#part 22

[five-of-cr]

the Crows are too wily to get caught, but if they did it’d sound something like this i think

<- part 21 || part 23 ->

and even more crows nonsense here

[4me2knowandyou2wonder]

Runaways AU

Hayden tried to tell himself practice had went well. That the other Metros hadn't seen his 'bit-gaunt" look that Jackie had commented on when she'd dropped him off. That the missed passes had been due to normal error, and not because Hayden was searching the eyes of each one of his brothers for any sign they wanted to leave more than the ice.

"It sucks about your car man." JJ was driving him back home. Hayden had told him the battery of his car was fucked. But really he just couldn't say any of this in front of the team.

"Yeah, thanks…" Hayden took a steadying breath as he geared up for the conversation ahead. "Well. Um. My car is fine."

JJ's head quickly checked to see if Hayden was the one sitting next to him. "Wait, what?"

"I just kind of wanted to talk to you alone."

JJ reached the stop light and turned to fully look over at Hayden like he'd just broke his hockey stick. "And so you lied that your car was broken?"

Okay. Maybe lying was kind of a shit thing to do. Hayden hadn't been thinking beyond the fear of eavesdroppers. "Sorry."

The silence hung.

Hayden waved his hand in the air. He was wasting time. "I'm retiring."

"What?" The light turned green. JJ took a few too many seconds to start driving again.

Hayden didn't reply, he just watched the intersection go by.

"You're retiring?" JJ's voice was terse. Excuses filled Hayden's head before logic.

"I'm 37. I don't have that much hockey left in me anyway," he tried.

It was the wrong one. Tension rolled off of JJ's shoulders. "Wow, yeah. Sure. Not a reason." The turn onto the next side street swung Hayden into the car door. "What is this timing? Hollander just left!"

"I know." That was the reason.

"And so you just don't want to play anymore?" JJ wasn't yelling, yet.

"Yes. I'm sorry, I just– I can't." Hayden was starting to think this had been a bad idea. His mind tripped, trying to catch up to what was happening. He'd already messed it up. Why did he start with his retirement? He wanted to start with the softer news, but right now JJ didn't know why Hayden needed to retire.

"You can't what? Be loyal to the team?" JJ snapped. "Our captain just retired. We need all the stability we can get. You're our alternate. You're the one everyone is going to look to for a sense of normalcy. What the fuck, Hayden?"

JJ didn't get it! Shane was gone, and it was Hayden's failure that allowed it to happen. He couldn't even support his best friend how could he support a whole team? Fuck. Start over.

"Now that Shane isn't–" Hayden did his best to form his words carefully. "Now that he isn't playing anymore–"

"This is ridiculous, Hayden," JJ interrupted. "You could play for another five years and you know it!"

Hayden sank deeper into the seat. "Shane retired at 36."

JJ slammed on the breaks, throwing Hayden into his seatbelt. "Oh and he what? Doesn't want you to outshine him? Wants you to retire?"

"No I–"

"Well, when Shane Hollander texted me and said he'd like it if I retired so the team goes to shit after he's gone, I was all in!" JJ's voice rose with each item until he was in a full shout. "So I see your point!"

They were stopped in the middle of the road. There was no one behind them but it still felt unnatural. "He hasn't."

"What." The word was a rolling storm cloud.

"He hasn't texted you." Hayden was a forgotten diary sitting on the front step.

"Okay what the fuck." An SUV curved around them. JJ didn't move the car. "I know Shane wasn't as close to me as he was to you but we were also friends if you've forgotten. Don't just assume he's forgotten about everyone but special little you. Fuck you."

Everything was going wrong. Again. Like last time. Why was he having this conversation in a car. "He hasn't texted me."

"Oh okay." A deceiving light drizzle. "No, no, that makes sense. That makes your comment totally okay." Lighting cracked across JJ's glare. "Because you're better than me, and obviously if you've not been texted, I certainly wouldn't be contacted."

The rain was seeping through the pages, bleeding all the ink until none of the carefully collected thoughts in Hayden's mind were readable anymore. "You haven't been."

"Yeah and what makes you so sure," JJ pelted.

"His phone was left on the counter." Hayden tried to pick up his thoughts, they fell apart in his hands.

Confusion paused the torrent. "Huh?"

"Listen, JJ, can we just. Can I just start over?" Hayden's throat was tight. He wanted to stop this. Nothing was going right. Why couldn't he do anything right? He had to explain. God how was he supposed to explain?

JJ held the storm back. He tightened his jaw and raised his eyebrows.

Hayden powered through. "No one has heard from Shane since the day he retired. Not even his family. There's um… The police have stopped looking. Its been ruled a likely suicide."

"What?" JJ went still. His mouth opened like he wanted to speak, or yell. No sound came out. His hands slid off the wheel. "Shane's dead? He killed himself? What?"

"I'm sorry." Hayden couldn't meet JJ's eyes. He squeezed his vision shut and fell down to press his forehead into the dashboard. "I didn't want to tell you in front of the team."

JJ's voice shook. "How long have you know?"

A car honked behind them. Hayden heard the tick of a turn signal. JJ must have turned on his flashers.

"Just a few months. Mrs. Hollander came asking if I'd heard from him about a month after he disappeared, that was back in July. Then we were all off for the summer. We only just got back."

The plastic under Hayden's head shook as JJ slammed his fist somewhere above the steering wheel. "Months! You didn't think that maybe you could get up with me over the summer?"

"This has been hard okay?" Hayden felt hot tears prick the corners of his eyes. "I only just told the kids he wasn't coming back and now they're just asking where he is." Hayden pulled back from the dash to try and sweep the moisture from his face. It quickly replaced itself. "I don't know how to explain suicide to them."

