dancingdonatello]

Can you do one more rottmnt x female reader with Mikey but reader is gaving multiple box turtles, her plan was to make Mikey jealous, little did she knew her turtle pets are loving Mikey wich made reader jealous XD

rise mikey x gn reader

Mikey never got jealous. It was becoming a problem. But luckily, you had an idea and money. Lots of money.

“Mikey,” you set your hands on his shoulders.

“Yes?” he smiled at you happily.

“You need to see something. It’s very important.”

You led him to your well prepared trap, giddily glancing back at him from time to time. He just seemed happy that you were happy.

You led him to your room and bed, where a bunch of box turtles waited for your return.

“Whoa. Where’d you get so many?” he asked, in awe at the amount of turtles on your bed.

You flopped onto the bed and all the turtles swarmed to you. “They all showed up,” you lied, “must’ve been fate. They all love me.”

You watched his expression carefully but he only smiled happily. Your eyebrow twitched.

“Yeah, they only really like me, never really got attached to anyone but me—” Your jaw drops as Mikey picks one up. Instead of biting Mikey or hiding in its shell like they usually do when scared or with a stranger, it nuzzled into his arms. “…”

The others began to follow, realizing the giant turtle version of them wouldn’t hurt them.

“Seems like they like me!” Mikey laughed happily, picking another up. He cooed softly. “So cute…”

This wasn’t apart of your plan. You glared at the turtles in Mikey’s arms. That was supposed to be your face in his his hands as he kissed you because of how jealous he was!

You snagged one turtle that had stayed and held it tightly in your arms. It hid in its shell, spooked. You sighed. Plan: Failed.

donnie | leo | raph

[tangledinink]

I told y'all I was still working on this project! >:3c Chapter 26 of I'm Sorry, Teenage Mutant What Now? is out! Thank you so so so much to everyone recently who's taken the time to comment/send asks/etc etc etc, it makes me very happy... ; w ; The Hamatos are slowly improving upon their ninja skills, and the latest mission goes off without a hitch...! Mostly...? Read it on ao3 or below the cut.

[ prev ]

If you had tried to describe this scene to April a few months back, there’s no way she would have ever believed it. Hell, if you had tried to describe it to her a few weeks ago, she still probably wouldn’t have believed it, because the concept was just so… alien. Even after she knew about her brothers’ ‘mutant origins,’ it still felt alien. She couldn’t help but see them as anything but… people! Those were just her brothers. And the right way to see them was just the way she had always known them; as humans. And seeing them in ‘turtle mode,’ as Mikey had taken to calling it, felt so strange and uncomfortable. Not just because she wasn’t used to it, but because she knew that they weren’t used to it, and the way they had held themselves just always seemed so… unhappy. Like their own skin was burning them. She couldn’t help but look at them and the way they moved and how they held themselves and think, oh my god, they’re sick. Something is wrong. I have to help them. I have to take care of them. 

But jesus, the way Mikey moved now? It was the most natural thing in the world. It was like he had been this way his entire life, and he couldn’t possibly seem more comfortable or at ease. All April could really think was, wow. He’s in his element, isn’t he?

She had been vaguely aware of this new ‘thing’ the guys were working on for a while, but this was the first time they actually tried it out for-real-for-real, out in the field, on some low-stakes outing. There wasn’t even a Dark Armor piece here or anything; they were just staking the place out because Foot Shack merchandise trucks came in and out of this parking garage a lot, and they were looking into it, just in case. Just practice, more than anything, with Raph leading the way and Yoshi once again on standby…

It was just so fluid. April watched in silent awe as her littlest brother slipped in and out of two different bodies like water, seamlessly transitioning from one to the other as he moved. Five fingers would be conjured to undo a latch on a grate, and then tucked back away again as if they had never been there. He’d flit from form to form to match each shadow and blend in. 

At one point, even, when they were ascending a fire escape, making their way up to the roof to get a bird’s eye view, Mikey misstepped and he slipped-- and he fell. Every single person had jumped for a moment, and April could tell that all her brothers were about ready to dive after him. She was, too.

But they didn’t need to.

He was tucked into the safety of his shell before he even hit the ground.

And by the time the hard carapace was bouncing back up after smacking against the pavement, eliciting only a short clack with the impact, he was a human again, his feet under him, jumping back onto the fire escape to catch up again as if nothing had ever happened.

Raph and Leo were doing it, too, but… God. Not like Mikey.

But April had to admit-- even Raph and Leo were beginning to get the hang of it. They all were.

Well… All of them except for Donnie.

“You know,” she mumbled at some point once they got to the top of the roof, heaving her way upwards. Donnie reached over to grab her arm, helping hoist her the rest of the way up. “If either of us fell, we’d be totally screwed.”

