MLQC Imagines & Headcanons

Hope you don’t mind, Anon, but I decided to turn this one it to a bit of a 100 follower celebratory ficlet!

Dark had fallen over Loveland City hours ago, and now only streetlights and the occasional passing car lit your way as you walked home from work.  A tired but satisfied sigh left your lips as you thought back on the hectic and tiring, yet incredibly productive day you just had.  Victor had requested a last minute proposal write up for a new show that was barely in the concept phase, and you'd stayed very late to get it done.  But it was all worth it when the email had come back, in the CEO's normal perfunctory tone. 

"This is fairly well put together.  Good Job."

8 words that had lit up your eyes and your heart, so despite the late hour and your own approaching exhaustion, you decided to walk home and allow yourself to bask in the feeling of a job well done. 

You took your time, meandering from the business district till the street was lined with more residential apartments and townhouses. 

It was right around then that you noticed the person walking behind you.  Nothing too out of the ordinary, even this late, you assured yourself.  Until you stopped to rummage through your bag for your phone, and noticed his pace slow down to match yours.  That was when you felt the bit of unease stir in your stomach. Gripping your phone lightly, you watched behind yourself as unobtrusively as possible, the glow from Victor's hard won praise melting away as you were followed for the next block.  

"Ok", you thought to yourself, "I can deal with this."

Just as the thought crossed your mind, a movement from the opposite sidewalk caught your attention.  There, matching you step for step, was another man, a veritable giant who looked as though he could bench a small car.   Mind racing faster even as your steps slow, you raised your phone to your ear, thumb easily dialing the number you'd memorized long ago. 

"I hope you have a good reason for calling me so late, especially since I'm about to leave the office."

Victor's voice had never sounded so beautiful to you as it did right then. 

"I think I'm being followed."  Your voice was small in an attempt to keep quiet. 

The sound of footsteps that had echoed from Victor's end of the line stopped, then sharply picked up.  You heard the slamming of a car door. 

"Where are you?"

"Avenue C and Broad Street. I think - Oh!" 

As you had talked, the man across the street had pulled ahead of you, and you could see him crossing the road at the end of the next block, his dark, hulking form outlined clearly in the streetlights.  He jogged across to your side of the street, and began to walk in the same direction as you, only about a block ahead.  But what scared you the most, causing you to clutch your phone even more tightly, was the simple fact that, as he turned onto your side of the street, the ever present streetlights began to fall dark, one by one, as he passed them. Penned in both front and back, it left you with a path of darkness that lead only towards him. 

"-ok?  Talk to me.  Tell me what's happening." 

Victor's calm voice brought you back to yourself, and you took a deep breath. 

"There's one just under a block ahead, another half a block behind. I noticed the first one about 2 blocks ago.  I… I think one of them might be an Evolver.  The streetlights are going out behind him. "  though you struggled to keep your tone calm and steady, an undercurrent of nervous fear was beginning to show through, and you silently cursed yourself. 

"It's ok, MC.  I promise you're going to be safe. I'm 3 minutes away." 

You swallowed, slowing your pace even more.  This time the man behind you didn't slow, but began to catch up with you, slowly, but inevitably.  As you watched him in the reflection of a homes windows, something seemed to slide out of his sleeve.  He caught it, and gave an almost idle swing, tapping it against the ground as he walked. The smallest of blue sparks jumped from the tip, but quickly disappeared into the darkness that was beginning to feel almost oppressive.  

"Victor" you whispered, swallowing hard against the sudden dryness in your throat. Your free hand wandered down into your bag, scrabbling idly till you found your keys and gathered them into your fist. 

"1 minute.  Talk to me, MC.  What do you see?"

Even you could now hear the tightness in his voice, and underneath that, the sound of a car engine, revving higher and louder. 

"Stun gun.  Behind.  I…"

You trailed off.  You'd reached the spot where the streetlights had been extinguished.  

"I'm going to need both hands." You finished, voice small, scared, but steady, and slowly lowered your phone into your bag, making sure not to end the call.  Victor's voice echoed tinnily from the speakers. 

"Please, MC, I'm almost there."

But you'd already stopped, choosing to fight in the tiny pool of light left. 

The giant stepped out of the darkness, chuckling in a gravelly voice.  He towered, but you didn’t waver, instead meeting his stare defiantly with your own. 

“Heh.  So I suppose you think you’re going to fight, try ‘n scratch me with those keys, hm?” He almost chortled, eyes sparking with suppressed mirth. 

“I do.”  The man behind you had almost caught up, and from the corner of your eye you could see him raise the stun gun.  But you were already moving, swinging with all your might at the one in front, shifting your weight to follow through on the punch.  Unsurprisingly, as you managed to connect, slamming your fist into his jaw, you felt a raw, blinding pain begin on your left side.  

Then every thing but you shuddered to a halt, and you stumbled forward, gasping, struggling to keep your balance as your left leg threatened to give out on you.  Before that could happen there were arms around you, and you were pulled against a broad chest.  Dazedly, thoughts rattling and sparking from the zap you’d taken, you looked up, only to see Victor’s face, pale and tight with worry, staring back at you. 

“Oh thank you.” He muttered as he gathered you to him, “Thank you thank you thank you…” You weren’t sure who he was thanking, only that he was here, smelling lightly of sandalwood and fresh laundry, and you could let go now.  Every ounce of tension from the last few minutes seemed to leak away, and the last thing you felt was the light press of Victor’s lips moving against your hair. 

_____________

“Victor!”

You sat up with a gasp, his name the first thing on your lips.  The dim recognition that you were in your apartment, on the couch, came and went, lost in the confusion of waking somewhere different from where you’d last been.  It wasn’t to last for long, however, as the man himself was instantly in front of you, hands rubbing up and down your arms.  You sighed in relief.  

“Dummy.  What did you think you were going to do?” His voice was strained, and he briefly touched his forehead to your own. 