"I can't believe this."

"We all missed so many signs." JJ was blurry through Hayden's vision. "I didn't even see it. He's been pulling back from people for so long I just don't understand how I could have missed– When did he even start backing away?"

JJ gripped the steering wheel, eyes staring wild and blank at the passing traffic. "January 2021…"

A cold sheet of rain down Hayden's back. "What?"

JJ still didn't look at him. He put the car into drive and finally pulled to the side. "Hollander had a panic attack on the way to Washington, when the centaur's plane crashed. After that he just changed. I always just figured he was scared about how fast any one of us could die."

Hayden's head spun. He blinked the tears from his eyes and wildly searched JJ's face for anything more his expression told. Was JJ right? He had to be. Hayden remembered how strange Shane had acted that day. But had that been the turning point? "He was distant after that?" His words were barely a whisper.

"Yeah. He used to be the last one at practice remember?"

"No. He's always the first to leave."

"He didn't used to be."

Hayden had forgotten, it had been a subtle slide, a change in pattern that was easily explainable at first and then just became an accepted norm. Hayden hadn't noticed. But apparently JJ had. Guilt, pain, and panic flooded Hayden all at once. "Why didn't you fucking say anything?"

JJ finally whipped to look at him. "What?"

Obviously JJ hadn't know Shane was suicidal. None of them did. But Logic didn't hold back anger. Hayden wanted to be the one driving just so he could slam the breaks like JJ had earlier. His best friend was dead, and he'd failed to see the signs in time. But JJ had seen them, and he'd said nothing!

"You could have mentioned he was changing! Maybe if you'd spoken up–!"

"You," JJ interrupted. "Are not. Absolutely not. Implying that this is at all my fault right now, Pike."

Hayden ripped his seatbelt out more so he could swing to face JJ more directly. "You just said you noticed his behavior change!"

"Yeah. It was obvious. Are you saying you didn't?" JJ spat. "I thought you were supposed to be his best friend. If anyone should have noticed something it should have been you!"

Hayden could do nothing but freeze, and agree, and break. JJ was right. He'd said out loud what plagued Hayden's every waking thought. Without hesitation or hedging JJ had thrown exactly what kept Hayden up at night directly at between his eyes. And there was nothing Hayden could say. Because it was the truth.

"I know." Hayden buried his face in his hands and shook apart. "I failed! I know I failed! I don't notice anything. People around me are hurting and I cant even see it."

"Shane is dead," JJ said.

"And Every time I get on the ice all I think about is what I should have seen." Hayden's breath hitched, and he gasped in a high whine. "How he stopped coming out with the team. How he stopped inviting us to his apartment. How empty his life was."

"Shane killed himself," JJ processed.

"What if one of my kids starts feeling this way and I'm not there to see it? How can I hope to catch a change in pattern if I'm not there, if I couldn't even see it for my best friend?" Hayden's broken heart poured out of his mouth and eyes and nose. "Jackie told me Ruby switched out of band. I didn't even know Ruby was in band. I have to be home. I cant keep playing. All of this has been making it impossible to focus on the ice. I've been playing like shit."

"Yes. You have." The darkness in JJ's voice halted all of Hayden's thoughts.

"What?"

"Get out." JJ unlocked the doors. "I need to go home."

Hayden didn't understand. "We're not at my–"

"Get out. Buy a Rubu. Or call Jackie to bring you your working car. I don't give a shit. Just get out." JJ was furious.

"I'm sorry." Hayden scrambled to unbuckle his seatbelt and door. "I'll see you at practice…"

"I thought you were retiring."

The door hung open. "I–"

"GET OUT!" JJ boomed.

Hayden scrambled frantically out onto the road. JJ didn't wait to make sure Hayden made it to the side walk before he was driving away.

Part 21 -> Part 22 -> Part 23

[omnivorousshipper]

Dog Hybrid Stone: Stobotnik AU Fic - Part 22

Summary: Robotnik goes to war. But first, he needs to assemble all his troops and put on his uniform.

Part 1 Part 21 Part 23

--

Robotnik could feel his skin crawling with the sound of several notifications going off. He had given Carol permission to bring in as many people she trusted to help execute their plan.

Her contact in the Hybrid Division had been fruitful; Stone and Rockwell were being held in a breeding facility a few hours away.

Unfortunately, he had discovered why neither of his Hybrids' collars were working.

Pulling up the security feed, he watched with clenched fists as White's poodles had approached Stone and Rockwell. Immediately, he could tell the way Rockwell's ears perked up that she found them attractive. However, as one of the poodles caught Rockwell's attention and then drew Stone into the conversation, the other poodle had made their move.

While Stone was glancing over at Rockwell and her flirting, the other poodle had shoved a tazer into Stone's neck.

Right onto the collar.

Even from the video, Robotnik could tell that the tazer was not in regulation. No doubt it was much stronger than anything Stone or Rockwell had seen before.

As soon as Stone hit the floor, Rockwell's head whipped around, only for the poodle she had been flirting with do the very same thing to her.

He had never thought the collars would face bolts of electricity. Their components had been fried instantly, leaving his Hybrids helpless.

Seemed that White's little spy had smuggled out that little piece of info.

Jaw grinding painfully, Robotnik stormed through his lab. Stepping into a large room, the lights flicked on. One by one, long rows of badniks came into view.

Raising his hands, he smirked as a wave of red 'eyes' turned on. With one sweep of his hand, one side of the badniks rose out of their roosts. He did the same with the other side and watched as his army assembled.

A hundred badniks stared back at him, waiting for his orders.

"Some moron thought it was a good idea to test me," he ground out. "Let's show him what happens when you underestimate a Robotnik."

