Crash and Burn (Lifetimes AU, 71,955 words) - Part 2
Title: Crash and Burn (Lifetimes #28)
Authors:
bookishlady242 and
ocelot_l
Pairings: Harvey/Linkara, 90s Kid/80s Dan, Boffo/Linksano, Kung-Tai Ted/Ninja-Style Dancer
Rating: R
Warnings/Triggers: Graphic violence, graphic blood, heavy angst, mind control, hallucinations, drug use, references to drug use, death, references to past death, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, allusions to sex, mild sexual activity
Summary: When Linkara learns about a devastating new weapon which could destroy lives if it falls into the wrong hands, he and his team must prepare for a mission harder than any they've faced before. When challenges threaten their lives and their ties of friendship, will they manage to save the world and, most importantly, themselves?
DISCLAIMER: We do not own the characters, the shows, or the people who portray the characters. This is meant as a work of fiction and is fair use. Please support the creators by watching their videos, letting the ads play, buying their DVDs and merchandise, and/or contributing to their Patreon(s). "Crash and Burn" is performed by Savage Garden.
Very special thanks to
njdoodler112 and
trulyamindlost for the bonus content! :D
Part 1/ Part 3 /Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8/ Part 9/ Part 10/ Part 11/ Part 12/ Part 13/ Part 14/Bonus Material
Ninja sat cross-legged with his hands resting on his knees as he meditated early the next morning. Or more like he attempted to meditate, since his peaceful thoughts continued to be interrupted by images that were anything but peaceful. Such as Ted lying in the snow, a sharp kunai sticking from his body.
Or Ted lying deathly still in Doctor Linksano’s lab as he struggled to stay alive.
Or Ted lying in his dress robes inside a varnished pine box…
“No! That will not happen; I refuse to let that happen!” Ninja’s body tensed, his hands clenching into fists, and he swallowed heavily as he forced his mind clear of all images. “Ted will be fine. He will be safer here than if he were with me on this mission. He has become stronger each day thanks to my training, and without my presence he will be less likely to do rash, reckless things like diving in front of poisoned weapons to protect me.”
Ninja started to calm down again as he continued to repeat these words over and over again in his mind.
“Ted is strong. Ted is safe here. I will have Pollo and Boffo to check on him in my absence. They will all be safe.”
Ninja’s fingers unfurled and he took in a few deep breaths as he attempted to focus his mind on other matters.
“I can’t continue to worry about Ted any longer. The mission is almost at hand. I must shut off my fears and emotions so that I can concentrate solely on what I need to do. That is the way I was raised, the way of the ninja. I must honor my vows to my family…I must shut off everything but the mission…”
“Greetings, Ninja!”
Ninja leapt a foot into the air when he felt a pair of hands suddenly squeeze his shoulders. He spun around and pinned his assailant to the wall, before realizing that it had only been Ted, who was now staring back at him in flushed surprise. “N-Ninja, I’d be happy to try for round four, b-but is it alright if we have breakfast first? I’m kinda hungry thanks to last night.”
*Damn it, Ted! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me when I’m meditating!* Ninja scolded as he released the other man from his grip.
Ted’s expression fell and he clasped his hands together in apology. “I’m sorry, Ninja. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. I-I was just feeling so happy thanks to our vigorous romantic activities last night that I wanted to thank you,” he admitted with a blush.
Ninja sighed before reaching out to touch Ted’s arm softly. *It’s alright. I’m sorry for overreacting. Let’s have breakfast.*
“That sounds wonderful!”
While Ted skipped into the dining room to wait, Ninja set to work preparing their meals. He soon carried to Ted plates laden high with pancakes and eggs, as well as a cup of coffee and one of green tea for himself. Ninja dug in the moment he sat down, since he would need to eat heartily if his plan to train for the few hours he had until midnight was to come to fruition. Ted, on the other hand, took his sweet time nibbling at the food, since he was spending the majority of his time staring at Ninja with a lovesick gaze.
“I hoped you slept well last night, Ninja, because I certainly did! You wore me out so thoroughly that I found myself sleeping like the proverbial babe.”
*I’m glad to hear that* Ninja said before taking a sip of tea. *I also slept well, thanks.*
“So, do you have any plans for today?” Ted asked after finishing one pancake to Ninja’s three. “I was hoping that we might continue our training together, if you weren’t too busy of course. I know that it’s much too cold to spend time in the park, but the martial arts studio I work for is closed today, so we could sneak inside for a private workout,” he said with a giddy smile.
*I must decline your invitation* Ninja answered, trying not to notice how crestfallen Ted seemed by the response. *Linkara has asked us all to accompany him on a mission and I must spend all of today preparing for it. I will be practicing highly advanced skills, none of which you are ready to attempt, so it would be best if I trained on my own today.*
“I understand,” Ted said, trying to perk himself back up a little. “What kind of mission is it this time, Ninja?”
*All information is classified, Ted* Ninja responded before dabbing a bit of syrup from the corner of his mouth. *I can only reveal to you that I will depart at midnight tonight, and that I will not be able to contact you at all until I return.*
Ted stared at him, letting the forkful of egg that was halfway to his lips fall back to his plate. “It’s that serious?” he asked, unsure if he understood. “When do you believe you’ll be back? Tomorrow? The next day?”
*That is also classified, but I would not expect us back anytime soon* Ninja held up before drinking more of his tea.
Ted’s brow furrowed in worry and confusion, and he felt his previous appetite vanish. However, when Ninja gave him a sharp glance, he picked up his fork and forced another bite down, trying to think of what to say.