“Yes, well,” they muttered in a deadpan. “Just trying to offer some solidarity to you, our sole human team member. I know it must be very difficult to be a minority.”

April scoffed softly, but didn’t push it.

Leo grinned big, stretching his arms over his head as the whole group made their way up to the rooftop. “Okay, uhhh, I don’t wanna jinx it--”

“Then don’t--” Donnie hissed.

“But this is actually going, like, really well?”

“Why would you say that?” Donnie sighed deeply, shaking his head. 

“Oh, psh. As if you believe in all that, anyway,” Leo scoffed, waving him away with a flick of his wrist. “I’m just saying, like, we’re kind of being badasses!”

“All we’re doing is sneaking around an empty parking garage,” Donnie pointed out dryly, quirking a brow as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s not exactly high stakes.”

“See, Dee, this is your problem,” Leo sighed, shaking his head as he placed a hand on his hip. “You’re always focused on the negatives…!”

“Both of you shut up,” Raph said. “Leo is right--”

“HAH! Suck it--”

“Shut up,” Raph pressed, smacking a large palm over his little brother’s face in order to quiet him. “He’s right that we did good. Or. Well. We’re doin’ good so far. And Dee, nice job figurin’ out the bracelet thing! It’s way easier to swap back and forth without having to actually take it off.”

Donnie puffed up his chest a bit, seeming smug. “Yes, well, it isn’t a terribly complicated mechanism, it just took a bit of studying for me to unravel, truly no great feat--”

“Don’t get carried away,” April mumbled, leaning over to hip-check her brother briefly. Donnie huffed.

“Sooooo… now what do we do?” Mikey asked, turning to glance over the side of the roof, resting his elbows on the ledge. “‘Cause, uhhh, no offense? But this place is… suppperrrr boring!”

“Well,” Raph said, seeming a bit unsure of himself. “We, uh… We didn’t find anything evil or anythin’. Which is good! So I guess we…”

“Document the hell out of everything!” Donnie declared happily, moving to join Mikey’s side with a grin. “Snag pictures of the layouts, all exits and entrances, stairwells, and anything else that may be pertinent, and I can reverse engineer blueprints of the entire place with some beta software I have back home-- this would be the perfect chance to try it out. And then, if anything evil does ever happen here, we will be completely prepared!”

“Uh, yeah!” Raph agreed after just a beat of hesitation. “What Donnie said! That’s what we’re doing.”

“Impeccable leadership as always, dear Raphala,” Donnie sang, wasting no time at all in slinging his backpack from his back, beginning to unpack a cacophony of tech. “Now, I have HD, nightvision, two different drones, one macro and one micro, body cams, magnetic sonogram machines, patent pending, and a RED, which no, Mikey, you may not touch--”

“Aw, what!? No fair!”

“Ask Dad for your own!”

“But you already have one--”

April sighed deeply, rolling her eyes and resisting an exasperated smile. Oh boy. Donnie came prepared prepared.

That meant… This might take a while.

---

Casey had been told her entire life that she was too loud.

So she was well aware of the fact.

Her mother had told her, back when she was in contact with her. Her teachers had told her, back when she went to school. And her Senseis had told her, too, over and over again, gently informing her each time her volume got away from her that she needed to dial it back a bit. She was aware. She knew she was too loud.

But no one ever had anything to say when she was quiet.

Because she was capable. She had dedicated years of her life training to be a ninja-- obviously, she could be quiet. And really, she had always known how to be quiet. She had been good at it ever since she was small. 

It was just that when she was quiet, no one ever had anything to say.

No one ever looked at her when she was quiet.

She’d fade away.

So it was easy, really, to find hiding places around the Foot’s hideout any time she had free time on her hands to burn away. She was quite good at tucking herself into little cracks and crevices, and always had been. The layout of their base really only lent to this. And she had only gotten better at it as time passed.

Perched up on the catwalk, curled up small and bent over, she could watch members of the Foot returning from their latest mission, greeted excitedly by the rest of their clan. They had been gone for some time now-- one of the many elite strike teams sent out to fetch more far-flung armor pieces. They weren’t all just conveniently clustered in New York, after all. 

They had started sending these teams out months ago. And now, one by one, they all slowly returned, each with another piece of the armor in hand to add to their growing collection.

Every day, they got closer. She could feel the energy in the air, ever pitching higher and sharper the closer they got to their goal. Even her senseis were infected by it, brighter than she had ever seen them before.

And that was amazing. That was wonderful.

She remembered the praise she had gotten after that one mission-- after she faced down the Hamato Clan in a department store of all places. How pleased they had been with her. And god, that had been amazing.

But now she simply resented its absence. 

And even though she had always known that there wasn’t really any chance that she’d be sent to join any of these special teams-- to be sent out to join them in the field and contribute to something greater, to be a true part of the clan and show them what she could do… 

Every time another came back, it just sealed the reality of the matter that that door had closed. And she wasn’t going anywhere.

