#TODAY'S WAR ON ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

besthimbomachine · 11 months

Text

my love when it counted. 09

summary: With Wrestle Kingdom done both you and Kenny return to your daily lives. Now no longer in a cold war with each other backstage you both grow closer, becoming friends getting used to each other's presence as part of your routines. So, when Kenny's injuries flare back up, forcing him out of the ring again, you use a match close to his home as your chance to drop by for a visit. pairing: kenny omega x reader word count: 8424 warning: the tiniest bit of angst if you squint, smut (oral male receiving) kenny said ps5 and chill but he got much more than just chill. so, as per usual, I had to break this chapter in two, so today's chapter is half plot half smut, chapter 10 will be mostly smut. but it's a good thing it means I have more freedom to make the smut better and to put in a little scene after the smut I was thinking of cutting off. fun fact is this chapter is kinda based on experience seeing as I started hooking up with my boyfriend when I dropped by his home one day to watch anime. it wasn't the first time I went there, but it was the first time we got a bit high alone together.

09.

The days following Wrestle Kingdom and that fateful trip to Japan proceeded slowly, almost as if nothing had happened. Kenny tried hard to convince himself nothing did, fighting to forget your words, reminding himself constantly that you were drunk and probably wouldn’t even remember them. Different from your previous flight, for your trip back you weren’t on the same plane as Kenny. He was left spending the long hours of the flight with his own thoughts, and he found himself missing your presence, and worrying about how he knew you didn’t like such long trips by plane. You were like a ghost in his mind, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get rid of your presence.

Just as he landed at the airport after his flight, Kenny was surprised to find a message from you on his phone. Your trip had been just a couple of hours shorter than his, so you were already at home, checking up to see how he was doing. The two of you weren’t in the same hotel, and both of your flights had been in the morning, so you didn’t really have much of a chance to see each other after the party. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, seeing the message brought a warmth to his heart, smile spreading from ear to ear. He told himself it was foolish to let such a small thing bring so much joy to his heart, but the damn organ refused to listen.

You two keep in touch after the trip, and in a couple of days you tell him that the doctor had decided to still keep you two weeks away after your return to the US. Though Kenny was happy to see you rest and heal, at the end of these two weeks he couldn’t hide from himself how much he had been missing you. The last time you had both been in a show together was before the Christmas party - back when you couldn’t even look each other in the eye. In a way, this made things seem somewhat unreal for Kenny, like the past few weeks had been a dream, like the next time he saw you backstage it would all be back to what it was before.

But his fears never materialize. When the time comes and you two meet again at a show, reality finally crashes down upon him, and for the first time Kenny gets to watch one of your matches without hiding in some lost corner backstage. Seeing you back was beautiful, your power and ferocity in full display, like a storm crashing with thunderous force. An experience made even better now that he could finally go and congratulate you after the match. Finally free to bask in the light you shone.

With time, Kenny started to get more at ease in your presence. You’d ride with them to the airport and hotel, seeing as you usually took the exact same flight as Nick and Matt, often eating with them after shows, and at times you’d have the hotel breakfast with them too. On some weeks, you’d spend the night before the show with them, though you were usually doing something with one of the girls. It was weird, after so many years having you around like this, but it was a type of weird he could get used to.

Outside the shows you kept in touch with him too, at the start it was just messages, but soon enough you’d be playing games together when you had free time. He had almost forgotten that part, the small things that brought him joy, the simple things you did together for fun all these years ago. He had always liked playing games with you, whichever one you chose - and he had missed it, god, in those awful first days he missed these things the most. To have this back now, even if things weren’t the same, was a gift he never imagined he’d get.

As the days went you started growing closer, all the shared interests and personality quirks that had brought you together before now bringing you into a friendship Kenny felt lucky to have. Though, he couldn’t deny, sometimes in the dark of the night, when he sat alone in his room, that friendship still brought a bittersweet pang to his heart. Like the memory of a taste that stubbornly lingers on his lips. One that he could suppress at most times, but that came crashing down on others with the power of a tidal wave.

There were some days when Nick and Matt wouldn’t have breakfast with him at the hotel, but you still did anyway. Some days when you’d spend the night before a show with him, going out to eat or playing games together. There were even some days when you’d let him be the one to help you prepare for a match, in these few rare days he’d feel like he could touch the sun and get away unburnt. Though his heart still knew the weight it carried, dragging him back to the ground whenever he got to see Adam being the one helping you with that. It hurt, but Kenny knew he had to push that pain back.

So despite the weight of his feelings and the way he felt his heart falter near you, he enjoyed what he had. The hotel breakfasts and car rides together. The joys you shared over video games and eating out. Laughing together again, congratulating you after a win and offering support after a loss, and getting the same things from you. And there were even times when you were together outside of work. Whenever Matt or Nick came to visit Kenny at his home, sometimes they’d bring you, since you lived so close to them. He had so much now that he never imagined he ever could have. Then why did his heart still insist on wanting more?

And as the weeks turned into months, passing slowly by him, Kenny learned to focus on just cherishing what he could have while suppressing his true feelings for you. Suppressing the burn in his mind when he saw Adam around you, and the pain in his chest that had the annoying habit of always coming back up. And it worked - well enough at least - you two working together and spending time together without problems. There was a sense of peace there, one Kenny had yearned for so long that not even his damn heart could take away.

Over the months, spending time around you during the shows had become a routine for Kenny, one that even without noticing he had gotten attached to. So, when his back injuries flared up again and he was forced to spend time at home, already in the first few days he found himself yearning for your presence. His worries about the injuries and the pain they caused was bad enough, but there was also this weird aching emptiness in not being near you, not having your presence around, even if just a little. It was a cruel joke his hopeless heart was playing on him.

The one thing Kenny wasn’t expecting, however, was for you to be booked for a show that would be happening near his home. He first learned about that from you, and when he saw the message, he wished he could make time move faster. The days seeming to drag on slowly around him. He planned to be there, at the show, to at least see you for a bit and watch your match. Though, as the day came closer, he got a message from you, saying you, Nick and Matt were planning on arriving there a day before everyone, so they could spend some time with Kenny. That was a welcomed surprise, one that warmed his heart in these troubling moments.

But it wasn’t the only surprise. The day before your flight, he got a call from Matt, who apologized continuously after telling Kenny that he and Nick had some problems to solve and wouldn’t be able to take the flight earlier, but that he had urged you to go at least. From Nick, all he got was a one sentence text saying he was sorry they weren’t gonna be able to show up at his house with you. Then immediately followed up with one single line. ‘She’s still going, tho’. So when you showed up at his door alone, it wasn’t a surprise, but fuck, Kenny’s heart still jumped the same way.

Part of you wanted to get angry when Matt and Nick bailed on you, but you couldn’t blame them for problems outside their control, and you knew they wouldn’t have given up so close to the flight without a good reason. Nick was still kind enough to find time to drive you to the airport, and pretty quickly you had arrived at your destination, passing by the hotel to leave your things before you could head out to Kenny’s place. Though, you couldn’t help but remember that the last time you visited the place, you were drunk and humiliated by your own stupid decisions. Just thinking about that brought you a headache - but you couldn’t deny that despite everything, that terrible night ended up serving a good purpose.

You got to Kenny’s home early in the afternoon, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt two sizes too large, carrying enough food for about four people - or in this case, you and him. Sure, if Matt and Nick had been here you’d have dressed a bit better, if anything just to avoid Matt’s surprisingly powerful judgmental stare. But they weren’t, so you were free to wear lazy clothes. Besides, Kenny, and his home, had already seen you at your worst - drunk and defeated - so in hindsight he probably wouldn’t care. The plan was to head over there, eat whatever junk food you’d picked up on your way, watch a movie, play whatever new game he had and head back to the hotel before it got too late. Not really some special occasion.

When you got there you were happy to see Kenny doing better, while you were eating he told you he had a check-up for later that week, and he was expecting the doctor to give him the ok to go back to wrestling. This was fantastic news, not only because you had felt Kenny’s absence backstage, but also because you knew the pain and anxiety of having old injuries flaring up. Every now and again you’d feel the pain returning to the spot in your spine where you had the surgery, and every time it happened you had to face the reality that your body had a limit, one you’d have to face. But while you had made peace with that, you weren’t quite so sure if Kenny had come around to that just yet.

As the afternoon went on, things moved with a tranquility and ease that brought a much needed peace to Kenny’s anxious mind. Being alone in that house had been almost driving him mad as much as the injury itself - he did have plenty of contact with people through other means, but he missed having someone around. And having you around was even better. Sure, the minute he saw you outside the door his heart skipped a beat, you were beautiful, and your smile was brighter than the sun, melting his heavy heart in the span of a second. But it didn’t take long for your presence to seem like it always belonged there, just like it had back on that night after the Christmas party.

You had brought food - and a couple of beers for yourself - so you two ate together, chatting along as you did so. While you ate, you asked him about his injury, seeming genuinely worried about Kenny’s health. Which, he wouldn’t deny, warmed his chest to no end. When he told you he would probably get an ok to return to the ring by next week, he could have sworn your smile seemed a bit brighter. To see the worry in your eyes had him soft, heart easily shaken by even the smallest of gestures. After eating, you two watched a few things on the TV and just overall had a good time.

A few times Kenny caught himself staring, eyes lingering on your smile, the way your eyes creased when you laughed, following the curves of your body as you moved. He had been trying to keep his heart in check, as if he could hold the damn organ in his hand and force it to behave normally around you. But the smooth sound of your voice and the sweet smell of your perfume made it hard for him to keep his composure.

By the time evening rolled about, you two had moved on to playing video games already. At first, you played something cooperative, but soon enough you had moved onto things Kenny was far more used to - fighting games. The minute he picked the game, you knew it was already his territory. It’s not like you hadn’t played any of them, not like you didn’t own some, but Kenny was a bit too much on too much into it. And you were nowhere on his level. As his third victory in a roll proved. Or was it fourth? You didn’t wanna think about that.

“Really, are you even trying?”

Kenny laughed and you rolled your eyes, feeling the well known urge to punch his face lurking in the background of your mind. Instead, you picked up one of the soft pillows over the couch and hurled it at his head, sending a warning shot full force his way - although, a fluffy one. You didn’t even look his way, eyes facing the TV as you heard his surprised yelp from his spot on the sofa. In your peripheral vision, you caught your soft foreign object hitting him right in the face before falling to the floor, Kenny scowling as he laughed for a second.

“Keep pissing me off, I’m gonna be trying to break your back again,” you mumbled in response to him, pushing the button to start the next match.

“Oh, come on,” Kenny started before you shushed him.

“Shhh, it’s starting,” you shot back, waving the controller at him as the announcer counted the start of the match.

All you heard was Kenny laughing as he turned back to the TV, curving forward as he leaned on his knees. You were almost curling up on yourself in stress, sitting by his side with your legs pulled over the couch, torso resting on the sofa’s arm. His long fingers moved with a speed you couldn’t really even register, soon enough he was having you backed up again. For someone so good with actual violence, you performed really poorly at virtual violence. Kenny, on the other hand, was almost fucking born for this. He had been like that back in Japan too, so it was no wonder that he just got worse - well, actually, better - with time. It didn’t take long for him to be clearly beating your ass again.

And that’s why you cheated. Everybody has a breaking point, after all.

“Hey,” you heard him explain as your foot made contact with his shoulder, his exclamation getting mixed with your laughter.

Your kick threw him off balance and gave yourself a small opening that you managed to capitalize on. You could feel him stare back at you for a second before turning back to the TV, and though you had finally gotten the upper hand, Kenny was quick to get it back. His laughter filled the living room for about a second before you kicked in his direction again. This time he was faster, catching your foot with one hand just as it neared his shoulder.

“This is cheating, you know,” he laughed back at you.

“You talk like you’ve never seen me fighting,” you snickered at Kenny, glancing at him as he pushed your foot back in your direction.

You laughed again yourself, the one moment he took one hand from the controller was all you needed to recover. Kenny was swearing by your side, working hard to regain the ground he’d lost as he shook his head at your antics, not even hiding his amused chuckles. If you were to be honest, pestering him was far more fun than the game. Especially as he was pushing you into a corner once more. So, without thinking twice, you tried to strike him again.

“Oh, no, that’s enough,” you heard Kenny say as his hand caught your foot.

You were laughing loudly now, and Kenny could hear the pure glee you got just from pestering him. When he caught your strike, he pushed your foot forward this time, a loud ‘no’ echoing through your laughter as he extended your leg between you on the couch as he threw his much heavier one over it. He had gotten so caught up in your hijinks that it took him a moment too long to notice you had been capitalizing on his loss of attention all along. When he finally did though, he tried to appeal to your own tactics, dropping the controller, hand reaching for your forearm and trying to throw you off balance. But it was no use, the game finally ending with you winning.

“Cheater,” Kenny turns fully to you, voice loud as he pushes your forearm back in the direction of your body, leaning in close to you.

Your amused chuckles turn to a mock evil laughter at his comment, body shaking wildly. Kenny holds himself up on the sofa’s backrest with one arm, his other hand still pushing against your forearm, fingers wrapping completely around as he had you cornered against the arm of the couch. At first, he is shaking his head, repeating his words and giving you his best judgment stare. But soon enough he breaks, laughing alongside you, your own laughter turning more genuine. He let go of you, your arm lowering as you both laughed together, eyes shut tight as his lungs burnt like fire.

It took a few seconds for your laughter to start to die down, and when it did, Kenny opened his eyes first. That was when it hit him, just how close you were. He could see every detail of your features, from the wrinkles around your closed eyes to the dimples near your mouth as you laughed so freely alongside him. He could feel the heat of your body too and smell your perfume, it was something warm and sweet, like chocolate and citrus.

The scent hooks his mind like a drug, making a moment turn into an eternity before you finally open your eyes, a bright smile painting your face. You look at him and he swears he has never seen anything more beautiful in his life, the undertow of your eyes pulling him deep. He can feel how heavy your breathing is, just like his own, both of your faces just a few inches apart. Kenny knows he should get away from you, but he doesn’t find the guts to do so, feeling his mind dazed by the pull of your eyes and the inviting warmth of the smile curling on your soft lips. So he stays, mesmerized by your beauty, thick silence hanging between the two of you before your smooth voice breaks it.

“You know,” you whispered and Kenny could feel the warmth of your breath on his skin, almost taste the words as they spilled from your gorgeous lips, “you never answered if you’d kiss me or not?”

Your question catches him completely off guard, it’s like breathing is an alien concept as his lungs tighten and his throat closes. Kenny’s eyes widen in response, exposing all of their chilling blue, black overtaking it as his pupils dilate. His mind screams loudly in his head, repeating two heavy words: you remembered. You remembered. He had all but buried the memory of that night and all it stirred in him, but you remembered. All of these months, and you did. After a moment of panic, Kenny remembers how to breathe, sucking in air and the intoxicating smell of you.

“You remember,” he mutters silently, half a question half a statement, he doesn’t even know why he does it, the words bursting through his teeth despite not even registering in his mind.

“Surprising, yeah,” you say between chuckles, darkened eyes burning into Kenny’s own, “but that isn’t an answer.”

You whisper the words like a secret and Kenny feels time coming to a standstill, ice creeping through his veins, poison in his bloodstream. His heart beats fast, fighting against his rib cage, he can hear its drumming, the thunderous sound drowning his reason. He shouldn’t do this, he knows. All the common sense in his head screaming that he is about to make a bad decision, that some desires are best left unfulfilled. But god, why should he listen to common sense? His life had been a continuous succession of him doing things he knew he shouldn’t, why would he stop now? Why stop himself when your lips feel magnetic, pulling him ever closer, your skin calling for his own in a language only your bodies can hear.

His consciousness screams in his ears, but it means nothing, the thunder of his heartbeat swallowing the sound as Kenny crashes his lip to yours, closing the gap between you both. It’s like time moves again, your warmth spreading through his body and melting away the chill in his veins. Your skin feels soft against his, molding to the shape of his own as he presses impossibly closer. He doesn’t even need to ask for entrance, as he leans into the kiss you open your mouth ever so slightly, inviting his tongue in. It’s an invitation he doesn’t dare deny.

Your lips taste like beer and Kenny remembers he used to complain, the bitterness stinging his tongue, but he thinks it fits you now, sharp bite adding an edge to your warmth. Otherwise, you feel soft and heaven-like to him, wet mouth welcoming his tongue as it slides inside. The taste of you is intoxicating, and the velvety caress of your lips has his heartbeat faltering as he slowly explores your mouth. Despite the fire in his body, the kiss is tender and tentative, deliberate in the same way of someone who returns to a home they once knew, but had long since lost.

Kenny doesn’t want to pull away, but when his lungs start to burn he has to, departing from the warmth of your lips with a heavy sight. He is almost afraid to look you in the eyes, but he does so anyway, finding your face inches apart from his own. His heart is still hammering against his ears when his blue eyes meet your gaze, expression unreadable for a moment before your lips curl into a smile. God, it’s like someone breathed life into him again, like he could take on anything, his anxieties all pushed back to the dark corners of his mind at the sight. You look perfect, you feel perfect, and he could be sure he was blushing by now.

“I’m gonna take that as yes,” you say with a small laugh and he feels your hot breath on his mouth.

“You should,” Kenny replies with a chuckle before diving in for another kiss, a hand reaching to touch your face.

His rough palm cradles your jaw as his fingertips touch your neck, warmth spreading through your skin. The touch is not forceful, it’s firm yet gentle, though the kiss this time is anything but. The minute Kenny’s lips crash back onto yours, his tongue is already in your mouth, tasting and claiming anything it can. Where the first kiss was tentative, this one is bold and greedy as he explores every inch of your wet mouth. You drop the controller from your hands to the ground before reaching for his broad chest, fingers digging into the soft fabric of his shirt, hard muscle welcoming your touch.

He sinks his teeth into your bottom lip and you moan into the kiss, making Kenny pull you closer by the neck, his rough stubble scratching against your skin. You feel like you are drowning into his warmth, into the taste of his mouth and the woody smell of his perfume. One of your hands travels to the nape of his neck, feeling his soft skin burning under your touch like a furnace. Your other hand stays exploring his broad chest, feeling the thick ropes of muscle responding to your touch under his shirt. In the time you spent apart, he had somehow gotten larger, the broad expanse of his torso feeling solid to your fingers.

Kenny moans under your touch, breaking his mouth away from yours and sucking in a breath. You feel breathless yourself, trying to recover as he brushes his lips against your face. He adjusts himself on the couch, leg finally freeing yours before pulling you closer, a thick arm surrounding your waist and pressing your body closer to him as he leans into you. He feels so hot to the touch, heating you as your fingers travel from his chest to his sides. Kenny groans into your skin and the rough sound has you shivering as he kisses your jaw and down to your neck. His large hand cradles your head as you expose the sensitive skin to him, whimpers escaping from your lips while your hand slips under his shirt.

When your soft fingers touch the skin of his side Kenny grunts, running his teeth along your exposed pulse. By now, the part of his brain that protested had all but been drowned out, only the distant sound of the TV and your soft whimpers filling his mind. The sensation of your hands running up from his abs to his chest has a shudder climbing up his spine and a tightness forming in his core. Kenny lays sloppy wet kisses down your neck, devouring you like a desperate man. God, how had he missed the taste of your skin, the way your warm body felt against his. It was like seeing the sun again for the first time in years, a blessing made flesh.

A strangled cry leaves your mouth when Kenny bites lightly into the sensitive spot at the junction of your neck and shoulder - one he still had mapped in his mind even after all these years. Slowly but surely he finds his way around your skin again, hand grabbing your sides hard, sinking his fingers into the soft flesh of your hips. When he bites into your neck again you moan, one hand tugging at his hair hard, pulling a low groan from him as his darkened blue eyes find yours.

You look him over, and Kenny prays to any god that he doesn’t seem as desperate as he feels. You look gorgeous yourself, breathless and dazed, trapped between his torso and the arm of the couch. He only lets you both have a moment to regain your breath before his mouth finds yours again in a messy and needy kiss. Your tongues move together as he feels you moan into him, sound swallowed by his hungry lips. He feels you digging your fingers into his chest and he shudders again, cock straining against his underwear, hard and sensitive. The hand you have on his neck slides to his shoulder, and suddenly Kenny is being pushed backwards, his torso meeting the backrest of the couch as you move to straddle him.

The kiss remains unbroken even as you change positions, mouths still moving against each other in a sloppy dance. Kenny is more than happy to let you climb on top of him, a thick arm pulling you ever closer, chests pressed together. His other hand finds your clothed thigh, slowly traveling up until it finds your hips, fingers moving to the expanse of your ass, groping hard the soft flesh there. You roll your hips over his, and Kenny breaks from the kiss with a hiss, the friction making his cock even harder. Though, you don’t give him a moment to breathe, soft lips kissing the way from his mouth to his jaw and then down to his neck.

Kenny almost whimpers at your touches and it has your mind reeling. To have a man that feels so massive, so solid, grunting and groaning under you is exhilarating. It’s like your senses are on overdrive, making his smell and the warmth of his body act like a drug to your system. His stubble scratches against your lips as you kiss your way down his neck, and you feel every reaction of his body, the way his fingers grip harder and the muscles tighten under your touch. Kenny’s large hands feel heavy on you, one kneading hard at the flesh in your ass and the other sliding below your shirt, his touch searing your skin.

You roll your hips over his again and a groan escapes through his teeth, you can feel the vibrations in his neck before even hearing it. There is something rough and seductive to the untamed sounds he makes, the way his voice feels husky and thick, dripping through your entire body. Truth be said, you could hear him all day. You lick a strip down his thick neck and Kenny shudders under you, your body hyper aware of every movement of his own. He is gripping you hard, the hand in your shirt moving up your sides, his rough thumb and palm caressing your breast - this time, it’s you who shudders.

With a moan, you grind your hips against his, feeling the hard bulge in his pants push straight against your crotch - you hadn’t forgotten that he was big but, shit, it still felt impressive. You bite into his neck lightly and that has Kenny grunting a deep sound, hips bucking against yours and it’s all too much. Your body is screaming, burning with desire, pussy tightening around nothing just at the clothed friction. It’s like you are set aflame, and you need him now. You slide away from his lap swiftly, like your body has a mind of its own, positioning yourself on the floor between his legs, fingers ghosting over his waistband for a second as your eyes find his own.

As soon as your weight lifts from his legs, Kenny already misses the feeling of your body pressed against his. Your movement had been so fluid that he barely had any time to react, his hands missing your supple flesh and the softness of your skin. When his eyes find you kneeling, he is almost taken aback by the sight, breath caught in his throat for a moment as he takes in your slightly disheveled form, the colorful lights from the game illuminating your body as the background music keeps on looping. Fuck, this definitely wasn’t how he expected the night to go, but he wasn’t about to complain.

You dig your fingers into the waistband of his pants, tongue sliding out to lick your lips, and that’s all the incentive Kenny needs, immediately sliding his hips closer to the edge of the couch. You run one hand over his sensitive bulge, the other holding onto his clothed thigh, while your darkened eyes find his. Kenny groans at the touch, feeling his erection twitch under your fingers, every fiber in his body tightening at the friction. In one movement he pulls the waistband of his pants and underwear down, freeing his rock hard cock, big veins popping all over his thick shaft.

