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caffeinated-cryptid · 3 years

Text

ashes, ashes.

10.8k | AO3 link | tags/tws: intrulogical, serial killer/deity of death au, lots of death (murder, mentions of a previous suicide attempt, and brief descriptions of animal death), injury, violence, swearing, morally grey characters, crime.

““You’re not supposed to be able to see me.” Logan blurted out with a start, eyes wide and looking at Remus like he had just killed a guy in front of him. Oh wait-

“Mamma always told me I was special.” Remus replied with a woozy grin, leaving back against the cool bricks of the alleyway. Seeing things that weren’t there was a new level of fucked-up for his brain, but hopefully that was just a side effect of hitting his head and not something he’d have to take pills for later. Either way, at least this spectre was pretty to look at. Trauma had its benefits.

“You think a deity of death is pretty?” Logan asked wryly, cutting through the stream of subconscious babble he’d accidentally spilled into the frigid night air. “I’d be flattered, if that didn’t sound like such a red flag.””

(aka: remus chases death like it's his favourite pastime, since it means he gets to see logan again. understandably, logan has some objections to this.)

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

Case 1: the man in the alley.

The first time Remus and Logan met, it was more or less a complete accident.

As a part-time warehouse operative slash freelance artist, Remus had a lot of free time between jobs, and one of the things he enjoyed doing most while waiting for his next gig to come around was spray-painting obscene images into the side of alleys.

His latest project was a 7-foot tall purple unicorn with generous proportions. Pretty tasteful by his standards, all things considered.

If nothing else, the piece of work would give passers-by a topic of conversation, and that was always something Remus aimed to inspire with his art. These topics, however, often happened to be the ‘why’ variety. Most commonly, the old classic (and his personal favourite): ‘why are you like this?’.

Regrettably, the evening passed pretty quickly with no curious pedestrians passing by his alley and starting up such a conversation. By the time Remus finished, it was past midnight and by now the only people around were the regular nightlife-- primarily the local college kids who had recently come home and were enjoying their break from classes, and adults like himself who were trying to chase away their loneliness with some other kind of high.

...Woo, and that’s enough depressing thoughts for tonight. Remus declared to himself. After all, he had a new piece to admire! Stepping back, he spent a moment taking in the completed artwork by the light of his phone’s torch before deciding it was as perfect as it could get. He’d come back later and get a picture during the daytime to show off to his friends, so for now he begun preparing to leave by packing his paint cans into his backpack.

It was when he had collected the last can of magenta from the ground that he felt something grab the back of his coat hood. Remus had no time to process the fact that someone had snuck into the alleyway before he was shoved against the same wall he'd painted his mural on, coming face-to-face with a hooded man waving a rather pathetic-looking pocket knife at him.

“Give me your money. Now.” The man demanded.

Remus blinked in delayed surprise. Usually he was the one being the creep in the alleyway. He had never expected to come across an actual creep. Heck, this situation felt like it was pulled straight out of an old PSA with how stereotypical it was.

“What?” He blurted out unthinkingly, because of that exact train of thought.

“You heard me! I want you to get your wallet and hand over everything you’ve got.”

What an unfortunate victim this man has chosen.

“You think I have any money to my name? I’m practically the starving artist every parent warns their kid about becoming.” Remus said with a huff of amusement.

“Don’t try to bullshit me!” The hand clutching the front of his coat tugged him forward before violently slamming him back against the bricks. The back of Remus’ head ricochetted off them roughly with the sudden movement, and the small grin he had been wearing quickly faded with flash of pain and the realization he may actually be in trouble.

“I saw the paint you’ve got in your bag,” The man continued over his dawning concern. “Somebody who’s broke wouldn’t have all that.”

Remus’ thoughts halted for a second. His bag…! He knew the paint can he was holding onto for dear life wouldn’t do much in the way of self-defense given that it was practically empty, but a whole bag of them? Hitting this guy with that much weight would make him think twice about trying to stab him, at least.

“Okay, okay. You got me, I’m rich as hell. Just let me get it, alright? My wallet's in there.”

The man gave him a skeptical look, but stepped back slightly, continuing to hold the weapon in his direction. “I know how to throw knives. Try to run and you’ll have a hole in your back quicker than an onset stroke.”

Yikes, and Remus thought he was bad at metaphors. He didn’t even need Virgil here to tell him that that made no sense. Still, he grinned placatingly. “Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye: I won’t run.”

Finally, bad-metaphor guy let down his guard and allowed Remus to side-step around him. He walked a few paces towards where he dropped his backpack in his initial shock, putting the magenta spray in before he picked it up by the straps. True to his word, he didn't run; instead he swung around on his heel, slamming the full force of his hardback sketchbooks and cans of spray paint into the face of the hooded man.

He instantly dropped his knife, falling backwards and clutching his nose as blood erupted from it. Under the low-lighting of the street lamp, Remus was transfixed for a second, feeling like he was in one of those gritty r-rated movies he watched with his babysitter as a kid. The moment was ruined when he realized that 1) the man was approaching again very quickly, and 2) he couldn’t get the momentum quick enough to swing his bag around and hit him a second time.

Before he knew it, Remus had accidentally let go of the makeshift weapon when he was tackled to the ground, wind completely knocked out of him as the two of them collided against cobblestone moistened with rain.

“You fucking bastard.” The guy hissed furiously. His voice was nasally now that his nose was crooked and broken-looking, and Remus almost wanted to poke fun of him for it until he felt two hands wrap around his throat and start to choke him. “‘Could’ve just made things easy, but now you’re gonna die with all the other trash.”

Why? Remus wanted to ask. Over the 7 dollars and 15 cents he had?

But as he tried to tear away the vice grip on his neck, he couldn’t find the voice to talk back, even though the seriousness of the situation was hitting him like a freight train. Maybe it was his own fault for escalating things instead of playing along. Go figure, he had overestimated his own abilities after years being the off-putting one; the person others thought they had to watch over their shoulder for. Either that, or maybe it was the fact that his wallet carried more sentimental value with it than monetary. It was small and made of orange ducktape, but it carried so many things that Remus wanted to protect; a photo of his family, one of Virgil's guitar picks, the ticket to the last Tenacious D he went to, and of course, the receipt for his first condom purchase.

His mind flashed to his friends and family, and he wondered how they’d feel about this; him dying because of some dumb robber in a dumb alleyway because he was painting his dumb artwork. That was hardly the kind of death one could look back on and regard with pride (Hell if it wasn't funny to imagine how everyone will react to the news, though). But as he focused on the face above him, he realized with some panic that the grip wasn’t loosening, even as he could feel his lungs burn and a near-soothing feeling telling him to just let go.

As a final act of desperation to save himself from becoming a wholly embarrassing funeral eulogy instead of having a rockstar’s death in his 40s like he always imagined for himself, he patted the ground frantically, looking for a loose rock or something to stop this with. That’s when he felt it; the slightly warm plastic handle of the knife the guy had been holding. Remus’ heart pounded as he realized what he needed to do, and he barely even considered the repercussions of the action before he was plunging the knife into the side of the guy’s neck.

Finally, the grip around his throat loosened as the guy gasped, his expression flickering back and forth between anger and shock. Remus ripped the knife away, inhaling air greedily when the sudden action caused the man to loosen his grip and move off of him, trying to cover the stab wound with his hands and failing.

Remus quickly scrambled back and pulled himself up the wall, watching and waiting for the guy to fall still. He did, after what felt like a few minutes, and Remus didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. He’d just killed a man. It was self-defence, but still… even the morbid thoughts he had over the years couldn't have prepared him for what it would have actually felt like to go through with any of it.

In that moment of pause, his injuries caught up with him as both his head and neck begun to ache. He was so disoriented that he barely even noticed the third person standing in the alley until they spoke up.

“Well. I didn’t see that coming.”

Remus snapped his head towards the source of the voice, and immediately regretted it when the hasty motion made him dizzy. The only reason he didn’t immediately jump into fight mode was because of the unusually casual way the voice had spoken. Beyond that, the figure he saw standing a short distance away didn’t really… look like a regular person. Beyond the odd formal clothing that had no discernable modern style to it and the shock of white hair that could only be achieved with hella bleach, his skin was a cool grey like a cadaver and he had a ghostly appearance to him; transparent and misty around the edges.

Definitely not the sort of thing Remus expected to see, but he was always one to accommodate the unexpected.

“...You and me both. My only goal for today was to draw unicorn porn.” Remus replied lightly, once he decided it wouldn't hurt to entertain whatever was currently happening.

The figure turned, startling at the sight of Remus staring directly at him.

“You’re not supposed to be able to see me.” He blurted out with wide eyes, looking at Remus like he had just killed a guy in front of him. Oh wait-

“You think a deity of death is pretty?” The man (deity???) asked wryly, cutting through the stream of subconscious babble he’d accidentally spilled into the frigid night air. “I’d be flattered, if that didn’t sound like such a red flag.”

"I can't believe my own brain is kinkshaming me." Remus whined, slipping down slightly as the worn-down soles of his boots lost their grip on the concrete for a second.

Death frowned, until a metaphorical lightbulb lit over his head. "Ah- you think you're hallucinating. Well, that's not an unfair assumption. Keep believing it, by all means."

"That doesn't sound like something a hallucination would say." Remus pointed out.

"Well then, I'll gladly prove my non-existence by disappearing." Death said as he took a step towards the body.

"Wait!" Remus called before he could figure out why. The ghostly figure stopped, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Remus’ composure slipped as his eyes darted between the body and Death. "I...I need to know that this is real. That I'm not making this up. This feels like something I'd dream, but…"

His hand clenched around the knife, feeling the squelch of blood and the tremor of his hand. Despite the mixed signals he was currently getting on the state of his sanity, it felt solid and real, and Remus wasn’t sure what to make of that.

"Fuck. Please tell me! Am I being as messed up as usual or did I really just kill someone?"

Death’s eyes softened. "You did. This is real."

"Well shit. Okay…" Remus looked back at the body with a deep resignation. He wondered if he should do something about that. Probably not; that would look even more incriminating.

"...If it makes you feel better, he has hurt people in situations like this before, and completely unnecessarily; his only motive was to achieve a rush.”

That did make Remus feel better, actually.

"Good. I’m glad I killed a piece of shit and not someone down on their luck." Remus sighed, eyeing the spectral figure. "Speaking of, if this is real, then I guess that means you are too right?"

Any sympathy on Death's place quickly faded as he was caught out. "Erm-"

"It's cool." Remus leaned his head back again. "Talking to a cute ghost man? Sounds like a typical Thursday night for me."

Actually, this was the furthest thing from a typical Thursday night for Remus, but he didn’t want to admit that to the cute ghost man and risk looking uncool.

"You shouldn't get acquainted with it. Seeing me is hardly a good thing." Death replied, though his cheeks were distinctly a darker grey.

"Aww- don't sell yourself short. I love your work!" Remus waved away vaguely. He always had a strange relationship with death in a way that others didn’t; always the first to laugh at a funeral or smile instead of grieve. That was probably why he felt so comfortable right now. “Besides, we’ll all be food for the dirt and worms eventually, anyway. Why get uncomfortable with it?"

Death met his eyes again, seeming slightly more firm. “Perish those thoughts, it's hardly your time yet."

Remus pouted. "It's still inevitable, though. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy I didn’t die today and got to meet you instead, but what’s so bad about something that’s going to happen either way?”

“I’m starting to think I was right by judging your attitude as a red flag.” Death muttered.

“But I'm right aren't I?” Remus prodded.

“Indeed.” Death begrudgingly conceded. “And do you know just how inevitable it is? Approximately 2 people die per second; 106 per minute. There have been 6435 events of armed conflict in the past year alone, and over 690 million people who are undernourished as we speak. Beyond that, there are even more people losing their lives to case-by-case natural events and incidents. So if you’d be so kind, do not be so eager to create more work for me.”

Remus absorbed that information, tilting his head. “Despite all that, you’re still here?”

“...I am.” Death agreed after a heavy pause, in the same manner most would admit their own defeat. “I’ll admit, I’m not used to… talking so much. It’s an unusual feeling, but it’s been pleasant, I suppose.”

“Death likes my company.” Remus laughed. “That’s gotta be saying something.”

Death rolled his eyes. “My name is Logan, not Death.”

“Huh. I’m Remus.” Remus replied, a little baffled. He didn’t expect a deity to have such a normal name.

“Remus ‘Tsukio’ Kaneshiro, I already know of you. We’ve met before.”

Remus’ bafflement only grew. “We have? I think I’d remember meeting someone like you.”

“You wouldn't; you were unconscious. It was after you overdosed on cold medicine. Thankfully your parents got you to the hospital on time before I could do my job, but I remember it being a close call.” Logan looked at him knowingly.

“...Oh.” Remus laughed nervously. He definitely remembered that. Finding out you could overdose on a lot of common household items was pretty dangerous for him to learn as a teenager, and he’d never forget how furious his entire family was with him for being so reckless. He never knew how to tell them that it wasn’t quite the accident they assumed it to be (needless to say, his adolescent years were pretty shitty to him, being the outsider in this town in more ways than one). Thankfully, the taste of cold medicine had become too repulsive for him to try anything like that again.

“...I am glad you’re alright. It’s always unfortunate when a life ends too soon.”

“Well…thanks. This has been pretty trippy, so I’m glad I met you too, Logan.”

Logan hummed and looked towards the end on the alleyway. “By the way, you should think about leaving soon. There’s a group of people approaching us.”

Shit, Remus had almost forgotten that he had just committed a crime. Given how awful this scene looked, there was a big chance he’d get thrown into jail for this if he got caught. But at the same time, he was almost hesitant to leave behind the spectre that had enchanted his heart within a few minutes, even if his mind was still trying to catch up with the overload of information.

“Why would you help me?” He asked quickly and somewhat suspiciously.

Just as Logan finished his business with the body, he looked at him over his shoulder with an almost sly expression. “You seem interesting, Remus. I’d hate for you to lose your life over someone so unworthy of one.”

And with that, Logan disappeared like a cloud of fog. Remus stood there transfixed, until he remembered Logan’s warnings and snatched up his bag, shoving the knife into his pocket and dashing into the night.

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

Case 2: the man who couldn't leave well enough alone.

The next time Remus and Logan met, it was slightly less of an accident, but fuck if the guy didn’t deserve it.

When Remus got home after the night he first saw Logan, he was more grateful than ever that he lived in such a run-down part of town. There were barely any security cameras to look out for, let alone people who were willing to be out during the early hours of the morning.

He was able to slip into his apartment complex unseen, avoiding his early-bird roommate long enough to wash away his crimes in the shower.

After that, he fell into his bed, completely unable to process everything that had just happened. So instead he fell asleep and left the deep thinking to his future self.

As expected, he needed plenty of time to collect his thoughts. First of all, he knew he hadn’t hallucinated the whole thing because after weeks and months of taking it as easy as possible, he hadn’t seen anything else as strange as a personification of death named Logan. Logan...what kind of name even was that? It felt like the name of a teacher, not something that should be as grim and macabre as Remus himself.

But that was the other thing; Remus couldn’t get the thought of Logan out of his head. He was like the angel who had come down to bless him in a moment of weakness, saving him from further misfortune. He knew he had little to no chance of seeing their deity again, but that didn’t stop him from plaguing his mind constantly.

Remus figured the best chance he’d probably get at seeing Logan again was to become involved with death once more. His mind immediately jumped to animals, the easiest targets; he pictured slipping into a farm late at night and slitting the throat of one of the sheep, going to a pet store and buying a hamster for the night before ‘accidentally’ leaving it in a box to suffocate, picking up a stray from the street and snapping its neck quickly. But just as soon as those thoughts came to him, he waved them away with a grimace. He wouldn’t be able to go through with any of that, even for Logan.

People had always talked about him like he was a serial killer in training. They would keep a wary eye when he picked up sharp objects and ask his brother if Remus had ever hurt one of their pets as kids, as if because he had unconventional ideas, he was a complete sadist towards the innocent. (And yes, perhaps he did have thoughts of that nature too, but they’d always fill him with sickness because he fucking loved the pet dogs they had as kids, damn it). In any case, he knew that going through with those ideas would only be proving those people right, that he was a dangerous individual who’d murder an innocent creature just for someone his brain maybe made up.

...Perhaps he was losing his mind after all. What was he doing, plotting out the best way to see Death? If anyone else could hear his thoughts, they’d think him half-mad or suicidal. It seemed like the best thing so do was to try to push this out of his mind, so eventually, that's what he did. He wasn’t so good at that usually; his mouth ran a mile a minute and the people who knew him would often say that his brain-mouth filter was non-existent. But this felt like something he’d like to keep for himself, especially when news of the murder made it onto the local news, presumed to be the outcome of ‘gang activity’ simply because the victim was successful and had a loving family and what else could explain this?

He decided to not think about making plans anymore, and he only thought about Logan when his mind was otherwise unoccupied. It stayed that way until the very next week when he found out about the situation with his roommate’s ex.

Remus didn’t have many people in the world who were willing to put up with him, but the one’s that did, he cherished dearly. So when Nadia, the woman he’d describe as belonging among the Valkyries (if only she could get past her deal of not wanting to hurt a fly), came to him looking uncharacteristically shaken and upset, Remus felt something in him snap.

She told Remus about how her ex-boyfriend was following her to her workplace and making threats on her life. He’d even begun showing up outside their apartment late at night in an attempt at intimidation, and that detail alone pissed him off considering he’d been too in his head to even notice.

“All because I decided I deserved better.” Nadia told him tearily. She was so strong usually, both physically and emotionally, so seeing her so close to crying felt like a punch to the gut. “I just want for him to be gone… But James would probably kill me before I could even file a restraining order.”

“What if he was gone?” Remus blurted out. “Hypothetically.”

Nadia blinked at him, wiping a stray tear. “Honestly? I think the world would be a better place. But that’s never going to happen.”

Remus nodded. “Right. Of course. Do you still have his number, by any chance?”

Remus’ plan was simple: Nadia would call her ex and ask him to come over to ‘reconcile’, and when he did, Remus would confront him. Scare him enough to stay away for good. He was pretty great at being intimidating when he wanted to that the both of them assumed it would work out.

Well, James came as planned. Their apartment complex had one massive security flaw in that anyone could get in without keys or permission, so the only clue Remus got that James was coming was the sound of footsteps bouncing off the walls of the stairwell. Remus stood upright and waited, until he saw the top of James’ head slowly ascending up the stairs, pausing on the second-top step.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.” James scoffed disbelievingly as Remus moved in front of him. “Did Nadia seriously send out the guard dog? What? Suddenly too afraid to talk for herself?”

Remus considered barking at him in response, but considering how James was way above the common creep in terms of persistence, he crossed his arms instead and glared steadily.

“Hell yeah she did. You should know why, given how much of a low-life asshole you’ve been acting all week. When are you going to give up the big guy act, huh? Curley called and he wants his complex back.”

James, in all of his 5-foot-no-thoughts glory, only squinted as the insult went over his head.

“...I knew I never fuckin’ liked you. Don’t get involved in our relationship, you little freak.” James tried to pass him, and Remus quickly blocked him, taking out the knife he’d stolen months ago.

“Take another step and this is going in your goddamn eye.” Remus raised his voice, confident that most of their neighbours were already out at work. “You’re not going near Nadia ever again, do you hear me?”

“Or what?! What’ll you do, Kaneshiro? Stab me? Put the toothpick away and step aside, for god’s sake. This is embarrassing, even for you.”

The two of them stood in a standstill, staring each other down as the echo from James’ exclamation faded out.

“...Fine.” Remus said finally. He slipped the knife back into his pocket, and James smirked smugly until Remus grabbed the front of his shirt instead. “It’ll be more fun to do this, anyway.”

With that he shoved James backwards, who quickly lost his footing and fell down the long and narrow flight of stairs. He tumbled for few moments, hitting each step, until he landed on the ground floor with a distant thump.

Remus stared after him, preparing for James to get up and start making a scene like he always did when he didn’t get his way. He didn’t.

Frowning, Remus descended the stairs, and as he drew closer to the slumped-over body, he noticed the puddle of blood around James’ head and the odd way he’d landed.

“Damn.” Remus commented under his breath. “Nadia’s going to kill me.”

He heard a sigh somewhere ahead of him, and fearing someone had walked in on his compromising position, Remus quickly glanced up, excuse at the ready.

“It was an accident-!” He exclaimed, before he realized it was Logan standing there, looking between James and Remus with a pinched expression.

“I know you pushed him, Remus. That’s not exactly what the law would define as an ‘accident’.”

For a second, Remus was starstruck (and opting to ignore the consequences of his actions). “You remember me.”

“Of course I do. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, though.”

That almost sounded like an accusation, so Remus held his hands up defensively. “Hey, in my defence he was just asking to die. The dude's a dick!”

Logan sighed. “Regardless, you shouldn't go around killing people. Sooner or later you’ll get caught.”

“Well, I’m 1 for 1 so far! But if you’d rather me not get in trouble… Have any tips on how to cover this?” Remus joked, winking.

Logan frowned at him before he truly considered it, looking around at the scene thoughtfully. “...Double check to make sure you left no evidence. Move quickly, before anybody stumbles across the scene. And if you have time, plant something which will make this look more like an accident-- for instance, a spill on the stairs.”

Remus’ eyes widened. “I wasn’t expecting actual tips. Holy shit- okay.”

He went over to check the body, feeling his cheeks heat up. He absolutely should not be getting flustered over advice on how to cover up a murder, yet here he was.