Sending them to the mobile lab for transport, Robotnik made his way up to the floor Stone used to inhabit. As the elevator doors opened, he stopped short.

A different kind of army turned to stare at him, their eyes much more expressive than the badniks'.

There had to be at least a dozen Hybrid agents assembled in the living space. Of course, all of them were dog Hybrids, but he couldn't pinpoint all of their breeds. A handful of German Shepards, a couple dobermans, and the rest might as well have been mutts for all he knew. From the looks of them, he could tell that they weren't all field agents. While some were muscular and threatening, others were dressed similarly to Carol.

"Doctor."

Finally stepping out of the elevator, he cast his gaze to the side to see Carol coming towards him. She met his eyes steadily, her expression steely.

"We're ready when you are," she nodded.

Robotnik narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue.

Immediately, every single Hybrid stood at attention, taking him aback. He hid his surprise as the Hybrids stood next to each other in a line, their ears and tails perked. Walking in front of them, he looked them all over--almost as if he was a general assessing his troops.

In a way, he was.

White had come into his territory and took what was his.

He had declared war.

As he reached the end of the line, he was surprised he actually recognized most of the Hybrids standing in front of him.

There were a pair of German Shepards that had always stood guard outside of any presentation he gave on the base. Stone had growled and snapped at them when they got too close, but once they learned to keep their distance, Stone relaxed around them. He had trusted them to be a second defense.

Another female Hybrid he knew as well. During meetings, she would be a snack runner. Stone had nearly had her in tears when she offered him a cup of coffee one day. After that incident, she would only offer him snacks during the meetings. In fact, she had learned what he had preferred.

Taking a second look, he saw that he did know them all. Perhaps not their names, but they had all been friendly or helpful towards him. Unlike others on the base, they had never shied away from him or sent him distrustful looks.

Had he truly gained the loyalty of all these Hybrids without knowing it?

Shaking off the odd, warm feeling in his chest, he stood in front of them all. In total, he had a baker's dozen and a hundred badniks to get Stone and Rockwell out of White's clutches.

"I doubt this will be a suicide mission," Robotnik began and stopped himself from grimacing. It was one thing to talk about his inventions, but another to give a rallying speech to a bunch of Hybrids he barely knew. "But, I still require you to treat this rescue mission like you're saving your own mother. Now, here's the plan..."

The plan was quite simple, even if his holographic replica of the breeding facility made everything feel like it was out of a sci-fi movie. In essence, the Hybrids would sneak him inside so he could find Stone and Rockwell. As soon as he found them, they'd sneak them back out.

If things didn't go according to plan, then Robotnik had 100 badniks to summon.

One thing he didn't include in his plan was the excruciating death he planned for White.

However, by the glint in Carol's eyes, he didn't doubt she would help him.

Giving a bow to end his battle plan, Robotnik straightened to see the Hybrids looking excited. A few were wagging their tails.

"Doctor?"

Robotnik raised an eyebrow as he turned towards Carol. She wasn't quite meeting his eyes. He could see that she was holding something behind her back.

"What is it?" He asked suspiciously. He already didn't like where this was going.

"For us to sneak you in properly, we all thought you should wear these. So you don't get detected..."

Her confidence waned as her voice trailed off.

"Wear what?" He snapped. Carol gulped before pulling out what she had been hiding. As soon as she did, his eyes went wide. "You're joking."

"No, sir."

In her hands were a headband with dog ears and a clip on tail. They both looked extremely realistic.

"We debated a long time over what breed you would be. We decided on a husky."

He didn’t know what to say to that.

"Why?" He finally asked as he gingerly took the items from her hands.

"'Cause they're loud!" One of the Hybrids behind them called out.

"And stubborn!" A different one chirped. Casting a withering look towards the group did nothing as they all watched in excitement for him to put the accessories on.

"If it's any consolation, doctor," Carol gave him a weak smile. "I don't think you would be a dog Hybrid."

"Really."

"I think a cat would fit you better."

He wasn't sure if he should feel comforted by that idea or not.

"Also, you will need to wear something to hide your scent."

"My scent?"

"You smell human," Carol nodded. "If you wear something of Stone's, that should help disguise your scent enough for you to sneak in."

Rolling his eyes, he left the far too excited pack of Hybrids to change.

When he returned to them, he was still wearing his classic jacket, however, he was now wearing one of Stone's sleep shirts underneath it. Along with that, the fake tail now poked out from under his long jacket. It was stiff and didn't move as he walked. And finally, the ears sat on top of his own head.

In short, he felt ridiculous.

"One more thing," Carol smiled at him. He glared as she approached. She didn't even have to get on her toes as she lifted a piece of cloth over his head. It wrapped around his head, covering his own ears and forehead.

"Hybrids don't have human ears," Carol winked at him. Great, just keep piling on the humiliation. She stepped, her face turning serious once more.

Meeting all of the Hybrids' eyes one more time, he nodded.

They were ready.

[fun-zone628]

Part 22

<Previous = Start = Next >

Y’all idk what to do 😭PLEASE ASK SOMETHING TO ANYONE ON INKWELL

[stardancerluv]

What the Emperor Wants

Part Twenty - Two

Summary: Geta receives alot of news in this chapter. Reader experiences alot as well.

Notes/Warnings: 18+, consensual p in v, squint breeding kink, mentions of ancient beliefs… of Juno…Ceres & vestal virgins. Brief mention of Caracalla’s illness

❤️s, likes, feedback & reblogs are always welcome & appreciated.

"What?" Strain from the length and subject of this discussion had been wearing on Geta. There were not many more days, he could spend with you in the gardens.