“I don’t know.  Fight.  I won’t go down easily, I refuse.”  Another small sigh, and you offered up a sweet smile.  “I need something to drink, if you’ll excuse me?” 

“Oh no,” Victor’s voice was stern and forceful, though a smile tugged at his lips. “You were literally electrocuted.  I had the doctor here, you’re not to get out of bed.” 

You blushed, stammering objections till you tried to move a little to quick, and then you felt the effects of last night lance through your side with a stinging pain.  Gingerly you lifted the edge of your shirt up, eyeing the nasty bruise with furrowed brows.  Huffing in indignation you leaned back.  

“But I’m hungry…. And thirsty…”  The pout in your voice was obvious, but Victor just chuckled and brushed a stray hair away from your face, then disappeared into the kitchen.  A moment later he was back, bearing a tray laden with breakfast was presented to you, bringing a big smile to your face.  You tucked in happily, and when you were done you rested back into the pillows.  The food and warmth had you happy and content, and Victor’s presence kept your mind from turning the events of last night over and over in your head.  Your eyes drifted lower and lower, so that you heard, rather than saw, Victor walk back into the room.   The bed next to you settled a bit as he sat down, and a hand casted lightly through your hair. 

“Victor?”

“Mhm?” 

“Thank you.”  You felt him stiffen a little, then chuckle. 

“Dummy. I told you I would be right there.  You should have some faith.”

But you were already asleep, breathing steadily, surrounded by a sea of pillows and blankets. Victor stood carefully and bent down, brushing a gentle kiss against your forehead.  Exceedingly carefully, he tugged up the blankets, tucking them in. 

Oh nonnie it would be my pleasure!

Victor -

Lowkey loves to snuggle so?? There's more of you to snuggle with.

As far as he's concerned, that's an amazing thing.

If he sees anyone giving you the side eye or talking behind your back at LFG they loose their job.

Full stop. No exceptions.

One night you were out to dinner at some fancy restaurant that you'd really been looking forward to trying.

You're tucking into your food and really enjoying it though nothing will be as good as Victors own cooking when you hear the couple at the table behind you snickering.

"Can you believe the CEO of LFG is with someone like her?" Said one, just loudly enough to make it obvious she wasnt trying to be quiet at all,

"Oh I know. Perhaps she should spend less time focusing on her plate and more time worrying about how that dress fits!"

Victor watched as you stiffened, patted your lips with a napkin, and excused yourself to the restroom.

When you came back, eyes a little red, the couple were pale and silent, gathering their bags, and you watched as they hurredly paid their check and left.

Neither of you said anything about it but that night Victor made sure you had extra attention and cuddles that night.

And every night

Lucien -

Didn't notice.

It's literally a non issue with this man.

But it's not a non issue with you, and he can see how your self esteem suffers.

So he'll make sure that he gives you extra love. Not just when you need it but all the time.

Is openly affectionate with you in front of others, stroking your hair, walking arm in arm.

It gets to the point where it almost embarrases you, but he won't stop.

Provides constant positive reinforcement and support. Really there for you on the mental side of things, assuring you that nothing about the way you see yourself is as bad as you make it out to be.

It works wonders on you, rebuilding your self esteem and making you so happy.

One day when you go out shopping and actually come home happy? He draws you up into a big hug and plants a kiss on your forehead.

"I love seeing you like this. You're so beautiful"

You're blushing furiously, but he still makes you try on and model everything you bought, just for him.

Gavin -

Loves to squeeze you.

You're just so soft!

Takes every opportunity to show you how much he loves you, chub and all.

To him it just makes up part of the wonderful person you are!

But when he sees you become hurt and insecure it really upsets him.

He protects you from everything he can, steering you away from any situation that might make you feel uncomfortable.

He lives for the times where you are confident in yourself, and loves taking you to the beach to show you off in you swimsuit.

Totally can't take his eyes off of you while you're there.

On the ride home he pulls over at a scenic overlook, and he snaps a few pictures of you.

While you stand there, in awe of the scenery , you notice that he's staring at you.

"Gavin? Everything ok?"

He steps up to you, caressing your face and planting a soft kiss on your cheek.

"I can't take my eyes off of the most beautiful thing here. And that's you, MC."

You're instantly a blushing mess, trying to hide your face in his shoulder, but he won't have any of that.

He wants the world to see the beauty that is you, and love it as much as he does.

Kiro -

He understands the insecurity when you confess it.

In the entertainment industry he's seen so many people turn to unhealthy methods to try and loose weight.

And while he has the utmost faith in you, he makes sure you know at every turn how beautiful he thinks you are.

Loves to rub your back and shoulders to help you relax after a stressful day.

Lots of snuggling at night as he whispers in your ear, telling you how much he adores you, how soft your skin is, how nice it is to be able to hold you. He'll even nip your cheeks once in a while because "they're just so cute and round!"

Absolutely refuses to stop when you protest.

Introduces you to positively everyone as "My Beautiful Girlfriend.", despite the fact that it makes you blush.

He just thinks the blush makes your cheeks look even cuter than they are.

One day he takes you shopping to pick out a formal dress, to a high end boutique with an onsite tailor.

Only for you to refuse to come out of the fitting room.

So of course he walks in, to find you sitting in the bench, head down, with tears in your eyes.

"Ms. Chips, what's wrong?"

"You took me out to this lovely place Kiro, and I'm so grateful, but I can't go out there in this!"

You stand up, and for the life of him he can't understand what's wrong.

"I'm just too short for this and too... I'm... I can't pull this off as well as someone skinnier than me. " you manage to choke out, getting quieter and quieter as you go along.

Kiro smiles, puts his hands on your shoulders, turning you to face the mirror while he stands behind you, coasting one hand gently up and down your side.

"Do you know what I see here?"

You shake your head, trying to cross your arms, but he gently tugs them back down.

"I see the bravest, kindest, most beautiful woman I know. I see her in a dress that pales in comparison to her own beauty. And she's the only person I would ever want to be with. "

You're fully crying now, but in happiness.