“Well, you won’t need to worry while you’re away. I can assure you I’ll keep up with my training so I can suitably impress you upon your return,” he finally said, trying to put a smile back on again and keep his optimism up. “In fact, by the time you get back, I might be ready to take on the Plaid Ninjas all on my own!”
Ninja’s hand tightened around his cup of tea and he closed his eyes, forcing away images of Ted being beaten by an entire ninja clan. “It will not happen. Ted is not so foolish as to challenge them alone. Ted will be fine. Everything will be fine. You must focus on the mission, only the mission…”
“Ninja?” Ted glanced at him with even more worry. Ninja took in even more breaths before finally opening his eyes once again.
*I’m fine. Do not worry about me. I must finish eating and depart soon.*
Ninja knew the longer he stayed around Ted, the harder it would be to leave him. As much as it pained them both, Ninja knew he had to cut off contact with Ted as soon as possible. It was better this way, or at least that’s what Ninja kept telling himself as he finished the last of his breakfast and stood to carry his dishes into the kitchen.
“Oh,” came Ted’s sad reply. He glanced down at his half-eaten meal before standing up and carrying it into the kitchen as well. “...I’m really going to miss you, Ninja.”
*I’m sure you will, Ted* Ninja’s card read as he washed his plate and put it away. *But I’m sure you’ll be able to train and care for yourself just fine without my supervision.*
“That’s not why I’ll miss you,” Ted murmured softly. Ninja felt as if an arrow had just pierced his chest, but he forced the pain away and instead focused his attention on the plate in Ted’s hand.
*This is the first time I’ve seen you not finish everything and ask for seconds, Ted. I hope you don’t make a habit out of this, I hate to see food being wasted.* Ninja needed to focus on the meaningless or else unwanted emotions would overwhelm him. He could not afford that right now.
“I’m sorry, Ninja. I’ll put this in the fridge and eat it later. I won’t waste food, I promise.”
Ninja hated seeing the depressed look on Ted’s face as he covered the plate in plastic wrap so he forced himself to stare only at the soap bubbles in the sink as he worked. Soon everything was clean and Ninja hurried into Ted’s bedroom to pick up the remainder of his things. He had to leave now, or else he might not ever want to leave this place again.
Once he was ready to depart, Ninja stepped back into the living room only to find Ted leaning against the door, his head bowed low. Ninja approached him and put on his most confident expression.
*There is no need for you to worry about me, Ted. I am a highly skilled fighter and strategist. I will be fine no matter what kind of danger I face. I had hoped that you had more faith in my skills than this.*
“Of course I have faith in you...but I’m still worried,” Ted said softly. “And I’m still really going to miss you.” He raised an arm, rubbing one red sleeve against his eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to go…or I wish I could come with you…”
*Ted, stop. Don’t say things like that* Ninja gently commanded, pulling Ted’s arm from his face so he could see his cards. *I made a vow to my family to make up for the all sins I have committed, so I am grateful for the opportunity to help Linkara protect this world. I don’t want you to blame him for my decision to go.* Ted nodded, understanding even if he didn’t want to, and Ninja continued. *I also don’t want you to want to come with me. This is going to be a dangerous mission and I would only be distracted having you at my side, Ted. A ninja is taught from early on that emotions like love are weaknesses which must be forgotten during times of battle, so having you with me would only weaken me when I need to be strong. It is better for everyone if you remain here where it is safe and I don’t have to worry about you, so please, Ted…* Ninja’s card wobbled as he struggled to hold it together. *Please be strong for me and please help me to be strong.*
Ted rubbed at his eyes again before nodding. “I will, Ninja. I will be strong while you are gone and make you so proud of me when you come back. I promise.” Ninja managed to let one small smile slip out. Ted already made him proud simply for trying his best every day. “B-before you go,” Ted continued, looking hesitantly to the dancer, “c-can I just…hug you one more time?”
Ninja lowered his cards and opened his arms, allowing Ted to jump at him and squeeze with all his might. “I love you,” Ted murmured, burying his face in Ninja’s shoulder. “I really love you so much, Ninja.”
*I love you as well* Ninja traced on Ted’s back. The two stood there for a moment, embracing each other silently, before Ninja had to step backwards. *I must be going now. I will see you again, Ted. Do not waste any energy worrying about me, for I will be fine. I am strong just as I know you are. So for now, this is goodbye.*
With that, Ninja vanished in a puff of smoke and left Ted still blinking back tears, but vowing that he would follow Ninja’s orders to be strong. He wiped his eyes, brushed off his robes, and went to collect his bokken so that he could continue his training alone.
-----
The morning sun shone through the windows as Boffo lay propped up against pillows for the first time in hours. Linksano’s medicine seemed to have done its job, and now his temperature was almost back to normal. Boffo still felt a bit fatigued, but it was nothing another day of rest couldn’t fix, and now he was managing to sip tea and eat from the breakfast tray settled across his lap. While he ate, Linksano was busy packing various scientific gadgets and other items that Boffo couldn’t recognize, but didn’t ask any questions about.
Thank you for helping me feel better, Oscar. Boffo signed to him as he wiped his mouth. I think I’ll be back to normal in no time.
Linksano smiled, taking the tray and placing it on the dresser. “I’m glad to hear that, dear. Please at least give yourself another day in bed before you go back to your work, though.”
Boffo hesitated for the slightest moment before nodding. I will, Oscar.
Linksano approached him, taking off his glove before he stroked Boffo’s rosy cheek. “I mean it, Boffo. I don’t want you to risk aggravating your symptoms. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want you starting work again for another few days at least, but I know you go stir-crazy from resting too long. Promise me you will not push yourself too hard in my absence.”
Boffo leaned into the touch, nuzzling his fingers. I promise.