The idea of going to country domus prickled at him. The idea of being free of all the politics and the unhappy people pleased him. He could practically fly through the air on his horse, with you beside him. Perhaps, he should make quick work of that. But then he saw Aelia's face before she looked towards the floor. Something was amiss.

"Speak. Stop with the formalities."

"It's the empress. She needs you."

He gave his brother and the senator a passing glance.

"Where is she?"

"In your chambers sire."

The torches flickered in the less illuminated areas, the rustle of his clothes filled the small spaces and the few that he encountered immediately stepped from his path. He barely gave them a glance as he made his to you.

He opened the doors and stepping inside, he looked for you.

“Wife, my blossom Aelia spoke urgently of you needing me.”

The doors clanked and banged shut as he made his way over to you.

You turned where you sat, smiling. “I do.”

He grabbed your hands, as he searched your eyes. “Are you ill? Are you feeling poorly?”

You had a flush of what he had thought good health, your appetite had good as well. All from what he had been able to observe, he had never kept a close eye to his mother’s habits so he couldn’t be assured all of this was good. So a kernel of worry grew in him.

“I am good, love.”

“Praise, Juno for keeping you close.” He pressed a few kisses to your knuckles.

You nodded. “She has been kind. I am certain, she sees how good of a husband you are to me.”

He noticed you glanced to the table beside the two of you. The candle light flickered and danced on some of the treasures he had bestowed upon you. He relished showering them upon you. For you were his greatest treasure; one he took and will always give to him.

“You believe that?”

“I do. I believe, I feel it Geta.” A slow smile spread across your face.

As your eyes met his once more, he warmed. Despite the anxiousness that nipped at his heels. The softness of your expression pleased him.

“The distractions that come from becoming your empress. Learning the ways, the celebrations and the like took me away from of the signs the body tells one.”

“My love?” He looked up and down the gentle curves and the form of you. That he had already banished two sculptors for displaying incorrectly to his eyes and liking.

Your hands as delicate and gentle as the manner in which you spoke brought his down to the tender swell of where your belly was.

“I do believe Juno had spoken with the great Ceres and together they blessed us with a child.”

Moving just so, he moved his hands so that he could with great care hold you. He closed his eyes, sighing. He smiled broadly when he felt your hands come over his own.

“A most blessed gift.”

*******

The carriage bumped and careened along the road. This ride was far different than when you had first traveled to the countryside with Geta and Aelia.

This time, you and Geta would visit a temple, show your gratitude for the gift of a child, a future. Sitting beside him, you were able to sit beside him and enjoy the more comfortable side of the carriage. The bumps didn’t rattle you as much as it had the last time. With a hand on your belly, the rhythm of the wheels and horses, you gave yourself up to sleep. Before drifting off to sleep you noticed that Caracalla had given up the fight of staying awake. Dondas held onto the fabrics of his clothes while being. curled up in his lap.

******

“Emperor, empress.”

The older lady bowed low as she greeted the two of you at the entrance. You both nodded.

Slowly, she stood. “I shall escort you to the flame. There you may say your prayers and place your tributes.”

“Thank you, my divinity.” You whispered softly.

*******

The flames flickered and danced in the cool, shadow filled room. Both of you kneeled before it. Your eyes me, your fingers interlaced as you placed an urn of milk. You knew from your mother that would be a good offering while Geta placed a loaf of bread sprinkled with special herbs wrapped with a delicate cloth for the offering.

With a head bowed, you began to murmur your prayers and you heard Geta’s hushed voice e as well. A warmth came over you. It almost reminded you of the reassuring touch of your mother. The thought made your eyes water with the beauty of it. You knew in your heart she would be so pleased for you.

********

Once back at the country villa, you removed the delicate scarf that had covered your hair while at the temple. The villa hummed with an actively that was different then the one in the heart of Rome, you mused. You took a moment to gather yourself.

A warm hand wrapped around your upper arms while the other held you close.

“Did the temple ruffle you, blossom?”

You relaxed against Geta’s solid frame. Only turning your head to glance at him. “No my love. I just felt a visitation from the other side. I felt the reassurance and love of my long since gone mother.”

His forehead came to rest against yours.

“I am certain, she is still pleased with you. She would be filled with great to know you are with child.”

You felt him place a hand on your belly.

“I agree. She would be. She would fret but her joy would be great.”

“Good. My blossom. Good.”

He placed a kiss on forehead then followed by one on your temple.

“Shall, have our meal now. Does your hunger call to you?”

You nodded. “Yes. That would be a delight.”

********

Dondas, jumped down holding a plump strawberry and with soft footfalls came over to where you reclined. Chirping happily with its little hands it held it up to you.

“Why thank you Dondas.”

You happily took the offering. You smiled, as you saw Dondas reach for and take a grab, a juicy grape. Then just as he brought you the strawberry he brought the grape to Caracalla.

A playful chuckle came from him as Dondas placed it in his open hand.

“How did you know I was eyeing that grape?”

His voice light and happy before tossing it gently into the air and catching it in his mouth.

You and Geta shared a look, both of you remained grateful for turn in his feelings toward you.

*******

After eating, some messages had reached the villa. They must have bern dispatched shortly after you left for the country. Giving Geta his space you searched out the pond that had given you a small pleasure when here prior. The fish that swam were more vivid than prior. Questioning, you were pleased to hear that the fish had matted and some children had survived so now new ones swam in the small pond. You share these small pleasures with your child mused you mused as you laid their watching them.

*******

“What is so important that it could not keep to the next morning?” Grumbled Geta as he opened the wax sealed scrolls.

“I do not know sire. They were just of the grave importance and delivered by a rider who exhaustion was heavy on them and their horse.”

“Was their delivery, well received do they rest now?”

“Yes. I am sure of it.”

“Good. Good.”

