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redhead-writes · 1 year

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Hollywolf as Bob’s guardians

PART 2

So Wolfman sees this kid, maybe around 12 or 13, in a mall arcade locking the target and shooting all the targets close to perfectly. His interest is piqued. He is still in his uniform so it would not look weird that he is approaching a child. When Leonard approaches him, he recognizes the grandson of their neighbor, an old lovely lady but could give people a run for their money.

Hollywood played poker with her when he was back from missions. The old lady has saved their arses on more occasions than one. DADT still in place there had been loads of rumors even in their secluded community. Mrs. Floyd heard about it and in a few days rumors died out.

Neither Hollywood or Wolfman knew what she did but they were forever grateful to her. Also she always had the best cookies for after long deployment and care packages coming to their ships.

Recently an old lady was joined by her grandson Robert, Wolfman remembered. He seemed to keep to himself and Mrs. Floyd let him be, not telling even her neighbors why he was here.

Kid strikes the last of his target and Wolfman says: “Amazing eye to hand cordination. Have you ever thought about going to be WSO?” Kid jumped a bit and turned around to come face to face with Leonard. He was scrawny, clothes seemed baggy on him and dark circles under eyes like he hasn’t slept normally in a while. Hollywood would say Robert was not cut for it but Wolfman saw something in this kid.

“No, sir…Mr. Wolfe, I haven’t.” “Well…you should, Robert. We would be losing an amazing asset if you don’t consider that.” Kid smiled at him and fixed his glasses that also seemed too big for him. Something in Wolf wanted to take care of this child, teach him all he knows.

“How about we eat some pizza and then I take you back home?”

“I am not really hungry, sir.” Robert looked down on the floor. Leonard saw his hands starting to shake. He had seen similar things in his fellow pilots after a rough mission. What the hell this kid had gone through?

“I am! You can order whatever you want. It is on me. I will tell you funny stories about my deployment.” Wolfman suggested, not wanting to pressure kiddo into anything, but gosh he needed to put on some weight. Robert just nodded following Leonard to the food court. They had a good time and Robert even ate one slice of pizza. That Wolfman took as an absolute success.

He drove them back home where Mrs. Floyd was already waiting for her grandson on the porch. Robert thanked the Wolfman, hugged his grandma and walked into the house. Old woman made her way to him. Just looking at him. Her look could rival Iceman's unnerving one.

“Found your grandson in an arcade shooting targets down, he is good at it. Also Robert ate a slice of pizza and had a milkshake.” he felt the need to count down what they did to her. She cracked a smile, her eyes glistening and started speaking: “It is his first proper lunch since his parents died in the 9/11 attacks. Thank you, Leonard!”

That explained a lot about how Robert acted, how he looked. His want to protect the kid grew with each passing minute. He also wanted to go and kiss Hollywood as a reminder that he still is there.

“I will be around here for a few months and Hollywood, too. We could take him on weekends.”

“Having two best pilots next door already is helping him, but if you both don’t feel bothered, I think it would do Bobby good, having you two around.”

As Wolfman predicted Hollywood didn’t see what he saw in Robert. One of the best WSO’s in the making but with time Rick started to see it. So he took on training Robert, starting with stretches and morning runs before Robert’s therapy sessions that left him anxious before and tired after. Then followed yoga and meditation, all three of them did because the kid had tripped in going into the therapy too. Not only were they helping Robert but he was helping them. That made Hollywood realize what Wolfman had seen from the start.

Robert was 14 when he lost his grandma and both Hollywood and Wolfman another dear friend. Mrs. Floyd had written in her will that custody over Robert was split between Rick and Leonard till Robert Floyd turns 18. Mrs. Floyd called them only by their given name and so the three carried on that tradition. It helped with keeping work outside the home. Their psychologist also approved of it.

Both of them were called to San Diego and they took that chance for a new start for all three of them. Hollywood as a joke put a sticker on their car back window saying Baby on board. That is how Robert got his call sign B.o.B. Wolfman and Hollywood teased him softly over it because he always will be their baby on board. Robert simply needed something that reminded him of these two men who helped raise him in WSO he is now. Sense of them with him in that plane.

In San Diego Robert met Ron “Slider” Kaner who owned a private plane company that had special training planes for pilots. Both Rick and Leonard had taken Bob flying before but this was next level. Robert passed it with flying colors, getting out of the plane laughing with Ron. The other two pilots were happy to see their kid happy like that again. He was meant to be in the air. Somehow Robert or how Ron had started to call him Bobby tripped Slider into therapy, too, but he drew a line at yoga and meditation, but Hollywood teasing him about Slider not being limber enough did the trick.

Somehow Hollywood and Wolfman had kept Iceman and Maverick out of Bobbies life. It wasn’t like they kept him hidden away. Simply the other two men had a lot going on in their life. Then Bradley upped and left without another word. Wolfman had gotten an absolute mess of Maverick calling him. Ron had canceled the last of Robert's flying training sessions. Bobby knew they all were hiding something.

That somehow brought in both hurricane and unmovable objects in Robert's life that were Pete and Tom when he was 15. Bobby was alone at home, doing his homework and looking through some of Hollywood's paperwork. Both of his guardians are still at Top Gun base, training running late. When loud banging made him jump in his seat, Robert hid Rick’s papers and took a baseball bat for self preservation reasons. He was dialing Leonard.

“Bobby? Is everything alright?”

“I don’t know. Someone is banging on our house door.”

“HOLLYWOOD, WOLFMAN, LET ME IN! I KNOW YOU ARE HOME, I CAN SEE THE LIGHT.”

“Oh fuck!” cursed Leonard. “That is Maverick. We will be back as soon as possible. We will call his husband.”

“Leo, I think I should let him in before neighbors call the cops.”“Yeah, do that.”

Bob opens the door to have Maverick just fall face first on the carpet in the halfway. The older man groans. Bob closes the doors and goes to the kitchen to get a glass of the water for the man. Maverick, as Wolfman had called him, had sat up and just looked at Robert with glassy eyes.

“Drink this! You will thank me when you wake up tomorrow.”

“Who are you?”

“Robert, Rick and Leonard are my guardians. You must be Pete?”

“Yeah, but everyone calls me Maverick.”

“We don’t use callsigns under this roof. Only given names. Makes you realize you are not your callsign but human, too.”

“Then yeah, I am Pete. Where are your guardians?”

“Coming! They called your husband, too.” To what Pete groaned, hanging his head low but he kept sipping on the water.

“Maybe you want to move to the kitchen. It must not be good for your knees. Let me help you!”

They sat in silence in the kitchen till four men walked into the kitchen. Robert got up and told Hollywood: “I fixed your paperwork. It is under the couch cushions. I am off to bed. We still on for a run at 6AM?”

“Thanks! Yeah, kiddo, we are.”

He could hear a new voice joining the conversation when he left the kitchen: “What do you mean this 15 year old kid is going through your paperwork?”

“Hey! That is our Bobby and he does some paperwork shit for my company, too.” piped in Slider. “He is really smart. We are raising the best WSO while you failed at raising not angry punk pilot. No surprise Mav pulled his papers. You can’t fly with such mental health.”

“Slider, this is not helping right now.” “No callsigns under this roof, only given names.” said both of his guardians at the same time, confusing Pete and Tom even more.

They really haven’t been around a lot. Iceman becoming Admiral and Maverick trying to piss off as many higher ranking officers as he could while trying to raise a kid. It was no easy job. Wolfman and Hollywood knew that hand first but Bradley’s reaction to this was uncalled for.

“Pete, look at me. We will give Tom numbers of really respectable psychological health center. It is really private but it is time you deal with it all. You can’t go again in spiel over another Bradshaw. Me and Hollywood have a kid that had gone through similar shit and we are not putting him in any kind of danger for his progress to drop. Also our own progress to drop. You call them when you feel like it is time but Pete never ever again come to this house door drunk like this. I will call Ron and he will be happy to finally whoop your arse.” ranted off Leonard. These two men could be his lifelong friends but he would not put himself or his family in any kind of bad situation. Maverick just nodded while Iceman was standing close to him with hand on his shoulder. “You did a better job than me and Ic…I meant Tom.”

“You will get used to it. We had help. Our house doors are open to you. We have family dinner each Friday.” said Rick, helping their guests out of their house. When everyone was gone, he slid near his Wolfman and whispered: “That gives me a hard on.” To which Leonard answered: “Don’t tease me.” Order was mixed but that was how it started. Rick really felt turned on by Leonard’s rant.

Ron is in for a ride and when Bob turns 18, he will become his partner because that kid had saved some thousand dollars for Slider with his amazing reading skills that take notice of smallest details.

Also Bob will choose to do his engineering degree before going to pilot school. He wants to spend more time with Leo and Rick and Ron. Now Pete and Tom, too, before he goes off to become WSO.

When Ice gots sick, Robert cuts his deployment and is there for his uncle Tom because he knows the man. He will act though while he suffers. So Bob pauses his life a bit to help Pete and other Uncles to take care of Tom while Pete is away. They all learn ASL to be able to talk with Tom because no one gets left behind in this family. Tom is Admiral and gets Robert spot on Top Guns engineering team but in the end Bob ends up to be Admirals Kazansky right hand. Writing papers, taking calls and etc. "NOW LOOK WHO ALLOWS BOBBY TO DO HIS PAPERS." *pointed fingers and all*AT LEAST HE DOESN'T HAVE A CHICKEN SHIT HAND WRITING RONNIE it's what Ice totally signs back to Slider. (thank you @pollyna for this one.)

Ice gets better and Bob is sent on deployment to keep his skills sharp. Still he feels bad for leaving his family but all of them say he should go. Penny told him she will keep an eye on those trouble makers. Uncle Pete and Tom will wait with their wedding when he gets back because Hollywood and Wolfman married straight up few hours after DADT was lifted. Bobby was ring bearer. It was a small ceremony in their house's backyard with closest people. It was simple but heartwarming like those two.

On carrier Bob kept getting care packages that he shared with other people on his squadron. They didn't question it, enjoying tasty stuff that was in those. Bob was happy to share the love he gets from his family.

In one of the runs of the plane, Bob didn't like the sound of the plane. Uncle Pete and Ron always have told him to listen to planes. He told his pilot that something was wrong and they got to go back to the carrier but he dismissed it, telling Bob not to sweat it. The pilot was sweating it when their plane was going down fast. They ejected and then Robert's body hit the water's surface. He was just floating in the water thinking about his parents and grandma. Will he join them now? No, no, he had reason to live. There was a big family waiting for him to come home. He felt so tired and his head hurt. He could hear Wolfman screaming in his head to stay awake. He did try, oh God, he did try. Robert hoped that his parents and grandma would protect him at this moment and he could float back home safely somehow.

Bob woke up to the clean smell that always came with hospitals. He was used to it after picking Tom up after his chemo. But why was he here? He tried to move and all his muscles just screamed in pain.

"Hey, hey, Bobby, don't move. You are bruised everywhere."

Bob squeezed his eyes because that sounded like Uncle Pete. He was deployed on a ship nearby.

"Uncle Pete?"

"Yeah, that is me." Whispered the older man, squeezing Roberts hand. "I know you are confused how I am here but our carrier got a mayday signal and I flew out. While in the air they told us more details. I thoug....I thought I will need to tell Rick and Leonard that their son died."

"Brought back bad memories?"

"Yes, kiddo. Still working on them with a therapist. Kinda hard to get through something you burried down in 1986. Then I noticed you in the ocean and called the boat to get you from my carrier." Bob just hummed, finally opening eyes to see Mavericks green eyes looking at him.

"Is the pilot okay?"

"That is our Bobby we know. Always worrying about others. He is back on your carrier. He won't be after your dads get to him. Not to count Iceman calling, too. He is flying out with Ron." Bob groaned. He was not dying. He will be okay. At the same time it warmed him over to know his family got his back.

"Someone needs to keep uncle Ron in check."

"Don't worry! Let us take care of you for once. He shouldn't fear Ron but Tom. To ignore what their WSO says and especially one that had been Admirals right hand. Really dumb. Do you want to tell me what happened?"

"We flew up in the air and the plane didn't sound right. Something was not right even if I checked on it before flight but my pilot distracted me before I could get to the engines. I told the pilot it and he ignored it. After 3 minutes we are falling into the ocean because our engine is on fire. Then my body hit the water and I passed out."

"Bobby, you know that real pilots don't do that. No one gets left behind."

"I know, uncle Pete. I will go back to sleeping. Wake me up when worrywarts get here."

After this incident Robert ends up being deployed in Lemoore and he could go home on weekends without trouble. Then uncle Pete goes missing because he pushed the Darkstar too far. Of course, he comes back to them as Maverick does. Then comes the next punch in the gut. Tom was doing his routine check ups and they told him cancer was back. Bobby was there with him because Maverick had to come back from his bruising. He could see that uncle Tom took it as a death sentence.

"No, uncle Tom. You are stronger than this. We are going to a different clinic."

"No use." Wrote to Tom on his phone.

"No, I am not giving up on you and you are neither. You hear me. You have every reason to live. I will call uncle Ron if you don't follow me to this other clinic."

"Okay!"

"Great."

It took three long days for the blood test results to come back. Robert and Tom were visiting doctor in this new clinic. Keeping it all under wraps to not worry their closest. Doctor told them that there must have been some mistake in testing because it looked all good in this blood test but to be 100% they would need Iceman to check in each week. The relief both men felt.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, all the markers are clear."

After such a miracle they both knew it was time to bring Bradley back and there was only one way to do it. The suicide mission. His dads won't be happy but they will get it. Especially with uncle Pete being the teacher.

There was the first training session with him, Phoenix and Hangman as a team. The blonde man teased him, hitting the target with Baby on board. But Robert could give back as well as he got it. Seresin left them to die which would not roll with uncle Pete or him. So after training, he cornered Hangman.

"What do you need, Bob?"

"Never leave your wingman behind. You may be the best pilot here but you can't do this mission alone. And we can keep up with you, if you don't think with your ego. Also yes, Bob stands for Baby on board. My dads gave me my callsign." With that Robert left with a gaping Hangman behind him. Javy got out of shower, piping up: "You know he is right, Jake. You can't do it alone."

"Damn that stealth pilot."

But after that uncle Pete was not keen on putting Jake with Bob in the same group. Then all hell broke loose when Jake reminded two men about Bradley's dad. Robert knew Jake was right.

Somehow Robert has ended up as friends with Bradley. He saw both of his uncles in the man and two people he had heard only stories about. Phoenix seemed to trust Rooster but Bob could not shake the feeling of his instincts that Bradley is not ready for it. Jake's words resounding in his mind. Bob had all the reasons to come back alive from this mission. The day on the beach was what they needed. They finally felt like the team. After they went back to the Hard deck. Somehow it ended up only him and Jake left from his squad.

“It seems Hangman had been left hanging?"

"You are funny, baby on board." Slurred Jake.

"Do you need a drive home?"

"I don't have a home. Just leave me be."

"No, in this family no one gets left behind. You should have learned that after my first rant. You can stay at my place for tonight."

"Okay."

Next morning Robert woke up later than usual to come down and see Jake being sat at end of table. His eyes jumping from his dads to uncles.

"Hey, Robert! Why didn't you say your family is made up from Top Gun class '86 best pilots?"

It seems Rick and Leonard had drilled their one house rule in Jake.

"You didn't ask, Jake. Also people start to treat you differently when you explain it. Did they already integorate you?"

"Bobby, you wound us. We were on our best behavior here." Answered uncle Ron.

"I will believe that when ostrich's will start to fly. I know you wanted to talk with him since first training."

"Yeah, yeah, Bobby. He is a good kid."

"Reminds you of you, Ron?" Asked Rick who was making waffles. It made both Ron and Jake choke on their coffees. Uncle Tom didn't take his eyes off Jake that made him twitch anxiously.

"He is just angry that you hurt his husband. He will get over it in a few days. Uncle Tom knows you are right about Rooster. Maybe, possibly, uncle Tom could talk uncle Pete into giving our trio another chance to fly together."

"I will think about it." Tom signed back. Jake seemed to relax also.

Bob again was in hospital. This time after the bird strike. He knew someone was there but when he opened his eyes all was blurry. Someone helped to put his glasses back on. Those were his spares because it was flurry before his eyes could focus. In a chair tiny for him sat Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw.

"Hey! How are you?"

"Like I just ejected from the plane." answered Robert, something not nicely scrapping in his chest. Those guilty looks Bradley kept sending him did make the feeling get worse.

"What did you do?" No movement from the Rooster. "What did you tell Maverick?" Bullseye. Bradley looked at Bob so quickly he could hear the man's neck crack.

"I will ask one more time what the fuck did you tell Maverick?"

"He told me how you were taken to hospital. How when you work in this field for long you're gonna lose someone. I exploded at him and told him no one will mourn him if he burns in."

Robert felt like someone had slapped him. He started to push the call nurse button. The middle aged woman ran in his room and he rumbled down: "Man with panic attack at top gun base. Where did you leave him?"

"In common room."

"Please, call Admiral Kazansky - Mitchell straight away." She nodded and left the room. Bob has had enough of this idiot ruining his family. Uncle Ron once said that everyone was coddling Bradley and now he got to see the consequences of this coddling. This ends now. "You are a selfish prick, Bradley Bradshaw. Thinking only - me, me. Did you ever think who was powerful enough in both yours and commanders life to ask to pull your papers?"

"Mom." Bradley breathed out.

"Woohoo! You have won back one brain cell. While you ran away and didn't look back, I was there. I had to look at them while going through losing you. I was there when uncle Tom fell ill with cancer. It had to be you who was there not me. He helped you when your mom was ill but you were not there." Bradley was opening his mouth to retort something. "Don't you dare to say they could call you. We all tried but you blocked all of us and then changed your number. You kept on running from them but they kept an eye on you. Right now I have no idea why. They love you so much and you simply gave it up. You gave up people who love you unconditionally. If something happens to uncle Pete and he can't teach us anymore, I will punch you so hard you will fall in tomorrow. You are selfish, Bradley, and a hazard to my family. So I would love to ask you to go check on Phoenix before my family is here because I won't stop uncle Ron this time. Get help, Bradshaw, than maybe one day you can come back to them and be part of this family."

Rooster got up and silently left the room. Bob was right; he really did hurt his only living family. It was time to talk with Phoenix. She always had good advice.

They were on carrier and waiting for captain Mitchell to call his team's names. All that was left was uncle Pete's wingman. Bob already knew who he gonna choose but he couldn't stop muttering under his breath: "Not Rooster, not Rooster."

It was too late now. Robert looked at Bradley with one look saying: "You better bring him back in one piece."

It seemed to be going good so far and then uncle Pete was down because he saved Bradley and then Bradley too was down. Bob felt all his strength leave him but they had to get back to carrier. Also that it was his uncle Pete and Pete's kid. If there is anyone who can come back from this, than it is those two. There was signal on the radar from Rooster and small relief went trough Bob. Soon enough they were back on carrier. Bob made his way to his uncle. He hugged him as hard as he could. Then he turned to Bradley.

"You kept your promise?"

"I did. I want to be part of this family again. Thank you for kicking my arse."

"Happy to help, Bradley, but if you would excuse me, I need to give something to your savior."

"Go get him, Bob." laughed Bradley. Robert found Jake hiding from the huge crowd.

"I thought you would be basking in the lights of your success?"

"Not really feeling it."

"I wanted to thank you for saving my family memebers." said Bob, pressing his lips to side of Jakes cheek when the other man turned his head and their lips connected. Bob doesn't know how long they just stood there making out. "Good to know that I already had shovel talk from members of your family."

#top gun fic #top gun maverick fic #top gun au #top gun maverick au #top gun class 86 #rick hollywood neven #leonard wolfman wolfe #hollywolf #robert bob floyd #ron slider kerner #tom iceman kazansky #pete maverick mitchell #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #floydsin #natasha phoenix trace #my precious #icemav

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roppongi-division · 5 months

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Zakari's Thoughts on Edogawa Division

Yuriko Kuromiya

"Would you believe me if I told you that I actually challenged this woman to a race once? ...Well, it was less a race, and more like a game of 'can you top this?'. I happened to meet her once while I was doing my thing in Edogawa. I didn't expect to see anyone else high above the ground, but I saw this flash of white hair pass me by, and that's when I laid eyes on Yuriko. Intrigued, I challenged her to a race on the rooftops, with the starting line being right back where we already were. We were free to use any route we wanted, provided we didn't touch the ground. She agreed, and we had us a dangerous, yet thrilling parkour race above the ground."

"I thought I won when I lost sight of her, but... shockingly enough, she had beat me! Me! I couldn't believe it! Still, I was man enough to admit that I lost. Still, I told her that this wasn't the end, and we'd have us another go-round next time. She agreed, and we both went our separate ways. I'm actually looking forward to racing her again!"

Kaoru Shinozaki

"I have to thank Kanra-chan for introducing me to her sister, Kaoru-chan! When I asked Kaoru to repair my dad's DJ booth, she did a flawless job! I told him the best way to repay her was to give her something 'coffee-related'. Still, I didn't think the old guy would have her get coffee here in Minato, for free! Don't ask me how he pulled that off, cause even I don't know!"

"Besides Kaoru is a cool girl, and an expert card player! She's actually beaten me a couple of times. Granted we were playing online poker, so... yeah. But if it were in-person, I've no doubt I'd wipe the floor with her!"

Kanra Akemi

"I swear, my parents are such worrywarts! They keep telling me to be careful of Kanra-chan, unaware that the both of us are actually friends. Believe it or not, I've actually been taking her under my wing and teaching her some gambling tricks. She's an... average player. But she has a bad habit of "showing her hand", meaning you can tell quite easily when she's gotten a good or bad card. I've told her she needs to be more aware of that. But I know she'll get better as time goes by!"

Wicked Requiem

"Would you believe me if I told you that I didn't know that all of these women were related before finding out they were on a team together? It's the truth! I mean, I knew Kanra's mom was on the PTA along with my mom, but I didn't think her mom was actually Yuriko-san, the woman who beat me in a race, herself! Needless to say, I was shocked! Even more so when I found out that Kanra and Kaoru were both sisters! My mouth literally hit the floor! Man, talk about a dangerous, combative family tree!"

"And now, we'll have to face each other in the D.R.B. Like mom and dad stated, I thought we were only the familial team in this tournament! But I guess not. But like mom stated, I'm actually looking forward to facing this team. Especially Kanra-chan! I hope you've been paying attention to my tricks, kiddo! Because I'm going all out when we meet on the stage!"

#hypmic #hypmic oc #hypnosis mic #hypnosis mic oc #hypnosis microphone #zakari hiroya #private party #roppongi division #edogawa division #wicked requiem #yuriko kuromiya #kaoru shinozaki #kanra akemi

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absolutepokemontrash · 3 years

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MC’s Half Demon and They Look Awfully Familiar

(Part 3! Starring Mini Mammon and Mini Asmo!)

Part 1 Part 2 Lessons 1-5 Underground Tomb special Group Retreat Lessons 10-12 Part 4

MC names:

Lucifer’s kid=L!MC | Mammon’s kid=M!MC | Asmo’s kid=A!MC

Why did bad things happen to good people? Well... Lucifer being a good person is up to interpretation. He hadn’t done anything too heinous recently, his instruments of torture were collecting dust for goodness sake! So why oh why was he staring down two half demon children who looked suspiciously like two of his brothers?

The first kid to step forward was Mammon’s without a doubt, but their general demeanour was very different from their father’s. Perhaps their other parent had done a good job-

“What the fuck was that?!”

Never mind. The kid had Mammon’s pottymouth.

The other child surveyed the scene with a nervousness that their suspected parent never possessed. The kid’s gaze fell on Lucifer, their eyes began to glow ever so slightly. “Uh-um...” the kid cleared their throat. “Someone explain what’s going on!”

Was this child seriously trying to use manipulation powers on Lucifer? He almost laughed at the mere idea of someone trying. The child didn’t even seem to be aware that they were doing it. When their question was met with blank stares, they instantly shrank back and practically hid behind the first half demon. Despite the severe self-esteem difference, this kid was Asmodeus’.

Lucifer’s own child cleared their throat and smiled. “Welcome to the Devildom!”

The Uncle That Looks Like he Has his Shit Together but he Leaves the Reunion Drunk off his Rocker (Lucifer)

Ah shit here we go again-

Okay- okay. Normally he’d scold L!MC for taking Diavolo’s line, but Dia had recovered from his shock and was now gushing over the new exchange students like an excited puppy.

“Okay... L!MC you’re going to need to share your room.”

“What?! Why?!”

“Unless Belphie is willing to give up the attic as a nap spot-”

“OVER MY DEAD BODY!”

“You’re sharing your room.”

RAD was buzzing with gossip for the entire first month of the second attempt at the exchange program. The threats of being eaten were once again stamped out very quickly.

(Special thanks to L!MC for being a good bodyguard)

Now, Lucifer didn’t exactly know what to expect when it came to the child of his favourite brother. Mammon was a dumbass, but this kid... this kid...

Was smart.

For the first time in Lucifer’s very long life he felt compelled to place someone in a higher echelon than himself.

Mammon’s child managed to successfully budget that dumpster fire of a house. On the first fucking day. Not only that. This kid managed to skim FIVE THOUSAND GRIMM OFF THE TOP AND THE BUDGET STILL WORKED! WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT-

Lucifer and Mammon thanked whatever spirit was watching over them because they truly believed their financial woes were over.

Shame that M!MC also spent their money on dumb stuff they didn’t need. Like father like child.

It’s no secret that Lucifer does have a bit of a soft spot for Asmo, I mean, who doesn’t love Asmo? But A!MC was a blessing sent right from the Celestial Realm.

They were just... too sweet. Way too sweet. Lucifer was actively getting cavities just being near them.

Anyone who bothered A!MC and M!MC during the first month ended up getting... uh... suspended.

(We can assume the threat of suspension would have extended to those who bothered L!MC but all the lesser demons were already terrified of them.)

Normally when Lucifer called someone into his study it was to lecture them for at least four hours and then send them to their rooms, but he was having quite the difficult time actually being upset with M!MC and A!MC.

A!MC looked close to tears and M!MC just stared right back at Lucifer with little to no fear in their eyes.

“Starting a fight during the first week of school is not how I expected the exchange students to behave.” Lucifer pinched the bridge of his nose, and prepared to continue the lecture, when he heard a sniffle. There wasn’t enough Demonus in the entire Devildom...

“I-I’m s—sorry...” A!MC sniffled, quickly wiping at their eyes. “Th-they were being r-really scary and we did-didn’t know what else to do...”

“So you threw them out of a window?”

“I threw them out of the window.” M!MC huffed. “They were bein’ a dick.”

“So you threw them out of a window?”

“That um...” A!MC mumbled. “That’s not all... I may have... told them to stick their head in a toilet first...”

“You made them stick their head in a toilet,” Lucifer turned to M!MC. “And then you threw them out of a window?”

“Yes.” M!MC and A!MC replied. Lucifer downed the rest of his glass of Demonus and debated whether or not it would be a show of weakness to slam his forehead into the desk in front of the children.

Lucifer looked between the two for a moment, then shook his head and sighed. “It’s my job to deal with threats to the exchange students, not yours.” Lucifer stood in front of the two, he rested his hands on their heads and gave them a quick pat, before knocking their heads together. “Next time someone bothers you, tell me. If I hear even a whisper of you two getting into another fight, I’m hanging you from the ceiling. Is that clear?”

A!MC and M!MC looked at each other, then back at Lucifer and nodded. “Yes sir!”

“Good.” Lucifer removed his hand from their heads. “Now shoo.”

Flying lessons for the two of them went way quicker than it did for L!MC, mainly because L!MC was a way better teacher.

As much as Lucifer loved his newly found niblings, he couldn’t show it too much. Outward softness was reserved for L!MC and L!MC only. M!MC and A!MC were stuck with silent acts of affection.

Every once and a while a little present or two would end up in M!MC or A!MC’s possession. Some ice cream money for M!MC when they blew their part of the budget on fancy sunglasses, a multiplayer video game that the three half-demons could play together, new shoes when A!MC accidentally ruined their’s...

He’s a good uncle. A scary uncle. But a good uncle. ^_^

(Don’t tell him I said that, I’m still in trouble for advertising Mammon’s escape Go Fund Me and I don’t want to have to write the rest of this HC hanging upside down.)

He’s Not Like the Other Dads, he’s a Cool Dad! (Mammon)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (Fear)

He’s a dad?! HE’S TO YOUNG TO BE A DAD! Hang on- he’s over five thousand years old...

Oh would you look at that! His kid pulled out a calculator.

...his annual income? Uh... why do you- HEY! WHAT’S WITH THAT FACE?!

M!MC puffed out their cheek as they continued to add the ever growing list of numbers into the calculator. Mammon was trying to get a peak at what they were calculating. M!MC suddenly looked up and practically lit up the room with their smile. Aw, their fangs were growing in!

They had a devilishly charming smile, just like their pop! A real chip off the old block! It almost brought a tear to Mammon’s eye and he actually felt compelled to give this kid all the money he had on him. Maybe even his Rolex too!

“Mammon, Avatar of Greed,” M!MC said sweetly. “My... dad.”

“Yep! That’s uh... that’s me!” Mammon awkwardly ruffled his kid’s hair, the kid laughed good naturedly.

