OMG!

Sorry guys!

Birthday shenanigans have been happening this week, and long story short, while I'm having a very happy birthday week and being spoiled by my awesome husband and bestie, I forgot what day it was.

:(

But here you guys go! One new chapter.

Don't forget to let us know you were here, we love reading messages.

Lots of Love,

-Dark-

She'd never admit it to her family, unless under duress, but she'd missed walking around the Isle. Missed seeing everyone, even if she had to remain hidden and not alert them to her presence.

She happily taps her notebook hidden in the overly large pouch as she struggles to keep pace with T without her mood showing through.

She'd never hear the end of it if she started skipping.

She only had a little more work to put into the notebook before handing it off to Irk. It was some of her favorite writing. She never would have thought to use pictures, which on this side of it seemed ridiculous now. It made for an interesting piece.

"So after this we're going to the cove to practice for the rest of the nigh-" She looks up, trying to figure out the time based on the moon like Uma and Gil were teaching her. The sun was definitely still down, but it felt like it would be trying to come up soon. "Morning?"

T turns, walking backward with his hands in his pockets, "I mean, you've got everything you need right?"

She shrugs, "I'm not sure the shinies I have will be enough, but Irk knows I'm good for it."

"They'll be plenty." T chuckles as he turns back around. "Though I'm sure Irk won't complain if you give 'im more."

"Irk's not much of a complainer." She chuckles.

"Nope." T nods, "He really ain't."

"So, meeting with the goblins, swimming, barge hunting, and then picking Dizzy up on our way back to the cove." Dizzy had been so excited by the invitation to the cove, and the ship.

She just hoped her Granny would let her go.

T would end up getting creative if she said no.

"Sound's right to me…" T agrees after a moment, "Speakin' of meetings with Goblins though." He turns and pulls her into an alcove. "I need you to do me a solid."

Uh oh. A solid.

After all the warnings she and T had gotten from the family? "That sounds dangerous." She half-smiles.

T rubs the back of his neck, "I just-" He sighs. "I don't need you connecting dots on this. So, I need you to promise that when we meet up with them, there'll be no eavesdropping. Intentional or otherwise."

Deez holds her hand up, "I've already connected some dots. Just so you're aware. But-" She bites her lip as she pulls her hands behind her back, "I appreciate you telling me what you need."

It was strange that her family, the family that was so adamant about telling the truth all the time, all seemed to be on the same page about keeping her in the dark about whatever was happening on the Isle.

Her only consolation about the whole thing was the fact that, for whatever reason, it seemed to make them all feel better about themselves to keep her out of it.

How could she deny them that?

T crosses his arms over his chest as he looks down at her suspiciously. "These aren't dots that need connecting D- So please, just do me and the rest of the family a solid here and shut that shit down when they pop up..."

"I wish I knew how." She rolls her eyes. Like it didn't make her life harder.

T clucks his tongue. "Fair." He shakes his head. "How bout this then-"

"I'll leave you alone." She interrupts, "I'll make sure I can't hear anything. And I'll do anything I can not to connect things."

"Thank you." T nods with a relieved sigh, "But I wasn't going to beat a dead whale- I know you won't if you say it- I was gonna say if you need, and I mean really need anything clarified- Don't go to the others. Please. I try not to ask for much, so like, please come to me. They'll have a shit fit if they figure out you know anything about this shit, and for good reason… You're too young for this shit- But you're not an idiot either."

She bites her lip as her head tilts in concern, doing her best to not bristle at the young comment. "I know enough to not ask for more." She finally whispers, "I know you're all just trying to protect me from something that's painful and personal." She takes a slow, deep breath, "So I get it, and I'm trying to not make it any harder."

T's eyes dart around the alley before he steps closer to her and leans down to kiss her forehead. "Smart girl." He drops a hand to her head. "Always so mindful." He ruffles her hood tenderly. "You're right, as usual. Thanks for not poking. I'm pretty sure I can speak for all four of us when I say it's appreciated."

She smiles despite herself. T usually didn't treat her like a blatant child, but even he had his moments.

But when it was affectionately done, she couldn't fight the warmth in her chest. "Thank you." It felt really nice getting a compliment from him that didn't involve her abilities.