Kenny’s large hand wraps tight around the base as he admires how perfect you look between his legs. He tries not to think about how much he had missed the sight, missed the feeling of your skin on his. He wants desperately to tell you just how fucking gorgeous you look, but the words catch in his throat, still unsure if this is all a dream and afraid that if he says anything the spell will be broken. All those thoughts are banished from his mind, though, as you follow his lead, hand wrapping around his own.

You break eye contact with him, bringing your mouth closer to his cock, lips hovering over his sensitive head in a tease before you take it in your mouth, pulling from Kenny a guttural sound. His whole body shudders under you, massive thighs tensing at your touch. Damn, from this angle his frame looked even bigger than before, an utterly impressive sight. You suck on the head of his cock and he groans deep and dark, the sound alone making your core tighten, and he felt just way too good in your mouth. With a moan, you unwrap your lips from his dick, gripping his large hand as you sit back on your knees, soaking in the image before you.

Kenny was huge, that was no news to you, but he was still a sight to behold. His cock was long, veiny and thick - thick enough to fill his own large hands, deft fingers only barely wrapped around the girthy shaft. You take it in your hand, taking in just how hot and hard it feels against your palm, his fingers releasing their grip on himself as you replace them. Bringing your lips teasingly close to his heated skin, you move them from his head all the way down to where your fingers wrapped around the base. Kenny groans as you press the flat of your tongue to the underside of his erection, tracing over the thick vein that runs from base to head. When your tongue reaches the red and sensitive head of his cock, Kenny moans, you can feel his powerful hips stuttering under you.

You repeat the movement a few more times, licking him from base to slit, relinquishing in tasting his cock before finally taking him in your mouth again. Kenny trembles under your hands as you suck on his head before going lower. You can hear him curse in a deep voice above you, it feels wild, dark and erotic all at the same time. The sound only spurs you on, making you take more of him in your mouth every time you move down before coming back up to the tip again. The groans turn to low and raspy grunts, your name hissed under his heavy breaths as you continue your movements.

You feel Kenny’s hand touch your face and for a moment you expect him to grab your hair and pull your face down, but it never happens. Instead, his thick fingers brush a strand of hair from your face behind your ear, caressing your cheek with a light touch as you moan around his cock. The softness of his touch came as a surprise when compared to what you were used to from him, and not an unwelcomed one.

When you moan around him, Kenny shivers, whole body reacting as he felt the vibrations go straight to his sensitive cock, a groan coming from deep within his chest. He watched through half lidded eyes as you swallowed him, mouth opening wide to take his thick shaft a good two thirds of the way in. Shit, you looked so good taking him like this, felt so damn perfect too, so warm and wet around him. The hand on your face continued caressing you, feeling the softness of your skin, fingers twitching slightly as your movements teared away at his sanity. His other hand held the edge of the couch, gripping so tight that veins popped all the way up to his forearm. He was slowly losing himself in the sloppy pleasure of having your mouth around his cock.

Your name spills out of his mouth in a strained mutter, Kenny struggling to keep his eyes focused as the erotic wet noises you were making brought him ever closer to the edge of madness. You bobbed your head up and down, dragging his cock on your tongue and the soft walls of your mouth. The coil in his core tightened even more as he watched you working him so perfectly that he almost couldn’t believe it, lips coming closer and closer to the base of his erection. Kenny groaned, feeling his whole body shivering, fighting the instinctual desire of his hips to just buck into your mouth. He was pretty sure you could feel it too, feel the way his body tensed, feel how his muscles twitched even under his clothes, feel the way you drove him to madness, body and mind.

Kenny almost whimpered as you slid further down, gagging slightly around his cock as it got so damn close to the back of your throat. He gasped, heart racing in his chest as he cradled your face in his large hands, fingertips gently caressing the skin of your nape. It felt so fucking good, his consciousness almost slipping away from him, mouth whispering praises that his brain didn’t even register. You were moving slower now, working your way to the place where he wanted you to be, deliberately pushing him deeper down. Your wet mouth felt heavenly on him, making sloppy, almost pornographic sounds as you slid down, and Kenny wanted so much more. But he could wait for it, let you set the pace, he knew you’d find your way to the base of his cock, he was sure of it.

The sound of Kenny’s muttered praises and desperate grunts reached your ears like a wave of pleasure, lighting your body even further aflame. He felt so hot under you, powerful body twitching and tensing at your touch, his thick erection throbbing against your lips as you felt the stuttering of his hips again. In contrast to the rest of his body, the hand on your face remained gentle, caressing your jaw and neck before his fingers delved into your hair, holding it firmly but still letting you set the pace. Slowly you worked more of him into your mouth - a hefty task that you hadn’t done in years, and Kenny was even longer and thicker than you remembered. But, fuck, he was so delicious, there was no way you wouldn’t take the whole thing in your mouth again.

A groan rumbles through Kenny’s body, his hips almost shaking under you. His thick cock twitched between your lips and you could already taste the precum spilling from the slit, flooding your mouth. God, he felt so good, the swollen head of his cock dragging over your tongue down past the back of your mouth every time you pulled up and then swallowed him again. You get close to taking all of him and Kenny grunts, the sound shaking your body and reaching into your core. He is moaning loud now, precum leaking vigorously as you suck almost all of him. When your lips finally kiss his base, he shudders, cock throbbing intensely as he groans your name like a prayer.

Kenny has to fight the urge to scream when he feels your lips touch his hips, feel his entire cock sheathed balls deep in your mouth. Instead, he mutters your name, dirty praises laced in desire falling from his lips. His brain barely even registers what he says, too focused on the feeling of your mouth around him. Kenny caresses your head with the hand in your hair, words failing him when you start to move again, pulling up to the tip then diving all the way to the base. Shit, you felt so soft and wet, taking his whole fucking cock, so god damn perfect. He could feel his erection throbbing as you picked up the pace, the coil in his core tightening fast, a shudder wrecking through his body.

“Ah, fuck, that’s it,” Kenny groans in a broken plea, voice husky and deep and dripping with something sinful. “Fuck, taking me so good. Looking so pretty, too,” he whispers, half lidded eyes following your movement.

His praises turn to curses as the feeling of your mouth dragging along his sensitive dick has him delirious. It’s like his whole body is being taken to the edge of pleasure, winding so tight that he can’t help the bucking of his hips anymore, his muscles moving on their own. Kenny watches you bobbing your head, taking him all the way again and again, the flat of your tongue dragging along the vein on the underside of his shaft and driving him mad. He feels his cock throbbing more and more as his orgasm draws ever closer, coating the inside of your mouth in his salty precum, making your movements even easier as it mixes with your saliva.

The grip he has on your hair tightens, but Kenny doesn’t try to control your movements, already going crazy as he just watches you slobbering up and down his cock. His fingers on the edge of the couch grip even harder, knuckles turning white. You look so fucking pretty sucking his cock, feel so damn good, and that’s all he can think about. All he can feel is you, and the way his length throbbed on your tongue, the wet warmth of your mouth as you took all of him. It was too much, driving Kenny to the edge until he felt the coil in his core snapping, white flooding his vision as a deep shudder shakes his whole body.

“Oh, shit,” he grunts, his deep voice almost breaking, “I’m gonna cum, I’m g-”

Kenny loses himself before he can finish his words and you stop your movement, keeping his cock all the way in as it twitches and throbs with abandon. He makes a sound somewhere between a groan and a roar as his release spills deep inside. You can feel his body trembling under you, thick thighs shaking as they frame your form. He is shooting rope after rope of his cum, it floods your mouth and throat as you start to swallow. That task is made harder by just how thick it is and how much he shoots, the strong taste taking over your tongue and it feels so damn good. You milk Kenny through his orgasm before pulling him out of your mouth, a bit of his cum still spilling from the head of his cock and landing on your lip.

Relaxing back against the couch, Kenny grunts, the rumble coming from deep within him as he watches his cum dripping down your lips. He releases his hand from your hair, caressing your face with his knuckles before his thumb brushes over your bottom lip, spreading the cum that had spilled on it. You suck on his thumb and Kenny shudders, a long groan escaping his lips as his blue eyes get lost in the sight before him. Shit, you looked too sinfully good like that, a beauty that his words could never do justice - and one he had been almost sure he had lost forever. You smile and his heart warms, his own lips curling up in response as he puts his cock in his pants and then helps you back up on his lap.

“Holy shit,” Kenny mutters under his breath, eyes closed as he tries to calm his erratic breathing.

“Everything okay there, Kenny?” you ask with a laugh.

Hearing his name in your voice sends a shiver down his spine, a feeling not helped by how your warm hands caressed his face. Kenny laughs along with you, hands rubbing your clothed thighs in slow movements as he lazily opens his eyes. He can’t stop the smile that spreads across his face as he sees you, hair tousled and lips reddened from the abuse, your skin glowing beautifully under the colorful lights from the TV. To him, you looked perfect, the most gorgeous sight he had ever seen. Without thinking, Kenny leans forward, pulling your body against his as his mouth captures your own in a slow but passionate kiss, his tongue delving into your mouth and tasting the remnants of his cum.

“Oh yeah, more than ok,” he responds with a laugh as he finally breaks from the kiss, face still hovering close to your own. “Shit, I had almost forgotten just how fucking good you are at that.”

“Ouch, I take offense in being forgotten,” you snicker, your warm laughter ringing in his ears as he kisses his way from your jaw to your neck.

“I said almost,” he grunts, looking up at you from where his face was buried in your heated skin.

You catch sight of his eyes as he speaks, their beautiful blue having returned, like a fragment of the ocean in reach of your hands. Kenny nips at the skin below your collarbone and you shudder, a small whine leaving your lips. His body feels almost searing hot against yours, stubble scratching your chest as he lays lazy kisses and bites at the junction of your neck and shoulder. Your hands roam over his broad back, finding the rim of shirt to bunch up the fabric and let your fingers touch the warm skin below, feel the way his thick muscles ripple under your palms. His massive frame almost engulfs you fully, large hands holding your hips in place with a strong grip. He felt so big, so powerful - and yet, nowhere near as dangerous as he did back in Japan.

Kenny bites at your neck again and you moan, nails digging into his flesh. You feel him groan more than you hear it, the sound muffled by your skin as his mouth never leaves it, his tongue making a hot wet mess of whatever it touches. One of his hands moves to your ass, groping you hard again as the other slips under your shirt, thick arm circling your waist and keeping you pinned against him. He sucks at your sensitive flesh and you moan again, burying your face in his soft curls. Kenny’s teeth digs into your skin and you almost scream, trying desperately to squirm against him, but it’s to no avail. He does it again, biting harder this time as he sucks on your neck and you force your mind to work, one hand tugging on his hair to pull his mouth away from you.

“Kenny!”

You cry out his name and he immediately pulls away, bright blue eyes finding your own, worry tinging their gentle waters. The cool air of the room meets the wet trail he left on your neck, leaving a chill touch on the area. Kenny’s large hands don’t let go of your body, but his grip loosens, allowing you more room to move, his fingers gently caressing your skin. The softness in his touch echoes the worry in his eyes and you almost feel bad for him - but you really don’t need a hickey on display for your next match.

“Hey, careful not to mark me,” you say with a laugh, trying to ease his worries as your fingers brush his hair away from his face. “I got a show in two days.”

“Shit, shit,” Kenny mutters under his breath, eyes falling away from your gaze. “Did I hurt you?” There is worry still laced in his voice as his hand comes up to your neck, touch so very gentle as he inspects it.

“It’s ok, Kenny, I’m just being a bit cautious,” the words leave your lips with a warm laugh, your hands brushing over Kenny’s large shoulders as you shrug before pushing him back against the couch. “I mean, you’ve always been a pretty intense person, no criticism, I mean, but the last thing I need is a huge purple bite mark on my neck on show night. Just watch out for the visible places and we are good,” you chuckle again before your lips meet his in a kiss.

Kenny welcomes the touch of your skin against his, but it still doesn’t fully clear him of the tightness in his gut. You had put it lightly by using the word intense, he knew he used to be downright aggressive during sex when you were together. On one hand, that was part of a person he wasn’t anymore. He had changed from that rush and aggression from his youth to someone who was passionate, hard but not violent, just different from what you had last experienced. But on the other hand, that was something that scared him too - the possibility that what you wanted he’d fail at offering you.

When your lips slowly pull away from his, Kenny opens his eyes again, hoping you can’t see the turmoil in him. He caresses your skin, giving you a smile as one of his hands rubs your thigh, the other flat against your back, keeping your body close to his as your mouths part. Your fingers delve into his hair and Kenny groans again, feeling your other hand roam from his shoulder to his bicep. When he meets your gaze again Kenny gives you his best laugh, trying to ease himself more so than you.

“I think the word you were looking for there was aggressive. But yeah, I’ll keep away from the visible spots,” he responds with a chuckle, eyes drawn by the smile you give him. “Though, it has been a long time since we last had sex, and I’m not that same guy anymore. So if you are looking for that, well, I’m afraid you’re not gonna like what I’ve got to give you now.”

As Kenny talks, he buries his nose in your neck, words spoken against your warm skin as he tries to hide his anxieties from you by drowning in the scent of your body. Your moan reaches his ears as he kisses the exposed part of your shoulder, his large hands bringing you ever closer - as if praying you wouldn’t get away, silently begging for you to stay. When he feels you pull at his hair he looks up again, blue eyes finding you looking back at him, an inviting smile painted on your face as your hand moves to hold him by the jaw.

“Why don’t you let me know that new you, then?”

sponsored by: @xladyxfatex @wanderbreadsworld @madds-97 @morgan-bucks @tahiri-veyla @slut4kennyomega @of-twilight-and-moonshadow @himbos-hotline @moondust-imagines @madqueenpartna @adriswrld

#kenny omega #kenny omega x reader #kenny omega smut #kenny omega imagine #aew smut

122 notes · View notes

butmakeitgayblog · 10 months

Note

I hadn't thought about a CI smut scene for this pic until I saw it in your tags. Now I can totally see CI size queen Lexa getting railed by Clarke holding up that left leg. So, thanks for that mental image.

Bby that was the first thing that popped into my mind

Lexa texting all morning about how half the office has been running around like chickens with their heads cut off. She's had to fix one crisis after the next due to nothing more than people's incompetence, had to fire three people who work directly with her so now she and her team are stuck with their shit all on top of her normal schedule, and she's just fucking done. Clarke can read it in every clipped message that her baby is exhausted and at her breaking point and it's not even lunch.

She decides that what Lexa needs is a little Me Time during her break. She decides that what she needs is to shut that big beautiful brain off for just a little bit. Clear out the noise to get her head back in the game.

So it's not exactly surprising when she hears her wife's annoyed sigh over the speaker when her secretary buzzes through that she has "a visitor." Is not surprising when Lexa doesn't even lift her head to see who is calling at such an inconvenient time, instead keeping her eyes on her work as she absently points to the chair across from her with her pen and tells them to take a seat. But at the first sound of Clarke's voice smoothing out an amused, "Ah, Lex. You look stressed," that head whips up and oh, it was worth braving midday downtown traffic just to see all the warring emotions flash across that pretty face.

Shock that she's the apparent visitor.

Contrition for having spoken to her so dismissively.

Confusion as to why she's seeing her wife there at 12:27 on a Wednesday afternoon, and very keen on the cut of Clarke's perfectly tailored powersuit... considering it was most certainly not the blouse and pencil skirt she'd left for the gallery in that morning.

She'd popped home to grab her supplies and a quick change of clothes because, while she got off more on fucking her wife like this while wearing a skirt, she'd recognized that Lexa was in desperate need of the Big Guns today.

And there is just no hiding this particular monster under anything but slacks 🙄

But she's receptive when Clarke tells her that she seems entirely too tense. Rolls her eyes when Clarke delivers a few cheesy lines that belong more in a porno than actually flirting with her wife, and she knows Lexa will beat her ass a lovely shade of red for them later.

She makes up for it when she has Lexa undo her slack's button and zip for her. When she hums in approval as Lexa pushes them down to mid-thigh and cups the length through her boxers.

It's fun to make Lexa fish the toy out. Fun to watch her swallow at the sight when Clarke tells her to slick it up. She'd brought the peach flavored lube with her. Lexa's favorite for some ungodly reason. Because this was meant to be a gift after all.

She doesn't waste too much time on letting Lexa get everything ready. No matter how delicious it is to see those plump lips suckling kisses along the shaft and tip.

Instead she combs her fingers through the silk of perfectly straightened hair and tells Lexa to lean back. To grab the edge of the desk and stay quiet. To lift her hips and keep them lifted no matter how good it feels, because Lexa really doesn't want to find out what Clarke means by "Or else."

Unfortunately.

Her wife can really be a terrible listener sometimes.

Because when Clarke slips into her with a few slow passes, careful not to push the stretch too fast too soon, the first thing that little shit does is work to sink down on it, and lets her ass drop right to the desk with a thump.

It honestly feels like Christmas.

Because then Clarke has every excuse to grab her hips and roughly pull them back up. To grab her knee and lift it till that mile long leg is hooked over her shoulder. And Lexa looks so pretty just like this. Stretched open and dripping around her cock. The pink of her lips blushing hot as she ruts against every stroke of the navy blue shaft.

Clarke knows it's gotta be murder on her hip flexors and her back, but Lexa doesn't make a peep of complaint. She just bites her lips harder. Strains up on her tiptoes. Shakes her head when Clarke asks if she's had enough and wants to come.

#bosaunt #cruel intentions au #this got filthier than expected 🥴

50 notes · View notes

gir-posting · 2 years

Note

pls rant about tim burton, i gots to know

@y-lisse

(casually vibrates) my god what a rant you're gonna get

i was raised by two giant horror nerds so naturally i was pretty much raised on tim burton. so full disclosure this is coming from a place of disenchantment and sincere disappointment

i think the second i went to see ms peregrine's home for peculiar children is the exact second i got disenchanted with his stupid gimmick that hasn't worked for over 20 years now. because in the first five minutes they change exactly one word from the book that ruins the entire rest of the movie: very suspiciously they decided to make the protagonist polish instead of jewish! which is interesting! because ms. peregrine's is an entire story about the proliferation of antisemitism in the modern day which becomes completely pointless when you remove the jewish context from the story. and i know exactly why they did it too: they knew that they had to keep in something about world war 2, because IT IS A VERY BIG TOPIC IN THE STORY. but ohhhh nooo we can't make our protag a jew :( i know :) we'll make him polish instead the polish were oppressed by the nazis too :)) it immediately put a bad taste in my mouth and ive never been the fucking same with tim burton's bullshit since. (and that's not even getting into the fact that they made the only black character in the story one of the flesh eating monsters :/ which apparently aren't the nazis anymore because ohhh we can't discuss antisemitism actually sorry so where does that leave us. huh.)

speaking of antiblackness, did you know that in his willy wonka movie, he BROUGHT BACK the racist backstory for the oompa-loompas? the one that THEY FULLY CUT OUT in the 70s because of the civil rights movements going on? and all this combined with his comment that black people don't "fit his aesthetic" really just makes me want to bury him alive. lol!!

SPEAKING of his aesthetic: IT JUST FUCKING SUCKS. FOR TWENTY YEARS THIS "AESTHETIC" HES BEEN LEANING ON SO HARD HAS BEEN GARBAGE FROM A TOILET THAT'S ONLY EVER WORKED A SINGLE TIME. i hate the dim washed out gray tones with ~just a little pop of color~ because 9 times out of 10 he does NOTHING with it. it's just ugly! the only time i can genuinely think of where it was used in an actually interesting way was sleepy hollow cuz in that one apparently they made the fucked up blood in that tree bright orange to make it pop more. which is cool! IT HAS NEVER BEEN INTERESTING SINCE.

and the thing is i know he has the capability to make good interesting movies! unless beetlejuice was a fluke! which is a very likely chance! i can't understand how the man who made beetlejuice could possibly end up becoming the man who just KEEPS CHURNING OUT THE SAME SCHLOCK OVER AND OVER.

idk how to properly transition into this but i have to rant about this too: you know how people constantly have to correct others on who actually directed nightmare before christmas? how henry selick did literally all of the heavy lifting only for tim burton to slap his name on it and get all the credit, so that even today people still think it is Tim Burton's movie? well i watched a documentary on it (the movies that made us) and it actually gets so much worse than that! IT GETS WORSE!

not only did tim burton not actually direct the movie (complications with directing his batman movie which lead to him not Having Time for it i guess,) the only times he ever actually showed up for the production was to YELL AT PEOPLE. TO THROW AN ACTUAL FIT. during the documentary they went into how apparently a background artist showed up to give him some concept art and burton just...... threw all his work in the trash...... because the art wasn't as angular and colorless as he was imagining. IN THE TRASH.

the only other time he interacted with the crew was near the end of production where they showed him the ending they had worked on. in his stead the ending they wrote up was that the mad scientist was actually oogie boogie all along. is that kind of a weak ending? sure, i really don't like it myself, it doesn't make sense and kind of takes away from the other shit he does in the movie. do you know what i wouldn't do if i was presented with that kind of ending?

KICK

a FUCKING

HOLE

IN THE WALL

BECAUSE IT WASN'T EXACTLY WHAT I WAS PICTURING. do you know how this kind of direction could have been prevented? huh timmy? do you want my two cents? IF YOU HAD ACTUALLY HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVIE TO BEGIN WITH, maybe this WOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. YOU CANNOT GET ANGRY AT PEOPLE FOR DOING SOMETHING THAT YOU DIDN'T LIKE WHEN YOU WERE NOT THERE TO GIVE THAT GUIDANCE THE ENTIRE REST OF THE TIME. ARE YOU INSANE?

and either way i still reaaaaally don't think what he came up with was all that great either!

youtube

like maybe this is just my opinion, but the tone in this clip isn't present in ANY OTHER part of the movie. oogie boogie dissolving into thousands of disgusting bugs feels completely detached from the silly kind of uncanny musical ft danny elfman as a sad skeleton man. it's almost like..... the person who wrote it...... wasn't actually involved in the entire rest of the movie................ :///

needless to say the news about him getting his stupid hands on the addams family devastated me and i will not be touching that shit with a 30 foot pole. cool gomez! i don't trust you to treat him properly given your stupid racist history!

tldr: not only is tim burton a racist antisemitic uncreative artist i think the fact that he is this much of a bitch to work with just really puts a cherry on top of the whole thing. my god what a shitshow.

#thank u for asking i am fully capable of ranting about this again ten times harder i think im just gonna have to make a video essay atp #i didn't even get into how much i hate corpse bride

202 notes · View notes

27dragons · 5 months

Text

New Year Countdown: Dec 22

Of all 32 fics I've written for this countdown (31 days of December plus one for Jan 1, and they're all written!) this one gave me the most trouble. Possibly because I consider "Smaller Without You" to be my definitive Stony soulmate AU? Anyway, have a different Stony Soulmate AU!

Dec 22 - Stony - Soulmates AU - Tinsel

Steve brought his wrapped gifts into the common room to put them under the tree, only to find it surrounded on all sides with stepladders. “What the hell?”

The elevator opened to reveal Tony carrying a stack of boxes nearly higher than he could see over. “Steve! I thought you’d gone skating with the others!”

“No, I had some things I wanted to get done here,” Steve said. “What’s with the ladders?”