The wax broke with a sharp snap filling the small space.

He inhaled at the great words that were scrawled in dark. Celebrations would be held far and wide, in six months time Geta mused. And if the god were kindly and the arrival of his child be accompanying the tremendous news.

The door opened.

“Brother, I was about to bath when I heard we have received words of messages being delivered.”

A soft, thick cloth was wound around his smaller frame. Geta, could see a few new growths on his brother’s back. The illness was still in his body despite the better moods that had finally taken ahold.

“Yes, they are here.”

He held up the scroll before holding it out him. Stepping back he watched a smile crossed his brother’s face. He placed the scroll down on the table near them and he clapped.

“This is excellent news.”

He clapped happily.

“I shall have other glass of wine after my bath."

“Very fitting.” He smiled. “I will retire to my chambers, you when the day is upon us.”

“Wonderful.”

*********

As he chose to walk the outside path to the chambers he now shared with you. The airs already began working on the cloud of seeing how the illness spread had caused.

Absently, he twisted and turned a ring one of his fingers when a color caught his eye.

Walking over, he was not surprised to discover you. Seeing the guard that he had made sure would keep close he dismissed before walking closer.

“There is my blossom, still the loviest one in the garden. I dare say the entirety of the countryside we have decided to enjoy.”

“Geta,” Your cheeks a soft pink hue, your petal soft lips were curled into a smile. “Your gentle words, bring a beat to my heart.”

“That brings me joy.” Easily he lowered himself and sat beside you. “Perhaps, I shall bring fish to the fountain in our domus.”

He saw as your eyes moved back to the shimmer of the fish in the clear water.

“Oh? That can be done? But would that be good? They have had families here.”

He fluttered a hand against your back before pressing a kiss to an exposed shoulder. “I will ask. I am sure we can. Especially, if it were to give you pleasure.”

“Geta, you lavish so much upon me. If I were a tree, each of my leaves would be not enough to express how I love all that you give.”

“The beautiful words,” He gently took ahold of your chin so his thumb gently grazed your bottom lip. “that pour from your lovely mouth, are enough to please and bring me happiness.”

“Geta." You breathed. The pink hue deepened in your cheeks.

Drawing closer he kissed you. How your lips pressed back made him instantly want more. Easily he deepened it.

He pulled back slowly. “As you captured my heart, you captured my breath.” He swallowed. “Shall not wish any eyes to rest on you except my own, let us go back to chambers.”

“Yes.”

*********

After the door closed, he was behind you in a few short steps. He wrapped his arms around you.

“Being here calms me.”

“I’m glad.” You replied softly, turning in his arms.

Drawing your face up, he kissed you once again. The taste of the fruits he saw you take great pleasure had lingered. You felt good as he felt you press against him.

With great ease he was able to open the clothes that had been draped from your curves. “If you move, you will be revealed before me.” He whispered.

“Then I shall be revealed.”

He watched as you delicately stepped back and your curves were on full display from the flickering light of the candles and the setting sun the shone through the curtains that been drawn on the balcony.

Perhaps it was the visitation to the temple, maybe being in the country but he finally saw the gentle swell of where his baby grew. He knelt down before you, he pressed a kiss one of your belly.

He’d harness all the strength he had inside him to be a better father than his father had been. So far, he was already a much better husband. He had not stuck you. He still was confused as why that was a norm with his father towards his mother. He enjoyed that you had a sharp tongue, it had intrigued him. Got his heart thudding.

“Geta?”

Your gentle voice made his heart grow further.

“You look wondrous carrying my child, our child.” He whispered.

You flushed. “I hope I do. I am excited about entering this new chapter in my life.”

“As am I. May the gods, keep you safe. I will do what I must as well..”

Gently you brushed some strands that had fallen into his eyes as he looked up to you. It did little to calm his heart that thudded hard in his chest.

Standing, he looked down at you. You were so beautiful, you were his. Knowing your body had taken his seed. Arousal for you became a hot knot in his stomach.

“Go and lay on our bed.”

As you lay atop the soft blankets, how your hair framed your face his arousal almost got the best of him. You made any of the musings he ever had for a pale by comparison.

He shed his clothes, that made him feel so held back and restrained. He needed to unleash himself on you. “You will meed to open more for me.”

“Oh yes.”

How you blushed, as he opened your legs so he could settle between them made her terribly hard. He could barely touch himself, as he brought his tip to your entrance.

Your soft center truly bloomed like a flower in the sun for him, and was just as lovely.

“Are you ready for your husband?” Gently he ran his fingers through your folds. You were dewy and soft.

Your answer was a moan that broke your lips. It lade his own curl into a smirk. He loved pulling those sounds from you. He was certain that he surely felt you grow wetter under his touch.

“Look at me love. I want to watch you as I enter you. As I fill you.”

A moan pour from his lips and mingled with the one he pulled from you. It was almost too much. Taking a few breaths he calmed himself. You sheathed him better than the swords were for his praetorian guards.

“You were made me for me.” He breathed.

As he began to move, his pleasure raced up his back. More than ever before you clenched around him. It was exquisite. How you moaned and writhed under him was so alluring, Venus gifted such beauty onto you.

He grasped onto your hip and the bedding. It was all too much, at any moment he felt like he would come undone. You pulled him closer then, deeper he threw his head back and called out in ecstasy. Your sounds matched his.

“My love, my sire.” You practically mewed under him. The words strained from the moans he pulled you.

“Unravel love, I want to feel it.”

Somehow, he managed to slide his hand the soft apex between your legs where the two of you became one. He could feel how he stretched you it made the knot of his tremble. Finding, your special bud he smirked as he felt you shake and call out his name.

“Yes, yes!”