“I feel like you shouldn’t be encouraging this.” Remus said jokingly as he smoothed out the creases on the front of James’ shirt. “Didn’t you say something about having more work to do? Who knows, you might be giving me a new hobby.”

Remus laughed. Logan didn’t. When he glanced up, the deity was frowning.

“Perhaps not. Forget what I said; I shouldn’t be interfering in matters like this. I shouldn’t even be appearing to you now.”

“Woah, woah, woah. What’s the matter? I thought you liked talking.” Remus hastily stood upright, furrowing his eyebrows.

“I- regardless of my personal feelings, I have a job to do. I can’t allow myself to become so partial over one human.” Logan replied, rubbing at the crease between his eyebrows.

“Why? What’s the worst that could happen?!” Remus argued.

“You could cheat death, for starters.”

“You already know how I feel about that.” Remus whined. “I’ll off myself when the time comes, if it’ll make you feel better.”

“Don’t-” Logan exclaimed, before he reigned himself back in. “Just. No. You’re supposed to go naturally. Neither you or I should interfere with that.”

Remus frowned. He wasn’t so sure he liked the thought of such a boring death. If anything, he wanted to go out in a blaze of glory. Otherwise, he’d be just another body no one would remember-- like loverboy over there.

“That means no more meetings like this.” Logan continued on.

“But what if I want to see you again?” Remus muttered. He looked across the room to Logan and found him wearing a similar downtrodden expression, until it grew serious.

“You’ll just have to deal with that, because we were never supposed to meet in the first place. I have a duty to fulfil and you have a life to live. Our paths are as parallel as can be.”

“This is bullshit, Logan.” Remus said, but he didn’t argue any further. Not when Logan walked around him to complete his business. Not when he prepared to leave, either.

“Don’t do this again.” Logan said finally, giving him a stern glare. “I mean it.”

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

Case 3: the woman in the streets.

The next time Remus and Logan met, Logan was starting to think Remus was making a habit of this after all.

In Remus’ defence, he totally wasn’t.

Logan’s parting words just wouldn’t leave his head. It was even worse than last time; the knowledge that he could kill anyone and get to see Logan again plagued him, and he found himself pulling away from his family and friends after the questioning from the police was over and done with.

They were all worried for him, but especially Nadia who knew exactly what he did and assumed it was because of the guilt that he was becoming uncharacteristically withdrawn. Although she was shocked at how things had escalated, she tried to apologize multiple times for letting Remus confront James, which he would always blow off. It wasn’t killing James that had gotten to him, not at all; in fact he was glad that prick was out of their hair. Rather, he grappled with the idea of never seeing Logan again, one of the few people who truly saw the worst sides of him and accepted them nonetheless.

He didn’t deal with it well.

The night of their next meeting, Remus was out drinking alone. It wasn’t something he was proud of, but he didn’t want to justify why he wanted to get absolutely wasted to his friends, so being sad and lonely for one night it was.

He had stumbled out of the bar late at night, beginning his unsteady trek home since he had accidentally spent too much money and couldn’t afford an uber to drive him back. Stepping onto the street a couple blocks from his apartment, everything was quiet until the person ahead of him crossed the road, just as a car sped around the corner and knocked them over with an awful crunch.

Remus stood in shock. He looked after the swerving car to get the licence plate, but it was already too late and they had hit the gas upon noticing him. Swearing, he stumbled over to the person left in the road.

“Shit- Are you alright? Of course not, you need an ambulance.” He was struggling to unlock his phone when he noticed how still the person-- a frail old woman-- was. It didn’t even look like she was taking breaths, though it was hard to tell through his swimming vision and the thick coat she was wearing.

With unsteady fingers, Remus pressed against the pulsepoint on her neck, and felt the moment her heartbeat stopped.

“Oh…”

And then he turned on his heel and threw up.

Death wasn’t supposed to bother him like this. He had always been proud of his ability to frighten others with his dismissive attitude towards life’s eventualities. But this was different. He had just watched the murder of a complete stranger right before his eyes, and there wasn't even anything he could do. What the fuck?

He didn’t even feel better when the person he’d been longing to see all night appeared right in front of him, arms crossed and ready to give a lecture.

“Again, Remus?! What did I tell you?! No more murder!” Logan threw his hands up at the sight of Remus next to the body, that was until he noticed the cause of death and Remus’ sickly appearance,

“I-I didn’t do anything this time, I swear. Logan I promised myself I wouldn’t.” He picked himself out of the gutter he had been puking into, trying to look at the deity, just so he could feel some sense of reassurance. “I thought I’d never see you again. ‘Thought I was okay with that, but I’m not. I missed you.”

Logan only stared at Remus when he began crying. He was a sappy emotional drunk when he got through the fun tipsy phase, sue him.

“...I apologize for yelling at you.” Logan said, awkwardly hovering his hand over Remus’ shoulder until it shuddered with a sob and accidentally brushed against him. Remus jolted at the cool touch, as did Logan, who quickly retreated his hand, eyes darting around worriedly.

“‘Always thought you’d be like mist.” Remus slurred, awestruck enough to forget his sadness. He reached forward to prod at Logan, who furrowed his eyebrows thoughtfully.

“I… Yes, that’s definitely strange.” Logan cleared his throat and straightened up. “In any case, you need to get off the street, report this incident, and go home. Being around so much death isn’t good for your mental health.”

“Maybe.” Remus sighed. “I quite like hanging around you, though.”

Logan pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re drunk. You’re going to feel a lot worse about seeing me in the morning, I promise.”

“I never feel bad about seeing you.” Remus said, picking up his phone from where he’d dropped it. “I only feel bad that it’ll be a long time before I get the chance to see you again.”

“...I don’t get it.” Logan replied softly after a heavy pause. “You shouldn’t want to see me at all. I’m a bad omen. You’d only ever get to meet me in times of tragedy.”

“‘Bad omen’... And I thought Emo was dramatic.” Remus chuckled weakly. “You’re not so bad, Lo. You guide people to the end. You care for them even when you have so many people to watch over. You’re opinionated and you’re easily curious when things don’t go to plan. You don’t mind when I’m weird and you’re fun to talk to. I like you.”

Logan blinked rapidly with surprise, clutching his chest. “I wish we could be having this conversation away from the recently deceased. But... I suppose I feel the same way. I still don’t know how or why you can see me, but our conversations haven’t been unpleasant.”

“Death likes my company.” Remus said, smiling softly to himself. “...You’re right though. I should probably phone this in. I just wish I could remember the licence plate… Something like XQ... ugh.”

“XQR 460.” Logan supplied helpfully.

“That’s it!” Remus cheered, sloppily kissing Logan on the cheek. “Thanks babe!”

Logan floundered for a second as Remus begun calling an ambulance, struggling to regain composure. “I hope we don’t meet like this again soon. Three times over the span of a year is already too much.”

“I don’t know.” Remus looked at Logan slyly. “I’ve always had pretty bad luck.”

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

Case 4: the bad doctor.

The next time Remus and Logan meet, it’s completely coincidental and under less stressful circumstances for once.

Well, still stressful. Just for different reasons.

Roman was in the hospital because of some dumb motorcycle crash he got into, which near-gave Remus a heart attack when he heard about because he may often ask for death these days, but not like this. Never like this.

Anyway, he was more or less alive in the end. Just a broken leg and a lot of scrapes and bruises since he always refused to wear the proper protective clothing when he went riding (due to it ‘not fitting his aesthetic', apparently. Remus assumed it was pussy talk for ‘I don’t look badass enough to pull off leather’).

Remus had stopped by to visit, bringing some of the fancy name-brand crackers Roman liked since he kept complaining about how stale and awful the hospital’s ones were, and to say hello to Virgil while xe was on shift. The three of them even managed to sit down while Virgil was on break and catch up, too. Roman and Virgil seemed glad Remus was doing a bit better after his downward spiral a couple of weeks ago, even if they didn’t mention it.

After a few hours spent catching up and teasing one another, he decided to leave Roman to get some rest. His plans for that evening were to take a load off and perhaps call for some takeout with Nadia. Honest to God, he didn’t plan on looking for any trouble.

But still, trouble found him when he noticed Logan walking the halls of the hospital, following a doctor to the elevator.

Remus double-taked. Though he shouldn’t really be surprised to see Logan here in a place with so much death, it was still odd witnessing the cloaked figure walk around normal people, none of them noticing his presence.

Remus quickly jogged over. "Logan!" He hissed under his breath.

The deity startled (startled!) before turning to him, just like the doctor he was following.

"Do you need something?" The doctor said, raising an eyebrow.

"Uhhhh, nope! Just… getting into the elevator." Remus replied, stepping in and standing next to Logan.

"Why must you have such awful timing?" Logan sighed stressfully as the elevator doors slid shut. Remus looked at him, unable to verbally reply with the doctor standing right next to them. Fortunately, his unspoken request to elaborate was picked up on.

"This doctor is going down go the morgue. I was here to see a patient that died under his care, and I noticed how death seemed to latch onto him. I got curious."

Sounds like a bad doctor, if even a deity of death was interested in him. Heh, that probably said a lot about Remus too.

Logan elaborated for Remus’ misinterpreting amused expression. "Remus, he murders patients purposefully. You should not have gotten on this elevator."

...Oh. Remus looked past Logan to the doctor, who had noticed his glances.

"...Hm, aren't you supposed to be in your room? Broken leg, road burn, lacerations?" He questioned, eyes flicking down to where he assumed Remus must be injured.

"Nope! You’re thinking of my twin. I came to visit him today." Remus responded as chipper as he could manage, suddenly a lot more unnerved knowing that this apparently dangerous doctor knew about his brother.

"Ah! I see. I did wonder how you managed to grow a full moustache in a day." The man chuckled. "Twins… quite fascinating."

Uh oh spaghetti-os. "Yeah… people say we're like two unrelated people, we’re so different." Remus laughed dismissively. It didn't seem to bother the doctor.

"Interesting… Say, a partner of mine is conducting a study on the differences in the individual psychologies of monozygotic twins. I'm sure it would please her to get more data, if you'd be interested in participating. There would be monetary compensation for your time, of course."

"This is such an unethical form of recruitment. What kind of professional are you?" Logan argued in frustration. Remus almost burst into laughter on the spot from the bizarreness of the situation, but he somehow managed to turn it into an agreeable grin instead.

"Sounds good, doc." Remus said.

"What-?!" Logan exclaimed. Remus spared him a glance, hoping it would let him know he knew what he was doing. Logan didn't look placated in the slightest.

"Excellent! I'll pass the details onto your brother and we can arrange a meeting sometime this week.”

At that moment, the elevator stopped to let a few other people on. Remus took the opportunity to head out before they could reach the basement floor.

“See you later!” He called to both the Doctor and Logan.

“REMUS!”

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

Case 4.5: the dead doctor.

The next time they meet, Remus fully expects it.

Roman asks him over text why he volunteered them for a study, and Remus makes some vague excuse like ‘sexy doctor’. Thankfully, he bought it.

Before the date sent to them by the doctor, Remus decided to do his own research first. To do so, he contacted Virgil and asked for details on the man.

After copious amount of friendly jabs (like 'oooh Remus, I didn’t know tall, straight, and boring was your type'), Virgil told him his name and not much else, given that xe wasn't exactly close with the older staff member. That was fine; Remus used the information to find online profiles, where he found contact details and photos, where he found business accounts, where he found history.

After pulling a few more strings from people that owed him one, he managed to gain access to the vital records from the hospital. It didn’t take long to discover that Logan was right, there had been a spike in deaths since the doctor, a mister 'Stacey’, had begun working there. It was a mystery how no one had noticed the pattern honestly. Weren't doctors supposed to get their licences taken away after a certain number of incidents? As he begun looking through the files more closely however, he realized that the deaths were often chalked up to accidents; small things that could have been due to anything, from mistakes during operations, to the patients overdosing on their prescribed medication, to incidents days after they’ve been discharged.

As Remus closed his laptop, he begun feeling very glad he had impulsively accepted Stacey’s offer.

The meeting ended up being scheduled for Friday evening, and by the time it rolled around, Remus was fully prepared and waiting outside of the agreed location. He dialled Roman’s number, looking out to the empty parking lot and familiarizing himself with the location.

After a few rings, Roman picked up, sounding slightly agitated. “Yes, Captain Dookey?”

Remus snickered at the old nickname-- it was practically a relic from when they played pirates as children. Perhaps Roman was feeling sentimental after his accident.

“Aye aye first mate. You should know that I’m not gonna make it to the study. I already called Dr. Stacy to let him know we’re cancelling for today, so you can stay home.”

“Really Remus? I just got ready.”

“Yeah well, you’re supposed to be resting anyway. Unless you want to drop a visit by yourself that is, but Virgil told me he’s straight, soooo...”

He heard a retching sound on the other end of the line.

“No thanks.” A sigh. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, I guess.”

“Bye, ugly.”

“Later, Rat Bastard.”

“Rats are cute, that’s not an insult. Byeee~.” Remus quickly hung up, his grin quickly fading as he took in the apartment complex.

It didn’t look like the sort of space that would house an office, but Stacey didn’t look like the type to break the Hippocratic oath either, so perhaps the world wasn’t as straight-forward as it seemed.

Slipping his phone away, Remus buzzed the number he’d been given, and it wasn’t long before the good doctor himself came down to answer the door personally.

“Remus.” Stacey almost looked surprised to see him. “Is your brother not coming?”

“Oh, no.” Remus waved a hand. “I just got off the phone with him and he told me he’s running late. He said to get started without him.”

He received a charming smile. “That works just fine. Come on in.”

Stacey led him up the stairs to his apartment, and the whole time Remus felt the weight of the kitchen knife in his pocket. When they got to the ‘office’ (which was really just a living room with minimal furnishing), he offered him a drink.

“No thanks, I’m good.” Remus said, looking around. “...Seems pretty empty in here for an office.”

“Ah… Yes, unfortunately my colleague is having renovations done in her usual space, so we’ll have to collect our data here. I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

A fair enough explanation on the surface, and one his brother would probably accept if he was here, but Remus wasn’t nearly as trusting as Roman was. Nor was he as ignorant to the true purpose of this meeting.

“I see… That makes sense. Or at least it would, if I didn’t already know all about your dirty little secrets.”

Stacey glanced up from where he’d been looking for a pen. “...Pardon?”

Remus smiled back; a grin with all teeth. “You have quite a few skeletons in your closet, doc. Even for a fine medical professional like yourself.”

The doctor very carefully didn’t react to that. "My apologies, do you have the right person? To the best of my knowledge we've only spoken once."

"Yeah." Remus agreed. "And once is all it took. I found out about all those little accidents that follow you, doctor. Weird how many times your patients pass away from nicked veins and potassium chloride overdoses, hm?"

The only outward response Stacey gave was the clenching of his fists. Subtle, but Remus noticed it. "Be careful Mr. Kaneshiro, because that sounds an awfully lot like a baseless accusation. People sue for that, you know."

"I don't doubt it. But you already know it's not so baseless, don't you? You know exactly what I’m talking about, which is why you invited us here to a shady apartment late at night, no colleague in sight."

"Remus what the hell do you think you're doing?!" A familiar voice chimed from behind him.

Remus startled out of his focus, whipping his head around. "Logan?"

"Don't look at me, you ignoramus-! You met a serial killer alone after I told you to stay away?!"

"He knows my brother, I couldn't just-!"

Remus looked back at the doctor was closer now, looking down at him pitifully. "I see now. The talking to air, the erratic behaviour, the pushing your delusions onto others… you mustn't be well. It's alright, Mr. Kaneshiro, I could easily refer you to a mental health facility who will take care of you."

"Remus, you have to get out! Now!"

"I know!" He wasn’t a complete idiot, damn it! But he needed to get Stacey to confess or-

"Ah, perfect! If you wait here, I’ll go and make a call."

Remus stepped backwards, hand going to the knife in his pocket. He needed Stacey to confess, but if he didn’t-

Unfortunately, Stacey noticed his movement and quickly grabbed his left wrist, putting way too much pressure in his grip than was necessary.

"Ah-ah. I told you to stay put, didn't I? Come now, don't be difficult. I'm only trying to get you the help you need."

If he didnt-

"Let go of him!" Logan demanded to the man who couldn't hear him.

Stacey froze, feeling the cool touch of Death on his arm as Logan tried to pull him away, and at that moment Remus pulled his knife out and stabbed him in the chest; slipping the blade right between the ribs.

Red pooled around the knife, staining his crisp white shirt vividly. Stacey stared at the knife, and dug his nails into Remus’ wrist.

"Fucker." Remus yelped with pain, pulling the weapon back out.

Finally, Stacey let go and stumbled back, hitting the wall and sliding down to the floor. His expression didn't recover from the shock from when Logan touched him; he didn't even try to apply pressure to the wound as he bled out. He just sat there until the light left his eyes, and the only sound left in the room was Remus’ laboured breathing.

"I… shouldn't have done that." Logan muttered, eyeing the limp body.

"Done what? I'm the one that killed him. That was my backup plan all along." Remus replied numbly, looking at the scene he had caused.

"I gave him the touch of Death, it's- it's an omen. I'm not supposed to use it ever."

"Gee, I'm flattered. I promise murder was always on my brain though." Remus said as he took the tape recorder out of his pocket. No need for this anymore. He wanted to get a clip of Stacey saying something incriminating so that he could defame him and ruin his reputation, but well, him not being able to benefit from a reputation at all was the next best thing.

Logan watched him, taking in the claw marks across his wrist. "...Right. He scratched you, so remember to clean under his nails."

Despite everything, Remus smiled softly at the advice. "Aww, you really care about me, don't you?"

"I- no. Absolutely not. That’s absurd" Remus snickered as Logan flushed an adorable shade of paynes grey, which he hid by going to deal with the corrupt doctor’s soul.

"...Why did you show up, by the way? There isn't anyone dead in this apartment is there?" Remus realized belatedly, looking around the empty space.

"Ah… No. Admittedly, I've been keeping a closer eye on this town than I really should, and after what happened the other day, I figured I needed to be here when I noticed you two meeting… I probably shouldn’t have.” Logan conceded.

"Well, at least you can't say this wasn't a business visit." Remus giggled to himself, wiping the blood from his knife with a tissue. Maybe he was a little giddy from the endorphins of confronting a prolific serial killer, or perhaps it was the confirmation that Logan cared for him, but either way he felt really good right now, like he could take on the world.

Logan looked at him and sighed. "I should've known you'd be trouble. No more killing, Remus. This has to be the last time."

"Of course, pinky promise~."

"...I can see you crossing your fingers behind your back, you brat."

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

Case 5: the one who tried to get away.

The next time they met, Remus broke his pinky promise. No surprises there.

It was hardly even a promise to begin with, but for some reason Logan expected him to stick to it. Quite foolish, if you ask Remus, given that he now had a total of three murders under his belt, and stopping there almost felt like giving up.

Of course, he had to lay low after Stacey however. The hospital was holding a memorial for his death and Remus later found out that it was ruled a break in. (Made sense, since Remus took a few of his fancy cleaning products on the way out, as a treat to himself.)

It was a shame Stacey was being remembered so honourably, but he couldn't really do anything about that. At least he wasn't out in the world hurting more people.

But unfortunately for Remus, the ruling of Stacey’s murder didn’t stop the incident from trickling into his normal life, as Virgil and Roman seemed to grow suspicious of him. Virgil didn't bring up the topic to him directly, but xe begun acting sketchy when the two of them hung out (Though that could easily be wariness after having one of xyr co-workers be killed). Oppositely, Roman brought the topic up at the first chance possible.

"Dr. Stacey was murdered the night we were supposed to meet him." Roman commented the next day they were able to have lunch together, arms crossed confrontationally. "Funny that."

"Yeah. Sounds like we had some pretty good luck, if you ask me." Remus grinned.

"Wha- why are you smiling?! A man died!" His twin hissed at him. Under his breath, as to not alert the other tables.

Remus’ grin faded. "Listen Ro-bro, I didn't want to tell you this but our good doctor wasn't as kind as you think he is. I called you off that night to help you. Trust me. It’s better off that neither of us went through with that ‘study’."

Roman leaned back, looking unconvinced. "What were you doing instead, Remus?"

"...Huh?"

"You heard me. Where were you? What's your alibi?"

"You're not accusing your own flesh and blood of murder, are you?" Remus sipped his drink casually; ice coffee with as many pumps of peppermint syrup as the barista would allow.

"Just answer the question." Siiigh, what a tightass. How did they come out the same womb?

"I was meeting an old friend, for your information. Logan." Remus smiled to himself at the inside joke.

"Logan? You've never mentioned a Logan before." Roman raised his eyebrows.

Remus leaned back in his chair with a shrug, opting to look out the window instead. By doing so he missed the flash of complicated emotions that crossed his twin’s face at the dismissive gesture.

"I don't tell you everything about my life, brother dearest."

"Clearly…"

A week or two passed since his conversation with Roman, and during that time Remus didn't get to see Logan again once. That wasn't such a terrible thing, most people would assume, to not run into a deity of death, but Remus was so bored! He wanted to see his favourite death pal again, but no opportunities arose to do that, and nothing was striking his murder-fancy.

That was until the day he saw a familiar licence plate parked outside a shop.

Remus froze in his tracks, remembering the night he last saw that car.

A woman crossing the street, a body too still, a car speeding away with no remorse-

Remus had given the licence number to the police, but clearly they hadn't done anything about it. Or perhaps they'd tried and the asshole bought them off.

He growled at the idea, startling a passer-by who was crossing around him.

Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long before he found out who his ire belonged to. A familiar face left the shops and begun walking towards the car; Anton, a guy who had been a year above him back in high school. Remus’ memory of the man was vague; primarily made up of snapshots of cruelty and entitlement towards those around him.

He looked exactly the same, with his annoyingly polished appearance and ugly overpriced clothes. So he was right about the police being paid off, then. Typical.

He'd just have to do something about this himself.

“I suppose there’s no point in trying to convince you to stop this, is there?”

“I mean.” Remus begun, looking down at the body he had just finished suffocating and rubbing at his bruised arms. There was more of a struggle than tv had led him to believe. “I kinda had to do this one. What? Was I supposed to connect the dots on a murder and not stalk and kill the guy who got away unpunished?”

“Most people would say yes.” Logan groaned, in the sort of tone that said he already knew he was fighting a losing battle.

“We’re not like most people though, are we?” Remus grinned, fluttering his eyelashes.

“You’re most certainly not. I’m barely a person.” Logan replied with finality.

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

Case 6: the one who pushed their luck.

And then shortly after;

“Come on man, don’t do this.” The masked person pleaded, hanging onto the fire-escape for dear life. Literally.

Remus raised an eyebrow, making a show of contemplating the request. “Hmm, I don’t know. You did try to pull a gun on me.”

“It wasn’t loaded, jackass!”

Remus tutted and held his foot over the person’s clammy hands. They shook violently at the unspoken threat. “And now you’re gonna wake up the whole neighbourhood too? No consideration!”

His joking tone must have angered them, because they began struggling to hoist themself back up again, red in the face with strain. “I swear, when I get up there-”

Promptly losing his interest in hearing the rest of that threat, Remus stood on their fingers, causing them to let go of the fire-escape and plummet to the street below with a strangled yell.

“Whoopsie daisy.”

He leaned over the banister, whistling innocently as a familiar presence appeared next to him. Logan joined him in peering down at the body, eyebrow raised.

“At least this one was merely an accident?” He guessed by the cause of death, a twinge of hope in his voice.

“Nah, they’ve tried breaking in at least 3 times this year. It was getting annoying.”

As Logan scolded him for his recklessness, Remus decided not to comment on it when their topic of conversation turned back towards the casual banter they usually shared. The two of them stood on the fire escape until the sun was on the edge of the horizon and Remus had to dash back to his apartment to avoid being seen by the early-commuters.

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

Case 8: the innocent.

And then:

Remus curiously nudged the raccoon with the tip of his boot. He’d just stumbled upon it and it still looked fresh; given that he was standing by a busy road, it was no wonder what had happened.

He was making a mental note to come back and collect the bones at a later date, when Logan appeared in-front of him in a blink, looking completely unsurprised this time around.

Remus on the other hand startled before regaining his bearings and shooting the deity a smile. “Our paths are looking less parallel by the day huh, Psychopomp-ous?”

Logan raised his eyebrows appreciatively at the word play. “It appears so. It’s quite the pleasant surprise to find you not getting into trouble for once.”

“There’s always tomorrow.” Remus wiggled his eyebrows back. “That said, I really didn’t expect to see you. I was wondering for a while if you dealt with this kind of thing too, y’know.”

Logan looked down, seeming to really notice the raccoon for the first time. He nodded after a beat. ”She had a life too. My brother brought her into the world, and so I must escort her out.”

”Yeah? Anything of note happen?” Remus asked, eyebrows raised with genuine curiosity. He’d file away the latter half of Logan’s statement for later prodding.

”...She had a family. They stayed together under the porch of an old couple.”

“Ah, to be a racoon living under a porch.” Remus lamented dreamily. “I’m glad she got to live such a rich and fulfilling life before becoming road kill. I’m truly jealous.”

“In the wild, your lifespan would most likely be around 2–3 years as a raccoon.” Logan pointed out, attempting to contradict his idealistic tone.

“Exactly. The life.”

That earned a pinched expression from Logan that made Remus titter.

“Just messing with you, prim reaper~. Now, do you have any idea how long it’s going to take for her to decompose? I have a new piece of decor to make.”

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

Case 11: the matchbox.

Remus watched from afar as the house on Psyche Avenue burned. It was bright and brilliant, so of course the firefighters were already on the scene, trying to calm the fire and save the occupant inside.

They’d be much too late; the trafficker was already unconscious and likely burning to death, along with any evidence Remus might have left behind. It was the perfect crime.

Satisfied with today’s work, he took a drag of a cigarette, delighted when Logan appeared beside him instead of with the dirtbag who deserved to burn forever (and since it was a mystery whether he'd end up with such a fate, it only seemed fitting for Remus to play god and speed up the process.)

“Those kill, you know.” Logan said in greeting.

“That makes two of us.” Remus grinned sharply, even when Logan rolled his eyes and pinched out the end of his cigarette.

For the second time in a month, the two of them overlooked the sky together, illuminated by the amber blazes of the fire. It almost felt like a date.

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

Case 13: the one with bad luck.

He was back in the alley that had imprinted itself so clearly in his memory, knife buried in the chest of a would-be assailant. Remus was boredly watching the blood seep between the bricks when Logan finally appeared to deal with the body.

“You’re late!” Remus complained with a whine. “This guy’s practically cold already.”

“Apologies. There was a flash flood across the country, and it took more of my focus to handle than I would've liked."

Remus hummed. He thought he heard something about that on the news. Mother nature could be cruel indeed. Perhaps even worse than Remus himself.

“Anyone nearby?” He checked.

“Not in a half-mile radius, no. However, the police may be on their way.”

“Plenty of time, then.” Remus said as he pulled Logan down to place a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

It had been months since that first drunk sloppy kiss happened, and less time since it had become a regular greeting. Remus would never get tired of the feeling of cold skin against his lips. It was like kissing marble-- if marble had a sassy mouth and a sexy amount of knowledge.

Logan pulled back first, smudging away the trail of blood running from Remus' nostril. “Did you have any trouble?”

“Nah, you should see the other guy.”

That earned a laugh-- a quiet chime that made Remus’ heart flutter. “I see them. Good job, you’re getting rather skilled at that.”

“Why, thank you~.” Remus preened under the praise. “It only took a couple tries, but I think I finally got the technique down pat.”

“Hmm. Speaking of 'Pat', my brother doesn’t seem to like this much. He’s not unappreciative of your choices in target, although he appears to be rather disapproving on the amount of times I've been called to your side."

Logan didn't talk about his brother much: the deity of life. From what little Remus had learned from his prying and Logan’s own complaints, he seemed like a bit of a killjoy. He blew a raspberry in response.

"Tell Patton to stop making so many criminals and maybe I'll consider it."

The corner of Logan's lips quirked up. "I don't think I will, as humorous as I'm sure that would be. It doesn't quite work like that."

Remus shrugged, watching as Logan looked off to the side.

"...It seems I’m needed elsewhere."

”You can’t stay? We barely got to talk.” Remus said with a pout.

“Unfortunately so.” Logan turned to the body; what he should have been there for. It wasn’t long before his focus was back on Remus, though. “That said... It’s a busy night. Perhaps we’ll meet again sooner than expected.”

Remus’ frown tipped back into a smile as he watched Logan vanish. He then turned on his heel and retrieved his knife before walking off into the night. If he was going to make good on Logan’s expectations, he better get to work.

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

Case 0: the one who death followed.

It soon became an established pattern; Remus would come across someone shady, and he’d put together a detailed- or straight-forward- plot on how to get rid of them. By now his city must have noticed the string of deaths, but with such a random means and very little evidence, Remus was free to continue as he pleased.

In a sense, he was untouchable with Logan by his side, pointing out anything he left behind and giving warning for any potential witnesses. Especially when he gave up on persuading Remus away from this path. It's not like the moral argument could be made anymore; the city had seen a drastic decrease in crime once Remus had taken out a lot of big players (even if there was an air of fear that lingered in the back of everyone's minds, wondering if they'd be next up on the chopping block).

All in all, it was enough to make Remus cocky; perhaps even enough so to lead to his downfall. But how was he ever going to give up now? All his life he’d been hoping for some sort of excitement to fulfil him, and he finally found it in a surprise meeting with a deity of death. Death had gone from a distant longing to something familiar and welcome; something he could use to right wrongs and feel a sense of purpose with.

And as long as he was able to exchange a life for one more meeting with his beloved partner in crime, he would do his best to stay ahead of the game.

(No matter who was out there, trying to stop the two of them.)

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

Writing taglist: @just-perhaps @sashootkahoot @anxious-l0ser @illogical-immunity @overlad-of-the-snakes @varthandi @whisperinginthevoid @and-this-sword @creamiiteaa-xx

Deityfucker au taglist: @arodynamic-enby @its-the-usda-certified-trashman @overlad-of-the-snakes @aromanticwhore @haha-phrog @hetalianhufflepuff @emeryyleaf @winter-wandering @gaylotusthatexists @8bituin

#my writing #sanders sides #intrulogical #remus sanders #logan sanders #(others are mentioned)#deityfucker au #death tw #violence tw #crime tw #weapon tw #swearing tw #injury tw #(lots of warnings for this one. take care!)

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stricken-with-clairvoyancy · 4 years

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Prinxiety fic recs

Hey everyone, I know isolation is difficult, and a good majority of the fandom use fics as an escape mechanism, so hopefully some people can get a kick out of some of these. As my blog title suggests, I mostly just consume prinxiety content, so this list is for any prinxiety stans out there. Feel free to add on with your own fics or recs, regardless of ship! All fics are completed unless stated otherwise, to avoid giving anyone WIPlash. :)

First up, literally anything by the Queen of Prinxiety (and stunning writing in general) @coconut-cluster. Hers was one of the first blogs who’s writing I got really invested in, and her writing is like the equivalent of snuggling into a warm blanket in the sunshine. It’s good stuff y’all. Writing masterlist If you’re overwhelmed by how many incredible stories she’s written though, I gotchu fam, here are some of my favourites to get you started: Sciamachy, My dreams made music in the night, Snowball fight

Powerless by @impatentpending . One of the best stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, better than most published literature I daresay. Seriously it’s just,,, so good!!! If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you do. You’ve got morally grey villains, you’ve got wit, you’ve got a hoverbike named Brendon Urie. It’s an all round good time, except when, you know, it’s angsty.

The To Love And Be Loved series by @virgilsjourney It’s so soft!!! So light and sweet and comforting!!! You’ve got hurt/comfort (heavy on the comfort) with a large helping of mutual pining, and it’s the perfect fic if you need a pick-me-up after a long day.

Butterflies by @creativenostalgiastuff . I live for techie Virgil and this fic does not disappoint. Incredibly cute, Roman gets the validation he deserves, 10/10.

My true love gave to me by @lovelylogans Honestly my favourite oneshot of all time, I giggle the whole way through when reading this. The sheer magnitude of their mutual pining,,, incredible. Genuinely this fic is so wonderful and funny and lighthearted and sweet and hhhhhhhhhh. Looking at her masterlist I’ve also come to realise that she’s written a lot of my favourites, so I’ll just link that here! :)

Wet blanket , Life of the party and Social grace by @tulipscomeinallsortsofcolors. A tad angsty, but so worth the read, and they more than make up for any potential hurt with the gratuitous fluff. Hella soft, superb writing. On another note, if you haven’t already, you should absolutely read their jaw-droppingly amazing series Love and other fairytales. Romantic lamp and a heck tonne of cool worldbuilding, gripping plot and fae galore, prepare to become thoroughly invested.

A dragon’s tail by @theeternalspace . This one had me on the edge of my seat you guys, it’s so gripping you’ll wanna stay up all night reading it. You’ve got prince!Virgil, you’ve got knight!Roman, you’ve got Dragon!Logan. Need I say more?

The most adorable Parents!Prinxiety headcanons you ever did read, by the incredible @thelowlysatsuma , with a tooth-rottingly sweet fic to go with it by @watchoutforthefanfics . You WILL get cavities and you WILL sob at the soft domesticity of it all.

@shakesqueer-writes is lowkey a Prinxiety GOD so I’m just gonna link you to their whole entire masterlist of masterpieces.

The phenomenal It’s only logical by @tinysidestrashcaptain . This one is incomplete, but it’s honestly so perfectly written that it’s going on here anyway. I can only dream of achieving Virgil’s level of sass in this fic, an absolute icon. It’s a flower shop au AND a coffee shop au babyyy.

I can only assume from the remarkable quality of the writing that Keep him safe by @whatwashernameagain gets recommended a lot, as it RIGHTLY DESERVES. This fic is also incomplete, but so worth waiting for, each new chapter is a sucker punch of emotions and the character development is second to none. I’d definitely heed the trigger warnings on this one though, it does handle (very well and realistically) some darker themes. There’s also a raccoon named Cat and I love her.

A get-together and getting together by @hickory-dickory-doc-k Fake! dating! Fake! Dating! Fake! Dating! Fak- Ok but for real though guys this one is so gosh darn cute I dropped everything on Christmas day to rush upstairs and read it when the last chapter came out and I was grinning so much lemme tell you. I’ve read a lot of fake dating aus in my time and this one honestly takes the cake.

(I’d never) want once from the cherry tree written by @ace-corvid with gorgeous art to go with it by @blank-ace . YouTuber au!!! Virgil gets to be the chaotic conspiracy guy we know he secretly longs to be, and Roman gets the adoring fanbase he deserves. The humour is also on point. I mean, Deceit’s name in Virgil’s contacts is Snake fursona man, and honestly if that doesn’t sell it, I don’t know what will.

Of trying and towers by @parsnipit . An oldie but a classic, this story is phenomenal. It’s got action! It’s got magical curses! It’s got so many dragons! It’s got highkey terrified but also kinda badass Virgil! It’s so good you guys, the plot and the family bonding and hhhhhhh dragons are so cool.

Destined by @rosesisupposes . Oooooh this one has such a fun premise. Virgil’s a sage (kind of like a seer) and is just kinda vibing with the humans until sh*t goes down, ft sass, flirting, pun-based bakeries, and a coffee machine named Gilda. It’s great. I love it.

Long live by @meginoi . It’s!!! Essentially a really cool princess diaries au!!! How rad is that? Virgil is pretty much permanently stressed, but Pat and Lo are supportive bros and he ;) has ;) Roman ;) there ;) to ;) help.

Falling (falling) by @basically-i-write-shit . Don’t let their url fool you this fic is honestly so gripping, I stayed up way into morning bingeing it. Be warned though, it does handle some pretty dark topics, so heed the trigger warnings. ft. single dad Virgil and babysitter Roman!

Inks and tallies by @skittlesun . Tattoo 👏 artist 👏 Roman 👏 Frick 👏 Yeah 👏 Also by the same author, the amazing fic The betting pool is an absolute delight. Flirting galore. Go read it pls.

Late night, long night by @crowleyspraisekink . Virgil’s in a tank top and Roman is Gay Panic tm. Adorable, superb, 10/10.

A curse is a dream your heart makes by @romansleftshoulderpad This oneshot is a long boi but my god you will enjoy every single second of it. Roman gets cursed by the Dragon witch to act out classic Disney movies with Virgil, and it’s honestly so entrancing. Phenomenal writing.

Queen of fluff @not-so-innocent-bi-sander has so much adorable fics that I’m gonna link their whole masterlist because you deserve to treat yourself to their writing, and I’m also gonna add some quick links to my faves here because I love them: The reunion, Romance in the air…port, Guitar lessons. The first fic of theirs I read is the series The view from here, and it was so heartwarmingly sweet that it helped distract me from some pretty bad cramps, so I highly recommend you go check that out if you need a cute pick me up. It’s incomplete, but it’s mostly fluff and ongoing, so you won’t be left on any cliffhangers.

Thespian by @random-snippets is a heart-wrenchingly sweet hurt/comfort fic that I wholeheartedly recommend. Roman puts on a play in the imagination but neglects to tell Virgil that his character straight up dies at the end, and Virgil is understandably distraught. It’s ok though, Virgil gets love and hugs! Also just check out their masterlist because their writing is absolutely sensational, especially their pining!Virgil LAMP fics.

Through different eyes by @stars-and-rose . Roman’s a warlock who’s been ‘kidnapping’ Patton in an endearing attempt to get the handsome knight’s ;) attention. Super cute and a fun read, honestly it’s adorable.

@today-only-happens-once is another phenomenal writer who’s masterlist I’m also gonna link because they’re all! So! Good!!! Here’s some of my faves: Exposure therapy ft Ace!Roman, Acoustic, Always

A hero’s rescue by @stillebesat . Villain!Roman and Hero!Virgil ft a healthy dose of hurt/comfort and a a really cool premise. I go back and re-read this one a lot!

Welcome to the neighbourhood by @lefaystrent is incomplete, but it’s so goddamn hysterical that it’s going on here anyway. Their comedic genius is astounding. Some more of my favourites of theirs include: Roamin’ nights, Flutter and fall, Rewrite

Blink and you’ll miss it and waterspout by @greenninjagal-blog are both lovely reads which I highly recommend. Seriously guys their writing is amazing, go check them out.

Sweet dreams and Petals red as blood by @candied-peach are both gorgeously written and I absolutely adore them, 10/10.

#fic recs #go hog wild y'all #was this a painfully transparent way for me to compile all my faves in one place for ease of re-reading?#yeah and what of it #i can have a little self indulgence #as a treat :)#seriously though guys all of these authors are crazy talented go show them your love #and this post is a free-for-all so add anything you want #i've likely forgotten some people and if you're one of those people i'm so sorry i'll probably update this as more of them come back to me #ily all stay well #sanders sides #ts sides #romantic prinxiety #shout out to my tags which i can't :) get :) to :) work #Prinxiety

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mycatshuman · 4 years

Text

Good Deeds

Chapter 2 : Past Memories and a Nosey Boss

Word count: 2, 241

Warnings: Mentions of not having enough to eat, sleeping in a car, living in a car, lying, anxious about being bullied or teased, cussing, homeless characters, brief mentions of past mugging, let me know if I missed any.

Pairings: Background Logicality, eventual Prinxiety

Thank you so so much to @civilsounds17 and @icequeenoriginal for reading through this chapter for me! You are blessings. Seriously.

-----

Virgil ran a hand through his purple hair as he leaned back against his seat with a sigh. He took a glance behind him to check on Thomas and let a rare fond smile fall across his face. Thomas lay across the back seat, his Aladdin blanket wrapped tightly around him. He was almost asleep. The soft lull of Disney music filtering through the air. Virgil reached back and brushed a strand of lilac-colored hair out of his face. Virgil smiled as a memory flashed through his mind.

----

"Virgil! Virgil! Virgil!"

Virgil looked up just in time to watch his brother, Thomas, bound excitedly into the living room. Virgil let out a soft laugh as he watched the other stop in front of him and jump up and down. Thomas stopped bouncing. However, Virgil noticed he was practically vibrating where he stood. He raised an eyebrow.

"Talyn got their hair dyed and I want to get mine dyed!"

Virgil blinked. Taking a moment to process the request coming from his brother. "You want to dye your hair?" He asked cautiously.

"Yeah!" Thomas exclaimed as he nodded his head enthusiastically.

Virgil bit his lip. "Okay...we can dye your hair."

"Yay-"

"But," Virgil started, cutting Thomas off. "It's not going to be permanent. It will wash out. Okay?"

Thomas wrinkled his nose but nodded quickly. "Yes!"

Virgil smiled as Thomas turned to go start on homework. Thomas froze and Virgil frowned as he noticed the stiffness to his shoulders. Thomas turned around with a look of uncertainty on his face as he twisted the straps of his backpack in his hands.

"What if...what if people laugh at me?" He asked hesitantly.

Virgil's eyes widened. Shit! I do not know how to handle this! "Why should it matter if they do?" He asked as he crouched down to Thomas's eye level. "What matters is that you," Virgil pointed at Thomas's heart. "Are happy. Okay? So what if they laugh? It's probably because they’re jealous, or they just don't want to admit you look really cool."

Thomas stared up at his brother with awe. "Really?"

Virgil nodded. "Yup! And even still, Talyn And Joan won't laugh. If you're really nervous, I can dye my hair with you, how does that sound?"

Thomas gasped. "But Virgil, you don't like standing out! Won't purple hair make you stand out?"

Virgil frowned. "Purple? I thought you would have chosen red."

Thomas shook his head. "Yeah, but purple is your favorite color, and it has some red in it and I want us to match and Talyn said red is hard."

Virgil rapidly blinked as he felt teary-eyed. "Oh! That makes sense."

Thomas surged forward and wrapped Virgil in a hug as tight as he could make it—which wasn't very tight considering he was still kid-sized.

"Thank you thank you thank you!!" He turned and went back to getting his homework and Virgil let a smile move across his face.

It was rare to see Thomas so happy like this. After everything happened, it took a while for Thomas to start being even remotely like his old self again. Virgil knew he would never be the same but he wished his brother would at least be happier. And he was so grateful when Thomas came home excitedly shouting about new friends. Virgil knew he would do anything to keep that smile on his brother's face. Anything.

------

"V?" Virgil blinked out of the memory and looked down to see Thomas peeking up at him from behind his bangs.

"Hey," Virgil whispered softly. He climbed out of his seat and kneeled in front of his brother. "Having trouble sleeping?"

Thomas nodded, his eyes cast downwards as he mumbled. "I'm hungry."

Virgil tried to control his facial features. Keeping his grimace inside his mind, he leaned back and frowned. "Hhm, now we can't have a Prince be so hungry!"

Thomas giggled. Virgil grabbed his backpack and examined its contents. He had about ten boxes of granola bars, two bags or pretzels, and a few boxes of drink mixes. He reached in and pulled out a bar handing it to Thomas. "Here, eat up. Then try to get some sleep, you've got school tomorrow."

