#mal (oc)

[malrat]

Holy moly its my Birthday

Your favourite cursed rat follower has hit the ripe age of 25! And I'd like to thank @rabiesram and @crownsandbishops for already making the smashing the start of this Birthday out the park, me two besties and trio squad, definitely helped me settle into this community I'm still semi-new to!

[distracted-obsessions]

Can't You Hear Me Scream? Part 1

Warnings: Shock collars, calling Whumpee 'Puppy', mild disassociation (I think), mild sleep deprivation, TV show hosts.

Please tell me if I need to tag anything else.

Part 2 | Masterlist

...................................................................................

Knock, knock.

Mal groaned at the knock at the door, far too tired to actually get out of the pile of soft blankets and plush pillows that made up his little nest on the floor. From the long day of press releases and photo ops with 'the city's greatest heroes' to a long, overcast night fighting supervillains and getting his ass kicked while he hoped for a glimpse at the moon, he had barely been awake when he crawled into the nest last night. That hadn't stopped the nightmares but then again, nothing would.

"Mal?" A far too chipper voice said through the door. Liam. "Mal, you're going to miss breakfast! Wake up!" a couple more knocks at the door.

Mal rolled over and covered his head with a pillow. He just wanted to sleep. Preferably without dreams.

There was an uncomfortable buzz from the shock collar around Mal's neck, a warning of pain that shocked him awake in a moment, making him sit up in the nest. "I'm awake!" Mal shouted, hoping to avoid a real shock. "I'll be out in a minute!"

"You better be! You know how the captain gets when our puppy doesn't eat!" Liam laughed, not unkindly, but Mal flinched at the nickname anyway. He really should have been used to it by now. After 5 years at Camp Rainer and 3 different teams after that, he should have been used to being called 'puppy'. But it made his inner wolf growl with irritation every time, self-preservation be damned.

"I'll hurry," Mal said, reaching to pull on some clothes. He didn't dally but he still expected it when a second warning buzz came 5 minutes later, this one probably from the captain. He trudged out of his room and headed to the dining room, ignoring the happy chatter as he sat at the table and laid his head on the cool wood, closing his eyes.

"You tired, Mal?" Maya asked with a gentle smile.

Mal smiled back out of habit and nodded. "Just stayed up too late last night. I'll be fine."

"Good," the captain, Simon, said, putting a plate of food down for Mal and petting him in between his wolf ears. "We have an interview with Callie so you need to eat up and be well-rested so that you don't try to bite people's heads off."

Mal fixed his hair and dutifully ate the food set in front of him. He hated interviews and Callie specifically. The fake smiles and cutting remarks made him want to bang his head against the wall. She wasn't any worse than any other TV show host but she seemed just as equally upset that the team treated Mal like a dog as she was likely to treat him like one herself. The hypocrisy itself was enough to make Mal's head hurt.

Mal ate quietly while the team ran over test questions and rehearsed answers. Mal didn't need to participate. He didn't technically have to be there at all. He was just there to show how good the rehabilitation centers like Camp Rainier were at taming wild beasts like Mal and he was already an expert at that. He hadn't even realized that he had zoned out until-

"And before we forget, we should probably change Mal into his public appearances collar."

Mal glanced at Kate, carefully keeping his face neutral as twin waves of anger and anxiety ran down his spine. His 'public appearances' collar was about four times more sensitive than his normal collar and the shocks ramped up in intensity much quicker. Even on his most careful and obedient behavior, he still got shocked at least once every time he wore it. If he didn't know this team better and didn't know the policy he might have assumed that they were just cruel for the sake of cruelty. Sadly, he did know better and no amount of begging would change policy. He had tried.

"Thank you, Kate," Simon said, pushing Mal's plate closer to him in an effort to make him eat more. He knew from experience that just being in that collar made Mal lose his appetite. Mal took a moment to indulge in some healthy annoyance at that before shoving everything back into their respective boxes in his head and forcing down a few more bites. "Liam, since you're done eating, can you go grab that?"

"Right away, Captain!" Liam left whatever he was tinkering with today on the table and left the room. Mal managed about four more bites before Liam came back. His fingers tightened around the fork, the thought of stabbing Liam with it and bolting entering his head and immediately being directed towards the appropriate box as he slowly put the fork down and pushed away his plate.

Simon stood and walked around behind Mal, turning off and unbuckling his current collar and putting the new one on. It was sleek and black, the 'corrective measure' more hidden but easily seen when pointed out. Mal's shoulders tensed when Simon switched it on, the tell-tale beep almost making Mal flinch. Simon rested one hand on Mal's shoulder and pet him with the other until Mal could force himself to relax back into his calm mask.

"Good boy," Simon said in that same deadpan he said everything in. Mal knew it was just the conditioning that made him preen at the praise but that didn't make him stop. Just sent an undercurrent of frustration through his head. Simon gave him one last pat and sat back down, leaving Mal to figure out how to breathe around the collar.

They finished breakfast quickly and piled into the armored car to head to the studio. When they got there, everyone got into their makeup and headed to their spots, having small chats with Callie and the staff. Mal mostly just sat quietly in his chair and started weaving in his head to calm himself down.

In. Out. Over. Through. Add another color. First color in. Second color out. Second color over. First color through.

The music that signaled the start of the show played and Mal made sure he hadn't forgotten to put on a smile before going back to his weaving. Add another color. Second color in. Third color out. Carry first color. Third color over. Second color through. Carry first color.

"So Mal, how has working with the city's greatest heroes been treating you?" Callie asked in her blindingly bright voice.