T tucks her loose hair back into her hoodie with a surprising amount of tenderness before he fluffs the hood over her face. "Of course." He nods before he tilts his chin back to the street. "Bak said to meet him a few streets from here. Irk should be with him."

She nods before she chuckles and flashes a thumb up. The hoodie she was wearing was big on T, so of course it was a massive tent on her.

T snorts. "You've gotten really good at walking in that…" He looks around before he chucks her chin, "Come on." He grins as he starts racing down an alley before he jumps back and forth up a wall.

She sighs. Last time she'd tried to keep up with him during a climbing chase she'd put her foot through a brick wall and ended up hanging upside down.

She'd won that tug of war for that picture. Mostly because she set it on fire while it was still in T's hand.

Fuck. That.

She huffs before she looks around, smiling at the uneven bricks on the next building. She runs over and starts climbing. Better to be slower than end up upside down again.

"What took you so long?" T asks when she finally makes it to the roof.

"Reminiscing." She rolls her eyes.

T snorts before he takes her by the arm and walks to the edge of the building, "It's quicker if we go this way to meet up with 'em." He looks back at her. "Think you can keep up, mini-me."

"You know I can outpace you if I was allowed to." She pouts as she crosses her arms over her chest.

"On the roofs shorty?'

"I've gotten better at it." She shrugs, "I had to pretend to be you for a whole week."

He chuckles lowly as he nods before he takes off with no more warning.

Most of that week was a blur, now that she thought about it. She sighs before she rushes to catch up. All of Jay's advice about timing jumps plays out in her head as she flat out runs for the edge of the roof.

Wasn't there something about rolling with the landing? Ugh, she should have taken Jay up on his offer more often when she'd had the chance. She takes a deep breath before she jumps after T, hoping to mimic his fluid landing.

The instant her foot hit the ground she knew something was off. She tumbles and rolls across the top of the roof, unable to make sense of her jumbled world until a hard stop happens unexpectedly.

"Ledge." T states as he removes his foot. "Also, tuck and roll."

"Knew I forgot something." She grumbles as the world continues to spin.

T shakes his head. "Stopping is worth remembering too."

"Oh shut up." She pulls herself to her feet and immediately finds herself in T's arms, "I can walk."

T snorts. "Then prove it, Princess." He teases as he slowly releases one of her shoulders.

She growls as everything continues to spin.

"Mhmm." T chuckles as he pulls her back to his chest.

"My eyes refuse to stop spinning even though I'm not rolling anymore."

"My heart refuses to stop racing even though you didn't roll off the edge."

"It wouldn't have hurt for long." She reminds him.

"I don't care." T breathes out. "You still would've landed sprawled and stunned."

Ah.

She could tell something was off from the way he tensed behind her.

Like Harry maybe?

They hadn't talked about it, but something big must have happened for Harry to come home so injured.

It must have gotten to him if just the thought was enough to make him so tense. "Sorry."

"S'no big," T grumbles as he plops on his ass, taking her with him. "Let me know when the world stops spinnin'."

"How much farther do we have to go?" She asks as she rubs her temples.

"Two streets." T sighs, "But we'll be walkin' them, thanks."

"I'm not going to get better if you don't let me practice."

"Yeah, but we can practice on not five-story buildings."

"I thought you said pain makes lessons stick."

"Yeah, I mean, if you feel pain."

She furrows her brow, "I do feel pain."

T tilts his head back to look at the barrier, "I meant consequential pain..."

She tenses before blinks up at him and rolls out of his lap. "Feeling better." She explains as she stands up.

She didn't want to think too much about why that hurt. Like she needed another reminder that she was different.

"Heard." T follows her. "Run or streets? Your call..."

She snorts. Her call. After all that? "Let's just climb down." She turns to carefully start looking for hand and footholds.

T falters before he puts a hand on her shoulder. "Pretty sure you're the deepest… Feeler I know. I just mean physical…"

"Yeah, I know. And I do. But it's not the same as everyone else, so it's inconsequential. I get it. Moving on."

T lets out a deep sigh. "I didn't mean to diminish you or your hurt. I know you feel it more than most when you see others injured." He releases her arm before he steps up on the ledge and looks down before he jumps.