M!MC’s sweet as honey smile flipped from elated to malicious in a manner of nanoseconds. “You owe over thirteen years of child support. Dad.”

Everyone say thank you to Lucifer and Diavolo for getting M!MC to compromise and not try and sue their father.

If you thought Mammon spoiled L!MC you’ve got another thing coming. Mammon’s wallet never stood a chance against his kid.

Poor Goldie, press F to pay respects.

Mammon also tried to teach A!MC and M!MC to drive, M!MC has no regard for their safety, the safety of others, or the laws of the road, buuuuuuuut they manage to get the car back with no dents and no property damage bills are being delivered to the house sooooo...

A!MC can drive fine... it’s just that they adhere to literally every law known to demonkind, which means neither Mammon or Asmo are allowed to open up the sunroof and do that movie thing where they pop their heads out and yell something. ITS NOT SAFE!

Our beloved dummy also tried to teach his kid how to play poker, with... limited success.

“Aw, come on kiddo.” Mammon smirked, flicking his kid on the nose. “Your poker face is awful, I can also see your cards from here.”

M!MC growled and held their cards closer to their face. “My poker face is fine!” It was in fact, not fine.

Mammon scratched his head and thought for a moment. Was he sure that this kid was his? I mean, they weren’t good at poker, had terrible luck in blackjack and roulette, and could barely understand the rules of craps. Craps! While he was lamenting the loss of possible gambling winnings, an idea hit Mammon at a thousand miles an hour.

“Hey kid, you’re damn good at math like your great and amazin’ father, have you ever thought about learnin’ how to count cards?”

Fancy outfits on, hair done (sorta), car ready, the two were off to the casino after quite the intense training montage. It appeared that casinos in the Devildom allowed children inside... Diavolo should really fix that.

“Okay M!MC, you remember what to do, right?”

“Yes. Remember the signal, and if someone catches on, deny deny deny.”

Mammon gave his kid a slap on the back. “Damn straight! You got this, bud.”

As the night dragged on, M!MC and Mammon had made their weight in money, paper money, they had made a SHIT ton is what I’m saying. Tragically, neither the Avatar of Greed or his child had any sense to leave before their luck crashed like the Stock Market in 1929.

They were both Icarus, and they were playing chicken with the sun... and by 3 am they were also playing chicken with security.

“GO GO GO!” Mammon shouted as he and M!MC sprinted towards the car, the night’s winnings in hand.

“I think I lost a shoe!” M!MC gasped as they scrambled into the car, security on their heels.

“I’ll buy you new shoes JUST PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT!”

Re-enacting every Fast and the Furious movie in twenty minutes was how that lovely night of father/child bonding should have ended... until they got home and realized they were locked out.

“The window to my room!” M!MC whispered, pointing up at their window. “It’s usually unlocked, we can climb up to get to it.”

“Good idea!”

M!MC tucked the bag full of their precious money under their arm and began the climb to their window, their father close behind. They had almost made it, they were so close, M!MC could literally touch the window-

The window swung open and the smiling faces of L!MC and A!MC greeted them.

“Oh my, it looks like we have some delinquents breaking curfew~.” L!MC cooed, resting their head on their hand.

“You shouldn’t be gambling this late! A-and your accessories don’t match!” A!MC huffed.

“Oi! L!MC, A!MC! What are ya doin’ up this late! It’s not good for ya!” Mammon whisper-yelled.

“My sleep schedule should be the least of your concerns right now, right A!MC?” L!MC elbowed A!MC, who nodded enthusiastically.

“Yep! Those who break curfew are hung from the ceiling by their toes.” A!MC shuddered.

M!MC rolled their eyes and stuck out their hand. “Come on L!MC! Let us in! You should listen to your older cousin!”

Upon hearing M!MC pull the older cousin card L!MC smiled deviously, grabbing both of M!MC’s hands. “Of course, dear cousin.” They leaned in. “Long live the king!”

L!MC shoved M!MC downward, Mammon caught them, but lost his own grip and they both lost hold of the money, which fell out of the bag and onto the ground like snow. Paper snow...

Oh well, at least Mammon and M!MC landed in some of the bushes...

“Ya know,” Mammon said as the money fell around them. “I’ve had dreams where this has happened.”

“Wow,” M!MC smiled. “Me too!”

Yep. This was his kid alright.

Not all his father/kid time revolved around money, it also revolved around both of them trying to avoid horror movie night without making it look like they were chickening out.

“Okay, I’ll fake a medical emergency!”

“Kid, no! They’ll never believe that!”

Since A!MC had their father’s eye for fashion and none of the judgemental comments, the kid became Mammon’s unofficial style coach.

“U-um... I hate to say it but those shoes don’t match with the rest of the outfit, the silhouette is confusing...”

“What’re ya talkin’ about? I look fantastic!”

“Are you blind? You look like a thrift store threw up on you.”

“Who invited you, Asmo?!”

“I’m here to support A!MC! You’re doing great by the way, sweetie!”

He may have cried a little when M!MC was able to fly without help... sniffle... they grow up so fast...

Oh- oh fuck they both crashed into the tree-

Oh My God he Actually Showed Up?! (Levi)

That... that couldn’t be real life! A shut-in’s worst nightmare! More people he needed to talk to!

Considering Mammon and Asmo’s track record with taking care of his things, Levi was incredibly hesitant to invite the two to binge anime with him and L!MC.

It seemed that the two normies inherited their fathers’s level of respect for closed doors. What I’m saying is the two crashed anime night.

“I have never seen such bullshit before.”

M!MC’s hands were stuffed in about five pairs of socks each, effectively turning their hands into useless nubs.

“You be quiet! This is to make sure that you don’t take any of my things and try and sell them on Akuzon!” Levi hissed, turning back to make sure his figurines were safe from the mini Mammon. A!MC was standing awkwardly next to L!MC, who was sitting in Levi’s gaming chair reading manga.

“So what are we going to watch..?” A!MC piped up. “I haven’t really watched much anime but I did watch Digimon...”

“I was more of a Beyblade kid.” M!MC hit their sock-stumps together to make a thumping noise.

Levi looked like he was ready to have a stroke. “L-listen! Those are gateway anime! You two need to watch proper anime! Non-dubbed anime!”

A!MC let out a shriek and stared at their reflection in a very shiny looking gundam figurine. “Have I been wearing off colour lip gloss the entire day?! O-oh no... I’m a mess!”

Levi let out a strangled wail and snatched the gundam out of A!MC’s hands. “D-don’t touch that! It’s worth more than a house!”

“It is?!” M!MC perked up and tried to wrestle their way out of their sock-gloves.

“Don’t make me stick you in a straight jacket...” Levi growled. He turned to L!MC with a pleading look on his face. “Please make them stop...”

L!MC grinned deviously and closed their book. “Of course I’ll help you, if we watch season two of The Promised Neverland.”

Levi shrieked and nearly pulled out his hair then and there. “It’s manga divergent! MANGA DIVERGENT! THEY SKIPPED SO MANY ARCS!”

M!MC and A!MC continued to wreak both purposeful and accidental havoc on Levi’s room, he was just about ready to summon Lotan then and there when L!MC shrugged.

“The ball’s in your court, Levi.” L!MC leaned back in the chair and resumed reading their manga.

Levi’s willpower shattered the moment he heard something fall off one of his cabinets. “WE CAN WATCH WHATEVER YOU WANT JUST MAKE THEM STOOOOOP!”

Quick as a flash, L!MC was out of the chair and had both M!MC and A!MC by the ears.

“HEY!” L!MC growled. “STOP ACTING LIKE IDIOTS OR SO HELP ME GRANDFATHER YOU TWO WON’T LIVE TO SEE GRADUATION!”

M!MC and A!MC became the most well behaved children in the Devildom after that... and L!MC and Levi got to watch their anime in peace.

Okay, Levi wasn’t heartless, he loved his lame normie niblings. They were just very very loud...

Though, M!MC was very good at finding merch for way lower prices... and A!MC actually really liked some of the anime they watched... Maybe they weren’t so bad.

M!MC’s attempts to budget that financial dumpster fire of an otaku was not going well, at least until M!MC convinced Lucifer to dangle concert tickets in front of Levi like a carrot on a stick until he agreed to do his best to stay within the monthly budget.

Levi had learned his lesson from L!MC’s flying lessons and steered clear of them, but luck was not on his side. The ONE time he willingly stepped outside of the house...

Both M!MC and A!MC crashed right into him.

The Uncle With the Cat You Never See and Aren’t Really Allowed to Pet. (Satan)

Oh fuck him sideways the house was going to be so much louder... Say goodbye to his quiet reading time...

On the bright side, the look of pure disbelief and exhaustion on Lucifer’s face gave Satan the biggest rush of serotonin he’d ever had in his life.

To be honest, he got on well with Asmo, and he... well it’s Mammon.

Could have been worse.

Could have been ANOTHER child of Lucifer.

“So... who do you think did it?” M!MC asked as the opening to the fourth episode of the murder documentary they were watching began. “I think it was the sister.”

“On what evidence do you make that assumption?” Satan asked.

M!MC shrugged. “Chick’s shifty.”

“I um... I think they disappeared on their own accord.” A!MC murmured. “I mean, so far it seemed the two’s home lives sucked...”

“Good theory.” Satan nodded to himself. “But both of you are wrong, it was very clearly the mother and the neighbour.”

“On what evidence do you make that assumption?” L!MC asked, imitating Satan’s voice. Detective Toe Beans was sprawled out on their lap.

Satan glowered at L!MC and leaned over to scratch Bean behind the ears. “The step-mother and neighbour are backing up each other’s alibis and they have a motive, access to a possible murder weapon, and a way of disposing of the corpses.”

L!MC rolled their eyes. “That’s a load of crap. It was just the step-mother. The mother had the motive, she and the father were on the outs, she wanted the father’s inheritance all to herself so she got rid of his kids.”

“How many more episodes of this are there?” M!MC asked. “This seems like a really dragged out way of just saying: I don’t know.”

“Sh! They’re explaining possible corpse disposal methods!” Satan hissed.

The four of them traded theories until the documentary series eventually ended with an unsatisfying ‘we dunno’.

“This is such shit...” M!MC muttered. “How have they managed to fill eight episodes with all these leads and evidence and the case is still unsolved?!”

“It’s because everyone involved was incompetent and stupid.” Satan sighed.

“You know,” L!MC smirked. “With all the true crime stuff the four of us watch, we could create the perfect crime.”

“We really could.” M!MC nodded in agreement.

“Using A!MC’s powers no one would suspect us...” Satan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Uh...” A!MC shifted uncomfortably. “On an unrelated note... I’m going to go...”

As A!MC scampered out of the room, L!MC turned to Satan and M!MC.

“There’s always the one weak person in the group who’s not down with murder.”

“A sad truth.”

“Hang on I thought we were talking about theft or something-”

Satan and M!MC are surprising study buddies, hell, they even help Mammon study. Or... it’s more accurate to say that they try to help Mammon study.

A!MC is good company, they’re quiet when they read, unlike most people in the house who felt the need to provide commentary on every single event that occurs in the book.

After proving to be quite useless in L!MC’s flight lessons, he just reminded the two new half demons to wear protective padding.

The Hot Single Dad That’s In Every Romcom That Features a Child (Asmo)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (excitement)

Oh... his... father... HE WAS A DILF NOW-

He practically vaulted out of his seat to coo and fuss over his new found hellspawn, they were just SO CUTE!

Their wings were just like his! So adorable! Oh and those little horns! They were so cute Asmo just might have combusted then and there.

Of course, he couldn’t combust without finding out which of his flings had made such an adorably shy mini-him.

“Ah! I remember that party!” Asmo squee-ed as he looked at a picture of A!MC’s parent. “They looked so hot in that outfit I swear I was completely-”

“Asmodeus.” Lucifer grumbled. “That’s a child in front of you.”

“Oh! Right! Mind if I call your ren, A!MC?” Asmo asked, ruffling their kid’s hair. “I want to see if they remember me fondly!”

As Asmo chattered with A!MC’s parent about just how adorable and perfect their kid turned out, Asmo leaned over to A!MC to ask a question.

“A!MC, I know this is sudden but how do you feel about getting a sib-”

“ASMODEUS IF YOU FINISH THAT SENTENCE I WILL FEED YOU TO CERBERUS!”

“Tsk. Rude.”

It’s safe to say Asmo adores his kid. I mean, they’re 50% him, how could he not.

He didn’t exactly have experience with the whole... being a big part of his kids’s life thing. Sure he held the unofficial record for most kids but that was because effective birth control hadn’t been invented at the time when he was allowed to run rampant in the human world, not because he was an A+ dad.

None of that mattered! He was going to be a 10/10 dad to A!MC!

They were so shy... so... mouse-like...

“Um... dad?” A!MC awkwardly twiddled there thumbs as they stood in the doorway to their father’s room. The sweet smell of whatever essential oil was being spread with the diffuser did next to nothing to calm the poor half-demon’s nerves.

Asmo popped his head out of his walk-in closet with a sparkling smile. “Yes, child of mine?”

“I um, just wanted to ask...” A!MC was desperately trying to stave off an oncoming stutter-spiral. “H-h-how- *ahem* how do- ugh...”

A!MC steeled their face and straightened their posture.

“How do I be confident like you?!” They blurted that out a little too loud for comfort, but Asmo’s near-immediate joy quashed any embarrassment A!MC was feeling.

“You want to be like little ol’ me?” Asmo gushed, clearly trying to hide just how flattered he was. “Well, of course you do! Your dad’s got your back. So first what we’re going to do-”

The Avatar of Lust had done the stereotypical early 2000s movie makeover many times before, but never with so much enthusiasm. His kid’s style was fine, it wasn’t a lack of pizazz either, it was the lack of confidence in the pizazz.

“Okay, now stand up straight.”

A!MC straightened their back as much as they could.

“Perfect! Chin up, shoulders back, and there you go!”

A!MC didn’t look too different on account that Asmo felt like their fashion sense was perfect, but dear not-old dad coached MC on a new walk, better posture, and Asmo filled their arms with about seven boxes of self-care supplies.

“What’s all this for?” A!MC asked, shifting the weight of the boxes slightly so they could actually see their dad.

“That, A!MC, is all the stuff you need to have confidence.” Asmo explained. “It’s not required of course, but it sure does help.”

“I’m not sure I follow...”

“Oh sweetie, it’s simple really. When you take care of yourself, you feel better, and when you feel better, you look better, and when you look better and feel better, your confidence skyrockets!” Asmo shifted some of the boxes A!MC was carrying around so they could stand up straighter and not be held down by the weight of the self-care arsenal. “Good posture stops your back from hurting, dressing decently helps you feel better about your appearance, as does taking care of your skin, aaaaaand all this will culminate in you being your best!”

A!MC still looked a bit skeptical, but they nodded anyway.

“Remember MC!” Asmo said as he led MC back to their room to help them sort their new stuff. “Confidence in yourself doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t let Mammon try and sell you a fix-all potion because it’s just boiled Gatorade.”

“O-okay- wait did you just say-”

“Yes, boiled Gatorade.” Asmo shuddered. “Let’s not talk about that.”

Dear uncle Asmo? A financial dumpster fire?! It’s more likely than you’d think.

Sure, Asmo’s got a job and makes his own money, but Geez Louise... one demon does not need that much hand cream! Or that many questionable Akuzon packages that everyone is too afraid to touch...

M!MC had their work cut out for them is what I’m trying to say.

Of course... once M!MC realized what a lost cause getting Asmo to stop with the obsessive bath bomb purchases was and a few too many insults were thrown at M!MC’s dear dad... some of Asmo’s things went uh... “missing”

But would you look at that! No one went over-budget!

Even though their dads have a fierce party related rivalry, A!MC and M!MC get along great. It’s very wholesome.

The Uncle That Helps You Pester Whoever is in Charge of the Food at the Family Reunion About Dessert (Beel)

Yay! More kids :)

Do you think any of them know how to cook? No? Okay... :(

Beel adores his new niblings with all his heart and soul, and Belphie’s out of the attic and is able to meet them with everyone else this time! Yay!

I didn’t mention this in the other parts- but Beel totally gave L!MC piggyback rides whenever they asked, but now that two more kids have arrived... it’s now a fight to be tall.

But yea- kids like uncle Beel. Strong contender for favourite uncle.

“Do you think this is right?” A!MC asked as they fiddled with the settings on the stovetop.

“No clue. Do we put the cheese on while the meat is cooking or do we wait until after?” M!MC asked, they flipped through multiple cheeseburger recipes on their DDD, their frustration growing. “Hang on- do we have a deep fryer?”

A!MC rummaged around the cupboards and shelves for a good fifteen minutes and came back empty handed. “No, but I’ve seen videos of people making fries without a deep fryer, I think we just need to heat up vegetable oil and drop the potatoes in.”

After setting up the make-shift deep fryer, the two cousins carefully dropped the first fry into the oil, then screamed like banshees when some oil splashed close to their hands.

“Did you get burned?!” M!MC asked, A!MC shook their head.

“No, you?”

“Nah...” M!MC eyed the oil warily. “We should do this one at a time to be safe...”

It was an awkward process, grab potato, place potato, scream, make sure no one is burned, repeat. As... decent as the process was, with both of them manning the deep fryer, no one was manning the patties that were now completely charred.

“What’s going on in here? It smells like Solomon’s cooking.” Beel poked his head into the kitchen and saw two very upset children and the world’s messiest kitchen.

“We’re failures. That’s all...” M!MC murmured.

“We wanted to make lunch for all of us and we ruined it...” A!MC added.

Beel’s heart was set to explode then and there- but his stomach growled. “You tried your best, don’t feel too bad. Let’s get cheeseburgers somewhere else with Belphie.”

M!MC and A!MC nodded enthusiastically as the three of them left the destroyed kitchen behind them.

After Beel had to sling a sleeping Belphie over his shoulder, the now four of them were halfway out the door before they heard L!MC scream bloody murder.

“YOU IDIOTS COME BACK HERE AND CLEAN THIS MESS UP RIGHT NOW!”

M!MC and A!MC made eye contact, then sprinted out the door. “CHEESEBURGERS FIRST!”

A!MC and M!MC probably go to all of Beel’s games like the little super fans they are. Beel is very grateful for the support! :D

Flying lessons? Nnnnnot again. He’s here for moral support and moral support only. And to catch the two babs when they inevitably fall.

The Uncle Who Was Like... Really Racist the Last Time You Saw Him But He’s Not Anymore (Belphie)

So he uh... he didn’t try and kill these two. That already gave the two newbies a better first impression than what he gave to L!MC.

The Anti Lucifer league ALSO grew, just by one member though. A!MC was very easily persuaded to snitch on whatever prank the group concocted.

The attic nap club gained two new members, but Belphie still had to deal with wings hitting him in the face and waking him up. He’d usually return the favour with a swat from his tail.

“M!MC I swear I will throw you out of the window if you kick me again.” Belphie murmured, mashing his face into his pillow.

“Mmmph.” M!MC threw a pillow in Belphie’s direction.

“Quit whining, Belphie.” L!MC huffed. “You’re doing better than me.”

A!MC had attached themselves to L!MC like a sloth to a tree and would not let go or stop drooling. Ah schadenfreude, the best feeling in the galaxy...

“Stop with that look.” L!MC hissed, Belphie snickered. “I’m telling you to quit it because you’ll wake up Beel, and Beel is solving your M!MC problem.”

Belphie turned to see Beel practically crush M!MC into a bone breaking hug in his sleep.

“Should we do something about that?” L!MC yawned.

Belphie smirked his little douchebag smirk. “Eh, let them stew for a few more minutes.”

“Help me...” M!MC rasped.

Out of the three, A!MC is probably the best nap buddy, they bring in their own pillows and don’t hog the blankets.

Belphie is once again at the forefront for taking videos of the flying lessons, at least till M!MC accidentally broke Belphie’s DDD.

Just a friendly reminder, the sleepy cow man would kill for these kids.

Look at them funny and no one will find your body.

Okay! That’s part 3 done! I had to cut Belphie’s and Satan’s short because of post limit stuff, but the stuff with the side characters is coming soon! Also, Mammon would like me to inform all those who donated to his Go Fund Me that you will NOT be getting your money back, he has a kid to deck out in full Gucci now, he needs the cash!

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leon-scott-kennedy · 3 years

Text

Distrail

Chreon, Rated-T

Read on Ao3

For a price, anyone could check into a seedy motel, even three people covered in blood, guts, and grime, no questions asked, especially with the ashes of Raccoon City still cooling 100 miles away. So the horizon still held a faint glow of destruction when Leon and Claire stumbled, barely conscious, through the front door of the Tadpole motel at 2 PM October 1st, using each other as support and Sherry clinging to Leon’s back like a koala if a koala drooled and snored.

Two other motels along the highway turned the odd couple away, rumours already flying about Raccoon City, zombies, and a nuclear cover-up. But at the right price, triple the going rate, Claire managed to convince the manager to let them bunk down, courtesy of Leon’s stressed credit card.

The fact Leon’s credit card worked, or that he even still had his credit card, was a miracle. His wallet hadn’t exactly been a priority, and honestly, they could sleep in a cockroach-infested basement, and Leon would be happy because they were dead on their feet after hiking on foot what Leon estimated to be a good 30 miles of rough terrain to get to the nearest town. The sun barely peeked over the horizon when the sky behind them exploded.

Raccoon City was gone. The people Leon had sworn to defend were gone. Sherry and Claire were all he managed to protect, and he’d be damned if he failed now.

The motel room wasn’t terrible; two double beds, a small tube TV, and a leaky faucet. It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t something out of a horrible nightmare. They’d left that behind them.

“I’m glad we don’t have a blacklight,” Claire joked, but her tone fell flat.

Leon nudged the bed farthest from the door suspiciously with his boot, dragged back the yellow duvet, and inspected the mattress before he lay Sherry down and tucked her in. He even let Claire shower first, insisted, while he watched Sherry sleep, tossing and turning and whimpering from reliving the horrors in her dreams until Claire emerged from the bathroom, hair still damp, and crawled into bed beside Sherry.

By the time Leon scrubbed his skin raw, the water was cold, and Claire had passed out cold with Sherry cuddled up beside her, little hand tangled in the front of Claire’s dirty tank top like a lifeline. Leon passed out face first on the other bed. He couldn’t even muster the energy to get under the covers.

Movement woke Leon. He jolted awake, reaching for his gun on the bedside table, only to find Claire, fully dressed, perched on the end of his bed and tugging one of her boots. She smiled sadly at the gun levelled at her head.

Leon lowered Matilda, gasping for air. His arm fell limply to his side. “Claire?”

“Hey.” Claire pulled on her second boot. “Sorry.”

Leon blinked at the sleep crusting his eyes. “What... what are you doing?”

Claire sighed and set her foot back down solidly on the ground, hands grasping her thighs. “I need to find Chris. I need... I need to know he’s okay.”

“Now?” Leon glanced at the clock. The bright red numbers read 7:46. The setting sun outside glowed faintly behind the curtains.

“If you ever need me...”

“Forget me. What about Sherry?” Leon snapped, somewhat mollified when Claire winced.

“I know you’ll take good care of her.” Claire’s attention briefly snapped to the sleeping 12-year-old that had survived literal hell. “Leon... if I didn’t have to.”

“Yeah. Yeah, whatever,” Leon scoffed, then rolled over. His heart thundered in his chest. He heard Claire briefly wake up Sherry to say goodbye, promising they’d be in touch, that if Sherry ever needed her, all she needed to do was call.

The door creaked open. Leon clenched his eyes shut, willing down the panic swelling in his chest until it ached. This was it. He was all Sherry had left. They were on their own.

“Take care of our girl for me.” Claire’s voice was barely a whisper.

Leon’s hands trembled, buried in the sheets and pillows, he struggled to suck down air, and his hearing fuzzed. Claire was gone.

For hours, Leon faded in and out of consciousness, barely able to keep the crush of dread at bay. Finally, at some point around 3 AM, he gave up all pretense to sleep and kept a vigilant guard. He jumped at a car alarm, tensed at the slam of a door, and clenched Matilda tightly when soft footfalls passed their door. Eventually, Sherry climbed into his bed to watch early morning cartoons with him.

“Is Claire going to be okay?” Sherry asked softly. She hugged Leon’s arm, cuddling into his side like he used to with his grandma.

“Yeah. Don’t worry about her,” Leon said. He slumped to the side, gently resting his head on top of Sherry’s. “She’ll be fine, kiddo.”

When the sun rose, Leon and Sherry trekked down to the front office to extend their stay another night, then hiked into town searching for clothes and sustenance. Being out in public, surrounded by people, set both Leon and Sherry on edge. They jumped at the slightest sound, and Sherry refused to release Leon’s hand for anything less than going to the bathroom, and even then, he had to stand guard outside the stall. Thank god he had pissed before they left the motel because Sherry was clinging to the back of his jacket while he tried seemed ridiculous.

Their shopping trip was quick. They grabbed what they could, Sherry setting a brisk pace through the little thrift store they found, dragging Leon from rack to rack. They scrounged up a few changes of clothes, socks, underwear, which Leon was a little uncertain of, a jacket that fits over his side holster since he had a license to carry, and a backpack that they filled with snacks and a deck of cards from a little corner store. It turns out Leon’s palette was similar to a twelve-year-old.

The tenuous credit limit finally crapped out on Leon when he tried to buy a six-pack at a shady liquor store on the way back to the motel.

“No job. No money. Just great,” Leon sighed.

For the rest of the day, they holed up in their room munching on junk food, watching terrible daytime TV, and playing Go Fish until Leon made the brilliant decision to teach Sherry how to play poker, and she fleeced him for all the Cheetos.

Leon had no plan beyond survive, and he hadn’t even planned for that. His body ached from being tossed by mutated monsters and shot. His wrapped shoulder twinged.

“Shit,” Leon cursed and clutched his wound. They needed help. He needed help. Taking care of a kid without any resources would be impossible; never mind, he’d never taken care of a person in his life. He had no siblings, no parents. His grandma died when he was nine.

Leon smiled at Sherry in reassurance when she questioned him. This little girl couldn’t be another statistic of the system. He could fix that. He would fix that.

Covered in orange Cheeto dust, Sherry crashed around 8 in the evening. The glow of the sun behind the curtain reminded Leon of the mushroom cloud that had enveloped the sky 36 hours ago. Leon’s stomach twisted in knots. Every creak, every thump, every squeaky break, Leon tensed, waiting for something to crash through the door and disrupt the precarious peace.

Leon hunkered down on his bed, the one closest to the door and any potential threat that came for them, and prepared for another sleepless night on edge.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Around one in the morning, his eyes beginning to droop, Leon nearly fell off the bed in his mad scramble for his gun when someone knocked heavily on the door. Checking his clip, Leon cautiously crept to the door, motioning for now very awake Sherry to stay out of sight.

“Who is it,” Leon called.

“Hi. Look, I’m sorry to bother you. My name is Chris Redfield. I’m looking for my sister Claire.”

Leon blinked and glanced back at Sherry, whose head had popped out of the blanket at the sound of Claire’s name. Then, double-checking he had bolted the chain, Leon opened the door a crack to peek out.

A man a little taller than Leon stood under the flickering light outside the door, his hair cut short and a 5 o’clock shadow. Chris Redfield, decorated member of the Racoon City Stars Division. Leon recognized him from the old photo Claire had shown him, but also the records he’d run across during his frantic hunt through the Police Department.

“Chris?” Leon said, astonished it was actually him. He slammed the door, unbolted the chain, and flung the door open again. “What the- Claire’s looking for you. What are you doing here?”

Chris, who eyed the gun uncertainly, brightened at the mention of his sister. “Is she here? The manager at the front recognized her. Said she was here with some guy and a kid.” Chris glanced past Leon into the room to Sherry curled up in the other bed peering out with curious fear from under the blankets.

Leon shook his head, eyes scanning the parking lot. “She’s not here. She left this morning to find you.”

“Fuck.” Chris winced and glanced at Sherry again. “Shit, sorry.”

Sherry giggled into her hands, and Leon rolled his eyes. “I think she’s dealt with worse.” Like the apocalypse.

“But she’s okay. She’s alive?” Chris asked.

“Who? Claire? Yeah. Yeah, she’s fine. Saved my ass more than a few times.” Leon smiled wistfully and then frowned. So Claire had left, and now, here, her brother was trying to track her down. It must be nice to have someone that gave a damn about you.

“Oh, thank god.” Then, finally, all the tension and stiffness in Chris’ posture melted. “I got her message, and...”

Leon scanned the dark parking lot again for any sign of life, then gestured into the motel room. “You should come in.”

“No.” Chris waved off the invitation. “No, I need to find her.” But the fatigue in his voice threatened to topple him, and that would definitely fell Leon if he tried to catch him.

“Dude, you’re dead on your feet,” Leon said. “It’s the middle of the night. Crash for a few hours.”

“Yeah!” Sherry chimed in, bouncing on her bed. “Stay!”

Chris shook his head. “I can’t.”

Leon pursed his lips. “Look, I don’t know you, man. But I do know that if you pass out behind the wheel and wrap yourself around a pole, you’re pretty damn useless to her.”

