#jackieboi

JACK, BRING THE FLOPPY BANANA BACK!

Who’s with me?!

Tonight on the stream we figured out the colors and designs of all the swap boys! Thanks to everyone who came to watch!

Also bonus design for the back of Chase’s Jacket:

Anti shuffles down the street in between two men, trying not the feel like a prisoner. He stuffs his face into his mask as he takes in his surroundings and studies the men. Jackie and Bro, they introduced themselves as. One of them Bro Fantastic himself. It felt strange that a little pickpocket like him was in the presence of a big superhero. He could find out his secret identity like that. All he had to do was take off that ridiculous pink mask. He could get so much cash with that information… His eyes linger on the hero’s neck, but apparently it was for too long. Bro turns and looks at Anti and gives him a kind smile. Anti looks away guiltily.

“So where exactly are we going again?” He asks as the men walk into the town square. Towards a nicer part of town that Anti really never got to visit. He didn’t exactly fit in.

“We’re going to see a good friend of ours,” Fantastic says as he stuffs one hand in his jacket pocket casually, while waving to a confused looking fan with the other. Anti frowns.

‘Yeah… still not giving me a lot of information there, hero.”

Jackie sighs behind Anti and rubs his hair, making it floof to about twice its size, “He’s a doctor Alt. He’s helped both of us through a lot of stuff. We think he can help you too.”

Anti still doesn’t look very convinced so he just huffs in reply. Anti rubs his arm as he lets his mind wander. Could these guys really help him get Magnificent off his tail? How was that even possible? The hero… maybe. But not this exhausted looking dad. And certainly not some doctor. Maybe he was in way over his head. Maybe there was no escaping this stupid stupid deal he made for some cash and a goddamn cat- and oh god his chest was getting tight again-

Jackie gently sets his hand on Anti’s shoulder and leans his head so Anti can see it and offers him a smile, “Hey don’t panic yet, ya haven’t even seen the guy yet. But we are here.”

Anti blinks and looks at the building they’ve stopped in front of. It’s a small modest building. Doesn’t look like any hospital or doctor’s office he’s ever seen. Anti thinks he sees on the big window on the side of the building “Brighton Therapy and Treatment Center” as he’s pushed inside by Bro and Jackie.

In the inside is lined with chairs and benches and enough magazines to cover the walls. A woman sits behind a window across the way and Jackie walks over to her and smiles.

“Hi Sandra,” He greets and the woman looks up from her phone and brightens, “Hello there, Jackie!” She tilts her head, “Did you have an appointment with Dr. Jackson today?”

Jackie messes with his hair, “It was kinda last minute. I have another friend i’d like him to see.” The receptionist looks over Jackie’s shoulder and spots Alt and nods with a smile, “I see. Well Dr. Jackson is just as the end of his lunch. You can go ahead and go in and see him if you’d like!”

“Thanks Sandra,” Jackie replies as he gestures for Anti and Bro to follow him through a side door. Anti gives a nervous look to the woman as he slinks after the two men. For some reason this place gives him the heebie jeebies. It smells too nice, like someone had pumped too much essential oils in the air. There’s soothing music blasting through the speakers, as if meant to put the patients at ease, or to sleep.

“What kinda freaky doctor is this guy anyways?” Anti growls to the men, shoulder hunching uncomfortably. The hero rolls his eyes, “Not like a normal doctor, bro. A therapist. He’s helped a lot of Jackie’s friends though so.. We figured he could help you. He can do like anything.”

Anti makes a face at the hero. He didn’t sign up for a therapy session. He really didn't sign up for any of this. But… he had to take what he could get.

Jackie stops in front of a certain door labeled Dr. Jameson Jackson C.Ht. He knocks two times before opening the door, “Hey doc-!”

The open door reveals a kind looking brunette doctor knelt in front of well dressed teal haired man. The teal haired guy looks like he’s hyperventilating clutching at his chest with his face dripping in sweat. The doctor is making sure to stay in the eyes of the man as he tries to talk to him, “Henrik, I need to you breathe okay? You’re okay. You’re safe here.” The doctor then takes one of the gentleman’s shaking hands and holds it against his own chest before getting his attention again, “breathe with me okay?” The doctor then takes calm exaggerated breaths and the teal haired man shakily follows him. It doesn’t take him long for his breathing to slow and the doctor smiles at him after about a minute.

“Better, Henrik?”

The teal haired man nods, “Y-Yes… thank you mein friend…” A fuzzy mass was laying next to the man’s feet, a very light colored golden retriever in a red vest. It was so still it was hard to notice, until the dog raised its head and blinked at the party that entered. Alt felt himself bristle a bit. He wasn’t a dog person.

Bro coughs awkwardly alerting the Doctor to the other three’s presence. The dog reaches up to bump the man’s hand right as the doctor’s head turns, shocking the teal haired man who bolts up and quickly fixes his appearance even after a harsh whispered warning from the doctor.

“Oh!” The gentleman wipes under his eyes and adjusts his glasses, “More of the good doctor’s patients… i did not mean to cut in to other’s time…”

The doctor smiles gently and rests a hand on Henrik’s shoulder, “Nonsense Henrik, your wellbeing is just as important as theirs.” He turns to the others with a brighter smile, “I’m sure Jackie and Mr. Fantastic don’t mind at all, yes?”

Jackie straightens, “Oh no of course not. “ He turns to Henrik, making sure to catch his eyes “Hello Schneep, it’s good to see you! How have you been? And who’s this cutie??” He adds quickly, cooing towards the dog. It wags its tail excitedly but stays very still, sitting up and alert. Alt squinted at the vest- guess it was some kind of service dog?

Henrik takes a second to respond before his face lights up, “Ah, Jackie mein friend! I am quite well thank you. Work ‘as been surprisingly steady!” He then pats the dog on the head and beams. “And this is Sahne! Dr. Jackson helped me to get her before I moved! How are those children of yours?”

The father laughs slightly, “Oh as crazy as usual. Penny’s getting big real fast, it’s blowing my mind.”

Schneep gives him a gentle smile, “That is wonderful.” He then gestures to Bro and Alt with a raises eyebrows, “I do not believe i have had the pleasure to meet your friends, yes?”

“Oh!” Jackie puts a shoulder on Bro’s shoulder, “This is Bro Fantastic!”

Henrik’s eyebrows raise higher, “The superhero?”

Bro grins and does a slight pose, “The one and only!” Bro looks excitedly at Henrik, “You look familiar… are you that… Indie star that’s been getting traction around here? Henrik… von Schneeplestein?” Henrik gives a shy nod. “Dude the stuff you do is so cool! I can’t believe there’s still silent movies around in 2018!”

Schneep laughs, “Yes, I am quite fortunate there is still market for my skills!” He looks to the superhero with a twinkle of awe in his eyes, “How incredible! Dr. Jackson really does have the most unique clientele.” He then turns to Alt and tilts his head. “And who are you?”

Alt backs up slightly, reaching up to make sure his mask is covering his face, “It’s nuh ya.” He mutters. Henrik stares at him confused.

“That’s Alt,” Jackie explains, setting a gentle hand on Alt’s shoulder and looking back at Schneep, “He’s who we brought to see J today.”

The doctor shifts and clears his throat, “Speaking of which, we should start. Jackie, would you be a dear and take Henrik and….. Mr.. Fantastic to my office? There should be some warm tea in there and maybe the two of them can get acquainted there.”

Jackie nods, “Sure thing, Doc.” He then leans down next to Alt and whispers softly to him, “Don’t sweat it kid, Dr. JJ wouldn’t hurt a fly. You’ll be safe in here.” He then gives him a well meaning pat on the shoulder before leading the other two into the office off to the side of the sitting room. The dog seems to stare at Alt for a bit too long before she hurries after her human.

Alt stares Dr. Jackson down, daring for him to speak first. Dr. JJ gives another smile before gesturing for Anti to take a seat in one of the soft teal colored plush chairs, “Please sit,” as he takes a seat in the one closest to his desk. Anti hesitates for a second before slinking over and plopping himself in the chair, feeling awkward and exposed. He slowly lowers the mask away from his face but that only makes him feel worse.

“So, Alt was it?” The doctor begins, “I’m Dr. Jameson Jackson, but most everyone tends to call me Dr.JJ.. or Dr. J.. or even just Doc.” Jameson laughs, it’s a good kind laugh. “I’m usually okay with whatever people want to call me.”

Alt tries to give the doctor a smile. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

Jameson leans down on his knees, “Jackie has informed me that you may be… running from something? And that you may be… a bit hard to talk to. Just know Alt that we do want to help you, and that you are safe here. Nothing said in here will be said anywhere else.”

Alt swallows and shaikly breathes, “o-okay…”

Jamie smirks, “Okay good, now,” He digs into his pocket, “I want you to relax for me…” From his pocket he pulls out a round object, a gold pocket watch on a long chain. He holds it out at arms length and starts to swing it back and forth in front of Alt’s face. Alt scrunches his eyebrows in confusion.