"I'm not talking about hurt feelings." She whispers before she mimics him.

"I deserved that." T breathes out as he catches her and clutches her to his chest.

"I- I wasn't trying to do something you deserved or not," She glares, "I was just trying to do what you did."

"Heard." T shakes his head as he lowers her to her feet.

She draws in a deep breath before she lets it out slowly, "I do feel physical pain you know." She explains slowly as she looks down at her hands, "I just always went with everyone thinking I didn't because it looked like it made them feel better. It's quick, cause I heal so fast, but I feel it. Healing hurts too sometimes."

T pauses as he looks down at her. He reaches out and takes her hand and traces the compass out on her flawless skin. "It was a thoughtless comment D, I'm sorry. I know you feel pain. I've heard it..."

She closes her eyes, "I think that's why it hurt. You're the only one who has. Who knows. The others, I- I didn't want them to know. I mean, they might now, I screamed when I bit myself…" She looks down at her scar free palms, "But not having scars makes it easier to forget."

"I'm sorry D." He slides his hand into hers and squeezes. "It was a dick thing to say."

She shakes her head, "It wasn't." Her eyes narrow. It really wasn't. It was what he thought. And how could she feel understood if she never took the time to explain?

But now that she was thinking about it, "It's the opposite of your situation, isn't it?" She was pristine, and he was covered in scars. His pain should be easy to see, but he kept it covered. She used to show off how indestructible she was without even meaning to. "I just, I overreacted. Sorry."

T tilts his head to the side as he studies her. "S'not…" He sighs, "Me too." He shrugs. "I shouldn't have said it, and you didn't overreact. I'm just an asshole sometimes… I didn't mean your pain isn't significant- It fuckin' shook me seeing-" He shakes his head, "I meant lingering consequences from it- If that helps to clarify anything… When something does break through your skin-" He traces another compass into her palm. "It's completely and utterly worth noting."

She frowns, "I know I'm not like everyone else T. I spend half my time pretending I am, and the other half wondering what it actually means. I know the pain I feel isn't the same-"

"That doesn't make it any less awful though- If anything it makes it more. I can't remember where every scar came from- But when you're hurt that shit is potent. I'm sure it sticks with you. And who gives a shit if you're not like everyone else? Everyone else sucks."

"You, Uma, Harry, and Gil don't suck." She frowns.

"I'm sorry for misspeaking so much-" T rubs the back of his head. "I meant…" He sighs, "You stand out, sure. But I've never viewed that as a bad thing. I don't count anyone that stood out to her as a bad thing. You… Sure you had one up on everyone, being who you are- But look what you've done with it. Look what happened because of it. No one else could've done what you've done. Anyone else would've been killed for being so soft-hearted. For believing in the best of people. Even the shitiot fuck of a king that kept us here. Who the fuck wants to blend into trash D?"

His whispered words were so passionate it floored her. She wasn't sure T had ever put this much into a conversation with her. Not without shouting being involved at least. Or trying to teach her something.

Was he trying to teach her something? It sounded like he was. She grins, "Is that a trick question?"

T tilts his head to the side before he drops her hand and turns with a snort. "I'm just trash."

"No, you're not." She chuckles, "But, you are a good friend. Thank you."

T shrugs, "If you ever start doubtin' who you are, or where you stand- Feel free to come to me. I love correcting people."

"I have seen that in you. And you're so good at it, not to inflate your ego about it." She shakes her head before she starts walking.

T's hand shoots out and stops her. "Dude." He chuckles. "Wrong way."

She sighs. "I hate this place."

"I don't know what you're talkin' bout." T squeezes her shoulder. "It's amazing to play in."

"I agree. It is a maze in which we get lost in."

"Cute." T chuckles before he lets her arm go. "Watch my six."

She smiles before she presses a finger against her cheek, "I try."

"And that's how you get away with so much shit." T snorts. "Adorable lil' monster." He teases.

"I'll take it." She shrugs before she turns to look down the alleyway.

"And I'll take the disappointment."

"How are my cuteness and adorableness disappointing?"

"Oh, it's not." T shakes his head. "I just meant I don't try jack shit to assuage it. I eat disappointment for breakfast."