Chris opened his mouth to argue, and Leon sighed, tilting his head to the side, ready to give up when Chris snapped his mouth closed and cleared his throat. He studied Leon closely, scrutinizing him like he would a suspect, but Chris must have been satisfied with what he found - weakness, terror, immaturity - because he finally said, “just a few hours.” And the anxiety squeezing the life out of Leon eased, just a tiny bit. Enough that he could breathe.

Chris excused himself to run and grab his go-bag, and Leon cursed his stupidity because nothing was stopping Chris from running. That tightness immediately returned, but a few minutes later, another sharp knock sounded at the door.

Leon smiled tiredly and welcomed Chris into the room, relieved to have the company, someone who knew what they were doing; an adult. Leon grew up fast, but he’d never been an adult in his life. Racoon City was supposed to be a fresh start, and now, he was back to square one. Not even. He was in the basement of square one—the root cellar.

Leon finally caught a good look at Sherry with the lights on, still covered in orange dust, her fingers and cheeks stained. “Jesus. Did you eat the Cheetos or roll in them?”

Sherry laughed. “Leon taught me to play poker, and then I won all the cheezies,” she said to Chris, who grinned.

“Nice job.” Chris offered her a high-five, which she eagerly accepted. The hero worship was already forming.

“He gets a little wrinkle right here when he lies,” Sherry said, pointing a small finger between her eyebrows.

“Okay,” Leon said, scooping Sherry off the bed and carrying her off under one arm. “Let’s get you cleaned up and back in bed, munchkin.”

Cheeto dust proved a formidable adversary, but they managed. When they walked back into the room, Chris was standing exactly where they had left him, his bag still slung over his shoulder and his boots laced.

Getting Sherry tucked back into bed became a struggle now that the brand new company hyped her up; no hesitation whatsoever. She liked Chris. She even made Chris put her to bed, Leon faking offence at being disregarded for the new guy, but there was something about seeing a six-foot boulder of a man coax a tiny twelve-year-old back to sleep that made Leon’s chest ache. Especially when Chris told the story of how Claire was convinced that if she left fake teeth under her pillow, she could trick the tooth fairy into giving her more money. It never worked. The tooth fairy left chocolate coins instead. Fake money for a fake tooth.

Leon watched perched on the edge of the other bed, a little envious of Chris’ skill with kids. He double-checked the safety on his handgun, then the clip. Chris eyed Leon as he set his weapon back down on the bedside table, and Leon couldn’t muster the energy to be self-conscious about his paranoia.

Chris may be Claire’s sister and a fellow survivor of Raccoon City, but Leon didn’t actually know him. For all he knew, he was a traitor like Irons or Wesker. Maybe he wasn’t the man Claire believed him to be. What the hell had he been thinking? Inviting a stranger to stay with them?

With Sherry asleep again, Leon and Chris were left to settle in for the remainder of the night. For Chris, that meant shedding his bulky jacket and combat boots.

“It’s Leon, right?” Chris said. He stood awkwardly beside the bed, watching Leon click off the light and climb under the blankets, tucking himself up against the edge of the mattress as close as he possibly could without toppling off. “Claire mentioned you in one of her messages.”

Leon almost facepalmed. He hadn’t introduced himself. He really was doing everything backwards. “Yeah. That’s me. Leon S. Kennedy.” He curled up into a small ball.

“Jesus Christ.” Chris swiped his palm across his mouth. “You’re the new rookie.”

Leon chuckled humourlessly, his hands tightening into fists around the sheets pulled up to his neck. “Was a hell of a first day.”

Chris picked up real quick that Leon didn’t want to talk about it. So instead, he climbed into his side of the bed, the one closest to the door. The mattress dipped under his weight, and Leon tensed. Where else would Chris have slept? The floor? The last person Leon shared a bed with was his ex, who had seemingly saved his life. If she hadn’t broken up with him, if he hadn’t gotten drunk, if he hadn’t slept in hungover as hell, he would have arrived right in the middle of the initial panic, and who knows if he would have survived that. No one else in the department had.

What would it have been like? The screams, the moans, the pleas for help- the sounds still played on repeat in Leon’s head. Lieutenant Marvin Branagh, mouth agape, stumbling towards him with his hands out. Leon had put two bullets between his eyes.

The first indications of a panic attack slammed into Leon. Abruptly, his throat closed. He couldn’t breathe, his vision slid out of focus, and his chest compressed. Like someone reached into his chest and squeezed his heart in a vice. His entire body shook.

Suddenly, a warm voice murmured in his ear, the soothing tone talking him down, calming him. Leon wasn’t alone. He wasn’t trapped in the police station battling endless waves of the undead, the people of Raccoon City he’d taken an oath to serve and protect.

“Leon, kid, you need to breathe,” Chris said. His presence was a solid wall behind Leon. “I’m going to touch you, okay?”

Leon focused on Chris’ voice. His vision began to swim back into focus, his hearing rushed back in a sudden wall of familiar night noises like the drip of the faucet in the bathroom or the lonely car that passed on the highway. He nodded, not fully understanding what Chris was saying. An arm slid around his waist and pulled him back into a firm chest. Leon flailed, seconds from panic again when Chris’ voice rumbled in his ear.

“You’re going to be okay. I got you.”

Leon grasped Chris’ arm, his grip probably tight enough to leave bruises, and he choked on a shuddering sob.

“It’s okay, Leon. You’re going to be okay.”

Gasping for air, Leon rolled over and buried his face in Chris’ chest, and Chris let him. Leon’s sobs were muffled in Chris’ arms, not wanting to disturb Sherry in the next bed. He felt every subtle muscle flex when Chris tightened his grip or shifted them into a more comfortable position. That’s how Leon passed out, wrapped in the reassuring embrace of a complete stranger, one who understood the hell he’d lived through and the fear and uncertainty he felt in his soul.

Morning came quickly. Leon woke up still curled into Chris’ chest with a death grip on the other man’s faded t-shirt. Chris’ nose was buried in Leon’s hair, each soft snore ruffling his hair, but his embrace hadn’t lessened overnight.

The warmth of embarrassment burning, Leon snuck out of bed, anxiously loosening Chris’ hold and dashing for the safety and solitude of the bathroom, horrified at his complete lack of control the night before. No one had held him like that before, at least not since he was a child and his grandma would sit up with him after a nightmare. But, sadly, this was another type of nightmare, a waking one.

When Leon finally mustered the courage to wander back into the room, Chris was up, sitting on the edge of the bed with his elbows on his knees.

“You okay?” Chris asked the same time Leon burst out, “I’m sorry!”

Chris sighed. “You didn’t do anything wrong. When I showed up on your doorstep last night, I saw right away that you were barely holding it together.”

Leon’s fists clenched at his side. He couldn’t meet Chris’ gentle gaze.

Chris crossed the room in two enormous strides and considerately grasped Leon by the shoulders. “It was the shock finally hitting you. It happened to me too, but I was alone,” Chris admitted. “Hey. Hey, come on. Look at me.”

Leon bit his lower lip, but he slowly looked up, eyes stinging. “I don’t know what to do.”

Telegraphing his movements, Chris gently pulled Leon into a tight hug. “You’re not alone. We’re going to do this together. I want to take Umbrella down, but first, I wanna make sure you’re okay.”

Leon jerked back so fast Chris stumbled. “I want to help. I want to make those sons of bitches pay.”

Chris smiled. “Good. But first, I have a safe house.”

Together, they set the plans. Leon and Sherry would meet Chris in two days, hopefully with Claire in tow, at Chris’ new safehouse three states over. Sherry and Leon could catch a bus a couple miles down the highway to get them most of the way. The trick would be getting up the mountain to the cabin. But they were in this together. Hope simmered once again.

Armed with a freshly drawn map on motel stationery, Leon watched Chris pack. Umbrella wouldn’t know what hit them.

“Here. Take it.”Chris handed Leon two rumpled twenties, a five, and a few ones he dug out of his wallet. “It’s all the cash I have on me, but it should be enough to get you there. I’ll drop you off-”

“No.” Leon took the cash, but waved off Chris’ offer to give him and Sherry a lift to the bus station. “It’s in the opposite direction. We’ll be fine.”

“Two days,” Chris promised. Sherry had climbed out of bed and now clung to Chris’ arm as if he couldn’t leave as long as she was attached. He ruffled her hair. “With or without Claire, I’ll be there and we’ll go from there.” Chris grabbed Leon by the back of the neck and dragged him into a gruff hug, their foreheads lightly pressed together. “It’s gonna be okay, kid.”

And Leon believed him. That is, until two hours later when an unmarked vehicle pulled up on Leon and Sherry hiking down the side of the road, hand in hand. They never made it to the rendezvous.

#chreon #leon s kennedy #chris redfield #claire redfield #sherry birkin #re2make #re fanfic #leon kennedy #kennfield

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jeonggukookies · 3 years

Text

too young || five

summary: you learn about jungkook’s past, and jungkook and his daughter aren’t too happy about that

word count: 4,116

genre: parent!au, single dad!jungkook angst

one || two || three || four || five

As long as you could remember, Valentine’s Day was your favorite holiday. You just loved making cute valentine’s cards, colored paper hearts and making little mailboxes to put your candy in. Not only that, but you just loved your parents spoiling each other on that day whether it was doing cute things spontaneously or putting love poems on sticky notes every where around the house.

Valentine’s Day was just the day you wanted to be in love, but for the most part, you and your short term boyfriends never made it that long, so it was just mainly you working at schools, doing arts and crafts with the kiddos, spreading the love to them.

Today was different.

You invited all parents to come and help their child decorate their mailboxes, and you rescheduled any tasks or meetings that day as you wanted to spend the whole day visiting each classroom to see everyone’s progress and give candy out.

Wanting to spend the most time with Jules, you visited her classroom last. Her classroom was well decorated for the holiday. The color pink and red along with messages and puns about love and hearts were found everywhere.

Standing under the doorway, a smile appeared on your face once you saw Jules in Jungkook’s lap. She was laughing with her head tilted back as Jungkook traced his hand onto the cardboard mailbox. “Jungkook, why are you putting a hand turkey on our mailbox?!”

You talked to every student and parent in the class before taking a seat next to Jungkook. “I love the mailbox.”

“Do you want to put your handprint on it?” Jules asked as she put a heart shape lollypop in her mouth and snuck one into your pocket. “Me and Jungkook have more for you later, but don’t tell anyone.”

You smiled and grabbed a red marker from the table. “I would love to put my hand on the mailbox.”

“So I have some news,” Jungkook said as you pushed the marker lid off. “I have to leave a day early next week.”

Jungkook was going on a business trip overseas for a week, and during that week, Jules was going to stay with you. At first you didn’t understand why Jungkook was telling you, but once you realized it, you dropped the marker abruptly. “Wait, that means you won’t be able to be there with me when I meet the girls.”

“I’m sorry, but I promise Jin is going to make sure it all runs smoothly,” Jungkook reassured you, picking up the marker off the table. “We can wait till after you come back if you want.”

You shook your head, not wanting to wait any longer to meet them. It was bound to happen whether you liked it or not. “It’s okay.”

“Are you sure?” He questioned, raising his eyebrows.

“I promise.”

After school, you spent the rest of Valentine’s Day making blanket forts and watching movies with Jungkook and Jules, and you knew that you could never get tired of this.

___________

“Uncle Jin!” Jules excitedly jumped up and down as Jin bent down and wrapped her arms around her. “I missed you!”

“It’s not as if I didn’t see you a day ago.” Jin pulled away, smiling. “Your cousin is waiting for you in her room.”

Jules hurried off to take off her jacket and rushed upstairs. “So you’re first meeting Taehyung’s wife first, then Jimin’s and then mine,” Jin quietly explained as he took your jacket along with Jules to put it on the coat rack. “Tae dropped her off first, so you can warm up to her. Jimin’s on his way to drop off Seo-yeon, and Su-ji is still at work and has to pick up tonight’s dinner.”

He gestured behind him with his eyes where Tae’s wife, Ji-Ho was. You were surprised by her appearance. She looked like a normal human being when the boys had described her similar to the evil queen from Snow White.

"She doesn’t look scary at all,” you whispered in a hushed voice. “Why did you guys try to scare me?”

“Ji-Ho, this is Y/N, Jungkook’s girlfriend. Ji-Ho came early, and we’re just talking about a book idea she has,” Jin said in his normal tone, ignoring the comment you made. “She wants to write a book about being able to forgive and forget.”

Sitting next to Jin on his white loveseat, you looked and smiled at Ji-Ho who was on the white sofa across from you two, staring at carpet, not meeting your eyes. “I didn’t know you wrote books. Why do you want to write a book about that?”

“The world is a cruel place where people hold grudges over trivial and dumb things. They say they forgive, but never forget. Teaching others and helping them learn to do that will make it seem like you’re mature and able to have peace with yourself,” she explained, now playing with her hands in her lap. “Why hold grudges when you can move on and not give them the power to think about them?”

“I suppose that you can be happier just living your own life when you focus on yourself and forget and forgive.” Jin shrugged his shoulders.

“Do you think that people who can’t forgive and forget are unhappy people?” You asked.

“Excuse me?” Ji-Ho asked, finally looking at you.

“I think what she meant to say is-” You cut Jin off.

“Personally, I think you only need to forgive someone and come to terms that not everyone or everything is going to work out in your favor. Forgetting it is like running away from your problems. It’s not going to go away just because you ignore or forget the feeling; you just will experience it again.” You shrugged your shoulders as Jin muttered an ‘oh god we’re dead’ under his breath. He was shaking in fear, worried about what you were going to say next and afraid of Ji-Ho’s reaction.

Ji-Ho scoffed. “What do you think about forgiving and forgetting then? You think we shouldn’t forgive and we shouldn’t forget?”

“No, I’m not saying that, and I’m not saying that you’re wrong either because I don’t think we should hold grudges,” you said slowly. “But maybe you can forgive and accept, but you can’t forget, so you can be able to learn and overcome obstacles like that to be a better version of oneself. Does that make sense?”

Ji-Ho scoffed, but this time, she smiled at you and looked at you with interest in her eyes. “What is your name again?”

“Y/N.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” She released a laugh, which startled Jin. “I think we’re going to get along perfectly fine.”

Ji-Ho did open up to you right away, talking about her interests and asking all about you as if she wanted to know every single detail. She was a lot like Taehyung, and you realized they truly were a perfect match for each other. They were both kind, observant and funny without even trying.

After twenty minutes, Seo-yeon and Su-ji arrived at the same time. Su-ji immediately went into the kitchen with some grocery bags as Seo-yeon took a seat next to Ji-Ho, smiling.

“Hi, how are you?” She asked, not giving you anytime to think or respond before talking again. “We heard so many great things about you, and I am so happy for Jungkook. It’s about time he finally found someone and that we’re able to meet her.”

Not knowing what to say, you laughed as your cheeks reddened. You weren’t really good at accepting compliments, but a part of you felt happy, knowing Jungkook was surrounded by people who loved him and wanted what was best for him.

“I got a charcuterie board for all of us,” Su-ji said out of breath, coming out of the kitchen. She placed the large plate on the coffee table in front of everyone and took a seat in between the other wives. “Hi, Y/N.”

Most of the dinner went well. It was basically like an interview where they were trying to see your strengths and weaknesses, but you still felt comfortable with them, talking to them.

“Can we see pictures of you and Jungkook?” Ji-Ho asked. You unlocked your phone and passed it to Jin’s wife as she sat in the middle and could show them. “It really sounds like you two are both happy and comfortable with each other.”

“It was really nice to meet you all,” you said as most of the plate was gone.

“You don’t have to lie to them,” Jin joked. “I know my presence is enough for you to enjoy.”

“No, I do mean it,” you reassured them just in case they didn’t take you seriously. “Jungkook talks about Jules and his support system all the time, and it warms my heart that you guys were there for both of them when they were struggling especially after their loss.”

“Oh?” The look of displacement was written all over Su-ji’s face. “You know about Sarah?”

“Yes,” you answered. “Is that a problem?”

“If you want me to be honest, I never thought Jungkook would see anyone after Sarah’s passing,” Jin’s wife absentmindedly said, thinking it was a compliment. In the corner of your eye, you can tell Jin was giving her a warning glare as if he didn’t want her to say anything else to you.

“Excuse me?” If she was trying to make you feel better about yourself, she was surely doing the opposite, but you hardened your face, so she couldn’t see that her words affected you. You knew that’s what she wanted, for you to be hurt. She wanted a reaction out of you, and you weren’t going to give her the satisfaction of getting it.

“You know, Y/N, from the way you talked about it, your relationship with Jungkook reminds me of Sarah and Jungkook’s relationship,” Su-ji said once she saw the picture Jules took of you and Jungkook laying down, cuddling in the blanket fort during New Years.

Although hearing the name of Jules’s mother made your heart drop, you kept your poker face on and continued to act like everything was okay. With confidence, you raised your eyebrows. “I’m not sure what that means.”

“Jin and I actually grew up with Sarah and Jungkook. We always went on lunch dates together while we were still in school,” Su-ji explained with a murderous smile on her face. “Kook’s a romantic, isn’t he? Opening the doors, cooking home-cooked meal, giving his jacket when it’s cold, and writing songs and poems weekly? He did that all the time for girls when we were younger. He did that for Sarah too.”

Your face softened at what Su-ji listed. They were all things he had never done for you, and you couldn’t tell if that was a good or bad thing. Did he want to do something new and fresh with you? Or did he just not put in effort and care?

Most of it wasn’t a big deal. There was nothing wrong with opening the door yourself and being prepared for cold weather. You could have easily just asked Jungkook for a piece of his clothing if you had wanted to. But the thing that bothered you the most was in a span of months, Jungkook has never written anything for you.

He was a songwriter, but somehow, he didn’t have any words for you.

You knew Su-ji was hurting your pride on purpose, but for some reason, you let her continue and listened to every word she had to say. She stared at the pictures on your phone. “The way he looks at you is almost identical to the way he looked at Sarah.”

“Su-ji...” Jin warned. “Stop now.”

"It’s almost as if you were Sarah.” Her sharp words cut like a knife. If it weren’t your phone that started ringing in her hands, you would have cried on the spot. You felt a little better seeing Jungkook’s name on your screen. “Oh speak of the devil.”

“Why don’t we call it a night? I’m sure Y/N needs some rest.” Jin suggested as you stared at your phone. “How about you girls go clean, I’ll go get the kids, and Y/N, stays here to talk to Jungkook?”

The girls, one by one, got up from the couch with their plates, heading towards the direction of the kitchen. As they left, each one of them gave you a look. Jin’s wife gave you a look of resentment, Jimin’s wife gave you a look of pity, and Tae’s wife gave you a look of worry.

You slid your thumb on the screen and answered Jungkook’s call. “Hey. What’s up?”

“How are you, darling?” His honey voice made you want to cry. All you wanted was to cry your heart out and have his voice and touch comfort you, but he was the reason why you wanted to cry. “Doing okay?”

“Yeah, the dinner went terrific. I really liked tonight,” you lied, trying not to let your voice crack. “I’m actually not feeling so well, so I’m leaving early with Jules in like five minutes.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? It sounds like you want to cry?” He could read you so easily. “Is something wrong? If something is wrong, I can take the next flight and be back with you as soon-”

“Everything is fine. Jules and I are fine.” Lie once again. “Please don’t worry.”

Jules came down the stairs, holding hands with Jin. She ran towards you with a smile on your face, cheering you up a little bit. “Is that Jungkook?”

“Do you want to talk to him?” You asked, and she shook her head. “Kook, I’m going to help Jules get ready to go home, and I’ll call you back once we’re there. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, of course. Drive home safely, okay? I miss you.”

“I’ll talk to you later.” You hung up the phone.

Jules put her arms out once she saw you grab her red winter coat from the armchair. As you helped her put her jacket on, you hear distant arguing.

“What were you thinking, Su-ji?! You had no right to do that! That behavior was unacceptable and immature of you.” Jin whispered as he scolded her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Talking about Sarah and Jungkook like that! Making Y/N feel bad when she did absolutely nothing to you. He paused. “Sarah might have been your best friend, but she would have been extremely disappointed in how you treated Jungkook’s girlfriend.”

“I don’t need a lecture from you, Jin,” Su-ji snapped. “I personally do not think I do anything wrong!”

“I wouldn’t even be having one if you had behaved like an adult!” He argued back. “Even Ji-Ho didn’t say anything degrading about her. She actually liked Y/N and she usually hates everybody at first.”

“Don’t you think she deserved to know? All I did was tell her the truth!”

“You didn’t help her!” Helping Jules put her black hat on, you tried to listen to more of their conversation. “You’re unbelievable. I am furious with you.”

“Sleep on the couch then if you just want to defend her instead of me.”

“If something happens between them because of this, I will never forgive you.”

It doesn’t take long for Jin to come back to the living room with a forced smile on his face. He went closer to where you and Jules were at, bent down, grabbed the white gloves and helped Jules put them on her hands.

“Jules, honey, aren’t you going to say bye to your favorite Uncle Jin?” You asked. “Thank him too.”

“Thank you Uncle Jinnie for the food and hugs.” She wrapped her arms around him, instantly, making him smile. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Sweetie.” He let go of Jules and stood up, making eye contact with you as you put your jacket on. “I’ll walk you out.”

____

[seokjin]

i want to apologize for su-ji’s behavior. i should have stopped her, and i am sorry. you didn’t deserve that. i know you’re going to tell me that it’s okay, but save it. it really was not okay

you know what su-ji said isn’t true right?

jungkook only loved sarah as a sister

he didn’t love her like he loves you

i promise

It took you a while to respond to Jin’s text. You wanted to believe his words because he knew Jungkook better than anyone, but his wife’s words kept repeating in your head.

It’s almost as if you’re Sarah.

did he tell you that?

that he loved me differently than sarah?

He didn’t respond, and what you’ve learned in the past is that sometimes no answer is an answer.

___

"Why do you like me?” Jungkook was coming back tomorrow, and before his flight, you called him randomly. “Why me? Out of all people? I’m nothing special.”

“What are you talking about?” Jungkook asked. “Don’t say things like that. That’s not true.”

“I mean, come on, when you got to know me, I didn’t have a rough upbringing or had a special talent that made me stand out from others. I was just an ordinary person with parents and a few friends.”

As you waited for an answer, you opened your laptop and went onto a social networking website. Sighing, you looked up the one person that was on your mind lately ever since the dinner at Jin’s.

“You talk about how I’m so passionate about my dream and how I’m so amazing for growing up and taking care of Jules, but I think about you like that.”

“How so?” You breathed out, barely audible.

“Like I know it’s your job to take care of the kids and to make sure everyone is learning, but you take the time to connect with others and strive to make everything better is amazing.”

Sarah’s profile finally loaded onto your screen. Her profile picture was her and Jules, smiling on a park bench. Scrolling down, almost all her public and tagged pictures were with Su-ji and Jin’s family, celebrating almost every little occasion together. “Really?”

“And I know you want to take care of everyone and you’re okay with being by yourself, but I hope you know that there are people in the world who do care about you and will care about you.” His comforting words made you want to cry. “I care about you.”

Before you could say anything, the last picture you stumbled across on was a picture of Sarah and Jungkook together at her graduation. Sarah was wearing her cap and gown, holding a bouquet of roses in her hand. She had the biggest smile on her face as she looked up at Jungkook, who was in the middle of laughing. Although this picture of old, Jungkook almost looked the same and had the same features. The only difference was that he never looked quite as happy with you.

“Are you okay?” Jungkook asked, bringing you back to reality. “What’s up?

Clearing your throat, you answered, “Yeah. I just was thinking.”

“I also love everything about you, you know? I love how you have a different, but such an understanding perspective about literally anything,” he said. “You’re special.”

“I hope so.”

“I’m going to sleep now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?” You hung up the phone without saying anything, still staring at the picture of Jungkook and Sarah.

“What are you doing?” A gasp came out of your mouth as you shut the laptop lid as quickly as you could and turned your head to see Jules behind you. The look of confusion was all over her face along with heartache. “Why were you looking at pictures of my mom?”

“I’m not!” You denied, putting the laptop onto the table. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

“You were.” She ignored your question, wanting actual answers. “I saw you.”

She took a seat next to you, looked at your for a long time and looked down at her fingers in her lap. “I know it’s been a long time, but I know what my mom looks like, and I know you were looking at her.”

“Honey-” Jules ran up the stairs, not hearing your explanation or excuse.

“I missed you so much.” The moment Jungkook saw you in the airport, he ran as fast as he could with his silver carry on suitcase, wrapping his arms around you. It was the tightest hug you’ve ever received, and you never wanted to let go. “I missed Jules too, but I really missed you.”

He pulled away and saw the tiny red bag in your left hand. “I got you a gift for White Day.”

“You didn’t have to.” Wrapping his arm around your shoulder, you two walked slowly towards the exit. “Is this really for White Day?”

“What else would it be for?”

“A gift for being insecure?”

You stopped in your tracks, and he took it as a sign to let go of you. “What?”

“Well, I don’t know what to think when you asked me things I liked about you, and then Jules telling me you were looking up Sarah.” Not wanting to meet his stare, you continued looking down at the ground at your feet. Once you looked back up, he saw the guilt in your eyes. He scoffed and rubbed under his nose in disbelief, taking your silence as his answer. His tone of voice changed. “I can’t believe you.”

“Why does it bother you, Jungkook? Maybe I was just curious. Is that so wrong?”

“Except you weren’t! You and I both know that!” His voice grew louder with each word he said. It was the first time he was raising his voice at you, and it was a surprise. He was always the one who always kept calm in the most heated situations. “I told you everything about Sarah.”

“Not the fact that she was head over heels for you!” You cried.

“Oh my god. Is this what this is about? You wanted to see if Sarah was in love with me?” He shook his head. This wasn’t the Jungkook you knew; he was acting different. “Who even told you that?”

“Does it really matter?” You stared at him. “I was bound to find out sooner or later.”

He shook his head. “No one looks pictures of dead strangers unless they want to know something.”

“Fine! I just wanted to know if what the girls said was true. They said that you two were madly in love. They said I was practically a replacement for Sarah. I just had to find out if it was true.” You paused when Jungkook looked away, not wanting to look at you. Not only that, but you noticed there were tears that were about to fall from his eyes. “She was beautiful and looked so happy with you. You looked happy with her too.”

Silence.

“Seokjin told me that you didn’t love her.”

Silence.

“Is that true?”

Silence once again.

“Jungkook, I can’t compete with her.”

He finally looked back at you and grabbed your hands. “I’m not asking you to.”

“I can’t do this,” you cried, pulling away. “I want to be with you and want you to want me because you love me. Not because I remind you of the girl who isn’t here anymore.”

“Don’t do this,” he whispered. “Don’t say that.”

“Do you realize how badly it hurt when they told me that?” Sobbing, you covered your mouth holding back any ugly sounds you were going to produce. “I was humiliated and felt like I would never measure up.”

“You are more than good enough.”

“What am I supposed to think when they told me that?”

“Believe me and Seokjin when I say that I have feelings for you.” You knew he was trying to comfort you, but you noticed that he didn’t straight out admit that he didn’t have feelings for Sarah.

“You’ve never written me a song,” The color drained out of his face as he heard your voice crack; you got your answer. There were tears falling down your face, but he didn’t wipe them like he always did when you cried after watching sad movies. “You have never written me anything.”

He let go of your hands.

You walked away, and he didn’t even come after you. __

lowkey not proofread but i really just want to continue this hehe thanks for reading

#bangtanwriters-net #jeon jungkook #bts scenarios #jungkook scenarios #jungkook imagine #jungkook angst #jeon jungkook scenarios #bts fanfic #jungkook fanfic #too young

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everyhowlmarksthedead · 4 years

Text

❛ LIFE PLAN ❜

with Angel Reyes.

Request: Hi can I please have an imagine where your Angels girl and he and the Mc surprise you at work (I work in childcare) and he gets baby fever watching you works. Thank you x

BY @softi92

Warnings: none.

Word count: about 1k.

Aurora says: this writing hasn't been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I'm sorry about that!

Gif credits: to the author.

Masterlist.

“Teache’…”

You feel some soft pulls to one of the sleeves of your robe calling for your attention, while you control every kid finding their parents at the entrance of the kid garden. Bowing your eyes to the six years old carrying a stuffed rabbit, you squat to her putting away a tuft of blonde hair behind her ear.

“What's up, Sofia?” You ask her with a honeyed tone of voice and a gentle smile on your lips.

“My momma is gonna be late again”. She said somewhat sad, dancing his hips from left to right, really ashamed.

“Okay, com'ere, baby”. You say lifting her up between your arms, with her tiny legs surrounding your abdomen. “You know it's okay. I will wait with you, okay?”

“Thank you, teache'”.

Sitting on a bench, you put well on her unicorns shirt, leaving a kiss on his head. You have known her since four years ago. You have gone to her birthdays parties, because her mother turned into one of your best friends since the first time you had to wait for her. Marta works so much in a cafeteria past the border, in Santa Madre. So, crossing back to Santo Padre, sometimes she's late.

“She hasn't seen us yet, carnal”. Coco says having a puff of his cigar.