---

“Donnie, seriously--”

“What!? Do you want the 3D model to be accurate, or don’t you!?” He cried, whipping around to face her, and April groaned loudly, dragging her hands down her face.

“Why do we need a 3D model again!? Just make a blueprint!”

“Ah, yes, well, I could…” Donnie said, spinning on his heels with a grin. “But why have an inferior, two-dimensional recreation of a space when I could make a far superior, three-dimensional recreation!? That’s a whole entire other dimension!”

“Donnie!” April barked, scowling. “We have been here for hours. Do you have any idea what time it is?!”

“No, not really.”

“Well how about you check!?”

“Fine, fine, yes, the time is approximately-- Oh, sweet Galileo. Is it actually that late?”

“Yes!” All four of his siblings chorused, and Donnie scowled, a little pout blossoming on his face.

“... But… My model…”

“Donnie, you’ve already documented nearly every square inch of this place--”

“I’m sure the model will be fine, Purple,” Yoshi’s voice crackled over the radio. “It is time to go home.” 

Donnie sighed deeply, giving a dramatic heave of his chest… but he reluctantly began to pack his gear away. “Okay, okay, fine. I will concede. But if there comes a time when we are in desperate need of a one-hundred-percent accurate third-dimensional model of this establishment, I hope you will all be prepared to eateth thy--”

“Shush. We’re on a stealth mission, remember?” Raph muttered, swiping at his head lightly. “C’mon, you guys. Leo, wake Mikey up, let’s go.”

Leo sighed, allowing the video he was playing on his phone to wrap up before he pocketed it, beginning to nudge his younger brother, curled up and slumped against him.

“C’mon, Angie, we’re going home,”

“Whaaaaa…” Mikey mumbled, blearily beginning to open his eyes-- blinking away the few stray rays of orange light that fluttered around his eyelashes even when he was just dozing. “Did we… win…?”

“Yep, we totally won. C’mon. Get up.”

Raph sighed deeply. “Do you want me to carry--?”

“No! I can do it!” Mikey woke up properly now, quickly scrabbling up to his feet. 

April sighed deeply. “My parents are going to kill me for being out this late,” she grumbled. “And when they kill me, I’m killing all of you, just for the record!”

“Don’t kill me! Kill Donnie!” Leo protested.

“Oh, like any of you were keeping track of time and keeping him from going totally Donnie about this whole thing!”

“Hey--”

“Neither were you,” Mikey pointed out, and April scowled, grinding her teeth.

Dammit.

She hated when he had a point. 

“Whatever. C’mon, let’s get out of here,” she said with a huff. “You good, Donnie?”

“All set,” he replied, tossing his bag back over his shoulder. “Let us bounce.”

And so they did. 

The good news was that Leo was getting a lot better about this whole portalling thing with the help of the weird mystic sword he had! Which was cool, so the commute home? So do-able! 

The bad news was that it was still way past her curfew. She quietly cursed herself for letting them be out so late. She hadn’t even realized the time until she glanced at her phone and noticed all the texts… and the missed calls.

“You good, April?” Raph questioned, frowning a bit as she hurriedly gathered her things, having traded her certified Ninja Gear for street clothes, quickly shoving things into her bag and toeing on her shoes.

“I’m fine, it’s all good,” she muttered.

“Do you want me to walk you home…?” Yoshi questioned, his brows furrowed. “I’m sure I could talk to your parents--”

“It’s fine, Yosh. Don’t worry about it. They’re chill! They probably, like… barely noticed I’m late!” She said, forcing a smile.

“Alright, well, if you need anything--”

“Right! Got it, thanks, bye!” She chirped, throwing herself out the door and slamming it shut behind her before she could look at their sad, guilty faces any more. Ugh. It wasn’t their fault, really. I mean, it was, but no more than it was her own. 

I should have set an alarm, she thought bitterly.

On a stealth ninja mission? So it can go off in the middle of you trying to sneak past a bad guy or something? Yeah, brilliant plan, she thought immediately after.

When April quietly crept back into her own apartment, slipping her key into the side door, the house seemed quiet. The kitchen lights were off, and there was no screaming or yelling right off the bat. That was a good sign.

The living room lights, however, she could already see from here… were on. That was a less good sign.

Drawing in one last deep breath, she darted the rest of the way inside, bumping the door closed with her hip.

“Hey, guys, I’m home…!”

“April!” Her mom responded to the call almost immediately, and half a second later, April was no longer alone in the kitchen. Warm yellow light flooded the space as a light switch was clicked on, and April winced slightly, blinking a few times to adjust. “There you are-- where in the world have you been?! Do you have any idea what time it is?!”