"Thanks, V." Thomas sat up and started munching on the bar as Virgil moved to sit back in the driver's seat. He let out a sigh as he looked straight ahead as he tried to figure out what to do.

The food in his backpack was all they had. And he had some money set aside for gas and drinks. But he didn't know how long it would last. I have two water bottles. I can fill those up for us and I can let Thomas use the drink mixes if he doesn't want just water. And I don't have to eat as much. Maybe half a bar of granola every four days.

Virgil watched an expensive silver car out of the corner of his vision as it slowed to a stop on the other side of the road. Frowning, he turned to find the man from earlier motion for him to roll his window down. "Are you following me?" He asked once he had rolled down his window.

The man turned to look at the back window and called out, "Where'd you come from little Prince?"

Virgil sighed as he realized Thomas had popped up to see who he was talking to.

"The babysitter just dropped him off. Thomas, please sit down," Virgil said. A quick excuse. An easy little lie.

"You know, you really shouldn't sit on these side streets. My secretary got mugged while going to her car one night-"

Virgil huffed as he called out, "Thank you!" And rolled his window back up. "Princey needs to just go," he muttered.

The guy in the car motioned for him to roll his window down again. Virgil huffed angrily. "What do you want?"

"Are you okay? You're just sitting here."

"My car won't start, but it's fine."

"I don't know much about cars, but I could call a tow truck for you?"

"You did that already, Princey. I don't want to repeat that," Virgil snarked.

The guy in the car let out a short laugh. "Yeah, but this time to help you ...I could drop you and your brother off somewhere if you'd like?"

Why won't you just leave us alone?!?!? "No, I've got a friend who's gonna be here soon-"

"Someone's on their way?" The man asked, cutting Virgil off.

Virgil huffed angrily. "Yeah, so you don't have to-"

"Okay, I'll wait then," the man flashed a bright grin. "I'll just find a spot.."

"No! What?!?!" Virgil watched as the other man drove closer to the end of the street. "He's not gonna-" the man parked. "He-" Virgil frowned and let out an annoyed huff. "Thomas, could you sit down and be quiet? We don't know anything about this man. He's a stranger." Thomas nodded and sat down and pulled his blanket tighter around himself.

Virgil watched as the man climbed out of his car and walked across the street. He fought to keep the annoyance off his face as the man climbed into the passenger seat. "I did not invite you into my car, Princey."

The man flashed another smile at him. "I know, so I invited myself. And Princey?"

Virgil glared at the man. "Yeah, Princey, just like you to be stuck up and do whatever you want."

The man let out a string of offended noises as a hand flew to his chest. "Excuse me-"

Thomas let out a small giggle and the man turned back to him with a broad grin, something about it reminded Virgil of the kind of people who worked as characters for kids. "Hi, what's your name?"

Thomas bit his lip and shot a glance at Virgil. "I'm not supposed to tell my name to strangers," he mumbled.

The man's eyes rose in surprise. "Oh! Oh! How silly of me, how dare I ask for your name without giving mine first. I am Roman! At your service."

Thomas giggled. "I'm Thomas!"

"Thomas?" Roman asked and the other nodded enthusiastically. "Well! Thomas is quite a noble name! Are you perhaps a Prince? A knight in disguise?"

Thomas giggled as he shook his head. "N-no!" He cried out as he laughed. "I'm just Thomas!"

Roman's eyes widened comically. "Oh no! You are not "just Thomas". I assure you that there is a very real possibility that you are royalty or of noble blood. And I'm sure your brother agrees?" He turned to Virgil who was watching the whole ordeal with both fond and cautious expressions.

Thomas and Roman stared at him expectedly as they waited for his response. "I think he's right, Thomas. I mean, you could very well be royalty."

Thomas's eyes sparked with the prospect. "Does that make you a Prince too!?!"

Roman chuckled as Virgil froze. "Yes it does," Roman replied coming to Virgil's rescue. Thomas giggled and pulled a blanket up around him. Roman smiled fondly before turning to Virgil and raising an eyebrow. "Did you hear my name?" He whispered.

Virgil scoffed. "Obviously I did Princey. You just told him."

Roman laughed. "That doesn't mean you heard."

Virgil rolled his eyes. "It’s Roman. Yeah, you'd think this was an interrogation."

Roman stifled a laugh. "It’s Roman Deeds."

Virgil froze. Deeds. Deeds. Deeds. DEEDS! DEEDS!! DEEDS!!!! The name bounced around in Virgil's head. "Oh," was all he said. Then. "I'm sorry-"

"And you are?" Roman asked, cutting Virgil off.

Virgil closed his eyes. "Unemployed."

Roman chuckled. "No. I'm not going to fire you."

Virgil gripped at his jeans, his nails biting into his palms. "I am mortified. I am so sorry for calling you an ass."

Roman laughed. "It's fine. Now, were you going to give me your name or was I going to have to ask your brother?"

Virgil shook his head. "I'm Virgil."

Roman smiled. Virgil. It was a pretty name. "Good to meet you, Virgil."

Virgil nodded slightly. "You too," he said. Not because it was the polite thing to do but it was a bit..refreshing to talk to someone who wouldn't look him with pity or disgust. The car went silent for a few awkward minutes. In the back, Thomas sat joyfully playing with his stuffed animals. He was introducing them all to a new one. Virgil had gotten it earlier that day. As a way to apologize to Thomas before he could fix everything. Virgil sighed. "You don't have to stay here. We'll be fine."

Roman shook his head. "No, really, it's all good."

"No, it’s fine, real-"

"My secretary was mugged. I had her working late and all so I felt bad..."

Virgil stopped Roman with a blank look. "I'm guessing you want to stay in the car."

Roman nodded "Yeah if you don't mind, of course. I'd just feel a lot better if you had someone here to keep you safe-"

Virgil nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

Thomas stopped playing for a moment. "Prince Roman-"

Roman waved his hand. "Please, just Roman is fine your highness."

Thomas giggled before continuing. "Do you work with my brother?"

Roman nodded. "Yup."

"What floor?"

"All the way on the top floor."

Thomas visibly brightened, having something else to share with the prince. "I was on the top floor!"

Virgil's eyes widened and he quickly butts in. "No, Thomas, uh, you're thinking of a different building."

Thomas frowned before sitting back and going back to playing with his stuffed animals.

Roman looked between the two, suspicious. He let his eyes inspect the car closer and notice boxes and trash bags piled in the back. "You guys sure have a lot of stuff in here.."

Virgil felt his heart rate spike with anxiety. "Yeah, we're in the process of moving. So..we're almost done. We'll be done soon."

Roman frowned, unconvinced. "What part of town?"

Virgil bit his lip, thinking. "I don't think you would know it," he said. Trying to change the subject while thinking of a way of getting Roman out of his car so he and Thomas could get gas. He was thankfully? Saved by Thomas's stomach grumbling. Guilt stabbed Virgil's heart and he had to suppress his tears.

"Was that your stomach?" Roman asked as he turned to Thomas with a small chuckle.

Virgil frowned. "Did the babysitter not feed you?" He asked Thomas. Thomas bit his lip.

Roman shot Thomas a wink. "There's a pizza joint just up the block. We can walk there if you'd like?"

Virgil shook his head quickly. "I-I left my wallet at home-"

Roman waved his hands. "No, no. It’s fine. I got it. My treat. Come on." He opened the door and hopped out. Virgil bit his lip as he climbed out and then helped Thomas out of the car. "Let’s go!" Roman cried out before leading the way with a funny walk, causing Thomas to giggle.

Virgil was nervous. On one hand, Thomas was getting food and on the other, this was a stranger. A complete stranger. His boss. An adult. A responsible adult. One who could call child services and end up getting Thomas taken away from him. Taken away and sent back to- he stopped, shaking that train of thought out of his head. He forced a smile onto his face and the three walked to the pizza parlor.

-----

Everything Taglist: @spxced-oxt @superwholocked-for-life @mirror2thespirit @aroundofapplesauce @lyditist @little-euro-girl @unicornofdarknessstuff @maryann-draws

Good Deeds Taglist: @urielthealienboio @midnight-personal @supreme-overlord-bubbles @dn-fan21 @soul-of-a-vixen @mellow-yellow-nutella @anxious-but-trying-my-best @sanders-sides-rebloger @kool-bi-69 @ghosttb0y @thevirgilantone @prismartist @shamelesslypoetic @icequeenoriginal (this fic literally has the longest taglist ever. Why are you here? What?)

#good deeds au #good deeds fic #mycatshuman fics #ts roman #roman sanders #sanders sides roman #sanders sides virgil #virgil #virgil sanders angst #virgil sanders #ts virgil #ts thomas #thomas sanders #sanders sides fic #sanders sides au #tw homeless

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halorocks1214 · 4 years

Text

the law of polarity

AO3 Link

Word Count: 11367

Summary: The Law of Polarity states that everything is on a continuum and has an opposite. We can suppress and transform undesirable thoughts by concentrating on the opposite pole. It is the law of mental vibrations

that word count its just,,, growing BIGGER every day! i honestly don't understand my mind. 25 fucking pages. its boggling, i need better restraint my god. also: kayo you cryptic thing why are you so hard to write for helLO?? me writing kayo: guess ill die. *coughs* regardless, the next installment is here! i hope you still enjoy it. like the other ones, I'm mostly satisfied with it outside of a few spots so YEET

“Kayo! Come on out!”

“Seriously, sweetheart, this isn’t funny!”

The 12-year-old promptly did the opposite by squirming further into her treehouse. It’s not that Jeff Tracy was a bad babysitter, or God forbid her dad was a bad dad, they were stellar. They just had to understand that there were times when a kid wanted to be left alone and that was to be respected. She shoved herself further into her corner and brought her arms around her knees.

… Okay, she was avoiding them, but she had a good reason.

Whatever this dumb thing about ‘sending her away’ was pointless and trite. She was simply going to lay low, wait for the dumb-dumbs to cool off and then they’ll realize they were being dumb-dumbs and drop this whole dumb-dumb idea!

She didn’t like what she was hearing in the first place anyway.

“Watch out for her uncle, my brother.”

“Ah, opposed to your uncle that is also your mother?”

“Jeff.”

The serious tone made both Kayo and Jeff flinch. Then, Kyrano put his foot down even more, “You know the one. You were friends, right? Hell, he’s the technical reason we met, you know what I’m talking about. Promise me to watch out for him.”

Kayo looked up at Jeff’s face from her hiding spot in the doorway to see his breathing get slightly more labored, but the way he spoke could only be described as confident, “Okay. I promise. Just like I promised to keep her safe, got it?”

Kyrano relaxed at that, though, his breathing was worse than what Jeff’s was. The man gulped and nodded his head, “Good. Now then, let’s go find her. We should explain this properly to her. She’ll understand.”

If she waited to hear her dad’s last sentence she might have laughed. As soon as the agreement was in place, she quietly zoomed away to her comfort spot to wait for the storm to pass. Too bad that storm had a homing beacon because right as she unfolded herself a little bit (she was getting uncomfy), Jeff Tracy climbed up to the window and went, “AHA! Gotcha!”

Before Jeff could explain, she was zipping down the slide and across the yard. In her panic, she broke one of her major rules when running away from something: never look behind you in any shape or form. Not only could you be focusing on something else like trying to get to your destination quicker if you kept your face forward, but you also can’t avoid anything that gets in your way if you’re not watching out for it.

Such was her father’s arms, which grabbed her around the waist and held on tight, “Oh thank God.”

Okay, she was expecting anger or at least minor scolding. She was not expecting her dad to practically cry in relief, nor for him to drop to his knees and hold onto her tightly. It froze everything about her: her mind, her body, yeah, everything. The only thing she could do in response was to awkwardly hug him back as Jeff slowly walked towards them, “See? I told you that you were panicking for no reason. Now, would you like me to stay here for this or?...”

Kyrano, who took a moment to register those words, eventually shook his head side to side while it still rested on Kayo’s shoulder, “N-No, Jeff, if it’s okay, I just need a moment with her so I can properly explain my actions. If you want, you can start packing some of her stuff to take home with you.”

The babysitter immediately backed off, hands up in a semi-surrender position, “Of course, do you know what I can get started on by myself?”

Kyrano softly took her hands into his, examining them by running his thumbs over her knuckles, thinking about what to say, “Basic toiletries, basic over-the-counter medications, some of her favorite snacks, you remember her favorite snacks, right?

The grass crinkled as Jeff walked away, his voice getting quieter and quieter due to distance, “You bet I do.”

Suddenly, she was alone with her father, who placed her hands against his chest. His breaths were shaky as he tried to find metaphorical solid ground, “Listen… I know things are changing fast and abruptly, and I’m sorry I can’t explain much of what’s happening, but you have to trust me, okay? You’re just changing houses, nothing more, nothing less. I’ll still be around often, and we’re still going to be father and daughter, you’re just going to be under the protection of Uncle Jeff, got it?”

Kayo was very quickly aware of a burning idea that hurt to think about, “Wait, are you in danger? If you’re in danger I don’t want to leave you! I can help you, Father!”

Kyrano was quick to cool the fury in her heart by placing his forehead against hers in their familiar form of comfort, “I know you can, but it’s not me that’s in danger, okay?”

And with that confession, her mouth snapped shut. She was always quick on figuring things out, and if her father wasn’t the one in danger, then that meant...

Kyrano couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his mouth. His daughter, despite the cold-hearted exterior she tried displaying, could be quite adorable when secretly prompted, “I know. It’s scary, it sucks, and I wanna keep you here just as much as you want to be, but this is for the best. Don’t worry about me, worry about yourself just for a little bit, hmm?”

Kayo swallowed whatever nasty emotion tried worming its way out of her throat as she also kept the few, tiny tears at bay in her eyes, preventing them from rolling down her face, “Okay, Dad, I trust you.”

Kyrano visibly relaxed at how quickly she agreed, “Thank you. Alright,” Kyrano boosted himself up from his knee, “Let’s go help Uncle Jeff pack.”

He held out his hand to her, which she took with a definite level of uncertainty.

After an hour, Kayo was packed and ready to become a resident in the Tracy household. Her dad gave her plenty more kisses goodbye on the level that she became secretly glad she was leaving. Dads and their overbearing need to smother will be the death of her.

As Kayo and Jeff drove to their destination, it was silent. Jeff drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, trying to find something to say, while Kayo simply brought her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on top of them. Just because she knew how necessary this was didn’t mean she had to like it.

Finally, Jeff figured out his words, “You did hear him mention that he’ll visit you every week, right? You two are still going to be thick as thieves until your last dying breaths. You just won’t be in each other’s presence as much.”

Kayo didn’t hear him at first, and when her mind picked up that someone was trying to talk to her, she popped her head up like a surprised chipmunk, “Huh? Oh, yeah, he told me that.” And with it, her head fell back to her knees, and Jeff was lost once more.

That is until he was reminded of his kids. A sly grin formed on his face. His confidence was always boosted whenever his children were involved, “You know, I don’t know if I’ve even mentioned this, but I do have some of my own children at home.”

This time it took a lot less waiting for Kayo to pop her head up, “Really?”

Jeff nodded, relieved he found common ground between the two of them, “Yep. Five boys to call my own.”

Kayo leaned back into the backrest and hung her legs over the edge. Now she was sitting in the car seat as one would normally, “Whoah.”

Jeff chuckled. Kyrano wasn’t kidding about her being surprisingly adorably, “Just you wait, you’ll get along with them like peas in a pod.”

She absolutely did not get along with them like peas in a pod.

The first night was okay, fine. The older ones were nice as older siblings were when there was only one parent in the house, and the younger ones at least had enough manners to be considered quaint. But then the first night became the same as the next night. Then the next. The constant noises didn’t completely stop even after being there for a few days, signifying that this was normal in the family. The first time her father came over on the weekend she was begging to go home.

Kyrano felt sympathetic. He understood that Jeff’s boys could be a rowdy group, and that was from the stories the father told himself, but the threat was still looming, and all he could do was give empty words, “I really am sorry little bug, but my hands are tied. If you want, I could talk to Jeff for you? He is their father, he could set some temporary rules in place.”

Kayo sagged at his words, knowing he was right, but then sat up straight, “No, it’s okay. I can handle them. When they mess up they’ll learn the hard way why not to.”

Kyrano chuckled and took her into his arms, “Knowing you, those words aren’t just words. Don’t worry, just 28 more days, then the GDF will give me an update and you’ll be home safe and sound.”

Kayo counted them down one by one, tallies scratched into the wooden frame of the bed they gave her.

The 26th day was the day her uncle took Jeff’s life.

And everything was thrown off-kilter.

He came to pick her up on the 30th day, and she could tell things were different. He was jumpier, more careful about what they did. He never failed at his fatherly duties, but it was obvious he couldn’t be the same. She probably never was either. They had less fun, more prep work, he was constantly looking over his shoulder and she found herself doing the same with no protest. Her uncle, her family, destroyed everything she once knew in a way that would probably never be fully recovered. This point was even more blatant with the next big shocker of her life.

On the 67th day, her father went into retirement.

That was a sign the world was ending. Her father quit his job, the one that threatened to kill him more times than she understood at her age yet he stuck with it anyway because he loved it that much, he quit.

On the 1278th day, after years of trying his best, after multiple dropping offs of his daughter to Tracy Island (she probably spent half that time in the Tracy household, much to his chagrin) as he tried finding some kind of peace of mind, he succumbed to his demons. He gave her some lessons in self-defense over that time, but then he heard of another attack that was most likely caused by his brother and he just couldn’t. The thin wire snapped, and Kyrano didn’t trust his daughter to be safe with him anymore. He couldn’t protect his best friend from his brother, how the hell could he protect anybody else, how could he protect his child? Self-defense was useless against someone like his-- that man.

Kayo, who was just trying her best to still wrap her head around everything that had happened, over how one could potentially stop being related to someone, didn’t even try any kind of fighting back as her father took her right over to Tracy Island. He looked Grandma dead in the eyes with a face Kayo would never forget and said, “Jeff said he would always be willing to ‘pick up my slack’ so… please, keep her safe. Do what I can’t do.”

Being the mother she was, Grandma sadly grinned, “Of course, Kyrano, of course.”

That’s not to say he went off the radar or he never came to see her, he just wasn’t her main caretaker anymore. She was officially a permanent fixture in the Tracy family now, and she didn’t even have the headspace to worry about that. Hell, she was still recovering from her father’s retirement announcement.

This was the first time she learned what it was like to be truly and utterly hopeless.

It didn’t help that the rest of the Tracys were completely different as well.

She saw snippets over the years when her father went out on his meditation sessions, but now that she was going to be here forever, now that she couldn’t hide away like an anxious guest at a hotel, she was fully able to take in just how broken the Tracys were.

Like she was.

Scott and John were gone often, to the point where she only saw one of them at a time, almost never together. Virgil didn’t seemingly change much outside of certain hobbies and ways he handled things, though, she probably should have picked up on the fact that changing your personality was a big sign of trauma and untapped issues. Grandma Tracy was doing her best to accommodate her living situation into theirs, and Kayo will always be grateful for the elderly lady’s (mostly) stable state of mind throughout everything.

Then there was Gordon and Alan, who started leaving her alone.

They still did their pranks and jokes and couldn’t stop themselves if there was something ‘cool’ they wanted everyone to see, but they were more reserved, more quiet. Out of all the things she wished to stop happening, Gordon and Alan annoying her were on the top of the list, but when they did, it felt… weird. Awful.

The silence she craved since the first night her father sent her here was given to her on a silver platter yet she hated it and she didn’t even know why.

Nothing was making sense anymore.

And it continued to be senseless for the next few years to come.

The only thing she could latch onto to keep some kind of gravity to her life was the sentence her father told Jeff the day she came to the island. Watch out for her uncle. He was the reason everything was as messed up as it was, and the only people that rivaled her hatred for him was the Tracys themselves. As pessimistic as the thought was, at least she found something in common with them, and it made it easier for her to hide her true heritage in the end too.

The Tracy family was family oriented. She didn’t think she would have been welcome if they found out about certain relations of hers, not after what that relation took away from them.

(Well, if there was at least one thing she would happily admit to being wrong about in the future, she was glad it was that.)

Regardless, the years went on, and she became a proactive member of the family. Trying to compensate for the whole ‘secretly-related-to-evil’ thing and all that jazz. It was the least she could do for them since they were housing her. Learning more complicated self-defense, keeping watch over the island, helping Grandma with chores and other jobs around the house, and… hell, she found herself keeping an eye out for Alan more often than not. She wasn’t sure what it was, the older ones rubbing off on her, maybe Alan himself wormed his way into her heart, who knew?

As for the night everything started picking back up, it was… interesting.

She was minding her own business when she received a call from Scott, who she was very much aware should be packing for his trip to the mainland for next week with his Grandma. Those two had a conversation about plans for the future, and from bits and pieces Kayo picked up, Scott was on his way to becoming the newest CEO on the block, which she thought was an excellent position. Certainly made more sense than the Air Force in her eyes.

She picked up the call with a hint of playfulness, but right before she could point out that he should be picking out the right color shirt to match his eyes, she felt metaphorical cold water sploosh over her back as his panicked babbling slowly made sense to her ears.

“Alan’s gone!”

Around this time as well, Scott was in the house 24/7, and she knew the general details of why. Yeah, they gave her the vague story of things. She may have only been 16, but she wasn’t stupid. Her father was a military man, Jeff was a military man as well for Christ’s sake, she knew things where it counted. Alan never tried to figure out why, though, since he was just happy he could see Scott more often. Scott was happy too, everyone was, but the eldest was reserved. Careful with his interactions. As if whatever he touched shattered in his mere presence.