"If you really don't want the dress that's fine. You'd outshine anyone in the world in my eyes, no matter what you wear."

Eventually you straighten out the dress, twisting and turning to look in the mirror, and with Kiro's encouragement you decide to get it.

Eventually you wear it to a premier, and though you're nervous, Kiro never leaves your side for a second.

Later on, you find a quiet moment, and he bends down, brushing a gentle kiss on your lips.

You've never felt so loved and cherished, and it was all thanks to Kiro.

I loved this ask anon, thank you very much for the request!

Requests are closed while I catch up, 4 to go!

Same nonnie, I hate the heat, and would strongly prefer it to be autumn or early spring year round! Also I cant wait to see what kind of event we get for the soon to be birthday boy! Anyway, without further ado..

Victor -

Doesn't get it.

God help the man, teasing and seeing peoples reactions is one of his favorite things.

But you always just, laugh it off?

He's happy you don't take his chiding too harshly, but you never seem to be bothered by anything.

You laughed off almost getting hit by a car, ffs.

Would lowkey be irritated by you never seeming to take anything seriously.

But when you turn dead serious during funding meetings and the like, that's what he loves to see.

Because then you're filled with both the light of passion and conviction and

It just makes you even more beautiful.

Eventually, during a movie date, he finds himself laughing and shrugging it off when he can't get the 'perfect' seats.

Maybe you're rubbing off on him?

Lucien -

Appreciates it more than he can say.

Watches you shrug off an insulting "expert" you're interviewing with a small laugh and a gracious smile.

Would 10000% be so proud of you in situations like that.

It would come as a bit of a surprise to him to see the steel hidden beneath your gentle silk though.

One day, while visiting a park, an unattended child almost wanders into traffic.

Before he can act you're there, grabbing the wayward kiddo back, then squatting down to chastise her with the most serious look he's ever seen you wear.

Not only the child, but the parent too, when they come rushing up full of apologies.

Has to re evaluate how he views you after that.

Is happy to know you can be serious and stand up to people though.

Gavin

Has had to watch you laugh in the face of danger, literally, in the form of a mugger.

He's so stressed, poor birdcop.

Afterwards, he's checking you over making sure you werent hurt, and you gently brush his hands away.

"Gavin, please, I'm fine!"

He expected you to be shaking, crying. Anybody would be.

But? With a bit of a laugh you brush him away.

You must sense his confusion, because you pat him on the arm and get serious for a moment.

"Gavin, I was able to laugh in that jerks face because I know you will always help me protect myself."

Cue Gavin melting into a small puddle.

Kiro -

You two are so similar it feels like he's found a kindred spirit.

You're both easygoing, with a gentle humor that carries you through most awkward or unpleasant situations easily.

Never even entertained the thought that you couldn't be dead serious when needed to.

Because remember, Kiro stans MC for life.

So when you see that he's stressed and a bit overworked, you go right to bat for him, marching into his managers office.

He doesn't hear what goes on in there, but when you come out a grin blooms on your face.

"Kiro we're going to the food truck festival, get ready."

What? How? But he doesn't qustion for long, instead grabbing a light scarf and hat to disguise himself, and quickly leaving before his agent changes his mind.

Later, as he watches you laugh over a bowl of noodles, he plants a kiss on your cheek.

You look at him curiously.

"Thanks Ms Chips, I needed this! "

Serious MC is back, and you squeeze him in a hug.

"That's what we do, we take care of each other."

Also the noodle truck owner sees yall ciming back for 3rds and rubs his hands together like some greedy bank executive lmao.

There you are, hope you like it?

Also oml I'm so late to the party MC can also stand for Ms Chips askdkfkgkgj someone put me out of my misery.

Of course, anon, here you go!  I really hope i did such a sensitive topic justice, I tried my best.  

Victor 

He won’t show it, but he’s pretty devastated. 

He’d always wanted children at some point.  

He remembered seeing so many unwanted children, and it tore at his soul. 

BUt he’s there for you nonetheless, holding you in the doctor's office, helping you through the depression that comes afterwards.  

Weeks pass, and he watches your heart break every time you pass a playground, or a happy couple with children. 

One day, you’re with him in his office, not really listening to what he’s trying to tell you, when his secretary bursts in. 

It’s bad.  

An accident in an elevator had taken the life of LFG’s VP of Marketing and his wife. 

You accompany Victor to the hospital because there was one survivor. 

Their daughter, a tiny thing only age 8. 

 You walk in to keep her company while Victor makes arrangements for the bills and funeral services. 

“Look, I drew this so I’d always have mommy and daddy close!” 

Your heart shatters. 

But you and Victor have a long talk that night. 

And inside a week (money can work wonders) you’re frantic, trying to learn every thing you can about being a parent before she comes home to live with you. 

Even through all this stress, Victor’s never seen you so happy. 

Lucien - 

He didn’t mind the trying that’s for sure. 

But he’d never really wanted children.  

So when you get the news, he’s in a better position than you are to deal with it. 

He takes you back to your apartment. 

“MC, is this really important to you?”

What kind of question is that? 

Of course it is!

So before you can grieve too much for what might have been, he takes you back to the orphanage. 

Through the long, arduous process he’s there every step of the way, and you can bet your home is full of books on child development and parenting. 

You don’t find a match for months, but when you do….

It’s not the baby you wanted, but a 10 year old boy steals your heart. 

Lucien handles fatherhood surprisingly well. 

A year later when you and your family are on a picnic, he pulls you close, and whispers in your ear. 

“I was thinking of adopting again.”

Gavin - 

You two had been trying for so long

You both had so much happen in your own childhood, you both desperately wanted to be parents, and ensure a better future for your own children. 

But nature had other ideas. 

Gavin comes home one day to find you in the shower, crying. 

“MC Please, you have to tell me what happened!” 

The doctor had called. 

You couldn’t have children.  Ever. 

In your misery you say it - “Gavin I’m broken.  You don’t need me, you don’t need someone who can’t give you children.” 