“Uh, yeah, my bad!” She laughed nervously, throwing her hands up as if to surrender. “Kinda lost track of time, uh, I was just over at the Hamatos doing homework and stuff…”

“Oh, were you?” That was her dad, now, and April winced a tiny bit at the tone he used, which meant that she had fucked up. “Because we went over knocking on their door ten minutes ago to come and get you, and no one answered.”

Oop. Fuck. 

“Oh, yeah, we ran over to the corner store to get some snacks, so…?”

“In the middle of the night? By yourself?” Her mom protested, and April huffed softly, rolling her eyes.

“Uh, no? I literally just said that I went with the Hamatos--”

“Hey! Watch the attitude, miss,” her dad immediately cut in, and April winced. “I don’t think you have any room to be being huffy at us when you’re coming home two hours past curfew, and wouldn’t pick up your phone… Do you have any idea how many times we called you!?!”

“I’m sorry!” She said, throwing up her hands. “I forgot I had it on silent, I just, I wasn’t looking at the clock…!”

“For two hours?” Her mom cried. April bit the inside of her cheek, feeling her stomach flip-flop in response to the slight crack in her mother’s voice. “April, baby, you-- you can’t do that! This isn’t okay!”

“It was an accident--!”

“You can’t just disappear!” She continued. “You can’t just leave us not knowing where you are, we can’t--!”

“I know! I know, I’m sorry, okay? It was an accident!” April pressed, her face flushed. “I know, okay? I really, really didn’t mean to…! I just… I wasn’t paying attention. Okay?”

She frowned, wrinkling up her nose and glaring at her feet.

“Sorry.”

For a few long moments, the kitchen was silent. 

Her father heaved a long, shuddering sigh.

“No more phone on silent,” he finally said. “When we text or call you, we expect you to answer right away. Understood?”

“... Yeah. Okay,” April grumbled softly, kind of toeing at the kitchen tile. She was sure Donnie could help her… figure out a way to make that work when they were out on missions and stuff… 

“And this is the last time you miss curfew,” he added in, his eyes narrowed. “Full stop. We are not doing this again. Understood?”

“... Yeah.”

“April.”

“Yes. Understood, Dad,” she sighed loudly, tilting her head back and resisting the urge to roll her eyes, frustration prickling at her stomach. 

“... Go to bed,” her dad finally said, his arms still crossed over his chest. “And you come straight home after school tomorrow.”

“Wha-- but Dad! I was gonna--”

“Do not argue with me April O’Neil,” he snapped. “Bed. Now. We’re not discussing this any further.”

April really, really thought about discussing it further.

But she didn’t.

For a lot of reasons. One being that she valued her life and freedom.

The other being that she couldn’t stand to look at her mom’s face anymore. Not when she was staring at her like that.

It wasn’t like she had never lied to her parents before. Of course she had! What teen doesn’t? She had fibbed about plenty of things before. Yes, I did brush my teeth already. No, I didn’t unlock all the parental controls on the computer. Yes, I am going to Bailey’s to study for chemistry and not anywhere else or for any other reason. Etc. etc. etc. 

But she had never lied… like this before.

April ground her teeth, kicking her door shut as she threw her bag down, flopping down onto her bed and burying her face into the nearest pillow with a scowl. She suddenly felt unwelcome tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, and she tried to will them away, though with mixed success. 

A little part of her thought, they’d understand if you explained everything to them.

But a much larger part of her said, are you literally insane? 

Because, really… how do you explain something like this? How would she even begin? What would she say? And even if she did try, even if she did think it was a good idea, even if she did want to, she…

She couldn’t.

Because it wasn’t her secret to tell. 

April had known Raph, Donnie, Leo, and Mikey since she was six. She used to go over to their house every day after school until her parents came home. Their families went on day trips together. They celebrated holidays together. Her parents knew the Hamatos nearly as well as they knew her. They had always had this… weird, amazing blend of Hamato and O’Neil, pressed close in such a way that it was hard to see where one started and the other began sometimes.

And she had always loved that. She had always adored this.

But she had never felt a pull like this before.

She had never felt like she had to choose between being an O’Neil or a Hamato before.

---

“Daddy!” April shrieked.

She waited a moment, pausing to see if she’d get a reply, but after five seconds passed without a response, she breathed in deep, repeating the call with the volume cranked up.

“Daddy!”

That one worked. Her dad’s head popped out from the apartment a moment later, peering through the door that was always kept propped open when she played in the alley like this. “I’m comin, I’m comin, baby, hang on--”

“Come look!” April bade, waving her arms hurriedly. “Hurry up!”

“I’m hurrying! I’m hurrying!” Her dad laughed, quickly toeing on some sneakers before venturing out into the concrete jungle, half-jogging his way over to where she was crouched in the alley, moving to squat down next to her.

“What? What is it?”

“Lookit what I found!” She squeaked excitedly, pointing to a single feather resting on the asphalt. “Look! A feather!”