“Oh! Well.” Tony put the boxes down. He plucked one off the top and turned it to show Steve. It contained, according to the writing, two thousand strands of silver tinsel. “It was sort of a tradition. The tree would go up right after Thanksgiving, and it was lovely of course. But then on Christmas Eve, my mom would put the tinsel on. It took her half the day - she practically hung every strand individually.” He smiled nostalgically. “When I was older, I got to help, but when I was very little, she’d do it while Jarvis took me out for the day, and when we got back, it was a magical transformation. When they all said they were going to go out skating today, I thought...” He shrugged.

“No, I get it. That’s sweet,” Steve said. “But the ladders?”

“Oh, that’s just so I don’t have to keep moving one around. My other idea was to use the suit, so--”

Steve was laughing. “No, don’t get the suit. You’re ridiculous, Tony, you know that?”

Tony grinned and rocked on his heels. “It’s part of my charm.”

“It’s part of something, anyway,” Steve snarked, ignoring the way his neck grew warm. “Why don’t I help you out, and then you won’t need quite so many ladders?” He folded two of the ladders and set them aside, which gave him enough space to tuck his presents for the team up under the tree’s branches.

“If you insist,” Tony said, handing a box of tinsel to Steve. “I thought you had things to get done, though.”

Steve opened the box and ran his fingers over the shimmering silver strands. “My ma’s tradition was to wait until I was out and then put the presents under the tree. She always swore Santa had come while I was gone, even after I was old enough to know better.”

“Is that why you always wait until the last minute to bring yours out?” Tony asked. “Huh. And here I thought you were just procrastinating with your shopping.”

“You ought to know me better than that,” Steve chided, smiling. “It’s surprisingly hard to find a time when no one is here.”

“Trying to out-stealth the Wonder Twins won’t go very well for you,” Tony warned with a chuckle, “but don’t worry, I won’t out you.”

Steve watched Tony hanging tinsel for a moment so he could match the pattern of it, then went to work. “I’m sorry I never met your mom,” he said after a few minutes. “She sounds like a great lady.”

“She had her faults,” Tony said, “but who doesn’t? I was in awe of her.”

“Anyone who could keep up with Howard had to be awe-worthy,” Steve agreed. “What color were their soulmarks?”

Tony paused. “They weren’t soulmates,” he said. “She was pretty sure the boy who would’ve been hers had died when they were both in school together. Dad never said if he suspected he’d met his, but his wrist was blank his whole life.”

“Oh. Is that why you’re so...”

Tony finished placing a few strands and then raised an eyebrow at him. “So what?”

Steve fought a blush. “You just don’t seem to mind that you haven’t found yours, yet.”

“Well,” Tony said lightly, “if they aren’t as amazing as Pepper, I’m not sure I want to find them. What about yours? Your wrist is still blank, too, but I don’t see you out on the dating scene.”

Steve shook his head. “I’m pretty sure mine died in the war.”

Tony huffed a little. “Well, that brought down the mood. Sorry.”

“No, it’s all right,” Steve said. He picked up another several strands of tinsel and carefully draped them where the tree’s lights would make them dance. “I’ve made my peace with it.”

“But you’re not interested in dating someone if there’s no chance they’ll turn out to be the one who colors your mark?”

Steve lost the fight with the blush, that time. “I didn’t say that. It’s just...”

“Just?” Tony was awfully close, suddenly.

Steve licked his lips, and watched as Tony’s eyes flicked down to his mouth, then back up.

It wasn’t the right moment. But it was never going to be the right moment, was it? This moment was the one Steve had. He took a breath. “Tony?”

“Yeah?”

Steve leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against Tony’s mouth. “I don’t need a mark to know you’re the one for me.”

#my writing #countdown to 2024 #stony #soulmates au #of course immediately after they kiss they realize their soulmarks have colored in #but instead of a solid color #it looks like they're filled with strands of tinsel #i tried to write that big like 6 times and it always sucked #so you can just imagine it #lol

12 notes · View notes

domxmarvel · 1 year

Text

A Forger Christmas

Masterlist

Pairing: Loid x Female!Reader x Yor

Slot:First Christmas together +Christmas tree + Snowman

Anya was home and already watching the new episode of spy wars as you were making dinner,Yor should be home any minute and Loid already messaged both of you saying he’d be a bit late. Just as you finished dinner Yor walked in.

“Welcome home” You walked up to her,taking her jacket and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She blushed lightly,she had gotten way more comfortable with affection.

“I picked up a few things” She brought in four huge bags and a giant box that was almost her height.

“How did you carry all of that?”

“It wasn't very heavy,” She smiled. “Let me show you what I got.” It was a bunch of Christmas decorations and the box was a Christmas tree. She quickly grabbed two of the bags and put them in her room,you assumed they were probably presents. You sat down and had dinner before attempting to set up the tree,Loid was surprisingly still not home yet and it was almost midnight. Anya was already in bed,which left you and Yor to decorate and wrap gifts. She didn’t let you see some of them,they were probably for you and Loid. “Aren’t you heading to bed?”

“I’m gonna stay up a bit longer,I’d feel sad if I came home and felt lonely” She sat down on the couch with you.

“You don’t have to stay up with me,you must be exhausted after today. Get some sleep,if he’s not back in thirty minutes I’ll go to bed” She gave you a kiss and went to her room. About fifteen minutes later you heard the door open and he walked in.

"Y/N it's past midnight, what are you still doing awake?"

"I wanted to welcome you home"

"Thank you Y/N" You wrapped your arms around him,hugging him.

"You're welcome,now take me to bed" He laughed,you kissed his cheek. You were joking but he picked you up and carried you "Are you busy tomorrow?"

"No,I'm off tomorrow"

"We should go Christmas gift shopping for Yor and Anya,just the two of us"

"Of course,the tree is beautiful by the way"

"Yeah,Yor bought it"

***

It was Christmas morning and Loid was already making breakfast but everyone else was still asleep. You woke up to the smell of pancakes and Yor kissing your face and shoulders.

"Well good morning" You giggled as you pulled her down for a proper kiss. You got up and washed up before going to the kitchen. Loid was already sitting down with a cup of coffee. You sat down next to him and saw Anya walk out of her room and to the bathroom. She was still sleepy when she came out.

“Good morning Anya”

“Good morning”

“Do you remember what today is?” Her face lit up.

“It’s christmas” She ran around for a few seconds before sitting down,fully awake. You had breakfast before sitting down next to the tree and trading gifts. Suddenly Anya got up and ran to the window.

"It's snowing" Her eyes lit up making all of you smile. "Can we go play in the snow?"

"It just started so there's probably not a lot right now,we’ll go out after a little while"

***

“Snowman” Anya exclaimed as Yor picked her up to put the carrot on,the second Yor set her down she started running around the snowman. All four of you played around in the snow until you somehow ended up in a snowball fight,you didn’t remember who started it but Yor was terrifying. Her throws were really strong,you got hit once but knew you didn’t want to repeat that. The snow had gone from a gentle fall to a harsh wind and the snow felt like needles.

“We should get back inside,it’s starting to get worse” Anya was crying,Yor immediately picked her up. “What’s wrong?”

“The snow hurts”

“Let’s get back inside before we get sick”

***

You got back inside changed and ran Anya a bath,Yor helped her get ready for bed as you and Loid started working on dinner. You noticed that he was coughing quite a bit,so you handed him a glass of water.

“Thank you”

“Maybe I should run you a hot bath after dinner”

“That would be lovely” Just as he said that Yor sneezed

“You too?”

“Maybe we should all take a bath” You all sat down and had dinner. As you filled up the bathtub,Loid washed the dishes as Yor grabbed the towels and anything else you needed. Surprisingly all three of you fit in the bathtub,you ended up being sandwiched in between them. Loid was leaning back letting you wash his hair as Yor washed yours. You made sure their hair was dry before you went to bed,you didn’t need them getting sick.

Despite your best efforts all three of them got sick and you knew you’d be next. They were all huddled together on the couch,trying to stay warm.

"Here I brought you some tea" You set the cups down,carefully handing them to Yor and Loid. "And I made you some hot chocolate,be careful" You handed Anya the cup and sat down between them.

120 notes · View notes

thegamingcatmom · 5 months

Note

Human!Ellie gives off possessive vibes especially being 5’11 😵‍💫 being 5’2 or 5’3 she would just tower over me *looks up* 😊

Oh, you mean...

This isn´t actual footage, obviously. When we say "tower", we mean tower-

Lady Dimitrescu has entered the chat

Anyhow, as a tiny being myself I can very much relate to that. Very much. As a matter of fact, I´ve been feeling rather restless these days, a bit skittish if you will and not just because a certain someone has been staring daggers at me for these past couple of months and well, Momma(s) has had quite the dry spell, it has to be said so I can´t really blame her for wanting (and trying, we´ve been there) to wrap those clawed hands around whatever part to twist and break and mangle-

-only to remember that wingwomen are hard to come by these days, especially if you look like death warmed up, so Maggot Momma´s gotta deal with it (for now) if she ever wants to that smell, my god! again-

*Sighs*

So dramatic.

BUT I DIGRESS, this is all about Momma Ellie and I´m all too happy to deliver - that poor (starved) woman needs some love and attention too!

(Don´t let Maggie know though - poor thing´s still not over the whole bowl-fiasco. That was a close call. Way too close.)

This is my late christmas present to yall. Enjoy! <3

************************************************************************

That escalated quickly.

When you were asked to join the Bixlers on their weekly Game Night this morning you immediately said yes. Of course you did. You´ve been living with Beth and her family for a month now and honestly? You haven´t been this happy, this carefree, in, well, ever?

Well, until Beth came into your life and turned it (and you, literally - you can´t remember much seeing as you were both high af but something about truth or dare - you dared, of course you did, idiot) upside down.

It´s kind of a sad truth and yet you can´t bring yourself to mourn your past and its missed opportunities (again). Not now. Not when it´s brought you here. Right in the middle of this family of asshats goofballs who never fail to make you laugh until the tears drop and you feel like you´re suffocating. Who make you feel like you belong, no questions asked. Like you´re home.

So when Kassie came running up to you, nearly vibrating with excitement, those big eyes staring directly into your soul-

(Well, we all know where she got that from.)

So, family Game Night it is.

What immediately sprung to mind when you heard "Game Night" were things like UNO, Go Fish or, hell, for this family you´d endure a few rounds of Monopoly as well.

So, yknow, normal things.

What you didn´t expect, however, was war playing out right in front of you because-

"You cheated!"

That´s kinda-

"How are you supposed to cheat here??"

Well, Brig does kinda have a point considering-

"The red brick was supposed to go there, like this!"

You fear Kassie is about to have a full-out temper tantrum any second now-

"You´ve literally watched me-"

"You were too fast!"

"Should´ve said something then, you crybaby-"

"Bridget!"

A brick goes flying then, and you´d be quite impressed by the sheer force of it, if it weren´t for the fact it was going straight for you, missing your eye by a hair's breadth but still managing to get you quite good, motherfu-

"Shit!"

That´s gonna bruise for sure.

"Kassie!"

"Wow Kass!"

And oh man, those eyes-

Through watery eyes (because that did hurt like mad) you can only watch Kassie get up and stomp out of the room before anything more can be said, and, well, you kinda get that. Being reprimanted not only by Mom but also your cool groupie-aunt (who might not be so cool for a while now) must feel quite overwhelming, unfair. Like the whole world is against you suddenly. But then again, you didn´t expect to be on the receiving end of a missile today, fucking-

Ellie is up in no time, body tense, a stern look on her face and even though it´s not directed at you, you can´t help the shiver that runs through your body because-

Mommy´s very angry.

It´s like she´s got some kind of tunnel vision, eyes staring daggers at the door her youngest disappeared through seconds ago and the resemblance between Mother and Daughter strikes you yet again as Ellie goes to stomp angrily walk towards it, only-

*click*

Kid got some balls, you gotta admit that.

Ellie freezes for a moment and even though she seems calm and collected on the outside, you just know she´s swearing like a sailor in her head. You can see her jaw working - clenching, releasing, clenching, releasing.

How silence can be so deafening is beyond you.

"Uh...you need some ice for that or-?"

Danny´s remark seems to snap everyone out of it. Ellie whips around so fast you fear she´s pulled a muscle. You swear there was a crack!.

She´s storming towards you, apologies spewing out of her. She looks quite frantic and, dare you say, a bit unhinged? Her hands come up to hover in front of you and she doesn´t seem to know what to do with them for a moment - clenching and unclenching them, lowering them only to lift them again - before she finally settles on oh so carefully cradling your head to take a closer look at what must, no doubt, be a pretty nasty bump by now, if that sharp tut! she makes is anything to go by.

Her thumb runs over it, just above your left eyebrow, the pressure she applies almost nonexistent and yet-

"Ah!"

You can´t stop the breathy sound from escaping your lips. Which only leads to Ellie looking even more like she´s about to lose it-

"I´m so sorry. I don´t know what´s gotten into her. She´s never done anything like this-"

She´s gonna give herself an aneurisma at this rate, so your hands come up as well, fingertips only just touching her forearms. Making sure you have her full attention.

"Ellie, hey, it´s alright-"

"It´s not alright. In this family we don´t just go around, throwing stuff at people. Especially not at guests. Things could´ve ended way worse-"

Well, that´s a tad bit dramatic isn´t it? However, you can feel your cheeks getting hot. You can´t help it. Ellie just has this way of being...Ellie.

Beth must sense your growing discomfort with the current situation. She´s always had a knack for reading you like a book and, right now, you feel like there´s a giant spotlight shining right at you. You´ve never liked being the center of attention and yet, with Ellie, it seems like you´re always the center of attention. It´s nerve-wracking most times, overwhelming, but also...oddly charming? (It´s complicated.)

"Hey Shortstuff, how about we go get some ice for that Bad Boy, hm? If it grows any bigger we might have to leash it."

Her half-lidded eyes are twinkling like they always do when she´s trying to stiffle a laugh. The right corner of her mouth just so lifted. Waggling her eyebrows once. All in all, she looks every bit the coquettish rascal that she is.

It never fails to make you laugh.

The two of you get up, Beth´s hand resting on your lower back, already halfway to the kitchen before she turns around once more, hand never leaving its current resting place.

"You guys mind packing up here in the meantime?"

You´ve almost reached the kitchen now, the open doorway within reach, and you finally feel like you can breathe again-

"Wait-"

A hand that is not Beth´s reaches between the both of you, taking hold of your left upper arm, making you turn around and-

Well, so much for breathing.

"Let me help. It´s the least I can do."

Shit.

You can feel Beth´s eyes on you as well, so you throw a quick glance in her direction. The both of you long since able to converse without words:

'I´ll handle it, just lemme know.'

'It´s alright, I got this.'

After a second you turn to Ellie, a gentle but firm dismissal already on your lips-

"Please."

Oh man, those eyes you swear to god-

Out of the corner of your eye you can see Beth moving forward a little, steps so minor one might believe she simply shifted on her feet. But you know better than that and you appreciate it, you really do.

However, while Ellie does turn you into a nervous wreck most of the time, you don´t want her to get the impression you might actually fear her. Not now. Not ever. How could you when she´s so...her?

Besides, you don´t want her to keep feeling guilty about what happened with Kassie. That was in no way her fault and you hated seeing that apprehension in her eyes. Apprehensive about what you aren´t exactly sure. Perhaps she doesn´t want you to think that this is what usually happens on a "Game Night"? Perhaps she doesn´t want you, or anyone for that matter, doubting her mothering skills? Like that´s even a possibility. You know what an amazing mom she is, you´ve witnessed it countless times in the short while you´ve been staying with the Bixlers. These kids are the luckiest and they know it, of that you´re certain.

So, before Beth can swoop in to rescue you from her own sister you take action, arm lifting just enough for your fingertips to graze her hand.

'It´s okay.'

Your brief interaction, lasting no more than two seconds, went unnoticed by Ellie. She was still staring right into your soul, right-

"Alright."

The smile she gives you in return is radiating, and you can't help it—already feeling the corners of your mouth lifting. It's an automatic response, same as with Beth. Apparently, charm runs in the family.

You swear to god.

Unbeknownst to you, this brief interaction did not go unnoticed. Eyes flitting back and forth between the pair of you, eyebrows slightly scrunched, Beth did wonder-

'Hm...'

As you and Ellie continue toward the kitchen, her hand remaining firmly on your arm, you glance over your shoulder to share one last look with Beth, and you can't help but notice...something's off.

Ellie is rather persistent in her pursuit though, giving your arm a light tug, urging you along. Alright alright.

You follow Ellie into the kitchen, her hand coming to rest between your shoulder blades now, leaving Beth and the others to clean up the living room.

You weren´t exactly sure what to expect from tonight but one thing´s for certain:

You've never witnessed someone take "Make 'N' Break" that literally.

#evil dead rise #maggot mommy #evil dead rise...but gayer #ellie bixler #alyssa sutherland #beth bixler #danny bixler #bridget bixler #kassie bixler #a certain someone

14 notes · View notes

roosterscockpit · 1 year

Text

Christmas At The Bradshaw’s | H.C Pt.3

click here to see the master list

Merry Christmas to my babes that celebrate it! Happy holidays to my lovies that don’t ❤️ I hope you are all enjoying yourself today! I love you all so much! Enjoy Christmas with the Bradshaws and the dagger squad! I hope you like all 3 parts! Happy reading and enjoy! 🎄🎁❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The secret Santa exchange was over. Now everyone started to give their gifts to Leia. Coyote dashed for the tree and grabbed his gifts first. He held a box and two bags. He sat next to Leia and placed them next to her. “For you, Little V.” He pulled her in to him and kissed her head, “Merry Christmas, little babe!” He got Leia a 3D Star Wars lamp of the dark star, a diagram poster of an F-14 Tom Cat and F/A-18 super hornet. Leia’s eyes went wide, “Thank you uncle ‘Yote!” She jumped on him and gave him a hug and kiss on his cheek.

Bob wanted to go next. He asked Bradley to help him bring in a box from his car. When they brought it in, it was huge. He gave Leia the small box first. Inside was a small replica plane of Mav’s P-51 Mustang. Leia kissed it, “It’s like Papa Mav’s!” Leia started to unwrap the big box. She gasped and slapped back from the box, it was a mini piano for her. “IS THIS REALLY FOR ME?” She looked up at Bob with puppy dog eyes. “Is it really for me, uncle Rob?” He nodded and she started to cry. Bob went and held her, “Don’t cry vapor girl, you deserve the world. Merry Christmas, babe.” He wiped her tears.

Phoenix wiped her tears as she grabbed her gifts. She sniffled and chuckled. “I can’t top a piano.” She looked at Bob and laughed. She handed Leia a couple of bags and a box. Inside the first bag was a a custom made Leia Funko pop as a pilot. In the next bag was a Grogu snow globe. In the box was a sweater with Darth Vader’s chest plate. Leia squealed at her gifts from Phoenix. “Thank you, thank you, thank you Auntie Nix! Can I wear the sweater now?” She held it in her hands and bounced in place. Phoenix helped her put it on and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Muah! I’m glad you love it, Leia Rey.”

Fanboy danced over to Leia with his gifts. He handed her a big gift bag. “Merry ‘Sith’mas, Little Leia.” He winked at her. Leia looked at him with a big smile. “You like Star Wars too, uncle Mick?” She looked at him in disbelief. “I do.” He pinched Leia’s cheek. She opened the bag and removed the tissue paper. Fanboy got her a space mission launch kit and patches for her flight suit. Some of the few patches read, “WSO in training”, “Need for speed”, “Anytime Baby” and “Fleet Leader” Leia jumped into Fanboys arms. “Thank you, Uncle Mick.” She leaned her forehead to his. He kissed her nose, “You’re welcome, my little wizzo.”

Next was Payback. He had quite a few gifts for Leia to open. the first one she opened was a a cartoon portrait poster of Leia dressed as Princess Leia fighting a storm trooper. The next was a mini remote controlled BB-8. The last ones were little Lego figures of Star Wars characters. Leia looked at all her gifts. “Uncle Rue! Can we play with the BB-8 now!?” She held it up to him. He laughed and patted her head. “After you open your gifts from Santa Jake, we can definitely play with it, buttercup.” She jumped around, “Thank you, uncle Rue!” He squatted down and placed his hand on her hip. He kissed her cheek, “You’re absolute welcome, Vapor.”

Last but not least was Santa Jake. He grabbed his bag of presents for Leia. “Alright Honey, get ready.” Leia sat in front of him. The first gift she opened was Darth Maul lightsaber to add to her collection. The next gift was an airplane launcher gun. The next was a record player and a record of Harry Styles’ Harry’s House album. Leia freaked out at the album. “UNCLE JAKEY! OUR SONG IS ON HERE!” She held it close to her chest. He smiled, “It Is, Honey! Now you can dance to it anytime!” He pulled out the last gift. She opened it. It was her own fighter pilot helmet that was purple white and black that read “Vapor” along with her own aviation head set. Leia was speechless. She didn’t breathe. She was still. She started to shake with the helmet and headset in her hands. She sobbed. “Thank you, Uncle Jakey. I love you so much.” She collapsed into his arms. He held her close and kissed her head over and over again. “Anything for you, Leia Rey. Merry Christmas, Sweetheart.” He kissed her one more time.