He gets mad. How could you think yourself so worthless? Hell no, not on Birdcops watch, not.  Happening. 

“MC, if you’re broken, then so am I.”

He drags you out of the shower, and gets you dried off.  He’s there for you through every bout of depression, every mood swing. 

He fills your time with other things.  You both volunteer at a homeless shelter, the SPCA, soup kitchens. 

He takes you on a road trip, just you and him and a tent, riding his motorcycle to places neither of you had ever seen. 

When you come back, he sits you down. 

“I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure it was something we could do…”

“Gavin, what is it?”

“I want us to become foster parents.”

You freeze.  It had been almost a year since you received the news, but there was still a small ache in your heart.  

This man though, this wonderful man? 

Had found a way to soothe it. 

It wasn’t an easy process, there were interviews and visits and home inspections. 

But eventually, together, you did it. 

You take in many foster children, and specialize in working with those who have Evols. 

You never imagined your life could be so happy. 

Kiro - 

You two had been low key trying for kids for a long time.  But?  Nothing ever happened?  

So you visited the doctor without his knowledge. 

He’ll never forget that day, the way you came home and threw yourself into his arms, crying.  

He managed to get it out of you eventually.  You would never be able to carry a pregnancy to term. 

“Oh MC”

He can’t say much, but he spends the rest of the evening caring for you, bringing you cups of water as you cry yourself to sleep. 

The next day you wake up, and you can hear people talking in the kitchen. 

Women talking in the kitchen, Kiro nani the fuck? 

You don’t leave the bedroom.  You really can’t handle company. 

But Kiro comes in, and sits on the bed next to you. 

“MC I know you must be feeling awful right now, but I really need you to come and meet someone.” 

Grudgingly, you follow him out. 

In the kitchen are two women, laughing at something while they sip tea. 

“MC, this is Gela and Maria.  And I want to ask you something.” 

Kiro explains that Maria is an old friend of his, once his personal trainer before going back to school to study sports medicine.  

“MC I was hoping…. I was hoping you’d consider letting Maria carry our baby.” 

You’re stunned to silence, and Kiro held his breath.  He probably could have done this better, but he was desperate for something, anything, to take the look of despair from your eyes. 

Finally you move, throwing your arms around him. 

“Thank you” 

It’s not easy, nothing ever is, but eventually you get to hold your daughter in your arms. 

She has Kiro’s eyes, and your nose!

Nonnie, did you mean something like this?  

You wish it, I write it!

Victor 

Has this weird idea that you need to be protected??  Like? Where did that come from? 

"I cant have anything happen to you, not again."

Oh Victor, you sweet, unfathomable man. 

one day, when he starts complaining about the cleaners in his office not moving this enormous piece of modern art, you decide to show him that you can take care of yourself.  

So you stroll over, tapping one finger against your lip, and casually pick it up. 

With, like, one hand. 

No sweat, no strain, 100% confidence.

You find out, it's a really nice feeling to leave Victor speechless.  

"MC…." He manages to choke out after a solid minute of silence, "h….have you always been this strong?"

"Oh, what, this?" You laugh, "yeah, I told you the bodyguards were excessive!"

He eases up on security a little

Just a little though, just because you're super strong doesn't mean you can't be taken by surprise or something.  

Lucien

You're with him in his lab one day, a place that always makes you a little nervous, what with your tendency towards being a bit clumsy.

And, of goddamn course, you bump into a tray that has a bunch of samples on it, all secure in their little test tubes. 

Lucien manages to catch most of them, but one rolls away, under a machine that Lucien calls a "Mass Spec". 

"MC, don't worry about it, I'll go grab someone from maintenance."

The hell he will, you clean up your own messes. 

So you idly grab the Mass spec, and pull it forward far enough so that you can slip and grab the wayward test tube.  

Well. 

You catch the stunned look on his face before the mask slips back in place. 

"Super strength...part of your Evol?" 

"Maybe" you shrug. 

You spend the rest of the day getting questioned and prodded half to death but that's ok when it's Lucien doing the poking ;-) 

Gavin

He'd taken you home in a patrol car one night, as his bike was in the shop after Minor had a bit of a wipe out while learning on it. 

Minor what are we gonna do with you. 

But police cars take a beating, and this one busts a radiator hose on the way home.  

And then the jack breaks.  

Gavin would fly you home himself of course, but he's too responsible to leave the car just ...y'know… sitting there.  

So with an exasperated sigh you stride up to the front of the car, reach under to get a grip on the frame, and lift it up. 

"Just hurry up please, you promised to watch that baking show with me and it'll be on soon!"

Well poor Gavin's just a little flabbergasted, but he gets to work pretty quickly, wrapping some duct tape around the split hose.  

He's shooting these looks at you the entire time, and you inwardly cringe. 

You know that Gavin wanted nothing more than to protect you,  that's why you had avoided situations like this.  

But, of course, you knew he would find out sooner or later. 

When you finally step in your front door Gavin wraps you in a big hug. 

!!  

"What did I do to deserve this?"

"I'm just really happy.  I know now that if something happens you can at least protect yourself a little." He says, earning a giggle from you.  

"Yeah, I always knew you were capable but now you can just throw a car at anyone who tries something!"

Gavin what the hell 

You spend the rest of the evening binge watching, with Gavin 'accidentally' losing the remote under the couch so you have to pick it up and get it. 

You dork. 

Kiro

You two were at a street fair, sampling all the delicious offerings at hand, when suddenly a vendors cart started to roll away.

We're talking a full brick pizza oven on wheels rolling down the street here.  

And of course you, having absolutely zero regard for your own safety, throw yourself right in front of it when it looks like it's going to hit a little cat.  

Ka KRUNCH

Kiro's frantic, checking you all over for broken bones and cuts.

Ok you're not complaining about that at all.

But eventually you brush him off and start pushing this cart back up the hill.

One handed 

With ease

OH MY GOD MS CHIPS YOU'RE A SUPERHERO

He babbles excitedly the whole way. 