He let go and his pleasure tore through him. Stars and bursts of pleasure went through him. He poured into it, he shook with eruption of his seed in you. Maybe this would give you twins or a health, strong male like himself. It filled him with vigor, he thrust a final time into you his beautifully wilted flower.

******

Your heart still beat like a horse at a full gallop as Geta pulled you too him. He pulled up a blanket next. A happiness fell over you in a soft warmth. You still small trembles after the passions had enveloped the two of you.

You smiled as you felt his lips grazed your shoulder.

“Great news was dispatched to me.” He murmured softly behind you.

“Oh?” Your heart stirred. What possible news, you wondered.

“Yes! It has reached me that General Acacius has taken Numidia. This is a great victory.”

“It is my love.”

Inwardly, you stilled. That meant he was returning to Rome. You did not know how you felt about that. Something about the general still didn’t sit right with you.

@honey-eyed-munson @amethyst-serenade @laura-naruto-fan1998 @screaming-blue-bagel @kitkat80 @blondie324 @alyisdead @hellomadamebutterfly @helsa3942 @marrowfrog00 @misspendragonsworld @therealjomarch @deliciousfestsalad @aspiringwhore @justalittlebitshy @littlemissholy @ruinedbythehobbit @bib200 @yes7686

[ejzah]

Just Know My Heart is Breaking Too, Part 22

***

Surprisingly, Kensi makes it work on time. The very large latte in her hand and the residual elation from last night—and this morning—go some way to easing the effects of no sleep.

It’s early enough that neither Sam or Callen are there, which works perfectly for Kensi. She heads upstairs, happy to see only Nell set up in her usual spot.

“Good morning,” Kensi practically sings, setting a second coffee in front of Nell with a flourish.

“Morning. You’re oddly chipper for 6:52 in the morning,” Nell comments, looking over her shoulder at Kensi. “Care to share the good feelings?”

“We did it,” Kensi tells her, pressing her lips together to hide the giant grin she’s been fighting all morning.

Immediately spinning around in her chair, Nell fixes Kensi with a suspicious glare. “You did what exactly?” Her tone indicates her mind has gone somewhere decidedly more salacious.

“Deeks and I got back together.”

“What? For real?”

Nodding, Kensi covers her mouth with both hands, suddenly near tears as Nell spins around and jumps out of her chair with a little shriek of excitement.

On my god!” Nell almost screams, hugging Kensi tightly. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you, Kensi. And Deeks too.”

“As if you aren’t ninety percent of the reason why it happened,” Kensi says, rubbing underneath her eyes.

“Hey, what’s a best friend for if not to push her friends to make the right choice?” Nell giggles, sounding close to tears herself. “This is probably the best news I’ve heard in a long time.” She squeezes Kensi one more time, pulling back enough to examine Kensi’s face. “How are you feeling? I mean, obviously you’re happy. Wait, when you said you got together…”

“I’m definitely happy,” Kensi assures her. “Beyond happy. And we’re taking it annoyingly slow, which is probably smart. Even if it is annoying.”

“Being responsible sucks,” Nell agrees.

“Yeah, but we’re going out on Saturday. Assuming we don’t get called in for a case.”

“I will literally move heaven and earth to make sure you make it to that date.” With a wave of her hand, Nell amends, “Or at least use every bit of my power as acting operations manager to make sure someone else takes your place. I’m sure Callen and Sam would understand and Anna would happily step in if she’s not busy.”

“I appreciate that Nell, but I kind of want to keep it quiet for a little while,” Kensi says. As supportive as Sam has been, she’s not ready for everyone to know when her relationship with Deeks is so fragile and new again.

“Of course. But if you change your mind, you have all my knowledge and power at your disposal,” Nell reaffirms, spreading her arms wide to encompass all of OPS. She smiles then. “I’m proud of you, lady.”

“Me too.” Kensi waves her hands hands in front of her face in a futile attempt to stop a new wave of tears. “Ok, I need to go do some work before I spend the whole day crying.”

“I don’t know how you expect me to get anything done after this.”

“Oh, I’m lucky if I make it to noon,” Kensi says, squeezing Nell’s hands before she finally moves towards the sliding door.

As she walks downstairs, she sends Deeks a text, grinning to herself when she imagines him reading it.

[thevoidstaredback]

Danny found himself in the Batcave way before the Bats were due to return home. Alfred was on comms at the computer, so Danny waved to him before taking a seat on the head of the dinosaur. He was still so lost in thought.

His chat with Lady Gotham had been…uninformative. She’d had a lot to say, and he knew that he probably needed to hear every word of it, but none of it had brought him closer to solving the Coma Case. It hadn’t even told him if the portal was related!

He heaved a heavy sigh. “One thing at a time, Danny. Gotta call Connie.”

But what to tell him? That the Justice League Dark are going to have to infiltrate the main base for the League of Assassins because any of the heroes or their kids going would mean war on Gotham? Yeah, that’ll go over well.

He called the House.

“You’ve reached Batman.”

“Hey, Z.”

“Phantom! Why’re you calling the House?”

“Because what I’m about to say next may very well upset everyone and I very much do not want a call back about this tonight.”

“So be here in person?”

“That’s an even worse idea.”

She sighed, probably pinching the bridge of her nose. Had she been reading? Did he interrupt a meeting?

“Sorry,” he said quietly.

“What about?” Her voice was soft, but still stressed.

“For upsetting you… For interrupting whatever you were doing.”

“I wasn’t- It’s okay, Phantom, you didn’t interrupt anything. You have news?”

“Yeah.”

“Let me get the others in one place. You good to hold for a minute?”

“Yeah.”

“‘Kay, it’ll only be a minute.”

“Got it.”

There was a click on the line as it fell silent.