After all the gifts were given to Leia, you and Bradley cleaned up the wrapping paper and started to sort her toys in her play area. You and Bradley thanked everyone individually for the gifts they all got for Leia. It was definitely known your little girl was loved by the Dagger squad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry Christmas from the Bradshaws! 🥰🎄🎁❄️☃️ Stay safe this holiday season! 😘 I’ll be taking a small break! When I get back, His Little Girl continues! I will see you all soon 😘 I love love love you all! 💕

I REALLY HOPE THESE WORK! My sweet babies v

@lonelywitchv2 @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @emma8895eb @beebslebobs @creativitybeware @peachiicherries @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @b-uckyreadss @winterrebel04 @rosiahills22 @treblemakeronbase @multiple-fandoms-girl @inky-sun @carsgeek24 @caitsymichelle13 @justanothermagicalsara @shouldershimmycity @itsmytimetoodream @javden @bregarc @misticbullet @castle-bookworms-world @asteria33 @shanimallina87 @bayisdying @smells-like-perfect-senses @teenwolf01 @milestomaverick @minstens @luckyladycreator2 @khaylin27 @missbayside @tallrock35 @phantomxoxo @itsdesiree86 @adaydreamaway08 @devvbabyy @spookycookie @ts1mp0ne @secretsicanthideanymore @notanordinaryprincess95 @mak-32 @abaker74 @rintheemolion @lexhalstead3 @badasspizzalover @xoxabs88xox @sarahsmi13s @mushy-mushroom04 @hazeli410 @the-navistar-carol @bradshawsbitch @callmemana

52 notes · View notes

tworoadsandapenny · 11 months

Text

Family for the Holidays

This was my first attempt at a Christmas story, AND my first attempt at a SAINW story. Two birds, one stone. As with the others, it could certainly do with an edit after all these years, but will I ever take the time to do so? Probably not. So you'll just have to excuse my excessive repetition.

~~~~~~

Raphael stood in the alley, trash dancing on the cold breeze that nipped at his skin. It was miserable out, but how was that different than any other day? Everything was miserable all the time. Winter, summer, warm, cold, didn't matter.

The world had gone to pot. And Raph couldn't care less anymore.

A shiver ran down his spine as the wind picked up. He tugged the collar of his coat closer, trying to shut out the cold as he watched his breath puff in front of him. It made him think of smoking… damn he could use a drag right about now, but he'd promised Mikey he'd quit. And while he broke that on a regular basis, he at least wanted to be sure he didn't smell like he did. Not today.

He growled in annoyance as the cold bit through his jacket while he leaned against the wall. Where the heck was this jerk? If he thought Raph was gonna wait out here in the cold all day, the idiot had another thing coming. The only reason he even showed in the first place was because of Mikey.

Poor kid. Every time Raph thought of what happened to him, his gut burned with fiery rage that was only quelled by wave after wave of guilt. Mike had just been trying to help people… he didn't deserve this. Raph could have helped. He could have kept his brother safe.

If he'd been there.

But he'd been too busy drowning in anger and wallowing in grief, holed up in his little shack at the edge of what was left of this desecrated city. Mikey had called him to help, but he just couldn't do it. Helping strangers, protecting the innocent, fighting in this damn war, he couldn't do any of it anymore. There was no point. Everything was ruined. Destroyed. Gone.

Everything.

They'd lost enough fighting for the rest of the world. Lost too much. And Raph didn't see any reason to lose what he had left for a bunch of thankless, ungrateful humans.

He hadn't even considered what would happen if Mikey went in without backup…

Another shudder ran up his spine as stronger gusts of wind slapped him in the face, biting into his cheeks.

That was it. Clearly he was being made the butt of some asshole's joke, and he wasn't wasting any more time standing in this blizzard.

"You came?"

The voice was behind him and Raph had to keep himself from jumping in surprise; it had been a long time since anyone had been able to sneak up on him. Only one guy he knew who could do that. "It's for Mikey." He said flatly, no further explanation needed.

"Wouldn't be the first time you ignored the family in a time of crisis."

Ouch. Raph's face twisted into a deep frown, hiding the sting of guilt with anger. "I'm not the one who abandons family to their death. That's your job."

He could physically feel his brother tense, his cold eyes cast down to the snow.

The two stood in silence, palpable tension threatening to go off like a bomb at any moment. Both were angry. Both had a grudge to bear. Both wanted to leave.

But neither would.

They were here for a reason. A damn good one at that, or Raph wouldn't have made the trek all the way out here. And he sure as hell wouldn't be putting up with sir holier-than-thou. But good reason or not, he had to admit the temptation to flee was powerful. Being around his brother for any length of time brought his remorse back full force, like a dagger twisting in his stomach.

It made him furious. He made Raph furious.

Better get this over with before he let his anger get the better of him again. "We doin' this, or what?"

No response. The elder was as still as the ice beneath his feet. Raph suppressed another shiver as he stared at his brother.

"Leo?"

"This way." The older turtle walked ahead, the black ends of his trench coat whipping in the wind.

Raph couldn't help a smirk. "Ain't there a saying about the blind leading the blind?"

Shots fired. "That would make you blind too."

Raph rolled his eyes, it was supposed to be a joke. Damn. And he thought Leo had no sense of humor back in the good ol' days.

Easy enough to lose, he supposed… in a world like this.

The two stealthily made their way to an abandoned basement warehouse not far from the alley they'd just been in. It was old, falling apart, and reeked of sewage.

Almost felt like home.

Raph stepped inside and eyed the space curiously, thankful for the reprieve from the cold. Well… it wasn't much. The sides were cracking, old empty crates and barrels littered the floor, and bullet holes gaped from the walls like open wounds. Likely an old storehouse for the resistance that had been discovered by Shredder's forces at one point or another. Didn't look like they'd been back since.

The room looked like Raph felt: hallow, empty, and abandoned. "This is it?"

"You were expecting more?"

Raph paused. When they'd agreed to this, he'd thought Leo had some sort of elaborate plan –as he always did- to deck the place out like they used to do the lair. This empty slab of cement was hardly what he'd pictured. Sure, for a hideout it was ideal: small, dark, hidden from sight; perfect for a guy trying to run from the world. But they weren't here for him. And this just wouldn't do.

"Well yeah, Leo, this doesn't exactly scream festive." He crossed his arms as he glanced around, trying to find anything that might liven the place up a bit. But aside from the one broken lamp in the corner, there wasn't much to work with.

Leo kicked a box in his direction. "Decorations are in there." His voice was bitter, clearly not impressed by the lack of enthusiasm.

Tough. Raph was in no mood for holding back. He opened the box and pulled out something from inside. "…an old sock?"

"Stocking." Leo corrected.

Raph dug through the pile of rejected objects: some candles, some holly, a bit of tinsel and— wow. "Are these holiday lights?" He gawked. "I didn't know they still existed. Where'd you get 'em?"

The elder shrugged. "An old friend."

Raph didn't appreciate the obscurity, but was too distracted by the string of florescent bulbs to start a fight. It had literally been decades since he'd seen them last. "Well… it ain't much." He finally said, looking over their sorry lot of decorations. Certainly not enough to deck the halls, but possibly at least a corner?

"I suggest you get creative." Leo said, his back still to his brother.

"Me? Thought the point of meetin' up early was so we both could pitch in."

"We are. I found the decorations, you're putting them up."

Raph scoffed. "Right. 'Cause God-forbid you actually lend a brother a hand."

Leo's features hardened as he froze in place. His hands curled into fists as he turned to his brother, stalking towards him. For a moment, Raph thought the elder was going to punch him. He tensed, readying himself for such an attack, when Leo bent down and picked up the stocking, tacking it to a nearby crate. "Satisfied?"

Raph blinked at the gesture. "One sock? That's the best you can do?"

"Stocking. And as you were so kind to point out, there's not much there."

Taking a deep breath, Raph tried not to knock the smugness from his brother's voice with a hard punch to the face. If it were any other day…

"I can't do much else anyway."

His muttered confession—almost broken and guilty—drained the fight from Raph's tank immediately . He stared at his brother for a long moment, trying to find any depth of emotion in his eyes to confirm the words hadn't been imagined.

Nothing. If he was hard to read when he had sight, he was completely impossible now.

Anger still prickling, ready to flair at any flinch, Raph watched Leo's hand absently feel the stocking as if he was trying to remember what it looked like. His gaze found the ground, growling in annoyance. "Fine. I'll do it myself."

He hung the holly over the small street level window, and slung the tinsel over a nearby broken piece of plastic casing.

Leo placed the candles on the tallest barrel he could find, knowing Raph would need some light to work by as night came upon them.

Raph dug through the box to see what was left and came across two items he hadn't noticed before. "You're not serious." He said, deadpan.

Leo cocked an eye ridge. "What?"

Raph held up two hats, a bandana with reindeer antlers in one hand and a Santa hat in the other. "Ain't no way I'm wearing one of these."

The elder shrugged. "Thought Mikey'd get a kick out of it."

"It ain't him I'm thinking of kickin' right now."

Leo's eyes rolled at the comment as he snatched the antlers from Raph's hands and placed them in his coat. "Do what you want."

Raph's hands curled into fists once again, anger bubbling to the surface. And there was that damn tone, the one Leo used to say 'do what you want' when he was really saying 'do what I tell you'. Damn it pissed Raph off something fierce. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself.

Ignore Leo and think about Mikey. Mikey would probably laugh at the stupid accessories…

Grumbling his annoyance, Raph stuffed the Santa hat in his coat pocket, swearing not to wear it until he had to, and only just so Mikey could see it once. Then he'd throw it in the snow or stuff it down Leo's throat…

Calm. Stay calm.

All that was left was the lights.

Raph pulled them from the box, eyeing them curiously; what were they supposed to do with one sorry string of lights that wouldn't make the place look as pathetic and dismal as it really was?

"You could make a tree."

Raph glared at his brother; even without his sight, Leo could still read him like an open book. He'd forgotten how much that pissed him off. "Oh yeah? And just how would I manage that? Wrap it around a barrel?"

Leo only pointed to the lamp and Raph idly wondered how on earth his brother knew it was there. But he caught on to the idea the elder was driving at, stifling a growl at actually thinking it was a good one.

He dragged the shadeless lamp from it's sad little corner, propping it up in the middle of the room. Lights in hand, he tied one end around the base of the bulb, guiding the length of fluorescents to the floor, tucking an end under the base, and drawing it back up to the bulb again, repeating the motion once more so there were three strands cascading from the top of the lamp in an almost pyramid shape.

Leo plugged the lights in just as Raph finished, a colorful glow taking over the room.

Raph stepped back to gaze at his creation, actually quite proud of it. Best damn tree he'd seen in years.

"Looks crooked."

"Ya know what Leo—!" He stopped, realizing too late that it had been a joke. Leo cocked an eye ridge as Raph growled. "Forget it. You decorate next time."

"Then it would really be crooked."

Raph couldn't help a small smirk. The wave of nostalgia from quipping with his brother like this was unexpected. But being that this was the first time in years they'd been in the same room without going for each other's throats, he supposed it should feel like old times.

The two stood in silence for several long minutes. It felt… right, being here together, talking like nothing had happened. Neither turtle wanted to break the spell. Whatever it was that had stayed their anger for each other was welcome, even if neither would ever admit it.

The quiet of the room stretched on for several more minutes as the wind outside howled it's contention.

Leo finally moved, almost apologetic in his tone. "He'll be here soon. I have to get my gift."

"Yeah, me too." Raph mentally sighed at the idea of going back into the cold again.

The two headed for the door, opening it to see snow whipping around in gusts of unrelentingly cold wind. Leo flipped up his collar, stepping outside. "Don't get lost in the blizzard, Raphael."

"What was that?" Raph's curt reply was met with nothing but air; Leo had already disappeared into the snow. "Hmph. Blind asshole." He stood in the doorway a moment, caught off guard by the use of his full name. It'd been so long since he'd heard it, his own name sounded strange to him. Leo probably did that on purpose.

Grumbling out an annoyed breath, Raph pulled his coat tighter around himself, trying to stay the wind from biting his flesh again.

It was for Mikey. Focus on Mikey.

He could put up with Leo for Mikey.

Less than half an hour later, Raph found himself standing alone in the warehouse, all lights and candles out so as to keep the decorations a secret, neither of his brothers in sight, and the Santa hat adorning his head. He flicked the white fluff ball on the end of the hat, not entirely sure why he was wearing it, but refusing to take it off until Mikey saw. Despite trying to convince himself to the contrary, Raph was excited to see his younger brother's reaction to their little surprise. It wasn't much, that was for sure, but Mikey had always delighted in the small things. At least… he used to. It had been a while since Raph had seen the young turtle after his decision to fight with the resistance. Guilt burned like a stoked fire at the thought; he held no greater regret in life than not being there for Mikey. He hated that they almost never spoke and that it took something like the loss of a limb to bring them together.

But seeing Mikey usually led to seeing Leo. And Raph hated seeing his older brother. Hated calling him that or acknowledging they were related in any way. Hated the way Leo seemed above everything: the war, the people fighting in it, the people avoiding it. Hated the way he barely spoke and when he did it was with a voice so foreign Raph almost didn't recognize it. Hated seeing his scarred face and his dead eyes. His blind, dead eyes…

Raph idly toyed with the idea that Leo wouldn't return. Got lost in the blizzard, took a wrong turn down an alley, decided he was too tired and headed home. The notion brought a cruel smile to his lips; would serve him damn right. Best gift Raph could ask for this holiday season.

His anger subsided for the briefest of moments to allow shame to seep through. He shouldn't think about Leo like that. What if something actually did happen to him…?

He shook his head. It would serve him damn right.

After another few minutes, the idea that something was wrong started digging it's claws into Raph's mind. Leo could rot out in the cold for all he cared, but Mikey… if anything happened to that kid, Raph was going to raise all hell.

Anything else happened to him, anyway.

Another pang of guilt sprang from Raph's gut, making him sigh in annoyance. Maybe this was a bad idea… he wanted to be there for his brother, more than anything in the world. But what if Mikey didn't want to see them? What if he'd only agreed to this little meet up because it was tradition or because he knew Raph and Leo could find him if he didn't show?

What if he blamed them for what happened to him? What if he was angry about it and was only gonna show up to ream them out about how he never wanted to see them again.

Raph wouldn't blame him if he did. They deserved it. Damn, did they ever deserve it.

But the idea of his baby brother being furious with him was enough to make him swallow a hitch in his breath. If Mikey of all people was finished with him, Raph truly had no one to live for anymore. He had nothing.

Hearing footsteps outside, Raph's hands instinctively went for his sai as he snuck behind the stairs, waiting in the shadows. The light of day had all but disappeared, so if anyone came looking for trouble, it'd be easy enough to do away with them without drawing a crowd of Foot cops. Friend or foe, he was thankful for the interruption to his thoughts; his mind kept picturing Mikey's face, full of hatred and anger, glaring at him in contempt. It hurt like a bullet to the chest.

Crouching as the door creaked open, Raph waited with the patience of a lion ready to pounce. Breathing steadily as the figure moved down the stairs. he held his sai tight, excited at the prospect of a fight to take his frustrations out on. On the final stair, Raph wasted no time; he pounced, jumping behind the figure with lightning speed, holding his sai to his… nun chuck? When had the intruder even moved to raise a weapon?

Raph knew those armaments anywhere. "Mikey?"

"Heck of a greeting there, bro." There was a pause before he added, with more than a hint of mockery, "Nice hat."

The sound of his brother's voice was equally as comforting as it was heart wrenching; his tone had grown gruff, weary from battle over the years. Another somber reminder of the hell they lived in. But damn was it good to hear him again. "You shouldn't sneak up on a turtle like that, I almost dug out your carotid!" He chided, curt tone firmly in place to hide his excitement. "You're lucky I wasn't a Foot Cop."

"I knew it was you." Mikey's lips curled up in a childish grin. "Could smell you a half a block away- when was the last time you showered, bro?"

The smile was unexpected and Raph didn't have time to hide it, so he simply shook his head. Only Mikey… "Don't start with me, bonehead. Hurt or not, I ain't above kickin' your shell from here to New Jersey." He threw an arm over his brother's shoulder, pulling him down into a spirited headlock as he dug the knuckle of his hand into Mikey's skull. Never too old for a noogie.

Mikey laughed, a short burst of joy from the nostalgic 'just like old times' feeling that swept through his body. "Just Jersey? You're losin' your touch, bro. Gettin' feeble in your old age?"

"That's it, keep diggin'." Raph growled playfully, pulling Mikey tighter into the hold.

"Who're you calling old?"

The voice caught both brothers off guard, Raph once again reflexively going for his sai, turning so Mikey was slightly behind him.

The younger seemed unphased by the intrusion as his smile widened, nearly reaching his eyes. "Leo!"

The black trench coated turtle stepped from the shadows, arms crossed as he seemed to make a conscious effort to remain a good distance from Raph. He felt his youngest sibling suddenly throw his arm around his chest and tensed a moment. It had been so long since he'd been touched in such a manner that, for a moment, he forgot how he was to proceed. Understanding set in quickly, the tiniest of smiles ghosting across his lips while his arms returned the embrace.

"It's so good to see you, dudes." Mikey flicked the antlers atop his brother's head, more than amused at how ridiculous it made him look. "Especially looking so festive."

"I would say the same, but…" Leo touched his glasses and shrugged, drawing a small chuckle from Mikey. When they pulled from the embrace, Leo felt the bandage on his brother's arm, reality suddenly dropping on their moment. All three turtles fell silent as Leo held his hand over the bandages, his tone growing grave and serious. "…Does it hurt?"

Mikey reached for the stumpy remnant on his arm, wrapping his fingers around it as he pulled from Leo's touch. "Sometimes." Sometimes it was as though he could still feel the part that was gone. Something about 'phantom limb' something or other? He hadn't been paying attention when April explained it.

Raph stared from his spot a few feet away, unwilling to look at his brother's missing limb yet unable to pull his eyes away from it. Guilt, regret, anger, all three swirling in his stomach, mixing into a concoction of emotion that made him want to book it from the room, find the nearest Foot lair, and bash skulls until exhaustion took him. Another time, he supposed.

"But hey, at least now I can say I have the coolest scar! Leo's been up on that pedestal for years!"

It never ceased to amaze Raph how his younger brother's mind worked. That endless positivity still undamaged by war and the cold bitterness that had consumed the older siblings, body and soul. Mikey always had been the strongest, Raph knew. "Enough with the small talk. Turn the lights on already."

Mikey shook his head, turning his shell to his brothers as he moved to the nearest wall. "Do you practice getting grumpier, or does it just come naturally with age?" As he flicked the switch, multicolored lights danced across the room, giving him pause. He turned to see the makeshift Christmas tree lamp in the middle of the room, alighting the scattered decorations about the window and boxes. "…You guys decorated?"

The sparkle in Mikey's eyes as he stared at the lights dragged yet another smile from Raph's features unwillingly. He hated to admit it, but Leo had done good finding those. The thought brought his eyes over to the elder, nodding his approval only because he knew Leo wouldn't see it. "Thought you could use some festive cheer." He finally replied, slinging an arm over Mikey's shoulder. "It ain't Rockefeller Center, but then, neither is Rockefeller anymore."

It wasn't just the lights and the holly and the pitiful little stocking hanging on the box. And It wasn't just that this was the first time in over a decade Mikey felt any amount of festive cheer rise up inside him. It was that his older brothers had done it. Despite not being able to stay in the same room for five minutes without throwing a fist each other–verbal or physical- Raph and Leo still cared enough to do all this. For him.

Mikey'd almost forgotten how much they cared. Or that they did at all.

"It's… amazing." As if the goofy grin taking over his face wasn't enough of a tell-all. "Lemme guess, Leo set up the tree?"

"What makes you say that?" The elder turtle spoke quietly, still sticking to his corner by the shadows.

"It's crooked."

A knowing grin curled the edges of Leo's mouth as Raph growled, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation.

Mikey chuckled at the mental image of Raph trying to set this up while Leo told him if it was straight or not. It was then that a familiar smell crawled up his nostrils, sending his taste buds whirling with excitement. "Dudes… you smell that?"

Raph was about to make a comment on Mikey's intelligence for making a gas joke at their age, when suddenly Leo pulled something from the shadows near the door. "…Is that…?"

"Pizza!?" Mikey's face lit up anew, staring at the square box in awe. It had been at least five years since the last time he even smelled a pizza, let alone ate one. Snatching it from his brother's hands to make sure it was real, the young turtle was already drooling. "Where the shell'd you manage to get this, Leo?"

"An old friend." Was all he offered in response. "I also brought something to warm us up." He picked up a small thermos from the ground with three mugs.

"What are you, Santa Clause?" Raph huffed as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, trying not to let on how impressed he was at all Leo had managed to put together for this event. "You got a sleigh and eight reindeer to go along with that magic bag of yours?"

The blind turtle didn't dignify that with a response, only tossing Raph a mug and the thermos, which he caught easily enough. "Shut up and pour the drinks." He moved swiftly to take the pizza back from Mikey before it was inhaled in a single gulp, earning him a look that he didn't have to see to know it was a pout.

The three gathered around the lights, Raph handing them each a glass of warm hot chocolate. He made sure to give Leo the chipped 'I heart NY' cup; he was blind, what did he care if his mug was malformed.

Mikey took one sip and smiled as the heat of the drink warmed his tired muscles, soothing the ache in his bandaged arm. "Ah… Man, you guys really went all out this year! I don't think we've had a holiday this festive since…" His voice trailed off, suddenly realizing the road it had gone down, and knowing it was off limits. He could feel the other two tense as he spoke.

But since he'd already poked the bear, why not voice his concern? "It's just, with all that happened this year, I wasn't sure guys were gonna show. I thought maybe you'd left the city or something…"

Neither Raph or Leo dared speak, guilt and bitterness swirling around them like thick smoke. It made Raph itch for a cigarette as he sipped his coco, fervently wishing his mug had something a little stronger in it. Even the slight implication of their lives before the world exploded was enough to make him want to run and beat on the first thing he saw. Or at least to beat on Leo. But it hurt more to hear Mikey think they'd ditch him. The fact that their baby brother didn't know he could still count on his older siblings was a smack in the face. A well deserved one.

Leo seemed to be thinking the same thing because he placed a gentle hand on Mikey's shoulder. "We'd never leave you like that, Mikey. You know we wouldn't."

Mikey flinched. Did he? They'd abandoned each other, it wasn't much of a stretch to see them ditching him in the future. But he banished that train of thought before it could get a foothold. His brothers were here with him now. He should never have doubted.

"I'm…" Leo started, but the sentence faded like he was ashamed to finish. For the briefest moment, Mikey thought he saw guilt flash across his brother's scarred face, but it disappeared behind his mask in an instant. "…I'm sorry we weren't there for you… for this…" He held Mikey's bandage again, as though feeling it to try and form a mental picture. "We should have been."

Raph bowed his head, avoiding all eye contact. As much as he wanted to enjoy seeing Leo all pitiful and repentant, his guilt wouldn't allow it. They should have been there for Mikey. They should have been protecting him. That was their job as older brothers and they'd failed miserably at it.

Mikey deserved better.

But what's done was done and no amount of guilt was gonna change that. Or so Raph would tell himself until he could light a cigarette or crawl inside a bottle of vodka to ease the pain of it all.

"It wasn't your fault." Mikey tried at comfort. "I knew the risks when I took the mission without backup." Honestly, he didn't blame them for not showing up to help. Nor for the loss of his limb. And it was probably for the better that they hadn't come while he recovered, he wouldn't have wanted them to see him weak like that. Given how close a call it was for Mikey, he was convinced that if his brothers had been on the mission with him, they'd be dead, and then he'd be minus an arm and the rest of his family. He'd be alone. Forever.

That thought was what had bothered him. What had scared him most. When the pain was too much and his fever had gotten too high, he'd begged April to call them. They always showed when he was hurt. Always. So when they didn't, Mikey feared the worst. He thought they'd been taken by Shredder or fled the city or were already dead. How could they not have at least told him they were alright…?

The memory of his fear made him reach to hold his brother's hand atop his stump. "I'm just glad you guys are here now." Here, and trying to make him feel better like they used to when they were little. These few moments to see his family still safe were more than enough to dissipate any bitterness he'd harbored. The hats helped too…

"We're always here for ya, Mikey. Just say the word and we'll come runnin'. Always." Empty words, Raph thought, but he wanted to mean them. He wanted to be the kind of brother he used to be, the kind that did anything and everything to protect his family. The kind that would climb mountains and fight lions to stay with the two people he cared about most in this world. But he didn't have it in him anymore… he was a shell of the brother he'd once been. After Splinter… after Donnie… he'd failed too many times. He was weak, unable and unfit to protect those he loved. It was a truth he was slowly trying to accept. A truth that would always keep his family at arms length.

And there was Leo. This was all his fault in the first place. And Raph couldn't stand even looking at him because of that. His anger began to rise without prompt, so he quickly changed the subject. "Now enough with the sap, are we gonna open presents or what?"

That perked Mikey up right away. "Presents!" He shuffled on his knees a moment, trying to reach something in his belt. "Leo's first!"

The older turtle shook his head at his brother's excitement; he never changed, did he? Thank Goodness. He felt something thrust in his hands and ran his fingers around it. "…glasses?"

"Yeah, Morpheus called, said he wants his specs back." Mikey grinned, not even caring if his brothers remembered the reference. "Besides, those things have more cracks in them than your shell." Which was saying a lot.

It made no difference to Leo what his glasses looked like, he only wore them to hide the shame of his defeat. He didn't like the idea of anything flashy or overly stylish calling attention to his eyes, but if it would make Mikey happy… Besides, it would be nice to think of his baby brother when he fidgeted with them, instead of the dishonor. A welcome respite from his daily guilt-ridden routine. "Thanks Mikey."

As he took his original pair off to replace them, both younger brothers couldn't help but stare at his now exposed eyes. Blank and whitewashed, hiding a myriad of emotions and thoughts that neither would ever know. Mikey idly wondered what it must be like being in the dark all the time…

Eyes hidden once more behind dark glass, Leo turned to his brothers. "How do I look?"

Between the antlers and the tag still sticking out from the glasses, Raph couldn't decide which part made Leo look more ridiculous. But, admittedly, the specs were a nice change from his previous pair. Suited him better. He was surprised by the thought that Leo now looked more like Neo as opposed to Morpheus. How on earth did he still remember that movie?

"Badass, bro." Mikey nodded his approval. "Badass."

He'd never admit it, but Leo liked the sound of that. He took a moment to silently revel in the compliment before wondering who would give their gift next. Mikey answered his question with excitement in his voice.

"Raph's next!"

Leo bristled, suddenly unsure about the exchange. No time to find something else now, he supposed. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, flat, rectangular package, and handed it to his brother. Cautiously. "Here."

Raph glared at Leo, taking the gift hesitantly. He knew Mikey picked Leo as his Secret Santa, and he'd promised himself he'd play it cool. No fists throwing tonight. Though mugs were never part of the deal…

Staring at the gift, Raph wondered how on earth his blind brother had managed to wrap it so neatly. He peeled back a piece of the paper, not sure what to expect, when a weight suddenly dropped on his chest, stealing his breath. His heart lurched in an all too familiar and painful way. It took all his strength to keep his hands from visibly trembling.

"What is it?" Mikey asked, trying to peek over Raph's shoulder. His smile faded the moment he saw the object in Raph's hands.

A family photo in a picture frame, the torn wrapping revealing the face of their missing brother, Donatello.

Leo felt the temperature of the room drop as everything fell silent. He knew it was a risky gift, but felt it necessary. Raph was as likely to throw it as him as he was to keep it.

He readied himself for the fallout.

As minutes passed, Raph's heart continued to jerk wildly in his chest, images of their lost brother attacking his memory with cold ferocity. Damn Leo. What the hell kind of a gift was this? Damn him!

The urge to throw the frame at his older brother's face was nearly uncontrollable, but Donnie stopped him. That smile, perfectly preserved in a snapshot of a life that could never be again, kept him still. If Raph still knew how to cry, he was sure he would be by now.

God, he missed Donnie.

He should be here. He should be wearing one of these goofy hats, sipping hot chocolate and jawing on about the way Raph could have set up the lights so they were at perfect angles to look like a real tree. He should be here to take care of Mikey, make sure his arm was gonna heal right, and tell him all the things he needed to hear to be comforted, 'cause Donnie was good at that crap.

He should be here instead of Leo. He should be here instead of Raph.

"Donnie…"

Mikey's whispered reverence finally broke the silence, drawing Raph's gaze to his sad smile. Dammit… they was supposed to be making the kid feel better, not dig up old wounds. Dammit Leo, what the hell were you thinking!? Breathing deep so as not to curse aloud, Raph set the photo down gently, not able to bring himself to open it the rest of the way.

"Your turn, numbskull. Here." Raph turned to grab a box he'd hidden away from the others, setting it down beside Mikey before returning to his spot. Surprising it had remained quiet… that could be a bad sign. Too late now.

Mikey's eyes widened at the size of the box as he picked it up. It was a lot lighter than expected.

"Don't shake it!" Raph said suddenly, causing Mikey to place the box down gently.

"Chillax bro, I ain't gonna break it."

"Will you just open it already, before the damn thing wakes up." Or at least he hoped it was asleep…

"Wakes up?" Both brothers spoke in unison, the same puzzled look across their faces. Mikey tore the lid off the box and peered inside. His eyes sparkled with delight at the sight: a baby kitten, white and orange in color, curled up in a ball, fast asleep. "A… kitty? You got me a kitty?" Adorable, but… odd.

"I found him outside my apartment the other day. I ain't no cat person, but it seemed cruel to leave him out in the cold. Only place I could think of he'd be safe is with you." And if Raph couldn't keep his brother company every day, at least someone could.

"Aw, the tin man has a heart!" Mikey gently reached into the box to pet the kitten, who'd woken and stretched, meowing at the intrusion to it's nap. As Mikey stroked it's fur, it's back arched, leaning into the touch even more. "I think he likes me!" Picking the cat up, Mikey held it close to his face, hearing it purr like a motor. "What're we gonna call you, little guy?" He stared at the orange and white critter, trying to think of something more creative than spot or fuzzy. "How about Klunk?"

"Klunk?" Raph chewed the name, finding it to be odd to the taste. "What kind of a name is that?"

"'Cause he fell into our lives!"

"Wouldn't that be more like 'thud'?" Leo wondered aloud.

Mikey thought it over a minute before shaking his head. "Nope, Klunk sounds right. What do you think, little guy?"

The cat couldn't be bothered to care about it's name, but it loved being held. It rubbed it's face against Mikey's, purring ever louder.

Raph smiled with a delight he hadn't felt in years, both at the cat's reaction and the twinkle in his brother's eye as the creature rubbed against him. He put his hand on Mikey's shoulder, feeling a sense of comradery overtake him. "I think he likes it. Looks like the cat's as weird as you are, Mike!"

"Says the guy in the Santa hat!" Mikey barked in laughter as the cat curled into his cheek, tickling his neck.

Leo listened to the exchange with a peaceful expression, sipping his coco, content to simply hear the joyful scene unfold. It was good to hear his brothers sound so relaxed. Amazing, actually. Good to hear them still so full of life.

Good to hear them still alive.

"Dudes, I just realized we're letting the pizza get cold!"

Leo shook his head at the despairing tone in his brother's voice. "Well we best not let it go to waste. Dig in."

Mikey snuggled the kitten close to his face, looking from Klunk curled up in his palm, to the pizza. He turned to Raph. "Can someone lend me a hand?" The awkward silence that followed made the young turtle smirk in victory as he shrugged. "Come on, I had to say it once!"

As Mikey placed the cat on his lap, Raph passed him a slice of pizza before taking one himself, thoroughly enjoying the flavor. He watched as Mikey fed the kitten some cheese, laughing as it tried to go for the rest of the slice. Mikey had always wanted a cat… And Raph couldn't deny the warm feeling that had spread through his veins as he watched his brother. He deserved to be happy.

Mikey of all people deserved to be happy.

The rest of the night was filled with quips, brotherly jabs, and jokes about Raph's close resemblance to The Grinch. They even reminisced a couple times without either Raph or Leo resorting to their usual anger-filled fistfights. That in itself was a Christmas miracle. There were several moments of tension filled remarks where it seemed like the two might fight, but one glance at their youngest brother had stayed their anger for another time.

Late into the merriment, Mikey had finally felt exhaustion settle in. He tried to keep his eyes open as long as possible, but it had been a very long day. And while being around his brothers had given him energy beyond what he thought he was capable of nowadays, he was only a month out of surgery and his body still hadn't caught up with him yet. Leo finally forced the party to a close, but only by reassuring Mikey that he and Raph would both still be there in the morning before saying their goodbyes.

Raph leaned against a box, arms folded as his eyes studied his younger brother's sleeping form curled up next to him, a hint of a grin still tracing his lips. He could never say it out loud, especially to Mikey's face, but he missed the kid. Fiercely. Anytime Raph was around him it was like he remembered how to breathe. Everything seemed clearer and he understood his place in the world.

Not like with Leo. It was the exact opposite with Leo.

Speak of the devil, Leonardo had finished stuffing the decorations back in the box and now approached their sleeping brother and his bodyguard. "He finally crash?"

"Out like a light." Raph noticed Klunk move to curl up near Mikey's good arm, attempting to steal warmth. It was getting a bit chilly in here as the night wore on. Reflexively, Raph brought a hand to his younger brother's shoulder, feeling the temperature of it. "He's cold." And Raph had already given his coat as a pillow.

"Here." The black trench coat was held at a distance, Leo clearly not wanting Raph to see him without it. And the younger turtle could see why; his brother had scars covering most of his body. Burns, cuts, bruises and more, all littering his skin and shell like a papier-mâché portrait. It made Raph sick. Not that he cared, but Leo should learn to take better care of himself.

Idiot.

Though admittedly, while it was Mikey that made the evening as cheerful as it was, Leo being there hadn't spoiled it entirely. It had been a very long time since Raph was able to be within the same city limit as his old leader without wanting to test his metal in a duel to the death. But tonight… it was almost like he'd been able to forget. Almost like none of this burning war raging around them ever happened.

Almost like they were a family again.

"Thank you." The words of gratitude from Leo were unexpected, bringing Raph's gaze to him after laying the coat over their younger sibling. "For coming. And mostly for staying. I know you didn't want to."

"Can it, Fearless. I wanted to be here as much as you." He saw Leo flinch at his old nickname, but didn't bother to say anything about it. "'Sides… it wasn't so bad."

"Crooked tree and all?"

"You know what, Leo?" Raph's tone was almost playfully angry. "I have a gesture for ya, if only you could see it."

"You don't have that finger."

"True. But it's the thought that counts."

A sigh of contentment escaped the sleeping turtle's lips, flipping both older siblings attention to him. Raph stared at his baby brother as he breathed deep. "You were right." The words tasted bitter in his mouth, but once they were out, there was no going back. "We shoulda been there for Mikey."

Leonardo remained crouched as he was, seeming almost like he was staring past Raph's shoulder. He said nothing, no words of rejection or objection, feeling the truth bore a hole in his heart.

"Never again. Next time, we're there. No excuses."

Again, Leo didn't argue.

It took several more minutes of strained, rigid silence before Raph finally spoke again, asking the question that had been bothering him all night. "What was with the picture? You knew how I'd feel about it." He knew Raph would take it hard, and likely refuse to look at it. So why bother?

"Thought you might need a reminder." Leo said plainly, sitting on a nearby crate.

"Reminder of what? Everything we lost?"

"Everything we still have to fight for." His lifeless eyes dropped to their baby brother, almost as though they could see him. "A reminder that you're not alone. That you still have family." Even if Leo wasn't considered a part of it.

Raph couldn't help but snap back. "Since when have you known me to need a reason to fight?"

That managed to pull a hint of a smile from the old leader. "Fair enough." But his tone grew grave immediately. "It's just… You've been… different, lately. Depressed. I thought—"

"Different?" Raph guffawed. "Leo, I ain't seen you since last Christmas, how in the shell would you know if I was different?" It took a great amount of effort to keep his voice low so as not to wake their baby brother, but Leo was treading on thin ice. Shouldn't have bothered to ask the damn question…

"I see you around the city." He could feel the confusion and immediate anger shot in his direction, so he quickly explained. "Not in person, obviously, I mean your work. It's not difficult to distinguish between a planned rebellion raid and a bad night of rage venting."

Raph almost felt a twinge of pride at that, even if his brother meant it as an insult.

"Normally when I come across your handiwork, it's… explosive. Passionate, even. But lately it's been more subdued."

Setting aside his disagreement—there was no way his late night rage brawls were getting subdued—Raph felt his hackles rising again. What was Leo trying to say, he was getting lazy or something? "So? Maybe I ain't been in a mood for explosives."

Leo paused a long moment, trying to decide whether to keep the conversation going or not. "…Okay. If you say so."

There was that damn tone again. Raph cracked his knuckles. "So that's it? You thought I was gettin' lazy and figured a picture of our dead brother was gonna help?"

Leonardo sighed. How did he explain this?

Over the years he'd seen his brother pull farther and farther away, losing himself to his fears and grief, and felt entirely helpless to do anything. Leo couldn't stand being in the same room as him, but being away was even worse. Because the fear that his brother would do something stupid and get himself killed was constant and powerful. He had to do something.

The picture was one Leo kept on his person at all times. It reminded him why he fought the Foot. Why he had to beat Shredder alone. Why he had to stay alive. And Raph needed that. Leo could hear it louder every time they met up. Whatever battle raged inside his brother that kept him from storming Shredder's lair on a suicide run was slowly being lost as the years passed.

Leo hoped a reminder of who they fought for would help keep Raph here. Keep him amongst the living.

Keep Leo and Mikey from having to burry yet another member of their family.

But of course, telling any of that to Raph would just set him off. "It helped me over the years. I thought it might help you too." Was all he could figure to say.

But his answer was sincere enough that it gave Raph pause to cool his head. He took a moment, trying to digest the idea, mulling it over in his brain as he breathed deep and released his anger. He couldn't help a glance at the frame, still lying on the floor with only the one tear revealing Donnie's face. Raph hated that it choked him to see his younger brother's picture, but it did. Choked the life from his lungs and stopped his heart cold.

He missed him. He missed Donnie so much. He missed his family. He missed Sensei, and April, and Casey. He missed Mikey. And yes, from time to time, he even missed Leo.

Shell.

"I can't promise I'll keep it." He finally said, his nonchalant tone covering any wavering emotions on the subject.

"I understand."

But he didn't understand. Leo'd never understand that such a simple object would become Raph's most treasured possession. That one measly photo would be what spurred Raph's fiery spirit a blaze in the years to come. That it would remain in his pocket, hidden from the world and protected at all times, giving him reasons to cling to life even in the worst situations.

Because Leo was right… he needed a reminder. He needed to remember his family, both living and dead. To remember he still had them to hold onto, even if from a distance.

"Leo," Raph could never admit to any of that. He still hated his brother. Hated him for not saving Don. Hated him for leaving Splinter to die. Hated him for not finding a way to end this stupid war.

But most of all, he hated him for being too blind to see that Raphael's rage was born of fear. He was afraid he was losing the rest of his family, so he pushed them away before it could happen. Because losing Splinter had been painful. Losing Donnie had been downright agony. And losing anyone else would be the end of it. His end.

"Yeah?"

Raph hated Leo because he still cared about him, and it pissed him off. But tonight. just for tonight, it didn't. Tonight being around Leo felt right. Tonight, seeing that picture brought memories, painful but refreshing. Tonight he was happy to remember he still had family. Always.

Looking down at his baby brother, smiling in his sleep, Raph breathed deep, feeling a peace of mind come over him that he'd thought had been lost nearly a decade ago. The peace of mind he'd always felt when his brothers were around him.

Whole.

"Merry Christmas."

The older turtle felt his lips crack into the slightest of smiles.

"Merry Christmas, Raphael."