Mal looked at her and then glanced around at the team. The captain's serine smile and eyes that stared right through Callie, Liam's bouncing leg and hands signing the conversation to the crowd, Kate's calm, neutral expression and subtle 'get on with it' gesture, Maya's expectant look and encouraging smile. He heard his own screams playing from one of the boxes in his head as he turned back to Callie with his own calm smile.

"Better than anything else in the world."

[wyked-original-writing]

Mal's intro

Picture from Pinterest

Name: Malleren O'mal

Nickname: Mal...she's cranky if you call her anything else

Kind of Being: Human

Age: 24

Sex: Female

Appearance: red wavey hair, hazel eyes that are prone to browns and greens. 5'5

Occupation: surgeon, cook, trying to keep her best friends out of trouble.

Family members: Oisìn and Taz, she may eventually claim a few pirates.

Pets: she has always wanted an owl.

Best friend: Taz, Oisìn, Morana.

Way of speaking: she doesn't threaten she promises. As for language pattern it depends on who she is talking to

Physical characteristics (posture, gestures, attitude): Graceful and elegant but not afraid to jump in a mud pit. She is quick to put her hands on her hips. She takes very little shit when she has an option to avoid it. Quick tempered and protective. Will not hesitate to add your head to her slowly growing collection if your a threat.

Items in his/her back pocket/ purse: scalpel.

Hobbies: terrorizing people and trying to keep her friends out of trouble although by now she sees them as brothers.

Abilities/Talents/Powers: surgeon. Great at stitching things up. Also if she has a blade or not she is rather lethal.

Relationships (how he/she is with other people): highly depends on things. She is slow to trust.

Fears: The death of those she considers family other than that the royals and Cutthroat and a few of the gods although she's not so sure of the why on the last one.

Faults: she might be a little kill happy at times for a healer.

Good points: she is highly protective of her friends. Loyal and to the point. She doesn't bother to hide it if she doesn't like you.

What he/she wants more than anything else: her family to be safe and the ones that they have chosen. Perhaps also a pet owl although she's not certain why she likes them so much.

@thatuselesshuman @gioiaalbanoart @lychhiker-writes @thecomfywriter @evilwriter37

@saebasanart @the-golden-comet @mauannacreates @kind-lion @alinacapellabooks

@kuebiko-writing @kaeru483 @theink-stainedfolk @mysticstarlightduck @demon-sneeze

@fromthenortheast @smellyrottentrees @honeybewrites @the-letterbox-archives @illarian-rambling @paeliae-occasionally

[wyked-ao3]

out of context line tag

TPKODR lines that need a little polishing

Mal said “hand me the shovel.” Oisìn handed it over without question, Just as he wondered why she needed a shovel she swung it as someone ran by smacking them in the face. Taz caught the person and dragged them out of view.

time skip that would tell you what the guy did to deserve the shovel to the fave

He took the shovel from her as he still needed to return it to the pirates but he had one more good use for the shovel other than to kill a guy, he had three holes to dig with it or one very large one.

Tagging @gioiaalbanoart (the shovel scene went from a shovel talk to wait no my ocs want to use the shovel 0_o no talk needed this time I guess?)

[squidthechaotickid]

A quick doodle/sketch of mine and @incorrect-fnaf-quotes OCs who r both called Mal :3 ft Venus

[house-of-slayterr]

Breaking In That New Town Feel

Tags: @vechkinfan Since you wanted a part two, I’m so glad you love how I write your character. She’s low key becoming my favorite “Lost Boy” 🥺🥰❤️

Mal’s POV:

The walk back to the video store was tense. I could feel eyes on me from somewhere in the crowd but I couldn’t pinpoint it. So I picked up my pace, practically slamming the shop door shut on my way in. I leaned against the window as I caught my breath. But this time I was certain there were eyes on me. Max.

“Sorry.” I breathed out in a huff.

“You alright?“ his voice held almost genuine concern, could have fooled me if I were anyone else.

“Yeah, made the mistake of running back” I lied.

And my answer was quick to shut him up. He never even moved from behind the counter. I slowly pushed myself off the window and sauntered over to the front desk. I leaned against it, my head in my hands.

“Sell anything good tonight?”

He raised a brow at my question.

“Not many people stopped by. The weekends tomorrow, won’t get much business back until Sunday night. Everyone will be out on the boardwalk.”

I nodded my head.

“Did ya eat?”

Again, he looked confused. I don’t know why I was asking so many questions either. It was like I couldn’t stop them from coming out of my mouth. I just didn’t want to be alone right now I guess. I must have zoned out because I was brought back when I heard the old man chuckle.

“You’re strange, you know that right?” He laughed.

“Sue me.” I shrugged.

“Where Charlie?”

“Ran into some boys on the board walk, didn’t want to cramp her style.”

I almost didn’t notice the distaste in his look. But it was there, hidden behind his bullshit “business man” disguise.

“Not interested in boys?” He asked.

It came out more as an accusation.

“More like they aren’t interested in me.” I brushed it off, turning out to the store and leaning my elbows against the counter. “Boys are gross creatures anyways.”

A snort left his mouth. “Couldn’t have said it better myself kid.”

My head turned to the left as the door chime rang and someone came in. It was an older woman but she was quite pretty. She had short hair that suited her well, made her look youthful. Her eyes were soft and her smile was even softer. ‘She must be a mother’ I thought. Something about her demeanour screamed “I have kids”

“Wish she were my mom” I muttered under my breath.

I turned back to max and quickly noticed him staring after her. I didn’t miss the look in his eyes, it was unmistakable. Her looked at her with unadulterated lust, but not the perverted the kind. The kind that made your heart beat fast, and your face heat up. The kind that made you brain short circuit and make you say stupid things. A small smile grew on my face, and the old man seemed to break out of his trance. I smiled up at him.

“What?” He asked, kinda creeped out.

“Go talk to her.” I whisper shouted.