Danny sighed again.

There was another click and Zatanna began to speak again. “Alright, everyone’s here. Whatchu got for us, Phantom?”

He swallowed, forcing the words out before he chickened out and hung up on his team. “Battison and his children have spoken in council; In order to investigate the likely involvement with the League of Assassins, the Justice League Dark has to go alone.” He inhaled to try and calm his nerves. “Anyone of the JL heroes or their kids going in could risk war in Gotham and no one wants to see that happen.”

“Wouldn’t us going in be risking war?” Raven asked.

Danny shrugged. “Yeah, but a lot less so.”

There was a sigh that most definitely came from Constantine on the other end.

“We’ll give everyone a proper update once I’m back at the House, but I figured I should give y’all a bit to process the possibility.”

Deadman snorted. “How nice. Why can’t all of our missions give us time to process information?”

“Because Phantom’s not actively trying to kill any of us.” Zatanna answered, probably trying to slap him. “When’ll you be back?”

“Tomorrow? Yeah. Some time tomorrow.”

“Got it. We’ll order pizza.”

“Yay!”

The line went dead.

They didn’t like goodbyes, only saying as such before a high-risk mission. Abrupt hang-ups were better, though not during a crisis.

Danny stared up at the ceiling of the Cave from where he now laid on the T-Rex’s head. He still wanted to know where Batty Man got this thing. And the penny. Why’re they here? How are they here?

Eventually, Alfred left the comms and went upstairs, announcing his leave before going up to the Manor. Probably to make a midnight snack for the Batfam.

Soon thereafter, the group all came back to the Cave. First, Kate, who’s Batwoman; Then, Spoiler, Black Bat, and Red Robin; Next was Red Hood, who’s Jason, and Nightwing, then Batman and Robin. Duke was asleep, being the only day shift, and Barbra was elsewhere in the city.

Kate didn’t stay, changing before going up to the Manor to get her car. She was going to pick up Barbra from wherever she was and take her home. Steph and Cassandra were quick to also go upstairs, both very tired. Steph was leaning on Cassandra the whole way. Nightwing had dragged Red Hood into the infirmary before they could even get their masks off, so that was fun to listen to. Bruce sent Damian up to the Manor the moment he’d finished changing before sitting at the Bat Computer and starting to work on something. Timothy had taken his mask off, but hadn’t moved from his bike.

Nearly ten minutes after Dick and Jason had changed and gone upstairs to bed, Danny sighed and sat up. He wasn’t going to get anything done by sitting on his ass and counting bats. He resigned himself to talking to Bruce for a while longer. Not like it was a bad thing! Just that he would very much be asleep right now, but knows he won’t be able to sleep anywhere that isn’t the House or his Lair.

Timothy had moved from his bike, but hadn’t gone to change. Instead, he stood at the base of the T-Rex, staring at it in deep thought. Finally, he climbed to the top and sat next to Danny, about a foot of space between them.

Danny repressed a sigh.

“I looked into you,” Timothy said after a moment, “figured out who you were. Who you are.”

“I’m not anybody right now.”

“‘Course you are. You’re exactly who you were.”

“I can’t be who I was because I’m who I am now.”

“So you admit that you’re somebody?”

“It’s very well known, at least among the heroes, that I’m the Ghost King. That counts as being somebody.”

“True.”

“Is there a point to this discussion?”

A beat. “There was an accident when you were in middle school. The portal that your parents built, it’s what killed you, right?”

Another beat. Then another. “You need to learn a lesson in tact from Dick.” Inhale. Exhale. “Yeah, it was.”

“I’m sorry.”

“My first instinct is to say ‘It’s okay’, but we both know that’s a lie.” He didn’t turn to look at Timothy. “The dead don’t talk about their deaths even to each other. The living asking them about it isn’t something that happens. Whenever it’s brought up, the memories come flooding back. Most Realms Beings who have lived are only Realms Beings because of the way they died. Painfully, traumatically. Alone. Not only do we have to remember everything about how we died when it’s brought up, but we feel it, too. When I say it all comes back, I mean it; It all comes back and it hurts just the same as it did the first time.”

Timothy breathed in. Then, he let it go with a whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Danny shook his head. “You didn’t, but that’s not a good excuse. I’m not going to forgive you for the slight because that’s not how this goes. Assuring that you're forgiven will only affirm that you can get away with the behavior in the future.”

Timothy nodded, his eyes on the dinosaur head they were sitting on.

Danny was suddenly very aware that the typing at the computer had stopped, though Bruce hadn’t yet left. He was listening.

“Jason and Damian. They both died, yeah?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Have they ever been comfortable talking about how it happened? Have they ever been the ones to bring it up?”

Timothy shook his head. “No.”

“That should’ve been your first clue.”

Danny let the cold rings of light wash over him again. It’s always easier to use his powers as Phantom instead of Danny, though using them as Danny was not nearly as hard as it used to be.

Phantom phased through the head of the dinosaur, finding his way to the memorial that had been put up for Jason, if the named notes were anything to go by. Gently, he placed his hand on the glass and whispered, “You have suffered a great many hardships in both your life and relife. Your rest was disturbed, though I have no doubts that you stand where you are needed. Moriste demasiado joven, niño. Tu familia aún llora, aunque caminas entre ellos. Se te protegerá como tú proteges, se te ayudará como tú ayudas y se te llorará como tú lloras. Tu fuerza nunca te fallará y tu corazón tendrá el peso de una pluma. Descansa ahora, y no sientas más ira cuando despiertes..*”

The Cave fell silent again, not even the bats shuffling above pierced the heavy atmosphere.

“What was that?” Bruce’s voice tentatively broke through the air.