"Why didn't you TeLL mE?"

"I don't know… it never came up?" 

Really you were worried he might not see you in the same way afterwards.

But you'd forgotten, Kiro is your biggest fan. 

So when he says "I always knew you were brave and strong, so I'm not really that surprised." Your heart just melts. 

The best part of the entire afternoon happens when you return the wayward cart to its owner.  

He bakes you two an entire pizza to share.

Hope you enjoyed that nonnie! I cannot lie strong ladies are a weakness of mine.  

Of course, fair nonnie!  (On a side note, I, like many, have suffered severe depression for many years, and if anyone reading this is depressed, I urge you to seek out someone to talk to. Stay safe and love yourselves darlings, though I know it can be hard!)

Gavin’s phone rings at 2 am one morning, but he still picks up, of course. He’ll always pick up if he sees your number. 

But?  There’s no one there? 

“MC?  What’s wrong?  Are you there?”

All he hears is a small whimper before the line disconnects. 

Well, call this man a falcon, because he is tapping on your window not 3 minutes later.  

When you don’t answer, he picks the lock lets himself in. 

And sees a sight that breaks his heart. 

You’re curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, sniffing into a cup of tea that seems to have long gone cold. 

He’s by your side right away, “MC?  What happened?  Are you hurt?” 

Little by little he manages to drag it out of you, how poorly you’ve been feeling lately, how your mood has been spiraling down and down,and there didn’t seem to be anything you can do to fix it. 

He looks around, noting the empty cup noodles, the crumpled papers, the clothes everywhere.  And his mind is made up instantly.  

Well, before you know it this man has not only taken a week off of work, but moved through your apartment like a wind (see what i did there), picking up the garbage, and gathering the clothes into a hamper. 

“Gavin, please, you don’t have to..”

“But I want to.” 

That almost makes you feel worse.  What did you do to deserve this? 

Next thing you know he’s picked you up, blanket and all, and carried you to your bed.  He piles another, heavier blanket on top of you, and then cranks your air conditioning.  

“Gavin,what…” 

“Just trust me.” 

He flicks on the TV to some kind of documentary that follows puppies as they grow up, and settles down into bed with you.  He won’t answer any questions, and instead just slides under the blankets too, wrapping you up in his arms. 

He draws little circles on your arms, and, ever so slowly, the tension starts to leak away.  

With the air conditioner making the room very chilly, the heavy blankets become a comforting weight against your body, and Gavin’s own body heat keeps you warm. 

Eventually, surrounded by warm blankets, cute puppies, and Gavin, you manage to drift off to sleep. 

Over the next week he helps draw you out of your depression little by little. One day he drags you out to the gym. 

“You don’t have to work out if you don’t want to, MC, but I really want you to come with me.” 

You settle for walking on a treadmill, watching Gavin lift weights oh your sinful thoughts the scenery. 

You’re surprised when you feel a little better after the walk! 

And though you don’t want to get in the shower, once you’re there you don’t want to leave, the water pounding on you just feels so good. 

By the time Gavin goes back to work you’re feeling much better.  Still not quite 100%, but able to help yourself and start getting back to a routine. 

He makes sure to call you every day, and any time you need to you can reach out to him. 

“I’ll always be right there for you, MC. You never have to be afraid as long as I’m here.” 

There you are, dear!  And again, anyone who is suffering from depression, I hope you’re ok, and I know that you’re strong enough to deal with it and come out on top!  Always remember, depression lies to you, and you are stronger than you know. 

Lmao this is so interesting! I always wanted to do this, too bad I’m an only child. 

Victor - 

The first time he realizes something is off is when he calls your twin “Dummy” and… instead of blushing they just?  Laugh?  

Um.  Victor.exe has temporarily stopped working, do you wish to close the program? 

It escalates as he notices how much bolder “your” behavior has gotten.  You don’t rise to his bait, you fire back at him, you even do the exact opposite of what he asks. 

“Dude pls don’t lose me my job” You text your twin. 

The straw that breaks the camel’s back? 

You look at his special, homemade pudding, and wrinkle your nose. 

He stops dead in his tracks, and the rest of the world stops with him. 

“Who are you, and what have you done with my MC?”

Your twin just loses it, collapsing into a chair, laughing as hard as anyone he’s ever seen.  They ignore Victor’s furious look, whipping out their phone and firing off a quick text. 

“Just a second, Mr. CEO” they say mockingly, “And all will be revealed.” 

Why did your voice turn different?  What is going on? 

Just then you burst in the doors of his office, stopping dead as his face drains of all its color.  

“Oh Victor, I’m sorry, we just had to!   I wanted you to meet my twin for so long!” 

Surprisingly, he’s ok with it, chuckling and gently knocking a knuckle against your forehead. 

“If they’re important to you, they’re important to me MC.” 

Lucien - 

First notices when “You” seem disinterested in one of his lectures.  

It’s not unusual for you to fall asleep, but for you to sit on your phone the whole time?  And looking up to smirk at him? 

He tries to go about it logically.  

Had you started a new routine?  Taken a new class?  Been affected by an Evol?  

One day he “pops over” to borrow some tea from you. 

It’s a moment before you let him into the apartment, which is very odd.  

So when he comes in he starts snooping. 

And lbr we all know he’s not above going through your stuff 

But there’s nothing amiss, except you seem to have changed purses?  Before he can start rummaging through the new one though, “you” walk out of the kitchen, tea in hand. 

It was Earl Grey. 

You knew he didn’t like Earl Grey.  He was a chamomile man, through and through, caffeine made him jittery. 

“You’re not MC are you?” 

Your twin rolls their eyes. 

“Finally, I thought you were supposed to be some brilliant scientist?  MC, HE FINALLY GOT IT!” 

You bound out of the room where you’d been hiding, and run up to throw your arms around Lucien. You’re giggling nonstop. 

“Professor, I’d like you to meet my twin!” 