“Just focus on the watch’s face for me Alt, it’ll make the session much easier!” JJ smiles gently and Alt wants to believe him. So he takes a deep breath and looks towards the watch. He watches the design on the front as it sways back and forth slowly. The motion is mesmerizing. Alt’s eyes are starting to unfocus and he blinks sleepily while continuing to stare. His shoulders start to slump and his eyelids feel heavy.

Dr. JJ blinks. Alt went into trance a lot faster than he expected. Maybe he had previous experience. He presses on, “That’s good Alt, just focus and breathe slowly.. In… and out…” Alt obeys and breathes, “Just focus on my words and… relax…”

Alt’s brain is becoming muddled way too fast, his body feeling sluggish. What is this feeling? It feels way too familiar and it’s causing his heart to start pounding. But he knows he needs to relax. He needs to listen to the doctor. He needs to listen. To obey...

Alt shakes his head violently, snapping out of trance with a strangled gasp. He scrambles to the back of his chair, his chest beginning to heave as his eyes flicker to the doctor in terror.

Jamie startles back, “Alt? What’s the matter?”

Alt bares his teeth at the doctor, “What the hell are you doing to me?!”

“What? I-I don’t understand-”

“Y-You’re trying to control me!” Alt snarls, throwing himself out of the chair, “T-They didn’t bring me here to help me! Y-You’re with him aren’t you?!” Alt looks on the verge of panic, his whole body shaking, even looking like he could dissolve into static, “Y-You all work for him!” Delirious tears start falling down his face as his stumbles and falls backward and hits his back against a cabinet.

“Alt! Please calm down!” Jameson warns, trying to get closer to the boy.

Alt screams at him, blocking his face with a shaking arm, “Don’t fucking come near me!” Alt looks like he can’t breathe, his face turning red and his whole body shaking like a leaf. Jameson has no idea how to calm him down. But.. if he was reacting like this to his hypnotism, it must mean that he had dealt with it before. There were other triggers.

“Alt!” The British doctor shouted with a commanding voice. He snapped his fingers as loud as possible, “Sleep!”

Alt’s eyes immediately glaze over before rolling back as he falls onto the ground. The boy sighs sleepily as if he wasn’t just panicking, his breathing evening out and returning to nice slow cadence. Jameson sighs a breath of relief as he pushes his hair away from his face.

Two seconds later the side door bursts open with Jackie and Chase rushing through. They can hear Sahne growling and barking slightly in the background with Henrik trying to calm her down.

“Doc!” Jackie breathes, “Is everything okay we heard screaming and-”

Jj holds up a hand towards the boys, “Everything’s fine, we just had a little trouble getting him in trance. Would you two mind helping me get him back in his chair please?”

The two men share glances before spotting Alt curled up on the ground and help him sit back in the chair. Alt slumps over at his waist, his head resting on his chest as he continues to sleep.

“.. He’s in deep…” Chase comments, “Why was he shouting?”

Dr. JJ sighs, “He seems to have had a bad experience with hypnosis before…. That’s my only explanation so far.” He looks back to Jackie, “Did you forget to tell him i was a hypnotherapist?”

Jackie and Chase exchanged guilty expressions. Jamesons suppresses a sigh and pinches the bridge of his nose, “... it’s no matter… go enjoy your tea…” The boys mumble apologizes to the doctor and soon the quiet sound of the door clicking shut can be heard across the quiet room.

Jameson takes a deep breath and sits up straight before looking back at Alt’s resting form, “Okay Alt… on the count of three… i want you to open your eyes… but i would like you to stay in trance… just so it’ll be easier for us to learn about each other. So just keep taking deep calm breaths for me, son.” Alt takes slow breaths in and out per the doctor's instructions, looking calmer and more relaxed the longer he goes. “I can’t hurt you here. None of my questions will hurt you. No one here will hurt you. You’re safe here, i promise. So I’ll need you to be completely honest with me. Nod if you understand.”

Alt is still for a second before slowly nodding his head. Jamie gives him a gentle smile, “Okay Alt, ready to wake up?” Another nod. “Okay… slowly now, deep breath in and one… breath out… two… breathe in and… three, wake up for me Alt.”

Alt slowly rises to face Dr. JJ his eyes glazed over still as he sits up at attention. Jameson continues smiling at him.

“Okay Alt, can you tell me your full name?”

Alt hesitates, his eyes shifting slightly under the trance, “...I don’t… want to…”

JJ blinks, “Why is that?”

“I’m… not using my real… name…”

Jj presses gently, “can you tell me anyways? It won’t leave this room, I promise Alt.”

More silence. A beat. Then Alt’s stance relaxes again as he mumbles, “m’ name is... An- Anti Brody….”

Jameson’s eyebrows raise. The same last name as Chase. Could Alt be…? No, he shouldn’t push that. Not this soon. “Well it’s nice to meet you Anti, but I’ll keep referring to you as Alt since you seem to prefer that. Could you tell me a little bit about your life? What do you do for work?”

Alt responds almost immediately, “I create stage illusions with lighting…using lights and sounds and stuff…”

“Does it pay well?”

“No.”

JJ’s eyebrows furrow and he sits back, “How do you make enough to live?”

“I don’t.” Alt responds simply.

“Can you elaborate?”

Alt looks slightly uncomfortable but doesn’t break trance, “...I… have to steal… I use my show...to steal money…. so I can eat….”

The doctor’s face softens. slightly. “...Sounds like a tough life, Alt…Do you get enough to eat?” Jameson can already guess just looking at the entertainer's thin frame.

“....No…” there’s a pause before Alt continues, “glitching... takes up too much energy.”

“Glitching? What is glitching?” Dr. JJ inquires.

“My power…” Alt explains, “I can… glitch and move from one place to another… like a computer… thing…”

“I see…,” Jj hums, “so this power requires you to eat and I would assume sleep a lot yes?”

“...yes…”

“This is the same power you used to get away from Bro Fantastic?”

Alt pauses again, “....yes… I… glitched too much… and I… blacked out…”

Dr. JJ leans back with another thoughtful hum, “Why were you running so hard away from Mr. Fantastic?”

Alt answers surprisingly fast, “I couldn’t get caught again.”

“Again? Have you been chased by Mr. Fantastic before?”

“No.”

“Another superhero?”

“No.”

The doctor leans in, knowing he’s getting closer, “The man you’re running from?”

“....Yes.”

“Tell me why you’re running Alt, what does this man do?”

Alt looks on the verge of panic or tears as he blinks slowly, “he… he hurts me… he… he c-controls me-“ Alt seems to hiccup slightly a spark of fear in his eyes and Jameson quickly shushes him to lull him back under.

“I know you’re scared Alt but I need to know more, how does he control you? Does he use hypnotism?”

Alt’s eyes are brightening with tears, “...I..I..don’t know...it feels… similar… but I-i..! I can’t f-fight it I can’t-!” Alt swallows sweat breaking out on his face as he grips his hands tightly on his torn jeans. He’s close to waking up completely, JJ scrambles to pull out his pocket watch and starts swinging it back in front of Alt after snapping to get his attention.

“It’s okay… it’s alright Alt,” Jameson quietly assures, “Take deep calming breaths for me again….” Alt struggles to do so but eventually does and doing so causes his eyelids to grow heavy again.

“Alt, can you tell me this man’s name?”

Alt opens his mouth and for a second no sound escapes. He furrows his eyebrows sleepily as he struggles to make a sound, “M-Mag-!” The boy chokes then sinks back, “I...I can’t…”

The doctor frowns, “can you describe something about him? Something we can use to track him down?”

“C-Cat…” Alt forces out, “m...magic…” He then blinks, looking more exhausted then he has the whole session, “I’m really tired…”

It’s by this point Jj knows he’s not gonna get much farther so he sighs and nods, “Okay Alt. You did a fantastic job. Why don’t you go ahead and rest your eyes while I wrap this up?” The Doctor then snaps his fingers again and Alt slumps forward his eyes slipping shut.

“Alrighty Alt, when I count down from 3, you’re going to wake up completely” the good doctor instructs, “But I have one last thing to ask of you.” Dr. JJ gets up and kneels in front of the boy, gently setting a hand on his knee, “I know you just met us. But Jackie and Ch-Bro… and now me… we genuinely want to help you. We don’t want any more harm to come to you. So all I’m going to ask… is that you try to trust us.” Alt twitches slightly in his sleep but otherwise doesn’t respond. Jameson sighs slightly but gets to his feet and walks back to his chair, “Okay, 3...2...1. Wake up for me  Alt.”

Alt’s head shoots up and he blinks around the office, looking confused. Jamie gives him a gentle smile, “Morning sunshine, how are you feeling?”