“It is the duty of a psychopomp to guide souls to their chosen afterlife. That was a blessing for Jason, a hope that he will not need my services for a while to come. It was also an apology for not reaching him the first time.”

“It was in Spanish, right?” Timothy asked, “Why couldn’t I understand it?”

“Because it wasn’t meant for your ears.” His feet landed soundlessly on the ground. “Am I okay to stay the night here? The others aren’t expecting me until sometime tomorrow anyway.”

A ghost - ha - of a smile crossed Bruce’s face. “Of course. Will you need a room?”

Phantom shook his head lightly. “Nah, you have a library?”

“Naturally,” the man said, “C’mon, I’ll walk you there.”

“Awesome.”

Part 21 Part 23

Translation 1 - Spanish - "You died too young, child. Your family still weeps, though you walk among them. You will be protected as you protect, helped as you help, and mourned as you mourn. Your strength will never fail you and your heart will have the weight of a feather. Rest now, and feel no more anger when you awaken."

[cantletgangknow]

UNTOUCHABLE pt 22

.☘︎ ݁˖

Hawks x Female Reader

Summary: Y/n l/n (hero name, Echo) wants nothing to do with partners. Especially not the cocky, annoyingly charming Hawks. But when evolving combat bots begin targeting heroes, the two are pulled into a deadly investigation that traces back to the Commission’s darkest secrets. Fighting the enemy is hard enough, but fighting the tension between them might be impossible.

Word count: 717

Parts 1-22 available on my TikTok!!

.☘︎ ݁˖

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

༄.°

By the time the sun crested the skyline, you were already pushing through the front doors of Ironwood’s agency, jacket thrown over your arm, eyes burning from lack of sleep and adrenaline that hadn’t worn off yet.

The lobby was quiet. Too quiet. 

Ironwood’s office light was on.

You knocked once and stepped inside before he could answer.

He was already standing, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened, a half-empty mug cooling on his desk. The second he saw you, his posture shifted, less commander, more something personal.

“Sir,” you said. “I have something.”

He didn’t look at you right away. “If it’s about the engineer lead, it can wait until briefing—”

“It can’t,” you cut in, firmer than usual. “I found him.”

That got his attention. He turned slowly, eyes sharp. “Start talking.”

You laid it out cleanly. The auction intel. The serial tags. The behavioral AI gap. The name. Dr. Kaede Morita. Former Commission researcher. Specialized in adaptive learning. Quietly terminated months before Project Rebirth was officially scrapped.

Ironwood listened without interrupting, arms crossed as he paced once, then twice, absorbing each detail. When you finished, he stopped in front of the terminal and pulled up Morita’s file.

“…Damn it,” he muttered.

You frowned. “You know him.”

“I knew of him,” Ironwood corrected. “Brilliant. Difficult. Pushed too hard, too fast. The kind of mind the Commission loves right up until it becomes inconvenient.”

He scrolled further. “They marked him as ‘relieved of duty’ and sealed his clearance. No arrest. No follow-up. Just… gone.”

“Which means they didn’t want attention,” you said quietly.

“And they didn’t want questions,” Ironwood replied. He leaned back against the desk, rubbing a hand over his face. For a moment, the commander slipped, revealing exhaustion beneath the authority.

“This confirms our worst-case scenario,” he said. “Project Rebirth wasn’t just stolen. It was abandoned halfway through, and someone picked it back up without oversight.”

“And they’re improving it,” you added. “Each bot is better than the last.”

Ironwood nodded. “Adaptive escalation. Learning from every encounter.”

Silence settled between you. Then he looked at you and his tone shifted.

“You handled this correctly,” he said. “You didn’t rush the field. You followed the data. You waited for confirmation.”

You blinked, caught off guard.

“That’s what good heroes do,” he continued. “And what good investigators do. I know you like to pretend you’re just instinct and grit, Echo, but this—” he gestured toward the screen, the files, the trail you’d built “—this took patience.”

Your throat tightened. “I just didn’t want to miss anything.”

“You didn’t,” he said firmly. “And you didn’t bring me noise. You brought me truth.” For a brief second, his expression softened— pride.

Then the moment passed, replaced by steel. “But this also means we’re on a clock,” Ironwood said. “If Morita is alive and working under pressure, he’s either about to disappear again… or he’s already compromised.”

You straightened. “I want to find him.”

“I know,” Ironwood said. “And you will. But not alone, and not without clearance.”

Before you could respond, the office door burst open behind you.

“Boss.”

You turned as Hawks stepped in, wings flared slightly in agitation, followed by two other heroes you recognized from earlier briefings. The usual grin was gone, replaced by something tight and urgent.

Ironwood straightened instantly. “Report.”

Hawks didn’t waste time. “We just got word from harbor patrol. A machine surfaced at the east docks.”

Your stomach dropped. “Same model?” you asked.

“No,” Hawks said grimly. “Bigger. Faster. And it’s not attacking randomly.”

Ironwood’s jaw clenched. “Who are its targets?”

Hawks met your gaze for half a second before answering. “Support engineers,” he said. “Tech scientists. Anyone with system-level knowledge.”

Your blood went cold.

“It’s not just fighting anymore,” Hawks continued. “It’s collecting.”

Ironwood was already moving, issuing orders, activating screens. “Scramble response teams. Lock down the perimeter. I want live feeds and evacuation routes now. I want Echo and Hawks on the front lines.”

Then, quieter, to just to you and Hawks. “If this machine is targeting minds instead of muscle,” he said, “then we’re already behind.”

You clenched your fists.

And somewhere deep in your chest, a single, terrifying thought took root:

The machines weren’t just learning how to fight heroes anymore. They were learning how to build themselves.

.☘︎ ݁˖