But Angel isn't listening, focused on the way you have to lift up the girl and take care of her as if she was your own daughter. Actually, she's also like a niece to him. He has known her since she was two years old, and Sofia loves to call him ‘tío Angel’. She melts his heart every time she does. And even if other days he would have already come to say hello, the oldest Reyes is sitting on his back, leaning forward over the handlebar, so rapturous in the way you look with that kid on your lap. You look radiant, happy, stunning. And his pulse is racing, just thinking for a second that he's looking at his wife holding his little girl.

You have been together for the last three years and he has considered asking you to marry him since the day he met you. That's easy. He's aware about what you feel for him, and that you won't reject it. But, having a child together? The fear of not being a good father kills him. It kills him so slowly, that gives him nightmares.

“Mom!” Sofia jumps off from the bench, running towards her mother, as soon as she sees her.

“(Y/N), I'm sorry”. She says hurried holding her girl, but you raise a hand in silence with a soft smile. “I made Angel and the guys wait for you, sorry”.

Frowning confused, you let your eyes travel through the sidewalk until finding them. How many time have they been waiting?

It's almost midnight and looks like the party just has started. The crowded yard, full of Mayans, are celebrating the opening of a new charter. But you're more focused on your boyfriend, who has been acting really weird for the last two days. Taking the advantage, when you find him alone sitting on a couch on the porch, you lead your feet close to him. Angel is totally assorted in his own thoughts, leaning over his thighs and holding a beer between both hands.

Resting your shoulder against the wooden column, you wait for him to notice your presence, touring the look on his face slowly. He doesn't have secrets from you, but you know that something is happening and not because of the club.

“He—Hey, mi dulce”. He just says clearing his throat, and leaving away on the floor his drink to welcome you on his lap.

Brushing his hair to the back of his head, using your fingers, you surround his neck with your arms leaving a kiss on his temple.

“You're worrying me, mi angel”.

“Why?” He questions leaning on the couch, so you can get comfy against his chest.

“Dunno… You look… lost. Where do you have your head, ah?”

“Nothing happens”. Shrugging his shoulders, you sit up with an incredulous look in your eyes.

“Angel, you can't hide anything from me, babe… Don't even try”.

The oldest Reyes rubs the bridge of his nose, snorting heavily and putting his gaze away from you for some seconds.

“Do you… think I could be a good father?”

“No”.

“Okay, that wa—”.

“You will be the perfect one. And you wanna know why?”

“Yeah”.

“Because you're not gonna commit the mistakes your parents did with you. Don't misunderstand me, I love Pops, but he could be better”. You reply pursing your lips, nodding a little. “But, why are you worried about it… now?”

Angel raises one of his hands to your right cheek, caressing it gently with his thumb, so bewitched profering a sigh of pure love.

“Everytime I see you with Sofia, my legs falter, baby... I want it. I want it with you. Have a crazy kiddo, have a family. Our own family”.

“And…?”

“And I didn't know how to ask'et”.

“Exactly as you're doing it right now, honey”.

“You would marry me, and have a family with me?”

“It's the only thing I want, Angel”. You nod pretty convinced of your words, bowing to his lips to catch them between yours in a soft kiss. “Come with me, baby”.

He looks a little confused when you get up and offer him a hand, helping him to stand up on his feet before guiding him into the clubhouse. The guys are there playing pool and poker, staring at you with raised eyebrows.

“Where are you going?” EZ asks taking off some bottles of tequila from a cardboard box over the bar.

“We're gonna give you a niece, boy scout”.

“Beautiful way to say that you're gonna fuck and cum inside her”.

“Yo! Brother, why the fuck you have to be so fucking specific?” Angel complains lifting up his free arm, shaking his head.

“Yeah, Coquito. You should watch your mouth…” Rolling your eyes, you keep pulling your boyfriend into the dorm zone, looking for his.

✨ Tag list:

@starrynite7114 @chibsytelford @dazzledamazon @mara-mpou @sammskellington @gemini0410 @1-800-imagines @briana-mishell24 @sassymox @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada @samcrobae @jade770 @witchy-wish @rebel-without-cause-x @xx--day-dreamer--xx @spiced-reads @tita127 @ifoundmyhappythought @enamouravecleslivresetlechocolat @angelxshiba @destynelseclipsa @sheeshgivemeabreak @abbiesthings @knowles-morgan @lady-pswrld @minnicelli @marquelapage @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @jadesamhart @mycupoffanfiction @claytoncardenasbabymama @thesandbeneathmytoes @phoenixhalliwell @thewarriorprincessxo @sugary-x-sweet

If you want to be tagged, send me a message!

#mayans mc x reader #mayans mc #mayans mc imagine #mayans x reader #angel reyes fanfiction #angel reyes imagine #angel reyes x reader #angel reyes

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lemon-trap · 4 years

Text

Nicky Valentino’s Ultimate Master List!

Due to it being very fricking hard to find Nicky fanfic, I have decided that it would be easier if all of his fanfics were put into one master list!

Please enjoy what many people have worked on and please like, reblog, and maybe comment on your favorite fics!

(Also check in on my pinned post to make sure you have the most updated list)

🦝 @lemon-trap 🦝 (aka: me!)

Saved by a Kiss (gender not explicit for reader)

This is a short fluffy fanfic that has no other reason for existing except making your heart go soft.

Plot Twist Nicky Valentino is a Bottom (female MC) SMUT

The title says it all. If you want just straight porn with Nicky as a subby bottom then this is the fanfic for you!

☀︎ @bursvalentino ☀︎ (the oh so lovely)

Two Against the World | Nicky Valentino x Sabrina Belladonna (ongoing, female pronouns) - (writer is currently rewriting this series)

Charming Nicky Valentino and the alluring Sabrina Belladonna are two sides of the same coin with one thing in common: escapism. But, our stars seem to be entangled in their game of cat and mouse. Will they ever possibly make it out alive after their truth unfolds?

☾ @lunaspera ☾ (the ultimate queen to go to for spicy Nicky things *chef kiss*)

Surrealtà | Nicky Valentino x Heaven (Assassin!OC, ongoing, female pronouns) - prologue ,

All she wanted was to make the world a better place. Is it any good if you tear a piece of yourself every time you want to help someone out ? The more she gave, the more she lost. The more she ran, the more she got lost. She was willing to die for others and now someone else is willing to die for her. Afterall “No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for”.

Cheers to the mess (female MC) - part one ,

Nicky’s actions speak louder than his words and you are consistent about finding out what is causing him to do so. Does it have anything to do with the handsome stranger who is desperately flirting with you?

Strip Poker (female MC) - part one , part one SMUT

Nicky is a tease, but so are you. What will be the outcome of this game? Poker is usually played to win. Tonight winning doesn’t seem like a good idea, not if you want to become hot mess. The one who loses wins.

Bella Mia SMUT (female MC)

Nicky is a “gentleman” but does he have enough willpower to hold himself away while you are purring his name?

Sweet Nothings fluff

Your sleepy mood accompanied by hot cocoa, the sound of the rain, a pair of warm hands, tender kisses, and sweet nothings. So tell me now, my dear, what is love to you?

Hey kiddo! Nicky Valentino x Reader x Uncle!Ralph Della Rosa

Ralph seems to enjoy your company but a mini you? Brace yourself, uncle Ralphie is coming!

Hands on Fire SMUT

The saccharine melody of sleep sweeping him off of his feet. Slow dancing to the soft tune of a sonata, hand in hand, skin to skin. Could it get any more sweet ? Won’t you come a little closer and let Nicky have a taste of your love ?

You sadness

NSFW Alphabet

Dirty secret, Jack off, No

NSFW Alphabet

Yearning, Motivation, Cum, Aftercare

💖 @valentino-red 💖

Sinnerman | Nicky Valentino x Soledad Diaz (ongoing, female pronouns) - prologue , chapter one , chapter two ,

Nicky Valentino has seen a lot of women waltz into his speakeasy, but when a certain Soledad Diaz comes in from the future trying to escape her past, hearts are exchanged and the mafia boss starts to reevaluate what really matters to him.

🌻 @raggedy-dxctor 🌻 (there’s a lot here)

Gumusservi

Wonderland Upon a Hill

The World Was So Dull Without You

Alone

Hug

I’ll always choose you

Nicky Valentino With a Short S/o

Nicky and Miguel With An Easily Flustered S/o

Nicky Valentino with an s/o that has a tattoo

Ice Skating with Nicky Valentino Headcannons

Nicky Valentino with an S/o that has a amazing singing voice

Nicky Valentino + Fluff Alphabet

Nicky’s s/o comforting him after a nightmare

Nicky meeting is s/o’s supportive parents

Nicky’s s/o teaching how to use a phone

Nicky with a High School Crush

Detention with a troublemaker (high school au + modern day au)

Flowerboy (flower shop au + roles reversed)

Real Smooth Mr Valentino (fem reader) fluff

I’m A Goner ANGST

Bonus:

Scenarios/prompts for Nicky Valentino

Some ideas for you to use in your fics if you’re ever in need of a plot.

💗 @missusvalentino 💗 (their stuff needs more attention)

I just can’t get a enough of you (no specific gender)

Just a short fic that involves the MC adoring and appreciating Nicky. Lots of fluff.

I’m sorry. (female pronouns) Nicky’s POV

Nicky and MC have an arguement when she tells him she wants to be part of the Valentino family.

I’m not in the mood

Nicky is in the mood to do the do, but MC is being a tease.

“You still love me right?” Angst/fluff

Nicky and Y/n have a disagreement and Nicky decides to get back at the reader by flirting with another woman.

“Why on Earth would I ever think that?” (Chubby/overweight fem MC) Fluff/angst

Nicky and reader start to get a bit more intimate until reader starts pulling back because she feels like Nicky deserves better.

You’re All Over Me Today

💛 @velvetl1ght 💛

Nicky + OWNING a dog headcannons

Nicky headcannos because I’m in Love

Good Intentions | Nicky x Josie (ongoing, female pronouns) - chapter one ,

🦦 @millennial-pinks 🦦 (my personal favorite)

Cooking time! (male MC)

After a night out, Nicky and Shiloh enjoy some time in the kitchen.

Crisis of Confidence (male MC)

Shiloh feels a little bummed out. He’s just some guy and Nicky’s... Nicky.

I got it bad but it’s all good (male MC)

Shiloh and Nicky share a dance and some tender words.

Alone together SMUT (male MC)

Shiloh and Nicky have their first physical encounter.

Like Someone in Love SMUT (male MC)

A bath leads to a very sexual night.

Post chapter 14 (male MC)

☆ @themissingstar ☆

Nicky helps MC feel better after a depressive episode

Taking care of Nicky after he gets banged up

Soulmate AU were you wake up in your soulmate’s bed

Modern AU Nicky before he makes his money

🌼 @tutanwritesanddraws 🌼

Nicky Valentino with a short S/O

Nicky Valentino with a GenZ S/O

💐 @jadeee 💐

Winter Wonderland fluff

After confessing that you’ve never seen snow before, Nicky takes you out for a proper snow day: snowball fights, snow angels, the works!

Good Morning, Beautiful fluff

Nicky really is beautiful when he’s sleepi- oh wait, he’s awake.

Ti Amo Tanto fluff

Nicholas Valentino proclaims his love for you through Italian poetry.

I Do fluff

You are officially a part of the Valentino family and Nicky couldn’t be more happy.

Finding Home angst

Living in the 1920s with Nicky has been a dream but you can’t help but think about your old life.

Hot & Bothered lime

After teasing Nicky during a meeting, he puts you in your place and it leaves you hot and bothered.

———

I really doubt that this is all so if you have made fanfiction of Nicky Valentino then please privately message me.

Please reblog this so more people can find and use it!

Last updated: April 6, 2021

#nicky valentino #fictif #fictif two against the world #two against the world nicky #two against the world #fictif nicky valentino #nicky valentino x reader #nicky valentino fanfic #fictif nicky #Nicky Valentino Ultimate Master List #Nicky Valentino master list

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overwatch-does-stuff · 3 years

Note

Board game night at the shortly-post-recall watchpoint (so Tracer, Torb, Bastion, Winston, Reinhardt, Brigitte, Mei, Genji, Mercy, and Echo)

- Tracer is just about always bored, so one slow night, she made it her mission to to try and get everyone to play a board game! - The first major hurdle was convincing Winston to relax for more than 2 seconds. Because he’s acting as the new commander, he’s constantly stressing out about how Overwatch could be doing better and where they should go next- not to mention how to keep it a secret from the official authorities. - Thankfully, Athena helps convince him to relax, under the guise of “Team Bonding”. - The next person Tracer goes to is Reinhardt and Brigitte. They usually hang out in the garage with their huge van because they’re still trying to unpack it all. - Tracer pretty much just yells “Board game night! In the mess hall!” and leaves, and Rein and Brig are already hollering in excitement. - Next on the list is Mei. Turns out the climate scientist is currently giving a rundown of her work to a very curious Echo, so it’s two birds with one stone. Mei is excited, but Echo isn’t quite sure if she knows how to play a board game, but Tracer reassures her that she’s a quick learner and that she’ll figure it out. - Genji and Mercy are next. It takes a little bit to find them; Tracer expected them to be somewhere around the medical lab, but the opposite was true. They’re out on the practice range together. Genji’s showing off some tricks he’s learned. - “Oi, luvs, up for a board game?” - Genji seems a bit startled by the invitation but eventually they both agree. - That leaves two more. . . Tracer knows exactly where they are. She blinks to the main workshop. - Torbjorn has hardly taken a break from analyzing Bastion since he got here. He’s very tired-looking. If it was anyone else besides Tracer (or Mercy) who entered, he would have thrown a tool at them. - “What?” He snaps. - It takes a LOT of pleading on Tracer’s part to get him to take a break. She has to mention that Reinhardt and Brigitte are waiting for him and all that. - He eventually steps away from Bastion and goes to follow. He’s about to lock the workshop door behind him before Tracer says “Hey Bastion, you wanna play too?” - Cue even more pleading on Tracer’s part to convince Torb to let Bastion come along. After a good five minutes, he eventually relents.

- When everyone arrives, Winston’s already got the board games picked out. They’re old, worn, and dusty. Old Overwatch used to play them. Reinhardt goes hunting for his favorite game piece and finds it, claiming it as his own. - Mercy suggests they start with Monopoly first and everyone looks at her like she’s a monster. She shrugs, “what?” - Echo points to the one labeled “The Game of Life” and asks what that’s supposed to mean. Everyone thanks her for picking a better game. She gets confused. - The game only plays eight players, so Echo and Bastion volunteer to sit out. (Well, Bastion doesn’t volunteer as much as they get volunteered.) - It is now, when they start playing, that they learn that Brigitte is a board game GOD. - You see, she grew up with tons of siblings. One common way to pass the time was board games. She got really, really good at them. Her luck is off the charts. - Torbjorn knows this, so he gets to enjoy the ride as everyone rages at her for being lucky. - Winston has terrible luck and ends the game in horrible debt. - Reinhardt ends up landing on all of the ‘get a child’ spaces, and he ends up roleplaying like a dad. (Something which causes Torbjorn to guffaw.) - Genji makes some surprisingly cold moves and ends up cutting Mercy off from the path she needed. He can’t help it- he’s so competitive.

- Next game? Clue! (A game where you gather evidence from other players and guess who the ‘killer’ is.) - Echo begs to join in this time, so Tracer agrees to sit out. - (Tracer teaches Bastion the rules of the next game while she’s at it.) - Winston is such a tryhard at Clue. Even when it’s not his turn he’s trying to scope out and make guesses at what other players have got. - Echo, seeing this, starts playing the exact same way. Only sometimes she gets in trouble because she asks questions when it’s not her turn. - Torbjorn’s pretty bad at Clue, because he forgot how to be good at it because he’s used to playing with younger kiddos. - Reinhardt is also pretty bad. He makes a lot of assumptions, and he makes his final guess like 5 rounds in. He’s wrong, and gets booted from the game. He then joins Tracer and Bastion on the sidelines. - Mercy likes calling people around the board when she thinks they’re close to getting the information they need. She keeps calling Winston, which makes him so mad. - Genji doesn’t talk very much, quietly gathering information on his own. - Mei is the surprising underdog here! She gets the information fast, and she’s just about to make her guess. . . but then Brigitte beats her to it. - Turns out, though, Brigitte also guesses wrong! (She was off by only one card, not that anyone else knows this.) - After the mini heart attack, Mei gives her guess on her next turn, and she wins!

- Finally, Yahtzee! (A simple dice-rolling game. The more dice of the same number, the better your score.) - Brigitte complains about just how ancient this game is. (The Lindholm family has passed down the same Yahtzee game for generations.) Torbjorn laughs. - With this game, there’s no player limit so everyone can play. - Bastion volunteers to go first. They pick up the cup full of dice, give it a shake, and right off the bat they roll all five dice to the same number. Yahtzee! - Everyone loses their minds. Even Torbjorn’s hooting and hollering. - Once everything calms down, the game goes on as normal. - Reinhardt always sends the dice flying across the table and usually onto the floor. He still counts the floor rolls, though. - Genji loves doing trick shots with the dice. From his hand, to the cup, to bouncing off the floor, finally back onto the table. - Tracer sees this, and it’s on. They compete for the most spectacular trick rolls. - At one point Genji ends up on the ceiling and Tracer is blinking across the room before falling onto the table. Winston has to step in and tell them to calm down. - Echo is very impressed with the trick shots and tries to imitate them, but she isn’t quite as good. At least she rolls well, and her smile is infectious. - Mercy has a very specific dice-rolling routine that she follows every time. She shakes it twice, blows on it, shakes it another two times, then pouring the dice at a very specific angle. She blames any bad rolls she gets on ‘not following the lucky routine.’ - Similarly, Torbjorn always jokes that “you’re not holding your mouth right” whenever somebody rolls bad. - Brigitte, who normally rolls spectacularly, is actually not doing well this game. It’s obvious that she’s getting kind of mad at herself for not rolling better. She can’t help it- she’s so competitive! (and the comments from her dad are not helping) - Bastion meanwhile, is having the time of their life. They’re incredibly lucky. Their scores are off the charts. Torbjorn jokes that he might have to take them to the casino after this. - Mei, who’s sitting right next to Bastion, persuades them to roll her dice for her. She’s got the second highest score. - Winston sees what Mei’s doing and is debating whether or not to call her out for cheating. It’s cheating, right? Technically?

Miscellaneous headcanons: - Poker games is allowed, but never for actual money. Winston has gaming chips and enjoys being the dealer. - Mercy enjoys other card games like Go Fish and Old Maid. Mei likes to join her. - Slapjack is universally banned from all Overwatch watchpoints. - Monopoly almost got on the ban list. Almost. - Winston hates Uno and he hates the idea of ‘jungle rules’ even more - Which is a shame, because Echo is insanely good at Uno and enjoys the hell out of it. Something about the pattern recognition, man. - Who taught Echo how to play Uno? McCree. - (I just wanted to emphasize that) Reinhardt always roleplays, even when it’s not a roleplaying game. Whatever the game’s ‘story’ is, he’s into it. - For Torbjorn, board games are a family tradition. At his home he has a huge closet filled with all sorts of crazy and cool board games. - (That means he’s gonna teach Bastion how to play board games in the near future.)

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gingernastyy · 4 years

Text

Arthur:

Arthur hasn’t really taken too much thought about the idea of being a father. He has this constant residual fear that no matter what he did he would end up just like his dad.

His dad was an outlaw and Arthur got roped into the life because of him and Arthur is sure that if he had a kid they’d be dragged into the life too.

Being with Mary changes his mind. He felt like maybe he could do the father thing. The way she talks about running away together gives him the hope of having a better life. He could see them having a nice place with a fence, with a dog that lazily lays on the porch and a couple of kids running around.

He swears if it can become true he would be a better dad than his was and would do anything, and he means anything, to protect his kids and Mary.

When they broke up he was devastated. It led him into a life feeling like no one would ever have him, no one would want him to father their kids.

It’s a sad and lonely night of him drinking when he meets Eliza. They start talking before hooking up; a few times from time to time. As harsh as it is she’s a bit of a rebound after Mary. They were friends but he never felt strong enough to marry her. It makes her getting pregnant feel even worse.

When Eliza had Isaac he felt lost and scared for the kid. He knew that his life would endanger the both of them sooner or later. But swore he would do best by Eliza and helped out anyway he could. Then when they were both killed he didn’t know how to cope with it. He repressed everything that happened to them, only a few journal entries talking about what happened. But those entries and the sketches of Eliza and Isaac where in the journal that he lost in a fire.

It’s after Isaac had lived and died that Abigail has Jack. Being around for the time that Abi is pregnant makes him reflect on when Eliza was. God, he wishes he could have been there for Isaac’s birth. He feels guilty for being around when his brother’s kid is born but not there for his own.

As much as he hates John for leaving Jack and Abigail for that whole damn year, he enjoyed stepping back into that fatherly role to help Abi. There was something that felt so natural about taking care of the kid, guess he did picked up some traits from the short time he had with Isaac.

Abigail had questioned him a few times on about how he’s so good with Jack. She swears she’s had to tell almost everyone who’s held him to support his neck but not Arthur. He bounces and sways while holding Jack that calms him down that she believes that there is no way that it’s the first time that Arthur has held a baby.

A part of him thinks he should propose to Abigail to make up for not marrying Eliza but he knows that it won’t make amends for what had happened. Besides he’s too caught up on Mary and Abigail is to in love with Marston that he knows he will be turned down.

When/if he gets out of the life he considers adopting. Even if he can’t find someone to marry, he’s okay with being a single dad. He’s also happy to adopt if it’s the only way he and his partner couldn’t physically have kids. He feels like Hosea would be proud of him for helping out a kid like Hosea and Dutch did for Arthur (though he would want to avoid the outlaw part). He knows going through the legal system would be challenging with the price on his head but if he found a kid like Hosea found John and himself, he’d gladly take them in as he own.

He finds himself to be a tough and not really an emotional guy but having his newborn baby and the first time his thumb is grabbed by that itty bitty hand he damn near cries.

Years of being an outlaw has been beneficial for one thing... when the baby cries Arthur is able to get up right away. Late at night he’s the one who wakes to change diapers or calm nightmares. He’ll put himself to exhaustion to let his partner sleep.

Usually he falls asleep on the couch or a chair after rocking his baby back to sleep, baby on his chest and his hand on the little ones back.

He’s very supportive of creativity- especially as an artist himself.“Pa and me” or the full family sketches are tucked in the front cover of his journal. He wants those drawings to be the closest thing to him. He always makes sure to tell his kiddo that they’re doing a real good job and are already better at drawing than he is.

Play wrestling and piggy back rides are what he’s great at. He’s always asked to do or straight up just climbed on until one or the other happens.

Luckily he’s taught a kid how to ride a horse before so he feels pretty confident in teaching his own. If he could teach Jamie to ride his horse, with his thousands of questions, he feels he can teach his own kid(s).

Teaching his kid(s) to read and write is much harder than Hosea ever made it seem when he was teaching John and Jack.

He wishes that grandpa Hosea could meet his family. There are nights he looks to the sky and wonders if he’d be proud of him, getting out of the life and having a couple of kids of his own. He knows that Hosea had wanted that for Arthur for so many years.

As bad as he thinks he is at hunting and fishing he’d want to teach his kid(s) how to do both. It’s always good to know how to handle a gun and also know basic survival technics. He’ll mumble a side comment about wishing that Kieran could be there; he was always better at fishing but say it was nothing if he was asked about it.

He would go a little into the overprotective category. If someone was threatening his kid(s) he would get real quiet with the person, put his hand on their shoulder and get close. He would explain how he has killed before, has enjoyed doing so in most cases, and if they don’t leave his baby alone, he will find plenty of enjoyment killing this person.

Hosea:

Bessie and Hosea had always talked about having kids. They just were never sure when would be the right time, if there ever really is a right time when you’re a couple of outlaws.

Hosea jokes that maybe raising John and Arthur could be in a way, a test run before they have some of their own. They’re already almost fully grown so they could skip past the diaper phase and “terrible twos” and if anything could blame Dutch for the way they turn out.

Teaching John how to read really told Hosea that he does have the patience to have kids. He loves that boy dearly but it took a lot of work to get him to even focus to be able to educate him.

When Hosea and Bessie left the gang for awhile they set up in the Grizzlies East. During this time they tried to start their own family. If they were going to have kids it would be the time to do so. But either there was something with him or with her, or just unfortunate luck, they could never seem to get pregnant.

When Hosea drifts back into the outlaw life they have moment of agreeing that maybe it was the best that they weren’t able to have a kid, as much as it devastates them both.

Hosea wishes that Bessie was still around by the time that Abigail has Jack. He knows she would have loved that kid like her own. She surely would have spoiled the hell out of that kid not that Hosea is any better.

He’s definitely had a moment when looking at the photograph of him and Bessie that he thinks that even though they weren’t fortunate to raise their own kids, but they skipped right to being grandparents.

As a father, Hosea is kind, patient and always there for his kid(s). He saw his father about three times in his life and would want to be there for his kids to make up the time he feels he didn’t have with his own dad.

As the comedian he is, or thinks he is, Hosea would be the dad who can’t pass up a good dad joke. He’d tell one about “you know the best way to catch a fish? Put your line in the water.” He would have to bring up the time that Arthur was suppose to go fishing and brought back a fish from the market, claiming he’d caught it and then next time that Hosea and Dutch when in town the store clerk asked Arthur how that fish that he bought was. Hosea we’ll find any opportunity to laugh at Arthur about it.

Hosea is the best at storytelling. He would tell his kid(s) stories every night. He’s able to work those years of stage acting into the voices he uses during his storytelling.

He and Bessie were always fans of playing dominos so he would want to show his kid(s) how to play. He’d often bring up how he always accused her of cheating during playing because she was that good. Arthur, though taught by her, didn’t seem to have her luck with the tiles.

On sick days he’s getting medicine, soup, crackers, pulling out blankets and whatever will help his kid.

He wants what is best for his kid(s) but also encourages them to write their own path. They can be whatever they like if they set their minds to it. No matter what, his love is unconditional and he wants to see them do their own thing.

Dutch:

Dutch is a hard one when it comes to being a father. He wants a kid to enlighten them with his wisdom, to show them everything he knows. At the same time having a newborn with all that crying and loosing sleep, especially being the leader of a gang, doesn’t sound ideal. Toddlers tend to be very... sticky, which he wouldn’t be a fan of either.

He would want to have a kid, much like John and Arthur were already functioning on their own that he can already start having conversations with, being able to teach them how to fish, shoot, and talk about the injustices in the world around them.

If he had a kid, like about a toddler in age, he would read them Evelyn Miller and explain, even though it would be going over this kid’s head, that “what Mr. Miller is saying is... “

Dutch values an education but has little patience when trying to teach. Even with John and Arthur, Hosea did more when it came to helping them learn how to read and write.

He’d be less of dad that says “I love you’s” and more often be the one that says “I’m proud of you”

He would be able to playful tease his kid and his competitive side would be great when they get old enough to race and play poker.

His relationship with Annabelle was really the only time he considered having a kid of his own. He loved that women and if she wanted a child he would figure out a plan for way for them to have a kid.

He thinks that maybe once they are able to get one good robbery that when they leave to New York or Tahiti, where ever they may land that he considers the idea of starting a family.

#rdr2 headcanons #rdr2 #Arthur Morgan #Hosea Matthews #Dutch van der linde #fatherly headcanons #sorry this is so long & took me forever!#I could cry thinking about Arthur being a dad! TY for sending this headcanon request in!#the keep reading didn't work the way I wanted it to in the ask so I made it a text post!

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 3 years

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Blood Red Heat prt 40

For the last night planet side, the pack had piled into Green for a sleep over. Krolia, Allura, Romelle, and Coran, all invited, even if they didn’t feel what their pack felt. Sitting between Hunk’s legs, Hunk was helping Lance keep up with the weird card game he and Pidge had tried to invent that was somewhere between poker and uno. Coupled with Pidge, the three of them had crushed Keith and Shiro, who didn’t actually know the rules of the game. Keith’s alpha struggling seeing Lance seated between Hunk’s legs, but he’d managed to keep his temper with how happy Lance seemed to be. They’d all noticed it now, the pauses and the weakness. Coran had suggested a group walk out to where they’d found a wide piece of stream that was better for water collection that further down and closer to camp, Lance stubbornly tried to keep up the “relaxed pace” Coran had set, his hand on Kosmo for support . When Lance had stumbled, Hunk had thrown himself down dramatically with an exaggerated sigh and demanded a time out from training. Pidge caught on quick, their gremlin also asking for a break.

Upon seeing so much water, Lance had wanted to go swimming. Coran having to be the one to break it to him that swimming wasn’t advisable as they had to boil the water for drinking due to some potential parasite. Sitting on the bank of the stream, Lance had told him all about growing up surfing. Keith had never been surfing. Living in a land locked state would do that to you. Lance promised to teach him when they finally got back home, explaining how his next oldest brother was totally a grommet... whatever that was. Keith was simply happy to hear Lance talk so enthusiastically about something he clearly loved. It was then that Lance decided to also tell him about his older sister Veronica who worked at the Galaxy Garrison. Lance might love his siblings, yet the way he talked about Veronica, it was clear she was the one he was closest to out of the brood...

The alpha feeling semi-bad that he couldn’t recall Lance’s family from all their forced upon mind melding. He wished he could keep up with it all. Lance taking his silence the wrong way, apologising for “rubbing his family in his face”. Maybe he had, but Keith wanted to know. He wanted to make sure he didn’t make a fool of himself when he finally told Lance’s family that he had the honour of courting him.