Lucien is struck to silence for a second before regaining his footing. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  

You pout a little, Mr. Professor was too smooth for his own good. But you’re very happy that your twin and Lucien got to meet. 

And meanwhile, the wheels in Lucien’s head are turning. 

Gavin - 

He’s done a little background digging on you, of course. 

So he knows you have a twin. 

“The challenge here is to see how long it takes him to catch on, to see how well he knows you!” 

And so it begins.  When you and your twin put your minds to it you can really imitate each other perfectly. 

After a week, when Birdcop doesn’t seem to notice, your twin starts to throw a few wrinkles into the mix.  

They’ll occasionally order something that Gavin knows you don’t like but he still?  Doesn’t React?  What????

You get kind of depressed about it, you can’t lie. 

One night you and your twin are sitting in your apartment, commiserating about Gavin’s apparent obliviousness when you hear a tapping on the window!

The CUrTainS ArE oPeN!

He has the biggest grin on his face, and while it’s your twin to goes to let him in, he passes them right by and heads straight for you.  

“Gotcha” He says softly, and gathers you into a big hug. 

You’re laughing and crying a little bit, but you really are happy. 

Your twin can’t believe it - “How long have you known?” 

“Oh, right from the beginning.  Mc has a tiny scar on the knuckle of her right index finger.  You don’t have that.  I’m pleased to meet you for real though!”

Oh Gavin, you beautiful, frustrating, surprising man. 

Kiro - 

This one starts because your twin won’t stop begging you to meet Kiro.  It’s their idea to switch places when you say you feel a little weird about using your connection to him to get them a meet and greet. 

But you never could say no to them, so when they suggest switching places you can’t help but say yes. 

Kiro stares at your twin quizzically for a moment the first time they meet, and they hold their breath.  

But it seems to go well.  

So your twin spends the day with Kiro at a street fair, sampling all sorts of yummy food. 

Luckily your twin is just like you, a bit of a bottomless pit, so no issues there. 

At the end of the day they come back to his studio, and you surreptitiously let yourself in behind them, contenting yourself with hiding in the coat closet.  He makes “you” a cup of tea. 

A little smirk crosses his face when he sees your twin wrinkle their nose a bit. 

“Have I ever told you about my best friend, MC?” 

What????? No?

“Mmm.  Nope.” Your twin says, smiling at him.  “Tell me all about em though.” 

“Well.”  Kiro stops here, and smiles, gripping his tea tightly, letting it warm his hands. “They’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.  They’re always kind, they love the same things I do, and they’re incredibly brave.”

In the closet, you’re blushing furiously. 

“They can do anything they set their minds to, because they’re so determined,” He says, getting up, and you hear footsteps coming towards the closet.  Oh no!

Your twin jumps up, trying to get in front of him, but the man has long legs, and before they can intercept, Kiro pulls open the door to find you, blushing and with tears in the corner of your eyes.

“And I want them to know how much I love them.” 

You can’t even bother asking how he knew because you’re too busy jumping into his arms, and he picks you up and swings you around, planting little kisses on your face. 

Your twin groans though, hurriedly explaining how it was all their idea, because they wanted to meet him so bad.

“It’s ok, I understand.  But I’d know my MC anywhere, you’ll never be able to fool me!”

You and your twin glance at each other.

Your wish is my command! NSFW Incoming!

Victor - 

Hoo boy it’s a good thing Victor’s as confident as he is, because you’re a bit nervous. 

This is Victor though, so it’s not long before he has you distracted enough not to think about it. 

Who knew you could do things like that with a tongue?  

He does this thing?  Where he licks your neck?  And it.  Melts. You. 

Victor is more gentle than you thought he could ever be, but without losing his firm, commanding tone. 

It’s very sexy.

He gets you so worked up that you start grabbing back at him, kissing him more earnestly, moving your hands over his chest. 

But he’s not having much of that, Mr. CEO loves being in control ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 

“Sshhhh….” he whispers in your ear. “Don’t move, stay just.  Like. That.”

His voice and eyes pin you right in place, holding you still as he moves away.  

He doesn’t break eye contact

It’s.  Very.  Sexy. 

You blink, and there’s a condom in his hand. 

And let’s be real here, the man has you help put it on, thoroughly enjoying your blush. 

Who knew you could blush everywhere?  

Lucien -  

Your first time with Lucien isn’t as nerve racking. 

You blush a little when he removes your shirt, but he’s right there, assuring you, setting you at ease. 

“You don’t need to be ashamed of a biological imperative, MC.” 

He’s an attentive lover, but he -really- enjoys directing you, guiding your hands to where they need to be.  He returns the favor, bringing you right to the edge, till you’re shaking with anticipation. 

He makes you get up. 

Lucien pls no it’s cold

But he’s pretty ruthless, as we know, and enjoys watching as he directs you to a nightstand drawer, and a condom. 

Slowly, he puts his hands over yours.  Helping you the entire time, rolling it down his hard length. 

When that’s done, he just can’t help himself.  Before you know it you’re on your back, his arm around your waist, and then you can’t think about anything anymore because he becomes your entire world. 

Gavin - 

Birdcop’s more nervous than you are! 

It’s a late night at his apartment - you love it there - and the two of you were fooling around on the sofa.  

He does this thing? With his fingers?  You’re pretty sure he shouldn’t be able to make you feel this good. 

But he does. 

Body Worship for days, you are his queen. 

You try to return the favor, but your hands can’t seem to get past his arms, so muscled and hard that it’s difficult to believe. 

You cry out, and he pulls away quickly. 

NOooooOOOoO

You struggle to pull him back, but he moves out of reach, and you whimper at the loss of him. 

Before long he’s back though, hands shaking a little as he tries to open a condom. 

Well.  You’re more than happy to help him with that. 

And with putting it on, because now he’s breathing a little funny, little gasps every time you touch him. 

You take the lead, lying him back, and you lose yourselves in each other. 

Kiro - 

Your first time with Kiro is as special as you hoped it would be. 