Alt shakes his head, “uh… s-sleepy? ...foggy…?” He blinks again then something seems to dawn on him and he jolts out of his chair. Jameson holds up a hand to him, “don’t worry Alt, nothing said in here leaves this room.” He gives the pickpocket a kind smile, “all your secrets are safe with me.”

Alt stares at the doctor like he’s grown a second head. But slowly he swallows and nods just slightly, “uh..t-thanks doc.”

“Not a problem my boy!” Jj sings looking chipper. “Now I don’t know about you but I’m famished. Fancy getting lunch with me and the others?”

Again Alt stares at the Doctor like he’s spoken in some foreign tongue. Does no one show this boy kindness?

“I..I…” Alt stammers, messing with his mask sitting around his neck, “...I am hungry…”

Jj beams. “Well then! Shall we?”

The 5 men venture off to a nearby diner for lunch. Jackie and Jameson excitedly talk about their kids and show each other pictures on their phones. Henrik watches the two blabber with a fond expression on his face. Sahne sits below Henrik, pressed up against his legs. He occasionally sneaks her some fries. Bro seems to be a bit uncomfortable, sitting in his mask and eating in this diner. But after a while he just unwinds and starts laughing loudly with his friends about his wacky adventures in crime fighting. Alt wishes he had his confidence.

Alt fiddles around awkwardly on his phone, listening idly to the conversations. These guys… seem really nice. Alt wouldn’t mind actually getting to know them better if he was honest with himself. God knows he needed friends. But… he knows Magnificent will find someway to take them away in the end. He always takes away everything….

The pickpocket is shocked out of his thoughts by a gentle tap of Jackie’s hand on the table. The father looks at him with a gentle smile, ‘You sure are being quiet, kid.”

Alt grunts and rolls his eyes. His gaze lingers over to Henrik who is looking out the window, watching the clouds go by “Well, teal isn’t talking either and i don’t see you complaining to him.”

“Well… Schneep is deaf,” Jackie informs Alt slowly, “And with so many people around it’s hard for him to engage in conversations for too long.”

Alt’s face falls, “Oh… uh. I-I had no idea! He… he talks so well…?”

Jackie shrugs, “He says he lost his hearing when he was a teenager, he’s pretty good at reading lips. As long as you look him in the face he can talk to you.”

Alt makes a face and nods, half heartedly eating his fries. He’ll have to keep that in mind.

While the others are distracted by their own meals, Alt sneaks a big handful of fries into his jacket for Glitches. She would be so hungry when he got home and this was the best he could do until he got his energy back up.

Alt is halfway through his burger when Bro reaches over Jackie and grabs Alt’s phone. “Hey!” The glitch shouts, trying in vain to reach for it but Bro just grins and unlocks it before typing something in. He then slides it across the table to Schneep until it bumps into the gentleman’s shoulder. The superhero signs something to the actor and his face lights up as he types on the phone as well. He then passes it to JJ. The doctor blinks, then takes the phone and gives Alt a knowing smile as he types something in too. He then hands it to Jackie as Alt tries once more to grab for it, “Seriously guys! What the hell?!” Jackie gives him a sneaky grin as he speedily types then hands the phone back to Alt with a smirk. The boy looks at Jackie like he’s crazy before he quickly snatches back, “what did you do…?” He then looks at the screen and his mouth falls open a little.

The contacts list, which before were only filled with vendors for shows, now has four new additions. Bro’s name is at the top: BRO FANTASTIC followed by the explosion emoji and the muscle emoji. After that is just Henrik Von Schneeplestien followed by a smiley face. Then comes JJ, the most formal: Dr Jameson Jackson C.ht. Jackie’s is underneath simply as Jack1eboi. Alt just stares at the screen, lost for words. The other boys exchange smiles.

Jackie rests a hand on Alt’s wrist, “This is case you ever need us, Alt. Or need someone to talk to. We’re only a call or a text away.” Alt blinks and looks up at the other. Henrik gives him an exaggerated thumbs up. Jamie smiles warmly. Bro grins. Alt swallows a lump in his throat, “...t-thanks guys…”

The rest of the lunch went by quickly and all the boys gathered up front to say goodbye before going their separate ways. Alt feels a weight on his heart. Why was he feeling so… Whatever this feeling was? He just met these people. Yet… he didn’t want to go.

“Are you okay, Alt?” Schneep asks with a curious tilt of his head. Alt shakes his head, “Yeah i’m fine. Just… worried about getting home.”

“I could always fly you bro!” Bro Fantastic says flashing a winning smile. Alt rolls his eyes.

“Thanks but no thanks Hero. I can take care of myself.”

Jameson looks concerned for a second, “Well at least be careful Alt…” Alt nods and gives the doctor a weak smile before waving goodbye to the others. He turns then immediately trips on a crack in the sidewalk, spilling his stash of fries on the ground. Alt looks at them devastated.

Jackie walks up and blinks at the still Alt, “what’s up man?” He sees the mess, “....did you stuff fries in your jacket?”

Alt mutters, “no…”

Jameson hears and joins, “Did you not get enough to eat Alt? We could always get you more.”

“No!” Alt snarls for a second, gripping his hands into fists, then he lets them fall, “I was… trying to take stuff home for my cat…”

“You have a cat?” Bro asks. Alt slowly nods, “Yeah.. her name is Glitches…. I-I haven’t had much to feed her with lately so…”

The others stare at each other again before Jackie takes Alt’s arm and starts leading him down the street.

“Woah, what the hell?!”

“Shuddup Alt and just follow us.”

Jameson watches at the other two follow after Jackie and Alt before he ducks back into the diner. He knows where to meet them.

Jackie drags Alt to the local pet store and Alt stares at it wide eyed. The boys all push him inside and drag him around the whole store, asking him all sorts of questions about Glitches. How big is she? What color? What food does she like?

They fill a whole cart with toys and food and treats and cute hats (those were Schneep’s idea). Sahne seems to approve, especially with Schneep spoiled her with new things as well. Alt is left staring at the contents of the cart as Jackie, Bro and Schneep fight over which bed would be best for Glitches.

Alt is distracted from their fighting by a presence to his left. He turns and he sees the kindly doctor smile and hold out a cat toy to Alt, “Do you mind nosy toys?” He then clicks on the top and the little ball starts to turn and flash all sorts of colors. Alt’s face lights up.

“Glitches will love that.”

Jamie chuckles and tosses the toy in with the rest of them, “I’m glad!” He then hands a bag to Alt, “This one’s for you.”

Alt looks confused as he takes the bag and looks inside. It’s more food from the diner. 3 more burgers and another thing of fries. Alt feels the pinprick of tears behind his eyes as he frowns.

“Is something wrong Alt?” Jameson asks.

Alt can’t stop himself as tears leak from his eyes, “...why…” He chokes, “why are you all being so nice to me?!” He snaps his head up to the doctor, trying to look angry but he just looks...broken. “I… I don’t deserve this.. I-I don’t deserve any of this! I-i i’m a c-con man, a-a pick pocket! I lie and steal and trick people! I-i’m… i’m not a good person!” He wipes the tears falling down his face with his jacket sleeve, growling in frustration, “I… I just don’t get it… I.. I don’t deserve all this…” The entertainer deflates, sniffling. JJ gives him a second before giving him a gentle hug.

“Everyone deserves a little kindness, Anti.”

Alt stiffens slightly but gradually eases into the hug. He doesn’t return it, he’s not used to hugs. But god, has it been a while.

“WE FOUND A BED!!” Bro shouts from behind them and Alt springs away from JJ. The doctor smiles, “Oh?”

“Oh yes!” Schneep exclaims and points to the bed, “It is a wonderful color! Much like my hair! And quite soft!”

Jackie takes the small pet bed and sets it on top of the other stuff before looking back at Anti, “Whatcha think Alt?”

Alt wipes at his eyes and gives them a small smile, “It’s… it’s great. Thank you.”

Dr. JJ decides to take Anti and the rest of them home is his car since there was so much to carry. For once, Alt was so glad he didn’t have to glitch home. This was maybe the craziest day he had had in awhile….

The boys drop Anti off with all his new things and wave him off with big smiles. Alt can’t help but smile and wave back as they fade out of view. He then looks back down at the bags and bags of new stuff for him and Glitches.

Anti’s heart was pounding in his ears as his breathing came out short and ragged. His legs ached as they pounded against the ground and he closed his eyes to glitch again, stumbling as he appeared a few more feet ahead. He blinked stars out of his eyes and swallowed a wave of nausea as he pushed to keep running. He had to keep going.

Unhinged laughter echoed down the seemingly endless hallways and Anti felt the hairs on the back on his neck raise. He was scared beyond belief. Why did he ever agree to work for this psychopath?! He had to get away. If he found him again he was going-

“You can’t run forever, freakshow~” Magnificent sang, his voice both echoing and slithering inside Anti’s ear. Anti glitched again in fear and tripped once he reappeared, his face scraping across the floor. He pushed back up, the world tilting and shifting out of control. Anti could hardly breathe but he had to keep going.