“What?!”

“I know you heard me. Go on, I’m sure she doesn’t bite. Unless you’re into that.” I added, hoping he wouldn’t find my joke too distasteful.

Much to my dismay he groaned and rolled his eyes.

“I’m serious. Go, if anyone else comes in I’ll cover counter. Can’t be that hard right?”

I gave him my most convincing grin and I could see his mask crack a little. He let out a huff and looked down at me.

“I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Take your time, live a little!” I called after her.

He shot a glare back my way, but I just gave him a goofy thumbs up. I made my way behind the counter and took inventory of the set up. I’d worked at a gas station before this, so it couldn’t be too difficult to figure out. I watched as he followed the woman into an isle, trying to guess what they would talk about. I saw her face light up when she looked at him, and I swear my heart skipped a beat. Why was this so wholesome?

The door chimed and two younger boys walked in. I have to say, they were dressed quite weird, though I suppose they would think the same about me. I just couldn’t get behind the bandana craze. They quickly sauntered over to the horror section which peaked my interest. We’re they even old enough?

I waited patiently for them to come up to the counter. As they approached I heard the shorter one mumble “Did Max hire someone new?”

“What can I do for y’a?” I greeted them with a grin.

“Uh, just this.” The one wearing the bandanna said.

I took the movie from them and squinted at the cover.

“An American Werewolf in London? Solid choice!” I said. “But I’m afraid I can’t let you boys watch this. How old even are you?”

“Old Enough!” One of them said defensively.

I sighed. I really didn’t want to get in trouble with Max, considering I didn’t even technically work here. And I didn’t want to risk this looking bad for Charlie, I’d never hear the end of it.

“Look, I’ll cut you a deal. I’ll check it out under my name, but you two have to come back and tell me what you think of it. I’m talking full essay analysis, I wanna hear your thoughts.”

The pair looked between each other, almost as if to ask “are they for real?”

“Umm, sure.” Bandana offered.

“Great. I’m Maverick by the way.”

I started tying things into the old computer and getting their purchase squared away.

“Edgar, this is my brother Alan” he introduced.

“Where Poe?” I joked.

But they simply starred up at me like I’d grown a second head.

“You’ll understand that joke when you’re older. It wasn’t very good anyways.” I offered awkwardly. I handed them back the tape. “Now go, get out of here before Maxie sees what you’re holding. He’ll have my head if he finds out I sold this to minors.”

The brothers shared another knowing look. And I raised my brow at them.

“Thanks.” Alan said awkwardly, pulling his brother to the front of the store.

As they left, Max seemed to be done with his conversation, heading back to the counter.

“What did those two want? We’re they bothering you?” He asked.

I gave him a weird look.

“Them? They were harmless. Just wanted a suggestion for a good movie, they paid and I sent them on their way back home. Kinda late for kids their age to be out, y’a know?”

He gave me a nod, but I continued to stare up at him.

“What?”

“We’ll aren’t you gonna tell me how it went, did you get her name? What’s she like?”

He groaned once more, seemingly annoyed by my endless questions. But what can I say, he was a fun man to annoy.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?”

I pointed to the cash register with north palms open, in an overly dramatic manor.

“You don’t work here.” He said flatly.

“But I could though.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Oh come on Maxie, what’s the worst that could happen? Gives you more time to go hang out with Cutie over there.”

“Firstly, don’t call her that. Secondly, it’s Max, not Maxie… and thirdly, fine. Trial week, but only because Charlie’s your friend.”

I fist pumped the air, letting out a small “yes” of victory.

“You certainly won’t regret it.”

“I better not.” He mumbled.

“Now go, ask her out on a date or something before she leaves. What’s there like two hours before you close? I’ve got every thing covered here. Go get your woman!”

“She not my- her name is Lucy.”

I smiled, having pulled the information from him.

“Miss Lucy!” I called out, getting her attention.

She looked startled, jumping slightly, but came over nonetheless. Max gave me a warning look, not sure what I was up to. But from the looks of it, he didn’t like it at all. As she reached the corner I gave her a warm smile.

“Max here hasn’t had any time for dinner tonight, he was wondering if you’d like to join him for some?”

I grinned wickedly up at him as he glared into the side of my head. Almost as if it would explode if her looked hard enough. I saw a blush creep onto her cheeks, and her hand reached up to cover her smile. It was honestly adorable, I could squeal.

“Umm, if it’s no inconvenience, I’m sure my boys already ate on their own.” She said to him.

“Of course it wouldn’t be.”

He shot me one last side glare before turning his attention back to her.

“You like Italian?”

“Love it!”

I shoed them out of the store, much to his annoyance. But he’d be thanking me later, Lucy was amazing, I could just tell. As I ushered them out the door I called after them.

“You two kids have fun now!”

I waved at them as Lucy blushed once more, laughing slightly. I quickly closed the door to the store and manned my station behind the counter. Drifting off into my thoughts as no one else came in for the night. That was until the door chimed one last time.

“Mal, what are you doing back there? You better not be trying to steal something! Where’s Max?”

Charlie crossed her arms over her chest in a motherly way. I rolled my eyes.

“Lost your Entourage I see?”

She rolled her eyes at me, flipping me off.

“Seriously, get out from behind there. Max won’t be-“

“We’ll he gave me the job so.”

“He what?”

“Yeah, I told him I’d be staying in town for a while and wanted some extra cash. Figured you wouldn’t mind, we could work a few shifts together during the day, then you can go hang out with those… boys- after work.”

She sighed heavily, approaching the counter and leaning on it exactly how I had earlier.

“You really don’t like them do you?”

“Not in the slightest. But I’m never gonna tell you who you can and can’t hand out with Char. I can’t hog you all to myself, that would be selfish.”