“Oh, wow! Good find, sunshine.”

“Can I pick it up!?”

“... Yeah, okay, so long as you wash your hands afterward.”

April absolutely wriggled with excitement, immediately snatching the feather up from the ground, turning it over in her hands a few times to examine. One side of it was this pale, cloudy gray, all fluffy and soft, but the other side was a sleek, shiny shade of cobalt blue. Just holding it made her grin, and she looked up at her dad with wide eyes.

“What kinda feather is it?”

“I dunno,” her dad said, shrugging a bit, resting his elbows on his knees. “But I bet we could find out.”

---

“Casey.”

Casey whined softly, curled up a bit further under the covers. Was it time for school already…? But she didn’t wanna get up…

“Hey. C’mon, Casey. Wake up.”

Wait, wasn’t it a Saturday…?

“Noooo…”

“No?”

“Noooooo.”

“What’s wrong, Case?”

“I’m sleeping, Daddy…”

“Oh, you’re sleeping?”

“Yeah!”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize,” her father exclaimed with faux surprise, drawing back slightly. “Well, if you’re sleeping, and you don’t want to go hiking up on Newton Hill with me--”

Casey’s eyes shot open.

“You’re going out into the woods?!” She gasped, immediately upright in bed, her eyes wide.

“I am,” her dad confirmed, this big, wide grin growing on his face. “I was hoping you’d come with me, but, I mean, if you’re still sleeping…”

“No! No, I’m awake!” She squeaked, just barely managing to contain herself and keep her volume down. She threw her covers back, scrambling quickly from bed. “I swear I’m awake! Please can I come hiking with you?!”

Her dad laughed.

“Ah, how can I say no to that face?” He teased, reaching down to ruffle her hair. “Hurry up and get dressed, sunshine, and let’s get out of here.”

---

April gasped, jumping over her dad’s arm so that she could point at the screen of his laptop.

“That one! That’s the feather!” She exclaimed. “It looks just like ours!”

“Hmmm…” Her father hummed appraisingly, leaning into slightly to squint, before he gave a firm nod. “I do concur, April, I think that is our feather! Here, let’s double-check. Are the colors the same?”

“Yeah!” April said, grinning wide as she held the feather up. “Look! It’s the same blue.”

“And the same shape, right?”

“Uh-huh!”

“And we measured it--”

“And it’s twelve centimeters! Look, Daddy! It’s this one!” She insisted, and her father laughed. 

“Yeah, okay. You’re right. Definitely our feather.”

“What bird is it!?”

“According to this, it’s a mallard feather.”

“A mallard?” April echoed. “What’s that?”

“It’s a type of duck!”

“A duck!?” April cried, her eyes widening, holding her prize up in amazement. “This is a duck feather!?”

“It sure is, sunny girl.”

“Whoa! That’s so cool!” 

“You know,” her dad said. “I bet if we went down to the park, we might be able to find some more feathers…” 

---

Cassandra was absolutely alight with energy, bouncing from foot to foot as she scampered around, practically doing laps around her dad. The drive over had been equal parts exhilarating and tortuous, with Casey wriggling in her car seat the entire time, her face pressed up against the window.

This was her favorite thing in the world.

She loved Newton Hill.

“Daddy, I wanna go all the way to the top!!!” She exclaimed, bouncing up and down, grabbing onto his pants leg to yank at him.

“All the way to the top?” He echoed dramatically.

“Yes!”

“Alright, you got it,” he hummed, fishing something from his pocket before kneeling down next to her. “All the way to the top. I think we can do it.”

“We can,” Casey agreed excitedly, leaning against his knee and leaning over slightly so she could peer at the item in his hands.

“Alright. Let’s do it,” her dad enthused. “But first-- I have got a job for you, Casey.”

Casey blinked in surprise as her father pressed the stopwatch into her palm, tilting her head slightly to the side.

“I have a job?”

“You have a job,” he confirmed. “You are gonna be in charge of timing us.”

“Timing us?”

“Yep! Here, you press this button to start the time-- and this button to end it. And you--” He pointed to her decisively, this big, mischievous grin on his face. “Are gonna find out how long it takes us to get from here to the top of the trail.”

Casey tilted her head to the side.

“Why?”

“Because,” her father declared, his hands on his hips as he rose back up to his feet. “David from work bet that I couldn’t get all the way up to the top in four hours. So now I’ve gotta prove him wrong.”

Casey stared at her father for a second.

And then she gasped.

“He bet we couldn’t do the whole trail in four hours!?” She shrieked in offense.

“He sure did, Case.”

“HOW DARE HE!” She wailed, throwing her head back.

This was the other best part of Newton Hill. She could be as loud as she wanted out here.