Scrunching his face as up as he went cross eyed at his cards Lance was being cute again, Keith ducked his head to cover the slight blush setting in. Not missing anything, Shiro nudged him with his elbow, whispering in his ear

“Quick, Lance breathed, you better blush”

His brother could go jump

“Fuck off. Like you and Adam were any better”

“Hey, we raised a kid together, we were allowed to be gross. We needed each other with how often you got in trouble”

“It wasn’t always my fault, you know”

“I do. He seems happy”

Throwing a card down, Lance craned his neck to look back at Hunk who nodded supportively

“He is. He still has his moments, but the game really did knock out the hardest part of the apology”

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who apologised as much as him. Is there any way to get him to stop?”

Keith snorted, if Lance praised him any more, or apologised for something not his fault one more time, his brain might just short circuit

“Try dating him... You love to apologise for everything, don’t you, babe?”

Lance wasn’t listening until he heard “babe”, worry coming to his face as he tilted his head

“Hmm?”

“I said you love to apologise”

Lance seemed unsure, hesitantly nodding, but trusting Keith

“I’m not going to apologise for kicking your butt”

“You’re not going to show me any mercy, are you?”

“Nope... not even if you’re my alpha”

Shooting Lance finger guns, Keith grinned stupidly thinking himself smart

“That’s my omega”

Lance groaning as he blushed. Pidge and Hunk both shocked he’d ever shoot anyone finger guns

“Babe, nooooo”

“I think you mean, “Babe, yessss””

Pidge rolled her eyes at them, surprisingly she was still quiet quite with her teasing, sometimes it took her a moment or two to reword what she was going to say, this time she was straight to the point

“Let Lance keep his finger guns... It doesn’t look right when you do it”

Keith pouted, huffing

“There’s nothing wrong with my fingers”

Lance choked on thin air. Keith blushing hard as he tried to fix what he said

“I didn’t mean it like it! I mean they work and they do their job! Babe, help!”

Shiro patted him on the shoulder

“Keith, kiddo, brother of mine, please just stop”

“I’m... you guys suck”

Continuing their game a little longer, Lance dropped his cards as he rubbed at his head. Hunk casting a worried look to Keith, who placed his cards down and crawled over to his omega. Krolia and Coran both on edge in case there was something wrong. Allura and Romelle stopping their gossip session of how Altea of the old had been. Feeling Lance’s forehead, Hunk gave a small shake of his head, Lance not feverish

“Babe, you okay?”

“Red says it’s time I was asleep... I dun wanna sleep. I think I’m finally getting this”

“Wanna come give me a cuddle for bit then? Maybe you can teach me how to play?”

Lance reached for him, the pack adjusting around them so Lance could sit in his lap and still be included in what was happening. Thinking he was whispering, his boyfriend failed hard

“I don’t think Pidge and Hunk know how to play... I’m so confused”

Hunk and Pidge both groaned. Hunk, shaking his head

“Honestly I think I’ve had enough. Do you want to try fish instead? We all know Pidge cheats at poker”

“It’s not my fault I’m graceful and charming”

When no one immediately agreed, Pidge kicked Keith in the ankle, Shiro chuckling

“She is style. She is grace...”

Lance adding on, as if this “song” was a “well known thing”

“But mess with her and it’s a foot to the face, or her little gremlin fangs in your ankle”

Pidge smiled proudly at Lance, wiping a fake tear from her eye

“Awww, dude, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said”

“I do try to be nice”

Shiro reached over to ruffle Lance’s hair. This was what pack nights had been like before he’d left, only now he had Lance and it seemed a thousand times better for it

“We know, kiddo. You going to play, or do you want to watch?”

“I wanna watch... You guys should teach Coran”

Introducing Coran to “fish”, Coran started explaining the aquatic animals that’d called Altea home. He wasn’t sure why humans called it “fish”, and seemed to think they should all have tiny little rods for picking up the cards. Too preoccupied teaching Coran, Hunk, Pidge, and Shiro, failed to notice as Keith slowly drew out of playing to watch with Lance. Hands holding each other’s, as his omega started to doze off in his arms. The game would have continued if Lance hadn’t accidentally kicked his leg out, knocking the pile of cards over as he sighed in his sleep. Lance had always been a heavy sleeper, once he got to sleep, Keith content as a human pillow as Pidge collected up the cards. Shiro being the responsible “Space Dad”

“We really should call it a night”

Hunk smiled at his best friend, probably happy to be free from Coran’s story

“I’m pretty tired, I think Lance has the right idea”

Pidge nodded her agreement, ignoring Coran’s pouting at the game coming to an end

“Mhmm... I could sleep. It’s been ages since we did anything like this as a pack”

Between their night under the stars and the day spent triple checking everyone had everything and rations were fairly divided, Keith felt it too

“It’s nice. You guys got all your bedding?”

Pidge answered for all of them

“Yep. We made sure we had everything before we started playing cards. We even set you and Lance up with your own bed”

There was mischief in Pidge’s tone, Keith not surprised at all

“Thanks for that... but we’re probably going to crash right here. He’s already completely zonked out”

“Fiiiiine, put all our hard work to shame. I dibs sleeping closest to Lance”

Hunk immediately spluttered

“I’m his best friend”

“You got to cuddle him all night. We all need pack time, Hunk”

Hunk sighed

“Fine. Next time I’m sleeping next to him”

“We’ll see. Shiro, you good?”

“I’m going to use the bathroom before everyone else. Keith, you need a hand?”

“Nah. I’ve got him. I’ll save brushing my teeth for the morning”

Pidge wrinkled her nose up

“I swear I’ll shoot you if you come at me with your morning breath”

“I’ll save it just for you, Pidgeon”

Their bantering continued as everyone got ready around him and Lance. The floor of Green not the best bed, but he did have the best cuddle mate in the pack. For Romelle and Krolia this was new experience, Coran had taken to watching over the pack when they’d had their sleep overs, falling asleep upright on the castle sofa as the rest of them slept close. Now Coran was sleeping near Allura and Romelle, with Krolia the one choosing to take the position of silent guardian. His mother really didn’t get how pack dynamics worked, but she was prepared to accept that this was what they all needed right now. His mother so thoroughly his mother that as she watching, she was oiling her blade. As everyone settled in, Green’s lighting switched to emergency lighting, filling the space with a soft glow. Hunk mumbling

“Pidge, I need the light on”

“Don’t look at me, that was all Green. I think Green agrees with Red that it’s past our bed time”

Black nudged into Keith’s mind, his own lion also in agreement. It’d be hard having to pilot Black away from Lance, but Krolia, Romelle, Allura, and Coran all agreed they were happy to swap having shifts in Red so Lance and Kalternecker would never be left alone

“Yeah, Black’s telling me we should be sleeping. What about Blue and Yellow?”

Allura giggled happily

“Yes, I do believe our lions have all ganged up against us”

“Maybe there as anxious as we are to get back out there?”

A pillow flew over Keith’s head, hitting Shiro, as Pidge grumped

“Personally, I could sleep for a month and that still wouldn’t be enough”

Keith snorted. Pidge was forgetting the one thing that made her more excited than anything else

“Now, now Pidge. Your dad probably has all sorts of new tech waiting for you”

Pidge spluttered, still thinking of her witty reply as Lance snuggled closer to Keith, letting out a loud rumbling content purr that they all heard. Hunk asking

“Dude, was that Lance?”

“Yeah. He’s got a good purr on him”

“I’ve never heard him purr like that before”

Pidge’s pillow was lobbed back over his head, Keith assuming she’d caught it as she didn’t complain about being hit. Closing his eyes, Keith buried his face against Lance’s back. Lance liked being the big spoon, yet seeing he was sleeping, Keith got to be big spoon, which the alpha preferred seeing it didn’t end up with Lance having a face full of his hair

“That’s because he’s all snuggled up with Keith. Don’t you two do anything gross in Green or I’ll kick you both out”

“Shut up. We’re not that gross”

“I’m just saying, we’re already hunting for a sun and if I see something I don’t want to, I might just yeet myself into it”

As Keith mentally sighed, Coran seemed to think now was the time to join in

“Not in Green you won’t. She’s a fine lion who deserves more than that. I’m sorry, Pidge, but I must insist you not do this “yeeting” of which you speak”

Pidge huffed, though her scent showed no trace of actual annoyance

“Look, now you made Coran cranky”

Keith trying to sound as deadpan as possible

“Oh no. Whatever shall we do?”

“Kosmo will teleport me over at the first sign of a potential yeet. You kids need your sleep”

There was a choruses of “Yes, Mum”, Krolia probably hadn’t expected to suddenly be called “mum” by all of them. She didn’t have a smart reply to that. Still, it was nice. To have his whole pack there, and for them to accept his mother, and his mother to accept Lance... all of it so damn nice that he could cry... but he wouldn’t. He loved his pack, for all its weirdness. They really were, and would forever be, his family.

** Three Years Later**

Lance had stood by Keith’s side for all of it. From coming back to Earth, to kicking the Galra off their home planet, to showing up wearing what seemed to be a full set of saucepans because Coran had been talking to him about Altean courting customs, Keith helping his omega unpan himself as they’d watched the sunset sitting atop black. Things hadn’t been easy. Lance nearly dropping when his second heat had come, due to the trauma before his first heat.

When Altea and Diabazaal had come back into existence, and with Honerva and Sendak both finally as dead as they deserved, slowly their pack dynamic had changed as they all sought their own paths. For Lance and Keith it’d been time on Earth, helping Lance’s family reestablish their farm in Cuba. Keith really didn’t like the first time he’d been invited to dinner by Lance’s Mami Miriam. The woman quick to share so many embarrassing stories about his omega. Lance shaken, but bold enough to stand up for himself and ask her to stop. His boyfriend talking him out to see Plant City, as most of the refugee families had been there at the time. Their time on Earth feeling like one big arse term at the Garrison. Keith finding himself “the future” as Lance had called him. Being the first Human-Galra, and the Black Paladin of Voltron, Keith found himself thrust into the spotlight that he’d never wanted.

For a time Lance worked with the Blades to help rebuild Diabazaal, as well as working as Earth’s ambassador to Altea. Coran refused to have it any other way. Lance was there for all of them. When Shiro had learned about the loss of Adam, it was Lance who kidnapped the pair of them from the awkward wake held for all the heroes lost when the Galra attacked. They wound up on some shitty beach in the middle of nowhere, but somehow that was everything Shiro needed. It was also Lance who helped to encourage Shiro to find happiness with his new boyfriend Curtis. Slowly as things had settled, Lance picked up teaching on Altea. His omega such a natural with the children that “laughed at his funny ears”.

Getting a call out of the blue from Coran, Keith broke every rule regarding wormholing off of Diabazaal. The stupid Blades had needed him for some stupid stealth mission. Keith well and truly over pockets of resistance that kept popping up trying to bring back Zarkon’s legacy. As far as Keith knew, Lance was on Earth. One of the perks of Pidge working at the Galaxy Garrison was the new gun tech coming out of the place. Lance had only been joking about being her official tester, yet almost every time Pidge upgraded some kind of gun, Lance would be the first one she’d call to her lab, even when the damn thing didn’t work, and the facility went onto lockdown because they’d tripped the fire alarms... He was supposed to be on Earth, with Pidge, and Pidge’s somewhat scary mother Colleen, planting a new crop of something or other resistant... Honestly, he still didn’t get farming talk, but Lance was meant to be in Cuba and now he was on Altea on that wasn’t okay, especially not when Coran had told him to come straight to main medical centre.

Landing on Altea, Keith flicked off the engines of his pod, out the thing before it’d finished spooling down, still in his Blade stealth suit, or his “onesie of justice” as Lance called it, as he bolted for the medical centre. Alarmed Alteans had no clue what was going, Keith nearly smacked into the glass doors, narrowly barrelling through the with only catching his shoulder instead of taking out the door frame. Hitting the admin desk, the Altea behind gave a small squeak as she rolled back

“Where’s Coran?!”

Timidly the woman pointed him down the hall to the left, Keith taking off jogging. Instinctively he wanted to keep running, yet Lance would smack him for running in a hospital.

Finally finding Coran, the alpha grabbed Coran by the shoulders. He wanted to shake an explanation out of him, but first he had to catch his breath

“Keith, my boy!? What a pleasure to see you again...”

“Lance... where’s Lance...”

“Uh, yes! Now...”

“Coran, don’t tease him! Keith, I’m okay”

Coran was kind of shoved slightly backwards as Keith tore away from the Altean, darting into the room he’d been standing in front of. Sitting on the bed, his omega looked exhausted as Keith rushed over to him. Wrapping his arms around Lance, the alpha let out a shaky breath. Yeah. He’d gotten a bit better with his rashness and impulse control, but that always went out the window when it came to Lance. Scrambling to tear his mask off with one hand, he didn’t want to let his omega go

“Babe... thank fuck...”

Chuckling softly, Lance smiled at him as Keith forced himself back to see his omega’s face

“Are you okay? I thought you were in Cuba. Coran messaged me that you were here...”

“And you came running... Babe, I’m okay. Something Coran should have told you”

Scrunching his brow, Lance being “okay” only made him confused

“I... if you’re okay, what are you doing here?”

“I... uh, started feeling ill. So I came for a check up... and hold on, let me show you...”

Pouting at Lance letting him go, his omega fished something out his pocket, Keith had no idea what the hell it was... until he was passed it

“You might want to be careful, I pissed on it”

Pee... on a stick... oh... oh... OH! What... how...

“Babe...?”

Lance snorted, then kind of sobered. His omega had to be terrified. Even with all the tech they had, he’d still had so many issues with everything growing and settling. Lance’s chances of contraception raising, but severely damaged by his red heat

“Don’t worry, I have a stack of them at home... I wanted to get it confirmed. Coran wasn’t supposed to freak you out”

Stabbing Lance less than romantically in the eye as he took his omega’s face in his hands, Keith’s heart was racing

“And... are... you...?”

“Yeah. We haven’t done an ultrasound, but... blood test and a quick examination confirmed it. I put off coming when I first started feeling sick... but today I started throwing up and it... yeah. I must have brought every test in the shop... I know... we didn’t think and... I’m sorry...”

No fucking way was Lance apologising for this. This was best news he’d had since Shiro and Curtis got engaged. Kissing his omega happily, Lance relaxed into the kiss, stick still right up against his eye.

Behind Keith, there was the sound of a party popper, confetti falling over their heads. For a moment Keith panicked, Bob and his fucking game show haunted him for a long time, so, for an instant, he thought he was back there. Instead, as he whipped his head around around and moved to protect Lance, Coran was beaming at the pair of them. Incriminating party popper remains still in hand

“Oh, I’m so proud of you, my boys!”

Knowing the cause of his distress, Lance tugged on his arm until Keith turned back to him

“You know he’s been addicted to them since Shiro first told him how to use one. I’m okay, tired, kind of nauseous, but I’m okay. Are you?”

Relaxing under his omega’s calming scent, Keith was very very okay...ish. God. He was nervous more than anything... The way Lance stared at him... even after three years, his omega sent his heart all funny

“Yeah. Yeah, babe... a pup... we’re having a pup of our own”

“We are... I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but... fuck... I said I wouldn’t cry...”

“Sweetheart, I think I’m crying too...”

Yeah. No. He definitely was... This was actually happening... This was finally happening for them, not that they had been trying, but they hadn’t exactly not been either. Shiro knew all about from making the mistake of walking in on them after one particular tedious briefing. Shyly, his omega asked

“So... you’re... this is... okay?”

“Oh, I’m very okay”

“Good, because this baby and me, we’re both gonna need our big strong alpha”

Inside his alpha was screaming with pride. He was going to be a dad. Lance was going to be a dad. They were going to be dads...

“You and our pup... you’re going to be so loved you won’t know what to do”

Both of them were messes, the pregnancy stick finally dropped as they nuzzled into each other until it was impossible to tell who’s tears were who’s. Lance letting out a barked laugh at the state of them. They might have grown plenty, but no matter how many years had passed, you only had to put them together and they turned into emotional idiots

“Now, yes, well, Lance came for a scan today, perhaps you’d be so kind as to let me patient lay down?”

Giddy, Lance giggled. Both their scents were kind of making Keith giddy too

“Coran begged me to let him do the scan. I think our Space Uncle is excited for us. He probably now knows more about my condition than anyone...”

“If you trust him, you know I trust him...”

“I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t. You’re the second to know... well, third. The man at the store probably suspected with all the tests I bought...”

“When do we tell the others?”

“When we know both me and this little one are going to be okay... which we won’t know until Coran does the scan”

“Oh, I guess I better let you lay down”

“Yep... you have no idea how much water I had to drink for this scan, you better not keep me waiting any longer”

That didn’t sound fun... Everything anything to do with birth, and male omega’s, came out of Lance’s various appointments and therapy sessions... however, he didn’t need a fancy education to know having to pee sucked

“I promise I’ll never keep you waiting again”

Humming sweetly, Lance would never not be the most amazing and sweetest omega he’d ever met. A pup with his big blue eyes... His heart was melting at the thought of them

“Mmm. I might just have to hold you to that, but first, let’s meet our baby...”

He was never going to tire of hearing that. Their baby. Theirs... made by them...

“Our baby...”

The novelty never had worn off, no matter how many times he told everyone and anyone repeatedly. No matter how many times Lance teased him about all their friends knowing. Keith was proud as quiznak right up to the birth, and prouder even still when he finally got to hold their first pup in his arms.

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lycorogue · 4 years

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Love Square Fluff Week: Part 4 - Comfort

Yup, I’m late to the party for this, but I was determined to participate in @lovesquarefluffweek so I’m just expanding it to Fluff Month and chugging along. At least I’m past the half-way point now.

You can read the full chapter below, or check it out on AO3, on FFN, or on DA

Playing House

Summary: Adrien finally has a day to spend with his friends, but Marinette can't join in on the fun because she has to babysit Manon. Alya thinks they can do better than that....

Word Count: 5093 Rating: General Audience Spoilers: Major - Miracle Queen/ML Season 3 finale spoiler, Minor - Sandboy spoiler, Puppeteer 2 spoiler, and Startrain spoiler Love Square Side: Adrienette Romance Level: Sweet Friendship

“What do you mean you can't come?” Alya whined into the phone, she then turned it to show Nino talking to Adrien past her shoulder.

“Sorry, Alya. You know I would love to do nothing more than hang out with you guys – especially Adrien,” Marinette dreamily cooed, “But I'm watching Manon again, and after that whole Puppeteer incident, I should probably make sure she gets my full attention this time.”

“But Adrien is actually out of the house.” Alya dropped her voice so he couldn't overhear her, and practically hissed through the video call.

“I know,” Marinette whined. “Trust me, I want to, but I really can't.”

“You need to learn how to say no, girl, and I don't mean to me.”

Marinette gave a half-smile. “I know, but Mrs. Chamack really needed me. What was I supposed to tell her, that she couldn't go to work?”

“Marinette!” Manon whined off screen behind her. “Play with me!”

“Coming. Sorry, Alya, I have to go.” Marinette waved goodbye before ending the call.

Alya pocketed her phone and walked back to the boys.

“Alya? Something wrong?” Nino walked over, reaching out a hand for hers.

“Nothing. Marinette won't be joining us. She has to babysit again.”

“But-” Nino gestured towards Adrien. Alya simply held up a hand and shook her head.

“That's a shame.” Adrien glanced down at his phone, wondering if he should call Marinette, or maybe text her to let her know she'd be missed. It was a bit of a double-edged sword though, as he knew well. It always made him feel better that his friends missed him when he couldn't hang out, but it also made him realize what he was missing out on. He couldn't rub salt in the wound on her.

Alya elbowed Nino and nodded over towards Adrien. “Yeah,” she said with a hint of mischievousness. “It really is a shame, isn't it?”

“Yeah.” Adrien nodded, and then began retreating from his friends, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, have fun, you two.”

“Wait. 'Have fun'? Where are you going?” Nino asked.

Adrien thumbed behind him. “Without Marinette hanging out with us, I figured maybe you two would want to make this into a date or something. I didn't want to intrude-”

“No way!” Alya hooked an arm around Adrien's and dragged him forward again. “We're friends too, aren't we? What, you can't hang out with me without Marinette around?” She winked at him, making him laugh.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that we aren't friends. I just thought-”

“Dude, you're out of the house! We can't let an opportunity like this to slip.” Nino took Adrien's other arm, and the couple playfully pulled Adrien along with them. “So, what should we do?”

Alya's phone buzzed. She pulled it out and stared bewildered at it. “Another video call from Marinette?” She opened it, and saw Manon's face fill the screen. The Dupain-Cheng's living room was a blur behind her as the girl sprinted around it. Off screen, Marinette yelled for Manon to give the phone back.

“Alya?” Manon chirped when she noticed the video call was answered. “Alya! Come play with us!”

“Manon?” Alya held the phone out for the boys to also see it, shrugging. “Why do you have Marinette's phone?”

“She's no fun. I'd rather play with you- hey!” Manon had slowed down enough for Marinette to catch up and snatch the phone back.

“Sorry, Alya. Ignore us. Have fun, okay?” She gave a sheepish grin before turning to scold Manon as she hung up the video call.

“Wow. That looked rough. I feel bad for Marinette.” Adrien knit his eyebrows, wondering what he could do to help this time.

“Sorry, boys,” Alya pulled away from them and took a few steps backward. “Looks like she really needs my help. I'm gonna have to flake.”

“We could help,” Nino offered.

“Nah, you two have a guy's day or something. Nino, I'll catch ya later?”

Nino nodded, and Alya blew him a kiss goodbye as she started jogging over to Marinette's.

“Is that what having a younger sibling is like?” Adrien cocked his head to the side, sincerely curious.

Nino shrugged. “My little dude can be a handful at times, but Manon is a ball of energy on a whole new level. Frankly, it's like Alya's little sisters were training for her to be able to handle Manon. She's amazing with kids, isn't she?” He looked vaguely in the direction Alya had jogged off.

“I feel bad that there isn't anything we could do to help Marinette. She looked really stressed in that video call.”

Nino smirked, then tried to fix a poker face a second later. “You wanna head over anyway? Manon seemed manageable when all four of us were watching her, and I bet Marinette would love the help.”

Adrien lit up. “Yeah! Let's go. We have to make the most of me getting out of the house, right? So might as well hang out with as many friends as I can.”

Nino gave a nod, and the two of them started jogging after Alya.

~o~o~o~o~o~

“Manon! Manon, no! Manon, put that down before you break it!” Marinette raced after the five-year-old, leaping over her family's sectional in order to scoop a box out of the kid's hand just before it was dropped. Sighing out relief for saving the little treasure box her mom kept on the bookshelf, Marinette stood on her tiptoes to place it on the top shelf in order to try to keep it out of Manon's hands.

She then dropped the box herself when a knock on the door startled her. Luckily, she was able to juggle and catch it at the last second. Breathing out another sigh, she walked over to the door, box tucked under her arm.

“Alya?” Marinette blinked a few times, registering who was on the other side. “Nino? A-Adrien? Wh-what are you all doing here?”

“Marinette,” Manon whined, “who is it?”

“It's me, kiddo.” Alya walked in and knelt down with arms open, waiting for the leaping hug Manon inevitably gave her.

“Uni! You came to play!” Manon giggled as Alya lifted her up and spun her around real quick.

“I told you that you didn't need to come here.” Marinette stared wide-eyed as the boys waved and walked in after Alya.

“We know, but we figured we'd help you out with this little demon,” Alya teased in a baby voice, booping Manon on the nose and causing the child to squeal with delight.

“You needed help, and it seemed more fun for us all to hang out and help.” Adrien placed a hand on Marinette's shoulder and gave her the softest smile. She nearly melted.

“Thank thew- Tank you!” Marinette cringed. “Thank you, I mean.”

Adrien laughed. His adorable, eyes closed, shoulders shaking laugh. It took all Marinette had to not swoon. As her body softened she nearly dropped the trinket box again. Startled back alert, she caught it and once more attempted to put it on the top shelf so Manon couldn't reach it. She stretched as tall as she could on her toes, her finger tips balancing the box on the front edge of the shelf. Adrien stepped in, rolled onto his toes, and easily pushed the box onto the shelf, his hand lingering between Marinette's for a moment.

“Like I said,” he teased, “it looked like you needed help.”

Marinette broke eye contact, blushing a little as she thanked him.

“No problem. Just, ya know, don't forget to ask for help sometimes, 'kay?”

Marinette shared a private laugh. “Ya know, you're not the first person to tell me that this past week.”

“Then maybe you should listen.” He gave her a small shoulder bump with his own, then gestured for them to get back to Manon, who was currently trying to fight back against two Tickle Monsters.

Adrien instantly jumped in to tag Alya out as he also began tickling Manon's belly, causing the girl to squeal and giggle.

“What on earth happened here?” Alya pointed to the little kitchenette covered in flour, some dough splatter, smears of frosting, and a small tower of dishes. “You had a battle against the Cupcake Kingdom or something?”

Marinette rubbed the back of her head, sheepishly laughing as she shrugged. “I thought I could keep her occupied by teaching her how to make cookies.”

“So you gave Manon sugar?”

Marinette shrugged.

“Girl, girl, girl.” Alya pinched the bridge of her nose as she shook her head, a small grin stretching across her lips. “How do you keep getting babysitting gigs? I love ya and all, but you're kinda terrible at it.”

“I know.” Marinette folded in half in defeat, causing Alya to chuckle.

“Girl, it's fine. We're here now and-”

“Oh no!” Nino called out in melodramatic terror. “I've been betrayed!”

Adrien and Manon slowly stalked after Nino before chasing him down and trying to tickle him instead. The way Adrien crept up on Nino reminded Marinette of the nightmare version Sandboy had created, and she shuddered slightly.

“Come on!” Alya didn't seem to notice Marinette's temporary unease as she grabbed her best friend's hand and dragged her to the group. The five of them had a massive tickle fight for the next ten minutes, the players each switching between Manon's and Nino's sides, depending on who tickled them last.

Eventually tickled out, and a bit exhausted from all the squealing and laughter, they all collapsed on the sectional. All of them but Manon, that is, who recovered after a few deep breaths.

“That was fun! What's next?” She bounced over to Marinette, grabbing her hands and tugging.

“Next?” Marinette whimpered, and scanned the room for the living room clock, checking to see when Mrs. Chamack should be back. “Two more hours,” she muttered under her breath, but unknowingly loud enough for Alya to pickup.

“What do you want to do next, you little terror?” Alya knelt beside Manon, tapping her lap to catch the girl's attention.

Manon rambled off a long list of crazy activities, from watching a PG-13 movie to riding a pony to meeting the real Jagged Stone to defeating a villain with Ladybug and Chat Noir to swimming in a pool of chocolate pudding.

As Manon rattled off her To Do list to Alya, Adrien glanced over at Marinette. Her eyes were closed, and her head rested against the back of the sectional. Her chest slowly rose and fell, as if she were meditating. The poor girl looked exhausted.

Nino caught Adrien watching Marinette, and glanced over himself. Almost instantly, he tapped Alya's shoulder and nodded over at Marinette as well. Alya kept chatting with Manon, keeping the girl's attention on her as Alya quickly stole a look over at Marinette.

“That all sounds amazing! What a day!” Alya indulged Manon as she stood up. “You think we can fit it all in before your mom gets back?”

As Manon was distracted by the mental calculations on how much time they had for everything, and potentially narrowing her list a touch, Alya mouthed over to the boys 'did she fall asleep?'

Discreetly, Nino leapt over the back of the sectional, and walked around to Marinette. He leaned in close, whispering her name. She simply gave a soft moan back. He nodded at Alya, who silently chuckled.

“Hey, Manon. It's super nice outside. Wanna go play in the park for a little bit?”

“Yay! Park!” Manon bounced up and down before turning to Marinette. Then she abruptly stopped. “Marinette?”

“Looks like Marinette needs a couple of minutes, but you and I can still play in the park right? Maybe with Nino too?” Alya again knelt so she could talk softly in the girl's ear.

“But Marinette's supposed to be watching me.” Manon scooped up Marinette's hand and gripped it tight, causing the three teens to hold their breath; waiting for Marinette to bolt awake. Instead, she gave a little snore and sleepily squeezed Manon's hand back.

“Come on, Manon,” Alya coaxed. “Marinette's tired. Your mom won't mind, and wouldn't you rather be in the park? Marinette can join us once she wakes up.”

“Um.” Manon looked up at Marinette, then over at Nino and Adrien. Both boys smiled and gave reassuring nods. “Nino is coming too?”

“Yeah, little dudette.” He held out his hand for Manon to fist bump, which she gladly did.

“And Adrien?” Manon looked up at him with doe eyes.

“Sure.” Adrien smiled.

“Actually,” Alya rebutted, “Someone should stay here and start cleaning up. Adrien, do you mind doing that?”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” Adrien's smile stayed, but he felt like he was getting ditched.

“Great. Manon, why don't you pack up your backpack so we have all of your toys, okay?” Alya gave the girl a gentle push on her back, and the five-year-old skipped away to gather her things. Alya then turned back to Adrien. “Thanks. You're a lifesaver. We really need someone to stay here with Marinette. That way you can let her know where Manon is – and that she's safe – when she wakes up. Also, that way someone can text us if Manon's mom gets back before we do.”