I ruffled her hair and she swatted at my hands.

“Thanks mom!” She joked.

“Common let’s go watch Sleepaway Camp!” I said, locking the door and shutting off the light. I’m sure Max had his key on him.

We made our way up the stairs and I cut in front of Charlie, reaching below the mat for the key. She glanced up at me with that stupid look on her face.

“What?”

“How did you know-“

“Where you hide your key? Because you’re basic and you have zero survival skills.”

She plucked the key from my hands and unlocked her door while glaring at me.

“I’m surprised you can open your door without looking at it.”

A very justified punch was thrown at my shoulder. I grab it in fake hurt.

“911, yes, I’ve been hit by an ant. The blow was devastating. I don’t think I can recover!”

“I’m gonna fucking kill you!” She exclaimed.

“Death by midget, hot!”

“Did Paul like piss in your cereal this morning, cause you’re acting exactly like him.” She muttered.

I stopped in my tracks, quickly halting my lineup of playful insults. She looked back at me as I shuttered.

“Please, never compare me to that cretin again.”

“Oh come on, he’s not that bad.”

“He was practically drooling over you. He’s disgusting.”

“Hey! Sometimes it’s nice to have men drooling over you.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. I just don’t trust them is all.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Pop in the movie, I’ll get us blankies and some jiffy pop!”

“Don’t answer the phone while you’re alone in the kitchen, might get question about the horror that is your taste in movies.”

She stuck her tongue out at me, before flipping me off. I chuckled as I watched her disappear down the hall into her room. I suppose sleeping on the couch for a while won’t be so bad. The place was actually quite nice, I was surprised Max just gave it to her. Maybe he was sweeter than her let on. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow when I could question him about his hot date.

I leaned into Charlie’s side as we fell asleep watching the movie. She would squeeze my arm anytime a scene got suspenseful and it made my heart melt.

I groaned as the sun shown through the window, directly onto my face. Why the hell didn’t I shut the curtain. I frowned when I noticed Charlie wasn’t snuggled up to me anymore. She’d always been an early riser.

“We’ll good morning sleepy head.” She smirked, handing me a steaming cup of coffee.

I practically gulped the whole thing in one sip as I heard Char give up on her half assed attempt of a warning.

“Carful it’s… hot.” She said defeated.

I shrugged, holding out my cup for her to fill it up with more.

“You know sometimes you terrify me right?”

“Wouldn’t be doing my job as your bestie if I didn’t.”

She sighed heavily.

“One more and only one energy drink today or I swear to god-“

“Yes mom, I’ll behave myself.” I joked.

“I’m serious, one of these days you’re hearts gonna stop and then I’m gonna kill you.”

“What, you gonna become a necromancer just to bring me back so I can die again?”

“A necro-what now?”

“You know sometimes I wonder how we became friends.”

She rolled her eyes, adding cream and sugar to her own coffee.

“Because you love me.”

“Can’t argue with that. What’s on the schedule today. You know, other than work.”

“I think my shifts only till 7, but Max has you going easy on your first day and you get off at 5. So you wanna be In charge of grabbing din and then we can walk around when I get off?“

“You’re trusting me with dinner?”

She shrugged, scrunching her face in disgust when her coffee wasn’t sweet enough for her.

“Want a little coffee with the sugar, Sugar?”

“I hate you.”

“I know.”

We made our way downstairs to the shop. It was kinda nice, the way the shop windows diffused the sunlight. It gave the shop a sort of hazy vibe, and it made working here more bearable. I walked over to the open sign and flipped the switch, But I paused for a moment, basking in the light that showed through the window. I heard a small laugh from behind me.

"I swear Mal, you're just like a cat."

"What, the sunlight feels nice. You look like you need a little."

"You're one to talk." she motioned to my makeup.

"Hey, I stay this pale cause I like it, you however are a hermit. It's not a good look on you sweetie."

Just as I was about to unlock the door, it opened. I jumped back startled.

"Christ dans le feu de l'enfer! Max you sacred me!" I exclaimed.

The tall man chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest.

"You know most people don't just stand in front of doorways Mx. Maverick."

"Leave her alone Max, she doesnt get much sunlight."

"Seems like the two of you have more in common than I thought."

I made my way through the aisle and took inventory of the shelves. Familiarising myself with the product so I could help to make better suggestions. I popped my head over one of the shelves holding up a movie.

"What?"

"Somebody stole Slumber Party Masecure. I mean at least they have good taste."

Max frowned from his spot behind the counter.

"Probably those Frog kids who were in here last night."

I raised my brow.

"Frog?"

"Edgar and Allen Frog. I should honestly ban them from the store at this point."

"Those boys are harmless Maxie, besides they're coming back to return the video they rented last night. I'll ask 'em about it. We'll get your videotape back."

I set the empty husk on the counter, and leaned over it, suggestively willing my drawn-on eyebrows at max.

"No." He said flatly.

Charlie gave us a weird look.

"Am I missing something here?" She questioned, with a slight laugh.

"Just that our dear Max here went on a date with a babe last night and is withholding all the juicy details."

She psychically faces palmed, slamming her head down onto the counter with a groan.

"Why are you like this?"

"I blame my daddy issues. Now come on Max, you can't leave me hanging."

"I very much can. This is appropriate boss, employee conversation."

I groaned, mimicking Charlie, now we both stood there with our heads in our hands on the countertop.

"You two are insufferable." Max sighed.

"Come on, just one little crumb of detail and I'll leave you alone. Scouts honour."

"You were a girl scout?"

"You seem shocked Maxie, doesnt this face scream I sell cookies better than you?"

I batted my eyelashes up at the man who rolled his eyes back at me.