"You must think people are always disappointed in you," Deez whispers as she falls into step with T, walking a little to his side and a few steps behind him.

T shrugs as he falls silent.

"We're not." She adds before they turn a corner and she catches sight of a group of goblins hanging out by a door.

T puts a hand back on her shoulder. "Can you hear what they're saying?"

She nods, "Something about gathering people-"

"Heard." T covers her ears before he lets out a low sharp whistle.

The group of goblins immediately turn to the noise before they rush over.

"Master T! It good to see you!"

"Daughter of Hades. Have shinies?"

She smiles and nods, "But I need to talk to Irk first, please."

Irk nods before he stands at attention beside her and shoos the others.

T shakes his head, "You promised not to listen, so just, ya know, go that way until you can't hear us. And Irk, do you mind staying with her until I finish this up?"

"Irk not mind watching over Daughter of Hades while we talk shinies."

T taps his foot against the uneven ground.

"Until Master T comes to claim?"

"That one." T nods before he looks to her and waves her off, "Remember you promised."

"I won't listen. Go on. Do what you gotta do." She waves him off before she turns with Irk and starts walking, "Just give me a minute of you talking about not important things first." She calls back over her shoulder.

She turns when she hears running behind her. "Wait," T holds out his bag to her, "You mind? I don't wanna ruin my shit."

She tilts her head to the side, "Of course not?" She takes the bag and throws it over her shoulder. Shutting out all the questions that started bubbling up before they could spill out of her mouth.

"Thanks," T nods before he turns her back towards the opposite direction. "Be back in like twenty." He ruffles her hood before he turns on his heel and darts back to the gaggle of Goblins.

"Irk glad to see Daughter of Hades safe and well again." Irk breaks the silence once they head down another alley.

She smiles, "It's all thanks to you and your warning."

She owed him a lot. He really took a huge risk warning her the way he had. Maleficent talked about culling the Goblins like she was proud of the way she'd nearly wiped their race out of existence. And yet, despite knowing what the woman would do without remorse, he'd still warned her, "Thank you."

"Glad to help." Irk nods before he holds up a string of her colored shards of glass, "Irk loves shinies. Envy of others."

"I'll have to make even more then." She giggles before she stops walking, realizing that she couldn't even hear a hum of chatter anymore. She reaches into her bag and pulls out her handful of twisted metal and glass, "You up to getting a notebook to the barge?"

"Irk happy to do favor for Daughter of Hades." Irk grins, "For shinies."

"Is this enough?" She asks as she holds out her treasures.

Irk's eyes brighten as he tries not to dance in place. "Shinies for Irk. Delivery for Daughter of Hades."

"Deal!" She smiles as she carefully drops the trinkets into Irk's hand.

Irk bounces on the heels of his feet, already starting to add the bobbles to his gaudy necklace. "Irk be envy to all."

"I just need to finish up one part of my letter-" She chuckles as she watches him carefully tie each item into his necklace.

"Irk wait." Irk nods, not looking up from his unappointed task. "Irk wait for Master anyway." He points to a wall. "Daughter of Hades sit?"

She nods and moves to the wall before she quickly pulls the notebook out and looks over each page, making sure the pictures were secured in place. After a moment she frowns and looks up, "Hey Irk, can I take a picture of you?"

Irk turns to her, his head tilted to the side, "Take picture of Irk?"

"Well yeah. You know how I write to the king?"

Irk nods, "Irk make delivery many times."

"Well, T and Harry talked to the Prince, and he's actually getting them, and reading them." She smiles, warm all over again.

"Exciting for Daughter of Hades." Irk grins.

"Very exciting." She nods before she turns the notebook towards him, "So, I'm going to keep sending him letters, but now I'm including pictures. I'd like to tell him about you, if you don't mind."

"Irk happy be in picture, but Irk finish shinies first?"

"Shines first." She nods before she flips to a new page and starts writing about the little Goblin hero she had, and everything he'd done for her over the years.

It wasn't fair to write about the people who didn't belong here without including the Goblins who fought so hard to do what was right, despite the risk to themselves. She'd have to get T to take pictures of all of them.