“Exactly!” Her father sighed, throwing out his hands with a dramatic shake of his head. “I knew you’d understand. So obviously, we have to show him up! You up for the challenge, sunshine?”

“Yes!” She cried, immediately setting off-- hesitating only long enough to run back, grabbing onto her dad’s pants leg and yanking at him. “Come ON! Hurry up! We are gonna WIN! Let’s GO!”

---

“Come on! Hurry up! Let’s go!” April squealed, yanking at her Dad’s hand impatiently. “Look! I see one!”

“I’m coming, April, I’m coming!” Her dad laughed, jogging slightly to keep up with the enthusiastic five-year-old. “Hang on, sunshine.”

April darted across the lawn, hopping over wayward twigs or stones until she got to the water’s edge, waving her arms excitedly as she knelt down to pluck the feather from the ground.

“Look!” She said, beaming as she turned to show her dad. “Do you think it’s another duck feather?!”

“Might be. Or it could be a goose.”

“I hope it’s a goose,” April said, scampering her way back over to her dad, who knelt down to hold open the ziploc baggie for her. April deposited the feather inside, along with the several other specimens they had already collected. “We already have a duck feather.”

“Yeah, but maybe it’ll be a different kind of duck,” her dad countered, zipping the baggie back up once their prize was safe inside. April paused at this, tilting her head to the side slightly. Oh! Another kind of duck? She hadn’t even thought about that!

“Well, then, I hope it’s a different kind of duck. Or a goose,” she declared, grinning big. “When we get back home, can we show Mommy all the feathers?”

“Of course we can,” her dad said. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled for you to show her. Especially if you can tell her which feather is which!”

“I will. I’m gonna look it up. I’m gonna do research,” April declared proudly, grinning as she spun around on her heel. “Come on! We gotta find some more. I wanna have a bunch for mommy.”

---

Casey froze in place, her body going rigid as a tiny little gasp caught itself in her throat.

“Daddy!” She whispered, her voice hushed, but fervent. “Daddy, lookit! Under the rock!”

After hiking for two hours now, Casey only occasionally electing to ride on her dad’s shoulders rather than racing up the trail, poking at every leaf, stone, and mushroom they came across, the pair had finally elected to take a break, settling down on the stones of a creekbed to rest and munch on the snacks her father had packed along. The stopwatch she was wearing around her neck was still ticking away-- but they were making good time. Certainly enough time to catch their breath.

And it was here that Casey spotted a tiny black-and-yellow snake-- just barely poking its head from beneath the shadows of a stone just inches away from them. Its little pink tongue flicked out a few times as it examined the world hesitantly, turning its head from side to side, as if checking for something.

“Whoa!” Her dad breathed, keeping care to keep his voice soft once he spotted the creature. He slowly moved to place a hand on her shoulder, patting her gently. “Nice eye, Casey.”

“It’s a real snake!”

“It is.”

“What kind is it?”

“Probably a garter snake, I’d bet,” he whispered, grinning ever so slightly. “I bet he wants to come out and sun himself on the rocks.”

“Why?”

“Reptiles are cold-blooded, Casey. They’ve gotta warm themselves up with the sun, or else they get too cold.” 

“Oh,” she said, her eyes wide. “... He’s so cool…”

“He is,” her dad agreed, shooting her a small grin. “Good job, sunshine. I never even would have noticed that little guy! I would have totally missed him.”

Casey absolutely beamed. “Really?”

“Yep!” He confirmed, chuckling softly, leaning over to ruffle her long black hair, carding his fingers through it briefly. “But you’re so smart, of course you saw it… Alright. You ready to get moving again? I bet that little dude would be pretty excited if he got to come out in peace and warm himself up.”

She nodded excitedly, wasting no time at all in beginning to get herself back to her feet. Despite all the running and jumping and climbing she had already done, she was suddenly filled with energy once more.

“I’m ready, Daddy!”

---

“And this one is a pigeon…”

“Mmm-hmmm…”

“And this is a pigeon…”

“I see…”

“And this one a pigeon feather, too…”

“Ah…”

“And this is a starling!”

“Oh!”

“And this is a pigeon!” April exclaimed excitedly, spreading the feathers out on the paper towel slightly, grinning big. “... There are a lotta pigeon ones.”

“That does make sense,” her mom said, smiling a tiny bit. “Thank you so much for showing me, baby! This is so impressive! I can’t believe you found all of these all by yourself!”

“Nu-uh!” April protested, turning to grin big up at her mother. “Daddy helped me! Except for the first one. I found that one all on my own.”

“Well, then, good job to your Daddy, too,” her mom remarked, and April just caught her shoot a smile across the kitchen to her dad, who was busy preparing dinner. He smiled a tiny bit, too. 

“I’m gonna make a chart for them and stuff. In a book,” she declared proudly, beginning to climb her way up into her mom’s lap, absolutely beaming as she did so.