"Fine. Lucy and I had a nice time, we talked about her children and where she used to live before she moved here. Boring adult stuff."

I melted back into the counter dramatically. "Awwwwe!"

"Now get back to work, this is your trial week remember."

"Yes Sir!"

The rest of the shift went by smoothly, Charlie took her lunch right before I was meant to head out for the day. That's when the Frog brothers finally came in.

"Hello, boys." I greeted, suspicion asked in my tone.

"Here's the movie," Edgar said.

I scanned the movie in, glaring down t the two.

"Another movie went missing from this section yesterday you boys wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"

They looked between each other before looking back at me.

"We may have seen someone else in that section yesterday..." Alan admitted.

"Does this someone have a name?"

Edgar looked at his brother for confirmation before continuing They leaned in over the counter, talking in a hushed tone.

"They might, but they're a dangerous person. You shouldn't confront them alone." Edgar concluded.

I let out a little chortle.

"I can handle a bit of danger boys, but what I can't handle is losing this job."

"We mean serious danger, man. Cataclysmic." Alan finished.

I leaned forward more, meeting their gaze.

"Tell me who it is, I'll rough 'em up a bit." I grinned.

"Did you know there are vampires in this town?" Edgar changed the subject.

This piqued my interest. I loved a good ghost story.

"Are we talking Dracula or Nosferatu?"

"A mix of both," Alan admitted.

"Hmmm, and a vampire stole my boss's movie?"

The boys nodded.

"Guess I should start carrying holy water around shouldn't I?" I joked.

"We're being serious."

"Oh, I believe you, I'm just not scared of the same lame vampire who steals movies instead of paying."

Max came out of his office at that moment. The boys stiffened at his presence. Edgar pulled me down by my collar and whispered a warning in my ear.

"He's one of them."

He quickly let go, backing away from the counter and dragging his brother towards the exit. Max was quick to cut them off, blocking their way out. The boys looked up at him, it was kinda sad, they seemed actually sacred. But Max was just a big old teddy bear, he would hurt these children. I watched as Alan gulped, backing away.

"Relax Maxie, they didn't steal anything." I sighed.

I hopped over the counter and made my way over to the group.

"You wouldn't steal anything, right boys?"

"N-no." "See, it's settled, it wasn't them."

I placed a hand on Max's shoulder, which was a difficult feat considering our height differences.

"These arent our hooligans. These boys are upstanding citizens." I gave Alan a wink and he seemed to calm down a little.

"That's right sir." Edgar basically pleaded with Max.

Max stepped to the side, watching as the boys scrambled to get out the door. I watched as they disappeared around the corner, shaking my head at them. I remembered what it was like to be their age, believing in fantasies.

"Isn't your shift about to end?" Max finally broke the silence.

"Yeah, but Char isn't back yet." I hummed.

He nodded up the stairs, dismissing me.

"You sure? Cause I can-" "What is it with you kids not wanting to leave work? I'll be in the rest of the night, I'll tell Charlie she's off too when she gets in. Go have fun, what was it you said to me? Live a little." He grinned at me.

I had to admit, I kinda understood why the boys were intimidated by him earlier. There was something about his grin hat that was off. I shuddered slightly but went up the stairs to change anyways. I had toned down my look a little for work, but now that I was fully awake, I could do a better job.

I walked outside, smiling as I watched the sky. The sun was setting, and the colours were mesmerising. My outfit certainly made me look out of place, but I didn't care. I felt pretty. I spotted a familiar bandana-clad boy from across the way and made my way over.

"Boo!" I said, causing the three boys to jump.

The one in the middle looked the most startled, looking up at me with wide eyes. I struggled to bite back my laughter, not wanting to be a total prick.

"Video store gir-boy?" Edgar asked.

"Dude is fine little man, and yeah it's me." I turned to the new guy. "I don't believe we've met, I'm Mal."

"S-Sam."

"Awww, little mans got a stutter." I teased. "I'm joking kid, I promise I'm not scary. I just dress this way to scare off all the boys. Did you know once they hit puberty they all have cooties?"

"Cooties?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, there little bugs that eat your insides. They start with your heart and then move to your brain. Leaving you a brainless zombie whos hopelessly in love with whoever infected you."

The boys looked at me horrified. I knew Eddie and Alan would, believe me, they still believe in vampires for fucks sake.

''I don't want that." Sam declared.

"Only one way to stop the cooties boys." I started.

"What?" The brothers demanded in sync.

"Friendship bracelets!'

"What?" They all asked confused.

"Ummm yeah. Cootie bugs cant disrespect the power of friendship bracelets. They can't think you're in love with someone if you're just friends right?"

"I guess that makes sense," Sam admitted.

"It's a good thing I just so happen to carry some with me then isn't it?"

I reached into my bag, pulling out the various bracelets I had made in the past month. It was something I did in my past time, an activity I could completely zone out to. It took all the stress of the day with it. I let the boys choose which ones they wanted, and tied them on each of their wrists.

"There, all safe." I declared.

They looked down at their wrists with relieved looks on their faces.

"You wnna know the best part?" I asked.

They waited for me to continue.

"You can soak 'em in holy water, keep those pesky bloodsuckers away."

I winked at them before walking away. I knew Charlie would call after Max let her go and she showered. She hated going out after work, but I knew she’d want food. As I wandered my way around the boardwalk, I slid through crowds. Despite my appearance I tired my best go unnoticed. Suddenly I heard shouting behind me.

I was about to turn when an arm hooked around me and suddenly I was launched forward. Curly blonde hair crowded my vision as we ran from one of the security guards. Marko. But despite my annoyance for this kid, I was now caught up in his little display. I didn’t want to get reamed out by security guard, so I decided to help him out. I flip this hold on me, by grabbing onto his wrist and making sure I was in front now.