~~~~~~~

I think this was one of my favorite pieces to write. I love Leo/Raph tension (as I'm sure you can tell by now). Comments/Critiques always welcome.

End of Line.

-TRAaP

#tmnt #tmnt 2003 #tmnt bayverse #tmnt fanfiction #tworoadsandapenny #traap #tmnt leonardo #tmnt raphael #tmnt michelangelo #tmnt sainw #Christmas #holidays

15 notes · View notes

dumbbitchenergy17 · 1 year

Text

Mimic Chapter 36

Work Studies are around the corner and by teaming up with the Number One you could only begin to think about what will happen.

Words- 4421

Izuku Midoriya x Reader

Warnings: Fluff and cute shit at the beginning, injuries/violence, battles

Christmas break had arrived in U.A. and while the students celebrated the holiday the teachers were together in a conference room.

“So, what’s going on here?” Midnight asks looking through the packet of papers given to each teacher.

“Are we restarting the work studies, just like that?” Cementoss questions and their principal all nestled into Aizawa’s scarf responds,

“The agreements we had with all those agencies were made to see how things went. But this time, the public safety commission itself has requested that every hero source student participates in what they’re calling practical field testing.”

“A request?! Are they demanding that our kids head into the field?!” Vlad King says confused but appalled to have all students even first years be involved again was absurd.

“Sounds as if they’re worried about lack of personnel, even though our society’s already saturated with heroes.” Midnight says.

“With the goal of training the students to counteract the villain organizations that have sprouted and grown as of late… Something definitely happened because of Deika City.” Ectoplasm points out.

“It’s a fair bet the League’s involved. Why don’t these folks just come out and say it?” Snipe says.

“I suspect the commission has snigged out some great danger that lies ahead. This document is ambiguous by design, to keep anyone from knowing the truth, so just as Kayama says this work-study request sounds like a message.” Nezu says

“Especially since they can’t just come out and say they’re mobilizing our kids for war. That’d be too jarring.” Aizawa says looking at his coworkers. He didn’t want to think of the possibility of his students fighting in a fight they weren’t prepared for, a fight that could kill them.

“This is unprecedented…” Cementoss murmurs.

“Whatever the case, preparing for danger is a hero’s job. We need to contact the most accomplished heroes out there,” Nezu says and concludes the meeting, “Consider that your winter break homework, and be sure to inform your students once we’re done here…”

Now alone in his office Nezu speaks to All Might and Tsukauchi, “They’ve been in the dormitories for four months now…and we’ve seen no suspicious behavior from anyone.”

“In other words, none of the students are spying for the League of Villains,” Tsukauchi says.

“The next time the League makes a move, assuming we find no connection, then…” Nezu starts.

“The kids in U.A.’s hero course…all have heroic hearts.” All Might defends his students. He knows none of them would ever do anything, they all wanted to be heroes.

“Yes, I know.” Nezu says, “Are you coming back to school today?” He directs his attention to the former Number One Hero.

All Might shakes his head, “We’re too busy, I’m afraid. Unless…Did something happen to Midoriya and Shimura?!”

Nezu laughs shaking his mouse head, “Oh dear. Have you forgotten what day in December it is?”

The Christmas party was in full swing the whole class dressed up minus Bakugo but Mina and Kaminari were trying to get at least a Santa hat on his head. You sat beside Midoriya with Iida on your side completely decked in Santa gear even the beard. You rested your head on his shoulder and he switches hands holding his glass to grab yours rubbing his thumb in a calming motion. The talk of work studies had been brought up and it had been a thought on your mind.

“What are your plans Midoriya? Are you going back to Nighteye’s Agency?” Iida asks looking over at the boy.

“Didn’t Centipeder take over the operation?! You haven’t seen him in a while, right?!” Kirishima says and Midoriya shakes his head.

“I was thinking the same thing, but they been too busy with the new change and Gran Torino can’t take me either, so I’m kind of in limbo,” Midoriya says and Kirishima frowns.

“That sucks! Hey L/n! What about you gonna go back to Fat Gum?” Kirishima says and you sit up slightly looking over at the redhead.

“I’m not too sure while I love Fat Gum I’ve had other offers that had me contemplating.” You say. You did have plenty of offers from heroes when the sports festival happened but you had received a letter in regards to the work-study but it was from someone you hadn’t expected.

‘You have potential with your quirk. Consider coming to my agency. -Endeavor’ Well it wasn’t really a full letter but it was handwritten, signed, and everything! You didn’t tell your classmates or anything that you received a personal letter from the Number One Hero but you did need an opinion from someone who would remain biased on the opinion.

“You’re a dumbass,” Shinso says laying halfway off your bed and looking at you upside down as you lie on the floor the letter resting on your chest.

“I am not! This is a big thing…it’s Mr. Number One after all.” You huff and throw the paper to the side covering your face with your hands groaning. “I just…is this the right decision?” You peek through your fingers seeing Shinso scrolling through his phone before looking over at you.

“Like I said a dumbass,” You go to open your mouth but he continues talking, “You have the Number One Hero asking you personally may I remind you to study at his agency.”

“But Fat Gum and my classmates-” “Forgot about them all for a second. This is about your future right?” He says and you reluctantly nod, “Then you should go to the place that is going to help your future the most, not that there’s anything wrong with where you’re at but are you gonna ignore this opportunity in front of you.” He finishes and it’s quiet and the dumb look on his face when he knows he’s right irks you.

“I hate how you’re right.” “It’s one of my many skills.”

You look over at the letter seeing the application that was attached hesitating before grabbing a pen and filling it out. “Hurry up, Aizawa Sensei wants us for training.” Shinso kicks your leg and you kick it back filling it out.

“HEY! THIS IS S’POSED TO BE A HOLY NIGHT!! WHY’RE TALKING ABOUT ALL THIS SCHOOL STUFF?!” Mineta yells pulling you from your thoughts as he slams his hands against the table.

“C’mon guys Mineta has a point. Especially since it’s time to feast!” Sato says revealing a delicious roast bird. The sound of the door opens as you all were about to feast in,

“We’re a little late…I hope they didn’t start already.”

“Tricky…Treat..?” Eri dressed in the most adorable Santa dress mumbles looking back at Aizawa for guidance who shakes his head, “Not quite...Wrong holiday.”

“IT’S ERI CLAUS!”

Aizawa and Eri quickly joined in the festivities as music was played by Jiro and food were quickly devoured all delicious and filling. You take a sip of your drink a smile resting on your face as Midoriya rambles to Eri who eats up every word. You take in the glint in his eyes and the wide grin as he waves his hands about talking to the young girl. From food to music to the gift swap from your classmates it was a perfect night together.

The night soon started to wrap the night getting to all of you and cleaning up beginning. You look down at the small girl cuddled up to your side her eyes fluttering shut as she tries to stay awake but her falling asleep had made you grow tired as well. Running your fingers through her hair pushing the strands away from her face as she drifted to sleep. Aizawa had come over seeing the child asleep in your lap kneeling down to bring her into his arms. She shuffles a bit in his grasp her eyes slowly opening and waving at you as Aizawa carries her out of the dorms back to the comforts of her bed. You smile before a yawn takes over your body stretching your arms it hits something and you look up to see Midoriya standing above you.

“Hey…” You mumble sleepily and he smiles holding his hand out and you take it as he pulls you to your feet.

“Come on looks like you need sleep too.” He says and you roll your eyes slightly pushing him away but he wraps his hand around your waist holding you close as the two of you head towards your room. Opening your door you throw yourself onto your bed sleep quickly pulling you but Midoriya manhandles you around so you're sitting up even though you groan in protest.

“Nope, you gotta change you don’t wanna sleep in that.” He says holding out a t-shirt and shorts and you groan more looking up at the ceiling. His hands move to pluck the hat off your head before his fingers move to the buttons on your dress you give him a look and he rolls his eyes.

“Such a dirty mind.” He mumbles and you gasp offended and he laughs before pulling the dress over your head and throwing the shirt on after. His touch was gentle and smooth, as his fingers traced over your skin. Some scars from injuries cover you but he doesn’t seem to mind as he helps you change. It wasn’t the first time he’s seen you like this anyway. He finishes looking up at you not realizing you’ve been staring at him his face grows a twinge warm. You smile pushing the hair away from his face leaning down and pressing a kiss to his forehead. He closes his eyes relishing in the feeling and you pull away holding his face in your hands, he opens his eyes grinning at you before thrusting forward and connecting your lips. You squeal as he pushes you back onto the bed as your guys' night is not over yet.

In light of the dormitory system, it was tricky for your classmates to go home, but they were accompanied by Pro Hero escorts and allowed to visit their families for the New Year. You however stayed at the dorms despite Midoriya’s begging for you to come with him. “Y/n please..my mom would love having you over she’s already dying to know more about you,” Midoriya says as the two of you lay in your bed, it was the night before he would return to his home.