“April, sweetheart, you need to wash her hands--”

“Will you help me make it? Pleasseeee? I wanna make it look cool.”

---

Casey was so tall. 

Every time they got all the way up here, to the very top of the hill, up as high as they could go, she would always think, wow. This is the tallest we can get. This is so tall. 

And then every time, her dad would pick her up and put her on his shoulders, and then she’d be even taller.

And it had only taken them three hours and forty-two minutes to get here.

“There’s not even any clouds!” Casey marveled, eyes absolutely sparkling as she leaned back slightly, clinging to her dad’s head to keep her balance. “It’s just blue!”

“Yeah, it’s a nice day, isn’t it? Perfect for hiking,” he declared, grinning. “Can you believe David said we couldn’t make it!?”

“David is WRONG!” She declared, just as loud as she possibly could, and she grinned at how her voice carried. It made her feel all shimmery. Her dad laughed.

“You wanna yell?”

“YES!” She gasped. “You do it, too! I wanna do it together!”

“Okay, okay. We’ll go on the count of three. You ready?”

“Mmm-hmmm!”

“Okay. One… Two…”

Casey took a deep breath in.

“Three!”

Throwing her head forward, her eyes shut tight and her hands balled into fists, Cassandra reached as deep into her little six-year-old chest as she could possibly reach, and she dredged up the biggest, longest, loudest howl that she could possibly conjure. It always hurt her throat a little, but it never hurt more than it felt good. It made her entire body vibrate. And her dad was screaming, too, holding onto her hands with his own big ones, the two of them harmonizing together as they screamed out into the woods from the top of the hill, their voices echoing out into the sky.

She kept going until there was no more left in her, running out of air entirely and left with just shaking, heaving breaths, her shoulders trembling as she panted.

And for a second, both of them were both quiet. And then finally, her dad chuckled, tossing his shoulders a few times to jostle her slightly.

“One of these days, you’re gonna shatter my eardrums, sunshine. I hope you know that,” he laughed, and Casey just grinned, hanging onto him.

“I like yelling,” she hummed.

And for a bit longer, it was quiet again. 

Just the two of them on the top of the world.

And then Dad’s cellphone began to ring. 

Casey paused, frowning slightly as she watched her father fish the device from his pocket, glancing at the screen and scoffing in such a way that Casey already knew who was on the line.

“Damn. Too bad we still have service up here, huh?” He tsked, and Casey frowned.

“Don’t be mean to mommy,” she muttered petulantly. “I don’t like it.”

“Sorry, Casey. My bad,” he sighed, crouching down so he could ease her down off his shoulders and back onto her own two feet. “Here. Just gimme two seconds to talk to her, okay?”

“Can I talk to her when you’re done?” She asked, and Dad hesitated.

“Uh, maybe! Lemme just talk to her real quick first and see what she wants. I promise it’ll be fast. Here, hang on. You can time me, okay?” He said, returning the stopwatch back to her hands. “Think you can do that?”

“Yeah…”

“Good girl. I’ll be right back,” Dad said, offering her one last crooked smile before turning away, looping off a few paces before finally picking up his phone.

“Hello?”

“Yeah?--”

“Yeah, I know.”

“No, we just went up hiking--”

“I know that, but it’s just one day. Yeah, I know that… I’m going to!”

“She loves it up here!”

“I will, just-- Could you please just listen to me?-- No, I didn’t--”

Casey frowned. She settled down to sit in the grass and hit the ‘start’ button on the stopwatch.

[ next ]

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

How will the kids react or feel towards there mum ( the reader) gently stroking the back of their head to there shells which makes them sleepy as they lay or as she holds them on her chest? :D

I thought this might be cute

A Mother’s Touch (Fluff)

Bayverse!Turtles x reader

A/N: Cuteness overload! This stuff and my internship is giving me baby fever!😭💕 I love how, whenever I’ve written one of these, the kids at my internship do exactly as I’ve described my OC’s would do it. What kind of black magic is this?! One of them even called me mama today😭💕

Warnings: Cute things💚

Leonardo:

Romeo:

You could still clearly remember the time where newborn Romeo was laying on your chest, enjoying the heat of your skin as you and Leo were getting ready for bed. You started to stroke his little shell the same way you would do to Leo, when the two of you would cuddle while falling asleep. Your baby son yawned, letting out a small chirp at the sensation on his shell. You and Leo looked at each other with a shocked expression, as if your son had already started walking, before letting out a collective “awwww”, waking your son up from his little sleep.

Marcello:

Your little warrior of a son would never admit it, but he is an absolute sucker for when you stroke his head or shell. Even when his father does it, Marcello can’t help but like it, and will sometimes involuntary chirp or churr. However he would find it extremely annoying when you would do it, while he was trying to be angry. Both you and Leo have tried gaining the anger of an angry toddler Marcello, who got angry that you wouldn’t let him brud. If he is brudding, you’ll have to wait until he lets you pet him, which usually was when he was about to fall asleep, and then he’ll be as happy and calm as can be.