We slipped in and out of people, ducking under arms and squeezing between carts littering the side walk. I pulled him into and ally way and ran up to the garbage bin on the side. I hopped onto it and looked back at him. I extended my hand, but he just starred up at me with that dumb look on his face.

“Well come on asshole, we don’t have all day.” I hissed.

He grabbed my hand and I pulled him up, before preparing to hoist him up onto the side of the building. Once he was up, he leaned over the side to pull me up. I stopped to catch my breath once we ducked down under the edge of the roof. We watched as the security guard entered the alleyway and looked around, before leaving disgruntled.

“Where the hell did you learn how to do that babe?” Marko asked.

I glared at his use of the pet name.

“Same place I learned how to break your fucking knee caps if you call me that again.”

He chuckled.

“So you’re always like this? Didn’t just catch you in a mood the other day?”

“If by this, you mean someone who doesn’t put up with teenage bastard bullshit, then yes. Where do you think Charlie got most of her standoffish nature from?”

I pushed myself up, brushing some gravel off my knees, before realised my left one was scraped. I carefully picked a rather large hunk of rock out of the wound.

“Damn it, look what you did Marko.”

But the boy was already looking at me. His eyes were dark and focused in on my wound. I waved my hand in front of his face as he zoned out.

“Marko? Marko!” I yelled, trying to snap him out of it.

I took a deep breath and wretched my arm back, slapping him across the face as hard as I could. I wasn’t about to hold back, he deserved it anyways.

“Ow! What the fuck was that for?”

“You were starring idiot!”

He looked away suddenly.

“Sorry.” He muttered.

I rolled my eyes, putting my hand on his shoulder to turn him back around. I gently placed my hand on his cheek, seeing the red mark face.

“Sorry I hit you so hard.” I apologised.

“It’s fine. You hit like a pro boxer though.” He joked.

“And don’t forget that!“ I smirked. “So what, are you weirded out by blood or something? Charlie zoned out like that sometimes too, when she’s uncomfortable.”

“Yeah, something like that.”

I chuckled, reaching into my bag and pulling out a bandaid before slapping it back on.

“There, all better!”

He rolled his eyes.

“What else you got in that bag of yours?”

“Why do you wanna know?” I raised my brow.

“Got any contraband?”

I scoffed.

“No… but I do have money.” I smirked.

Before I could say anything, Marko swept me up in a bridal hold and jumped down from the roof. I pinched my eyes shut, and let out a breath when we finally landed.

“C’est quoi ton problème, psychopathe!” I hissed.

“I don’t know what you’re saying babe, but it sounds hot.” He purred.

“Put me down you cunt!”

I should have been more carful, cause he dropped me on my ass. I glared up at him, ignoring the hand he held out to lift me up. He probably couldn’t even have done it with how hard he was laughing.

“Do you want some weed or not jackass, cause I’ll only buy you some if you behave.”

“Cross my heart and hope to die!” He said.

I motioned for him to lead the way. After meeting with a very blazed out looking dude, I mean come on, ever heard of not snapping the product. We made our way back onto the boardwalk. I leaned against Marko’s bike as I watched him roll the blunts. I had to admit, his bike was quite beautiful.

I reached into my bag and pulled out some dried rose petals and vervain. I held out my hand for him to pass me some paper.

“What? I can roll my own slif fuck you very much!”

“You get hotter every second?”

“And you continue to decline in mental capacity” I tapped his cheek playfully.

Charlie and the tall brunette approached us. I would have expected her to call, but I guess she didn’t have time.

“What’s that?” Marko asked as he watched me carefully.

“Just some herbs dude, nothing fancy.”

“Are you kidding me, that’s like, extra fancy! It’s like a girl blunt or something!”

“A girl blunt?” Charlie pipped in, finally reaching us.

“Marko here has never heard of mixing your herbs. He’s been smoking some boring ass shit.” I joked.

“I see you’re already corrupting my friend Marko.”

Dwayne laughed from beside her, leaning over the edge of the bike to watch me work as well. What was it with these boys and starring.

“Where’s tweedle Dee and tweedle dumb?” I asked Dwayne.

He gave me a baffled look before smirking.

“Well Tweedle dumb is on food duty, and David is-“

“Right behind you.” David finished.

I shot him a look over my shoulder. He seemed to look over my outfit, as if to say he approved. I locked as with him as I licked the edge of my paper, rolling my blunt.

“Took you long enough.”

“Wasn’t aware you were waiting for me Sweetheart.”

“I wasn’t. But Charlie is hanging out with you lot tonight, so it seems I’m stuck with you just as much as you’re stuck with me.”

I slid the joint into my bra.

“You’re bleeding.” He said, flatly.

“Yeah, blame blondie locks over here for that one!”

Charlie looked at me concerned but I brushed her off.

“You should of seen them David, they saved me from the security guard. It was awesome.” He held up his hand for a high five.

I rolled my eyes, giving him one anyways. Paul appeared in the distance carrying a bag of food. I had to admit I was starving, and I wouldn’t say no to free food. I watched as Dwayne got onto his bike, helping Charlie climb onto the back.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” David smirked.

“Oh hey, Scary babe is joining us tonight? Sick!” Paul cheered.

I bit back a laugh at his choice of adjectives. I wasn’t that scary.

“Who you want to ride with sweetheart?” David asked.

Paul gave me a Hopeful look but I shut him down.

“You’ve got food to carry lover boy!”

I looked between Marko and David. I’d already been forced to be in close proximity to this boy more times than I wanted to today. And I scraped my knee because of him. But David, there was something off about him. Something dark, something that couldn’t be trusted. But I bit back my pride and chose the better of the two options. I walked over to David’s bike and hopped on the back.