Linksano bent to kiss his forehead before walking back to the closet and pulling out his gray wool coat. “It’s been quite a while since I’ve worn this,” he said, taking off his tan overcoat and slipping the other one onto his shoulders. At Boffo’s questioning look, he explained. “I just cherish this coat so much, Boffo, I don’t want anything to happen to it. Not that I feel something will happen!” he said hastily. “I just mean this to be a precautionary measure.”
Of course, Oscar. I know you always take the necessary precautions whenever you are about to enter a battle. Boffo glanced again at the coat he had given Linksano what seemed like a lifetime ago before he sighed softly and leaned back against his pillows. I...I wish I could come with you, Oscar.
Linksano’s eyes widened in surprise. “You do? Oh Boffo...” Linksano stopped his packing for a moment and sat down on the edge of the bed beside the clown, slowly entwining their fingers together. “As much as I am going to miss you, I would never want you to come with me on a mission like this. You already push yourself to your breaking point just by going about your everyday activities. I wouldn’t even want to imagine how hard you would push if you were in a dangerous situation where rest or food were not easily available to you. You would make yourself even sicker than you did yesterday, and I would make myself sick with worry over you.”
Boffo squeezed Linksano’s fingers and nodded slowly. I understand why you feel that way, Oscar. I’m sorry for wearing myself out like I did.
Linksano’s expression softened as he leaned in to lightly kiss Boffo’s lips this time. “I am sorry as well for scolding you like this. I don’t want our last day together before I leave to be fraught with lectures and regrets.”
Boffo smiled and leaned in to kiss Linksano this time. It’s alright. I know that you worry about me, just as I worry about you. I promise I will take care of myself while I am gone, Oscar. I will sleep when I feel tired and I will stop pushing myself to do so much in such a small amount of time.
“You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that,” Linksano replied, gently wrapping his arms around Boffo to embrace him.
Boffo sighed deeply as he held Linksano as tight as he could. He felt so warm and comforting; Linksano’s arms were his home. He was so deeply in love with him that the thought of being without him for one day tore at his heart. He buried his face into Linksano’s shoulder. “Boffo?”
I’m going to miss you so much. Boffo signed against his back. I don’t know how I can be brave about it.
“You must be brave,” Linksano said, and there was soft urgency in his voice. “You must. For how else can I stand it?” Linksano pulled back and he tenderly swept Boffo’s hair out of his face. “Oh, Boffo, you are so fine and strong and good. Not just your sweet face, my dear, but all of you. All of your body and your mind and your soul.”
Boffo’s smile brightened in spite of the tears forming in his eyes. Linksano always spoke such beautiful words to him. Oscar. Boffo leaned in to kiss him again, more deeply this time, and Linksano found himself responding quickly. As Boffo began to pull Linksano back onto the bed with him, Linksano pulled away.
“Boffo, you are still weak. I don’t know if we should begin such things while you are still in recovery.”
Boffo shot him a pleading gaze. Please, Oscar? I’m well enough, I promise, and we can be gentle. I just need to be with you, Oscar. One more time before you go.
Linksano stroked his cheek once again. “Very well, my dear. But at the first sign of fatigue, we stop. Agreed?”
Boffo nodded, watching Linksano undress and letting the scientist take his welcome place atop him. One more thing. Boffo signed against his chest softly, his fingers tenderly tracing the faded scars. Tell me how much you love me, and don’t stop. Because I’m going to miss hearing your voice the most.
Linksano smiled and bent to kiss him. “My pleasure, dear.”
-----
When morning arrived, 90s Kid awoke feeling restless. As pleasant as the previous night had been, it wasn’t enough to comfort his troubled heart. He still faced the undesirable task of telling Dan why he had been fighting with Linkara and what was going to happen come midnight. 90s Kid let out a soft sigh, before glancing down at his sleeping boyfriend. Dan looked so cute when he was asleep, and 90s Kid loved how tightly the older man held to him as he dozed. Well, usually he did, but on this particular morning, 90s Kid had places to be, so he gently pried Dan’s arms from around his torso and slid out of bed.
After getting dressed, 90s Kid headed outside and into town. First he stopped at the bakery, picking up two dozen donuts, and then he stopped in the small thrift store he’d made a habit of visiting every time he saw Dan. 90s Kid’s eyes lit up when he spotted the perfect item he’d been searching for, and he left the store with a small box in his pocket that bounced with every step he took.
After slowly coming out of a very pleasant sleep, more rest than Dan had gotten in quite some time, the 80s lover yawned and stretched in his bed luxuriously. He rolled over, reaching out to 90s Kid for snuggles, and was startled to see he wasn’t there. “Kid?” Dan figured that 90s Kid had been hungry, as he normally was after such a strenuous evening. He got up and walked to his bedroom mirror where he could admire the many red marks all over his body, especially along his neck. Dan so loved it when 90s Kid marked him, and last night the teen had felt like a ravenous animal claiming his territory. Not that Dan minded at all. He loved belonging to 90s Kid. He slid on his robe and was about to head to the bathroom to freshen up when 90s Kid re-entered the room.
“You’re certainly an early bird this morning,” Dan said with a grin. “What were you up to?”
90s Kid grinned back. “I totally hope you’re hungry, cuz I got us some donuts!” He lifted up the box lid to reveal an assortment of glazed, chocolate-frosted, and powdered delights.
Dan eagerly pecked 90s Kid on the lips in gratitude. “How kind of you, sweetie! What a wonderful breakfast.” He selected a donut and began licking the powder off of it, before sitting down on the bed to admire 90s Kid once more. “Somebody certainly was energetic last night,” Dan said coyly, his eyes dancing. “Which I couldn’t be happier about. I had an amazing time, sweetie.”