Irk bounces from one foot to another happily singing to himself. "Shinies for Irk. Shinies for Irk. All the shinies for Irk Irk Irk."

She chuckles before she takes the camera out of T's bag. Irk was just too cute to pass up this candid shot. She loved how happy her small trinkets made him. She holds the camera to her eye and snaps the shot, taking the photo before she snaps another.

"Irk no ready." Irk whines, when he looks up at the flash.

"T says the best pictures are when you're not ready." She smiles as she puts the camera down and starts shaking the pictures.

"Oh. If Master say so." Irk nods, before he turns back to his song and necklace.

She giggles as she takes the first one and tapes it in place. Off to the side she writes out his song. If nothing else, she knew Mal would be amused.

She waits patiently, holding onto the camera until Irk smiles widely and holds up his treasure.

"Irk ready, Daughter of Hades want take picture now?"

She smiles as she holds the camera up and clicks twice, loving the wide, toothy grin on the tusked Goblin's face as he proudly shows off the necklace.

She puts the camera and one of the pictures away before she stands, still shaking both pictures, "Here." She holds them out.

Irk takes the pictures curiously before he looks at them. "Picture of Irk! Irk keep?"

"Of course."

Irk jumps up and down in excitement. "Irk be envy of all." He cackles.

"You!" Comes a man's strangled cry of outrage.

She turns, surprised that someone had snuck up on her and Irk, "Uh- Who?" She asks, trying to drop her voice and keep it scratchy.

"Don't fuck with me!" The man growls, "I'm knowin' a member o' the Black Hood Death Squad when I see one!"

Without warning, he brings down a sword.

Her eyes widen before she dodges back, slipping from the bags around her shoulder and dropping her notebook before she grabs the man's sword hand. "Stop." She warns, "I don't even know you."

"Book!" Irk races over to grab the fallen notebook, dragging the bags with him as he backs away.

"I'll kill you!" The man spits as he wrenches his hand away from her, only to take another swing. "Ya bastards!" He growls, "I'll gut you all for what ya've done!"

His swings were too wild, his eyes too crazed. She didn't have time to call for help, and calling for help might only bring more trouble.

Her hand wavers over the daggers T was letting her borrow. Could she stop him without giving herself away?

She takes a deep breath before her eyes harden.

She holds up her hand, taking a firm, threatening stance, "Leave, or I will kill you."

The man lets out a howl of hollow laughter. "Kill me? With what?" He looms over her, licking his lips before he rushes her again.

It was the last warning she was willing to give. She rushes forward, dodging his sword before she jumps, clamping her legs around his chest before she grabs the man's throat, unleashing all the heat she had into the palm of her hand.

He doesn't even have a chance to scream before his body hits the ground with a thud.

She lets herself roll with the momentum until she comes to rest looking up at the barrier, and the night sky beyond it.

She draws in a deep breath before she squints, trying to find Gil's star behind it. She still couldn't find it without his help.

"Daughter of Hades okay?" Irk pats her down, though she barely registers it. "Irk and Master be upset if bad happened to Daughter of Hades." He explains as he looks down at her, extending a hand.

She takes a deep breath before she accepts his help up. "I'm okay." Her nose twitches as the smell of copper overwhelms her, "But, can we-"

"D!" T skids to a halt in front leaving a streak of something dark and slick in his wake, barely catching himself in his haste.

"Hey." She blinks at him.

"Hey?" T breathes out, as he takes a quick inventory of the scene. "Heard." He takes her by the arm. "Bags please?" He asks Irk, who quickly hands them to him. "Have Urg and Slurg take care of this please?" He tilts his chin to the man.

"Irk can do." Irk nods, before he lumbers off towards the other goblins.

Deez tilts her head as she looks over the man's body, "What's a Black Hood Death Squad?"

"Dunno," He frowns. He wasn't even gone for fifteen minutes. How the fuck did this happen? And why with damn Deez. He guides her away from the body. "I'll look into it though, it sounds-" Shit. Was that what they were starting to call Harry and him?

"Okay." Deez nods, "Because he thought I was."

He glances her over. She really did look like a mini version of him. Head to toe in black.

Yeah. Mal might've been right. He was starting a cult.