“Hold on tight.” He mused, looking over his shoulder.

The ride through town was a whirlwind. I swear these boys didn’t even know what caution was. How Charlie was still alive before I got here was beyond me. But it was easy to zone them out as I watched the scenery zip by. The sky was almost fully black now, and I was hypnotised by the moon.

David offered me a hand as we came to a stop, but I pushed it away and hopped down myself. I straightened out my hair, and walked over to Charlie to help her off Dwayne’s bike. She giggled slightly when I did a little bow after lifting her off the bike.

“My queen.” I said.

“Thank you kind jester.” She joked back.

The boys watched us with curiosity. I finally took a moment to asses our surroundings. If I didn’t know any better I’d say this is where all those tourists went messing. Who brings someone to a cave for a smoke sesh.

“Welcome to our home!” Paul said.

I raised a brow at the misfit.

“You guys live here? Sick.” I admitted.

I mean it was a weird place to hang out, but if they actually lived here, who was I to question them. It was none of my business.

“After you.” Marko said.

“Yeah no, I don’t entrer dark desolate caves first. Kind of a horror movie red flag. Charlie?”

“It’s true, they also don’t ever look in a mirror when it’s dark, go in the woods past midnight alone or with friends, or fallow someone into a dark alley.

“We were in a dark ally earlier.” Marko said.

“Yeah, but I lead you into the alley you dork.”

“Touché.”

I pushed him forward into the entrance of the cave, fallowing shortly after him. Charlie clung to Dwayne and I had to admit out of everyone here he was growing one me. He seemed to have her well-being at heart. Marko grabbed my waist and lifted me over a small puddle. I yelped in surprise.

“A little warning next time dude.”

He just laughed, ruffling my hair. I glared after him. I looked around when we came to a stop. You could definitely tell four boys lived here. But it was cool, I kinda liked the vibe. I took a seat on the couch, and Charlie plopped herself down between my thighs. I smiled down at her, absentmindedly playing with her hair. Paul handed out some food.

“Hope you like Chow Mein.” He said.

“Thanks.”

I ate in silence as I listened to the conversations between the boys and Charlie. She really did seem to trust them, so I guess I could ease up on my protective best friend act. I watched Marko hand off a blunt to Paul who begged David for his lighter. I chuckled, rolling my eyes. I fetched the slif from my bra and lit it, passing it to Charlie first.

“I’m not taking your boob blunt.” She laughed, swatting my hand away.

“I didn’t hear any complaints last time.”

Her face lit up, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. Marko was laughing his ass off and Paul stuck his hand out to me.

“You already have one dumb ass.” He pouted.

“Fine.” I handed it off to him and his face broke into the goofiest smile I’d ever seen. "If you say anything about my titties Paul I swear to the gods I will light your ass on fire."

Dwayne's smirk grew even bigger at the banter between me and the two blonde idiots.

"But I like your titties," Marko said.

I glared at him as hard as I could muster.

"What? You said Paul couldn't say anything about them. Girl not, they look nice."

"Sucks for you that only I get to touch them then." I stuck my tongue out at him.

David sat in this dinky little wheelchair, observing the whole interaction. I almost didn't notice him sneak away to grab drinks. He held out a beer to me.

"Thanks," I said.

My hands brushed against his gloved ones for a little longer than I'd have liked them to. But I was about half a blunt in and couldn't give two shits at this point. Maybe they weren't so bad after all. The more cross faded I was the more tolerable they became. And Charlie seemed to actually let loose for once. So I'd say today was a success. Even if I was lured into a creepy murder cave.

AN: OMG this was way longer than I thought it was. I didn't realize I wrote so much. But hopefully, it was well worth the wait. I'll work on part three soon, but I have some other series to catch up on.

[mqttsun-writes]

Please tell Haruna that I love her 🥰🌸💗🌸💖

haruna is very flustered and surprised but she loves you back. she’s very red and shy about this and is hiding behind her haori.

:D 

[distracted-obsessions]

Can't You Hear Me Scream? Part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Masterlist

Warnings: emotional manipulation, Mal being called 'it', disassociation,

Simon didn't have a good relationship with emotions.

Some of the more observant people around him had always been confused by that. "Your mouth and eyes take turns smiling," Kate had once said.

He didn't remember feeling like this as a child. He remembered flashes of joy and sadness and rage. Mostly joy. He didn't know if he really had also felt like this as a child or if he had somehow lost those when his powers developed.

Simon was writing up the events that happened during the mission last night on his way to the breakfast table. He left out the part with Mal. He hated psych evals, especially with the agency's psychologists. "And how did you feel when this happened? What do you mean by 'probably angry'?"

Simon walked into the dining room in the agency housing that his team lived in and, like every morning, found everyone already sitting down. Liam and Maya were deep in a conversation about some show the two of them were watching, Kate was cooking to avoid getting sucked into a discussion before her coffee finished brewing, and Mal was sitting at the table, picking at the tablecloth and yawning.

Mal looked tired. Mal always looked tired. Sometimes, Mal remained Simon just a little too much of himself.

Simon felt himself smile at his team. His chest loosened at seeing all of them acting normal and in one place.

"All the little birds under mama's wings, right Simon?"

Simon's smile dropped and he shook his head, trying to dispell the sound of The Deceiver's- "Oh, don't call him that, Simon. You know who he is." Of Kalek's voice.

Kalek. The man whose memory pledged Simon's ever waking moment. A mix of loss and betrayal that made him want to scream.

Control, Simon thought to himself. Control is your best virtue. Control yourself.

"The worst thing they ever did to you was convince you that voice was yours."

Simon shook his head again. Of course it was his voice. Of all the voices in his head, that one was his. It had to be. If it wasn't...