90s Kid couldn’t help blushing at being complimented in such a manner and he quickly shoved a sprinkled donut into his mouth to give him time to compose himself. ”You were...mmm, this is good…totally amazing too, Dan.”
“Oh, I had nothing on you, sweetie,” Dan insisted, licking a bit of powder from his lips now. ”I’m such a lucky guy to have a wonderful boyfriend like you, Kid. I don’t know how if I could sleep easy anymore without you.”
90s Kid lowered the arm that was about to snatch up a jelly-filled donut before he lowered his head as well. This was it. Midnight would arrive in no time and if 90s Kid wanted to spend as much time as he could with Dan on this day, he’d have to get the unpleasant part over with. “Listen, dude, I have to tell you something.” 90s Kid glanced over at him again before returning his gaze to the floor. “I was totally mad last night, and I know that you know that, but you don’t know why I was mad.”
“It might have had something to do with Linkara,” Dan gently suggested, wanting to make 90s Kid feel more at ease so he could speak openly about the fight.
90s Kid nodded. “Yeah. He told me yesterday that I...I have to go with him on a mission.”
90s Kid paused, waiting for Dan’s upset response, but instead the older man looked at him in confusion. “Well, gee Kid, I sorta thought that you went on missions with him all the time.”
“No, this is different,” 90s Kid said, the words now spilling out of him like water from a faucet. “I have to go on a totally secret, probably totally dangerous mission, and I can’t tell you anything else about it, and I can’t even talk to you when I’m gone cuz it could be dangerous, and I don’t even know how long I’ll be gone, and I have to leave tonight at midnight! I’m so sorry, Dan, I totally didn’t want this to happen, I swear!”
90s Kid again braced himself for a negative reaction, but he was met only with calm. A strangely calm, unblinking Dan was now staring at him, his skin almost as white as the specks of sugar dotting his lips. “What...what did you just say, Kid? I-I think I must have misheard you.”
“You totally heard me right,” 90s Kid admitted with another not so soft sigh. “I know, it’s such a bogus thing to spring on you like this Dan, but I swear I only found out yesterday when Linkara asked me to go, and then we got in that stupid fight which made me so mad that I couldn’t tell you before. I’m so sorry, man; I really wish I didn’t have to just go like this-”
“So don’t.”
90s Kid stopped and stared at Dan in confusion. “What?”
“So don’t,” Dan repeated, his eyes suddenly locking on 90s Kid’s. “Don’t go.”
Taken aback by this response, 90s Kid stumbled over his words. “I-you-I have to go, Dan. Y-you know that. If I don’t go something totally bad could happen.”
“Right, something could happen,” Dan repeated. “Or, nothing at all could happen. Is it really that likely that the world would end if you missed out on one mission, Kid?”
90s Kid tilted his head and continued staring at his boyfriend as if he’d started speaking a foreign language. “Dan, I don’t think you get it. Linkara, like, asked me himself to go with him.”
“And I’m asking you to stay.” Dan said softly.
“Wha-that’s not fair,” 90s Kid replied, his whole body starting to grow tense. “Everyone is counting on me, Dan. Linkara is counting on me.”
“And I guess if it’s Linkara counting on you, it means a whole lot more than if it’s me,” Dan cut in sharply, his words causing 90s Kid to wince as well as to straighten up in shocked anger.
“Stop it, Dan. You know that’s not true.”
“Then tell Linkara you have to be allowed to call me when you’re on the mission,” Dan challenged.
“Dude, I can’t just make demands like that,” 90s Kid said, growing more and more frustrated with this conversation. “Linkara wants us to be safe on this mission, so we have to follow his rules.”
“I guess what Linkara wants, Linkara gets,” Dan continued, a tinge of bitterness in his voice, “no matter what the cost, because there’s no way you’ll ever say no to him.”
“Dan, I told you to stop!” 90s Kid demanded, his voice much harsher than he’d ever made it in Dan’s presence before. “I don’t want to leave you, not ever, but if Linkara asks me to help him, to protect everyone, then I have to say yes. He’s done so much stuff for me, he’s like a brother to me - I can’t let him down, Dan.” 90s Kid’s tone was desperate now as he scrambled for ways to make Dan understand.
Instead of being at all sympathetic, Dan reached into his nightstand and pulled out his emergency cigarettes and a matchbook. After lighting up, he took a long drag before he turned to look out the window, as if he hadn’t just been having a conversation with someone. 90s Kid’s blood started to boil.
“So what, you’re gonna ignore me now, Dan? You’re just gonna sit there and smoke and not say anything?”
“Why should you care what I do?” Dan muttered in a petulant tone, and with this one question, 90s Kid finally snapped.
“You know, maybe you’re right, Dan. Why should I care about you if you don’t even care about yourself? Is this what you’re gonna do when I’m gone? Are you gonna ignore everyone and smoke until you feel better? And then when you realize you don’t, and your cigarettes are gone, are you gonna drink until you feel better? And then when that doesn’t work, are you gonna get high?”
Dan’s head whirled around, his eyes brimming with tears. “Is that what you really think I’d do, Kid? Is that how weak and pathetic you think I am?”
90s Kid stared at him in horror, unable to believe he’d just said such cruel words. “Dan I...I’m sorry...I’m so...”
“Get out.”
“Dan, please, I really didn’t-”
“Just leave, Kid!” Dan raged, the tears spilling out and sliding down his blotchy cheeks.
His whole body shaking, 90s Kid pulled out his transporter and gripped to it for dear life as he teleported back into his bedroom at the base. Then he collapsed upon his bed, buried his face into his pillow, and started to sob.