Whoops. "Fuck D, I'm sorry-"

"Why?" Deez scrunches her face up in confusion.

"I know you hate that shit."

Deez shrugs, "He wanted to kill me. I thought I was supposed to kill them right back."

Huh. Good for her.

He smirks. "Damn fuckin' straight you are." He nods, squeezing her arm. "Proud of you, 'bout time you fuckin' defended yourself." He closes his eyes as he feels someone tug on the back of his hoodie. How the fuck had he missed someone sneaking up on them? He lets Deez go, cracking his neck before he turns dagger already in hand.

But when he sees Gak, he lowers the blade. "Sup?"

"Gak want Master to know it ten now." She looks down at the list, "No nine." She explains as she crosses another name off a list.

"Oh, was he one of the bad guys hurting kids?" Deez asks blankly.

"Thanks, Gak." He sighs, what a pain in his ass. "Now go help the others, please."

"Gak happy to." She chirps before she happily walks her hippo looking ass away.

He clicks his tongue before he takes Deez's arm again and keeps guiding her. "Apparently."

"Even better then." Deez shrugs, "It's like a weird two birds one firestone thing then."

"No such thing." He waves his free hand dismissively. "Nothin' weird bout it." He looks around.

"It was weird that he decided to attack me." Deez frowns up at him.

"Was it though?" He puffs up his cheeks before he blows it out.

Deez blinks, "Yes?"

He frowns at the lack of emotion and expression. Huh. She knew there was a list. Knew that someone had attacked her accusing her to be a part of a squad- Could probably smell the blood on him. But couldn't figure out why? That didn't sound like D at all.

"Heard." He frowns. "We're going to the cove now." Was she okay? He wasn't sure. Should he just bring her back to the ship instead? He bites his lower lip. He was never going to be allowed to be on shore leave with Deez again.

Not only that- He'd broken his promise to Uma. He'd sworn that he wouldn't involve Deez in this shit. How the fuck had this happened?

He flinches at the thought. Would she even want them in their room after this? Fuck. Why?

He shakes his head.

So not where his priorities should be right now. He turns back to Deez in concern.

"Okay." Deez nods before she smiles, "I gave Irk the notebook. He let me take a picture of him and write about him. So I got to include him. Do you think you could take pictures of the others? They don't deserve to be here either. I feel bad that I never thought about that before."

"Sure Deez." He nods. "I can probably get some group photos for you as long as I give them one too. They love shit like that."

He needed to think of something to keep the Urchins safe.

He hated the idea. Loathed it even. But if the fucks were going to start attacking anyone that dressed like him… Fuck.

He was going to have to start marking shit. Wonder-fucking-ful.

And make a scene. He swallows another groan. He hangs his head back to glare at the barrier.

He was going to have to sneak off tomorrow night.

"Are we going to practice me putting my head under the water?" Deez asks as they keep walking.

He turns back to her, "Uh…" Emotionless Deez torture? He wasn't sure that was a great idea. "Do you want to practice?"

"Yes?" Deez tilts her head as she looks at him.

"Then sure." He shrugs. If she was sure, who was he to question it?

Did it seem like a good idea? No. No in fact it seemed far from it. But- He wasn't about to question her when everything he did was questionable.

"He said he was going to kill me T. I had to kill him first. Or else Gil, and Uma, and Harry would never let me go on the isle again." Deez explains.

"Oh dude, no you totally did the right thing." He squeezes her shoulder. "What do I always tell you?"

"If someone tries to kill you, you kill them first." They both say in unison.

"Exactly." He nods. "And accurate."

"So why are you upset?"

Emotionless. Expressionless. Not able to connect as many dots. But somehow still able to read him. How the fuck was that fair? Dumb. "I'm upset someone attacked you, not that you killed them. Don't be stupid."

"Oh." Deez rubs her nose, "But now you know I can. I know that always bothered you. It bothers them too."

"It's not about whether you could, or could not… It's about the after-effects of it…" He does his best to clarify. Was there something wrong with him? He hadn't been nearly as affected after he'd killed.

Ugh. Dumb question.

Of course there was something wrong with him.

"I'm not upset about it." Deez shakes her head.