“I could do this all day, Anti,” The dark magician’s voice teased. Anti shivered at the way he said his real name. He could get into his head. He messed up his head. He had to get him out of his head!

“Leave me the fuck alone-!” Anti screams as he shuts his eyes and glitches again, then again, trying to gain more distance. His knees buckle and he nearly blacks out. He’s glitching too fast, he can’t keep this up. He’s exhausted. But he doesn’t want to think about what will happen if he gets caught.

Magnificent giggles, his voice sounding closer, “You really think you’re the one in control here? Let me show you what happens to puppets who try to cut their strings.” The walls of the hallways start to tilt and waver and shift to green. Was that because of the magic or Anti’s exhaustion?

He doesn’t care, he glitches again before he can even rise to his feet completely. He falls onto his side only a couple feet ahead, a pained wheeze escaping from his lips. Anti is having trouble keeping his eyes open, despite the panic and the way his heart is thumping out of control.

The sounds of dress shoes clacking on the floor cause Anti’s eyes to snap open as he cries out, wheezing and gasping out in terror. His form buzzes with static as he tries to glitch and he appears just a few inches where he just was. He curses, just the small movement making his vision swim. Spots dance in his eyes and he can hardly keep his head up, his arms shaking out of control and he tries in vain to scoot backward.

Suddenly a small black form rushes from down the hall before its shifts to something massive and it pins Anti down. Breath is forced out of Anti’s lungs with a painful squeak as claws dig into his shoulders. He blinks and tries to focus, recognizing features on the giant black cat on top of him immediately.

“G...Glitches…?” He whimpers, struggling weakly to fight but he can’t muster the strength. He’s so tired. He tries to glitch but his arms merely just tingle with the feeling of static before they snap back to reality.

Glitches bares her fangs at Anti, her eyes glowing bright neon green with blue surrounding her irises. Delirious tears threaten to spill from Anti’s eyes. “Glitches, Glitches it’s me girl, please.. Please wake up.”

A chuckle draws Glitches head to turn and she slowly steps off Anti. Anti tries to move again but he can’t, everything seems like it’s going to fade to black. He tries, he tries to glitch again, but nothing happens. He almost faints from the effort. But a force keeps his head from falling to the ground.

“Now now little glitch…” Magnificent purrs, “It’s not nice to deny me of my prize by passing out on me is it?” The magician snaps his fingers and suddenly the long stretch of hallways that Anti had spent who knows how long running and glitching down shimmers and fades to show that they’re merely standing at the entrance to one of the hallways that lead further into Magnificent’s lair.

“You son of bitch-,” Anti whispers breathlessly, anger flaring uselessly in his unresponsive body. Then a bright flash of green catches his attention and a spiral of swirling magic mixes in front of his eyes. Anti tries to jerk away but the pull of the magic is strong and his eyelids start to droop, every bit of fight leaving his body. The green light of the swirl echoes in Anti’s eyes as he sighs.

“That was very entertaining, Anti,” Magnificent smirks, “But i’m gonna teach you again how useless it is to run from me. You can’t escape.” The magician snaps and Anti rises from the ground just like a puppet being pulled up by its strings, his head lolling forward. Magnificent strides over and grips his chin in his hand, tilting Anti’s face back and forth as he stares into his distant eyes with a pleased expression.

“So let’s keep you awake long enough to suffer, freakshow,” He sneers, “ I want you to feel as much of this as possible so that tiny little brain of yours will remember this time what happens when you oppose me!” He lets go of Anti’s chin, letting his head fall to his chest, before he comes back and grips the side of the boy’s head with both of his hands, his thumbs digging into his temples. The magician’s hands light with green flames as he grins sinisterly, “mmm this never gets old. Let’s have some fun breaking that mind of yours!”

Anti starts to scream as his entire body feels like it's on fire and his mind feels like it’s being broken apart into shards of glass.

=============

Anti shoves a messy sloppily dressed amateur of a magician up against an alley wall with a growl. His vision was tinted green as he glared down at the target Magnificent had sent him to track down. The teen is shaking in his boots but glares back at Anti with a determined expression, gripping a spell book in his trembling hands.

Anti flips his pocket knife out and sticks it underneath the wannabe’s neck, breathing past his mask, “You have something that belongs to my boss,” He drones.

“He’s not even using it!” The teenager counters with a sneer, “That guy doesn’t even do magic shows anymore! He should let others have a try!”

The entertainer tilts his head at the boy, the motion sending shivers down the boy’s spine. “My boss doesn’t tolerate being stolen from.” Anti presses the knife further, pressing and piercing the kid’s neck slightly. The amateur's whimpers and squeaks slightly and Anti can’t help but laugh at how pathetic he sounds-

“HEY!”

The shout down the alley snaps both the boys heads to the entrance. In the daylight stands Bro Fantastic, holding his hands on his hips like a classic superhero.

The green light fades from Anti’s eyes and he starts to shake slightly.

Bro Fantastic’s eyes flash blue with power, ‘I suggest you let the kid go, bro.”

Anti stays still, trying to calculate what to do, but panic starts to cloud his thoughts. Fuck! Fuck! He got caught. By a hero, no less! Magnificent was going to be furious. How could he get spotted over something so trivial?

Anti growls and rips the books out of the kid’s hands before throwing him to the ground and glitching as far as he can. He can hear the hero cry out after him and he takes a look back to see he’s appeared at the other end of the alley past a gate. Bro stares at him shocked for a second before he glares and rockets into the air after him. Anti’s heart beats fast in his chest as he sprints away.

Using the alleyways to hide Anti ducks and flies past corners, trying to throw the hero’s path off. He glitches when he can, going to opposite ends or if he knows an alley well enough, appearing in the one next to it. But it doesn’t take long for the spots to start appearing in Anti’s eyes and for his knees to start wobbling.

“Keep fucking going-” He growls to himself as he catches his breath, “You… you can’t get caught.” Anti shuts his eyes and glitches again, hoping to make it across the space and out into open road. Instead, he finds himself about to fall off the edge of a fire escape on a building he already passed.

“Fuck-!” He cries, his legs shaking and his vision swimming from the glitch. He tries to grab the railing but its snaps, its rusted and Anti starts to fall to the ground. He screams, trying to get himself to glitch but his body only buzzes with static.

There’s the sound of rushing air then firm hands catching him, cause Anti’s eyes to open in surprise. Bro Fantastic stares down at him in slight surprise. “That was a close one…” The hero mumbles but Anti can hardly hear him over the thumping of his heart in his ears.

“No!” He chokes, pushing himself out of Bro’s hands as he disappears in static and glitches away in fear. By some miracle, he manages to land on the ground, but he skids and struggles to get back to his feet to keep running. More and more black spots dance in front of his eyes, he can’t breathe.

“J’st one more glitch…” Anti slurs, trying to force his sinking eyelids open. He can’t pass out now. He hears crazed laughter in his head. Maybe he’s close enough to his apartment now that he can make it. He reaches out a hand as he stumbles, his arms turning to static and pixels but that’s all he can muster before he pales and his eyes roll up in the back of his head. He falls to the ground in a crumpled heap.

Chase manages to find him just a few minutes later as he touches down on the ground, panting from trying to find him after he fell out of his arms. The little crook is passed out, heaving heavily with sweat dripping down his face. He looks sick like he could have a fever. There are dark bags under his eyes and when Chase frowns and removes the guy’s mask he reveals a heavily freckled face that seems almost… familiar.

The little brush against the criminal’s skin causes his eyelids to flutter as he mutters weakly, “d-don’t… d-don’t… let’im… find me….” he sounds like he’s close to tears and Chase’s heart clenches in sympathy. Then his eyes are slipping shut again and Chase is left wondering what the hell he could mean. Maybe this kid wasn’t a bad guy… maybe he was running from one.

Chase sighs and stands up as he fishes his phone out of his belt.

“Hey, Jackie? I need your couch for something.”

==========

Jackie stares down at the figure sleeping on his couch with a mixed expression.

“You know Chase, when you said you needed my couch… i thought it was because you needed a place to crash again… not because you had a criminal you needed to keep an eye on,” Jackie grumbles, rubbing his nose underneath his glasses, the bags under his eyes more pronounced than ever. “Also why the fu- freak, are you taking him here and not, i dunno, the police?!”

Chase crosses his arms as he studies the kid on the couch, “Because i don’t actually know if he’s a criminal or not. He seemed… scared.”

“Well maybe because he’s a little punk and you caught him wielding a knife at someone!” Jackie shouts.

The hero winces slightly, “I dunno Jackie… i just have a bad feeling that… this guy’s in trouble somehow. Plus… he.. He like wore himself out with me chasing him, dude.”