13-year-old Alan? Never really picked up on that until too late.

She got snippets from Scott over the call: he was in some kind of sour mood and did the logical thing and waited it out in his locked room (it really wasn’t that logical, but all the other options were worse so he took what he got). At some point, Alan had shown up outside his door (Scott found one of the kid’s toy cars right outside his door, as well as dirt tracks only Alan could leave) and tried to get the brunette’s attention. Except Scott was pretty out of it, trying not to snap any pens in half or God forbid punch a hole in the wall, so he never heard any of Alan’s attempts to get him to come out.

Oh yeah, Scott also knew it was Alan because he noticed a small sticky note on his door with the word ‘Sorry’ chicken-scratched onto it.

Alan took the silent treatment as his fault (hopefully not deserved, Scott was already feeling shit-tastic) and scampered off somewhere. Scott was going to find his younger brother and make things right and explain his actions, but then seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned into half-an-hour. Wherever Alan went to was a place Scott didn’t know existed apparently, and that just about made everything worse.

After nearly an hour of searching, he caved in and called for the only other help he had at the moment.

Which was her.

John was in space, and Grandma was out picking up Virgil and Gordon from their weekend off. Gordon got special tickets to something because of his gold-medal status, and Virgil was the obvious extra-ticket pick. On their way home, John would be picked up by the three of them as well. It was going to be one of the few fleeting moments they all were in the house at the same time.

Unless she and Scott got off their asses, that plan would be thoroughly jossed.

Taking a deep breath, she finally got a word in between all of his panicking, “Scott! Alright, I’m on the South-West side, so I’ll start looking here, okay? You keep searching the part you’re in and I’ll update you once I get somewhere else or if I find him.”

Labored breathing filled her ear before a rather large gulp cut it off, “Okay, sounds good.”

The call was cut and they haven’t been in contact since.

She wasn’t sure what part of the island she was on when she found him. Not usually her typical shtick, to panic without thinking, even if that panic was small, but regardless, she stepped onto a rocky part of the beach and looked around. She almost missed the mop of blonde hair sitting against the tallest one, absentmindedly staring off at the calm waves hitting the rocks further into the bay.

Making light steps, she eventually was able to sit down next to him a few inches away and watched the kid intently. She was quite familiar with the feeling of a thousand words wanting to spill out of your mouth at the same time, and she could clearly see it on Alan’s face, so she did the proper thing and waited for Alan to start.

When he did, she was caught off guard.

“I’m sorry.”

Wait, what? “What?”

Alan shrugged like it was obvious, “I don’t know. A lot of things. I wanna help out so much but whenever I do it seems like I just make it worse so that just leaves me to wonder what I need to change or if that would even matter in the long run… I just…”

As the blonde curled in on himself, still mumbling half-baked excuses (as if the kid thought he needed an excuse to feel shitty), a million thoughts hit Kayo at the same time, frying the gears in her brain with how they added up. Alan’s little display of low self-confidence reminded her of something she didn’t like to think about a lot.

She was… horrifyingly reminded of herself.

With it, she was already connecting dots between the two of them from the past few years of living together. Things like their tantrums (holy cow was she a stubborn child to her father sometimes), their eagerness to prove themselves for things that didn’t really need to be proven, their unhealthy need to lean towards silence when something is troubling them, now their seemingly poor viewpoints of themselves…

All she wanted to do was help Scott out, and so far all she was getting for it was a sudden identity crisis.

The gut reaction Kayo had was to deny it. How could she possibly have anything in common with Alan? Alan had a lot in common with Gordon, and she was the exact opposite of the second youngest. She was reminded of those transitive laws John was telling Alan about one day when it was the ginger’s turn to help with homework. A equaled B while B equaled C always meant A equaled C as well. A and B as Alan and Gordon respectively made sense, but if she was C? No sense at all, completely phony, not possible in the slightest. There were exceptions to every rule after all.

Besides, Alan had an ego to rival Gordon’s too, he never worried about things like ‘am I truly in the way or not?’. He was the youngest, the youngest never was in the eyes of good older siblings-- and the Tracys were good, good in ways she herself would probably never reach. She might have been an only child growing up but she read enough about proper family dynamics to know that.

But as the grief-stricken 13-year-old started to understand things not even some adults twice his age never fully learned right in front of her, she had to admit that the laws of physics were not to be trifled with. John was probably having a conniption over the mere thought of it. Knowing him, he felt a sudden chill for no reason because of her denial. He was weird like that. It also made her start to think about her relationship with Gordon. Maybe she held herself to too high of standards… or maybe even him.

Right, right, she should worry about the blonde in front of her. Didn’t Gordon have issues about his thoughts jumping around all willy nilly? That’s what she can at least start with when she gets there, but she should probably get there first, “Alan, look at me.”

The kid just shrunk further into himself.

This was troublesome, “Alan. Look up.”

She watched him blatantly shake his head no.

Okay, now it was exasperating. Not for the reasons she typically felt, though, it was annoying because a 13-year-old should not be shrugging off help like he was, that was the beginning of a bad habit, “Alright, Alan Tracy, you leave me no choice.”

Those words were just ominous enough for Alan to jump his head up from his knees in shock. Before he could blink the tears out of his eyes, Kayo was up in his personal space with her eyes wide due to a look of… hesitation?

Out of all the places she could have stopped, why did it have to be two inches away from his face? She wasn’t even sure why she was doing this. Sure, it calmed her down when her father did it, but her father was much more graceful about it, much more parental. If she wasn’t careful she might just give the child in front of her a headbutt right on the soft part of his face more than anything else.

Regardless, she was here, and she was on a roll with not making sense tonight. Besides, didn’t she just go over all the things they had in common? Surely this will work… hopefully. Potentially. At least a 60% chance. With a deep breath, she closed the distance and lightly placed her forehead on his. It might have been cliche, but when she saw how much he relaxed, she couldn’t help that feeling from washing over her too.

Alan, meanwhile, was strangely okay with this. It was new and weird, but it also felt… safe? Like Virgil’s hugs or Scott’s jackets, there was an air of warmth to this that Alan liked so he let it be to do whatever it was doing well. The knots in his chest were loosening up.

After awkwardly staring into Alan’s blue eyes for longer than she should, she finally figured out how to word all the emotions swirling around in her brain. It was short, it probably was only a short term fix, but at the time it worked like a charm, “I may not know a lot about things yet, but I do know that whatever you’re thinking will happen most certainly won’t. Scott isn’t angry or thought you were in the way. Honestly, he might be worried you’re not in the way enough. Trust me, Scott will just be happy to see you safe.”

Alan won’t be able to tell you what convinced him that night. Maybe her sincerity, maybe her touch, maybe he was just tired and the idea of seeing Scott again was enough to wake him up, but whatever it was, when Kayo stood up, he did too and walked right back home.

They made it back to the house right as the sun was coming up. Subconsciously gently taking his hand, Kayo made sure Alan trailed behind her a little bit. She never really figured out why, it’s not like there was anything to protect him from that night, but she still felt the need to do that. Eventually, they sauntered their way towards the kitchen, where she heard Scott rambling about his current grievances.

She froze momentarily at another voice replying to Scott’s panic.

“Scott, take it easy, it’s not like a 13-year-old could get that far anywhere on the island--”

“He shouldn’t be able to get anywhere on the island in the first place, John, that’s the point! God, why was I so fucking stupid in letting that happen? Here I thought the breathing exercises were working! Jesus--”

“Alright, first of all, if you don’t slow down I’m going to force you to do more of them, you’re practically turning purple, and second of all, this is fixable. It is, but it won’t be if you keep running around like a chicken with its head cut off. If it makes you feel better, we can call Virgil, Gordon, and Grandma back from their ‘big secret thing’ they scampered off to right as they got me home if you want. Kayo is also capable at what she does, you fricking called her yourself. Would you like to go for another round around the island?”

There were Scott and John. In the same room. At the same time. Kayo rubbed her eyes in an attempt to see if what was in front of her were just spots in her vision. Blinking away the tears that formed because of the action, she learned they weren’t. Huh, lots of things were new and different tonight.

Weird.

Scott shook his head, “No, from what you described, Gordon was excited, as well as Virgil and Grandma. This isn’t an emergency. Not yet. Let’s call Kayo. If she hasn’t found anything, we can go one more time.”

That was her cue to step in, “You know, I always wondered why Virgil said he couldn’t exactly describe what you two were like when you’re in ‘panic mode’, and I think I now see why. It’s pure chaos. Here, you worried lunatics.”

The oldest brothers jumped at the voice, and with the fury of a thousand suns, they looked over to her waist to see the ball of freckles they desperately wanted to see. Scott stood up and John turned his body to be faced to Alan, both of them taut. They took one step forward, and Alan flinched behind Kayo’s leg, which made them both falter and stop on the spot.

Slightly rolling her eyes, she kneeled down to Alan and placed her forehead against the kid’s as she did those minutes ago, “Alan, what did we talk about?”

Both Scott and John blinked at the way Alan seamlessly calmed down with the interaction. Holding their breaths, Alan took a deep one of his own and turned to look at them with newfound determination. Within the blink of an eye, Scott had a limpet attached to his legs and waist, holding him in place. It was very difficult getting down to the floor to hug him back without falling flat on his ass. Alan was holding his center of balance in one tiny spot, but if Scott has learned anything, it was how to work around four unruly younger brothers.

John, at some point, came to stand next to Kayo as they watched the scene before them. After a few seconds, Alan leaned out and sniffed, “I’m sorry, Scooter, for scaring you. I know I’m not supposed to run off without telling anyone where I went, no matter why I’m running off. I promise to not do it again.”

Scott let out a few wet chuckles and ruffled the kid’s hair, not worried about that anymore in the slightest, “Well, I’m glad you know to apologize for that, but I think I need to apologize for some things as well. I’m sorry I ignored you, okay? I didn’t mean to, and I promise to properly explain what happened in the morning when we’re not so tired.”

Kayo saw John grimace out of the corner of her eye. She never exactly figured out what in Scott’s statement he did so over.

Alan seemed to take it for the most part. Most part, being the key term there, “But I understand! Or at least some of it… Adults have adult things they need to do, which I shouldn’t have tried interrupting. Which is also why Grandma is taking you away to do that training of yours. You’re going to get another adult job like the one you had before, and you’re going to be gone because of that too, and that’s okay! I--”

Scott shushed him with a finger over his lip, “There are a few things wrong with that statement of yours, little bro. And thank you for pointing out my last job, there were a few things I did wrong with that too. I went weeks without calling any of you when I very easily could have, and with a job like that, I probably scared you all half to death. Trust me, Sprout, tonight was a good kick in the pants. Alright, I’ll at least explain this now: I’m going to handle my new job a little differently. Every day I’m off the island, I’ll be sure to send some kind of message, hopefully, a call, but a text at the least. Scout’s Honor.”

Scott did the familiar hand movement, signifying that the Scout’s Honor was in place and was not to be broken at any point. She never figured out how Scott did it. Knew what to say even if the comforting words seemed like they had nothing to do with the current topic at hand. After all, despite jumping from ‘not running off like that’ to ‘Scott’s new job’, she watched as Alan fully relaxed and leaned back into his big brother’s arms while said big brother melted all around him like a pile of protective goo. The scene was peaceful, and Kayo could feel herself tearing--

“GUYS! OH MY GOD GUESS WHAT?! I--”

And there it went.

Like a bomb, Gordon was suddenly in the area screaming about something. Right as his foot slapped the tile of the kitchen, he froze and read the room around him while breathing heavily. Looking down at a kneeling Scott hugging Alan, Gordon sobered up, “Oh. Hey Allie, didn’t you say you wanted to watch Jurrasic World at some point?”

As obtuse as Gordon could be, he was always the best at brightening up the situation.

About a fourth of the way through the movie, Gordon, Scott, and Alan were all clonked out in some weird pretzel on the couch. Virgil and Grandma were in the kitchen quietly thinking of what to get ready for Gordon (getting accepted into WASP while being a gold-medal athlete at the same time was no easy feat), so that left John and her to do everything but watch the movie.

Kayo barely registered John’s awkward coughing as an attempt to catch her attention. When he saw that it finally worked, he seemed to get embarrassed about what he was going to say, “So… that thing you did with Alan.”

Kayo blinked in confusion.

John quickly explained, “That forehead press? He was really comforted by that. I was just thinking… could you show us how it’s done? At least Scott and I, but if you could show Virgil and Gordon too that would be nice. I think Alan’s starting to form mine and Scott’s bad habit of panic attacks, so to have that gesture in our back pocket would help.”

Kayo thought about John’s words for a moment before shrugging, “Yeah, sure. My father taught yours how to do it so I don’t see why I can’t do something similar.”

The silence suddenly wanted to choke her. Suddenly looking over at John, she saw the ginger with wide eyes, “... Our dad? Why?”

Oh shit. Jeff was a sensitive subject in the house, and she tried her best to tiptoe around it until now. Especially when it wasn’t her father that was dead. Eh, she’ll hate pulling a tab from Gordon’s page in the future, but, “He wanted something special for Lucy since he wasn’t exactly the most graceful swan on the planet. My father did it with a lot of his friends he considered close, as well as my mother, so Jeff asked him the meaning behind it and viola. Your father was a slightly more refined person.”

Watching John blink a few times made her think she fucked up even more, but then he literally chuckled as he absentmindedly looked back towards the movie, “Yeah, ain’t that an understatement.”

She relaxed and copied his actions, the feeling of confidence washing over her like a warm blanket as her eyes graced the TV. She may not have fully been a Tracy, but she had to begrudgingly admit that she was too much like them for her own good. Jeff’s ‘peas in a pod’ statement was really coming back to bite her in the ass.

Gordon loudly snored from Scott’s lap, making both Kayo and John jump.

… Yeah, too much for her own good.

---

Fuse told her to run ahead and that was all she needed to start booking it down the compound towards Gordon and Virgil.

The map their uncle gave them was helpful, but it just emphasized how deep in shit they all were. Also, she had to admit she felt slightly bad. Once John convinced her that Fuse was really there to help and after she listened to their plan, maybe she should have fought it more as Scott and Gordon did. She was just so relieved to finally have something to go off of after nearly a month. When five boys left to get Jeff and only four came back…

Watch out for her uncle.

Fuse wasn’t expecting it either, so at least it wasn’t a planned trap. But still, it’s her job to prevent this shit. Not let the Tracys walk right into it.

Shaking her head, she refocused on getting to the two brothers currently closest to her position. She was part of IR, she was still good at rescuing too. It was just a small pinch in the back of her head. The only thing she wanted to do in life at the least was protect the Tracy family from anything else her uncle threw at them.

Heh, the irony.

Right before she rounded the corner, she heard something akin to ungodly screeching.

“You should have stayed dead!”

“We-hell, if there’s anything I’m known for, it’s being disappointing!” Cheeky laughter came next.

Well, that second voice was Gordon. But the first one was female, and that threw Kayo a little off. The voice was still familiar, but she was pretty sure Penelope was off getting the GDF to their location, and Grandma was back home making sure Jeff didn’t shoot out of his chair to come help them. Plus, ‘you should have stayed dead’ was something those two ladies would never say, let alone to a family member, so why did that voice sound familiar?

She took one step around the corner and--

“Havoc.”

The growl was out of her mouth before she could help it. Talk about a sight for sore eyes.

She stopped running and took in the view. Gordon was breathing heavily and grinning in that way that said he was terrified out of his mind. Behind him on the ground was Virgil holding his head. His breathing was labored too, albeit not as bad as Gordon. Considering the blunt object Havoc was holding, Kayo quickly figured out why Virgil got Alan to run.

The air must have been stuffy because as Kayo focused on her labored breathing, she watched the hacker also continue to breathe heavily, her eyes wide with craze. Kayo stomped her boot down promptly in between the boys and the nuisance in the room, “Gordon, get your brother out of here.”

Gordon blinked in confusion but then was on Virgil in a way that reminded the middle Tracy of Scott. Virgil, for once, was hoping Gordon would listen to his innate response to not follow orders. The musician’s hope was promptly squashed as he yelped when Gordon picked him up and supported him as they walked out of the room, “Hey! Gordon--”

Gordon was surprised at how easily he shrugged off Virgil’s protest. That’s probably why he listened to Kayo’s order to get him out so easily, “Yeah, yeah, save whatever you’re gonna say for the potential concussion, bro.”

Kayo could only listen as the two sauntered away, as Havoc tried leaping after them again, intent on finishing what she started. Kayo stopped the woman in her tracks with a kick, and now all of the anger was directed at Kayo herself. Good. She had some choice words for The Chaos Crew member in front of her, “You’ve made an awful amount of mistakes recently.”

The lady growled and lunged, which Kayo easily avoided. The hacker landed on her knees and looked up, “We’re they mistakes, or happy accidents?”

Kayo scowled even more, “I think you know what they were, and you liked it that way.”

Havoc shrugged, her grin becoming even wider, “Yeah, you’re right, they were wonderful accidents.”

Havoc was back on her feet and now it was Kayo’s turn to lunge. Kayo didn’t need to win, just waste enough time for everyone else to finish their parts of the plan, though, she would be lying if she said she didn’t feel satisfaction at going toe-to-toe with this lady.

She was pretty sure John was out of his mind like the rest of his family thought, but the more she saw Fuse in action, the more she understood the astronaut’s point of view. Fuse was smart when he wanted to be, if a bit oblivious, and there was no complaining about him giving them information about Alan’s whereabouts.

Plus… she was begrudgingly starting to see the appeal of Fuse himself. Of what he had been through. She was an older sister to a singular younger sibling too, maybe not the best one, but from what she was seeing, Havoc didn’t exactly rank up high on the list either.

As she continued to brawl with the lady-in-purple, she probably should have cooled her anger a little bit. The more she thought about Alan or Havoc and Fuse or her uncle or, hell, even the way Gordon and Virgil made their way to safety just a few minutes prior, the more she was reminded of how wrong this had all been, about how much more diffifcult life was made by idiots like Havoc and The Hood. How tired she was from all of it, which was another reason she should have taken a breather.

Long story short: it was making her more aggressive, less thoughtful of her next actions. She eventually started swinging without purpose, which Havoc was hoping to happen. She used an opening those actions created and knocked the female member of IR to the floor.

Suddenly, Kayo was pinned and the metal pipe was raised, and right as she closed her eyes and prepared to take the hit, a quiet voice spoke from a few feet away, preventing the hit from happening altogether.

“Sis?”

Both women froze, and both turned their heads ever so slowly at the new voice. Despite his size, Fuse was standing off in the shadows and looked incredibly small. Like she had almost been burned, Havoc jumped off Kayo and was standing up, eyes pleading for something Kayo wasn’t sure the hacker exactly wanted, “What? No, you got away! You ran! You’re not supposed to be here, it’s not--”

Kayo, who couldn’t find the energy to stand, watched with growing understanding. Watched Havoc’s wide eyes in contemplation, the woman’s panic slowly making sense. It was hard to imagine, but it couldn’t be anything else. Havoc was, in fact, scared for Fuse. He probably already pissed off The Hood, and Havoc was left to barely cool the flames lest she wanted a dead brother. Maybe that’s why she didn’t follow Fuse. She wanted to stay behind to make sure Fuse’s small chance of surviving was as big as it could be.

Huh, it was weird to think about The Chaos Crew in any other form outside of their established ‘chaotic’ selves, but maybe sibling dynamics were so powerful it was just a universal thing.

Maybe Kayo misjudged her actions like she did Fuse’s. Maybe Havoc wasn’t too bad of a sister.

Meanwhile, Fuse took her panic as anger. Betrayal. He left her behind, so of course, she deserved to be angry. He abandoned her after all, for a family they’ve been deadset on destroying for the past however long. But that was the other thing, wasn’t it? This family who he had hurt so many times before still showed him a level of decency he wasn’t aware was possible. A level of decency when siblings are allowed to be siblings and nothing else.

That’s what they thought they would get when they were persuaded by The Hood with his smarmy exterior, but now that he’s been helping out the Tracys, he realized The Hood was the exact opposite.

Despite his misunderstanding, what he said was exactly what his sister needed to hear.

With wide eyes, he looked directly at his only other family, “Camilla…” Havoc jumped, Fuse continued without hesitation, “We can be free, you know. The Mechanic got away. He’s safe on Tracy Island. I talked to him. He’s happy, we can be too, and it’s all thanks to them.” He gestured toward Kayo off to the side.

Meanwhile, the IR lady in question did what she did best: sat in silence and watched as Havoc slowly understood the situation, “... Really?”

Fuse started smiling, smiling, and Kayo had to blink before he spoke once more, “Yeah, we need to do some things and spend some time to make up for everything that we did, but it will be away from him, you know? It’s possible. I’ve seen it, experienced it, you can too. I promise.”

Havoc lost all of her edge at those words. Her insane exterior melted away into a woman who was finally realizing she didn’t have to fight anymore, that she was no longer backed into a corner, “Wow…”

Younger siblings. No matter the family, they always manage to leave their older siblings speechless.

Rolling her eyes and standing up, Kayo wiped off her pants and walked over to the entirety of The Chaos Crew. There was another younger sibling that needed to be found, “Alright, now that we got this out of the way, let’s make that pathway for the GDF. Fuse, you know what to do.”

Once Fuse registered Kayo’s words, the grin that overtook his face was no longer relaxed but giddy instead, “Come’ on, sis, you’ve said you wanted to learn how to do more of my stuff right?”