Simon moved to the table, reading over the words he didn't remember writing. It all seemed fine and Simon didn't see anything that would raise eyebrows so he signed it and sent it on its way. He walked up behind Mal like he did every morning and dug his fingers into Mal's hair, petting him gently.

Mal needs a shower... Simon thought, digging a couple of rocks out of Mal's hair, his thumb brushing at a slightly matted patch of fur on one of Mal's ears. Poor puppy still has blood in his hair.

Kate grabbed a plate of pancakes and her cup of fresh coffee and walked over to the table, putting the pancakes in the middle of the table and sitting across from Mal. She stared at Mal as she sipped her coffee then looked up at Simon. "Tired, Captain?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Simon looked at her, trying to understand what she meant. He looked down at Mal and realized that Mal hadn't leaned into his touch like he usually did. Instead, he had frozen, the tablecloth still pinched between his fingers.

Simon frowned. Mal only froze when he was uncomfortable but he was never uncomfortable with Simon.

"Well, you did torture him yesterday, Simon."

I didn't torture him, Simon told the Kalek in his brain. Still, he took his hand away from Mal's hair and watched Mal slip back into movement like he was being unpaused. Simon's stomach lurched unpleasantly. Mal. You can't be scared of me. You're my puppy. You're supposed to love me.

Simon sat down in his seat next to Mal and took the plate of pancakes that Kate handed him, ignoring the warning look that was passed along with it. She didn't get it. She couldn't get it. No one else on the team had powers. It was just him.

Him and Mal.

Simon watched Mal throughout breakfast. He was used to Mal gravitating towards him. Mal would usually lean on the arm closest to Simon and eat with his other hand but, subconsciously or not, he had switched which hand he ate with to lean away from Simon. Liam, who was not ambidextrous, noticed Mal suddenly being in his way but didn't seem to figure out what had changed so he just ignored it and finished breakfast.

The second breakfast was over, Mal jumped up and left, mumbling something about marksmanship. Simon reached to grab Mal's arm but Kate grabbed his first. She stood and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"Let it be. If you crowd it right now it will lash out just to get space."

Simon watch Mal leave. He didn't want to let Mal be. He needed Mal to be sitting at his feet, begging Simon to touch him at all times.

Not because he wanted Mal to be upset. He just needed Mal. Needed Mal on his terms. Watching Mal walk away from him, seeing him with a tiny piece of independence, made him want to throw Mal into one of the cells under the house until he refused to leave Simon's side again.

"Do you ever wonder if they sided with the wrong person? If they made the wrong choice all those years ago."

Shut up, Simon thought. You've done far worse things then me. My actions towards Mal are nothing even close to some of the things you pulled. I'm a

"Good little hero."

Simon tried to distract himself throughout the day. He really did try and take Kate's advice to give Mal space. It was disturbingly easy since Mal also went out of his way to avoid him. Not having Mal a half step behind him felt like he had misplaced a limb. Every person he talked to that wasn't Kate had something to say about Mal, either asking where he was or just asking Simon to pass along information.

By the end of the day, he was ready to scream.

It was some time in the afternoon when Simon finally caught Mal alone and not busy. He was dreading the next phone call he had to make when he found Mal laying on the couch in the living room, a pillow wrapped in his arms, wearing one of Simon's hoodies as he watched that show that Maya and Liam were obsessed with.

Simon crept into the room, not wanting to startle Mal too soon. He looked so soft like this. So needy. Desperate for comfort.

Simon reached out, careful not to block Mal's view of the TV, and ran his fingers though his hair. Mal didn't react in any way, not to freeze or lean into it. It was like he didn't feel it at all.

"Poor baby," Simon said, a little surprised to find himself smiling. "You're not even here, are you?"

Simon sat on the couch and laid Mal's head in his lap, careful not to jostle him too much. He wanted Mal to slowly come back to himself. It was better for Mal if he slowly blinked awake, disoriented and confused, making those soft whimpering noises, nuzzling whatever was under his cheek as he tried to come back to himself. Better for him.

"Simon, if twisted streaks were a virtue, you and I would be the best people in this building."

Simon gently stroked Mal's ear and watched the show as he waited for Mal to wake up. The show was fine but the feeling of Mal breathing and his ear twitching under Simon's fingers was making it hard for him to focus on the plot.

After a while, Mal suddenly inhaled deeply and let it back out. Simon looked down at him and watched him rub his face against Simon's thigh, his hand reaching to grab at Simon's jeans. He continued to squirm as he got used to his surroundings before he froze again.

Simon frowned, keeping his touch gentle dispite the sudden desire to yank him up by his hair just so he'd move. "Hey, puppy. I lost you there for a second."

Mal did say anything for a moment. When he did speak, his voice was quiet. "Simon, what are you doing?"

"Comforting you." He did tug on Mal's hair then, just lightly enough to make Mal shift his head to look at him. Mal's eyes were wary as they shifted to Simon. "You should have told me that you needed comfort after last night's mission. I would have helped you."

"Sir, I..." Mal hesitated then took a deep breath and said, "I didn't feel-"

"That it was necessary, I understand," Simon interrupted, running his hand up and down Mal's arm. "But I want you to be settled. And if The Deceiver bothered you then I want to fix that." If Simon's palm lit up with just a little yellow light when he said 'The Deceiver', well then it was necessary. If it wasn't necessary then it didn't happen.

Mal shuddered and grabbed Simon's thigh tighter. "Sir-"

"Mal, you don't have to call me Sir. We're home." He tilted Mal's chin up and made him make eye contact. "You're safe."

And if Simon's palm glowed pink when he said that, making Mal scramble into Simon's arms, sniffling and telling Simon that he was tired and he just wanted to sleep in Simon's lap, well,

It was necessary.