“Oh, that’s a surprise,” Jackie replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

“Not like that-! No he’s like… he’s got powers, bro. He can teleport,” Chase explained. Jackie’s eyebrows rose. “Teleport?”

“Yeah, but not quite. He like… it was like he was glitching. LIke a computer game or something.” He looks back towards the sleeping man with a frown, “He was running in such a panic dude. LIke i was gonna kill him. You know- everybody knows i don’t work that way! I think there’s something bigger here….” Chase sighs and then gestures to the unmasked man, “And just look at him man! He looks awful…. I want to help him somehow… i dunno know why but i feel like i need to.” He turns back to look Jackie in the eye, “Don’t you trust me?”

Jackie gives Chase a withering look before he sighs and looks down at the guest too, “It’s him i don’t trust.”

Chase gives his friend a wavering smile, “I took his knife away?” Jackie gives him another look, “Plus i really don’t think he’ll be going anywhere anytime soon, dude. And i think we should take him to see the doc…”

Jackie bites his lip then sighs, “He can stay a couple hours till he wakes up… i’ll try to see if i can get in contact with J until then.” Chase smiles and pats Jackie on the back as Jackie sighs and massages his neck, heading off to his office/room.

The hero lets his smile fall as he looks back at the still sweating and panting boy. He doesn't even know this kid’s name. The wallet he had on him clearly wasn’t his. Chase bites his lip. He was a criminal. But by the look of his clothes and his pallor and that look in his eyes… he might not be a thief by choice.

Chase ventures to the kitchen and finds a towel and quickly runs it under some cold water and rings it out. He comes back over and takes his mask off before kneeling down by the boy. He gently pats the washcloth on his face, cheeks and forehead to try to cool him down. The kid sighs slightly in relief, his face relaxing ever so slightly, even if his breathing was still fast and labored.

The stranger’s eyelids fluttered slightly and he muttered something Chase couldn’t make out but he didn’t wake up. Chase’s stomach twisted in sympathy. This guy didn’t look too much younger than him. If Chase didn’t know better, he could see him being like a little brother. That thought made Chase’s chest feel warm for a second. Chase finds himself smiling and pushing the man’s matted hair away from his forehead and dabbing the cloth again.

“Don’t worry, bro… We’re gonna get you some help.”

A few hours pass and Chase is dozing off in an armchair nearby. He’s jolted awake by Jackie slamming a door shut.

“I’m aWaKE!!” Chase shouts, looking around wildly then relaxes when sees Jackie, “Oh hey, Jackie.. Sup?”

Jackie sighs and rubs his eyes, “Dr.JJ won’t be available till tomorrow. He tried to make room but he couldn’t. So we’ll have to keep the punk here for the night…” Jackie looks off to the kids’ room with a worried expression, where he told them to stay and play with Stacy while he sorted this out.

Chase felt guilt swirl around in his stomach, “... want me to stay so Stacy can go home?”

Jackie looks pissed as he glares at Chase, “Of course you’re staying! You’re gonna watch this mess you brought into my home! This danger you brought in that could come for my kids!”

Chase winces and sinks into the chair slightly, looking away like a hurt puppy. Jackie’s furious expression fell.

The vlogger sighed again and messed with his hair, “Look Chase- i… I’m just stressed okay? I… I haven’t slept in like two days… and i’m worried for the kids now and... “ He squeezes his eyes shut before looking back at his friend with a soft smile, “I’m not gonna be able to sleep tonight so I’m more than happy to watch him with you. I just don’t want anything to happen…”

The hero returns the smile and stands up, ‘It won’t bro. I promise. In the meantime! Let me help you make dinner and put the kids to bed!”

Jackie’s smile finally reaches his eyes, “That’d be awesome, Chase…”

Dinner and bedtime comes and goes and the two friends gather up on the couch and turn on a movie to pass the time. Jackie tries to encourage Chase to sleep so they could take shifts but Chase insists he’s not sleepy. About an hour passes before Jackie is passed out on Chase’s shoulder and the hero can’t help but shake his head and smile.

“Up all night huh… you liar….”

Chase gently moves the father so he can take up the whole couch and covers him up with a blanket. He then moves to the armchair again after brewing more coffee to finish the movie and watch the perp. But, Chase wasn’t built for all nighters like Jackie. He’s out like a light a few hours later.

The sound of static chaotic laughter fills Anti’s ears as more sweat drips down his face. He feels like he’s trapped under something. It’s warm… too warm. His heartbeat starts to race again as he feels sharp prods in his head. Where was he? This doesn’t feel like his place, he doesn’t hear Glitches soft snoring in the corner. His breath starts to pick up as he blearily opens his eyes. He doesn’t recognize where he is. He starts to panic. He rolls off what feels like a couch, tangled up in… blankets?

Anti’s breathing comes out in short wheezes as his knees crack against the floor and the whole world spins. He can’t see straight. There’s slight sunlight falling into the room but he can’t tell from where, everything is shifting too much. He swallows back bile as it rises up in his throat. He needs to get out of here but his arms are shaking too much. He concentrates, he needs to glitch but he can’t. He only feels static, like his whole body was asleep and slowly waking up.

He retches trying to get something in his body to respond so he can get the fuck out of here when suddenly there’s someone in front of him.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Anti yelps and falls back on his butt and covers his face against the stranger. A small girl stands before him, looking at him with big concerned eyes. She’s wearing a long nightgown that says dream on and has her black hair tied in little braids that are unraveling and curl around her face. She tilts her head and offers her hand to Anti.

“You look scared, it’s okay! Bro’s here to protect us!” She says, her eyes shining brightly. Anti scoots back further and covers his face. He’s not wearing his mask. Where was his damn mask?! He feels so exposed. He’s starting to hyperventilate. He bites back more nausea and starts to sway to the side. The kid steps closer, holding out both hands looking frightened, “Hey hey mister it’s okay!”

“I.. I..” Anti exhales shakily, his voice sounding thick, “C-can’t breathe…” He curls up against the couch his stomach churning uncomfortably as the room continues to tilt, “D-don’t come near me…”

The girl stills for a beat before the sound of bare feet on the carpet is heard heading way from Anti. He sighs slightly, pressing his head into the edge of the couch, willing himself to breathe. He can’t believe he’s having a panic attack in front of a little girl. But he can’t help but panic. Magnificent was gonna find him soon, he could just feel it. Anti feels his breathing hitch at the thought and then he starts panicking again, not being able to breathe, ready to puke. He wants to go home but he can’t glitch much less walk.

The footsteps break through Anti’s thoughts as the girl bends down in front of his limited vision where he’s pressed up against the couch. She gives him a kind smile and offers him what looks like a cup of water and a plate. Anti blinks and slowly pushes himself away from the couch, pushing down more nausea.

The girl sits cross legged in front of him as she hands him the glass, “My Daddy gets sick sometimes when he forgets to eat and drink water! So i got some for you!” When Anti takes the water in a shaky hand and takes a slow sip she then offers him the plate. A big glop of chocolate cake is messily piled on there with a fork sticking out of it. Anti’s stomach growls as he stares at it. It had been so long since he had had cake…

“I know cake isn’t for breakfast,” the girl says quietly, her eyes shifting to the other side of the room, “But that can be our little secret!” She grins and Anti feels a small smile spread across his face, despite how his heart continues to beat uncontrollably.

“Oh oh!” The girl exclaims and digs something that was trapped under her arm and hands it to Anti, “Since you’re scared this is my favorite stuffed animal! Daddy says she’ll help keep the monsters away so she’ll protect you!” It’s a black cat stuffed animal with big blue eyes. Anti can’t help but smile. It kinda looks like Glitches. The girl scrambles to her feet and grabs the blanket off the couch and throws it over Anti’s back before plopping her cat toy in his lap. She then plops back in front of him, looking pleased.

Anti looks down at the cat toy with a distant smile, his breathing calming down slightly. “She looks like my cat…” He mumbles, almost too quiet to hear but the girl does. She perks up excitedly.

“You have a cat?! What’s its name?”

Anti sighs and pokes the toy’s face, “Her name is Glitches…” He then takes a bite of the cake and feels himself melt slightly. It tastes like heaven.

“It bet she’s really cute!” The kid grins before tilting her head, “What’s your name?”

Anti nearly chokes on the fork in his mouth and coughs slightly, before taking it out, blushing slightly. He looks away before mumbling, “It’s ,uh, Alt.”

“Alt? What a cool name!” She points to herself with her thumb and sits up straight with a proud smile, “I’m Kelsie!”

Anti smirks, “It’s a pleasure Kelsie,” he takes another bite of cake as the girl watches. His panic slowly starts to fade as he eats and drinks and the room starts to spin less and less. He finishes off the meal and sits back with a sigh and Keslie just beams at him. He winces slightly. The girl looking so intensely at him was making him feel uncomfortable.