For some reason, Havoc’s grin was too, “Hell yes.”

As Kayo helped The Chaos Crew set up charges like John said to do, she also remembered another thing the ginger told her while they were preparing the last few things they needed to prepare before they went out on their big mission. He is the reason we’re probably getting Alan back. As an older sibling, it’s the least I could do for him. Little siblings, ours or not, always made us Tracys act rather irrationally.

Later, when Kayo saw Alan and Scott limp out of the hole The Chaos Crew made with and even worse looking Hood, she was also reminded of the fact of life that said John was always right.

Little siblings really do bring out the worst and best of you.

---

It only took a few nights before the obvious happened.

For once in her life, Kayo was asleep in her bed when unholy screaming filled the hallways of Tracy Island. It was autopilot with the way she threw her bedsheets off and was standing up, but she only realized what was truly happening when she reached her doorway. Alan. Instead of running and preparing to fight whatever was causing the distress, she was simply running to get to the location as fast as she could.

Now, everyone knew she was one of the fastest people on the island, it was her job, but even she had to admit that, no matter how much she loved these boys and vice versa, they would be better at the whole ‘need to comfort’ thing. At least in the form of hugs and kisses and shhshing nightmares away. She subconsciously knew to keep her strides slow and steady so her search-and-destroy mode wasn’t the first thing to be at Alan’s place of rest. Just like she wanted, when she reached the youngest’s room, John and Gordon were patiently waiting right outside while Virgil stood vigilant by Jeff to make sure the father didn’t collapse right then and there. That meant Scott was inside.

She was breathing heavily when she walked the last few feet to the family, “Any updates?”

Uncharacteristically so, John rubbed his hands over his face in defeat while Gordon was the one to explain what they knew, “No, not yet. Scooter’s in there trying to calm the flames.”

Speaking of which, there was a rather large thunk from inside the room. As the family jumped in shock, Alan’s door suddenly swung open, and as quick as it did that, it shut once more with a rather frantic Scott on the side with the rest of the family leaning against it. His hands were flat and shaking against the door, and his breathing verged on the territory of hyperventilation.

Kayo simply stared. Everything was being thrown off its axis tonight.

Again.

Gordon, who could be as tactful as his father (which was not at all), didn’t understand why Scott ran out of the room. Nobody did, but he was the only one who seemed to be willing to ask questions, “Scott, what the hell?! What’s wrong?!”

The brother in question closed his eyes, his fists clenching slowly against the closed door. He shakily exhaled as he opened his eyes to look his family in their faces, “L-Listen, I couldn’t stay in there, I j-just…”

Virgil, who was being reasonable and logical, simply stated other options like any other person would in a situation such as this one, “Scott, it’s okay if this sets off some bad memories. We might not have the magic touch you do, but we all have our own ways of calming him down. Maybe I can--”

Too bad all of his words hit Scott like a ton of bricks for each syllable, for each suggestion, “No! That’s not it, the rest of you will give him the same reaction, trust me,” his words left no room for argument, and suddenly, every throat in the hallway got dry.

Gordon needed to shut up, “What?! That doesn’t make any sense! If there’s anything that can help him right now it would be us!”

Scott’s shaking stopped. Now he was getting annoyed, but only because he didn’t want to drop the literal bomb on his family about why going to see Alan was going to make it worse, “Gordon, just believe me sincerely for once in your life”

John was trying to play the mediator like he always did, “Guys! Give Scott a second to explain, holy--”

Seriously, Gordon, knock it off, “Yeah, Scott, I wanna know why you think leaving our baby brother to his demons is such a good idea!”

Jeff, who Kayo suddenly remembered was there, finally gave his two cents, “Please stop yelling, we already had one family member scream tonight, let’s not make that number bigger.”

The idea of hitting Gordon over the head with a chair was very thrilling all of a sudden, “I won’t if Scott pulls his head out of his ass!”

Virgil had his hands up in a surrender position, “Jesus, I’m sorry I said anything.”

Really, just a good whack would do Gordon some good, “No, you were absolutely right in suggesting it, so now why--”

The voices were becoming like nails on a chalkboard even to Kayo, so God knew what torture they were for Scott. She watched Scott intently, waiting and hoping that when the straw on the camel’s back broke the explosion wouldn’t be too hard to clean up.

When it happened, she was so caught off guard by what Scott eventually blurted out that she could no longer even begin to think about metaphorical mops or hazmat suits.

“Goddammit, you want an explanation?! It was because he was scared!”

The rest of the brothers jumped at the confession. While their eyes were still wide, Scott let out a breathy curse and explained further, “He was scared of me. The more I was in there, the worse he got, okay? I’m sorry, but after everything that happened, I think he’s just going to react similarly to you guys because...” Another curse. Scott closed his eyes and moved his head so his face faced the floor.

The rest of the family immediately became downtrodden. Dammit dammit dammit. This was to be expected, but it didn’t fucking hurt any less. They were all generally aware of what The Hood put Alan through, so they had been way more reserved with their comforts than they would have been at any other time, but the fact that this was going so far as to completely prevent that same comfort after an awful night terror...

Gordon, who was too much like Alan when it came to handling shock, metaphorically grasped at the air, “But we can’t just leave him to suffer. He just woke up the ocean border of every country around us with how loud his screams were! We can’t-- he--”

Kayo, who was not a sentimental person at heart, found herself gently speaking for once in her life, “Do you… Do you think he used me?”

The brothers blinked, telling Kayo: Huh, we’re not sure.

Taking a deep breath, Kayo started towards the door, Scott reluctantly moved out of the way, and right as her hand graced the edge to open it, “Wait, Jeff, what about you? You are his father after all.”

The oldest four sons suddenly looked at him with faces that said she has a point. It would only be fair for him to have a shot as well. But before any of the sons could help Kayo’s argument, “Well, I was wondering that too, but then you suggested yourself first before anything else and I realized you, Miss Tanusha, had grown a soft spot. I don’t want to get in the way of that now do I?”

Blushing at all of their grins (the assholes, why did she like this family again), she abruptly looked back at the door, took a deep breath and descended into hell. A few of her spirits were lifted as she listened to Gordon apologize to Scott as she shut the door. She couldn’t stop the grin that fell over her face at Scott’s reassurance even if she wanted to either. We’re too much alike when we want to be, buddy, I get it.

With the door fully shut behind her, she lost her grin, exhaled that deep breath she took, looked up to fully take in the room and wasn’t sure what broke inside her first at the sight.

Curled on the floor on the other side of the bed to the doorway was a bundle of trembling sheets. From the way there were none left on the bed, Kayo quickly assumed what that large thunk was from earlier. She hoped the rest of the brothers paid attention to Scott right now. He was probably in shambles after what he must felt like he caused.

Her shoulders deflated as she carefully trotted over closer. Making sure there was at least half-a-foot between them, she kneeled in front of the pile of sheets and thought about what to say first. It took her a minute, but once she saw those trembles die down ever so slightly, “Alan, do you need me to get you anything?”

A flinch from the pile, but she held steady. After what felt like a million years, she watched as a familiar mop of blonde poked its head out from the sheets. Along with it, blue eyes and freckles for days came back to the land of the living. Was her sigh of relief obvious? She hoped it wasn’t.

Watching Alan melt into the dresser behind him with his sheets still wrapped about his shoulders, Kayo took the opportunity to sit criss-cross-apple-sauce in front of him and continue to wait silently. Suddenly, Alan closed his eyes but also started... grinning? Huh. Blinking once, she watched as Alan’s hands came out from under the bedspread and started moving, Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?

Her father already had her learning sign language because of her deaf maternal godmother, so when the boys asked her if she knew any she was one step ahead.

She too couldn’t stop the grin that fell over her face. Even after screaming his lungs out, Alan was still Alan, “I suppose I could say the same for you, you know. I was worried I would have to get a shovel to dig you out of that pile for a minute.”

Alan opened his eyes to look directly at her green ones and relaxed even more. As he sat up straighter, the sheets on his shoulders fell off just a little bit, almost symbolically representing the way a butterfly comes out of one’s cocoon, Yeah, that would’ve sucked. So, where’d you chase your creepy uncle off to? He never had the balls to be you, probably worried he didn’t have the finesse to play a woman, so--

Kayo flinched momentarily at the question in the first part of his statement. It was very small and brief, but it was certainly enough for Alan to get the picture.

Alan’s eyes widened in panic, and Kayo could clearly see what kind of thoughts were violently swimming around in his head. Oh God, that’s right, I’ve been saved, which meant that wasn’t The Hood, that was-- sugar honey iced tea, what the heck did I do?!

Kayo would be lying if she said she didn’t start panicking at the sight of Alan’s panic. Way to go. You’re doing the exact opposite of what you came in here for, idiot. The only thing that kept her grounded was the fact that Alan was on the verge of passing out, making her brain function due to the need to prioritize. Your self-deprecation was below the need to make sure Alan stayed calm, for all that it stung.

For once in her life she found herself taking a shot in the dark by placing her hand gently on his shoulder, ignoring the minor flinch he made at the contact, “Alan, it’s going to be alright, they understand that y--”

Suddenly, Alan jumped away from her contact and slightly thumped his head against the dresser behind him once more, making Kayo wince. During that whole process, Alan was shaking his head in denial and pulling the sheets tighter around him once more. Like a baby swaddling itself in its blanket. Again, Alan wasn’t signing anything, but Kayo could read his emotions loud and clear. That’s still not okay! I’m not scared of him, I’m not, yet I still flinched and jumped away from him like he was the one that continuously hurt me for the past month. They’ve been working their butts off to save me, and they did, they’ve given up so much for me and I can’t thank them without flinching or crying like a child.

As she was reading his eyes for the last sentence, he just had to go and sign it himself, Why did The Hood have to ruin me? Wasn’t I already bad enough?

John occasionally mentioned how Alan felt out of place in the rest of his family, and Gordon, Scott, and even Virgil, who was the most asinine about following protocol to a T, always cautioned her about being a little loose with the way Alan acted sometimes, but to see it so blatantly tonight tore her chest every which-a-way. It was a thing she was aware of, she had seen snippets throughout the years (their beach conversation being the worst, or, used to be now), but she selfishly hoped she never would see it when it was this bad...

Well, she had to admit that she’s never been the most tactful person. Gordon, eat your heart out.

Getting up on her knees, she shoved herself into Alan’s personal bubble, firmly placed her hands on his shoulders and made him look her directly in the eyes, “Alan Tracy, you have a grave misunderstanding of the current situation.”

The boy’s eyes widened, and before he could do anything else, Kayo continued, wondering where in the world her words were coming from, “All of you boys have been damaged in ways that won’t be overcome with a song and a dance. Your family is going to feel like shit, you are going to feel like shit, there will be emotional and animalistic reactions none of you can help after such events, even I’m guilty of them, but that’s… okay.”

Alan slowly blinked at her hesitation, suddenly aware of certain weaknesses he wasn’t sure Kayo had. She inhaled through her nose and her serious demeanor was back, “You all have insecurities that I can’t address, mainly because I’m bad at doing that for my issues as well,” Alan snorted, “But that’s okay. What The Hood didn’t wasn’t good, and you’re going to feel his wrath years after the fact, hell, there’s a chance you’ll never truly get over his words,” believe her, “But we also have ways to, not ignore it per se, but make it easier to have such hurtful lies ring around our brains. Your answer, and maybe mine as well, is the incredibly stupid, incredibly stubborn, and incredibly headstrong family waiting outside that doorway to make sure you’re okay.”

Remembering exactly how she taught these boys so long ago, Kayo gently but surely placed her forehead against his, “You boys have ridiculous amounts of love to last for days, and if I didn’t love you all as much as you love each other, I would hit every single one of you every time you lost sight of it. Believe me, Alan, that’s a lot of bruises.”

Leaning back like a gust of wind, she waited and watched as the flabbergasted look on Alan’s face slowly morphed into contemplation. After holding her breath for longer than necessary, she exhaled as she watched Alan’s hands form the words she wanted to hear, Could you… get Scott for me? I wanna say some things to him. Tonight.

With a cheeky smile, she boosted herself up on her knee and started walking out of the room, “Sure thing, Alan.”

She was pretty sure he watched her leave until she got out into the hallway and shut the door. Once she was there, she was met with five pairs of beady eyes, probably expecting something worse than what she had. With a sigh, she looked at Scott, “He wants to see you again.”

Scott jumped while the rest of the men relaxed in some way shape or form. When their motions were done, Scott’s shoulders sagged too. As Kayo moved out of the way to trade places with Scott he like did for her earlier, she quickly laid her hand upon his shoulder to catch his attention for one last word, “If the first thing that comes from his hands is “I’m sorry”, please do me the utmost favor and smack him for me.”

Blinking, Scott registered her words with a smile, “Don’t worry, it’ll be for all of us.”

With a nod, Scott was inside the room once, and the rest of the family finally and fully relaxed. Now then, her hands were on her hips, “Alright, unless you boys want to sleep out in the hallway, it’s off to bed with you all.”

The rest of the brothers (and Jeff, who was supposed to be in his 50s for Christ’s sake) widened their eyes and opened their mouths like fishes in the process of objecting. Clearly, they were willing to spend the night out in the hallway, though, she should have expected that of them. With an aggressive sigh, she stopped them in their tracks, “Unless you want Alan to feel any more guilt over things he shouldn’t feel guilty about, you should avoid the cricks in your necks while you can.”

Watching them wince, she figured she won.

After a few minutes along with some last goodnights, the boys were off to their rooms in the hope that they would find even just a little more sleep after tonight. All except for two, Virgil and Jeff, which Kayo watched as the former struggled to support the latter, exhausted with previous events. Suddenly, another seemingly out-of-character idea hit Kayo, and once again, she didn’t mind following it.

While she may not have had as much muscle mass as him, Virgil did comment once that she was just as strong as he was, “Virgil, go to bed. I can get your father to his.”

Virgil blinked, and before he could utter a word out, Jeff spoke for him, “Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. You need sleep, Jack, don’t try and fool these old eyes.”

With a playful roll of his eyes, Virgil played ‘pass the dad’ with Kayo. As soon as his father was off of his shoulder, he threw his hands up in the air. He was down the hall and facing the other direction when they heard him shout, “For the last time, I was not a beanstalk, I was reasonably skinny! Reasonably!”

Kayo and Jeff were left to chuckle as they slowly made their way to the father’s room. About halfway there, Jeff glanced over to Kayo with what was supposed to be a simple question, “So, how’s Kyrano?”

Kayo thought she would flinch at the mention of her father, but instead, she simply tilted her head and blinked as she considered the question, “He’s relatively okay. His retirement has been treating him well, at least.”

She noticed his grimace the word ‘retirement’ but stayed quiet as he began to talk, “Ah, I guess he would’ve taken my absence pretty hard. His favorite part was working with me, or more specifically, trying to one-up me. I couldn’t even get him to go home when he was running a fever, you know.”

Kayo rolled her eyes, very much aware of her father’s friendly rivalry with Jeff and how far he took it, “Well, I think he’ll have to surrender this time. Coming back from the dead would be considered too crazy. Even for him.”

Jeff chuckled, knowing she was right, “Finally pulled one over on him. Who would’a thought the day would come.”

Kayo, right before they delved into silence once more, stated something with no room for argument, “I should take you to see him. He would appreciate the surprise.”

Jeff sought no reason to argue in the first place, “I think I would appreciate that as well.”

It was a quiet trip back to his room from then on. He left the door slightly ajar, so it was easy for her to kick it open gently. As she brought him over to his bed, she gandered around the room to look at the new objects strewn about. No longer a bedroom from a magazine advertisement, it was finally more personalized. Different types of shoes were strewn about the ground, including a pair of ugly slippers, the color of the area no longer a dull grey-green but more of a deep maroon, and the small work desk in the corner had a few pictures laid atop it as well.

Most of which were his family and kids. Kayo would later deny blushing at the one of her and Gordon sparring.

She knew Mrs. Tracy took pictures that day, and she must have given Jeff that one when the father asked for some from the eight years of his disappearance

So caught up in the moment, she didn’t think as she gently set Jeff down on top of his covers, cleared her throat, and walked out of the room without a word. That was before his voice rang out in the room, stopping her in her tracks.

“Hey, Kayo?”

She stopped right in his doorway, throat tight with emotion as she looked back at him, “Yes, Jeff?”

His vision flickered around the room in uncertainty. “Thank you,” he finally said, voice husky with something Kayo wasn’t willing to describe, “For keeping them safe.”

Kayo, still looking over her shoulder, formed one of the tiniest grins imaginable, “Of course, someone had to make sure their dumbasses didn’t do anything drastic. Your mother and Lady Penelope could only do so much. Goodnight, Jeff.”

As Jeff laid back down, his shoulders sagged, “Goodnight, Kayo.”

With that, the bedroom door became shut, yet the future became wide open with millions of possibilities.

For once, Kayo looked forward to that uncertainty.

#thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #kayo kyrano #alan tracy #kyrano #jeff tracy #fuse thunderbirds #havoc thunderbirds #my post #my fic #series: rules of alchemy

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hello-sad-im-dad · 4 years

Text

A Tale Of Paper Airplanes Romance And Marshmallows (Prinxiety oneshot)

A fanfiction based on this post by @naoko-shiakuma :

"Virgil is a caretaker who was hired by Remus's parents to take care of him and when Roman came home from school he was met with a cute boy on his living room playing with his little brother."

Characters: Virgil, Roman and kid!Remus + briefly Roman and Remus's parents.

Relationships: Platonic Virgil×Remus, brotherly Remus×Roman and the begining of romantic Roman×Virgil.

Word count: 2.3k

Tw: none

Ao3 link

---

Virgil wasn't normally good with kids.

It's not like he didn't like them, he always thought kids have a pure type of innocence and that their imagination is incredible. He could appreciate the happiness they radiate and loved hearing funny stories about them. At times he envied the smiles that rarely seem to come off their face.

But there's a difference between liking kids and being good with them.

They may be cute and not yet corrupted by our society but they can be little devils if they want to. Whether or not they intend to they seem to automatically and effortlessly cause chaos to erupt whenever and wherever they go.

And Remus Sanders was even worse than that.

Remus was a sweet kid, he had a very strong sense of empathy, which was often ignored due to the trouble he created. He would do everything from spilling juice and the cups and mugs containing it off tables and climbing on cupboards and tables at light speed. He was kind of like a human cat.

Remus rarely caused himself any damage but cleaning up after him was pretty much impossible.

Most people would give up on trying to contain him but Virgil didn't really have that option, the only reason he started babysitting is that he needed the money. He didn't think that there was much of a difference between liking kids and being good with them and when he did it was too late and he couldn't find another job so he had to continue working with Remus.

Virgil usually worked with Remus on weekends, it wasn't like he had anything better to do anyway, unlike Remus's brother who he only knew existed from the pictures of him scattered around the house.

He didn't know much about Roman other than the fact that they were the same age. but he noticed that somehow the dude always managed to make plans for every single weekend.

Virgil would usually show up in the morning at around 11:00. He would usually watch TV with Remus while methodically keeping the remote away from him so he won't raise the volume to deafening levels "on accident" again.

At 12:00 they would make lunch, Remus was fascinated by the chemistry behind cooking and Virgil did his best answering his questions while occasionally spilling something and muttering curse replacements (Fudge, shift, etc... ) That he started using around his friends too.

After lunch they would make dessert or Virgil would try to convince Remus to play some board games with him, ultimately failing and usually having to pick up the content of whatever game he was holding up while doing so.

From that point on they would watch TV, take walks and do whatever Remus suggests or agrees to until 16:00 (4 pm) which is when they would focus on cleaning whatever mess was made throughout the day.

At about five Remus's parents arrived home, paid Virgil and he left, exhausted.

He sometimes got the weekends off because Remus's parents stayed home or they made Roman replace him but that was what happened pretty much every week.

This week was different though.

Remus's parents called Virgil at about 7 am on a Tuesday and explained to him that the teachers at Remus's school are protesting and that they needed Virgil to watch him and due to him still being tired, not wanting to go to school and definitely not the existence of a soft spot in his heart for the kid Virgil agreed to watch him.

He came over to the house about an hour later and saw that it was empty. He used the key he had to open the door and called out to Remus.

...

Nothing.

He started looking for him around the house. After he found nothing he went to the kitchen, started looking through the cupboards and grabbed a bag of marshmallows. He crinkled the bag and called out:

" I have something for you here!"

...

"If you don't come out I'm just gonna have to eat all of these delicious beautiful multi-colored marshmallows by myself!"

He started walking towards the laundry room and Remus jumped out from god knows where making Virgil jump.

"Fine you win I want my marshmallows." He said happily.

"If you say please we can make chocolate milk with them and watch tv." Virgil said teasingly.

"Peassss, can we make chocolate milk??" He said in a high pitched voice.

"What was that?" Virgil said, letting him know he noticed the vegetable in the request.

Remus made a disappointed noise.

"Pretty please?" He said while attempting puppy eyes that were definitely not the most adorable thing Virgil has ever seen.

"Just because it's a pretty please."

Remus jumped up, snatched the bag from his hands and started running to the kitchen, earning an annoyed smile from Virgil.

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly and the only thing that made them notice how much time had passed was the arrival of Remus's brother.

Roman was a pretty social person so it wasn't a surprise that it took him a little longer to get home. He and his friends walked around doing god knows what for some time but after a while passed Roman decided he desperately needed a shower and started walking home.

He walked all the way to his house humming Disney songs which was making him even sweatier than before but he forgot about that and just looked at the people walking around him and the cars that occasionally passed by. After about 15-20 minutes of walking, he got home took out his key and went inside.