Gerardo:

This boy will always and have always loved it when you stroked his head or shell. He would let out all kinds of happy sounds, the turtley once and the human once, before leaning into your touch as a way to tell you to keep going. However, as a child, Gerardo would never tell you he wanted you to keep going. Instead he would let out a bunch of displeased turtle noises, with an angry yet very adorable look on his face that made you chuckle, before you would stroke his shell once more, his little tail wiggling happily.

Valentina:

The drama queen herself - at least when it comes to head pats and shell scratches. This little angel would very loudly demand her shell getting scratched as a toddler, if she saw her mother scratch anybody else. Even her father. She could be walking into your room in nothing but a diaper and a Marcello’s Nintendo in hand, only to let out a bunch of “No! No! No! Me! Me! Me!”, running to the bed where you were scratching Leo’s shell. However, it never got to a point where she would scream or cry, as her family members were quick to give their little princess whatever she wanted.

Raphael:

Joan:

Though Joan did not show or act like she wanted you to pet or caress her. She acted like she hated it, at times even telling not to do it. And each time you respected her wishes, knowing it had nothing to do with her few of you. She just didn’t like it all the time. But that did not mean that she never wanted it. At the few times where Joan found herself crying and seeking you out for comfort, she found it very nice and soothing when you held her close, tracing your fingers up and down the shapes on her shell, swaying you both from side to side.

Minerva:

It wasn’t uncommon for both you and Raph to pet Mini’s shell whenever she came to sleep in your bed. With her many nightmares as a child, both of you quickly learned how to comfort her. Although she would usually go for Raph in these situations, there had been times where she would climb up to you, and ask if she could stay with you for the night. With a tired yes, you could let her cuddle up against you, relaxing against you as you traced shapes on her little green head. It worked wonders and made her fall asleep real quick.

Ragnar:

Ragnar was the kind of child that wouldn’t ask you to stroke his head or shell, instead he would climb on top of you or nuzzle himself up against your side, and place your hand on his head, hoping that you would take the hit, which you of course did every time. Like his cousin Gerardo, Ragnar would make all sorts of happy sounds, along with extremely disappointed ones when you stopped. However, did he feel like he didn’t get enough scratches, he would climb into your lap and rest his head against you, and churr like the happiest turtle in the world when you caressed him once more.

Donatello:

Galileo:

As a newborn, Gali was one of those kids that wouldn’t sleep unless he could smell or feel his mother nearby. You could try to lay him down to rest, and he would cry as soon as you stood up, still fully awake. However, you and Donnie quickly learned that scratching his plastron or stroking his head would calm him down immediately, and after a few minutes of doing that, he would fall asleep. As he got older, you found that he always would calm down whenever one of you stroked his head or shell. You once noticed him scratching his own plastron in an attempt to calm himself down, and it worked.

Dorothy:

Dear little Dorothy preferred it when you scratched her shell while she was awake, so she could fully enjoy it. As a child, she knew nothing better than staying in your bed with you and Donnie, laughing at the picture book Donnie read out loud for her and her sister, while you did those shapes that she loved on her shell. She would smile and point out the pictures, engaging in conversation with her father, while you soothed her and her sisters backs.

Marie:

While her sister preferred being awake while you stroked her head and scratched her shell, Marie preferred being asleep. During your night readings with Donnie, she would rest on top of you, her head on your chest, silently following along in the story Donnie was reading and the conversation he had with Dorothy, while she slowly fell asleep, churring quietly as you followed the shapes of her scuts. You had to fight not to aww out loud, whenever she started burying herself closer against you in her sleep, hiding her face against you.

Michelangelo:

Sunny:

Sunny loves getting her shell scratched, she really does. But sometimes, she prefers petting other people, instead of letting them pet her. It was not that she didn’t like it, it was just her way of showing that she cared. It was a type of love language she had developed, after both you and Mikey would scratch her shell and stroke her head. So whenever you would hold her close and do any of those things to her as a toddler, she would afterwards get up and walk behind you, where she would start to scratch your own back. It was a heartwarming gesture that made you melt everytime. Your little Sunny truly was a ray of sunshine.

Luis:

Mr ‘No one gets pets other than me’, himself. Luis isn’t the biggest fan of sharing his mother and her caring touches with anybody else, when he is in an emotional state, and neither does he like other people receiving shell scratches when he is getting them. It would usually happen in extension to whenever he would run to you for comfort, claiming that your shell scratches helped him, even if it was his leg that was hurting. During those times he would stare very intently at Mikey whenever he came close, not wishing your attention to go anywhere else than on him.