“I’ll be alright, spend time with your mother Izuku. Even I did promise Eri I would spend her first New Year with her and I think Aizawa would appreciate having someone watching her as well.” You say and he pouts but nods and you press a peck to his lips.

“Such a baby.” You tease and he gives you a look quickly pulling you under him and a very heated session makeout ensued with Midoriya. You actually had a lot of fun with Eri listening to music, watching the other New Year’s events on TV, and counting down when the ball drops. The two of you crashed on the couches in Aizawa’s residence and he threw blankets over the two of you before joining you on the couch doing some school work before even he fell asleep with you.

The next day you had your bag packed and Aizawa and Eri brought you to the station and you were off to your work-study.

“Welcome. I’m Endeavor.” The flame hero announces to the three males a grin on his face before it quickly drops, “Is that the warm reception you were hoping for? I ain’t thrilled about taking you two on. This is only cuz Shoto asked! I was hoping it’d just be me and him!” He says and Todoroki rolls his eyes.

“You already accepted them, so stop complaining.” “Sh-Shoto!!”

“Ever since our training course, I’ve been thinking…” Bakugo says eyeing the hero, “You’re a jerk.”

“Are you really friends with this kid, Shoto?!” Endeavor scolds his son who looks annoyed being here.

“Whatever. I’ll put up with anything if it means seeing how the top dude operates.” Bakugo shrugs and Endeavor yells at his son, “I toldja to choose your friends wisely!!”

“Thank you for accepting us,” Midoriya says and Endeavor turns to look at the boy, the two had a unique experience during the Sports Festival and he had a feeling this boy had some connection to his rival, the man who always succeeded over him. All Might.

“We’re still waiting for one more.” Endeavor says and the boys even Todoroki look confused, who else would be joining them on their work-study? Maybe it is a sidekick to Endeavor or a fellow Pro-Hero.

“Sorry, I’m late gosh the holiday crowds are no joke.” A familiar voice calls out behind them and the three boys look back seeing a girl dressed in a U.A. uniform but a hat and scarf cover most of her features. As she gets closer her eyes widen seeing the three boys but her eyes were focused on one.

“Izuku?!” She calls out and the boy’s face grows red having some girl call him by his first name. The girl pulls down her scarf taking off her hat revealing snow-white hair and a recognizable face.

“Y/n!?” Midoriya says and the two of you look at each other shocked. The conversation of work-study hadn’t come up between the two of you about where you each were going. So for Midoriya, he thought you returned to Fat Gum’s Agency and you thought Midoriya founded some Agency that was friends with All Might. A flash of movement in front of you and Endeavor hops over the railing and charges forward flames taking over his clothes and burning them off revealing his hero costume.

“Sorry, but I don’t give a crap about anyone but Shoto. YOU WANNA LEARN? STAND BACK AND WATCH!” He yells looking back and seeing the four of you quickly following after him.

“TELL US WHAT WE CAN DO!” Midoriya yells.

“I told you to stand back!! And watch!” He yells and like a bullet of flames disappears ahead of you all.

“He told us to stand back and watch, but…” Todoroki says using his ice to glide along the ground.

“To watch we have to keep up!” Midoriya yells. He was off and running before you even heard the sonic boom. That takes more than just speed. Using All For One in a similar way as Midoriya uses One For All Full Cowling to boost yourself forward.

“When were you going to tell me you were going to Endeavor’s Agency!” Midoriya yells out to you as you all turn the same street after Endeavor seeing the glass from the buildings and cars missing.

“Uh now isn’t really the time! Same with you it’s not like you told me!” You yell back, “Quickly this way!” You yell pointing down a different path than where Endeavor had turned down. Both Midoriya and Bakugo turn down one way heading down while you and Todoroki take the other way to make sure no one tries escaping. From your side of the alley, you see Endeavor shot out with the villain right as three more were going to ambush him, Todoroki quickly sends out a sheet of ice freezing two of them to the ground, and right before Midoriya and Bakugo could attack them feathers swoop in attaching to the thugs and you see Hawks looking at the two boys who recover from their failed attacks.

“Oh! Trainees! My bad. Looks like I was a little faster.” He says as the three thugs land at you and Todoroki’s feet, “Seemed like you were in trouble, Endeavor.” Hawks grins landing beside the two of you.

“Me? Not a chance.” Endeavor glares at the winged hero as he restraints the main villain.

“But it seemed that way, didn’t it, Shoto?” Hawks says looking at the boy who just looks a bit stunned to see him.

“You’re supposed to contact me when you’re in town.” Endeavor says and Hawks shrugs,

“I’m not…I mean, I was just passing by.”

You all moved from the alleyway to an open area where the police cuffed the main villain whose name was Starservant who was yelling nonsense as he was put away.

“Hello. My name is Midoriya!” Midoriya introduces himself and you could see the slight awe in his eye beginning in the presence of the Number Two Hero.

“You’re the kid who smashes up his own fingers, right?” Hawks says and Midoriya sheepishly nods, “Tokoyami filled me in. Man, I wished I could’ve worked with that kid again.”

“But isn’t Tokoyami back at your Agency…?” Midoriya asks and Hawks sighs rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yeah, down in my hometown with my sidekicks. But I’ve got too much going on to be there. I feel kinda bad…about it.” He trails off seeing Bakugo glaring at him.

“Back there-I was faster!” Hawks smirks, “Huh! You think so?” His gaze moves from the blonde landing on you, “Good seeing you again Shimura. Things treating you well?” He says and your gaze shifts slightly seeing Todoroki’s eyes widen by a fraction and you look back at Hawks. Crap.

“Yeah…thank you again Hawks.” You say and you can see the slight pity within his eyes before they move to Endeavor.

“Well, Hawks…what do you want?!” Endeavor says.

“Want? Oh, nothing, really. But have you read this book, Endeavor?” Hawks says before pulling a book from his pocket and you feel a chill run down your spine reading the title.

‘Meta Liberation War.’

“THE METAHUMAN LIBERATION ARMY IS REBORN!!”

“We are the Paranormal Liberation Front.”

There was no way these two weren’t connected…did that mean Hawks was a part of them. Was he a traitor?

“Imagine it, Endeavor..” Hawks’ voice brings you out of your thoughts, “A world where we’ve got time to kill!” His face was stern as he holds the book out to him, “Read it. Please.”

“That’s recommended reading from the Number Two Hero! Maybe I should check it out. Perhaps it holds the secret to his trademark speed…” Midoriya mumbles and Hawks stiffens before turning to face you all holding books in his hands,

“Here, I’ve got copies for everyone!” “He’s so prepared! Where’d those come from?!”

“That’s right, it’s the era of the Number two!” Hawks says giving the four of you each a book, “When it comes to speed, it’s all about reading which way the wind's blowing! I’m recommending it to all my friends and heroes across the country. Because if nothing else, that liberation ideology will be pretty darn fundamental going forward.” Hawks says stepping back and unfurling his wings before he looks at Endeavor.

“At least give the highlighted sections a glance. That’s my second recommendation in so many words. All five of you..good luck with the work-study.” Hey says before flying off the five of you looking after him.

“He’s only 22, but he comes off as much wiser…” Midoriya says.

“Just six years older than us…” Todoroki mumbles.

Bakugo scoffs looking away from where Hawks stood, “Ticks me off.”

Your fingers trace the title of the book a horrible feeling in your gut. What did Hawks have to do with the Liberation Army? Was he involved with the League…Ten-Shigaraki?

“L/n..?” Todoroki calls out and you look up from the book.

“Yeah, Todoroki?” You say a small smile on your face.

“Why did Hawks call you Shimura?” He asks and you’re silent you can feel both Bakugo’s and Midoriya’s eyes on you as your mind runs with a thousand things to say. Fuck what do you say?

“Uh…Shimura…well it’s my second last name. It’s hyphenated but I don’t go by that name anymore.” You stutter out your answer. Please believe it. Please believe it. You yell out internally waiting for his response. Todoroki seems to take it in before nodding. You give a forced smile and Endeavor calls you all to follow, as soon as Todoroki is not looking you let out the biggest sigh of relief.

“WELCOME TO ENDEAVOR’S AGENCY! WE’RE THE FLAMING SIDEKICKERS!” The sidekicks of Endeavor call out.

“This is the first work-study for Bakugo and Shoto, right?” One of Endeavor’s main sidekicks Burnin says, “You four will get right down to business doing what we do around here! But as you can see, with over 30 sidekicks, we ain’t exactly short-staffed! What I’m saying is, you won’t get a chance to shine!” She says with a huge smoke on her face looking specifically at Bakugo who smirks back but you could see the bloodlust in his eyes.

“Fun. So we gotta try to beat the Pros at their own game?” “Bingo!”

“That goes for you too, Shoto! Don’t assume anything just cuz you’re the boss’s kid!” One of the sidekicks calls out, “You kids’ve gotta sink your teeth into this job!”

“This place is so busy!” Midoriya says in awe looking around at the heroes all rushing around off to patrol, calling people in, or doing paperwork.

“Most of the time, we’re either on patrol or on standby! But we also handle over 100 requests every day. From emergencies to escort missions to special events!” Kido explains.

“Great. Let’s get to freaking work then.” Bakugo says cracking his knuckles, “I’ve been pretty ticked off ever since that spoonbill stole my glory.” Did he mean Hawks?

“You’ve got moxie, guy. But we gotta wait for Endeavor’s orders!” Kido says pointing toward the large door.

“He’s sitting on his ass? What happened to those 100 requests!” Bakugo shouts.

“Kacchan, please just calm down!” Midoriya tries reasoning with him.

“HAHA! You’d better cool that head of yours, kid!” Burnin laughs. Your gaze pulls away from the group as they yell about wanting to work staring at the door. He had the book from the Liberation Army about what did Hawks have to do with them? If the Number Two Hero was part of them who knew who else could be there what other heroes were amongst that crowd cheering along to Shigaraki’s words?

“Shoto. Deku. Shimura. Bakugo.” The door opens and Endeavor strides out a dark look covering his feature, he knows something… “You four with me.”

You four were brought to a locker room with the male sidekicks leading the boys to one side and Burnin to another.

“Thank you, Burnin.” You nod and she grins.

“Us female heroes we look out for each other. But I can tell you’re already different from other UA students I’ve seen.” She says and you don’t get to respond as she leaves you to yourself. Moving to your case you open it and pause seeing a new outfit resting inside and you begin to dress. Your boots were similar no laces but straps going around with a zipper on the side keeping everything secure, there was a leather bodysuit keeping your pants and shirt attached a paneling design towards the top. The final pieces were the coat and gloves you were given. Slipping on the fingerless gloves before pulling the coat on. The coat was thin on your skin but felt durable enough to protect you and also keep you safe in the winter condition and summer, maybe a temperature regulator in the fabric. The design of it has panels all around it with it holding together by straps right below your chest and one across your neck. Its angular design with it begin all black created a sharp shape but was still flattering. Looking in the mirror you pause seeing yourself in the eerieness of the outfit from the moment in the bathroom. It was the exact same one you saw then just with the dust and blood covering it. Was this the moment, the fight you were to experience?

Looking back at the case you see a letter resting on the ground. You bend down to grab the card reading the writing.

‘Young Shimura…please accept this upgrade of your uniform. I am always still here. -Toshinori’

“Gift…as if that forgives all that he’s done to you?” His sickening voice fills the room and you see him standing in the reflection.

“As if the things you do were better, you worse than him.” You spit out crumbling out the letter and tossing it aside turning to leave.

“The actions I committed allowed you to become so powerful. You should be thanking me.” All For One says and you spin around staring into the reflection.

“Thanking you? You kidnapped me as a child, tortured me, forced your quirk on me, and made me commit so many crimes that no child should ever have to deal with and you want me to thank you.” You say and you can see in the reflection he grins.

“You should be grateful, you are more powerful than half of those heroes in the world, you could level buildings with a flick of your finger. You were my greatest achievement and soon Tomura will join you.” He grins and you feel a shiver run down your spine.

“What did you do to him?” You say you knew you shouldn’t be concerned about him. He made his decision he wants to purge the world and start it in whatever twisted vision is his.

The mirror warps slightly and you cringe feeling All For One’s cold hand resting on your shoulder as he stands within the reflection and beside you. “Here is just a glimpse of what Tomura is dealing with.”

Pain, unlike anything you’ve experienced rushing through you as Shigaraki’s screams fill your ears and you lose your hearing everything muffled. It was as if someone fired a gun right beside your head. Your veins and nerves explode before healing in an instant the feeling your body was flipped inside out before reverting back to its original state. You seize slamming into one of the lockers with a loud bang crashing to the ground. Gasping for air as your skin thrums with indescribable pain trying to stop this ongoing misery before it disappears and the phantom feeling causes you to shake.

“Tomura is fighting to accept it, but just like you did he will join you. And then….you two will be unstoppable.” All For One says his hand pets your hair and you flinch at the touch still shaking uncontrollably. The weight on your head disappears as you quiver in the empty locker room trying to regain your strength.

Shigaraki was gaining All For One.

#mimic series #mha x reader #izuku midoriya x reader #izuku x reader #midoriya x reader #bakugo katuski #bnha eijiro kirishima #shoto todoroki #shota aizawa #tomura shigaraki #mha spoilers #mha

43 notes · View notes

eightmakar · 2 years

Text

calgary | c.m.

Pairing: Cale Makar x Original Character

Word Count: 10.9k

Warnings: cursing, a little making out

A/N: read accidental blessing (18+) before this if you want background on the established relationship

“Cale,” Charlie Evans said sternly to her boyfriend, “you’re really fucking lucky I love you.”

“I know I’m asking a lot. You can say no, that’s completely okay,” Cale Makar replied softly and apologetically.

Cale had asked Charlie to take his toddler, Willow, to Calgary for him. The Avalanche had a two-game away stint against the Flames, with a game on Christmas Eve and a game the day after Christmas. His parents wanted to see Willow, and he insisted they wanted to see Charlie too.

“Tell me again why she can’t go with you,” Charlie said, trying to think clearly.

“If we were going straight from Denver to Calgary, then yes, I’d bring her myself, but we aren’t. We’re going to Vancouver first, then to Calgary, then back home to Denver. I can pull some strings so you guys can fly back on the team plane with us.”

Charlie closed her eyes, fighting back tears. The idea of flying with Willow to Calgary without Cale was a frightening, stressful thought. She loved Willow with all her heart, but if something happened to her while they were traveling, she would never forgive herself.

“Hey,” Cale whispered, taking Charlie’s face in his hands. She immediately looked away, the tears threatening to well up. “Hey, look at me.”

Charlie’s tearful eyes met Cale’s pale blue ones. “I’m scared,” she finally managed. “I don’t want something to happen to her.”

“I don’t either, which is why I asked you. I trust you with her like I trust my parents with her,” Cale muttered, stroking her cheekbones with his thumbs. “I know it’ll be stressful on you and I promise I’ll take you on a trip just me and you to make up for it.”

“You don’t have to bribe me,” Charlie giggled and brought her hands up to rest on top of Cale’s. “But I won’t say no to a trip just for us.”

Cale smiled softly. “I didn’t mean that as a bribe,” he chuckled, “but I guess it kind of is, eh?”

“It definitely is. But I’ll do it anyway, bribe or not,” Charlie said quietly.

“I’ll also fly your parents out for New Year’s,” he insisted. “Since you’d be going to Calgary for Christmas instead.”

“What about Santa? For Willow?” Charlie furrowed her brow.

“I’ll take care of everything,” Cale said. “You just have to take her on the plane. My parents will probably do most of the caretaking when she’s there anyway, so you’ll really have minimal Willow duties during the actual trip. It’s just getting her there I need help with.”

“I’ll do it,” Charlie said softly. “I’ll take her. It’ll be fun, a little girl’s trip.”

Cale beamed and kissed her all over her face, sending Charlie into a fit of giggles. “Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!”

“Oh no,” Charlie gasped.

Cale stopped dead in his tracks. “What?” he asked in a panic.

“I have to get your family Christmas gifts now, and how the fuck am I going to compete with your salary?”

The night before Cale left for Vancouver with the team, he was a mess.

Charlie walked in through the garage door after work and was surprised to see Willow, alone, sitting on the couch watching Doc McStuffins. She clutched the Baby Yoda plushie Charlie got her a few months ago when Willow began her Star Wars obsession.

“Hey, Willow girl,” Charlie said, dropping her backpack next to the kitchen counter. She walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch next to the toddler.

“Hi,” Willow replied, mesmerized with the television.

“No Star Wars today?” Charlie leaned in and kissed Willow’s blonde head.

“Daddy said no,” Willow said sadly.

Charlie nodded, remembering Cale’s rule that Willow had to watch any Star Wars with him or Charlie. “Where is Daddy?”

“My woom!”

“I’m going to go see Daddy for a second, then I’ll come turn on Star Wars for you, how’s that?”

“Yes pwease!”

Charlie smiled, kissed Willow’s head again, then pulled herself up off the couch and padded towards Willow’s room. The door was closed, so she gently knocked on it before opening it to reveal Cale sitting in the middle of the floor, surrounded by a wide variety of Willow’s things and looking very overwhelmed.

“Cale? Baby, are you okay?” Charlie hurried to sit down in front of him and gently pushed some of his hair back.

“No.” Cale’s voice cracked as he barely muttered the word, and Charlie’s heart broke.

“Oh, Baby,” Charlie whispered. She pushed his hair out of the way again and gently held his face while he tried not to look her in the eyes.

“I—,” he tried to say, but then tears spilled out of his eyes as he let out a quiet sob. He pulled his face out of Charlie’s hands and buried it in his own.

“Sweetheart, oh, come here.” Charlie leaned up against Willow’s bed and tugged Cale’s large, shaking body into hers. He gave into her touch, collapsing into her and burying his face in her thighs, still crying. Charlie gently stroked his hair with one hand and rubbed his back with the other.

Cale sobbed into her legs for a few moments, then turned his tear-stained red face up to hers. “I’m sorry,” he hiccuped.

“No need to apologize,” Charlie mumbled. She used the sleeve of her shirt to wipe away some of the lingering tears from his face. “How many times have you come home to me crying over something? We all have to just have a good cry sometimes. Do you wanna talk about it?”

“I’m just having a breakdown over getting Willow packed up before I leave,” Cale said sadly, his voice wavering.

“Honey,” Charlie whispered, “I can pack up her stuff. I know what she likes to have with her and her favorite outfits and all of that. I can help you, baby.”

“I know, I just don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you or anything,” Cale sighed.

“I wouldn’t have said yes if I felt like that, Cale. I wouldn’t have moved in if I thought that, either.” Charlie gazed down at him in her lap.

“I just feel so guilty. She’s my responsibility, it’s my job to take care of her.”

“By letting me take her to Calgary, you are taking care of her. It’s not like you’re up and leaving her forever, you’re flying to Vancouver in the morning and the day after we’ll fly to Calgary. You’ve always taken the best care of her, Cale, and anyone can see that, including Willow. She wants to be exactly like you. Kids don’t do that if they don’t like the person,” Charlie said, awkwardly leaning down and kissing Cale’s nose.

“She wants to be like me?” Cale asked lovingly.

“Oh yeah, when I hang out with her she tells me how she wants to play for the Avalanche when she grows up. If I ask her any details, she says she wants to be number eight and wants to play defense. When I took her skating the other day, she tried to tell me her skates were too small and she needed new ones, specifically ‘Premes.’”

Cale chuckled. “She wants Supremes now?”

“Yep. She said she needed ‘Premes like Daddy.’ I told her she didn’t need new skates, and I even made sure the guys in the pro shop measured her feet just to check. But she’s now insisting she needs skates like you,” Charlie explained. “That kid adores you, Cale. And I promise I’ll keep her safe.”

Cale went silent for a little bit. “You’ll keep me updated, right? You’ll send me pictures and videos and stuff?” Cale finally sniffed.

“Of course,” Charlie insisted. “When I ask her if she wants to take pictures for Daddy, she always says yes. She loves sending you pictures. I’ve been downloading shit like crazy for her to watch, amongst other things.” Cale beamed, and Charlie remembered, “Oh yeah, she also figured out how to call you. I’ll give her my phone and she immediately tries to call you or FaceTime you, especially if you’re on the road and she misses you.”

“Shit, that kid is smart,” Cale laughed.

“Of course she is, you’re her dad.” Charlie smiled down at Cale.

“Thank you,” he said softly, “for everything. You’re incredible.” He gently grabbed her hand and tugged it from his hair to his mouth, kissing the back of it softly.

“Daddy? Chawlie?” the couple heard from the hallway. Willow’s little bare feet patted the hardwood floor as she walked down the hall and pushed the door to her room open.

“Hi, baby girl,” Cale greeted her. He sat up and leaned against Willow’s bed next to Charlie.

Willow walked over and clambered into Cale’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her as she furrowed her tiny brow looking at his tear-stained face. “What wong, Daddy?” she asked, grabbing his face.

“Nothing, sweetheart, Daddy was just a little sad,” he explained, turning his head into her small hand and kissing her palm.

“Why sad?” She cocked her head as she examined Cale’s face.

“Because I have to leave you and Charlie tomorrow, and I’ll miss you.” Willow poked his face with her tiny toddler hands and he smiled.

“Oh,” she simply replied.

Cale kissed his daughter’s forehead. “But Charlie is gonna take you to see Gamma and Gampa, and I’ll see you there.”

“Gamma Gampa!” Willow squealed with delight.

“And,” Charlie added, “Uncle TayTay.”

“UNCLE TAYTAY!” screeched Willow, making Cale laugh.

“Yeah, baby, Charlie’s gonna take you to see Gamma, Gampa, and TayTay. Daddy has to go play a game first, but then I’m going to come to Gamma and Gampa’s house too,” Cale said. Willow played with his cheeks while he spoke to her.

“Yeah, we’re gonna have the best time going to see Gamma and Gampa!” Charlie said excitedly.

Willow wrapped her arms around Cale’s neck. “Daddy?” she whispered.

“Yeah, baby?”

“Can I watch Staw Waws?”

“I’ll come turn it on for you, Will,” Charlie said. “Daddy’s gonna pack up some of your stuff for our trip!”

Willow reached out to Charlie, who stood up and took the toddler out of her dad’s arms. Wrapping her arms around Charlie’s neck, Willow smiled and cooed as Charlie walked out of the room and into the living room. They curled up on the couch together and Charlie turned on A New Hope, settling in to watch the movie.

Cale left the next morning, having packed up all of Willow’s things she’d need for the trip and leaving notes all over the house for extra things Charlie would need. He’d left notes for her before, when he left for trips, and Charlie was forgetful, so she actually appreciated the extra reminders. She did a load of laundry, and that was all she needed to do before she and Willow headed to Calgary.

Charlie’s alarm went off far too early. She wasn’t a morning person, but seeing Willow in the mornings helped. She crawled out of her and Cale’s enormous bed and padded down the hall to Willow’s room.

“Good morning, Willow girl!” Charlie sang as she walked into the room.

Willow sat up in bed with a huge, toothy smile. “Goo mowning Chawlie!” she said. The toddler clambered out of bed and ran to hug her legs.

“Are you ready to go see Gamma and Gampa?” Charlie asked.

“YEAH!”