“Okay. I can do that.”

“And don't worry about the kitchen if you don't want to clean. We just need someone with Marinette is all.”

Adrien's smile turned sincere. “Nah, it's okay. It really does look like Marinette needs help, and I'm happy to.”

“I knew you would be.” Alya gave Adrien a quick air-kiss by each of his cheeks. “You're a prince.”

“Alya!” Manon pulled on her hand.

“Okay, munchkin.” Alya scooped the girl up in her arms and headed for the door. Nino held it open for the girls, and rested a hand on the small of Alya's back as she passed. “Thanks again, Adrien,” Alya called past her shoulder, and Adrien couldn't help but feel like those two were playing house with Manon, and he was playing babysitter with a passed out Marinette. The thought made him laugh as he waved the couple off.

Behind him, Marinette gave a soft, satisfied moan, and slumped further into her seat. Adrien blushed a little at how adorable she looked. As careful as he could, he cradled her head and gently lowered her so she was laying across the cushions. Looking around, he found a throw blanket and draped it over her. She gave another satisfied moan and curled tighter under the blanket.

She truly looked exhausted. Adrien wondered what else she had overburdened herself with, and why she didn't seem to have learned anything from when he helped her make flowers. It made him think of Ladybug and her new responsibilities as Guardian. He wondered how exhausted she must look without her mask.

“You two are two of a kind,” Adrien joked as he brushed some stray hair out of Marinette's eyes. Sleepily, she rolled her head to follow his fingers, nuzzling his hand. It instantly stilled him. He watched her sleep for a few seconds, musing about how relaxed she looked right then. It was like when they were traveling to London together; one of the few times she didn't seem stressed out around him. Before he realized what he was doing, his hand was on her back, rubbing small circles through the blanket, trying to soothe her further. He didn't even know he was wishing for another soft, happy moan until one escaped her lips.

He stayed kneeling beside Marinette, softly rubbing her back, for a little while, hoping the comforting touch would keep her lulled in her sleep. She looked like she needed as much as she could steal. As Chat Noir, he understood how precious sleep could be.

Roughly twenty minutes after Alya and Nino left with Manon, Adrien's feet finally started to lose feeling, and his shoulder softly ached from the angle he was holding it to rub Marinette's back. Giving up on his impromptu task, he instead rocked back into a seated position, his back against the sectional, and his head nestled by Marinette's abdomen. He simply glanced out the window, enjoying the clouds drifting by, and the sound of Marinette's slow, heavy breathing behind him.

It wasn't what he was picturing when he found out he had an afternoon to spend with his friends, but he was happy all the same. There was something about being near Marinette; being able to help her, being in the same room as her, having someone besides Plagg nearby – nothing against the kwami or anything.

As if the magical being could read Adrien's head, Plagg poked out of the teen's shirt. “Psst. Adrien. Are we gonna do anything? I'm bored and hungry.”

“Plagg! Stay hidden! What if Marinette wakes up?” Adrien hissed back.

“At least start up the TV or a game or something? Even I can only catnap for so long. It's so boring.”

“It's not boring. It's nice. I feel relaxed here.”

“Can you at least get me some food?”

Adrien looked over at the kitchenette. He probably should help clean it up the best he could while he was waiting; help Marinette further. Maybe he could also find something little that Plagg could swipe without anyone noticing, that way he could save the camembert slice for if they had to battle an akuma.

He walked over to the sink, looked around for a minute, found a washcloth, wet it, and started wiping down the peninsula counter top. While Plagg complained about it being too sweet for his tastes, he still licked up the blobs of frosting and raw dough, just so he had something in his belly.

The counter was nearly clean when Marinette again moaned from the sectional, this time a deep and long one as she woke up.

“Manon?” she called out in a daze.

“She's at the park with Alya and Nino,” Adrien informed her as he continued his wipe down of the kitchen.

“Okay,” Marinette yawned and curled back under the blanket for a second. Then everything registered, and she leapt up, flinging the blanket off her. “Wait, she's where?” She whipped around, and saw only Adrien still in her apartment with her. She was alone with Adrien. Adrien had seen her passed out again. Adrien was washing down her mess in her kitchen.

“It's cool.” Adrien hadn't seen her freak out, too busy focusing on a particularly caked on portion of the counter. “You looked like you really needed a rest, and Alya and Nino are great with kids. Alya said you and Mrs. Chamack would be cool with them taking Manon for a little bit.”

“Wh-what are you doing?” Marinette stiffly marched to the counter, dumbly watching Adrien as he rinsed off the washcloth and attacked the splashes of dough that managed to spray across the front of the refrigerator door. As he walked over from the sink, he plucked one of the remaining cookies off a plate.

He held it up and glanced past his shoulder at Marinette. “Is it alright to have one?” She numbly nodded, so he popped it in his mouth. “Mmm. I don't think I'll ever get over how good your baking is.”

“A-Adrien.” Marinette held herself up against the counter as she rounded it. “Why are you cleaning?”

“Hmm?” He paused to steal a glance over at her before shrugging and getting back to scrubbing down the refrigerator door. “Oh. Alya wanted someone to stay here to make sure you and Mrs. Chamack knew where Manon was. Going to the park was her idea, so clearly Alya couldn't stay, and it made sense for Nino to go with.”

“Yeah, but-” Marinette gestured towards the refrigerator.

“It needed to be cleaned, right?”

“Right.” Marinette drew out the word. “But why are you cleaning it? It wasn't your mess.”

“I don't mind.” Finished with the door, Adrien again went to the sink to refresh the cloth. Marinette jogged up behind him, her arms out to the side to block him when he turned around. “It's okay, Marinette. You looked overwhelmed, and I had nothing better to do. It's not that big of a deal. Friends help each other, don't they?”

“You're too kind, Adrien.”

“It's not that big of a deal, seriously. You'd do the same.”

“Yeah, well, I'm awake now. I can finish this.” She held her hand out for the washcloth.

Adrien rebutted by opening the cabinet he got the cloth from, and gestured to a few others stacked inside. “Or, we can clean it together and get done faster?”

“Adrien, no. You're a guest. This is too much. I can't ask you to do this.”

“You didn't ask. It's not too much. And I want to spend time with you anyway, so we might as well spend time doing this.”

“You- you want to- with- with me?”

Adrien cocked his head to the side. “Is that so surprising? We're friends, aren't we?”

“Yeah.” Marinette moved past him, a bit defeated, and picked up a washcloth. “Friends.”

They were silent for a little while, each picking a different corner of the kitchenette to clean. Adrien wondered what he said wrong. Marinette focused too hard on the word 'friend' and all its implied meaning.

“Okay, well, thanks for helping with the kitchen.” Once the surface areas were cleaned, Marinette collected Adrien's washcloth from him, and rinsed them both off in the sink before putting them to the side to be washed. “You can go ahead and find Alya and Nino. I'm sure you'll have more fun with them.”

“I'm having a good enough time here.” Adrien sidled beside her and picked up the dish soap. “Besides, we still have these to clean, right?” He began filling the sink, and squirted far too much soap into it, the bubbles already starting to froth up the sides of the basin.

“Adrien!” Marinette giggled as she snatched the soap from his hands. “What are you doing? That was way too much!”

“Oh.” Adrien looked at the sink nearly filled with suds within those few short seconds. “Sorry. I never actually did dishes before.”

“So you thought you'd start with mine?” Marinette was too focused on the task of decreasing the bubble surplus to remember who she was talking to. There was a playfulness in her voice that Adrien rarely was on the receiving end of, and it skipped his heart for a second.

“Here. Let me help.” With a mischievousness twinkle, Adrien scooped up a handful of suds, and smacked them in Marinette's face.

She gasped at the attack, giggled, and scooped up her own handful to throw at Adrien. He ducked, swooped around her, scooped up more suds, and went for her face again. She squealed like when they were in their massive tickle war, and ducked below his arm, throwing her hands up to stop him. The suds ended up plopping on her head, and she again gasped.

Her eyes narrowing, she dove for the sink, dodging Adrien's attempt to block her. She threw soap at him, but he shielded himself with his hands. It was now Adrien's turn to go on the offensive, but the sink water had risen higher than he realized. When he scooped up the handful of soap he ended up splashing Marinette instead. She retaliated, grabbing the sink hose and spraying him with a few squirts.

The two teens laughed as their battle continued, only stopping when Marinette noticed that the sink was about to overflow.

“So much for helping you clean up the kitchen.” Adrien wiped his face dry as he looked around at the water and soap bubbles pooled on the floor.

“Yeah, I think we got a little carried away.” Marinette turned off the water, then pulled out a towel and dropped it to the floor to sop up the puddles.

“It was fun, though.” Adrien knelt down to take the towel from under Marinette's foot, and began to run it across the tiled floor to help clean again.

“Yeah. It was. Thank you, Adrien.” Her cheeks flushed, and she whipped around towards the sink to hide her blush. Humming to herself, she began washing the dishes.

Adrien sweetly looked up at her as he finished his chore. There were only a choice-few times that Marinette seemed so relaxed around him. Well, around him him, she was fairly chill around Chat Noir him. It was always amazing when Marinette let her wall down; when she allowed herself to just be comfortable around him. He always had the best time with her when she was like that.

Nino would always be his best friend, but even around him, Adrien felt a sort of obligation to act a certain way. He had to focus on what it was like to be a “true teen” and follow Nino's lead whenever he pointed out how sheltered Adrien was. It was hard to tell Nino that there were parts of his life he was actually fine with. His BFF would just argue back that it was because Adrien didn't know any better.

Alya was also cool, but she was so high energy. It was actually a little exhausting trying to keep up with her sometimes. Plus, she always seemed to have a hidden agenda whenever they hung out. Adrien didn't hold it against her, and in fact found it part of her that he loved, but it could be a bit much. He had to have his guard up at all times around her, for fear that she'd catch a whiff of him being Chat Noir.

Kagami was also an amazing friend, but she was just as sheltered as he was. Whenever he was with her, he felt like he had to be purposefully rebellious to help show her how to have a good time. A way for them to break away from their overbearing parents. She also was too focused on what was considered 'noble' or 'proper' and seemed a bit judgmental when he wanted to just play video games or talk about comic books. Kagami certainly was not the friend to talk pop-culture with.

Marinette, though? Adrien could truly be himself around her. She didn't seem to ever really judge him, or see him as a rich shut-in, or try to pry into his life. She just let him be whomever he was. He could be serious, or goofy, or straight-laced, or a little rebellious, and she ran with it. It was almost like being Chat Noir, even out of the mask.

Better, actually. Even when he was Chat Noir, he had to be a certain way. Marinette proved that when she laughed at him crafting beside her. He had to be in superhero mode most of the time. The only exception seemed to be when his heart was broken and Marinette let him just be sad with her.

There were no such restrictions for Adrien when he was out of costume and just with Marinette.

“Here.” He pulled out another towel from where Marinette grabbed the first one. “Let me dry them.” He held out the towel for Marinette to place the mixing bowl in.

She studied him a moment, her lips lightly puckered and her eyes soft. Dark circles still hid under the now smudged cover-up, but she looked a bit more refreshed than she was before. Accepting the offer, Marinette placed the bowl in the towel cradle, then picked up the next dish to clean.

As Adrien dried the bowl and placed it on the counter for Marinette to put away, he watched her work. There was certainly something almost serene to her quietly splashing in over-soaped dish water, the warm glow of the setting sun casting orange rays through the window in front of them. She handed one of the mixer beaters to him, then got started on another one.

“Adrien?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you. It means a lot that you spent your day away from home helping me babysit and clean up. You could have done virtually anything, but you chose this.”

“No problem, Marinette. I'm always happy to help you. Honestly, sometimes I think you take on too much.”

She snorted a little laugh. “You're one to talk.” She gave him a playful side-eye before refocusing on rinsing off the other beater and handing it to him.

“True, but it's different with you, I think. People depend on you so much. I just worry that you put too much on your shoulders. You can tell people no, you know, if you're overwhelmed. You can also ask for help.”

Marinette froze, her hands hovered above the soapy sink basin, watching Adrien carefully as he finished his drying and placing the second beater beside the first in the mixing bowl. When he turned back to her, she jumped and got back to washing out the measuring cups.

“Something wrong?”

“Huh?” Marinette didn't look at him. She kept her eyes on the dishes as she rinsed, blindly handed off to Adrien, and started up the next measuring cup. “No. Nothing. Just- I've been told that before too.”

“By someone smart, I'd wager,” Adrien fought to hide his smirk. Didn't matter. Marinette still wasn't looking at him.

“Yeah. Yeah, perhaps he is.” She didn't want to chance adding in 'and possibly very dumb too' despite feeling it strongly. Instead, she reveled in the fact that she was helped twice that week by super sweet guys, and that one of them was the boy of her dreams, helping her clean dishes. Maybe life wasn't as out of control as she once feared when she got the Miracle Box transferred to her possession.

If life consisted of quiet evenings alone with Adrien, doing stupid little chores, Marinette would be more than happy. Adrien would be too.

@discoveringmiraculouswriters

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miguel-manbemel · 5 years

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Aspects & Fanfics Ep. 8: The Rescue: The Seven Sides Together

It’s been two weeks, but at last, after finishing subtitling to Spanish the Selfishness v. Selflessness video (I hope that they can be live soon, just like I’ve seen that the French subs managed when I gave them my vote. And just a little message for any French speakers out there regarding the disaster of Nôtre Dame today - I haven’t practiced French for years, so I hope I don’t say any inconvenience - Je suis très désolé pour le desastre de Nôtre Dame d’aujourd’hui, mon coeur et avec les parisiens et j’espère que la reconstruction c’est factible en peu de temps), I gathered time to finish another entry of “Aspects and Fanfics”, the fanfic inspired on “Sanders Sides” by Thomas Sanders and Joan, the 8th one already. And quite a long one, even though it’s not the longest. So I won’t make it any longer with this introduction and cut to the chase. As always, you can find the previous entries of “Aspects and Fanfics” right here, and I hope you enjoy, even though, this is becoming more and more like a forked AU of “Sanders Sides”, as you will see. In this one, I even dare to give my own version of how Deceit’s room might look, which probably won’ look at all like what the Foster Dawg team might eventually conceive. But that’s what’s also fun about writing fanfics, don’t you think? Giving your own spin to something you enjoy. All right, enough talking, let’s go.

SYNOPSIS: Thomas suddenly is totally unable to tell the truth and only speaks in lies. That’s the first symptom that Honesty is in danger. When Logan broke the block between Deceit and him, being Deceit a Dark Side, he was corrupting Honesty from inside and now he’s almost gone. They must travel to his room to save him. They do so, but as a consequence it is Deceit who almost destroys himself and now they must rescue him too. Problem is, to rescue Deceit they must travel to the Dark Realm and put everyone in risk of getting caught by the Dark Master.

WARNINGS: This is gonna be an angsty episode, and when I say angsty I really mean it. The main characters are gonna be in real danger on this one. There are going to be mentions to some of them possibly dying, and there’s gonna be a real battle at some point, so be warned if any of this could trigger you.

EPISODE INDEX

[Thomas and Joan are playing Poker on the table. They’re playing with buttons as chips]

JOAN: I bet all I’ve got. [puts all his buttons in the center]

LOGAN: [his voice is heard on Thomas’ head while Thomas thinks] They’ve bet everything. Therefore, they’ve got a good game. You should withdraw your bet to minimize your losings and be able to play another hand.

DECEIT: [in his head too] That’s nonsense. It’s clear that Joan is bluffing. They probably have a simple pair, if anything. And Thomas’ got three of a kind. You’ve got the game in your hands. Bet everything you’ve got and win this game!

LOGAN: Nonsense is what you’re suggesting, Deceit. Three of a kind is too low to consider it a game in his hands. Why would Joan take such a risk if they didn’t have a chance to win. It’s illogical.

DECEIT: Games are not 100% logic, Teach, especially Poker. Besides, it takes a liar to know a liar, and Joan is messing with us, I can feel it.

VIRGIL: But what if he loses!? I don’t want Thomas to eat another carrot, it was bad enough the last time!

ROMAN: Joan wouldn’t fight without honor! Even if they’re our rival now, they’re our friend! They wouldn’t bluff!

PATTON: This is not a fight, it’s a game! We must keep playing until we get Uno!

ROMAN: This not Uno, Patton, this is Poker.

PATTON: Oh… No wonder Thomas didn’t discard that match…

JOAN: [angry, yelling] Would everyone shut the f… [bleep] up, please? [voice of anger and frustration, whining at times] We’ve been here literally for two f… [bleep] hours, just for one f… [bleep] hand of the game! It’s literally impossible to concentrate when everyone’s speaking out-loud all the f… [bleep] time! I’ve bet all I’ve got because I want to end the game as f… [bleep] soon as f… [bleep] possible!

[beat]

VIRGIL: Wow… They’re cursing like a sailor… This time they’re really pissed off! This is it, we’re losing their friendship. Time for panic and/or crying!

DECEIT: I don’t buy that they’ve got just a pair! Don’t trust them, Thomas!

PATTON: [whining] I’m so sorry, Joan, I didn’t mean to bother you so much! Please, don’t hate me!

THOMAS: [while the Sides start overlapping in the background] My bad, Joan, I was thinking out-loud the whole time...

[Joan shows a face of frustration over hearing all the voices in chaos again, then covers their head with their beanie down to their chin and puts their fingers on their ears, then groans]

[intro sequence]

THOMAS: What is up, everybody? Today I’m going back to my old middle school. They’ve invited me to give a little lecture to the kids about how hard work can improve someone’s life. And I’m so ready. I mean… Work is totally useless and nobody should make an effort to improve their life…

[Thomas covers his mouth]

THOMAS: What was that? It looked as if… I was saying one truth after the other… Oh, my goodness!

LOGAN: [rising up] Is anything wrong with you, Thomas?

THOMAS: Oh, of course it isn’t! I’m only speaking in truths all the time and I can stop it! Can’t you see it?

LOGAN: No, Thomas, the truth is I cannot.

THOMAS: Well, get lost, then, I don’t need your help, at all!

PATTON: [rising up] Thomas! Don’t speak to Logan like that!

THOMAS: I’m not sorry, Patton. I can avoid it… [face of realization] Don’t wait a minute… This doesn’t look at all like the way Deceit spoke… Nothing’s wrong with him or Honesty!

ROMAN: [rising up] What is all this convolution? You’re not letting me concentrate to write Thomas’ speech for the lecture!

VIRGIL: [appearing] Okay, now what is happening that has activated me so suddenly?

LOGAN: It seems like Thomas can’t speak the truth, at all.

VIRGIL: Uh-oh… Something must have happened to Deceit or Honesty.

THOMAS: I didn’t already say that!

LOGAN: Well, to be honest, you really didn’t say that, you literally said “Nothing’s wrong with him or Honesty”… [Thomas gives a dirty look to Logan] You’re right, it’s not the moment to point that out, sorry…

ROMAN: I don’t like the look of this. What if something bad has happened to them? Maybe someone from the Dark Realm attacked them, or something.

THOMAS: Oh, I hope they did! [frustrated] Dag-nabbit! I want to keep lying… shoot!

VIRGIL: There’s only one way to find out. Let’s summon them. Deceit! Deceit, come here!

[Deceit appears. He has the most worried face]

VIRGIL: Oh, there you are. At least that calms us down in that sense…

DECEIT: Don’t calm down too soon, Virgil. I already know why you’ve called me, guys.

PATTON: You know? What is happening?

DECEIT: Something’s wrong with Honesty. I tried to tell him to open up to you about the issue, but he wouldn’t listen. And now it may be too late.

THOMAS: You’re not scaring us, Deceit. What’s happening?

DECEIT: I can’t feel Honesty inside of me anymore. It’s like he’s vanished from me.

[everyone gets anxious]

THOMAS: What?

PATTON: What do you mean you can’t feel him?

LOGAN: We need more data!

ROMAN: Does he need some rescue?

VIRGIL: Guys, guys! Relax, please! I can’t believe I’m the one saying this…

DECEIT: I know the same as you do, guys. It all started the day we played that role playing game, remember? He was already feeling tired as he said. After we switched places for the game, he wasn’t able to come out anymore. And since then he’s been flickering on and off inside of me until I lost all contact a few minutes ago.

THOMAS: And that’s not when I started speaking in lies! [groans] Seriously, Deceit, how can you cope?

DECEIT: There’s a good trick for that, Thomas. Speak in questions.

THOMAS: In questions?

DECEIT: Yes, a question is neither a truth nor a lie, so you’ll be able to tell them freely.

THOMAS: So, is it possible for me to speak almost as I want if I do it in the form of questions? Is it going as good as I think it is? Oh, it’s not working… I mean… Is it working as good as it should?

LOGAN: However, this solution is only a patch. We need to find out what’s happened to Honesty. Not only because he’s our friend, but also because it’s definitely going to have an impact in Thomas’ life if he can’t physically tell the truth anymore.

THOMAS: And aren’t we forgetting that I’ve got a lecture to give this afternoon and it’s gonna be a disaster if we don’t fix this soon?

DECEIT: Good, Thomas, you’re getting the hang of it.

THOMAS: Okay, but where do we start? Roman, aren’t you the creative one? Can’t you think of something?

ROMAN: I don’t even know where to start, Thomas. The strange case of Dr. Honesty and Mr. Deceit has had me totally confused since the beginning. They’re something that I had never seen before in the Mind Palace, and I’m the oldest of the Sides here, as you know.

VIRGIL: I win you on that one, Princey. I am older than you, it’s just that I came out of the Dark Realm later.

PATTON: This is not the moment to talk about trivia, kiddos. Thomas needs us, and maybe Honesty too.

LOGAN: My suggestion is that we all travel to Honesty’s room to see if we can find out something there.

THOMAS: Well, why wouldn’t it work? Isn’t it worth a try?

PATTON: But will we be able to travel there if Honesty is not present?

DECEIT: Well, I can try to take you all there, after all Honesty is… or was… a part of me.

PATTON: Please, don’t say “was”, Deceit. Let’s be positive and believe that Honesty is still there, somewhere.

LOGAN: Okay. Let’s do it. Are you still able to think about true things, Thomas, even if you can’t say them aloud?

THOMAS: Would I definitely answer yes to that question?

LOGAN: Good, that’s a good sign. Honesty is still there, somewhere, or else you wouldn’t even think of telling the truth. Then focus on all things that are honest about you. Keep all lies away of your mind and concentrate only on the truth.

DECEIT: [sinking down] I think it’s working…

ROMAN: [sinking down] All right, here we go on another quest.

PATTON: [sinking down] I hope it’s not too late.

LOGAN: [sinking down] Keep going, you can do it, Thomas.

[Thomas sinks down. Then there’s a white flash and Thomas and the Sides are in Honesty’s room. To the surprise of everyone, it looks exactly as the regular apartment]

THOMAS: Well, isn’t it disappointing that I expected the room to look somehow different?

LOGAN: We are in the home of truth, Thomas. It’s completely logical that it is configured only with things that truly exist in real life, isn’t it?

THOMAS: And now, what, Deceit?

DECEIT: I don’t know. I’m not exactly an expert on how this room works, I’ve only been a room guest of sorts. And now that I don’t feel Honesty, it is getting harder to access his knowledge of the room. It’s too blurry.

ROMAN: I wish I could be creative enough to find something, but imagination is quite far away from truth, as Logan has repeatedly pointed out.

LOGAN: Let’s see… Thomas, can you try to be one with the room?

THOMAS: One with the room?

LOGAN: Yes, the room is part of you, so you must be able to feel everything about it, to gather all the remnants of Honesty in the room and summon them here.

THOMAS: And how do I do that?

LOGAN: Just concentrate. This is like ancient meditation. Relax and concentrate in joining in with the room. You will know what to do when you start relaxing.

THOMAS: No way… I mean, okay?

[Thomas closes his eyes and starts breathing slowly. That makes Virgil feel a little dizzy.]

VIRGIL: Whoa…

THOMAS: [breaking out of the concentration] Are you okay, Virgil?

VIRGIL: Don’t worry, Thomas. You became so relaxed that I started feeling weak and dizzy. But keep going. I’ll be fine if I sit down on the stairs.

[Virgil sits down, then Thomas concentrates again. After a few seconds, Honesty appears next to Thomas, but it is a translucent version of him, as if he was a ghost]

DECEIT: Honesty?

[There’s a curious phenomenon, as Thomas and Honesty appear to speak at the same time. Thomas with his eyes closed and moving his mouth and the voice coming out from Honesty]

HONESTY: Guys? Is it you?

ROMAN: What is going on here?

LOGAN: It looks as if Honesty was speaking through Thomas, like in those pseudo-scientific things with mediums and all that.

PATTON: [horrified gasp] Wait, then Honesty is, like, a ghost!?

LOGAN: No, no, no! He’s alive and here! He’s just too weak to manifest a fully physical body, and needs Thomas to communicate, as if Thomas was some sort of… figurative emergency charger cord.

PATTON: [relieved] Oof… Don’t scare me like that! Do you want to turn me into Casper, the friendly ghost?

LOGAN: I… I didn’t do anything, you scared yourself on your own…

DECEIT: What happened to you? Are you okay?

HONESTY: I don’t know where I am. When lost contact with Deceit, I felt as if I was asleep and awaken at the same time, it’s… it’s hard to describe. I lost notion of time and space. Then I saw a light, and I followed the light. And it was coming from Thomas. And now, here I am.

DECEIT: Well, I am here, Honesty. Can’t you get to where I am? Maybe if you join me again we can fix this.

HONESTY: I can try…

[Honesty walks a few steps towards Deceit, but stops midway]

HONESTY: I can’t. There’s some sort of dark aura around Deceit that doesn’t let me approach him. It’s repelling me, like a force field of some kind.

LOGAN: What are you doing, Deceit?

DECEIT: I’m not doing anything!

VIRGIL: I think I understand.

LOGAN: You do?

VIRGIL: Deceit’s a Dark Side. And Honesty is a Light Side. Those are antagonistic things. There’s nothing bad if we, Dark Sides, get closer to Light Sides every once in a while as we do in our talks, but we can’t coexist in the same physical space for long consecutive amounts of time or corruption is due to happen. Deceit and Honesty were able to be together before because there was a block between each other that isolated both of them, like some sort of… contention barrier. But when the block was accidentally broken by Logan, Deceit started corrupting Honesty little by little, as if he was absorbing him. It’s like what happened to Roman, Logan and Patton in my room, but so slow that nobody noticed. And unlike Princey, Teach and Dad, Honesty has nowhere to retreat, as he’s trapped in Deceit’s body.

LOGAN: I’m so sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have broken the block. Now Honesty is in danger because of me.

PATTON: Logan, it’s not your fault, it was an accident. How would you have known this would happen? Don’t torture yourself.

DECEIT: There has to be a way to fix this. Perhaps, reinstating the block?

VIRGIL: It’s too late for that. Deceit’s part has invaded almost all of Honesty’s part. There would be only one way, but it’s too dangerous.

DECEIT: What is it? I’m willing to try anything if it can work.

VIRGIL: You must inhibit yourself for some time. Weaken yourself on purpose, so that Honesty could recover enough strength to manifest in your body. Then, if that worked, we could reinstate the block and everything would be as it was before. But there’s a danger to consider. If you inhibit yourself too much, you could be gone and only Honesty would be left.

DECEIT: Well, I’m willing to try. Besides, Thomas needs Honesty more than he needs me. No one will miss me if I’m gone.

VIRGIL: [angry] Don’t you dare say that again! No one deserves to disappear! Thomas needs all of us equally and if he loses any of us, he will also lose a part of himself, and you are as important as all of us! We would miss you! I… would miss you.

DECEIT: Please, don’t make it more difficult, Virgil. I was lying to myself, trying to give myself motivation to do this… [trembling voice] Because I am really scared. I don’t wanna go.

VIRGIL: [hurt voice] Oh, Deceit… You don’t have to do this, we’ll figure out something else.

DECEIT: I know a lie when I hear it, Virgil. You and I know there’s no other way. If I don’t do this, Honesty will be gone, and I wouldn’t forgive myself if that happened and I didn’t do anything to help him.

HONESTY: Deceit… Thank you… How could I repay you for this?

DECEIT: Just don’t tell everyone what I’m thinking all the time again and we’ll be even, okay?

HONESTY: Okay…

VIRGIL: All right. You can do this.

ROMAN: We’ll be with you all the time.

PATTON: You’re not alone, kiddo.

DECEIT: Thank you, guys. And I don’t know why I’m saying this right now, but… I’m sorry.

LOGAN: You’re sorry for what?

DECEIT: For everything I did to you in the past. Now I have realized that I never apologized for all of that and I had the imperious need to do so now. Cause it could be my last chance to say it.

PATTON: You didn’t have to, Deceit. It’s all in the past now, and now we’re friends.

ROMAN: And it won’t be the last chance, you’ll see how everything comes out right.

[Deceit shows a little moved smile for a second, then he clears his throat]

DECEIT: Okay, enough of emotions and delaying. Let’s do this.

VIRGIL: Please, be careful, Deceit.

DECEIT: I’ll try.