He brings you out to a secluded cabin in the woods outside the city, an adorable little place that makes you gasp in surprise the second you walk in. 

Lying on a deep, plush rug in front of the fire, he kisses every inch of you. 

Every. Inch. 

You return the favor, rolling on top of him, and peppering him with kisses all over, lathing your tongue over his hips, making him shiver and rock into you. 

“MC...p...please…. My wallet.” 

You giggle a little, inordinately pleased with yourself for turning this global superstar into such a panting mess.  

You dig through his wallet. 

Is that a picture of you?  Oh...Kiro….

You find a condom inside, and hurry back to him, and he watches you the whole way, fireplace reflected in his eyes. 

“You’re so beautiful” he whispers, drawing you down to him, and pulling the condom from your hands. 

Before you can even process it he has the condom on, and he takes you right there, in front of the fireplace. 

Afterwards, you’re both a sweaty mess, and you take a shower together.  

You probably should’ve taken separate showers, because now you can’t stay away from each other.

No problem there Nonnie, I used to do the same thing! 

Victor - 

Notices immediately, nothing much gets past Mr. CEO.  

“Stop that right now MC.” 

“Oh...what?” 

You hadn’t even realized you were doing it, (you’d been making a conscious effort not to) but when you pull your left hand away the nails are ragged. 

He doesn’t say anything about it right then, oh no.  

Instead, he calls Kiki and asks about it.  

“Oh, yeah, whenever she’s stressed about a big project or report she goes back to it, but most of the time it’s not that bad” 

He.  Feels.  Awful.  

Is it his fault?  Has he put too much stress on you? He’s just trying to push you, so you do your best!  

Well, now he’s more careful.  He makes sure you’re not under too much stress at once, is nicer when you’re presenting reports ( Just A little, lets be real here), and schedules a spa day every once in a while.  

Any time he sees you going to bite your nails he asks you to hand him something.  Or engages you so you start gesturing, anything to get you to stop. 

He’ll even hold your hand.  It has the bonus of making you all flustered and blushy. 

My god you’re adorable MC. 

Lucien

It’s not that you really bite them, more like you chew on them. 

The first time he notices it’s just before an important interview.  

He’ll gently remove your hands from your mouth.  

“That’s not a very good method of coping, MC” 

He knows all about stress, the man did go to college. So he starts to teach you better ways to deal with the stress.  

We’re talking a cup of tea, we’re talking cognitive focusing, we’re talking stress release - 

Stress release, huh?  0.0

Gradually, with Lucien’s help you manage to cut down.  Any time he still sees you gnawing, he comes and grabs your hand, and will hold on to it as long as he can. 

Every once in a while you do it on purpose, just to be able to hold his hand. 

Gavin

You don’t just chew your nails, you bite your cuticles. 

Think birdcop won’t notice?  Ha, no chance, this guys is a trained investigator and seasoned cop.  He notices everything. 

He sits you down, and has a serious talk with you.  

You blush through the whole thing, you had no idea it was that bad or noticeable. 

“I have to protect you MC, and that means all of you, cuticles included.” 

Hand massages for dayyyys, rubbing lotion into the cuticles.  

This big silly man holds your hand even more often.  

He also does all the research on ways to stop nail biting, and tries to replace it with a good habit. 

“How are you going to play piano for me if you hurt your hands?” he pouts at you. 

O snap that pout, critical hit, MC.exe has stopped working. 

Any time you get stressed he’ll take you in his arms, hold you tightly, and up you go

Resting in the sky, staring at the stars, always relaxes you. 

“I’ll always be there for you, MC” 

Kiro

You’re ashamed of how badly you chew your nails, often right down to the bloody quick, and you tend to keep your hands in your pockets a lot. 

You can bet Kiro notices

He wants to hold your hand MC, let him! 

For the most part, he doesn’t push you about it, till one day he notices two of your fingertips are bandaged up.  

MC NO!

He can’t stand the thought of you hurt like that. 

You may not remember the experiments but he sure does. 

So he confronts you, gently.  

You tell him the truth of course.   You chew on your nails just to have something, anything to control.  It helps you cope with a life and a city that is spinning out of control. 

NOPE, SUNSHINE IS NOT HAVING THAT. 

Starts holding your hand in his All.  The.  Time.  

Takes you to a nail salon.  

All the women there love him, you’re a little jealous tbh. 

But!  It’s so nice and relaxing to have a manicure, especially when Kiro sits right beside you, getting his own nails cared for. 

Plus you catch a glimpse of the bill and it’s so expensive you’d feel bad about messing it up. 

So, gradually, with Kiro’s help, you start to de-stress in more healthy ways. 

He makes it clear he’s always there to talk to you, no matter how busy he is, no matter where he’s at or what time of day or night it is, you can call him if you start again.  

Slowly he helps you help yourself, by always having the utmost faith in you. 

One day when you realize you haven’t bitten your nails for 2 weeks he beams at you and treats you to ice cream!

“I knew  you could do it MC, you can do anything you set your mind to!” 

There you are nonnie, I hope I did it justice!

The voice came to you through a hazy dream of dark alleys and shifting shadows, breaking through the dream sounds of running feet and shouting.

"Boss, you've been out for an hour now!"

You jolted awake, the dream slipping from you quickly, and you shook your head, trying in vain to recall the details before giving it up as a lost cause. You turned your head to see Kiki there, a small smile on her face and a hand on your shoulder. You must've fallen asleep at your desk, and a small groan slipped out as you tried to stretch away the kinks in your back. A sudden change to a shooting location mere days before it was scheduled had you all working furiously, trying to re adjust everything to run smoothly, but most of it fell on you. You hadn't been home in a day or so, (you think it was a day or so, anyways, it couldn't have been that long...) and you'd been grabbing naps where you could.

"Ugh, I'm sorry KiKi. But at least we're almost done, and with a day left before the shoot."

Kiki laughed and tried to straighten your messy hair.

"Boss it's Thursday night, the shoot starts in 9 hours."