Charlie got Willow dressed first, helped her brush her teeth, and made her some oatmeal for breakfast. She left Willow in the kitchen to eat while she went and got dressed. She packed up her last toiletries and tucked them into her carry on bag. Charlie packed the car the night before so she’d only have to grab a few things. As Willow finished her oatmeal, Charlie scarfed down a bowl of cereal, then got their final bags loaded into the car, and they were off to the airport.

Charlie was only nervous about one part of the trip: security. She was terrified that she’d get separated from Willow somehow, a TSA agent would think she was kidnapping her, or any other variety of disasters. Cale had written a letter stating that Charlie had permission to travel with Willow, but she was still scared.

After checking their bags, Charlie picked up Willow and walked nervously to the TSA line. Cale insisted they get Pre-Check, so they waited in a very short line before the TSA agent called Charlie up.

“I need your license and her full name, please,” the agent said.

Charlie handed her license over and replied, “Willow Grace Makar.”

The agent scanned Charlie’s license, then sent them on their way to Charlie’s surprise. She assumed the agent thought Charlie was Willow’s mom, which she didn’t mind. It made traveling much easier.

The girls got through their security scans and once they had their shoes back on and their bags back, Charlie picked Willow up and helped her into the chest carrier they had. Charlie wasn’t taking any chances. She texted Cale that they were through security and that she’d call him when they got to their gate.

“Alright, Will, you ready?” Charlie asked.

“Yeah!” She replied.

Charlie adjusted her backpack, grabbed her carry on, and headed towards her gate. She checked a few screens on her way just to make sure she had the number right, and they were at their gate within a few moments of walking. Charlie helped Willow out of the carrier and they settled into a couple seats in the corner.

“You wanna call Daddy?” Charlie asked, pulling out her phone and AirPods.

“YEAH! Call Daddy!” Willow squealed.

Charlie put one AirPod in her ear, then held the other one to Willow’s ear. She clicked Cale’s name and the phone began to ring.

Cale answered, his shining, smiling face on screen. “Hi!” he said excitedly.

“Hi Daddy!” Willow shouted. She sat calmly in Charlie’s lap, giggling at Cale.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he said. “How are you?”

“Good! We goin to see Gamma and Gampa!”

“You are! They’re excited to see you. Are you excited to see them?”

“Yeah! Daddy, I miss you.”

“I miss you too, sweetheart, but I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Daddy has to play tonight, but then I’m getting on a plane to come see you!” Cale explained.

“Okay!”

“I love you, baby,” he told his daughter. “Can I talk to Charlie?”

“I wuv you too, Daddy!” Willow kissed her hand and threw the kiss to the camera, and Charlie put her other AirPod in her ear.

Cale sighed. “Hi, babe.”

“Hi,” Charlie sighed back. “We’re at our gate.”

“I figured,” Cale chuckled. “How’s it going? How’s she doing? How are you doing?”

“I’m good, we’re good. She’s been a champ, honestly. She’s excited to see your parents, so that helps.”

“She slept okay last night? You slept okay? I know you said you don’t sleep as well when I’m gone and frankly, I don’t either.” Cale smiled softly.

“I didn’t sleep great, but she did. I’ll sleep tomorrow when you get to Calgary.”

“Well, about that…”

“Cale—.”

“I’m gonna come over tonight instead,” Cale said. “I can’t stand the thought of being in the same city as you and Willow and not being with you guys.”

Charlie’s heart swelled. “I would love that,” she said softly. “And so would she. We’ll see you tonight, babe.”

“Sounds good. I love you, Charlie.”

“Love you too.” Charlie smiled softly, then said, “Bye, Cale.”

“Bye, babe.” Cale hung up the FaceTime call and Charlie put her AirPods away.

“Chawlie,” Willow said when she saw her putting things away. “Can I have a snack?”

“Of course! What do you want? I brought all your favorites.”

“Goldfish?”

“I gotcha, girlfriend.” Charlie began to dig around in her backpack for the cup of Goldfish she packed. She produced the cup and handed it to Willow, who immediately shoved her hand in the toddler-friendly spill-proof lid. Willow crunched away on her snack until it was time to board the plane.

Charlie picked Willow up when the staff made the announcement about people with small children needing extra time to board. She scanned their tickets, then headed down the hall to the plane.

“You excited?” Charlie asked, kissing Willow’s forehead.

“Yeah!” Willow squealed. She shook her hands around in excitement.

“Alright,” Charlie chuckled. She ducked onto the plane and found their seats at the front of first class, which Cale had insisted on buying them. Charlie buckled Willow in and handed her iPad and headphones to her, settling in with her for the nonstop flight to Calgary.

“Ma’am,” a flight attendant said, shaking Charlie awake. “We’re landing soon.”

Charlie yawned, thanked the flight attendant, and turned to check on Willow. She was fast asleep, curled up in her chair. Charlie smiled softly, snapped a picture of Willow, then gently rubbed her back.

“Willow, baby,” Charlie whispered. Willow stirred a little, then sleepily opened her eyes. “We’re here!”

Willow blinked slowly and sat up. “We’re here?”

Charlie pushed some of her wild blonde hair out of her face. “Yeah, we’re here. Let’s go see Gamma and Gampa!”

Charlie gathered their stuff, then exited the plane clutching Willow’s tiny hand. They walked through the airport and left the terminal. Charlie saw Gary, Laura, and Taylor Makar waiting for them ahead.

“Willow, who’s that?” Charlie asked.

Willow squinted, then recognized her grandparents and uncle. “Uncle TayTay!” she squealed, letting go of Charlie’s hand and sprinting towards Taylor as fast as her tiny legs would take her.

“There’s my girl!” Taylor said. He scooped her up and kissed her rosy cheek as she cooed happily.

“Hi, sweetheart!” Laura said, rubbing Willow’s back while she nuzzled herself into Taylor.

“Hi Gamma,” she giggled. “Hi Gampa!”

“Hey, sweet girl,” said Gary softly.

“Charlie, honey, how are you?” Laura turned her attention to Charlie and pulled her in for a big hug.

“I’m good,” Charlie replied. “Tired, but good.”

“We can’t thank you enough for bringing her up here, and we’re so glad you’re here, too!” Laura said as she rubbed Charlie’s arms.

“I’m glad to be here, and I’m glad I could bring her.” Charlie smiled softly, then tugged her phone out of her pocket. She took a picture of Willow in Taylor’s arms and sent it to Cale to let him know they’d made it safely.

“Charlie!” Gary said, hugging her. “So good to see you!”

“Thanks, it’s good to be here. This is my first time in Calgary, so I’m excited!”

“Gamma,” Willow said to Laura from Taylor’s arms, “where’s Daddy?”

“Daddy’s playing tonight, honey,” Laura replied. “But we can watch him on T.V.!”

“Okay!” Willow giggled.

“How about you guys take Willow to the car and I’ll get your suitcases?” Gary offered, gesturing to the rest of the family.

“I’ll come with you,” Charlie said, “cause my bag is pretty heavy.”

“Will, we’re gonna go wait for Charlie and Gampa in the car, okay?” Taylor told the toddler.

“Okay, Uncle TayTay!”

“We’ll see you in a bit,” Laura said. She squeezed Charlie’s hand lovingly, then she and Taylor headed to their car.

“Where's the baggage claim?” Charlie asked Gary, looking around for a sign.

“Oh, it’s this way.” Gary motioned for Charlie to follow him and began walking towards the baggage claim area. She followed him in sleepy silence, more than ready to get to the Makar’s home, curl up on the couch, and watch Cale’s game against Vancouver. She was relieved that the worst part of the trip was practically finished.

As Charlie and Gary arrived and stood together at the baggage claim carousel, Charlie checked her phone to see a text from Cale, to her surprise. His game was about to start, and although Vancouver was an hour behind Calgary, Cale usually didn’t check his phone close to game time.

Cale: Someone looks happy! Her favorite person!

Charlie: Wow, pregame phone time huh?

Cale: Being a worried dad will do that to you. Trip okay?

Charlie: Yep, everything went great! She was a champ on the plane. Took a nap the whole way.

Charlie: [picture of Willow asleep on the plane]

Cale: 😍 she’s an Angel

Cale: See you tonight! Game time!

Charlie: Good luck, crush it! 😘

As the carousel started up and bags began circling around it, Gary asked Charlie, “What do your suitcases look like?”

“Mine is a huge blue one, it’s like, got a hard shell and one of Cale’s old Avs tags on it. Willow’s is purple, and it has unicorns and her initials on it. I’m pretty sure he put one of his tags on hers, too,” Charlie said, standing on her tiptoes and straining her neck to look for their bags.

“Oh, there’s Willow’s!” Gary exclaimed. He hurried forward, grabbed the small suitcase, and set it on the ground. He stayed there for a moment, waiting for Charlie’s large blue suitcase as it came around a few suitcases behind Willow’s. He grabbed it too and rolled them both back to Charlie.

“Thank you,” Charlie said with a soft smile. “Want me to take one of them?”

“You take Willow’s,” Gary said. “I’ve got yours.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Charlie’s heart swelled, like it did when Cale told she was part of their family. His parents had always loved her, always treated her like she was their child, too. Before the trip, Laura asked her what snacks she liked, what food her family ate for Christmas, if she had any family traditions she wanted to do with them. Charlie told her that her family always watched Die Hard, but she didn’t think that would be appropriate for Willow. Laura insisted they’d find a time to watch it while she was there. The Makars always went skating on a frozen lake nearby their home, so Charlie brought her and Willow’s skates with them.

“Oh,” Gary said as they walked toward the exit, “they brought the car to us!”

Charlie smiled and walked over to the car door, opening it. Willow sat in her car seat behind the driver’s seat with a bag of Goldfish in her hands.

“Where did you get more Goldfish, missy?” Charlie asked as she clambered into the car.

Willow grinned. “Gamma!”

“Ah, I see,” Charlie said with a nod.

Willow grabbed a Goldfish and turned to look behind her at Taylor, who was sitting in the back seat. She offered the Goldfish to him. Taylor stared at her hand for a moment, then suddenly opened his mouth wide and gulped the cracker out of Willow’s hand with a loud snort. Willow cackled at him and he grinned back at her as he crunched on the Goldfish. She offered him another and he did the same thing, making her cackle even louder.

The Goldfish chomping went on periodically throughout the car ride to the Makar’s home. Charlie admired the scenery, occasionally looking over at Willow and smiling. They arrived after a short time, and Charlie emerged from the car to stretch her legs. She walked around to the trunk and began unloading her and Willow’s stuff.

“Hey, I’ve got it!” Gary said as he came around the car. “You go on inside. You look exhausted, and Cale won’t be here til late tonight.” He checked his watch, then continued. “It’s only one o’clock, so you can get a good few hours before dinner.”

Charlie wanted to cry. “Y’all are too kind, I swear.”

“You’re family,” Gary said simply. “Go inside, I’ll bring your stuff in.”

“Thank you,” Charlie whispered. She grabbed her backpack and walked into the house.

Laura greeted her with a warm smile. “Going to bed?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Go for it. Taylor’s got Willow, and we’ll be down here watching the game. You’ve had a long morning and you deserve some rest.” Laura stepped closer to Charlie and gently rubbed her arm. “You and Cale are in the guest room, it’s up the stairs, first door on the left. Willow’s gonna be in Cale’s old room, which is across the hall from you two. I’ll come get you for dinner.”

“Thank you.” Charlie hugged Laura, then trudged upstairs, crawled into bed, and fell deep asleep.

“Charlie, honey,” Laura said softly, rubbing Charlie’s back over the comforter. “Dinner’s ready.”

Charlie opened her eyes and yawned. “Mmm, thank you,” she mumbled. “I’ll be down in a second.”

Laura patted her arm, then left her alone to get up. Charlie sat up and checked her phone. It was almost seven-thirty in the evening, and she had several text messages, a few from her mom, one from her sister, and a couple from Cale. She didn’t really read them; instead, she got out of bed, locked her phone, and shoved it in her pocket. She padded downstairs, smiling when she heard Willow’s giggles. Rounding the corner at the bottom of the stairs, Charlie stopped in her tracks when she saw Cale laying on the floor playing Barbies with Willow.

“Cale!” she exclaimed. “I thought you weren’t gonna be here til late!”

“Surprise!” Cale grinned up at her, then quickly got up. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tightly, kissing her forehead gently. “Hi, babe.”

Charlie gazed up at him. “Hi, my love.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. “I missed you.”

“I missed you more.” He kissed her again.

“Daddy!” Willow fussed from the floor.

“I’m being summoned,” he whispered.

“You are,” Charlie giggled.

Cale released her and rejoined his daughter on the floor. Willow handed him a Sleeping Beauty Barbie that was dressed as a hockey player, babbling away in her Barbie world as she moved the dolls around. Charlie wasn’t sure what the story was this time, but she was sure she’d hear about it later.

Laura called them to the dinner table after a few moments of Barbie play. Cale scooped up Willow and took her to the table while Taylor helped Laura bring plates of food over. Cale immediately began cutting up Willow’s food into tiny pieces on her plate.

“Wow,” Charlie said as she sat down across from Cale, next to Willow, who sat at the foot of the table. “I finally get to try the internationally known mayonnaise chicken!”

Everyone laughed as they took their seats at the table. They began eating, silverware occasionally scratching their plates and making something in Charlie’s neck feel strange. She dug into her mayonnaise chicken and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was.

The Makar family made small talk while they ate. Cale occasionally directed Willow to sit back down in her chair, to finish her broccoli, to ask her if she needed help. Charlie felt at peace with the Makars. She knew she was meant to be with them.

They finished dinner and Taylor and Cale cleared the table. Charlie tried to help with the dishes, but Laura shooed her away to go spend time with Cale and Willow, so she joined them on the couch, Willow curled up into Cale’s side. Charlie gazed at the two of them lovingly.

“Daddy?” Willow asked. “Can we watch Fwozen?”

“Of course, baby,” Cale said. “Taylor, do you have the remote?”

“Yeah, I gotcha, Will,” Taylor replied, picking up the remote. He quickly turned on the movie and they all settled in to watch.

Willow fell asleep almost instantly, her soft snores barely audible over the movie. Cale gently picked her up and took her to her room to put her to bed. The moment they were out of sight, Taylor stopped the movie and turned on the end Penguins and Devils game.

“Ew,” Charlie said, “I hate the Pens.”

“How do you hate the Pens?” Taylor asked incredulously. “Sid the Kid’s a legend.”

“Yeah, a legend who I hate. And I hate the Devils except for Ryan Graves.”

“That’s understandable, Gravy’s a great guy.”

“Oh, I only like him ‘cause he’s hot.”

“You only like who ‘cause he’s hot?” Cale reentered the room without Willow.

“Gravy,” Charlie said simply.

“Ah, I see.” Crossing in front of the TV, Cale laid down on the couch next to Charlie, resting his head in her lap. “Too bad he sucks at hockey.”

“His hockey abilities definitely don’t have anything to do with my attraction to him. Or the fact that he’s 6 foot 5. Or his hair. You should grow your hair out like Gravy, babe.” Charlie ran her fingers through Cale’s hair.

“I’d look so stupid!” Cale exclaimed with a laugh.

“I’ve seen some photoshops on Twitter and you’d actually look amazing, thank you very much.”

“No, absolutely not.”

Charlie looked at Taylor. “Taylor, back me up here.”

“Will would love it,” Taylor contributed.

Charlie gasped. “Oh my god! Willow would love it!”

“Oh god,” Cale shivered, “toddler fingers in long hair.”

“I don’t want to hear it! I do not wanna hear it, Cale Douglas Makar!” Charlie swatted at him teasingly. “Your daughter wants to play princesses and hair salon with me like, every day, dude.”

Laughing, Cale gazed up at her. “You know what you signed up for.”

“You got me there.” She continued to play with his hair, enjoying how soft it was.

Gary and Laura joined them after they finished the dishes, and they all watched hockey together until Cale began falling asleep in Charlie’s lap, much like his daughter.

“Cale,” Charlie whispered, gently cupping his face. “Cale, baby, let’s go to bed.”

He opened his eyes and breathed deeply in surprise. “I fell asleep?” he asked, confused.

“Yeah, you did. Let’s go to bed,” Charlie suggested again.

“Mmkay.” Cale sleepily got up off the couch and hugged his parents. He fist-bumped Taylor, then followed Charlie to the guest room.

Charlie and Cale quickly changed clothes, spent some time in the bathroom, and climbed into bed together. Charlie curled into Cale and laid her head on his bare chest.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she muttered to him.

“I’m glad to be here with you,” he mumbled back. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

The couple fell into a soft, happy sleep in each other’s arms.

Charlie decided the moment she and the Makars left for Cale’s game that they needed to move to Denver. Having help for a gameday made everything about it easier. Laura got Willow up and dressed in her tiny number eight jersey, put her hair in pigtails with red and blue bows, and had her game bag all packed up before Charlie finished her breakfast, but the best part was that Willow didn’t ask Charlie where Cale was. Instead, she started asking Taylor or her grandparents, and they had much better answers for her than Charlie did.

They drove quickly to the arena, and once they parked, Taylor carried Willow on his shoulders. She giggled and cackled the whole walk over to Will Call. He bounced Willow on his shoulders while Gary picked up their tickets, and Charlie took a short video of it for Cale.

The Makars and Charlie entered the arena and found their seats easily. Taylor didn’t sit down, but headed straight for the glass so Willow could watch Cale during warmups. Charlie followed, excited to see how Charlie reacted with Taylor.

After a few minutes, the Flames began coming out of their locker room, so Taylor held Willow up to stand on the boards. She squealed as the Avalanche took the ice in their white away jerseys.

“There’s Daddy!” she yelled to Taylor, enthusiastically pointing at Cale. She began to wave, and Cale smiled and waved back, sending Willow into a fit of giggles.

“Will, who’s that?” Charlie asked as André Burakovsky skated over to see her. He had a big, goofy grin on his face.

“Burky!” Willow shrieked. “Hi Burky!”

Burky stood in front of her for a moment before he skated away to finish his warm up. As warm-ups began to wind down, Cale skated over a final time, a puck in hand. He tossed it over the glass for her, and Charlie retrieved it and handed it to her. She squealed and smiled at Cale as he blew her a kiss through the glass before he retreated to the locker room.

Taylor, Willow, and Charlie returned to their seats. Willow immediately clambered into Gary’s lap.

“Gampa, Daddy gave me a puck!” she said proudly, holding it out to him.

“He did!” Gary said. “How exciting!”

Willow babbled away at her grandfather and her uncle while they waited for the game to begin. Laura, who was sitting next to Charlie, leaned over to speak to her.

“It’s so much easier when it’s not just you,” Laura said.

“Oh god, it is,” Charlie sighed. “I don’t know how Cale did it alone for so long.”

“Cale’s determined,” laughed Laura.

“I’ve always wondered, how did you guys feel when he told you about Willow?” Charlie shifted in her seat to look at Laura.

Laura took a deep breath. “Well, we were surprised, to say the least. We thought of the two of them, Taylor was more likely to do something like that.” Charlie laughed as Laura continued. “But he knew it was his responsibility, so he asked for help.”

“He’s a good person,” agreed Charlie. “Maddeningly good.”

“I don’t think he’d have it any other way, though. He loves Willow more than anything.” Laura looked over at Willow, who was sitting in Taylor’s lap.

The game started, and Charlie had the time of her life. She loved taking Willow to Cale’s games, but she loved watching them alone even more. Cale played well and had assists on both the goals the Avs scored, but towards the end of the game, Matthew Tkachuk managed to get in his head and they nearly got into a fight. Gabe and Devon came in to defend Cale, but it sure was fun to watch. Charlie desperately wanted to see him get in a fight.

The game finished with the Avs beating the Flames, and Charlie and the Makars piled back into the car to head home. Willow fell asleep in her car seat, so the moment they got home, Gary and Laura took her upstairs to put her to bed, leaving Taylor and Charlie alone downstairs.

“I’m pretty sure Mom told you this,” Taylor said as he turned on the television, “but you’re great with Will and she loves you to death.”

“I love her to death,” Charlie replied. “I never thought I’d feel like her mom, but I do all the time.”

“Would you adopt her? Like if you and Cale got married?” Taylor changed the channel to another hockey game.

“Definitely. I don’t know how that would work, though,” admitted Charlie.

“It’d be pretty easy. Her birth mom signed away all her parental rights after she was born, so basically Cale gets to decide, but he’s already started looking into it.”

“Did you ever meet her?”

“Who? Birth Mom?”

“Yeah.”

Taylor shook his head. “Nah, she really wanted nothing to do with Will. She wanted to go to law school or something, and Cale offered to get married to her and move in and all that stuff, but she didn’t want that life. I think her parents had some weird thing and may have guilted her into having Will. I think they wanted to adopt her as their own? But Cale got precedence, and I think they realized she’d be fine with him.”

“I’ve always had so many questions about the whole thing, but never asked him,” Charlie said quietly.

“Asked me what?”

Charlie turned around to see Cale entering the house. She grinned at him as he walked into the living room, pausing by Charlie to kiss her. Taylor gagged, and Cale shoved him as he passed him on his way to plop down on the couch with Charlie.

“Hi,” Charlie said, leaning into his body.

“Hi. What have you never asked me?” Cale repeated.

“About Willow and that whole thing and her birth mom.”

“Oh. I would’ve told you whatever you wanted to know.” Cale blinked sleepily at her.

“I know you would’ve, it’s just a weird me thing.” Charlie strained her neck to kiss him again. “You played really well tonight.”

Cale laughed. “Til Tkachuk got in my head. That kid is a menace. Like someone else we know.” He dramatically looked at Taylor, who put his hands up.

“Hey! I’m not that bad!” Taylor laughed.

“Remind me to tell you some of his junior hockey stories,” Cale muttered.

“Quit the low talking romantic thing,” Taylor called them out. “You guys do it all the time. Some of us single people think it’s gross.”

“Do we?” Cale asked Charlie in the same low voice, just to piss off Taylor.

“You’re such an ass!” laughed Taylor, throwing a pillow at him.

“Maybe you’d find someone if you didn’t spend all your time in sorority houses,” Cale chirped with a raised eyebrow. Charlie cackled, knowing exactly what Cale was referring to.

“It was one time! No one would give me a ride home!”

“You still slept in the sorority house, Taylor.”

“Because I was drunk, Cale.”

“But did you get laid that night?” Taylor made a face at Cale’s question, so Cale added, “Exactly. I win.”

“Whatever,” Taylor rolled his eyes and said. “We don’t talk about your sexcapades.”

“You do have actual living proof of yours,” Charlie added softly.

Taylor threw his head back and laughed, Cale’s face going even brighter red.

“Damn,” Cale chuckled. “That’s a low blow.”

“I’m right, though,” Charlie said. “Do I win now?”

Cale and Taylor laughed, then Taylor said, “You definitely win, Charlie.”

“Daddy!” Willow squealed far too early, jumping on the bed between Cale and Charlie. “Santa came!”

Charlie groaned and tugged the comforter over her head, but Cale sat up and pulled the squirming toddler into his lap.

“He did?” Cale asked. His morning voice was low and gravelly and made Charlie want to jump his bones.

“Yeah! Cmon!”

Charlie felt Willow clamber off the bed, then heard her tiny footsteps as she ran to Taylor’s room, screaming his name. Cale rolled over and pulled the comforter over his head, too, so he could snuggle up to Charlie.

“Your kid is just like you,” Charlie teased. “Far too happy to wake up in the morning.”