The moment he went inside him and Virgil locked eyes.

There was something about him that made Virgil's brain falter a bit. He was wearing a loose tank top that exposed his biceps and stuck to his skin highlighting his athletic build and dark blue jeans that only added to that image because they were pretty tight too. He had messy chocolate-colored hair, but the kind of messy that always looked good, giving him an adventurous look that fit his face perfectly, sticking to it a bit due to him being rather sweaty. His brown eyes weren't too special but at that moment he wished the stories were true and that he could look into them and gaze into his soul. Overall, he was a pretty good looking dude.

And he definitely had something to look at, because when he walked in he saw pretty much the opposite of himself. The person in front of him was wearing all black clothes. He was wearing black skinny jeans and a loose black hoodie that somehow perfectly complimented his pale smooth skin. Everything other than his skin was dark. He had shiny dark brown hair topped by a dark gray beanie and fringe covering his beautiful dark brown eyes. He was one of those people you looked at and couldn't help but wonder what their story was.

Virgil saw the red already existing on Romans cheeks due to the heat get even darker and couldn't help but blush too.

After a few seconds Roman came inside and took the focus off of Virgil to see Remus and him sitting on the floor, surrounded by markers and making paper airplanes. And then it clicked in his mind.

"Oh you're that babysitter our parents hired right?"

"What? Oh yeah yeah, that's me." He said while standing up.

There was a brief moment of silence followed by a:

"Oh my name's Virgil" and his hand awkwardly reaching forward, initiating a handshake.

Luckily Roman had a bit more social skills than him.

"Oh there's no need to be so formal." he said, high or- low fiving Virgil. Earning a shy but happy smile from him followed by an amused huff of air.

"So what were you two doing?"

"We were having a paper airplane competition and you're not invited" Remus joined in.

And before Virgil could say something Roman sat down, threw his bag on the floor, grabbed a piece of paper and said:

"Oh you know I don't need invitations."

Immediately after that they all started working again, only this time Remus was even more motivated to win, wanting to impress Virgil, but more importantly, trying to defeat Roman.

While they were working Virgil noticed a pride flag pin attached to Romans schoolbag and couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of hope which he quickly shut down. Though he couldn't completely forget it and it ended up inspiring the colorful lines at the end of the wings of his paper airplane. Remus's airplane was mostly green but upon seeing Virgil's airplane he added purple green and blue at the exact place Virgil's rainbow was. Roman was the last to finish his paper airplane. He drew a lot of red details that looked like you could find them in a castle and later added highlights in yellow.

Right after he was finished the competition began.

The first to throw his airplane was Roman, they were in the living room and throwing their paper airplanes to the kitchen. His airplane got to the chairs that were on their side of the table which was a pretty good distance. After him went Virgil, hitting the table and falling close to Roman's landing spot.

Remus went last and got past the chairs, landing close to the leg of the table near them but still beating both Roman and Virgil.

He quickly ran over to the table, grabbed their airplanes and called:

"I'm keeping these forever!!!"

Both of them simultaneously yelled "No!" and started chasing him around the house.

The whole deal ended with Remus keeping the airplanes as a souvenir and all of them making more airplanes, this time flying them in the hallway where there aren't any tables to "scare Romans airplanes".

Time went by pretty fast and the only thing that Roman really remembered is him and Virgil reaching for the same marker and touching hands, and Virgil and Remus jokingly fighting over the yellow one.

At the end of the day at about 20:30 (eight-thirty pm) Remus went to bed, almost 40 minutes earlier than usual. Roman and Virgil started cleaning after themselves talking about random topics, it felt like they could keep talking for hours without getting bored or running out of things to talk about. Remus and Roman's parents always worked kind of late. Their mom usually came home after nine so it looked like they had a chance to at least talk for an hour.

"I'm sorry there was barely any romance between them-"

"She tried to warn him about Christmas!! she cared about him!!!"

"Well yes, but it doesn't mean they're in love!!!"

"Dude it means exactly that!!"

"I'm sorry I think they made Jack and Sally a couple just for the sake of having a relationship in the movie."

"Well, clearly it worked so-"

"Ooooooh you know what could have been better??"

"What??"

"If Jack ended up with the guy that called him bone daddy-"

"WHAT! when did that happen???"

"Dude, open youtube and search "The nightmare before Christmas Jacks lament" and it will show you a video of it."

"No way."

"YES WAY"

"THERE IS NO WAY-"

The conversations went from the most ridiculous topics to some serious ones, they were pretty open with each other straight (well no) away and the more they talked- the more they wanted to know about each other. They seemed to form a bond pretty easily and the minutes faded into an hour and the next thing they knew knocks sounded on the door and Remus and Romans mom came in. She was a bit surprised to see Virgil there but took out her wallet, paid him and wordlessly went to check on Remus. Roman walked Virgil to the door and they stood there for a bit. Romans social skills seemed to have disappeared when he said shyly:

"I had a surprisingly nice time today."

"Me too," Virgil said, looking down.

"Sooo... can I, maybe, get your number?"

Virgil looked up again, red visible on his cheeks.

"Hmmm," he feigned thinking for a moment.

"Sure."

Roman's heart did a little dance at that and they both handed each other their phones. After a few moments passed they returned them and locked eyes again. None of them dared to look away.

"Your eyes are beautiful," Virgil said, still gazing into them, searching for a trace of Roman's soul.

Roman smiled but still kept eye contact. He wanted to object but Virgil didn't let him.

"They look like you."

"Thanks?"

Virgil smiled awkwardly.

"Not in a weird way but it's just-, They look pure, and golden, like those Disney princes-, they're just soft and kind of angelic. Like you."

"Yours are beautiful too," Roman said back.

"Kind of like those Disney villains, But in a good way-, I mean, they're kind of dark, and deep, like there's no end to them, and they're smart too, but a silent type of smart, kind of mysterious," he said looking up for a moment, and looking back into Virgil's eyes.

They didn't want the moment to stop but they knew it had to end.

"So... can my "prince" eyes and me take you and your "villain" eyes out for ice cream?"

"When?"

"How about tomorrow?"

"Six-thirty?" Virgil suggested.

"It's a date." Roman winked, getting a bit of confidence back.

"I'll text you the address-"

"And I'll pick you up at six-thirty." Roman said.

"It's a date," Virgil said back.

They both smiled.

"So, I guess this is so long and goodnight then"

"Goodnight Virgil."

"Goodnight Roman."

Virgil hesitated a bit but pressed a kiss to Roman's cheek, sending sparks through his brain and making his heart forget how to beat for a second.

He then proceeded to turn and walk away. Leaving Roman a red-faced mess standing in his doorway, disbelievingly grazing his cheek with the tip of his fingers, looking at his mysterious dark angel gracefully walking away.

#sanders sides #Sanders sides fanfiction #prinxiety #ts virgil #virgil sanders #thomas sanders virgil #roman sanders #ts creativity #creativity sanders #ts anxiety #anxiety sanders #remus sanders #roman and remus #kid!remus #ts the duke #ts intrusive thoughts

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randomslasher · 6 years

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Reverse Paternal Moxiety

So @sanders-sides-thuri and I were out to dinner and she floated an idea of Paternal Moxiety but in reverse, where like Patton was de-aged and Virgil was the only one who could calm him down.

And I was like...this idea is melting my heart??? And we were talking about what if it was pre-Accepting Anxiety, so Logan and Roman are both like, “Don’t come near him!” thinking Anxiety might hurt him or something and Virgil’s like “Yeah no I won’t” because he’s Anxiety, he’s the bad guy, he’ll just scare Patton if Patton sees him and he doesn’t want to do that so of course he won’t go near him.

But then Patton peeks out from where he’s been in his room just crying non-stop, and sees Anxiety, and just starts wailing and at first Roman’s like, “Begone, you fiend, can’t you see you’re frightening him?!” But before Virgil can move Patton like...rushes him, just absolutely flings himself at Virgil and clings to his leg and then reaches up and does grabby fingers at Virgil and Virgil’s like, “Um?” but bends down and picks him up and Patton just burrows into him and hides his face in Virgil’s hoodie but he finally, finally stops crying, and goes to sleep almost instantly in Virgil’s arms.

And Logan and Roman are like, “...???” And honestly so is Virgil but if Patton needs him, if he can actually help, then he’s gonna.

(And like...he probably tries to give sleeping Patton over to one of the others but the second he starts, Patton stirs and starts crying and clinging to Virgil again so they’re just like ???? okay???? and Virgil keeps holding him.)

So he and the other two call this tentative truce and Virgil goes into the commons and settles down with Patton asleep in his arms, and the other two put on a Disney movie and bring out a plate of snacks Patton can eat when he wakes up and bringing a blanket to cover them both up. And the other two stay there, at first, because they don’t want anything to happen, but eventually they decide to leave because Patton doesn’t appear to be waking up anytime soon and Anxiety appears to have things under control. Eventually Virgil falls asleep too, and when he wakes up Patton has re-aged to his normal self. He’s still asleep, and still clinging to Virgil, which makes Virgil blush and feel super happy for a second because omg one of them is actually hugging him??? But he knows he’d better leave because now that Patton is himself again he’s not gonna want to know he’s been hugging Anxiety, of all people.

So he carefully extricates himself and covers Patton with the blanket and leaves, and he goes and knocks on Logan’s door and lets Logan know what’s up, and also tells him not to tell Patton about the whole ‘napping with Anxiety’ thing, which confuses Logan but he agrees when Virgil insists.

But from then on, if Patton de-ages (which is fairly infrequent but does happen), the others reluctantly summon Anxiety, because Anxiety is the only one who can keep him calm until things settle and he can take his adult form again. And Virgil pretends to be annoyed to have to play babysitter but in truth he is super touched that young!Patton doesn’t remember how much he hates Anxiety. They usually spend their time in the commons coloring and watching Disney together until Patton falls asleep (he always re-ages up while asleep for some reason).

Patton never seems to have any memory of these times and Virgil doesn’t let the others tell him, but he does have a secret drawer where he keeps all the drawings Patton does while he’s de-aged. His favorite is the one of the two of them holding hands outside in a field with two tall trees and a rainbow and hearts in the sky. Anytime he’s feeling especially low he pulls out those drawings to look at them, touched by the innocently sweet emotion of them and amused by the child-like skill level.

(Later, when Patton gives him the famILY card, he’s amused and touched to realize that Patton’s skills don’t change much when he’s in his adult form, hence his, “He never really was good at art,” comment to himself.)

I dunno just thoughts.

#moxiety #paternal moxiety #but like #in reverse #de aged patton

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rubyredsparks · 5 years

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Blossoming Souls Ch. 2

Relationship(s): Romantic Logince, Moxiety; Platonic every other relationship

“Tags” for the whole story: morally grey!deceit, Deceit, Remus, Thomas as a character, Romance, Minor violence, someone’s potty mouth, Foul language, Minor homophobia (it’s not that bad), Miscommunication (this one is though), Friendship

Chapter Summary: Prince Logan reflects on his family as he gets ready to go to Eiehde. Prince Roman tries to avoids his future.

“Your Highness, are you ready to embark toward Eiehde?” Patton asked gently. He was dressed in thick, warm riding garments. A bag was thrown over his shoulder as he readied for the journey.

Logan stared out the window of his, now former, home. He watched as trade was exchanged, smiles were given and laughs were free. His own clothes were simple and warm in comparison to Patton’s, a dark hue to Patton’s own light.

His heart ached that his life couldn't be as simple as that, an apprentice for a librarian or an alchemist, something not… this.

He had been curious to see how Eiehde conducted their monarchy, well more of a democracy with a leader. It was vastly different from his own experience where there was a council who voted in their own favour rather than the people's.

Perhaps that was why his Father was sending him away.

Logan knew that his Father wasn't dimwitted to not notice the power difference between the King and the council. The council had been pressing matters and forcing his Father's hand on certain issues more and more, even going so far as doing so behind his back.

Yes, perhaps his Father was right in sending him away. That way Logan could learn how Eiehde was able to thrive and flourish as a kingdom without power hungry council members.

“Knock, knock,” a soft voice said alongside two gentle knocks of wood.

Logan turned around to see his sister in the doorway, Patton excusing himself with a kind smile.

“Sister,” he greeted amiably, a genuine smile on his lips. He reached up to adjust his glasses, a nervous tic that he could never grow out of. “What brings you to my room, dear sister?”

“Can a sister not wish her little brother fair travels on his last day home?” her long, brown hair trailing behind her in a loose braid, and her face held a gentle expression.

He made a face at being called little, but sighed as an unbidden smile spread across his face, “Of course, Valerie. Your thoughts?”

“I think,” her words were slow, thoughtful as she tried to mediate between Father and brother, “that Father was right to send you as envoy. You are the smartest of the two of us as well as eager to learn. I, for one, enjoy being Crown Princess and learning all I need to be the next sovereign.”

Logan sniggered as Valerie rolled her eyes, elongating her last few words. He sobered, “Father's force shall come full out now that I am gone.”

She winced, eyes softening. Crossing the room to him, she outstretched her arms, “Father's not like that, and I sincerely apologize that he feels he must act that way around you.”

Logan melted into her embrace, but stiffened as she spoke. “Clearly we have two very different perceptions of Father. He despises me.”

She frowned, “On the contrary, Father knows that you are an intellectual, that you want to do with learning rather than ruling. He admires that about you, but knows that because of our… ways he can’t show that.”

Logan huffed, pulling away from her, “It matters not. I leave for Eiehde in a few minutes, and the only one to see me off has been you.”

“Logan,” Valerie said pleadingly. She reached out for him again, but he turned to the window, staring out.

“I would rather not talk about this on my last day, sister,” Logan said quietly. Valerie sighed, nodding in understanding.

She walked toward him, standing somberly next to him. She gazed out the window, pointing at the garden in the corner, “That is where we used to play, is it not, brother?”

“Indeed,” he nodded stiffly, before crossing his arms across his chest, pulling into himself. “The gardener never liked me.”

"Xe did so!” Valerie protested, “Xe just didn’t like how you seemed to know so much of the growing aspect of the plants.”

“Knowledge is the best pursuit of life,” Logan said stiffly.

“That may be so, but it’s difficult to take so seriously a young boy caked with mud and battering you with dozens of questions left and right,” Valerie grinned, and it widened when Logan’s lips twitched in fondness.

“Be that as it may,” Logan said, “I leave now.”

Valerie’s smile faded, and she watched as a carriage pulled up into the palace gates. Logan turned away, walking to his desk to stow away more papers and books. He packed his inkwell and pens safely in his messenger bag, and picked up a photo of himself, his sister, Father and mother all smiling up at him.

He sighed, but still carefully placed it inside his bag. Valerie watched as he recounted all the items he would need for a three week trip. Her lips were in a frown as he snapped his bag shut, and swung it over his shoulder.

Facing her, his face was impassive, “I suppose this is goodbye, sister dear.”

She nodded silently, slightly upset at his leaving. Logan’s face was a conflicted mess, flickering with indecision. He crossed over to her, chastely kissing her cheek before stiffly nodding and whispering his goodbye.

Valerie held a hand to her cheek, a surprised look in her eyes as she stood, frozen, staring at the door where Logan had left.

A grin spread across her face as she raced out the doors, hair flying behind her, after him.

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

“My Prince,” Virgil’s stern voice halted Roman’s actions. He stood still, and holding his horse’s saddle, with his back to Virgil.

“Yes?” He asked, after a moment’s silence, and resumed to ready his horse. “Was there something you wanted, Virgil? And stop calling me such formal names; we’ve practically known each other since we were kids.”

Virgil sighed, not correcting him, “Why are you going on a hunt days before the Prince of Eiehde arrives, Roman? You and I both know how much this union means to the kingdom.”

He brushed his horse’s mane, the mare whinnying quietly in content. There was a beat of silence where it nearly became unbearable. His arm fell to his side, one coming up to fiddle with a strand of his own hair.

“I need to think.”

“And that requires going on a two day journey,” Virgil’s disbelief was poignant in the stable. Hay crunched under Virgil’s heavy footfalls. His hand fell to rest on Roman’s shoulders, a warm presence upon him.

“Princey, we need you here.”

Roman scoffed, a sound that escaped him too late before he could rein it in. Virgil’s hand squeezed his shoulder, “We do need you, Highness. But I can see that you need this hunt. Just- just take Remy with you.”

“Ugh, what?” Roman whined, stamping his feet slightly. He turned to look down to an amused Virgil with his lips pulled down in an exaggerated pout. “I don’t need a babysitter, Virgil.”

“I’m not suggesting a babysitter for you, Roman,” Virgil said patiently. “I would just feel better if you had someone with you. And I can’t just abandon my own duties to look after you.”

“Fine,” he huffed, turning around again and brushing his horse a little harsher than necessary. His mare whinnied in distress, and he hushed her, apologizing for his anger.

“Thank you for your permission, Highness.” Virgil said dryly, “I’ll send for Remy now.”

“No need, gurl!” Remy’s over-enthusiastic voice echoed in the stable. Roman winced, and Virgil gave him an unapologetic grin, shrugging.

“I’m right here!” Remy came crashing through the gate, eyeing Virgil up and down, decked in leather and cotton, similar to Roman’s simple riding garb. “Where’s we headin’?”

Roman sighed, but mustered up a grin for Remy, “It’s just a normal hunt, Remy, nothing too strenuous.”

“I shall take my leave, Highness,” Virgil bowed low before straightening and nodding his head at Remy.

“So,” Remy’s sunglasses glinted against the glare of the sun. Roman ignored him, leading his horse out of the stable steadily. Remy followed him, sneering slightly at the hay and mud under his feet.

Roman wasn’t exactly sure what Remy’s position was in the castle. He ran around helping the messengers deliver letters when they were understaffed, loved to help bake even though the kitchens didn’t need another hand and steered clear from the libraries and stables.

The blond was always nursing a mug of some sort, the contents in it a perpetual mystery. He took a sip from his thermos, “Why are you running away, Highness?”

Roman froze, “What do you mean?” He saddled his horse, swinging one leg up and over the horse’s back. He tested the reins, firm in his hands.

Remy did the same, another horse that Roman didn’t notice being brought out by a stable-hand. He didn’t look impressed at Roman’s evasion, giving him a deadpan stare.

“Do you not want this arrangement, Highness?”

He scoffed, “Who wants their life to be dictated by politics, Remy? Certainly not me.”

“But it’s for the good of the kingdom.”

“Yes, yes, the kingdom and how this union will bring financial stability and protection for us. Well, if I am to sacrifice my freedom for the good of the kingdom, I want my last few days of freedom doing what I love best: adventuring.”

Remy sighed, “Of course, princess. Shall we be off?”

“You aren’t allowed to address me like that!” Roman cried, offended. His eyes held the humour his tone was lacking, and his lips twitched in conflict of smiling or frowning.

Remy’s sunglasses glinted deviously as he smirked, “Race ya, princess.”

He kicked the sides of his horse and sped off, leaving Roman gaping at him in his dust. Roman shook himself out of his reverie and laughed.

He kicked the sides of his mare and followed after him, a grin spreading across his face as his hair flew back in the wind.

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

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Masterpost | Previous | Next

#my writing #blossoming souls #chapter 2 #logince #moxiety

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bookdragonlibrary · 5 years

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First YJ Friday appreciation

I will talk here of the episode 1 to 3. If you didn’t see them yet, do not read the text following as it’s full of heavy spoilers but have my theories and comments too :)

1-3 ; 4-6 ; 7-9 ; 10-13 ; 14-16 ; 17 ; 18 ; 19 ; 20 ; 21 ; 22 ; 23 ; 24-26

Princes all

- the big bald bad guy with Ana is the same one from S1 who works with Count Vertigo to kill Perdita.

- So here the collar 2.0 who can control people in addition of shoking them... Do you think they have a bomb in them like in Suicide Squad?

- The girl scream voice when Ana dies :( But BL that wasn’t your fault :( Don’t bet yourself up. The Light are the true responsible ones for her death!

- The music from the generic looks like a scary movie one!

- So Gamma Squad are the 8 heros from the ad picture? And who is on Alpha and Beta Squads?

- I love M’gann new look! After 50 years, she finally accepted herself as a white Martian <3 That’s a character development!

- Steel: new hero in the superfamily?

- From Virgil’s vince, we can figure he knows already that BL is about to quit the JL :/ He shoud have tell him before and off screen.

- Bart, I missed your comments and that smile of yours! <3

- As announced Kaldur is Aquaman, the Leader of the JL by democratic vote and his coach is Wonder Woman. Such a development! And I love the symbol of Atlantis and Amazon heros working together! (Do you remember Flashpoint where they’re at war?) Arthur is now king of Atlantis full time (according to Greg), with his wife and his child.

- Batman, don’t talk about the mission above the symbol when you dress like a bat as a symbol of fear... --’ But Olly has a little moment of silent before saying “So do I.” Hesitation?

- Batman Incorp! With Katana, PlasticMan, Batwoman and Hardware (is he Luke Thomas��or someone else?)

- Tim holding Cassie’s hand, like he wants to say he wants to stay, is so cute (and so short!) I think Batman and GA ordered their mentees to not say anything to their teammates :(

- So Barbara/Batgirl is now Oracle.

- Tara Markov/Terra was abducted the 28th July in Team year 8

- Bialya has invaded Qurac, teasing form S1.