Authors:
bookishlady242 and
ocelot_l
Pairings: Harvey/Linkara, 90s Kid/80s Dan, Boffo/Linksano, Kung-Tai Ted/Ninja-Style Dancer
Rating: R
Warnings/Triggers: Graphic violence, graphic blood, heavy angst, mind control, hallucinations, drug use, references to drug use, death, references to past death, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, allusions to sex, mild sexual activity
Summary: When Linkara learns about a devastating new weapon which could destroy lives if it falls into the wrong hands, he and his team must prepare for a mission harder than any they've faced before. When challenges threaten their lives and their ties of friendship, will they manage to save the world and, most importantly, themselves?
DISCLAIMER: We do not own the characters, the shows, or the people who portray the characters. This is meant as a work of fiction and is fair use. Please support the creators by watching their videos, letting the ads play, buying their DVDs and merchandise, and/or contributing to their Patreon(s). "Crash and Burn" is performed by Savage Garden.
Very special thanks to
njdoodler112 and
trulyamindlost for the bonus content! :D
Part 1/ Part 3 /Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8/ Part 9/ Part 10/ Part 11/ Part 12/ Part 13/ Part 14/Bonus Material
Ninja sat cross-legged with his hands resting on his knees as he meditated early the next morning. Or more like he attempted to meditate, since his peaceful thoughts continued to be interrupted by images that were anything but peaceful. Such as Ted lying in the snow, a sharp kunai sticking from his body.
Or Ted lying deathly still in Doctor Linksano’s lab as he struggled to stay alive.
Or Ted lying in his dress robes inside a varnished pine box…
“No! That will not happen; I refuse to let that happen!” Ninja’s body tensed, his hands clenching into fists, and he swallowed heavily as he forced his mind clear of all images. “Ted will be fine. He will be safer here than if he were with me on this mission. He has become stronger each day thanks to my training, and without my presence he will be less likely to do rash, reckless things like diving in front of poisoned weapons to protect me.”
Ninja started to calm down again as he continued to repeat these words over and over again in his mind.
“Ted is strong. Ted is safe here. I will have Pollo and Boffo to check on him in my absence. They will all be safe.”
Ninja’s fingers unfurled and he took in a few deep breaths as he attempted to focus his mind on other matters.
“I can’t continue to worry about Ted any longer. The mission is almost at hand. I must shut off my fears and emotions so that I can concentrate solely on what I need to do. That is the way I was raised, the way of the ninja. I must honor my vows to my family…I must shut off everything but the mission…”
“Greetings, Ninja!”
Ninja leapt a foot into the air when he felt a pair of hands suddenly squeeze his shoulders. He spun around and pinned his assailant to the wall, before realizing that it had only been Ted, who was now staring back at him in flushed surprise. “N-Ninja, I’d be happy to try for round four, b-but is it alright if we have breakfast first? I’m kinda hungry thanks to last night.”
*Damn it, Ted! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me when I’m meditating!* Ninja scolded as he released the other man from his grip.
Ted’s expression fell and he clasped his hands together in apology. “I’m sorry, Ninja. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. I-I was just feeling so happy thanks to our vigorous romantic activities last night that I wanted to thank you,” he admitted with a blush.
Ninja sighed before reaching out to touch Ted’s arm softly. *It’s alright. I’m sorry for overreacting. Let’s have breakfast.*
“That sounds wonderful!”
While Ted skipped into the dining room to wait, Ninja set to work preparing their meals. He soon carried to Ted plates laden high with pancakes and eggs, as well as a cup of coffee and one of green tea for himself. Ninja dug in the moment he sat down, since he would need to eat heartily if his plan to train for the few hours he had until midnight was to come to fruition. Ted, on the other hand, took his sweet time nibbling at the food, since he was spending the majority of his time staring at Ninja with a lovesick gaze.
“I hoped you slept well last night, Ninja, because I certainly did! You wore me out so thoroughly that I found myself sleeping like the proverbial babe.”
*I’m glad to hear that* Ninja said before taking a sip of tea. *I also slept well, thanks.*
“So, do you have any plans for today?” Ted asked after finishing one pancake to Ninja’s three. “I was hoping that we might continue our training together, if you weren’t too busy of course. I know that it’s much too cold to spend time in the park, but the martial arts studio I work for is closed today, so we could sneak inside for a private workout,” he said with a giddy smile.
*I must decline your invitation* Ninja answered, trying not to notice how crestfallen Ted seemed by the response. *Linkara has asked us all to accompany him on a mission and I must spend all of today preparing for it. I will be practicing highly advanced skills, none of which you are ready to attempt, so it would be best if I trained on my own today.*
“I understand,” Ted said, trying to perk himself back up a little. “What kind of mission is it this time, Ninja?”
*All information is classified, Ted* Ninja responded before dabbing a bit of syrup from the corner of his mouth. *I can only reveal to you that I will depart at midnight tonight, and that I will not be able to contact you at all until I return.*
Ted stared at him, letting the forkful of egg that was halfway to his lips fall back to his plate. “It’s that serious?” he asked, unsure if he understood. “When do you believe you’ll be back? Tomorrow? The next day?”
*That is also classified, but I would not expect us back anytime soon* Ninja held up before drinking more of his tea.
Ted’s brow furrowed in worry and confusion, and he felt his previous appetite vanish. However, when Ninja gave him a sharp glance, he picked up his fork and forced another bite down, trying to think of what to say.
“Well, you won’t need to worry while you’re away. I can assure you I’ll keep up with my training so I can suitably impress you upon your return,” he finally said, trying to put a smile back on again and keep his optimism up. “In fact, by the time you get back, I might be ready to take on the Plaid Ninjas all on my own!”