"Yeah… I can tell." Because this was her normal? He rolls his eyes. Was she lying to herself, or to him?

"I'm not. I'm just-" She stops walking.

"Just what?" He starts guiding her again.

"I think I'm stuck. Like I'm thinking about everything really fast. And I can't make it stop."

He pauses as he turns her, his head tilts his head to the side.

She was doing that thing again. That thing she did whenever she- He glares up at the barrier.

He was for certain not Uma. No Harry, fuck he knew he was no Gil but-

He looks around before he pulls them further into the cover of shadows.

-if it worked when they did it for her. He shrugs before he chucks her chin, making her head tilt back in confusion before his lips press over hers not a second later.

"Have you been practicing?" Deez blinks up at him as she takes a breath.

"Don't be dumb." He pulls back. "I'm not letting Hook win."

"You're really good."

"But I still need to get better." He huffs, as he stands back up straight.

"I mean if you're trying to beat Harry, yeah." Deez smiles. "Cause he's had a lot of practice."

T shrugs, "Don't care, hate losing- I'll figure something out."

"Gil's a really good kisser." Deez grins.

"Wouldn't know, he's always distracted whenever I kiss him." He shrugs, "Feel less stuck?"

Deez blinks, "Yeah, a little. Things aren't as fast and slow anymore."

He nods, before he leans down and kisses her again.

Anything to get her back to normal.

Anything so they could talk about this before the rest of the family came to the cove to claim what was theirs.

Deez smiles up at him, "You and Harry must fight for kiss dominance." She giggles.

Her giggle had never been so welcome. "Kiss dominance?"

"Yeah, like who's in charge during it."

Is that what they were doing? He snorts, "Well, obviously me."

"But Harry's always in charge of kisses with me, and you are too. So you guys must fight. Maybe that's why kissing is a competition to you." She giggles again before she yawns.

"Anything can be a competition if you try hard enough." He grins before, he slides the bags off his shoulder and moves them to Deez's, before he crouches down. "C'mon." He offers. "I've got your scrawny ass 'till we get to the ledge."

"Carry me?" Her eyes crinkle over the fabric.

"Yeah." He nods, "It's not like anyone comes this way this time of night." Or ever. She'd done a great job finding this particular hiding spot. "Offer expires in ten-nine-eight-seven-six-five-four oof." He grins as her landing thuds against his back and she wraps herself around him. He wraps his arms under her thighs as he stands straight and starts walking.

"Thanks." He feels her nuzzle against his neck.

"Don't get used to it." He warns even as he nudges his head against her.

"Mmhmm." Deez nods.

He shakes his head as he continues walking.

This fucking week had been a fucking nightmare.

Harry almost dying on him.

Uma trusting him with their Baby Girl, only for him to ruin that trust.

Accidentally starting a sub-gang.

Harry almost dying.

Knowing he was going to have to make a scene.

Needing to make himself distinguishable so other urchins wouldn't get attacked.

Harry almost fucking dying.

He pauses and turns when he feels Deez's hold loosen around his neck as he finds himself supporting her weight with his arms.

Please don't let her have a night terror over this. Please don't let her have a night terror over this. God, if you give any fucks, please don't let her have a night terror over this.

Sup Fam,

So what'd'ya think?

This chapter was up, down, and went all around with them feels, as D and T scenes often tend to do.

Lots to unpack in this one.

But I'mma try…

What did you think about the conversation between the two about pain? Consequential or otherwise. It was a weird way for T to phrase it, admittedly but- It was bound to come up right?

And the convo about D staying in the dark and not connecting dots- Wasn't particularly fair so much as T trying to cover his own ass. Personally we think that the sea fam is a bit naive to treat D so childishly, but on the other hand, she's the only one who hasn't been touched by that kind of darkness and they want to preserve that light. So… kinda a hard call. Where do you stand on it?

Then there was D having to kill.

That's always a confused cluster fuck for her.

As T's writer I know he was a lot more- hands-on in this chapter. From where I was writing he was just trying to make sure D was more comfortable. Even if it meant he wasn't. After 'hurting' her that is. How did it read to you?

Was the kiss a surprise?

Was D falling asleep on T?

Would love to know!

Much love and appreciation

-Twisted