[Deceit closes his eyes. After a moment, he loses balance and is about to fall, but holds on. He keeps on that way for a few seconds]

HONESTY: The dark aura is starting to fade away. I can get closer now.

LOGAN: Then approach Deceit slowly, Honesty.

[Honesty takes little steps approaching Deceit, who starts looking sick and pail. At last, Honesty manages to touch Deceit, and the yellow cloud covers them both. The cloud changes color to orange and when it dissolves, Honesty is there in the flesh, and there’s no sign of Deceit. At that moment, Thomas wakes up]

LOGAN: Honesty, you’re back! Are you okay?

HONESTY: I’m getting better… I think…

THOMAS: Thank God, guys. I’m so glad that Honesty’s back… And look, I can speak the truth again.

VIRGIL: But where is Deceit?

HONESTY: I… I can’t feel him.

VIRGIL: [scared] What? What do you mean you don’t feel him? He was here a second ago!

HONESTY: While I was approaching him, there was a moment where all I felt was him. Then, the cloud appeared around us and I felt him waving me goodbye, being then propelled out of the cloud. And the next moment I was here, and he was gone.

VIRGIL: [scared and on the verge of crying] No… That can’t be…

PATTON: [sad] It cannot end up like this…

ROMAN: When we had finally become friends…

LOGAN: [as if he just had an idea] Guys, I suddenly realized something… Thomas?

THOMAS: Yes?

LOGAN: Try to tell a lie.

THOMAS: A lie?

LOGAN: Yes, Thomas, tell a lie.

THOMAS: Okay. Um… I don’t know what to say…

ROMAN: For instance, try to tell that my sash is blue.

THOMAS: Okay. Your sash is… red. I mean… [struggles] b-b-b… red. I can’t lie!

LOGAN: That looks bad… Can you at least think about that in your mind?

THOMAS: Yes, in my mind I see it blue, but I when I try to say it, I can’t.

LOGAN: That’s great, then! Deceit is still alive.

VIRGIL: [his face lights up] Of course!

LOGAN: We’re just back to where we started, but with the roles interchanged. Now it’s Deceit who’s lost somewhere, but he’s still alive. However, this time, the rescue is gonna be tricky.

THOMAS: Why?

LOGAN: Because, to rescue Deceit, you must travel to the Dark Realm, to Deceit’s Room.

VIRGIL: But you can’t go to the Dark Realm. I could go with Thomas, but it would be dangerous. If the Dark Master caught us, he would have a free ticket to do his evil scheme.

LOGAN: I have faith in Thomas. He has proven to be stronger than what we think, even than what he himself thinks. He’d have no problem to take care of the Dark Master.

VIRGIL: But you don’t know for certain, do you?

LOGAN: Of course I don’t, I already said that I don’t know how the Dark Realm works, I’m a Light Side. And I know the risk rate is extremely high.

VIRGIL: You’ve said it. It’s too big of a risk, but there’s one more thing. I’ve we succeeded, we have no guarantees that we could recover Deceit, while if we failed we can have for certain that we would lose Thomas as well. I really wish to do this, but I’m Thomas’ Anxiety, it’s my nature to take care of Thomas and keep him away from all danger.

THOMAS: It’s a leap of faith, then. We have no guarantees of anything. If we jump, we can try and fail and it would be our doom, but we could also be victorious and rescue Deceit. If we don’t jump, we’ll be safe in our own beautiful bright world, but we’ll be leaving Deceit to perish. Would we deserve to keep on existing then? Wouldn’t that be succumbing to darkness in a way too? I don’t wanna live a long live full of agonizing guilt and remorse for leaving our friend behind, one day after another. No, if we have to succumb. I’d rather succumb fighting. I prefer that to staying hidden in a mouse hole.

VIRGIL: You’re right. Deceit sacrificed himself for us. We owe this to him. [nervous smile] And I’m so glad you’re overcoming me right now, Thomas, I didn’t want to win this time at all! And I’m gonna keep protecting you at all cost, I will be your guide to the Dark Realm.

ROMAN: [emotional] I’m so proud of you, Thomas. And I wish we could go with you in the flesh, but you know the Dark Realm could destroy us. We’ll do as the other time, we’ll be inside of you and give you our support from there.

LOGAN: Okay, if we’re gonna do this, then we’ll better start moving right now. The more time we wait, the lesser the possibilities of finding Deceit. This time, having Virgil to guide you, you won’t have the problems you had the first time, you’ll be able to move a little more freely through the Dark Realm. [sinking down] We’ll be with you, Thomas. Good luck.

PATTON: [sinking down] Good luck, kiddos, and be careful, please.

ROMAN: [sinking down] I wish you the best. Please come back in one piece, all of you.

HONESTY: [sinking down] Call me when you need me, without hesitation, okay?

THOMAS: Thanks, guys. Okay, Virgil. Are you ready?

VIRGIL: No. And you, Thomas?

THOMAS: Me neither. Let’s go then.

VIRGIL: Close your eyes, and concentrate on my voice.

[Thomas closes his eyes]

VIRGIL: Imagine all the most inconceivable lies you can, all the deception you have done or have wished to do in your life, even the tiniest white lie. It is a path that you must follow. Like a path of pebbles, it will lead you across the Dark Realm right into Deceit’s Room. I’m walking across that path. Follow my voice… One step after the other. That’s right… Keep going… Keep going… Don’t lose the trace of my voice… Keep going… Very good…

[While Virgil is saying the last words, the room around them disappears in darkness, until all is pitch black except them both, like in the Dark Realm. After a few seconds, a new room appears. Thomas opens his eyes and looks around him. There’s a portrait of a huge snake on the wall behind Thomas, and a huge jar of cookies on the kitchen counter. On Virgil’s spot, there’s a pair of trousers hanging on the railing, and they’re on fire (visual effects required). On Roman’s spot, there are two posters, one of Disney’s movie Pinocchio and the other one of the stage show The Phantom of the Opera. On Logan’s spot there are a couple of test tubes full of a yellow smoky liquid, inspired on the potion that Dr. Jekyll drinks to turn into Mr. Hyde. On Patton’s spot there is a bright yellow curtain full of couples of theater masks, on each couple one of them shows a happy face, the other shows an evil face. There’s a faint black mist everywhere.]

THOMAS: So… this is how a room from the Dark Realm looks?

VIRGIL: Yes… Don’t ask me to show you my room here, it’s a mess, I didn’t have time to tidy up the brief time I was back here, and the spiderwebs are all full of dust.

THOMAS: Okay, now we must hurry. I think we should repeat the same procedure we did earlier to bring Honesty. So, let’s try.

VIRGIL: I’ll be alert meanwhile, just in case we had unexpected and unwanted guests.

[Thomas closes his eyes and tries to concentrate. Virgil immediately feels dizzy]

VIRGIL: Uh-oh, I didn’t think about this.

THOMAS: [breaking out of the concentration] What?

VIRGIL: This plan has a huge flaw we overlooked. Because of how relaxed you get while you’re concentrating, I’m gonna get weak, and I’m gonna be an easy prey for anyone trying to capture me.

THOMAS: Then what are we going to do?

HONESTY: [rising up] I’ll take care of Virgil, guys.

THOMAS: [scared] Honesty, what are you doing?

VIRGIL: [equally scared] You mustn’t get out! The Dark Realm could destroy you!

HONESTY: I’m not gonna leave you on your own while you guys take all the risk. Besides, in a way, I’m part Dark Side too, I’m sure I can resist the corruption long enough for you to do your thing.

VIRGIL: But what if you can’t?

HONESTY: Enough talking. You’re wasting time, gentlemen. Hurry up and find Deceit before it’s too late for all of us.

THOMAS: All right. As you wish.

[Thomas starts concentrating again. Virgil feels dizzy and once again he has to sit down on the stairs. In a few minutes, Deceit appears in a translucent form in Logan’s spot.]

HONESTY: Deceit! There you are!

DECEIT: [shows a face of horror] You shouldn’t have come here, guys! Don’t you see this was the Dark Master’s plan all along?

[Suddenly, thunder and lightning are heard and seen across the room. A black cloud starts forming on Patton’s spot.]

HONESTY: What is happening?

VIRGIL: [scared face] Oh, no… He’s here!

HONESTY: He who?

WRATH: [appearing in Roman’s spot] Be silent, you worms! Bow and show your respects to the Supreme Dark Master!

[The cloud dissolves, and the Dark Master appears. He has exactly the same shape and clothing as Thomas, only that he has an evil expression and red eyes, and his voice is always demonic]

DARK MASTER: [evil giggle] Long time no see, Anxiety.

[Virgil tries to get up, but he loses balance and has to sit down again]

VIRGIL: This is it. It’s all over…

WRATH: [mocking smile] Please, Virgil, have some dignity.

DARK MASTER: [angry] Shut up, you fool! I can speak for myself!

WRATH: [scared, groveling] Sorry, your highness…

HONESTY: If you want to touch my friends, you’ll have to get over me!

DARK MASTER: Please… Don’t make me laugh… [points at Honesty and he starts cringing in pain] I could destroy you with only one finger, you Light Side. You’re in my world now, not your world, and here, you’re vulnerable.

DECEIT: Leave him alone, you monster!

DARK MASTER: [stops pointing at Honesty, who starts gasping, trying to get some air] I still can’t believe how you had the nerve to betray me, Deceit. You had everything with me. You could have had all the power and be my second in charge when I had surged to the outer world. And you changed it all for… living half a life on exile like a snake who has had its teeth taken off and has been confined in a zoo to amuse children. Inconceivable.

DECEIT: Of course you don’t understand. You have known nothing but darkness and hatred. You think you’re all powerful and all mighty. But you don’t even have power enough to get out of your own realm by your own means. Meanwhile I have tasted light and love, and it’s a wonderful taste that I won’t let you take away from me. Not again.

DARK MASTER: You are not in a position to defy me, you snake. Look at you. You are nothing. You are barely made of air at this moment, and it could be as easy as blowing to make you scatter around as a pile of ashes.

DECEIT: Go ahead and do it. I’m not afraid of you anymore.

DARK MASTER: How did that song go? Oh, yes… Liar, liar, pants on fire. If I know one thing about you, other than how much of a liar you are, is that you fear me. You have always feared me, Deceit, like anybody else in this realm, [pointing at Virgil] from that kitten over there, [pointing at Wrath] to this stupid teddy bear right here.

VIRGIL: [angry] If I had strength to stand up, you’d see how much I fear you…

DARK MASTER: [giggles evilly] Oh, did I offend you, [obviously ironic voice] Emo Nightmare? I don’t blame you, you all had a good reason to fear me after all. But don’t be afraid, Deceit. As I already told you, you are lucky that I need you alive. I need all of the Dark Sides alive so that I can resurge. But certainly, in the state you are right now, you’re not useful at all for me. So, even though you don’t deserve this gift I’m going to give you, have this.

[The Dark Master points at Deceit. A black ray gets out of his finger and impacts on Deceit. Little by little, the translucence disappears and he ends up being of flesh.]

DECEIT: What? What has happened?

DARK MASTER: Oh, just a little boost of dark energy to replace what you lost. Now you are your own entity, Deceit, no longer attached to Honesty. And no longer able to hide behind his skirt. And now, I’m able to take you and Virgil with me.

DECEIT: It may be so, but this has been a huge mistake on your part.

DARK MASTER: What?

DECEIT: It’s true that I’m in your… our, world now… [smirks] But I’ve got friends on the other side, and you’ve just awaken the most powerful of them.

THOMAS: [fully awaken, frowning at the Dark Master] That’s right, Dark Master. I could say that it’s nice to meet you, but lying is Deceit’s department.

VIRGIL: And I’m feeling a lot better now too.

DARK MASTER: So, we meet at last, Light Master.

THOMAS: Just call me Thomas.

DARK MASTER: No, I’ll call you Light Master. Because I am Thomas.

THOMAS: You wish, you doppelganger.

WRATH: He’s telling the truth, you idiot. His name is Thomas, because he is Thomas.

THOMAS: No, I am Thomas, not him!

VIRGIL: He is just a wannabe-Thomas. He could never have what it takes to replace the original.

DARK MASTER: I have the same right to be Thomas as him!

VIRGIL: No, you don’t! You haven’t lived a whole live of happiness, sadness, pain, struggle, friendship, falling in love, falling out of love, tears, giggles… That’s what gives you the right to be in the outer world.

DARK MASTER: I have gone through all of that too!

THOMAS: What?

DARK MASTER: I was there when you got lost in Walmart as a kid, also there when you wrote your first poem, when you starred in your first stage show, or when you experienced first love, and when you published your first video, your first song. I was there all of the time. Watching from the darkness.

THOMAS: How can that be?

DARK MASTER: Because I have always been there with you Thomas. I am your shadow, always stuck at your feet, but not anymore!

PATTON: [rising up next to Honesty] And yet, you still don’t deserve to be in Thomas’ place.

THOMAS: Patton, what are you doing, it’s dangerous…

LOGAN: [rising up] Don’t worry, Thomas. Don’t you see that Honesty is unaffected at all? If he, who now is a full Light Side, is unaffected, so will we. I don’t know if it’s because we’re with you, or because we misinterpreted how the Dark Realm works, but that’s the way it is.

ROMAN: [rising up next to Virgil, ninja sword in hand] And of course we’re gonna join you on this. This time, I won’t miss the battle.

THOMAS: Guys…

PATTON: And I reaffirm it, Dark Master, you don’t deserve to hold the name Thomas or to be out there in his place. You mean that you have been 30 years with him, seen everything he’s seen, witnessed all his happiness and pain, all his rights and wrongs… and you didn’t learn anything from it? Thomas forged himself through all of that as the wonderful person he is, with his good things and his bad things, but always leaning towards good, and you’re still an advocate of pure evil. You have no respect for anything or anyone, not even for the Sides that follow you. That’s why everyone ends up leaving you, first Virgil, then Deceit. And that’s why they stay with Thomas, because he gives them the warmth and welcoming that you’re unable to give them. And sooner or later, Wrath will leave you too, because how long do you think he’s gonna… bear… your mistreatment and humiliations?

[Wrath looks at Patton with a shocked face, then looks at the Dark Master]

LOGIC: [sighs] Really, Patton, you had to end such a wonderful speech with such an ominous pun?

DARK MASTER: [angry] Why you…

[The Dark Master rises his finger towards Patton and a black ray gets out of it aiming at Patton]

THOMAS: [he rises his arm] Don’t touch him!

[A white force-field surges from Thomas’ hand and blocks the Dark Master’s ray, then disappears]

DARK MASTER: [shocked] What gives!?

LOGAN: Are you surprised? Just as you control darkness in your favor, inside of the Mind Palace, Thomas can control light in his favor. And it’s not complicated to guess which is stronger. Darkness is only the absence of light, that’s all. And if Thomas has one thing inside of him, it’s light.

THOMAS: [angry] My friends are sacred, you beast! I won’t let you touch my friends!

DARK MASTER: [contained anger] You will regret standing up against me, boy! [yelling] All of you!

[The Dark Masters rises both hands. A wind starts pushing Thomas and the Sides. Thomas unleashes the white force field. All the Sides gather around him. As one by one they put their hands on Thomas’ back, the white force field gains one of the colors of the rainbow, until it is red, orange, yellow, blue, indigo and purple. Only green is missing. The force-field concentrates into a ball in Thomas’ hands and it shoots as a rainbow colored ray towards the Dark Master, who blocks it with a black ray, struggling to keep the rainbow away from him.]

DARK MASTER: [to Wrath, still looking without moving a muscle] What are you doing over there you idiot! Help me, you miserable swine!

[Wrath looks at the Dark Master with an angry face]

WRATH: I’m not a swine!

DARK MASTER: What!?

[Wrath appears behind Thomas and the Sanders Sides]

WRATH: I’m a bear!

[Wrath puts his hand on Thomas, and the green color joins in the ray to make the full rainbow. Now stronger, the Dark Master cannot contain it anymore, and it hits him]

DARK MASTER: You miserable traitor! Gaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!

[There is an explosion of colors. When it dissolves, the Dark Master has disappeared]

THOMAS: We… we did it?

ROMAN: Hooray! We are victorious!

[Thomas and the others start jumping and cheering, until a voice makes them stop. It’s the Dark Master’s voice.]

DARK MASTER: You idiots! You can’t destroy me. I’ll always be a part of Thomas, just like all of you are. You just stripped me of my physical form… for the time being. I’ll always be in Thomas’ soul, and I’ll make sure that he feels my presence till his final day. This I swear!

[The Dark Master giggles evilly until his voice fades away]

THOMAS: You may be right, and maybe your influence will be hard or impossible to overcome sometimes, but I’ll always fight against you to do the right thing. Always!

VIRGIL: The good thing is that now we’re free. We’re able to travel back and forth to the Dark Realm without any fear now. The Dark Master won’t be able to resurge in a very long time.

DECEIT: Thank you, Wrath… Wait a minute, where is Wrath?

[They all look around, but Wrath is gone]

VIRGIL: Don’t worry, I know how he’s feeling, lost and without a trace of where to go, but he’ll figure it out. He was unconsciously helping us, even before he stepped with us. Didn’t you feel how the anger was giving you strength? That was him.

THOMAS: Yes, I guess anger also has its purpose, when it’s applied in its right measure and for fair things. Okay, shall we go back?

VIRGIL: Yeah, let’s go back.

[Thomas and the Sides sink down. Then they all appear in the regular apartment]

THOMAS: Home, sweet home.

PATTON: I’m so glad that it is you and not the Dark Master who appears here right now. To think that could have happened… makes my legs turn to Crofter’s.

LOGAN: You shall not take the name of Crofter’s in vain, Patton!

THOMAS: [suddenly anxious] Wait a minute, what time is it? [looks at his phone] Oh, my gosh! It’s been two hours already!? I’m gonna be late for the lecture!

ROMAN: And with all this commotion, I didn’t have time to write your speech! I’m gonna get on it right now… [sinks down] Oh, I hate rushing so much!

PATTON: Don’t worry, kiddos, I’m sure you will come out with something good to tell these children. [sinking down] I’ll be watching you, like a proud dad.

LOGAN: I’m gonna go help Roman. He’s gonna need to base the speech on knowledge facts, after all. [sinks down] And no one knows school students better than me.

HONESTY: I’m glad that now we’re gonna be able to be friends for real and not just because we’re stuck with each other.

DECEIT: I think we already were friends for real, Honesty. Otherwise we wouldn’t have had the impulse to save each other, would we?

HONESTY: I guess you’re right. Will you come to my room or…?

DECEIT: Nah, it’s better not to tempt Lady Luck again. I’ll return to my room, now that it’s safe. And maybe I’ll do like Virgil and make me a second room in the Light Realm, so you can pay me visits from time to time. [sinking down] I’ll warn you when I have it ready.

HONESTY: [sinking down] I’ll be eagerly waiting, Decey.

THOMAS: Virgil…

VIRGIL: Yes, Thomas?

THOMAS: Do you think we’ll ever see the Dark Master again? Do you think we’ll ever have to fight him like today?

VIRGIL: Who knows, Thomas? Maybe in the future, or maybe not. I’m only going to say two things about this. One, if he ever returns, we’ll be waiting for him, and we know what to do. And two… I’m too tired to instill you anxiety on this matter right now, would you please think about something else and let me have some rest? [sinking down] I think I’ve earned it.

THOMAS: Yes… you’re right, you’ve earned it, all of you, guys. [to the camera] We all have a good side and a bad side. We have talked about this plenty of times, but it’s important to remember it. We’re humans, and sometimes we’re gonna have good feelings and thoughts, and sometimes bad feelings and thoughts. It is important to learn how to identify them and try to pursue the things that are good for ourselves and good for other people, around us or not. Because when we’re gone, the result of our actions during our lifetime is what’s gonna define who we have been in this world. And I don’t know about you, but when that moment comes, after a long, long, time, I want to be able to look back and tell myself honestly: “Yes, you gave it all to be a good person”. It’s others who would have to judge if I succeeded or not, but my biggest wish and hope is that, in the end, I can be recalled as such. Not perfect or a saint. Just a good person. Until next time, take it easy, guys, gals and non binary pals. Peace out!

[end card]

[Wrath is still in Deceit’s room, hiding behind the couch. Deceit appears and sees him]

DECEIT: Oh, Wrath, there you are. Where did you go? Why didn’t you stay with us?

WRATH: Why should I have joined you? I’m not one of you. I don’t wanna be one of you!

DECEIT: Heh… sweetie, you have chosen the wrong person to lie. I know a liar when I see one. Anyway, we won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. You are your own Side and have the right to decide if and when you wanna join us. Anyway, thanks for your help earlier.

WRATH: I don’t even know why I did that.

DECEIT: On the contrary, I do, because I’ve been through the same. And I understand you better than you think.

WRATH: What will I do now that my master is gone? What is my purpose in life?

DECEIT: Listen. A Side’s purpose is not to be a servant of any master. Your purpose is the same that moved you today to help us. It is to help Thomas and give him your abilities when he needs them. Not because he commands you, but because it comes out of you naturally to do so.

WRATH: I wish I could be as confident as you are.

DECEIT: Oh, honey, don’t think I’ve always been like this. There’s always a time of confusion when we cross from one Realm to another, a time to look for ourselves and reevaluate the meaning of our lives. You’ll get there too, someday, in time.

WRATH: I hope so.

DECEIT: Now, since you’re here, would you mind helping me tidying this room a bit? I’m a little tired after what we’ve been through and I could use a helping hand.

WRATH: Oh… Okay.

DECEIT: [pulling out a yellow duster, wearing a yellow rag on the head over his bowler hat and real yellow washing gloves] Thank you, sweetie.

#sanders sides #fanfic #thomas sanders #ts fanfic #sanders sides fic #thomas sanders fanfic #sanders sides fanfic #deceit sanders #roman sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #aspects and fanfics

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closetspngirl · 5 years

Text

The Tears She Cries

Summary: She cries during the night and the boys try to help her. (I’ll work on my summary writing skills) Pairing: None, Dean, Sam, Cas, Unnamed Reader (It could be a Sam x Reader if you look really closely) Word Count: 3311 Warnings: Angst, concerned Sam (and Dean) A/N: Idea came from the countless nights that I have been in this same situation...only I don’t have an angel to help me with it. Wrote this quickly before I lost all of my time to the holiday and work this week. Edited it as much as I could, but I’m sure it wasn’t enough. Un-beta-ed. All mistakes are mine. Images in aesthetic are from Google, I just put them together.

“Ok, I’m done for the night. I can’t see straight and I’ve been on the same page for a half an hour. I’m going to bed, don’t stay up late,” Sam said as he patted Dean on the shoulder and walked out of the library. As he walked down the hall he passed her room, seeing the light on through the cracked door he knocked lightly.

“Hey Tilly, you ok?” Sam asked her after he saw her sitting at the little desk in her room. Tilly. She always said she hated that nickname. She couldn’t even remember why the boys started calling her that, but she secretly liked it. The boys just would never know.

“Hm? Oh, yeah I’m fine. Just catching up on some reading before I go to bed.”

“Ok, I’ll see you in the morning. Pancakes for breakfast?”

She smiled, “Blueberry?”

“You got it Tills. Night.”

Dean had an awful sleep schedule; everyone knew it. So of course he wasn’t going to sleep anytime soon, despite Sam having told him a few hours ago to not stay up late. When he finally decided to head to bed he got up and did his usual routine. He made sure the door was locked, lights were off or dimmed, and brushed his teeth. Dean was making his way to his room when he heard something muffled, but couldn’t quite tell what it was. He walked toward where it was coming from, her door, and stopped.

Talking? It’s three in the morning. Who could she be talking to at this hour? No, that’s not talking…crying?

He opened the door quietly so that if she were awake he wouldn’t disturb her. There was enough light coming in from the hall to let him see that she was in fact sleeping, and crying. Dean stood there for a minute, debating on if he should wake her or let her sleep through it. It didn’t seem like she was distressed, it was just a soft crying. After a few minutes she seemed to stop and stayed asleep, so he closed her door again and went back to bed.

The next morning she was woken up from the smell of breakfast, remembering Sam was going to make blueberry pancakes. She shuffled in in yoga pants, one of the Dean’s old band t-shirts and her mousy brown hair thrown into a messy bun.

“Morning boys,” she yawned out, heading straight for the coffee.

“Morning Tills.”

“Morning kiddo,” Dean said to her, eyeing her carefully.

She turned around as she was taking a sip of the still hot coffee, only to see Dean’s eyes were still on her.

“What? Do I have something on my face?”

“No. Just looking. So, did you sleep ok?” He asked, wondering how she would answer.

“Yeah, I guess so. Had some weird dreams, but I think it’s because of the book that I’m reading, either that or the lore that I was going through yesterday. You?”

“Good, yeah I slept good.”

The day went on uneventfully. They didn’t have a case to be working on, so they were just hanging around the bunker, enjoying the break in hunts. The three, four including Cas, were enjoying the break so much, the lot of them even had a game night. The most entertaining part of that was trying to teach Cas how to play poker, which as it turned out he was a quick study. Even Dean was grateful that they were playing for chore duty and not real money.

After deeming the following day to be a chore day while Cas sat around and watched, they all headed to bed.

Sam had gotten up in the middle of the night, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water and a snack. Walking through the hall he heard a faint noise, noticing that it got a little louder the closer he got to her room. Stopping, he listened for a moment, realizing she was crying. He gently opened the door and stepped inside, seeing her stirring, having some kind of dream. She wasn’t crying anything more than a few tears and whimpers, and her stirring wasn’t anything to be worried by.

He stepped closer to the bed, still not wanting to wake her he whispered, “Tills. Tilly.”

The stirring and crying calmed, and she stayed asleep so he left just as quietly as he came.

The following afternoon, the two of them were in the library reading through lore books. Sam kept fidgeting, wanting to make sure she was ok, but not sure how to ask. He started and stopped several times but didn’t get anywhere.

“Sammy, if there’s something you want to ask, just ask. You know I’m an open book,” she said with an exasperated sigh.

Sam laughed nervously, “Yeah, uh, actually there was. Did you sleep ok last night?”

“Um…yeah? That’s an odd question. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, just curious. I heard you stirring about last night. Just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

“Yep. Everything is fine. Thanks for your concern though Sammy, it’s sweet of you,” she told him before getting up and heading into the kitchen.

---

A few days later Sam was in the kitchen eating breakfast and scrolling through the latest news articles, seeing if there was a case anywhere. Dean walked in dressed in jeans and a grey t-shirt with grease stains on it.

“Hey man, I’m going to go work on Baby, make sure she’s good to go for the next hunt. Let me know if you find something?”

“Yeah. Where’s Tills? I haven’t seen her this morning.”

“She told me yesterday she was going to go out, run a few errands, have a little ‘me’ time. Why?” He asked Sam, a look of concern starting to cloud his face.

“Just wondering,” Sam responded, but after noticing the look on Dean’s face he continued. “Ok, I heard hear crying a few nights ago, and I went in to check on her. She was moving around, crying, having some kind of dream, but I didn’t wake her. She calmed down after a minute and never woke up. I asked her the next day how she slept and she said fine. So either she’s not telling us something, or she doesn’t realize she’s doing it.”

After he finished, he realized Dean had a look like he was recalling something, a far off look in his eye.

“Dude. You ok? Did you even listen to me?”

“Yeah, actually that wasn’t the first time. She did the same thing that night we were up late researching. I did the same thing as you, she didn’t seem to be having a nightmare or anything, and so I let her sleep. She calmed after a minute or so and never woke up. That’s why I asked her the next morning. What do you think it is?”

“I mean we haven’t had any insane hunts lately, no loss of innocents. Unless there’s something from her past that she hasn’t told us? How do we even talk to her about this though?” Sam questioned.

“Let’s just let it go for a while longer, see if it happens again. Then we’ll talk to her. We’ll see if Cas can help too.”

---

Two weeks had passed and they boys heard her crying eight of those nights. The cries and stirring never suggested that she was having a nightmare, but there was something in her mind that was bothering her.

Finally after the ninth night, the boys asked her about it. They were in the kitchen eating lunch, having just come back from a trip to the grocery store.

“Hey Tills, can we talk to you for a minute?” Dean asked, sitting down next to Sam.

“Sure, what’s up?” she asked, sitting opposite them after putting three beers on the table.

“There’s really not going to be any way to bring this up without it being awkward, but, were you aware that you cry in your sleep?” Sam asked, both brothers looking at her expectantly.

“Umm…no? What is this about?” she looked between them, starting to get nervous.

“You’ve been crying in your sleep Tilly. What have you been dreaming about lately, do you remember any of your dreams? Is there something bothering you?” Dean asked gently, his protective side showing a little.

She sat there, in thought, trying to pull the dreams from the last few nights. Slowly, bits and pieces started coming back. “I think I’ve been dreaming about my dad. But nothing bad. Nothing even happens in the dream. I just see him. I think lately I’ve been trying to call out to him. I never remember much the next morning, but I did notice that my eyes felt heavier in the mornings, like after you cry, but I never connected the two.”

Sam hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you…do you want us to call Cas? And see if he can help you in any way?”

“I mean, I guess it wouldn’t hurt? I don’t know what he could do though.”

---

The three of them were sat in the library a couple hours later, when Dean started praying to Cas, hoping he’d show up. After he finished, you waited for what seemed like an eternity, when in reality it was only a couple of minutes; Cas was punctual like that.