Cale chuckled, “Can you blame her? Santa came.”

“I can and I will. My sister used to do the same thing when we were kids.”

Cale and Charlie had been up late with Laura, Gary, and Taylor finishing up Willow’s gifts. They’d all come in time, and Cale had most of them wrapped and shipped up to Calgary.

Charlie and the Makars all got up and made their way down to the Christmas tree to open gifts. Willow opened her stocking and screeched over the candy and stuffed animal, among her other small gifts. She sat in Cale’s lap and demanded he help her unwrap her presents.

Charlie was impressed at the gifts Cale had picked out for Willow. She’d helped with some of them, but some of the others she was very impressed by, like the giant, rideable Sven from Frozen and the tiny, Willow-sized purple lightsaber.

Willow loved the hockey Barbie and new purple hockey gloves Charlie got her. Laura and Gary got her a couple play sets from some of her favorite shows, and Taylor got her a giant stuffed sloth.

“How the fuck are we getting that back to Denver?” Charlie muttered to Cale about the sloth.

Cale laughed. “I’ve got it taken care of.”

While Willow played with her new toys, the adults began opening presents. Charlie was nervous; she felt like her gifts for Gary, Laura, and Taylor were so lame compared to what Cale got them. How could she compete with $9 million a year?

It turned out very well. Charlie got Laura a couple cookbooks she’d been wanting, which she joyfully declared she would try that night, plus some picture frames she’d filled with her favorite pictures of Willow. She’d gotten Gary some new golf equipment with Avs covers, and he happily hugged her in thanks. Charlie got Taylor a PS5, shocking him.

“How’d you find this?” Taylor asked incredulously.

“Honestly? I’m just really lucky,” Charlie laughed.

Cale got his parents a trip to Europe. Charlie gaped at him when they opened the envelope, and hissed in his ear, “Show off!”

He laughed, and replied, “Wait til you see what I got you.”

Charlie felt faint. She hated people spending money on her, even Cale.

Taylor got several games for his PlayStation from Cale, plus some stuff for his dorm room. Then, it was time for Charlie and Cale to open their gifts.

“You first,” Cale insisted.

Charlie made a face at him, but began opening the stack of gifts he placed in front of her. The box she opened had a Bauer label on it, and she knew immediately what Cale had gotten her.

She opened the box to reveal brand new Bauer Supreme skates, the newest model of her current skates. They were already sharpened in preparation for their family skating later, and Cale had even partially laced them with the wax laces she preferred.

“Your skates were falling apart,” he said, rubbing her back gently. “6.5, fit three, just like yours, just not falling apart. I hope they’re okay.”

“I love them.” Charlie kissed Cale’s cheek, then picked up the next box in front of her, and an envelope fell off the top. She picked it up and opened it to see plane tickets to Orlando.

“You keep saying how much you wanna go back to Disney World,” Cale explained. “And Universal. We’re staying in the Grand Floridian. This isn’t the trip I offered you for bringing Willow, either, cause you get to pick that one. And Willow isn’t going with us to Disney.”

“Cale…”

“Keep going,” he encouraged.

Charlie did. She opened the new Avalanche jersey she’d asked him for (a reverse retro with his name), and the final few computer parts she needed to finish building the PC she was working on. Finally, she opened a small, velvety box, her heart pounding even harder. Her face softened as she opened a small, beautiful locket, with the number 8 inscribed on the front. On the inside, one frame was a picture of Cale and Charlie, and the other a picture of Cale and Willow.

“Cale, this is beautiful,” she mumbled, looking up at him.

“I know you told me other people think lockets are stupid and cheesy, but you loved them,” he said a little shyly.

“I do love it. Thank you.” She kissed him gently.

“Can I help you put it on?”

Charlie nodded, so Cale reached around her neck and fastened the locket behind her. He kissed the base of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine before she turned back to him with a grin.

“Your turn,” she said evilly, knowing he hated gifts even more than she did. “Willow, come give Daddy his presents!”

“Okay!” Willow screeched and sprinted over, grabbing a small box and proudly handing it to her dad.

“Can you help me open it?” Cale asked. Willow nodded and plopped down in Cale’s lap to open up his gift, her tiny hands clawing at the wrapping paper until they revealed the picture frame Willow had made for Cale. It was covered in purple marker and Avalanche stickers and Star Wars stickers, with a photo of Cale and Willow skating together. Willow had written “I Love Daddy” on the bottom, and Charlie had carefully written the date on the back.

“Do you wike it?” Willow asked with wide eyes.

“Oh, baby, I love it,” Cale choked, his eyes teary. He kissed her forehead, then said, “This is the best present I’ve ever gotten.”

Willow stood up in Cale’s lap and put her small hands on his rosy cheeks. She squished them together, giggled, and kissed him on the nose. “I wove you, Daddy!” she yelled, then sprinted away.

“She wanted you to have a picture for your locker,” Charlie explained.

“God,” Cale croaked and wiped his eyes. “I love that kid.”

“She loves you, too. Here, open this one. It’s from me and her.” Charlie blushed as she handed him the next box.

Cale dug into the box and pulled out an Avs jersey. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion until he turned the jersey around to see the name “Willow” over the number eight on the back.

“I figured she’d probably be like, a Mini Av or something,” Charlie explained quickly. “Or some team who uses the Avs logo or something and when you go to games, you get to be her dad.”

“Charlie,” whispered Cale, “thank you. This is perfect. I, I love it.” He leaned over and kissed her softly.

“There’s more,” she mumbled back.

Cale picked up another small box, tore the wrapping paper off it, and slid the top off. Inside was a silicone bracelet and a metal chain necklace with a “W” charm. He pulled out the silicone bracelet to see a small photo of Cale, Willow, and Charlie covered in resin built into it. The back of the “W” charm had Willow’s birthdate and initials carefully etched in. Cale took a deep breath and blinked away a few tears.

“So you can play with her with you,” Charlie said.

“And you,” Cale said with a soft smile.

“And me.” Charlie returned his smile, then leaned in and gently kissed him.

“Daddy?” Willow asked as she clambered into his lap.

“Hey, baby,” Cale greeted. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her face.

“I wanna go skating!”

Cale laughed, “Soon, honey, soon. Gamma and Gampa are gonna make us breakfast while you play with your toys!”

“Pancakes?” Willow questioned hopefully.

“Of course!” Gary told her loudly, walking into the living room and scooping Willow up. “Only the best pancakes for my favorite girl!”

Willow ended up helping her grandparents cook breakfast while Cale, Taylor, and Charlie sat and small-talked. When breakfast was ready, they all ate quickly so they could go spend time on the ice together.

“Chawlie?” Willow asked after breakfast, “Will you help me get dressed?”

Charlie smiled softly. “Of course, Will!”

Charlie took Willow’s hand and went to her room. They dug through her suitcase, Willow picking out her favorite pants and her favorite sweatshirt, which was her bedazzled Avs sweatshirt complete with her last name and an eight. Charlie helped her get dressed, helped her get her shoes on, and tugged a beanie over her curls.

“What’s this called, Willow?” Charlie asked, pointing to her hat.

“A beanie!” Willow said proudly.

Charlie grinned. “Good, let’s go tell Daddy!”

Charlie walked out and Willow went running out of the room, calling, “Daddy! Daddy!”

“Well don’t you look cozy,” Cale said and lifted her into his arms.

“Will, what’s your hat called?” Charlie asked, her grin widening.

“A beanie!” Willow pointed to her hat and Cale laughed.

“Are you trying to turn my kid into an American?” Cale asked with raised eyebrows, smirk on his face.

“I hate to break it to you, my love, but she is American,” Charlie chirped.

“Willow, baby, where are you from?” Cale asked her.

“Cawgary!”

Cale’s smirk widened. “What country is Calgary in?”

“Canada, where Gamma and Gampa live!”

“Okay, okay,” Charlie rolled her eyes and said. “I get it, I can’t corrupt your kid.”

“In all honesty, you already have,” Cale laughed. “She said ‘y’all’ to me the other day. There’s only one person she knows that says that.”

Shrugging, Charlie turned on her heel and said, “I don’t know anything about that. I’m gonna go get dressed.”

Cale said something, but Charlie didn’t hear him, so she continued down the hall to their room. She picked up her suitcase and plopped it on the bed to search for her warm clothes. Footsteps echoed from the hall as she found her sweatshirt from the hockey school she helped teach, the one she was wearing when she and Cale met for the first time.

“Hi,” Cale said from behind her, closing the door then coming over to her to wrap his arms around her waist.

Charlie turned her head in his arms and kissed him. “Hi.”

Suddenly, Cale flipped her around in his arms, shoved her suitcase back, and laid her down on the bed, gently laying himself over her body. His lips came to her neck, hot breath tickling her as he kissed her neck. Charlie greedily tangled her fingers in his hair, tugging on it to elicit a groan from him. His hands gripped her thighs and she wrapped her ankles around his back.

“Cale,” Charlie breathed, “we can’t right now.”

“It’s okay, Taylor’s covering for us,” Cale breathed back. He dragged his lips to hers and fervently kissed her before mumbling against her lips, “He’s got Willow and Mom and Dad are cleaning up and stuff. We have time.”

Charlie tugged him towards her again. She traced her tongue across his lips, encouraging him to open his mouth and let her slip her tongue in. Charlie’s heart was pounding so loud and hard she thought Cale’s family could hear it in the other room.

The door opened suddenly, a shout of “Shit!” coming from the hall. Willow’s shoes slapped the ground as she ran up to the bed, cocking her head at Cale and Charlie’s position. Before they could move, Taylor came racing in after Willow, then stopped dead in his tracks at the door and stared at them like Willow.

“What are you doing, Daddy?” Willow asked curiously.

Cale hurriedly leapt off of Charlie, and Charlie immediately noticed how messed up his hair was, how ruffled his shirt was, how puffy and red his lips were. Charlie bit her lip and tried not to giggle as Cale tried to think about how to explain what they were doing.

“Oh, I was, uh, just, giving Charlie a hug,” Cale said quickly, leaning down and picking Willow up under her arms.

“Is she okay?” Willow’s face crunched in concern.

“Yeah, baby, don’t worry.” Cale tried to suppress a laugh. “Charlie’s fine.” Taylor looked apologetically at them and mouthed, “I’m so sorry,” but Cale just shrugged it off.

“Are we going skating?” Willow asked excitedly.

“We sure are! Charlie and I just need to change clothes and then we’re going. Sound good?”

“Yeah, Will, come wait with me, okay?” Taylor held his arms out to Willow, who leaned over to him. “I’m sorry again,” Taylor whispered as he took Willow out and closed the door behind him.

Cale and Charlie made eye contact, then burst out laughing. Cale helped Charlie up and kissed her forehead.

“The joys of being a parent,” Cale chuckled.

The two of them quickly found their skating clothes, changed, and took their beanies and hockey gloves with them out to the living room. Cale had left his skates by the front door, so he went and grabbed them while Charlie retrieved her new skates. Gary and Laura had theirs, and Taylor clutched his and Willow’s skates.

“Ready?” Gary asked.

“Yep,” Cale replied, “let’s go!”

The Makars and Charlie piled into the car, Taylor sitting next to Willow in her carseat and Cale and Charlie in the far back. As they drove, Willow asked a question that made the whole car go silent.

“Daddy? Is Chawlie my mommy?”

They sat for a moment and Charlie stared at Cale, almost seeing the thoughts in his head. Would Willow think her mom hated her? Abandoned her? Would she understand? He didn’t have the answer, but surprisingly, Charlie did.

“I didn’t have you in my tummy, Willow,” Charlie began, “but I help take care of you and I love you like I did. Sometimes, you get to choose who your mommy is. So if you want me to be your mommy, I would love to be.”

Cale looked over at Charlie, tears streaming down his face. All he could do was grab her hand and kiss the back of it.

“Yeah,” Willow said thoughtfully, “I want you to be my mommy.”

“Then I’m your mommy, Will.”

“Good. I love you, Chawlie.”

“Love you too, Willow Girl.”

Charlie looked over at Cale, who was a mess. He wiped his eyes, sniffing, and just smiled at Charlie.

Willow heard him crying and turned around in her car seat. “What’s wrong, Daddy?”

“Nothing, baby, I’m just happy. I’m so glad you love Charlie, too.”

“Oh. I do. Can I have a snack?”

The whole car laughed. Only a toddler would move on so quickly from such an emotional conversation. Laura dug in her purse and produced a bag of Goldfish, which she passed back to Willow, who took them and immediately began to chomp away.

They arrived at the park a few moments later. When she got out of the car, Charlie was excited to see that the rink was built over a large frozen pond.

Gary got Willow out of the car, then everyone grabbed their skates and headed over to the bunch of benches for people to put their belongings on, while Cale went to pay the entrance fees. A couple people began whispering and pointing at Cale, who patiently waited in line to pay. Charlie watched him take a selfie with the attendant, then a few kids surrounded him asking for autographs.

“That’s gonna be you one day,” Charlie teased Taylor as she pulled off her boots.

Taylor snorted. “Yeah, right, like I’m gonna do half the shit he’s done already.”

“If they make another deep playoff run, you could get called up this season.” Taylor was playing for the Colorado Eagles after leaving UMass, but had yet to break into the Avs lines. He’d been quite frustrated with himself over it, but Charlie privately thought it was good for him to get more AHL experience before moving up. Taylor was big and fast, but tried to be the hero too often, in Charlie’s opinion.

“I could,” Taylor shrugged, “but I don’t know.”

“The Eagles have been good for you and you’ve been doing well with them,” Charlie encouraged. “I bet you can do it.”

Taylor smiled softly. “Thanks.”

Cale returned with wristbands for all of them. He handed them out, helped put them on, then sat down next to Willow to help her.

“Will, do you want to put your skates on yourself or do you want me to help you?” he asked.

“Help me, please,” Willow said sweetly, kicking her foot up on the bench next to him.

Charlie tugged on her skate laces, making sure her skates were tight to her ankles. She tied them, then stood up to make sure they were tight enough. She was satisfied with the tie, so she sat back down and watched Cale tie Willow’s skates.

Cale stuck his tongue out a tiny bit in concentration as he fiddled with the laces on his daughter’s tiny skates. Willow kept trying to move, so Cale had to chase her a little bit, but finally got them tied. She stood up and started towards the ice.

“Willow Grace!” Cale called sternly. “Wait for us, please.”

Willow turned around and crossed her arms, a pout taking over her face. “I wanna skate,” she retorted.

“I know you do, but you need to wait for me or one of us. It’s not safe for you to skate without an adult, right?” Cale explained.

“Right,” Willow sighed grumpily. “I’m sowwy.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart, I just want to keep you safe.” Cale sat down to put his skates on, then patted the bench next to him. “Would you like to help me put my skates on?”

“I’m ready to hit the ice,” Taylor said as he stood up. “I’ll go ahead and take her out.”

“You sure?” Cale tugged his right skate on.

“Yeah, I’m good.” Taylor turned to Willow and said, “Alright, Will, I’m gonna go skate with you, then Daddy and everyone will join us in a second, okay?”

“Okay!” Willow hurried to the rink door, Taylor taking large strides to keep the toddler in his view. He opened the door for her, then she disappeared behind the makeshift boards around the pond.

“Oh, I don’t like that,” Cale mumbled and began tying his skates.

“What?” Charlie asked, leaning on his shoulder.

“That I can’t see her over the boards. I mean, obviously we can see Taylor, but I really don’t like that I can’t see her.”

“It’s okay,” Charlie comforted. She pushed a strand of his hair under his beanie he’d shoved on. “Look, your mom and dad are heading out there too.”

Cale and Charlie looked over to see Gary and Laura walking over to the door. Gary opened it for Laura, and once she stepped out onto the ice, he stepped out behind her and closed the door.

“How sickeningly cute,” Charlie laughed.

“Funny, they’ve said the same thing about us.” Cale scrunched his nose at Charlie, and she kissed his cheek.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Charlie teased and pressed her nose into Cale’s cheek.

Cale began to dig around in his pockets. “Wait, keep doing that,” he said as he produced his phone. Charlie kept her nose against his cheek as he held up his phone to take a selfie of them. At the same moment, Cale and Charlie watched Taylor’s huge figure fall and disappear below the boards, sending them into a fit of laughter, which Cale continued to snap photos of. Charlie kissed his cheek one more time, then stood up.

“You know I could sit here and kiss you all day, but if you don’t get on the ice soon, I think your kid is gonna throw a tantrum,” Charlie said, offering her hands out to him.

He grabbed them, stood up, and led Charlie over to the door. “You’re absolutely right.”

“Hey,” Charlie said as Cale opened the gate for her. “Please don’t show off.”

Cale chuckled, “I’m not the show off of the family, he’s over there.” He motioned to Taylor, who was crouched over skating with Willow.

“You’re gonna stand there and tell me you don’t skate around and show off during warmups?” Charlie teased and stepped out on the ice. She pushed away from the boards and spun around, nearly falling until Cale leapt forward and caught her.

“You okay?” he asked, face furrowed into concern.

“Yeah,” Charlie said, “yeah, I’m good. The ice is weird.”

“It’s a lot different than skating at a rink.” Cale took Charlie’s hand, interlocking their fingers, and encouraged her to skate with him. It took a few strides, but Charlie got the feel of the ice fairly quickly, and before long, she was nearly matching strides with Cale. They caught up to Gary, Laura, Taylor, and Willow easily.

“Daddy!” Willow cried, skating towards him.

Cale leaned down and scooped her up. “Are you having fun, baby?”

“Zoom me!” Willow giggled.

“Zoom you? Already?”

“Yeah!”

“Okay, hang on tight!”

Cale clutched Willow close to his chest, then took off skating ahead of them. He carefully weaves between people, spinning on his skates occasionally, swooping and swerving to Willow’s delight. Charlie could hear her cackling across the pond.

“I’ve never seen him do that with her before,” Laura said softly.

“It’s a pretty new thing,” Charlie admitted. “She was having a meltdown on the ice one day during one of our classes, and she ended up just sitting on the ice crying. He came out onto the ice, picked her up, and skated her around like that and it just…worked.”

They watched as Cale sprayed snow to a stop. He stood for a moment talking to Willow softly. Charlie’s heart warmed watching them, knowing how much they loved each other, feeling honored that they had let her into their little family.

Cale skated Willow back over to the rest of the family and placed her back on the ice. She skated ahead of them, fell, then quickly got back up. Laura skated up to her and took her hand as they continued to skate.

“How long have y’all done this?” Charlie asked, taking Cale’s hand again.

“Since Cale could stand up on skates,” Gary said with a happy sigh. “The first time we brought Taylor, I had to hold him the whole time, or he’d start screaming.”

“Ugh, drama queen,” Charlie scoffed sarcastically.

Cale grinned over at her. “Damn, I love you,” he shook his head and said.

Charlie grinned back, and they settled into a comfortable rhythm. She adored skating with Cale, loved the feeling of the ice under her skates, hand in hand with the love of her life. They skated for a while longer, until Willow decided her feet hurt and wanted to be done, so they returned to the bench where their shoes were.

“Hot chocolate, everyone?” Gary asked, quickly taking off his skates.

“Yeah, that’d be great, Dad,” Cale said.

“Alright, I’ll be right back!”

Willow furrowed her brow as Gary walked away. “Where’s Gampa going?” she asked.

“To get you some hot chocolate,” Cale answered. “Foot up, please.”

Willow swung her foot up so Cale could untie her skate. Charlie, Taylor, and Laura all untied their skates in silence. They tugged their shoes back on, then Charlie offered to put Willow’s shoes on so Cale could untie his skates.

“Special delivery!” Gary sang, holding a tray of six cups of hot chocolate.

Willow squealed in delight and stood up on the bench. She held her hands out to her grandfather, but Cale turned around with wide eyes and one shoe on to stop her from taking a cup.

“Hey, Will, I’m going to help you, okay?” he said.

“Why?” Willow fussed. “I wanna do it by myself!”

“No, it’s really hot, and I don’t want you to get burned.”

Willow crossed her arms and stomped her foot on the bench. “I’m a big girl!”

“You are a big girl,” Cale agreed, “but even big girls need help sometimes.”

“I can do it, Daddy!”

“Willow…”

“I wanna do it!”

Cale sighed, “Willow, honey, please listen to me. Daddy’s going to help you because hot chocolate can burn you. Remember when we were making pancakes and you touched one while it was cooking? And how much that hurt? If we aren’t careful, that can happen with this drink, too.”

Willow plopped down on the table in defeat. “Okay, Daddy,” she said softly.

“Here.” Cale picked up the cup of hot chocolate that Gary had placed on the table for her, held it up to her mouth, and tipped it back a little. Willow put her hands on it, too, but Cale was in control. She jumped a little, then swallowed her drink.

“Ow!” she yelped.

“Are you okay?” Cale asked.

“That’s ouchie,” Willow said.

“It is, that’s why I’m helping you with it.” Cale helped her take another sip.

The Makars and Charlie sat around Willow and drank their hot chocolate. Laura snapped a few photos, sending some to Charlie’s mom, and before long, they were all finished with their drinks. Willow began to rub her eyes, and the adults all knew it was nap time.

“Daddy,” she asked sleepily, “will you cawwy me?”

“Of course, baby.” Cale picked her up and she settled into his chest. Charlie bent down and grabbed Cale’s skates, and Taylor grabbed Willow’s before they headed back to the car.

Taylor clambered in the back with Charlie as Cale snapped Willow into her carseat, so he could sit next to her on the short drive home. Cale reached an arm back behind him to hold Charlie’s hand, earning a gag from Taylor. Cale made a face back at him.

“I can’t wait for Taylor to have a girlfriend so we can gag every time he looks at her,” Cale said to Charlie.

“I pity her already,” Charlie replied, earning a shove from Taylor.

When they arrived back at the Makar’s, Cale carefully walked a sleeping Willow inside and to her room to finish her nap. The rest of the adults found their respective spots in the living room, and Gary turned on the T.V..

“Cale said your family always watches Die Hard on Christmas,” Gary said, searching for the movie and selecting it.

“Oh, it’s okay, we don’t have to—.”

“You did our tradition with us, so we’re doing yours with you.” Gary flashed her a warm smile as Cale rejoined them in the living room.

“Oh good, I was just going to suggest we turn the movie on,” Cale said and plopped onto the couch next to Charlie. He threw an arm around her and lightly tugged her into his body.

Charlie asked, “Have y’all seen it?”

“It’s been a while,” Cale admitted. “I think I watched it on a plane ride one time. But I’m excited to watch it with you.”

Charlie smiled as Cale leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Hey,” she whispered, making him lean down again. “Merry Christmas, Cale.”

“Merry Christmas, Charlie. Thank you for being here with us,” he whispered back. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

As Charlie snuggled closer to Cale, she was pretty sure she knew how much this meant to him.

some tags: @bitchinbarzal @jostyriggslover96 @fallinallincurls @taking-shots @burkymakar @hockeylvr59 @matbaerzal @capsvsducks @xsyntheticsensation

#cale makar writing #cale makar fic #colorado avalanche #colorado avalanche fic #cale makar x original character #cale makar x oc #cale makar fanfic #cale makar fanfiction #colorado avalanche fanfiction #nhl #nhl writing #nhl fic #nhl fanfiction #hockey #hockey writing #hockey fic #hockey fanfiction

90 notes · View notes