Ninja’s hand tightened around his cup of tea and he closed his eyes, forcing away images of Ted being beaten by an entire ninja clan. “It will not happen. Ted is not so foolish as to challenge them alone. Ted will be fine. Everything will be fine. You must focus on the mission, only the mission…”
“Ninja?” Ted glanced at him with even more worry. Ninja took in even more breaths before finally opening his eyes once again.
*I’m fine. Do not worry about me. I must finish eating and depart soon.*
Ninja knew the longer he stayed around Ted, the harder it would be to leave him. As much as it pained them both, Ninja knew he had to cut off contact with Ted as soon as possible. It was better this way, or at least that’s what Ninja kept telling himself as he finished the last of his breakfast and stood to carry his dishes into the kitchen.
“Oh,” came Ted’s sad reply. He glanced down at his half-eaten meal before standing up and carrying it into the kitchen as well. “...I’m really going to miss you, Ninja.”
*I’m sure you will, Ted* Ninja’s card read as he washed his plate and put it away. *But I’m sure you’ll be able to train and care for yourself just fine without my supervision.*
“That’s not why I’ll miss you,” Ted murmured softly. Ninja felt as if an arrow had just pierced his chest, but he forced the pain away and instead focused his attention on the plate in Ted’s hand.
*This is the first time I’ve seen you not finish everything and ask for seconds, Ted. I hope you don’t make a habit out of this, I hate to see food being wasted.* Ninja needed to focus on the meaningless or else unwanted emotions would overwhelm him. He could not afford that right now.
“I’m sorry, Ninja. I’ll put this in the fridge and eat it later. I won’t waste food, I promise.”
Ninja hated seeing the depressed look on Ted’s face as he covered the plate in plastic wrap so he forced himself to stare only at the soap bubbles in the sink as he worked. Soon everything was clean and Ninja hurried into Ted’s bedroom to pick up the remainder of his things. He had to leave now, or else he might not ever want to leave this place again.
Once he was ready to depart, Ninja stepped back into the living room only to find Ted leaning against the door, his head bowed low. Ninja approached him and put on his most confident expression.
*There is no need for you to worry about me, Ted. I am a highly skilled fighter and strategist. I will be fine no matter what kind of danger I face. I had hoped that you had more faith in my skills than this.*
“Of course I have faith in you...but I’m still worried,” Ted said softly. “And I’m still really going to miss you.” He raised an arm, rubbing one red sleeve against his eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to go…or I wish I could come with you…”
*Ted, stop. Don’t say things like that* Ninja gently commanded, pulling Ted’s arm from his face so he could see his cards. *I made a vow to my family to make up for the all sins I have committed, so I am grateful for the opportunity to help Linkara protect this world. I don’t want you to blame him for my decision to go.* Ted nodded, understanding even if he didn’t want to, and Ninja continued. *I also don’t want you to want to come with me. This is going to be a dangerous mission and I would only be distracted having you at my side, Ted. A ninja is taught from early on that emotions like love are weaknesses which must be forgotten during times of battle, so having you with me would only weaken me when I need to be strong. It is better for everyone if you remain here where it is safe and I don’t have to worry about you, so please, Ted…* Ninja’s card wobbled as he struggled to hold it together. *Please be strong for me and please help me to be strong.*
Ted rubbed at his eyes again before nodding. “I will, Ninja. I will be strong while you are gone and make you so proud of me when you come back. I promise.” Ninja managed to let one small smile slip out. Ted already made him proud simply for trying his best every day. “B-before you go,” Ted continued, looking hesitantly to the dancer, “c-can I just…hug you one more time?”
Ninja lowered his cards and opened his arms, allowing Ted to jump at him and squeeze with all his might. “I love you,” Ted murmured, burying his face in Ninja’s shoulder. “I really love you so much, Ninja.”
*I love you as well* Ninja traced on Ted’s back. The two stood there for a moment, embracing each other silently, before Ninja had to step backwards. *I must be going now. I will see you again, Ted. Do not waste any energy worrying about me, for I will be fine. I am strong just as I know you are. So for now, this is goodbye.*
With that, Ninja vanished in a puff of smoke and left Ted still blinking back tears, but vowing that he would follow Ninja’s orders to be strong. He wiped his eyes, brushed off his robes, and went to collect his bokken so that he could continue his training alone.
-----
The morning sun shone through the windows as Boffo lay propped up against pillows for the first time in hours. Linksano’s medicine seemed to have done its job, and now his temperature was almost back to normal. Boffo still felt a bit fatigued, but it was nothing another day of rest couldn’t fix, and now he was managing to sip tea and eat from the breakfast tray settled across his lap. While he ate, Linksano was busy packing various scientific gadgets and other items that Boffo couldn’t recognize, but didn’t ask any questions about.
Thank you for helping me feel better, Oscar. Boffo signed to him as he wiped his mouth. I think I’ll be back to normal in no time.
Linksano smiled, taking the tray and placing it on the dresser. “I’m glad to hear that, dear. Please at least give yourself another day in bed before you go back to your work, though.”
Boffo hesitated for the slightest moment before nodding. I will, Oscar.
Linksano approached him, taking off his glove before he stroked Boffo’s rosy cheek. “I mean it, Boffo. I don’t want you to risk aggravating your symptoms. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want you starting work again for another few days at least, but I know you go stir-crazy from resting too long. Promise me you will not push yourself too hard in my absence.”
Boffo leaned into the touch, nuzzling his fingers. I promise.