You bolted out of your chair at that, only to sway a little and catch yourself on Kiki's shoulder. How had you lost track of time that badly?!?

"Darn, darn darn! I still have to contact the caterers for the new venue, make sure the wardrobe gets there on time, email Victor..."

Kiki hopped up and down a bit, waving her hands at you, a smile splitting her face.

"Relax! It's all done already. We stayed late and took care of the rest while you took your nap." She giggled, and leaned in conspiratorially. "And you have a visitor. I have to warn you though, he's very upset with you."

You glanced quizzically at her, drawing out another laugh.

"Blame Minor, not me."

"Hey, I had to do something, she asked me the same question 5 times and she's been here for 3 days straight, the smell is getting bad!"

You blanched when you realized he was right. You weren't too fresh, and you were still so tired that it was hard to focus on anything. Even the edges of Kiki's face were blurry. Your thoughts, however, were cut short by a stern vojce coming from behind you.

"And that's why I'm here to take you home." Said Gavin, stepping to your desk. He picked up your purse, and you took it numbly, wondering why he looked so stern. You didn't have to wonder long though, because as soon as he escorted you outside he slung one arm beneath your knees, lifting you into his arms, and took off into the sky.

"Gavin, really, you don't have to do this I'm fine to walk or take a ca- oh!" You cut off as the chill of the pre dawn air hit you fully, gasping, even waking you up a little.

Gavin grumbled something unintelligible, and snuggled you tighter, somehow managing with his long arms to both hang on to you and wrap his long overcoat over your legs. The heavy leather and Gavin's own warm body combined to chase away the chill, and despite your protests you found yourself almost nodding off as he headed away.

You woke up as he descended, confused when you see not your own window, but the fire escape outside his apartment.

"Gavin...?"

Still silent he carried you inside, laying you on the couch as gently as he could manage.

"Gavin, please, why aren't you talking to me?" You whispered. The hint of fear in your voice stopped the man cold, and he looked down at you, pain in his eyes as he settled carefully at your side.

"MC when was the last time you were home?"

"Um...", you hesitated, struggling to remember. Had it been yesterday? Or Tuesday? Monday? When had the location changed.... "Yesterday?" You hazarded a guess.

"You haven't been home in 3 days! Minor told me you've been napping at your desk, and Kiki said the only breakfast you had today was an orange she brought for you."

"But the shoot..."

"Would've run fine with half the attention you gave it. And you know it. So, tell me..... why don't you want to go home?"

You froze. Of course this man, this beautiful, protective man, who could be so hard and terrifying to others and yet was so careful with you, had noticed. The ginko leaf dangling from your wrist, combined with how well he knew you, had seen to that. You ducked your head, tucking your legs up to your chest, till you were curled into a ball. Your eyes started to burn, throat closing, and it became difficult to speak, but somehow you managed to force the words out.

"I.... I don't want to be there alone."

Gavin stilled for a moment, then leapt from the couch. You heard rummaging from the direction of his bedroom, and before long he'd returned, an enormous pile of pillows and blankets in his arms, topped by a tshirt and pair of sweatpants. The entire lot was dumped unceremoniously onto the couch, and he handed you the clothing, a gentle hand stroking your head as he did.

"Here. Go get changed."

In the bathroom you inwardly castigated yourself. Of course he would think you were silly, whining about staying alone, practically living at the office until Minor had to call and tattle on you. A few stray tears slipped out as you cinched the waist of the sweatpants as tight as they would go. "Stress" you told yourself as you put on the shirt that was far too big for you, dangling halfway to your knees. You hurredly wiped the tears away and stepped back into the living room.

There, a transformation had taken place. The couch had been pulled out into a bed, and on it was what must've been every blanket and pillow Gavin owned. Exhausted and stunned into silence, you didn't notice Gavin come up behind you till it was too late. Again he picked you up, carrying you to the nest of the sofa bed, and laid you down in the middle of the fluffy pile. He grabbed a remote as you looked on in bemusement and soon the soft sound of a gituar piece filled the space and the lights dimmed.

"Do you mind if I sit?" Gavin's voice lacked its usual assurance, and he was looking away from you, so you couldn't be sure if you imagined the light flush to his cheeks or if it was the low lights, but you nodded anyway. He settled carefully at your side, and tucked a blanket around the two of you.

His hand settled on your back, and you felt the pressure of his fingers begin rubbing small circles. An involuntary groan escaped you, eyes fluttering shut as you slumped forward.

"You don't have to" you mumbled without much protest, but he didn't stop, and you could feel the smile on his lips, even if you couldn't see it.

"Gavin, do you ever have nightmares?" The words spilled from you unintentionally, and you couldnt help but tense up when Gavin's impromptu massage slowed.

"Yes. Everyone does, I think. Is that why you don't want to go home?"

A nod was all he got in response. You were too ashamed to look at him.

"Sshhh. Stop being so hard on yourself. Everyone has nightmares. You don't have to be afraid of yours. I'll always be there to protect you. I'm all the protection you need. And I promise I'll never leave."

Gavin's words were soft but firm, and you gave a small shudder. A few more tears leaked out, but this time they came from a place of relief and happiness, and you felt the tension slowly leak away. Sliding down further into the nest of blankets your eyes slid closed.

"Thank you, Gavin."

The last thing you felt before drifting into the first deep, untroubled sleep you've had in a week was a light brush against the crown of your head as Gavin placed a gentle kiss there.

"Sleep tight, MC. I promise I'll never leave you to face your nightmares alone."

Elsewhere

Lucien hung up the phone, an angry frown on his handsome features. Kiki had said the cop had taken her home, but he'd stopped by, and the apartment was empty. He tightened his fist around a pen, briefly allowing his irritation to show before relaxing himself once again. It wouldn't matter, in the end. He assured himself of that as he watched the sun rise over Loveland City.

******

A/N: I'm tired and tenses are hard, ok? Anyway, I needed Birdcop fluff and comfort, so here we are, enjoy!