“Hey, uh, kid?” He muttered, “You see some kind of mask around here?” Kelsie blinks before getting to her feet and looking around the couch and the floor, finally scooping up the piece of black fabric and holding it out to Anti. “You mean this?”

He nods and gently takes it from her, going to wrap it around his face. She sets her hand on his arm though and he pauses.

“What are you doing?” She blinks, “Why are you hiding your face?”

He lowers it with a slight blush and looks away, “i… I just always do this… I don’t like people looking at me for too long..” He self consciously reaches up and rubs at the light pink scar on his neck.

Kelsie looks confused, “I think you look nicer without that. You have a good face.” She lightly pokes his cheeks with a giggle, ‘You got freckles all over just like Bro!”

Anti feels a warmth spread inside his chest. He rubs his cheek where Kelsie poked it, deep in thought. He then shoves the mask in his pocket and scoops up Kelsie’s stuffed animal, “Why don’t you tell me more about your friend here, Kelsie?”

Kelsie’s face could light up the whole room.

Jackie opens his eyes to sunlight in the room and blinks in confusion. Wasn’t he… supposed to be doing something? Suddenly he remembers and he springs upwards, throwing the blankets off and planting his feet on the carpet.

He frowns slightly, ready to chew Chase out for falling asleep when slight movement on the couch they left the guy on catches his eye. He gasps slightly.

Kelsie is on the ground, resting her head on a pillow on the lap of the injured man. She holding her kitten toy in her arms, while the man holds one of its paws. His head is resting on the seats of the couch, looking less pale and sick then he had yesterday, breathing softly.

Anger burns in Jackie’s stomach. How could he fall asleep? How could he let this creep get anywhere near his daughter?! He stomps over and quickly grabs Kelsie’s arm, firmly but not enough to hurt her to haul her away, “Kelsie! Get away from him!” Kelsie’s eyes spring open and she looks up at Jackie surprised, “Daddy?”

The stranger’s eyes snap open and he instantly flinches away, chest heaving. He stares wide-eyed at Jackie and scrambles away looking panicked. His entire body starts to shake and he curls up slightly as he stumbles trying to get away. Jackie’s face falls.

Kelsie wiggles her arm out of Jackie’s grip and rushes over to the punk, scooping up her cat. “Stop Daddy! Don’t scare Alt! He scares easy!” She bends down by the man she calls Alt and offers him the cat with a gentle voice, “It’s okay Alt, that’s just my daddy… It’s okay…”

Jackie swallows a lump in his throat. Now that the kid’s awake… he looks terrified. Something awful must have happened to him. Jackie gently raises up his hands as he kneels down to Alt’s level. “Hey.. Hey i’m sorry… I  didn’t mean to scare you…”

Alt stares at him while heaving, looking unconvinced. His body seems to flicker slightly, the sound of static ringing in Jackie’s ears for a second before it pops back to normal. Alt suddenly looks more exhausted, sweat dripping down his face.

“You’re Alt, huh?” Jackie continues softly, “I’m Jackie. I’m a friend of Bro Fantastic…” Alt flinches at that and Jackie quickly interjects, “Wait wait, he brought you here to help you! We want to help you…”

The punk’s cold blue-eyed stare bores right through Jackie, “Help me… right…” He breathes dryly, “You’re.. You’re just gonna turn me in somewhere….”

“No we’re not,” Another voice joins the conversation and Alt turns his head to see Bro Fantastic rise from one of the chairs. He flinches back again on instinct but Kelsie reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck quietly shushing him, “It's okay.. Bro’s a good guy!”

“That’s what i’m worried about…’ Alt mutters to himself quietly.

Bro Fantastic strides over before plopping down on the floor with everyone else, stretching the crick out of his neck. “Listen bro, I could tell yesterday that you were more than just some pickpocket. That you were scared and running from something… something worse.’ He looks down seriously at Alt, “We want to help you, plain and simple. You look like you need it.”

Alt clenches his teeth and tries not to curse in front of the kid. He was so weak.. That complete strangers were caring for him? But.. they want to help…could this mean... ?

Alt shuts his eyes at the thought, his whole body shuddering and his breathing picking up as he hears crazed laughter and feels strings on his wrists and his waist and his neck and he can’t breathe he can't breathe hecant-!

“Hey!”  A firm hand and 3 pairs of kind eyes snap Alt out of his panic and he stares, his mind racing. He swallows, shakily trying to take a breath.

Finally, he speaks, looking at the two men in the eyes.

(not exactly sure this is the explosion of fluff you were expecting but i tried!) 

Jackie sighed as he cleaned up the mess of the top floor den of his office building. Empty beer bottles littered the floor and tables as well as pizza boxes and empty junk food wrappers. He didn’t usually let the den get this way but he had been so caught up with editing the week, then Kelsie and Ollie caught the flu and he swore there was no way he and his crew could have drunk this much beer but-

The vlogger stops in his tracks as he hears a strange noise coming from one of the couches hidden in the corner of the room. Hidden in the shadows, Jackie almost forgot it was there. The father tensed slightly, scared it could be a burglar. Did he even have anything he could use as a weapon in here? The beer bottles? Jackie reaches slowly for one, ready to crack it against the counter of the small kitchen close to him to make a makeshift weapon when his ears finally adjust to the noise and he can finally tell what it is.

It’s… crying.

Jackie knits his eyebrows together in confusion as he slowly approaches the shadowy area of the den. As his eyes adjust to the darkness he sees a grey-suited figure curled up on the couch facing away from him, his freckled shoulder shaking. A dull grey jacket with pink patches and a familiar skull logo is tossed aside as well as a worn pink mask. Jackie’s heart sinks as he slowly kneels down by his friend. He jerks back as he knees hit even more beer bottles. The couch is surrounded by them and with a quick whiff this close by, Jackie can already tell Chase is long gone. Jackie takes a careful patient breath before he lightly touches Chase’s shoulder and shakes him.

“Chase? Buddy?” He calls softly.

The hero jerks, snapping his tear-stained face towards Jackie. He blinks and sways as he scrubs a gloved hand across his face. He pushes himself up and nearly crashes back down to the couch but Jackie quickly catches him as Chase blinks more and more trying to orient himself.

“M’m’sorry,” He slurs drunkenly, weakly trying to push himself out of Jackie’s arm, “M’not’s post t’be here…” He sniffles, his cheeks and eyes red and puffy,”s’your office...should go h-home….” Chase manages to untangle himself from Jackie’s grip and off the couch before he immediately pitches to the right and crashes to the floor. Jackie exclaims out loud and quickly helps Chase back up, putting on his sternest dad voice.

“You are not going anywhere, Chase!” He scolds, setting the hero back up on the couch and pushing his bangs away from his face. Jackie's expression morphs from stern to concerned, “What the hell are you even doing here Chase? Why… why did you drink so much?”

Tears shine in Chase’s eyes and fall down his face as he hiccups, trying to form the words. It seems like he can’t bear to look Jackie in the eye.

“M’a h-horrible h-hero... “ Chase sobs brokenly, dripping tears into his lap as he hangs his head, “m’such a f-fuckup!” He presses the palms of his hands against his eyes as he cries out even louder, ‘i-i just h-hurt people a-all the time, n-none should b-believe in m-me… m’ t-the worst h-hero…”

Jackie’s heart breaks for his friend as he sees the hero break down. He can’t think of the proper words or advice right now. He’s not even sure Chase will remember anything he has to say right now he’s so drunk. So, Jackie takes a second and leaves Chase by himself, letting him cry softly to himself.

Eventually, Chase is bumped but something warm and fluffy and he lifts his head. He’s met by the face of a giant white fluffy stuffed tiger. Jackie peeks his head over the stuffed animal with a soft smile as he offers the tiger to Chase. The hero blinks slowly as he takes it in his hands. He melts slightly. It’s so soft.

Jackie sits down next to Chase and gently rests a hand on his friend’s knee. “Chase…,” the father begins, “I can’t even begin to tell you how much you have changed my life. How many times you saved me. Even before we met, even before you swooped in and stopped me from breaking my neck. You… you give people hope. You give Ollie and Kelsie hope. Something to believe in.” He looks Chase in the eyes and smiles, “I just hope…. You’ll start to believe in yourself someday too.”

Chase just stares at Jackie, at a loss for words. Jackie can’t really tell if it’s cuz he’s still super drunk or because he actually made an impact. Still, Jackie shakes his head and sighs.

“But, let’s sleep this off for now bro. That tiger should keep you nice and comfy here. It’s the best I could find in terms of pillows and shit.” Jackie gathers up Chase’s jacket and lowers the hero to lay down on the couch, helping him to cuddle the stuffed tiger like a body pillow as he drapes his jacket over his legs like a blanket. Chase blinks his eyes sleepily, sniffling and nodding his head like he could doze off at any second. Jackie chuckles softly.