- Artemis has move to Star City to leave with Will (clone Roy) and her niece Lian (maybe Jade as well?) I think Artemis and Will are roommates. “Who are you to recruit this time?” says Will. So it’s not the first time Dick asks for help on a mission one of these two. So the second one has to babysitt Lian (assuming Jade could work for herself)

- Halo works in Markovian palace and looks like a Quraci refugiee. Maybe she was stealing that silver plate to make some money? But she ends to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

- A speester assassin is really frightening! And “LIMBO TIME”! And he looks like he was betrayed when he get shocked.

- Did you notice the twins both cry when they see their parents but not their uncle? And their parents holding hands in death TT.TT

- M’gann and SB leaves with Wolf in Happy Harbo, the island where Mount Justice was.

- And Trump... I mean Gordon is here again. Can the Team can find out quickly he works for the Light so he can receive a deserved punch please? I hate that character but I love the work of the actor!

- So the twin brothers are only 17? Why not 20 with a majority at 21?

- I fear so much for Anissa and Jenifer with that children trafficking... And Anissa looks to young to be Traci’s girlfriend :( (but we don’t know their age yet!)

- Lynn has a GL for brother and BL as ex-husband. Do not mess with her of her family!

- BL has a power block due to his guilt...

- YJ! How dare you! Bruce Lee’s picture is so cute and heartbreaking in the same time! TT.TT

------------------------------ Royal We

- So now Gar has is own TV show just like he wanted in S2. Is he still leaving with SB and M’gann? Is that thanks to him they could buy this huge house?

- Catherine Cobert, the JL liason, is back! Wait, is Hardware blind? Donna Troy/Troia and Garth/Tempest are now ambassadors in UN for Atlantis and Themyscira! :o And Donna is another queen of sass! Rhelasia is finally reunited since S1 and I’m sure it’s a rogue nation like Bialya and works for/with the Light too. So does Zviad Baazovi, ambassador of Markovia, or for the person who ordered the murder of the royal couple.

- 2 days after this murder, Gregor’s pre-coronation! Some traught shippers here? They fake it but still :) And Artemis is so beautiful in this dress.

- So no one except Dick knows Barbara is now Orale?

- “Do you want to hold my hand” Is there a dirty joke or it’s just me?

- poor mother box! :(

- Plasmus looks like Ana, instead we see his brain instead of his heart. Otto? And how Count Vertigo manages to get out of jail?

- Halo :’( Wait! Did they experiment of those kids? Because there was just Halo who get caught no one else :/ And Halo talks to Sphere? or at least understands what she says.

- And SB looses his shit shirt. Again.

- It’s a tiny beetle? Wait, can Blue do the same thing? Is it from Blue? Was there where Dick got the inspiration? Is that a hint for the flawless shippers? (That’s the name of this ship right?)

- Wait! Was she the justice liaison in the pod? She has a mole in the same place! :o

- Brion is shirtless too! Like his mentor! ^^ (What? they train together in the trailer.) Believe Helga! She knows what she is doing! She seems to have played all of you :)

- “One of the girls” So they did experiment on all of those dead girl :( So the attack was run by Vertigo? Does he want to annexe Markovia? Or to have a political/royal power to take back his own kingdom? “the Superboy and his escaped companion”. Does he think Lightning is an escaped metaslave?

- “My child”? I don’t know if it’s creepy or if it implies that Helga is on the prince’s side.

- Now Sphere for the generic. Are these pictures clues for the future episodes? Knowing Greg and Brandon, I think it is!

------------------------------ Eminent threat

- Star Girl! So Gar is also a teen actor in Space Trek 3036. Does he start his career thanks to his mission in the last comic since he met an actress who worked with his mom on Hello Megan! ? He’s dating Perdita (who sould be around 17 yo). They met at Wally’s funeral (I read few fanfic where Perdita comes to his funeral and they were right!) I think he’s still a hero since we saw him in costume in the trailer and the picture with the whole team (well the ones who was revealed to be in this season).

- “Kill” Halo, sweetie, are you okay? What do you mean? That the place where you were killed?

- Dick who was tricked by his bug xD And Barb’s comment xD

- Helga used to work for Bedlam but now she’s on the prince’s side! :D So Vertigo does want to make a coup d’Etat to Vlatava?

- Maneuver 7!

- Bedlam = Delamb. It was under our nose from the beginning!

- “Cost you more-” than what? career? life? than you think? Helga has no time for your consideration, Dick :( She said “my child” Could she be the prince true mother? They’re both brown hair and Brion and Gregor aren’t homozygote twins.

- The children was boom tube away to be sold off planet or to other countries :( Sounds like the Runaways in the episode in Bialya right?

- Perdita’s talking with Gregor!

- Helga knows exactly was Brion’s powers are in seconds. Was she also there when they activated Tara’s ones?

- Vertigo’s minions have a lot of New Genesis technology. Is it thanks to the deal between Salvage and Darkseid?

- So Dr Ekcs is also a meta.

- Does Delamb wants to take this occasion to murder Gregor too? And this prince is clever! :)

- BL has recovered his powers thanks to another child’s death. The irony. It’s me or Sphere shows Halo how to heal?

- Gregor is indeed clever and sees right into Delamb’s game! I like him :) I’m even more sure the markovian ambassador works for the Light and he’s going to manipulate Gregor instead of Delamb. His decision for Brion was the only way to protect him from jail and maybe he hopes he will find their sister like Brion does.

- And now BL knows the metaslaves are controlled! “Not again. Again” I love this scene! ^^ And the farmer takes Otto’s victory scream for a threat to the heroes :( I knew Otto was going to die since his powers is too close to Brion’s ones.

- The picture from the generic of the third episode could be the Kent’s farm? (Or SB’s house, I’m not sure) However i’m sure this is the place we saw in the trailer (The one where Brion ends naked).

One week to wait now! And I thought 3 episodes per week were going to be enough ><

#Young Justice #YJ reviews #watch young justice outsiders #watch young justice

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cofe-doodles · 3 years

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More babysitter Virgil because it has my whole being now 😌🤧💕

Should I continue this??? I rlly don't know if I should??

#sander sides #ts virgil #virgil sanders #ts roman #roman sanders #prinxiety #virgil anxiety #princey #babysitter virgil #baby sides #babysitter virgil has my whole heart #tssbabysittingau

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cofe-doodles · 3 years

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Oop— some tooth rotting fluff :)))

I always seem to forget to posts these on Tumblr :(( but at least it's only a day late :))

#sander sides #ts virgil #virgil sanders #ts roman #roman sanders #prinxiety #anxiety sanders #virgil anxiety #princey #baby sides #babysitter virgil #baby roman #babysitter virgil has my whole heart #tssbabysittingau

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cofe-doodles · 3 years

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Continuation of my previous comic :))) click so you can actually read it clearly lol

Oof. Roman??? Doesn't?? Want?? His??? Vivi??? To??? Leave??? What does that mean???

#sander sides #ts virgil #anxiety sanders #ts roman #roman sanders #prinxiety #virgil anxiety #princey #baby sides #baby roman #babysitter virgil #babysitter virgil has my whole heart #virgil sanders #babysitter #cw crying #roman doesnt want his vivi to leave #now cry.#tssbabysittingau

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cofe-doodles · 3 years

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Continuation from my previous post :))

So that's where he is???

(oh, btw, thank you for 200+ followers and for always supporting my crappy stuff :)) I appreciate and love all of you :)))

#sander sides #baby sides #baby janus #babysitter #babysitter virgil has my whole heart #had this idea when i was replying to some comments in my insta #i love it #tssbabysittingau

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cofe-doodles · 3 years

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I have an art block, I'm so sorry for this ✨p o o p✨

Angst??? I don't know. All I know is that I have zero motivation and a massive art block. So sorry but I HAD to post. Especially since Instagram's algorithm will be the death of me🤧🙂 I'm not okay (I promise)

#sander sides #ts virgil #virgil sanders #ts roman #roman sanders #virgil anxiety #prinxiety #princey #babysitter #baby roman #babysitter virgil #baby sides #babysitter virgil has my whole heart #art block is v obvious in this post #pls send help my art block is so bad rn #tssbabysittingau

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leesacrakon · 7 years

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(Fic) Doing My Best

So....that new video, huh? It increased my love of all platonic ships. Except those involving....Logan....yeah. They were all ignoring him earlier on in the video (except Patton) and it hurt me. Plus, he was just so nervous and scared when people talked over him and I just....I DIED OKAY?!

So, I wrote this little to show my hatred, make myself feel better, and show my beautiful, ignored son some love.

AND THEN @cup-of-blue DREW A BEAUTIFUL THING SO THIS FIC IS BASED OFF OF IT

HERE IS THE BEAUTIFUL THING:

tag list: @here-to-vent@fandomsofrandom@mylasagnaisraw@virgilsspidercurtains @jaye--universe@justanotherpurplebutterfly @tiny-mudkip @romananalogicality @pattonpending @edgeworthsnoodle @lovely-chaotic-goddess @aph-curls-n-dimples @the-babysitter @sunnyside12pershon @xix-leiloves-xix @cup-of-blue @thegeekgirl42 @the-potterhead-phandom @emupoppyjay

Fandom(s): Sanders Sides, YouTube, Thomas Sanders

Warnings: Self-hatred, self-deprecation, self-harm, insulting, guilt, blood, vomiting, and description of self-harm wounds.

Ship(s): Platonic Logicality, Platonic Thogan, Platonic LAMPT around the end, I guess?

Logan rubbed his eyes, completely exhausted. For some odd reason, today’s video had been particularly draining. Something had just felt off today, and he really didn’t know what. He’d been nervous, doubting himself, feeling ignored, and it really, for lack of a better word, sucked. He was looking forward to getting some rest, maybe solving a problem to lift his self-confidence a bit. Maybe Patton would let him stay in his room for a whi-

“Today was such a drag!” Logan heard Thomas groan from inside Patton’s room. He froze, quietly pressing against the wall and listening. Thomas was in the mindscape? That was odd, he had only come down once when they needed to get Virgil. Logan heard said edge lord scoff.

“Right? Everything was off, and really, really overwhelming. Even Logan was weirder than usual,” Virgil said, laughing slightly. Logan’s heart dropped. Weird? Virgil thought he was weird? Logan heard Patton try to protest and he smiled, but Roman had to open his big mouth.

“Yeah....You know, after today, I was thinking about that. Maybe we provide enough Logic ourselves, you know? I mean, yeah, Logan helps sometimes, but honestly he hardly ever has anything to contribute,” Roman said.

“Oh, come now, Roman! To be completely honest, we tend to ignore Logan’s input, almost as much as we used to ignore Virgil! It’s not that he doesn’t give us any ideas or that he doesn’t contribute, we just don’t listen to him!” Patton protested. Logan perked up. Patton had said Logan was his hero earlier that day, and now...he was defending him? How odd. It felt...nice, in a way.

“Patton’s right, guys! The two of you are being really harsh,” Thomas said. Logan’s heart leaped for joy and he almost smiled, almost, but then Roman spoke again.

"I just don’t see any use for an entitled smart-ass,” Roman muttered. Logan’s breathing hitched and he clamped a shaky hand over his mouth. Tears welled up in his eyes and spilled down his cheeks, wetting his hand and, eventually, the front of his shirt. He sniffled softly and took off his glasses, furiously scrubbing away at his eyes. Why was he crying? He had no right to cry. Roman was right. He was unnecessary, and an insufferable know-it-all. But what else was he supposed to be? That was his job.

“Agreed,” Virgil said, chuckling. Logan’s heart shattered into pieces and he choked back a sob. He deserved that. After what he put Virgil through, he definitely deserved that.

He heard Thomas gasp and Patton cried, “Guys, be nice!” Roman laughed and Logan felt sick, so sick that he doubled over and clutched his mouth, his entire body shaking as his stomach churned. He fell to his knees and barely heard Roman’s reply.

“Why? He’s not here, Patton. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” Logan really did sob this time; a heartbreaking, breath-stealing sob that crushed the air out of his lungs and made his whole body tremble. He was already on his knees so all he could do was lean against the wall as his chest heaved for breath and choked up sobs continued to fall from his lips. He heard footsteps and he panicked, trying and failing to get up, to get off his knees and get his act together.

“Logan?! Logan, oh my God...” someone was saying. Someone was reaching out to him too...

“Don’t touch me!” Logan shrieked as a hand rested on his shoulders. Putting his glasses back on, he scrambled to his feet to see a shocked Thomas standing before him with a hand extended, eyes wide with panic. Logan suddenly felt terrible and he backed away, breathing shakily. Thomas was just trying to help. Thomas had defended him. Thomas had been there for him. And how did Logan thank him? He shrieked at him, told him not to touch him.

“I-I...I’m sorry, I’ll go. I shouldn’t have eavesdropped, I’m sorry,” Logan choked out, quickly turning and running down the halls of the mind palace as fast as he could, desperately sprinting towards his room. He heard calls of his name, but then he heard laughter.

Roman and Virgil were laughing at him.

“Shut up!” Logan was screaming, even as he ran into his room and slammed to door shut, collapsing against the wall and slamming the back of his head against it.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” Logan screamed. He was still sobbing, tears running down his face. His head throbbed and he felt blood but he kept banging it, gripping at the carpet beneath his fingers. he had to ground himself, to bring himself back to reality, to distract himself from the horrid laughter ringing in his ears.

Dear Lord, that laughter.

“Stop it, stop it, stop it. Please please please please please please just stop it,” Logan whimpered, rocking back and forth and lacing his fingers in his hair, that horrible laughter still ringing in his ears. He had to get away from it he had to stop it make it stop MAKE IT STOP, PLEASE. Logan panted heavily, clutching his head. Why was this happening to him? What had he done wrong? He was doing his best, couldn’t they see that? Logan sobbed and staggered to his feet, stumbling over to his bed and collapsing on top of it, shaking and whimpering as more tears streamed down his face.

The others didn’t want him? Fine. They wouldn’t get him.

“It’s been a week guys, aren’t you worried at all?” Patton said, wringing his hands and pacing back and forth. Virgil and Roman exchanged a glance and shrugged.

“Not really. I mean, Thomas has been getting stuff done more slowly, but...that’s it. We provide enough information to get him through. We don’t need Logan,” Roman said. Virgil grimaced but didn’t say anything. Patton whirled around and glared at Roman, who had suddenly frozen in his chair.

“So, Thomas not being able to think clearly is okay?” Patton snarled.

“N-No, I just-”

“Thomas hardly being able to function normally and getting hardly any work done is okay?”

“Patt-”

“Thomas not being able to solve simple problems like where to put something in the fridge or what to say to say when someone talks to him without thinking about it for ten minutes is okay?” Patton was beyond angry now, and both Virgil and Roman cowered under his gaze.

“No, I suppose not,” Roman said weakly, rubbing the back of his neck. Without saying a word, Patton grabbed both Virgil and Roman by the front of their shirts and dragged them up out of the mindscape. They popped up in Thomas’ room and immediately stumbled back. Thomas sat at his desk, hunched over and staring at a page of paperwork. His lips were trembling and grunts of frustration were being emitted from his lips. He looked close to tears.

“Thomas, we’re going to fix this, alright kiddo? We’re going to get Logan back, I promise,” Patton said, immediately going to Thomas’ side and rubbing his back as he shook. Thomas let out a shaky sigh and rubbed his eyes, huge bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Virgil gave Roman an exasperated look but the royal didn’t notice, a guilty expression on his face.

“C-Can we go now?” Thomas whimpered, sounding like a small child. Patton nodded and helped his exhausted host to his feet, even scooping him up in his arms. Thomas wrapped his arms around Patton’ neck and clung to him as the four of them began to sink out, heading off to Logan’s room.

When they popped in, they were horrified. The room, normally neat and well taken care of, was an absolute mess. Empty jars of Crofters jam lay scattered about on the floor. Papers and calendars were all over, some ripped up, some with stains of debatable origins. The curtains were torn to shreds, and Patton could see shards of broken glass scattered across of the floor, some of them stained with a suspiciously red substance.

“Logan? You in here kiddo?” Patton asked warily, setting Thomas down and making sure he didn’t step on any broken glass. Patton’s heart sank as the bunched up blankets on Logan’s bed rustled and a weary, tear stained face peeked out at them from their midst. Logan whimpered and started to tremble, drawing the blankets closer around him.

“Logan, what...” Thomas' voice trailed off and he looked at his logical side, disbelief clouding his eyes. Patton moved forward and knelt next to Logan’s bed, holding out his arms to the other man. Logan looked at Patton with sunken, dull eyes before slowly leaning into him, arms remaining limp at his sides as he sank against Patton’s chest.

“W-Why are they here?!” Logan asked bitterly, staring at Roman and Virgil, shivering as Patton held him close and ran his fingers through his hair. Patton’s face paled as his fingers gent;y ran over a deep gash in the back of Logan’s head from him slamming it against the wall, and how they kept getting caught in the normally neat brunette locks because of all the dried blood matted in it. Patton glared at Roman and Virgil, who stepped forward and joined Patton. Thomas still hung back, looking shocked.

“We...We came to apologize,” Roman said quietly, resting a hand on Logan’s back. Logic flinched and whimpered, but made no move to shove Roman’s hand away. The princely trait blinked back tears as his friend looked at him with disgust, and even fear.

“Oh, really? You think something like this can just be fixed with a fucking apology?!” Logan hissed, and he did wrench away. Virgil was about to speak but Logan cut him off, pointing a shaking finger at him.

“You...We were actually starting to become friends! I’ve always defended you! L-Less than Patton, but I have! And you,” Logan turned his attention to Roman, his face twisted in a snarl. Roman grimaced.

“You...I-I...You’ve always hated me,” Logan was trembling harder, his face turning white. “Y-You...You...Oh, God,” Logan groaned and panicked flashed in his eyes. He reached around Patton and grabbed his garbage can, quickly bringing it to his face and emptying the contents of his stomach into it. Virgil paled considerably and Patton rubbed Logan’s back gently as he coughed and wretched into the garbage can. Logan shakily wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and put the garbage can back down, leaning heavily against Patton.

“You were right, Roman. You don’t need me; none of you do. All I do is make a planner for Thomas. Any of you could do that. I am unnecessay, worthless, and an insufferable know-it-all,” Logan said miserably.

“You do so much more than that,” Thomas said, his voice noticeably stronger. Logan looked up at his host with confusion, sitting up slightly, but not so much that he was out of Patton’s arms. Thomas sighed and sat on the bed in the space between Logan and Roman, moving Roman’s hand away. Logan trembled and buried his face in Patton’s chest as if he expected some sort of lecture or scolding.

“I was barely even able to function with you gone. Remember how when Virgil ducked out, I went crazy? It was the opposite this time. I basically sunk into an extremely intense depressive episode that has lasted the entire week you’ve been gone,” Thomas explained gently, putting a hand on Logan’s shoulder and squeezing it. Logan blinked, still confused.

“Impossible. I am pointless. My existence is pointless. If I planned everything correctly, if Roman and Virgil were correct as I eventually came to accept, then you should be fine. You shouldn’t need me. You don’t need me. I’m just a smart ass, I don’t even do anything,” Logan rambled, trembling harder and clutching at Patton’s cardigan. Tears began to slip down his cheeks again and Patton felt himself starting to panic, not really knowing what to do.

“That’s not true!” Roman shouted, getting to his feet. Logan flinched and grimaced at the loud noise and covered his ears with his hands. Whispering something unintelligible to Logan, Patton gently eased his hands away from his ears and started rocking him slightly in his arms.

“You are needed! I can’t believe you’re letting a stupid conversation after a bad day influence whether you exist or not,” Roman hissed angrily. Logan tensed but sat up straighter. Virgil nodded in agreement with the fanciful trait.

“We were both tired, and just- We were mad, and needed something to actually be mad about so surprise, we decided to get mad about you,” Virgil said with a sigh. “You were...kind of annoying that day, but that was our fault. We were ignoring you, and then we...Look, there are no excuses for what we did, what we said...It wasn’t true,” Virgil added.

“So, you...you really need me? This isn’t some...some pity party? You really need me?” Logan asked, bewildered. But weren’t they right? Wasn’t he useless? Wasn’t he unneeded? Why were they-?

“Oh, Lo, you’re crying again,” Thomas said with a sigh, scooting closer and joining Patton in embracing his logical side. Logan’s breathing hitched and he sniffed, noticing the tears running down his cheeks. He silently cursed himself for being such an emotional mess and spluttered out apologies, but all of the others insisted that it was fine, and he had a right to cry. Virgil and Roman joined the hug as well.

“I’m so sorry, Lo. Don’t ever leave us again,” Virgil muttered, going in front of Logan and wrapping his arms around him as best as he could, burying his face in his shoulder. A sob bubbled up out of Logan’s throat and he clung to Patton and Thomas, shaking as he sobbed and cried and was held and loved and cherished just like he’d always wanted.

“I w-won’t, I promise,” Logan choked out between sobs, giving Virgil and Roman watery smiles. The two traits smiled back, tears of their own gathering in their eyes. Virgil squeezed Logan’s hand before letting go of him and sitting back, and Roman did the same after pressing a kiss to Logan’s hair.

“I say this calls for a cuddle session in my room!” Patton said with a grin, gingerly scooping Logan up in his arms, blankets and all. “Would you like that, Logan?” he asked gently. Logan nodded silently and rested his head on Patton’s chest, moving one of his arms out from underneath himself and making a grab at Thomas, silently asking him to hold his hand as they walked. Thomas complied, lacing their fingers together and staying close to Logan as they walked to Patton’s room, Roman and Virgil following close behind.

Logan fell asleep surrounded by the embraces of Thomas, Patton, Virgil, and Roman, a content smile on his face. He was finally wanted.

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