Linksano bent to kiss his forehead before walking back to the closet and pulling out his gray wool coat. “It’s been quite a while since I’ve worn this,” he said, taking off his tan overcoat and slipping the other one onto his shoulders. At Boffo’s questioning look, he explained. “I just cherish this coat so much, Boffo, I don’t want anything to happen to it. Not that I feel something will happen!” he said hastily. “I just mean this to be a precautionary measure.”
Of course, Oscar. I know you always take the necessary precautions whenever you are about to enter a battle. Boffo glanced again at the coat he had given Linksano what seemed like a lifetime ago before he sighed softly and leaned back against his pillows. I...I wish I could come with you, Oscar.
Linksano’s eyes widened in surprise. “You do? Oh Boffo...” Linksano stopped his packing for a moment and sat down on the edge of the bed beside the clown, slowly entwining their fingers together. “As much as I am going to miss you, I would never want you to come with me on a mission like this. You already push yourself to your breaking point just by going about your everyday activities. I wouldn’t even want to imagine how hard you would push if you were in a dangerous situation where rest or food were not easily available to you. You would make yourself even sicker than you did yesterday, and I would make myself sick with worry over you.”
Boffo squeezed Linksano’s fingers and nodded slowly. I understand why you feel that way, Oscar. I’m sorry for wearing myself out like I did.
Linksano’s expression softened as he leaned in to lightly kiss Boffo’s lips this time. “I am sorry as well for scolding you like this. I don’t want our last day together before I leave to be fraught with lectures and regrets.”
Boffo smiled and leaned in to kiss Linksano this time. It’s alright. I know that you worry about me, just as I worry about you. I promise I will take care of myself while I am gone, Oscar. I will sleep when I feel tired and I will stop pushing myself to do so much in such a small amount of time.
“You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that,” Linksano replied, gently wrapping his arms around Boffo to embrace him.
Boffo sighed deeply as he held Linksano as tight as he could. He felt so warm and comforting; Linksano’s arms were his home. He was so deeply in love with him that the thought of being without him for one day tore at his heart. He buried his face into Linksano’s shoulder. “Boffo?”
I’m going to miss you so much. Boffo signed against his back. I don’t know how I can be brave about it.
“You must be brave,” Linksano said, and there was soft urgency in his voice. “You must. For how else can I stand it?” Linksano pulled back and he tenderly swept Boffo’s hair out of his face. “Oh, Boffo, you are so fine and strong and good. Not just your sweet face, my dear, but all of you. All of your body and your mind and your soul.”
Boffo’s smile brightened in spite of the tears forming in his eyes. Linksano always spoke such beautiful words to him. Oscar. Boffo leaned in to kiss him again, more deeply this time, and Linksano found himself responding quickly. As Boffo began to pull Linksano back onto the bed with him, Linksano pulled away.
“Boffo, you are still weak. I don’t know if we should begin such things while you are still in recovery.”
Boffo shot him a pleading gaze. Please, Oscar? I’m well enough, I promise, and we can be gentle. I just need to be with you, Oscar. One more time before you go.
Linksano stroked his cheek once again. “Very well, my dear. But at the first sign of fatigue, we stop. Agreed?”
Boffo nodded, watching Linksano undress and letting the scientist take his welcome place atop him. One more thing. Boffo signed against his chest softly, his fingers tenderly tracing the faded scars. Tell me how much you love me, and don’t stop. Because I’m going to miss hearing your voice the most.
Linksano smiled and bent to kiss him. “My pleasure, dear.”
-----
When morning arrived, 90s Kid awoke feeling restless. As pleasant as the previous night had been, it wasn’t enough to comfort his troubled heart. He still faced the undesirable task of telling Dan why he had been fighting with Linkara and what was going to happen come midnight. 90s Kid let out a soft sigh, before glancing down at his sleeping boyfriend. Dan looked so cute when he was asleep, and 90s Kid loved how tightly the older man held to him as he dozed. Well, usually he did, but on this particular morning, 90s Kid had places to be, so he gently pried Dan’s arms from around his torso and slid out of bed.
After getting dressed, 90s Kid headed outside and into town. First he stopped at the bakery, picking up two dozen donuts, and then he stopped in the small thrift store he’d made a habit of visiting every time he saw Dan. 90s Kid’s eyes lit up when he spotted the perfect item he’d been searching for, and he left the store with a small box in his pocket that bounced with every step he took.
After slowly coming out of a very pleasant sleep, more rest than Dan had gotten in quite some time, the 80s lover yawned and stretched in his bed luxuriously. He rolled over, reaching out to 90s Kid for snuggles, and was startled to see he wasn’t there. “Kid?” Dan figured that 90s Kid had been hungry, as he normally was after such a strenuous evening. He got up and walked to his bedroom mirror where he could admire the many red marks all over his body, especially along his neck. Dan so loved it when 90s Kid marked him, and last night the teen had felt like a ravenous animal claiming his territory. Not that Dan minded at all. He loved belonging to 90s Kid. He slid on his robe and was about to head to the bathroom to freshen up when 90s Kid re-entered the room.
“You’re certainly an early bird this morning,” Dan said with a grin. “What were you up to?”
90s Kid grinned back. “I totally hope you’re hungry, cuz I got us some donuts!” He lifted up the box lid to reveal an assortment of glazed, chocolate-frosted, and powdered delights.
Dan eagerly pecked 90s Kid on the lips in gratitude. “How kind of you, sweetie! What a wonderful breakfast.” He selected a donut and began licking the powder off of it, before sitting down on the bed to admire 90s Kid once more. “Somebody certainly was energetic last night,” Dan said coyly, his eyes dancing. “Which I couldn’t be happier about. I had an amazing time, sweetie.”