(Okay so little set up! Swap!Jackie is a Parkour Vlogger who has insomnia and has three kids he takes care of while his wife works overseas. His wife is a reference to a ship we have over in my other AU Septnautical! Then Swap!Chase is Bro Fantastic, a superhero who’s kinda clumsy kinda lonely but has super strength and can fly. Jackie and Chase met cuz Chase kept saving Jackie from falling off things in really dangerous stunts and they became fast friends because Jackie’s such a hero nerd. Okay, on to the Drabble!)

Jackie rubbed his eyes triedly as he bounced Penny is his arms, (one arm in a giant doodled-to-all-hell cast from his last stunt) watching the clock with longing eyes. She should have been down an hour ago. Great, he gave his daughter his crippling insomnia.

“C’mon sweetie,” Jackie sang sweetly as he rocked his sunshine, willing and praying for her eyelids to slip shut, “Go to sleep for Daddy...Please go to sleep…” Penny bubbled spit in her lips and giggled at Jackie, making grabby hands for his face. Jackie sighed. Still wide awake.

“Penny, sunshine,” Jackie breathed, “Daddy has so much work to do. So much to edit…. One of his editors caught the flu this week so he needs to stay up… it would make Daddy soooo happy if you fell asleep riiiiiiight now!” He gently booped her nose and Penny smiled and grabbed his finger in her little fist before sticking it in her mouth. He sighed and blew his neon green hair out of his face. “Zara… you gotta teach me how you get your children to listen to you….” He pulled his finger out of the baby’s mouth and stuck the mess on her forehead with a sly grin as she giggled before he shifted to hold her on his shoulder as he headed out the door.

“I guess you’re a passenger for storytime again today…”

“DADDY!!!” A shrill shriek erupted the second Jackie’s foot entered the threshold of Ollie’s and Kelsie’s room. He bit back a sigh and entered in, bouncing Penny up and down to keep her happy.

“Inside voice Kels, it’s late for Penny…. What’s up?” He bites back a yawn, already guessing the answer from the state of the room. Oliver’s toys are thrown across the room, landing on Kelsie’s side and he watches as Ollie’s huffs and throws another toy. It clacks loudly against the plastic of Kelsie’s bed and she cries, “Ollie’s throwing his toys on MY side! And he won’t pick em up!!”

Jackie’s patience is wearing thin. He’s already running on so little sleep from yesterday and Penny being fussy isn’t helping. He doesn’t need this too. But they’re just kids. He needs to be gentle.

“Ollie,” Jackie chided gently, “You know the rules. We keep our toys clean and we keep our stuff on our sides. Especially before bedtime.” Ollie huffs and crosses his arms, his lower lip quivering.

“Careful with that lip Ol, never know what’s gonna grab it!” Jackie teased as he leaned down and nudged his son gently with his cast. “C’mon buddy, help Daddy out here. I can’t exactly clean up your toys for you…. And neither can Penny. And Keslie shouldn’t have to clean up a mess you made on her side. You’re not being nice…”

Little crocodile tears prick in the side of Ollie’s eyes before he huffs again and stands up, quickly waddling around to pick up his toys. Jackie smiled.

Storytime came and went without a hitch and slowly but surely, Penny’s eyes slipped shut and Jackie could finally put her to bed. He tucked the older kids in and kisses them goodnight before wobbling off to his own room and collapsing on his bed face first.

It takes all of five minutes for his phone to start ringing.

Jackie doesn’t lift up his face from the sheets as he pulls the phone from his pocket and hits talks. He hears a giggle from the phone.

“Kids give you trouble, Hun?” His wife, Zara laughed from the screen.

Jackie gives a mumbled reply and Zara rolls her eyes at her husband’s antics.

“I can’t hear you that way, Jackie… Can i please see your face?”

Jackie complies and tiredly lifts up his face and gives Zara a weak tired smile. “Hi, Z,” He breathes, his expression relaxing as soon as he sees her face.

Zara frowns slightly as Jackie brings the phone closer to his face and lays his head down on his arms, “Your eyes Jackie… how have you been sleeping?”

Jackie scoffs, blowing hair out of his face, “You know that’s a loaded question…’

“Have you been seeing Dr. JJ?” Zara asks, tilting her head.

Jackie tiredly rubs his face, ruffling his hair and sending it flying in all different directions, “I’ve been wanting to make an appointment this week but Penny’s been… difficult this week and Stacy has been stuck studying and then Tyler caught the flu so i’ve had to pick up some editing slack and…” He sighs, laying his head back down on his arms, squeezing his eyes shut for a second. But then he forces a smile on his face and looks back at the camera, “But i’ve gotten this far. A new week will be here soon… gotta keep that PMA.”

Zara gives him a wavering smile, “Sounds like a tough week, love… I’m proud of you for pushing through. Just… try to get some sleep okay? I’m worried about you.”

“You worry too much Z!” Jackie grinned as he shifted and focused his attention on her, “Now enough about the boring england stuff, tell me what undersea monsters you’ve discovered this week!”

Zara giggles and looks at her husband with love in her eyes, ‘Well okay... But only if you tell me some adventures of our little monsters!”

Jackie eventually hangs up the facetime after a couple hours with a soft, “call ya next week, love”. He then tosses the phone to the pillows and rolls onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. He sighs and throws an arm over his eyes and just melts into the bed, letting the blackness take him for a second. Then he pushes himself up, cracks his neck and pulls on his signature hoodie as he powers up his computer.

“Time to do some editing…” He mumbles as he yawns, stumbling down the hall to grab an energy drink from the fridge. He absentmindedly grabs the first one he sees and sips it as he heads back to his room and gathers what he needs to work. Maybe he’ll get the video done by the time the sun comes up.

Chase was finishing up a late night patrol when he stops by Jackie’s neighborhood in his flight. He looks over to the apartment building and blinks in surprise for a second. Was… was that a computer light on in Jackie’s room? Chase hurriedly takes out his phone and balks at the time, it was nearly 6 am! He had an excuse, he slept all day for this patrol. But… he knew Jackie would have been up all day.

Chase zooms over to Jackie’s window and carefully works the lock to pry it open. He pushes it open gently, not wanting to wake the kids next door as he slips inside.

Jackie is bent over his computer, his arm thrown over his head as his face is pressed to his elbow, his casted arm rests uncomfortably on the desk. Jackie’s breathing is shallow and fast, like he had only just fallen asleep. His desk is littered with energy drinks and sticky notes. His cast is pressing up against the keyboard, causing his editing software to continuously open and close an error message.

Chase’s boot slips noisily on the carpet and Jackie shifts and mumbles, his eyelids fluttering. The hero’s breath hitches as Jackie’s head lifts up, a sticky note stuck to his face as he blinks sleep out of his eyes. He looks awful. The bags under his eyes makes them look sunken in. Jackie stares out at him, blinking at him without recognition for a second before he shakes his head and wakes up more.

“Chase…? Why.. why are you here?” He slurs, rubbing drool off his face and frowns in confusion when the sticky note gets stuck to his hand. This would be funny if Jackie didn’t look so sick from it all.

The hero’s reply gets stuck in his throat. “I… I saw the computer light on when i was patrolling… i… i got worried.”

Jackie blinks then heavily rolls his eyes and groans, leaning his head back against his chair as he rolls it back. “Ugh… not you too!” He stands and adjusts his hair with a heavy and tired sigh, “Listen, Fantastic. I’m a responsible adult. I don’t need some bumbling, clumsy hero telling me to take care of myself. I know what I’m doing.”

Chase tries to hide how much that hurts. Jackie was his friend, he would take care of him when he needed it, why wasn’t Jackie letting Chase help him now?

When Chase doesn’t reply right away Jackie grips the bridge of his nose and rubs at his eyes before he turns and starts to head out the bedroom, “I need coffee….”

The hero reaches out and stops him, gripping tightly onto his good arm. “Jackie stop! You don’t need coffee, you need to sleep!”

Jackie turns and sends a glare at Chase, “No, i don’t need to sleep. I need coffee! I need to finish this video. Then i need to wake up the kids and make breakfast….” He tries to slip his arm out of his friend’s grip but Chase grips tighter.

“Jackie, you can’t keep doing this, it isn’t healthy!” Chase pleads, “You can’t just not sleep. Your kids need you to be well rested man… and fuck dude… you’re injured! You shouldn’t be pushing yourself so hard!”

The vlogger is silent for a while staring at the ground, his shoulders stiff. Then they fall and shake slightly and Jackie’s hands ball up into fists. A tear falls down his cheek and hits the carpet.

“I.. I just want to be enough… for everyone….” He whispers, “I… I have so many people counting on me… I have to keep going for them…” More tears slip down his cheek and he sags even more as if his body is giving up on him. Then his knees are buckling and Chase quickly catches the father under his arms so he doesn’t fall over completely. Chase leads him to his bed and lays Jackie down before gently pushing his friend’s hair back. Jackie’s eyelids are drooping as he scrubs away at the tears.