“Dean, what’s wrong? Your prayer sounded…concerning.”

“Yeah, uh, we were wondering if you could help Tills, she’s been having an issue…” Dean started before getting cut off by the angel.

“Sleeping. The dreams she’s been having have been causing her stress that manifests in crying.”

Wide eyed she looked at Castiel, “How did you…”

“I tend to keep an ear to the three of you, in case something happens. I can hear you during the night while you’re dreaming, when you see your dad. I don’t ever listen or look in; I would if I felt like you were in any kind of distress or danger; which you haven’t seemed to be in. I knew Sam and Dean were here which is why I haven’t said anything.”

“No, Cas, it’s fine. I actually didn’t even know it was happening until today. They said you might be able to help me?”

The angel seemed to hesitate for a moment, looking down at his navy tie for a moment, picking at an invisible thread at the end of it.

“Cas-“ Dean said, bringing him out of his thoughts.

“Tilly, I can’t make what is happening go away completely, per se. I can make it so…so you don’t react when you see him.” Castiel said slowly.

“But…will I know? Know that it’s him? Or will it just be a man?” she asked, the fear coming through in the question.

Cas was back to the non-thread on his tie. “I…I don’t know. I wouldn’t be taking away memories of your father, so in theory you should know that it’s him, you just won’t react to him. But like I said…it’s just a theory. I don’t have a definite answer for you. I’m sorry.” Castiel sounded so deflated when he finished what he was telling her. They all knew that he hated it when he let people down, especially the people closest to him.

“I…I-“ She started, then stopped, trying to formulate her thoughts. She knew the boys were watching her, waiting for her answer. Tears started stinging the back of her eyes. She really didn’t want to cry in front of them, but she also knew that she didn’t have much choice this time; they were going to come whether she wanted them to or not.

“Sorry, I need to think about it, I’m not sure-“

“Tills. Wait!” Sam called to her, trying to catch her before she left, but she was already down the hall. He let out an audible sigh and looked at Dean. “Then I guess we wait, it’s her decision after all.”

Dean shrugged, knowing Sam was right. “Sorry Cas. We’ll talk to her, and let you know what she says.”

“It’s ok Dean. Let her know that she can take as much time as she needs.” With a flutter of invisible wings he was gone as quick as he showed up.

“I’m going to go try and talk to her, make sure she’s ok,” Sam said quietly.

Sam knocked on her door quietly. She knew it was coming, Sam always checked up on her when something was bothering her.

“Come in.”

He opened the door enough to stick his head in, seeing that she was lying on her side on the bed, facing the wall. She wouldn’t have told him, but he knew that she had been crying, making sure there was no evidence of it on her face. But he knew.

“Hey Tills. You ok?” He asked, stepping all the into the room and closing the door behind him, going over and sitting on the edge of her bed behind her.

“No,” she said flatly, followed by a soft sob.

Sam knew she wasn’t done; she just needed a minute to get her thoughts out.

“I don’t want to forget him. I know Cas said that he wouldn’t take my memories of him, but he also said that he wasn’t completely certain, and that terrifies me. I mean, it’s not bothering me, so what that I cry in my sleep. I know that if something really gets to me in the middle of the night, I have you and Dean here. But I’m getting tired.”

“Oh, I can let you go to sleep-“ Sam started.

“No, I mean I’m getting tired of having the same dream so often. Crying aside. More often than not, I see my dad, usually standing across the street, or somewhere a ways away from me. He doesn’t answer, or make any indication that he knows me, but I know him. I’m getting tired of having those dreams. It sits with me the rest of the day and it bothers me. What if it isn’t such a bad thing to not know who he is? At least in the dream…but then Cas said…”

He was rubbing he back now as the sobs started. Sam knew she was stuck in this catch 22, one choice just as unsure as the next. It was maybe fifteen minutes before she started to calm down, before Sam tried to talk to her again.

“Tills, you don’t have to make a choice right away. You can do it if and when you’re ready and comfortable. This is completely up to you.”

Sam stayed there for a few more minutes. Not wanting to leave her like this. When her breathing evened out, he gave her squeezed her shoulder and stood up to leave.

“Sam,” he heard before his hand was on the doorknob.

“Yeah?”

“Can…can you stay? I don’t know why, but…I’m scared to go to sleep…” she told him, a stray sniffle leaving her.

“Of course,” he whispered before going back over to the bed, laying in the space that she made for him. Personal space wasn’t an issue for any of them. She had shared a bed with both Dean and Sam, separately, on various hunts; this wasn’t anything new to either of them.

When he was comfortable lying on his side, she rolled into his chest taking one last deep breath to calm herself. He wrapped an arm around her, placing a kiss to her forehead, “I’ve got you Tills,” was the last thing that was said before they both slipped into sleep.

A few hours later Sam was woken up by her moving in his arms, not realizing what was happening right away.

“Tills? What’s going on?” He said sleepily, but he didn’t get a response. He heard her whimper, seeing now that his eyes had adjusted to the dark, that she was still asleep. “Hey, it’s ok,” he whispered, not sure if it was going to help or not. That was when he heard her start to cry, not knowing what to do though, he laid next to her and held her, waiting for her to calm herself.

She was walking along the same street, of the same dream, passing the same four cars. Turning the corner, something caught her eye. When she turned to look, it was a man standing a ways down on the sidewalk, watching her. It was her dad. She smiled, a sad smile, noticing that this dream was different than the others. He started walking towards her, but never coming close enough to reach him. A tear rolled down her cheek when she realized that she still couldn’t talk to him. He mouthed the words, “It’s ok. I love you,” but she was confused. Things were fading away quickly as she tried to tell him that she loved him too.

She woke up warm, remembering that she had asked Sam to stay with her last night, surprised that he wasn’t up and on his run already. Turning over and opening her eyes she was met with his hazel ones. “Morning,” she said shyly, moving her gaze to his chest.

“Morning. Another dream?”

“Yeah…I think. Can…can we call Cas?” she asked him, still looking anywhere but his eyes.

“Are you sure? You know you don’t have to do this right now, or at all.”

“I know, but I think I need to.”

“Ok.” He told her, kissing her again on her forehead.

---

Later that afternoon they were once again around the table in the library, Cas standing next to her.

“You’re sure Till? Like I said yesterday, I can’t promise how this turns out for you.”

“I’m sure, Cas. It’s ok.”

Stepping behind her he placed both of his large hands on the crown of her head, both of them closing their eyes. The look on her face faltered, making both brothers nervous; but trusting Cas to the fullest with what he was doing. After a moment he stepped back removing his hands, both of them opening their eyes.

“How do you feel kiddo?” Dean asked first.

“I…I’m not sure. I guess we’ll find out? Sam…” she started to ask, but he just nodded, knowing what she was going to ask him.

“Of course.”

It was the first night in a while that she didn’t cry, Sam even slept through the whole night. He woke up early the next morning, seeing that she was sleeping peacefully and snuck out of the room to go start breakfast. Her and Dean walked into the kitchen and right for the coffee pot at the same time before turning to Sam and grumbling their good mornings.

With a chuckle Sam turned around, “So, sleep ok?”

“Yeah, I guess. Nothing eventful,” she shrugged.

“Well, I found us a case, so we’ll eat breakfast and pack up. It’s not too far from here. We’ll leave in an hour,” Dean told the both of them.

After breakfast the three of them set off to pack up and get ready for the hunt. Sam stopped by her room and knocked on the already open door. He didn’t get a response right away, seeing her holding a picture in her hands, a thumb running over the paper. He knew that picture, the one that sat on her desk next to the bed.

“Hey Tills, you ok?”

“Hm? Yeah, fine. Just looking at this photo of my mom and…and…yeah I’m fine. You ready to go?” she asked, looking up at him, her whole demeanor changing in a second.

“Yeah, Dean’s already in the garage waiting for us,” he replied.

She dropped the photo onto her bed and walked out, missing the troubled look that covered Sam’s face; resulting from her leaving the picture of her parents that she brought with her on every hunt.

#The Tears She Cries #dean winchester #sam winchester #castiel #spn

21 notes · View notes

purplepatton · 6 years

Note

a prompt: logan loses a bet to patton and has to take him to the pet store to get an animal of his choosing

thanks so much for the prompt! i sort of took my own spin on the whole “bet” thing, so i hope you enjoy what i came up with :))

Tag List (if you want to be added/taken off let me know): @basilstorm @ghostdorkphil @storytellerofuntoldlegends @romananalogicality @vickyderpface @istolelittleredshoodie @imaunderfail @speechless-angel @carefullyartistic @thefamouszombiebouquet @wolfwalker100 @datonerougecookeh @virgilient

———

Logan really should have known better than to trust a game based on luck.

The game of poker required very little skill. In fact, Logan soon found after playing a few rounds that the only thing you needed to succeed at poker was the ability to bluff. Logan was pleased to say that he was rather good at the whole “bluffing” thing, most likely due to his tight control over his emotions.

His only real competitor was Roman, who could absolutely not be trusted in a poker match. Every move he made was calculated, every facial expression had a meaning. It was rather fascinating, and if Logan wasn’t so dead set on winning he would take more time to study the creative side during a game. Virgil generally didn’t care, but when he did he could usually win a few hands for himself. He mostly preferred to watch and deal out the cards, however. And Patton…

Patton was just downright terrible.

Logan, as a rule, tried his best not to put the others down when they failed at something (because he was, after all, a teacher and if the other sides needed help he should be there to point out helpful tips and whatnot) but Patton was almost unteachable. He just couldn’t seem to grasp the concept of bluffing, and anyone playing with him could always tell how good or bad his hand was.

If he had a good hand, he would smile and bounce up and down in his seat and fiddle with his poker chips.

If he had a bad hand, he would frown and slump down in his seat and bounce his leg.

Come to think of it, he can’t remember a time when Patton had actually won a game. So he was more than a little confused when Patton approached him and asked to play a round of poker with him.

“Are you sure?” Logan asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow at Patton. “There is an abundance of evidence that indicates I am most likely to win this game against you.”

Patton shrugged. “I know,” he said with a grin. “But I have a good feeling about this one.”

Which is how Logan found himself sitting across Patton, waiting for Roman (who had claimed the role as the dealer) to pass out the cards. Virgil watched on, apparently finding the Patton vs. Logan match more interesting than his phone.

“What game will we be playing?” Logan asked, lacing his fingers together and resting them on the table.

Patton considered the question. “How does blackjack sound to you?”Blackjack was a relatively easy game of poker. The goal was to try and acquire cards with a face value as close as possible to 21 without going over. It didn’t take too long, either, and since there was only two of them playing it would take an even shorter amount of time.

Logan nodded an affirmative before realizing that something was missing. “Patton, where are the poker chips?”

“Oh,” Patton said, a smile growing on his face. “We’re going to do things a little differently today. Instead of using the poker chips, we’re going to make a bet.”Logan pursed his lips. “And what, exactly, is this bet going to entail?”

“I haven’t exactly gotten that far,” Patton admitted, shrugging. “How about if I win, I get to decide what we do next and if you win, you can decide what we do.”

Logan ran a hand over his face, resisting the urge to sigh. “Very well.” He said tiredly.

Patton all but threw himself across the table, picked up Logan’s hand and shook it energetically before plopping himself back down in his seat. “Okay, kiddo, you can start dealing!” He said to Roman. The creative side winked at Patton before beginning the process of dealing.

First he placed one card face down in front of Patton and Logan. Then he put one card face up in front of them; the king of hearts for Patton and the eight of spades for Logan.

Logan picked up the face down card and examined it, making sure no one else could see the card. It was the seven of clubs, which gave him a total of fifteen. Not bad, but he could definitely go higher. “I think I would like another card, Roman.” He said after a few seconds.

Roman dropped another card face down in front of Logan: the five of hearts. “Logan’s showing thirteen,” He said dramatically, obviously taking his job of dealer very seriously. Next to him, Virgil snorted.

Logan tuned them out, and instead focused on his cards. His total was now at twenty, which was very good. If he wasn’t in the middle of a poker match, Logan would have been tempted to grin. “I’ll stay.” He said instead.

The attention of the table turned to Patton, who was looking rather uncomfortable. His posture was slumped, his face was arranged into a downcast expression and his fingers were tapping out a beat on the table, his leg shaking underneath. For the second time that day Logan had to fight the urge to smile.

“What do you want to do, Pat?” Roman asked. “Um,” Patton mumbled, staring at his cards with a gaze that was tinged with desperation. “I think - I’ll just -” Patton took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. “I’ll just keep what I have, I guess.”

“Alright, gentlemen!” Roman said cheerfully. “Time to show your cards.”

Logan flipped over his cards to reveal his twenty. He could feel the small smirk that had grown on his face because he knew he had won. There was no way Patton could beat him.

That feeling quickly evaporated when Patton flipped over his cards to reveal the king of hearts and an ace of diamonds, making twenty one.

Shit.

“Blackjack!” Patton cheered, his expression quickly changing from downcast to one of pure joy.

“What? But - but-” Logan spluttered. Then the reality of what had happened sunk in. “You were bluffing?!”

“Yep!” Patton leaned over and threw an arm around Roman’s shoulders, pulling him in for a hug. “Roman taught me all he knew!” Logan looked over to see Virgil trying (and failing) to muffle his laughter at Logan’s predicament. “You have to admit, Teach, it is kinda funny.” He said with a rare smile stretched across his face when Logan glared at him.

Letting out a groan, Logan let his head drop to the desk. This was not the outcome he expected when he accepted Patton’s invitation to play. A finger tapped his shoulder and he turned to see Patton beaming down at him.

“Are you ready?” He asked, an excited gleam in his eyes.

“For what?” Logan grumbled into the table, knowing what Patton was going to say and wondering if there was any way to stop the inevitable.

“I know what I want to do!”

——-

The sound of various animals barking and meowing and moving around filled the small store, and the smell of animals was overwhelming. Logan rubbed his temples and wondered if this is what hell was like.

Patton had spent the last twenty minutes flitting from cage to cage, playing and petting and cooing to each and every single animal in the store. He even tried to pick up the cats, ignoring Logan’s warning and nearly having a serious allergic reaction that was only prevented by Logan from physically dragging the emotional side to the other side of the pet store.

“How much longer is this going to take, Patton?” Logan asked, straightening his tie in annoyance.

Patton stood up from his place on the floor and shoved a tiny husky puppy he was holding into Logan’s face. “What do you think?” He asked with a big toothy grin.

“Don’t you already have dog?” Logan asked skeptically, referring to the dog Roman gave Patton a while ago. Logan had been unwillingly forced to walk and feed and generally take care of the dog as none of the other sides were really equipped to take care of a living animal. (And no, he wasn’t emotionally attached in any way to the dog; he only took care of it and nothing more because he had a reputation to maintain and admitting to caring about small creatures was not a part of the image he strove to maintain).

“Yeah,” Patton shrugged, sounding unconcerned. “But I though Logan Jr. could use a friend.” He paused, thinking before saying to himself more to Logan, “I think I’ll name him Lucky. Lucky the husky.” “Very creative.” Logan sarcastically. Patton ignored him and skipped over to the other side of the room where a bored looking employee stood behind the counter.

Logan ran a hand through his hair and sighed, glad at least that the waiting was finally over. He glanced down at his wristwatch and cursed inwardly when he saw the time. They were late to meet Thomas and the other sides to brainstorm for a new video idea. If anyone asked them why they were late, Logan would blame Patton.

“Patton, we’ve got to go!” Logan said sharply. He started to sink out, knowing that the other side would follow him before remembering something important. “And leave the dog in your room; you can introduce him to the others at a different time.”

And with that Logan sunk out into the common area.

“Hey, Logan!” Thomas called from where he, Virgil and Roman were gathered around the table with notebooks open on the table. “Where’s Patton?”

“He should be coming.” Logan said smoothly, walking over to the table.

And speak of the devil, Patton popped up not two seconds later, holding up Lucky in a way that was reminiscent of Rafiki holding up Simba in The Lion King. “Guys!” he yelled excitedly. “Look at my son!”

Logan pinched the bridge of his nose and tried not to scream in frustration.

“Um,” Thomas said, sounding concerned. “When did we get another dog?”

#thomas sanders fanfiction #thomas sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #roman sanders #ts fanfiction #katwrites #patton is a little shit #but we all love him

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bittyreaders · 6 years

Text

Cheating

Sans hummed as he knocked on the door to the Meta Space, rapping out a quick ‘Shave and a Haircut’ on the wood. When there wasn’t an immediate answer, he added a quick ‘Two Bits’ to the end. He then shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets and rocked back on his heels, waiting for her response. It would likely be one of two - either a cheerful “Coming!” followed by a grinning deer throwing open the door to greet him, or an equally cheerful “Fuck off!” as the harried author tried to beat another deadline. Either way he would enter the odd, dark room that compromised the authors mind and they’d have a quick chat, mostly about where she had been the past few months.

He, as well as the rest of the characters in her headspace, had been happy to hear she had a job in her field - teaching American history to seventh graders on a short-term basis while the real teacher had a baby. Despite gaining a full-time job she had promised to continue writing, planning to revamp the world building for her Bitty Reader series and work on her other stories. That promise had gone out the window within a week, and the creative part of her headspace had gone dark.

She was back now, however, and he planned on nudging her towards finishing some of her unfinished chapters sitting Google Docs. So Sans rocked back and forth on his heels, but heard nothing from the other side. Frowning, the skeleton tapped the door again, making sure it as loud enough that there would be no chance of the writer missing it.

Beyond the door something shuffled, and a series of whispers erupted, followed by someone shushing the other voices. So someone else had beaten him to the punch, huh? Stars, he hoped it wasn’t those creepy Five Nights at Freddy’s robots, or that skeleton Itward from Fran Bow. Those horror games freaked him out. Horror or no, though, he needed to have a word with the deer. Time to join the party.

The door swung open with a bit of a shove, but as soon as Sans had stepped into the Meta Space, three bright-blue bullets were soaring for his head. With a startled yelp and reflexes honed by pulling perfect pranks alongside his alternates, he teleported two feet to the left, farther into the room but out of the path of the bullets. Said bullets shot through the doorway and disappeared.

“Oh, uh. Hi, Sans!”

Sans snapped his gaze from the vanished bullets to the middle of the room. Rivet was there, though something was wrong. She was smaller than before, antlers mere bumps above her hair, eyes black ovals with small pie-shaped wedges cut from them. She was sprawled across the cross-legged lap of a large man with a purple-colored suit and a die for a head, while on either side of her sat two - boys? - with what appeared to be tea-cups for head. The two boys and her had their gloved hands aimed at him, pointer finger sticking out and thumb raised to the ceiling, creating a ‘gun.’

All three immediately stuck their hands behind their back and gave him large, guilty grins. The die-headed man huffed a sigh and leaned back on his hands, eyeing the three as though waiting for them to give him trouble. The two boys shifted as Sans simply stared at them, prompting the deer to scramble to her feet and smooth down her pale green dress.

“So, uh, Sans,” she stepped towards him, having to look up to meet his eyes for once, “This is a pleasant surprise! But, uh, what are you doing here?”

The skeleton pulled his eyes from the odd-headed characters to meet the nervous black pupils peering up at him. If he squinted he could see a bit of pink in them when the light hit just right. The deers brows were drawn up in worry, and her ears were laying against the back of her head. She always did have a bad poker face.

“Just checkin’ in, kiddo,” he answered after a moment, taking up his ‘lazy-bastard’ mantle and shoving his hands in his hoodie pockets, rocking back on his heels and slumping slightly, creating a slacker chic look he had worked hard over the years to cultivate. “Haven’t heard from you for a while.”

“Oh well, you know, with the job, and the holidays…” Rivet wouldn’t meet his eyes, looking away and twisting her fingers together. “It’s just been busy.”

“Mhmm.” Sans eye lights flickered to the three still sitting on the floor. The dice-man - he hadn’t played the game, so he wasn’t sure of his name, and settled on calling him Dice - was watching with dispassionate eyes, which flashed green with malice. The two main-characters of the new game, Cuphead and Mugman, shifted uncomfortably in the larger mans lap. The red-colored one, Cuphead, glanced at the TV screen they had been watching, and Sans followed his gaze to see their game displayed, a ‘GAME OVER’ card pasted over the battlefield. A flower with a pointy nose was mocking them with a witty rhyme. The other character, Mugman, pulled down part of his straw (how did it work? Was it like a hat? Or another appendage?) and twisted it in his hands, like Rapunzel worrying her hair while waiting for her prince to come.

“Sans?” Rivet had come even closer and reached out to rest a hand on his arm. “Sans, I didn’t forget you, I promise.” She gave him a weak, hopeful smile. “I just got a little...sidetracked.”

Sans forced his grin back on his face and shrugged off her touch, then pulled his arm from his hoodie pocket and ruffled her hair, tangling the gray strands into a messy nest. “It’s okay,” he reassured her, “Cheating on your fandom takes a lot of time.”

There was a long pause as the woman froze, then shoved him away. “WHAT?” The deer demanded, shaking her hair out and glaring at him. “I’m - I’m not cheating on you!”

“Really?” Sans leaned to the side a bit, as though he couldn’t just see the others over her hair, and raked his eye lights over the trio and the TV. “Looks to me like you’re having a full-blown affair with the Cuphead Crew over there.”

“I - what - NO! I’m - I’m not cheating on you with the - the Cuphead Crew!” Rivet stomped her hoof, hands curled into fists and held tightly at her side. She opened her mouth to continue, but was interrupted by a smooth voice tinted with a Brooklyn accent.

“She’s right, bud.” A new character, made of black and white with horns on his head and an oddly-familiar smile on his face, leaned around Dice and winked at him. “We got a regular ménage à trois going on here.”

“Bendy!” Rivet whirled on the demon, cheeks flaring bright red as she snapped at him. Dice chuckled deeply in his throat, while Cuphead cackled and Mugman blushed brightly and hid his face behind his hands.

“Think about it, doll. For someone not interested in romance,” Bendy dragged his eyes over the other characters, expression sparkling with mischief, “You sure do keep a lot of us guys around.”

The deer made an uncomfortable noise, then whirled around to face Sans. “Ignore him! I haven’t even bought his game!” She demanded, trying to fight down the blush still staining her cheeks.

“But you did get mine,” a new voice chimed in. A tall, thin figure emerged from elsewhere in the room, holding a large bowl of popcorn, and joined the group around the TV, sitting with his legs crossed at the ankles in front of him beside Bendy. He had a black and white color scheme as well, except on his puppet-like mask, which had purple tear streaks, red cheeks, and red lips. “Well, two of mine. The two that were free.”

Rivet made a frustrated noise in her throat and wilted a bit as Marionette offered the popcorn to Bendy, who threw a handful in his mouth before saying, through the popcorn, “So this would be a ménage à quatre, then?”

“ARGH!” The deer threw her arms up in defeat, before turning and stomping off to a corner of the dark space, pouting.

“Look, bone-boy,” the dice finally spoke, sitting up and shooing the two cups, who hurried to check on the deer. She had made this new avatar the same height as them, Sans noted absently, and they threw their arms around her and began telling her how much of a jerk Bendy was. “Oie!” Dice snapped his fingers, and Sans dragged his gaze back to him, stepping further into the room when the man motioned him closer.

“What?” He snapped, not wanting to talk to the deers new fling longer than he had to. Honestly, it made sense. Undertale was over two years old, and there were newer games with rich storylines just waiting to be eaten up and fuel the creativity of the fandom. He’d need to go back and break the news to the rest of the gang. Oh, Papyrus would be heartbroken…

“Stop wallowing in yer self pity and listen,” Dice snapped, standing and brushing off his suit. He absolutely towered over Sans, his face cast in shadows near the ceiling of the Meta Space. “This place,” he motioned around with an elegant twist of his wrist, “Doesn’t belong to you,” he shoved a finger in Sans chest. “Or him,” he thumbed down at Bendy, who stuck his tongue out in response. Marionette grabbed his tongue and gave it a quick twist, making the demon swear at him using car horns and bird whistles. “It doesn’t belong to Mari there either, even though Hart has a soft spot for him.” Said puppet beamed at the mention and gave Sans a little wave, barely avoiding Bendy when the little demon snapped his shark-like teeth at his three-fingered hand. “It don’t belong to me or my buds either. It belongs to her.”

He motioned to Rivet, who had accepted the teacups hugs and was holding them both tightly. “She’s got enough room in here for all of us, but you ‘n your kin are the only ones she’s writing about.”

Sans jolted a bit at that. “Really?”

“Yeah. She’s got a crossover ‘tween me ‘n’ Mari but hasn’t worked on it for months,” Bendy chimed in, picking at a kernel of corn stuck in his fangs.

“To be fair, she was writing about me and my ‘kin’ first,” Marionette pointed out, his voice soft and even. “If Rivet was cheating on anybody, it was on me, with you.” Despite his face being a mask it moved as though made of skin (or magical bone), and his mouth quirked into a sympathetic smile. “I was mad when she stopped too. But just because she’s not writing about us or drawing us, doesn’t mean she’s forgotten us. She’s just a bit…” He paused, searching for the right word.

“Scatterbrained,” Bendy offered at the same time Dice said, “Easily distracted.”

“Yes,” Marionette agreed to both. “You may not be her favorite character, but you are far from being forgotten and left to rot. Er, or dust, I suppose.”

Sans looked at his slippers, brow creased, as he thought for a long moment. “Wait - who is her favorite, then?” He looked between the three.

“It’s it obvious?” Bendy rolled his eyes hard enough that his head actually lifted away from his shoulders, then resettled. “It’s that brother of yours, Stationary.”

“He means Papyrus,” Marionette cuffed Bendy on the head. To Sans surprise, the demons entire head was sent flying, rolling across the floor to the far corner where Rivet and the cups stood, complaining all the while. The deer glanced down and looked as though she was seriously considering punting the annoying demon head across the room.

“Her favorite, out of all of us, is Papyrus?” Sans asked, not sure he had heard right.

“Yes,” Dice adjusted his cufflinks, looking bored of the conversation.

“Heh,” Sans felt his shoulders slump, smile relaxing into something far more genuine than before. “I can get behind that.”

“Wonderful.” Marionette gave him a bright smile, then reached up with a too-long arm and gently tugged Sans to sit beside him. “Come, have a seat. She has been trying to pass this level for days, I believe she almost has it.”

Dice snorted and retook his own seat, crossing his legs once more and picking up the Xbox controller that had been dropped when Sans knocked. “Was she ever able to defeat you, in that ‘Genocide’ mode your game has?”

Sans plopped down between Marionette and Bendy (well, Bendy’s body - his head had been picked up by Rivet, and he was currently trying to tell the upset deer some extra-dirty jokes to cheer her up) and snorted. “Nah. She tried a few times, then rage quit and reset the game.”

“Heh,” Dice’s mustache twitched as he smirked, “Then I’ve already won the bet, Mari. Want to pay up before you embarrass yourself?”

The puppet sniffed and offered the popcorn bowl to Sans, “Not on your life, King Dice. I happen to have faith in our dear friend.” Sans snorted into his handful of popcorn at the pun.

“Your choice,” Dice conceded, reloading the level, then hitting pause. “Rivet, are we going to continue, or are you done for the day?”

The four (well, three and a head) in the corner jumped at his call. The two mugs let out a whoop at seeing the game reset and rushed back over, throwing themselves onto Dice’s lap and settling in to watch. Rivet glanced down at Bendy, who gave her a cheeky wink.

“Just remember, if ya ever need a smile, I know this great joke ‘bout these aristocrats,” he offered as she dragged her feet back over to the group. She gave him a weak smile, then dropped his head back on his shoulders. While Bendy readjusted his head, her gaze flickered to Sans.

“Sans, I’m not - I would never -”

“Eh, fuggedaboutit,” Sans waved off the half-stuttered apology, “It’s your headspace, not mine.” He took another handful of popcorn when Mari offered it. “Besides, I’m too lazy to hold a grudge.”

He wasn’t prepared for the hug and nearly dropped his popcorn when Rivet (god, was she tiny in this form! He didn’t know if he liked her better like this, or in her ‘Undertale’ form when she was taller than him!) threw her arms around him in a tight hug. “Thank you, Sans. I promise, I’ll never forget you, or Undertale.”

“I know, kiddo.” He gave her back an awkward little pat, then pushed her away a bit. “Now, show me how you fail at this game.”

“Sans!”

“She does it really gracefully.”

“Cuphead!”

“Swears like a sailor when she dies, too.”

“Bendy!”

“Don’t get your tail in a twist, girly. Now show this bone-head how Cagney kills you.”

“DICE!”

So...this is the first thing I’ve written in a few months, and oh my gosh it was cathartic! So when I bought Cuphead I had this mental image of Sans getting upset I was ‘cheating’ on him and Undertale, which became this idea. It was more of a warm-up write and an “I’M NOT DEAD” announcement. I have some new World Building stuff written for Bitty Readers, I just need to fiddle with my computer and see if I want to illustrate it. I may not - new computer, no art program I actually like. I had one, but it’s on CD and my new laptop doesn’t have a CD drive. Anyway, I’ll figure it out.

I hope you enjoyed this bit of meta-silliness! Every artist has their own little headspace, and this was a peek at mine. Love you all, and Happy New Years!

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