90s Kid couldn’t help blushing at being complimented in such a manner and he quickly shoved a sprinkled donut into his mouth to give him time to compose himself. ”You were...mmm, this is good…totally amazing too, Dan.”
“Oh, I had nothing on you, sweetie,” Dan insisted, licking a bit of powder from his lips now. ”I’m such a lucky guy to have a wonderful boyfriend like you, Kid. I don’t know how if I could sleep easy anymore without you.”
90s Kid lowered the arm that was about to snatch up a jelly-filled donut before he lowered his head as well. This was it. Midnight would arrive in no time and if 90s Kid wanted to spend as much time as he could with Dan on this day, he’d have to get the unpleasant part over with. “Listen, dude, I have to tell you something.” 90s Kid glanced over at him again before returning his gaze to the floor. “I was totally mad last night, and I know that you know that, but you don’t know why I was mad.”
“It might have had something to do with Linkara,” Dan gently suggested, wanting to make 90s Kid feel more at ease so he could speak openly about the fight.
90s Kid nodded. “Yeah. He told me yesterday that I...I have to go with him on a mission.”
90s Kid paused, waiting for Dan’s upset response, but instead the older man looked at him in confusion. “Well, gee Kid, I sorta thought that you went on missions with him all the time.”
“No, this is different,” 90s Kid said, the words now spilling out of him like water from a faucet. “I have to go on a totally secret, probably totally dangerous mission, and I can’t tell you anything else about it, and I can’t even talk to you when I’m gone cuz it could be dangerous, and I don’t even know how long I’ll be gone, and I have to leave tonight at midnight! I’m so sorry, Dan, I totally didn’t want this to happen, I swear!”
90s Kid again braced himself for a negative reaction, but he was met only with calm. A strangely calm, unblinking Dan was now staring at him, his skin almost as white as the specks of sugar dotting his lips. “What...what did you just say, Kid? I-I think I must have misheard you.”
“You totally heard me right,” 90s Kid admitted with another not so soft sigh. “I know, it’s such a bogus thing to spring on you like this Dan, but I swear I only found out yesterday when Linkara asked me to go, and then we got in that stupid fight which made me so mad that I couldn’t tell you before. I’m so sorry, man; I really wish I didn’t have to just go like this-”
“So don’t.”
90s Kid stopped and stared at Dan in confusion. “What?”
“So don’t,” Dan repeated, his eyes suddenly locking on 90s Kid’s. “Don’t go.”
Taken aback by this response, 90s Kid stumbled over his words. “I-you-I have to go, Dan. Y-you know that. If I don’t go something totally bad could happen.”
“Right, something could happen,” Dan repeated. “Or, nothing at all could happen. Is it really that likely that the world would end if you missed out on one mission, Kid?”
90s Kid tilted his head and continued staring at his boyfriend as if he’d started speaking a foreign language. “Dan, I don’t think you get it. Linkara, like, asked me himself to go with him.”
“And I’m asking you to stay.” Dan said softly.
“Wha-that’s not fair,” 90s Kid replied, his whole body starting to grow tense. “Everyone is counting on me, Dan. Linkara is counting on me.”
“And I guess if it’s Linkara counting on you, it means a whole lot more than if it’s me,” Dan cut in sharply, his words causing 90s Kid to wince as well as to straighten up in shocked anger.
“Stop it, Dan. You know that’s not true.”
“Then tell Linkara you have to be allowed to call me when you’re on the mission,” Dan challenged.
“Dude, I can’t just make demands like that,” 90s Kid said, growing more and more frustrated with this conversation. “Linkara wants us to be safe on this mission, so we have to follow his rules.”
“I guess what Linkara wants, Linkara gets,” Dan continued, a tinge of bitterness in his voice, “no matter what the cost, because there’s no way you’ll ever say no to him.”
“Dan, I told you to stop!” 90s Kid demanded, his voice much harsher than he’d ever made it in Dan’s presence before. “I don’t want to leave you, not ever, but if Linkara asks me to help him, to protect everyone, then I have to say yes. He’s done so much stuff for me, he’s like a brother to me - I can’t let him down, Dan.” 90s Kid’s tone was desperate now as he scrambled for ways to make Dan understand.
Instead of being at all sympathetic, Dan reached into his nightstand and pulled out his emergency cigarettes and a matchbook. After lighting up, he took a long drag before he turned to look out the window, as if he hadn’t just been having a conversation with someone. 90s Kid’s blood started to boil.
“So what, you’re gonna ignore me now, Dan? You’re just gonna sit there and smoke and not say anything?”
“Why should you care what I do?” Dan muttered in a petulant tone, and with this one question, 90s Kid finally snapped.
“You know, maybe you’re right, Dan. Why should I care about you if you don’t even care about yourself? Is this what you’re gonna do when I’m gone? Are you gonna ignore everyone and smoke until you feel better? And then when you realize you don’t, and your cigarettes are gone, are you gonna drink until you feel better? And then when that doesn’t work, are you gonna get high?”
Dan’s head whirled around, his eyes brimming with tears. “Is that what you really think I’d do, Kid? Is that how weak and pathetic you think I am?”
90s Kid stared at him in horror, unable to believe he’d just said such cruel words. “Dan I...I’m sorry...I’m so...”
“Get out.”
“Dan, please, I really didn’t-”
“Just leave, Kid!” Dan raged, the tears spilling out and sliding down his blotchy cheeks.
His whole body shaking, 90s Kid pulled out his transporter and gripped to it for dear life as he teleported back into his bedroom at the base. Then he collapsed upon his bed, buried his face into his pillow, and started to sob.