“Let me tell you something I’m trying to teach myself as a superhero, Jackie,” Chase explained, “You… you only have so much you can give. You can try and try to save as much people as you can, do as much as you can. But in the end… if you’re not all together yourself… you’ll end up being there for no one….” He looks Jackie in the eyes and gives him a sad smile, “You don’t wanna leave those awesome kids of yours alone do you?”

Jackie sniffles and wipes at his nose. “No…”

“Then you gotta take care of yourself bro… And that starts with really trying to sleep…”

Jackie sits up slightly opening his mouth, “But-!” Chase stops him by holding up a hand to his face. “There’s nothing you have to do right now that can’t wait till tomorrow.”

Suddenly there’s the sound of crying from the next room.

Jackie sighs and moves to get out of bed but Chase pushes him down as he takes off his mask and stuffs it in his jacket. “No way bro, You’re getting some sleep. I got this.”

“Hey!” Jackie protests, “Who said i’m okay with you taking care of my baby?!”

Chase turns at the doorway and gives Jackie a wink, “aw c’mon, you know Pen Pen loves me. And i’m also a pretty decent cook… so i got breakfast covered too.” He shoots Jackie a finger gun as the father stares at him kinda dumbfounded.

“Get some rest, Jackie.” Chase waves and gives one more finger gun for good measure before he heads over to take care of Penny. Jackie sits on his bed for a second, lost in thought. But he can hardly keep his eyes open, he’s so exhausted. And now he knows the kids are taken care of. He smiles slightly and shifts so he can lay down, settling his head against his pillows. He’s out like a light in seconds.

Chase stumbles slightly on the roof where he’s just knocked out the criminal he’s been chasing down for the past hour. His side is killing him and he doesn’t know why. It feel wet and hot but he just pushes past the feeling and digs in his belt for his phone. He dials the number for the police and gives them the address of the perp with a smile.

“Thanks Bro Fantastic, we really owe you one.”

“Don’t worry about it man,” Chase laughs, “Just doing my job!”

He clicks the screen to hang up, his muscles suddenly feeling really heavy. He hadn’t realized how much that chase had tired him out. And there was a lot of loud firing from the perps gun. Chase couldn’t remember what landed and what didn’t. Everything kinda blended together.

He sways on his feet, a wave of vertigo making the building tilt slightly. He holds his head and blinks stars out his eyes, trying to stop his legs from shaking.

“I… I must be more worn out t-than i thought,” Chase mumbles to himself. He stumble walks to the edge of the building and his face lights up when he realizes he’s in Jackie’s neighborhood. He’s sure Jackie would be more than happy to let him stay the night. Chase smiles to himself and gently uses one of the parkour tricks Jackie taught him to maneuver off the roof and nearly loses his footing. Then he remembers he can fly.

“Duh, Chase. Good fucking going.” He rolls his eyes to himself as he floats away from the ledge and brushes himself off. “I must still be hungover from last night or somethin’...” He slurs, feeling something wet as he brushes off the dust. He shudders slightly at the feeling and wipes it off on his jacket before he jets off to Jackie’s apartment.

Chase’s flight starts to dip as he approaches Jackie’s apartment building, he can barely keep his eyes open. He blinks sleepily and tries to right himself but he’s falling. He clumsily ducks and rolls as he hits the sidewalk, grazing his elbow and ripping a hole in his jacket. He swears and frowns at the tear before he staggers up and heads to the lobby to take the elevator.

He leans against the elevator wall once inside and nearly sighs in relief as he feels the cool metal on his back. He could fall asleep here and now, but he knows Jackie’s couch is gonna be way more comfortable so he focuses his eyes open. It’s hard to fight the pull though.

Chase is startled awake at the harsh ding of the elevator as it hits Jackie’s floor and he weakly pushes himself away from the wall and out the door. His muscles were getting stiffer and heavier the more he pressed on. He couldn’t wait to collapse on the couch.

He finds Jackie’s apartment instantly, drawn by instinct at this point and tiredly knocks on the door before resting his head against the wood as he waits. He hears the wail of a baby’s cry and his stomach clenches slightly in guilt. But he’s so tired.

The door swings open faster then Chase can react and he’s falling as Jackie tiredly mumbles out a hello, bouncing baby Penny up and down in his arm. He cries out and to clumsily catches the hero under his armpit with his free hand as Chase struggles to catch himself with before he completely crashes to the floor.

“Chase-?!” Jackie chokes out, he sounds scared as Chase struggles to breath, stars in his eyes again and the world tilting out of control, “What… what the hell happened to you?!”

Penny’s cries are torture to his ears as Chase struggles to get back to his feet. But his knees betray him as the buckle underneath him and lets out a quiet curse as he falls down to them.

“J’st… j’st need… a place… t’sleep…” Chase slurs, his eyes struggling to stay open.

“Nevermind that, Chase!” Jackie nearly screams, sounding hysteric, “We… we gotta get you help!”

“‘Help… ‘m.. ‘m fine…?” Chase mumbles, wanting nothing more to slink into the floor. Jackie roughly grabs Chase’s arm and Chase yelps out in pain, then blinks in confusion. Why the hell did that hurt so much?

The rapid sound of footsteps coming down the hall fills the room as Jackie’s other kids come racing in, fear in their bright blue eyes.

“Daddy?” Ollie whimpers, “Is.. Is everythin’ kay?”

Kelsie gives a dramatic gasp and covers her face with her hands, “Oh my god! Bro Fantastic is bleeding!”

Bleeding?

Chase’s eyes finally focus long enough on his torso, to his side that’s been bothering him all day. It’s entirely covered in blood, a thick slice cutting through his jacket and jumpsuit. He looks to the arm Jackie is holding, it’s… it’s riddled with bullet wounds and grazes. Similar wounds dot his other arm and his legs. He blinks slowly, his brain having trouble processing everything. How… how hadn’t he noticed? Was he so focused on catching that villian he just kept going without realizing?

Seeing the blood was almost too much and Chase’s eyes started to roll back. Jackie exclaims and tries to catch him, falling down to his knees to collect the fainting hero.

“Kelsie!” Jackie shouts and his daughter rushes over and Jackie gently hands the sobbing Penny into her arms, “Can you please go read Penny and Ollie your favorite picture book for Daddy? Daddy’s gonna try to fix Bro Fantastic up.”

Kelsie looks scared but she holds Penny close to her chest and nods despite her quivering lip. “Okay Daddy,” she whispers, holding Penny’s head gently against her shoulder. Jackie gives her a gentle smile. “That’s my girl.”

Kelsie turns heel and carefully carries Penny back over to little Oliver before taking hold of his hand, “C’mon Ollie Pollie, Daddy’s gonna fix Bro’s owies and i’m gonna read you a story!!” Jackie listens to his kids as they head down the hall to the nursery as he gathers Chase up in his arms and pulls him to his feet.

“Thanks for scaring my kids, man,” Jackie teases with a hint of dark humor. Chase looks ready to cry, holding onto Jackie as the vlogger steers him to the bathroom, ‘m sorry… ‘m so so sorry….”

Jackie gently sets Chase on the edge of the bathtub before removing the hero’s jacket and unzippering the top half of his jumpsuit so he can see what he has to work on. The huge wound is the main worry, followed by the bullet wounds. The other ones only really needed bandages.

Jackie frowns as he pours hydrogen peroxide onto a rag and presses it as gently as he can across the slash on Chase’s side. Chase hisses in pain and jolts, some of the fog clearly from his eyes and Jackie winces in sympathy. He pushes onward, gently cleaning the wound as much as he can as Chase whimpers and fidgets.

Luckily Chase’s wounds are bleeding slowly so with a little bit of pressure they slow down enough that Jackie can clean them and wrap them. He leans back, satisfied after finishing his work to studies Chase’s face. The hero faces away from him, his expression dull.

Jackie crosses his arms, putting on his sternest dad face. “Why did you run around so long like this?” He asks and Chase flinches, drawing in on himself slightly. He waits a few beats before he shrugs tiredly and plays with his hands, “I dunno… i didn’t really notice… i just caught the guy… got tired and came here…”

“Chase… you gotta start paying more attention to what your body is telling you,” Jackie lectures, “You’re a superhero sure… but you’re not invincible.”

Chase stares at the floor, blinking tiredly. He looks beyond exhausted and looks close to crying again. “I… i just wanted to sleep….”

Jackie sighs and shakes his head before he rises and helps Chase to his feet. He leads the exhausted hero to the couch and helps him get comfortable before he pulls a comforter over Chase and practically tucks him in.

“Get some rest, Mr. Fantastic,” Jackie smirks, “In the morning, we’re getting that side wound stitched up.”