[Peter is decidedly unaware, assuming his husband at least stayed close to his family in Peter's absence.]
As long as I don't... poison anything? I don't know what its going to be like- [The sound of the front door opening is enough to derail Peter completely. He clicks his teeth together, sitting up somewhat.] I guess Mikey is here?
[Leo remembers the aftermath of that curse. How everything Peter touched with his hands was poisoned, blacked and bereft of all life. Leo has no worry about the Peter standing in front of him.
But that was quick, that was too quick. Mikey must have already been on his way when he felt the ninpo changing, the mystic energies Leo used, to get here this fast.]
We'll be okay. [Peter offers hope, a common reframe he and Leo held onto desperately during the war. He reaches out to touch Leo's arm, trying to draw him closer again.
His voice is steadier than he actually feels when he calls out.]
We're back here, Mikey!
[The two can hear the door closing. Peter looks to Leo again, managing a thin nervous kind of smile.
Mikey doesn't look...happy to see them. His expression tired, but stern. He actually lands on his own feet to walk into the kitchen instead of floating.
A joke about as much sits in the back of Peter's throat until he really looks at the turtle's expression and clicks his teeth together. Discomfort is tight in his chest at the searching, sharp look on his face when he actually looks at Peter.]
This is what you've been doing, Leo? [The question is tired, a little brittle at the edges. Mikey isn't shocked as much as disappointed.]
[Leo watches Mikey approach, hand gripped tight to Peter. Protective. A little afraid of whatever Mikey's going to say.]
Leonardo. [He corrects his little brother, voice firm, sharp, and devoid of whatever familiarity Peter might remember between the brothers. Whatever was there before.. it's gone now.]
We didn't ask you to come judge me, just to make sure he's all right.
[Peter blinks a little at the lack of familiarity, glancing between the two worriedly. Peter isn't sure what to make of any of it.
Mikey sighs openly, but doesn't seem surprised. He raises a hand, mystic energy pooling at his fingertips.] We both know this isn't right. It isn't fair to either of you. I can tell from here how tainted both of you are.
[Peter winces a little, bolstering himself somewhat.] Can you... give us a chance at least? I don't know what happened to cause this- well, me, but we can figure it out.
[Peter speaking up is the only thing that keeps hi from blowing up at Mikey. The audacity, coming into his home after everything they did to look at them and call them 'tainted'. Peter can feel Leo's muscles tightening, his free hand gripping into a fist with barely contained anger.]
What happened was I did what they refused to do when you needed help.
Leo... [Peter touches Leo's arm, trying to reassure his spouse as much as keep him grounded here.]
Bringing back the dead with dark magic isn't the answer, Leonardo! [Mikey snaps, some of his own frustration bubbling to the surface as he pulls at his own magic.
Peter can feel hints of it, easing initially until it stings. Like something is repeatedly stabbing him. Peter startles back on the stool, his back connecting with the kitchen island behind him.
He gasps, hand flying to his mouth as he hunches into himself.
He never expected the ninpo to hurt, but it does as it finds him. Peter squeezes his eyes tightly against the feeling.]
I wouldn't have had to if you all had helped him before! [It's an easy thing to yell back, voice raised.
But then Mikey starts working. And his eyes dart to Peter, hands reaching to help ease him to sitting on the stool. He can feel that ninpo hurting, his own on the edges in pain as well.] Peter-
[He wraps arms around him, seeing the tattoos on his arms glowing violently, the designs and lines moving like fighting to stay on his skin in a hurricane.]
[Any argument Mikey has in turn is tempered by his work. His ninpo reaching out to Leo and Peter's to test the boundaries. He pulls at the tainted magic he can feel and see. So much of Leo's own ninpo is stained, twisted by black magic. Peter's own is stained in a different way, what it used to be in life existing beneath the surface.
Peter whines a little, the sound high-pitched and pained. He starts to shake slightly, not fighting against Leo helping him sit back down completely.
Mikey lowers his hands slightly, conflicted given how much of a hold he has on the tainted magic.] I'm just trying to purge the black magic-
[Peter hunches into Leo, starting to tear up from the pain. His hand was still locked over his own mouth.
Blood starts to escape from between his fingers. From droplets to rivulets pouring down.
Mikey drops his hands quickly, cutting the connection. Peter goes slack against Leo, gasping a little. He draws his hand away, cringing at the blood staining his palm. Able to feel it on his mouth, chin and dripping down his neck onto the fabric of his shirt.]
[Leo keeps watching Peter, seeing that blood and -
-Peter, delirious, aching and barely conscious. Blood from his eyes and mouth, just a slow, trickle the longer these two weeks drag on. Leo only got to look at him once in all this time before the tent was sealed up tight and Peter supposedly sequestered to himself alone -
- grabs for the nearest kitchen towel to help clean up some of the blood. Whatever he can.]
I can see that. [Mikey answers, a little snippy before he manages to smooth it over.
Peter coughs, but tries to keep it in the one hand he's stained. The inside of his mouth is just coated in blood. The blood stains the collar of his shirt, dripping down onto the chest.] S-sorry, it's- everywhere...
Sorry, Peter. The dark magic is... [Mikey is kinder to Peter directly, but, struggling to get his thoughts together.] Its all you are. I can't do much.
Am I going to hurt anyone? [Peter questions back, trying to cut to the point.]
[Mikey sighs.] No. I would need to check again to be completely sure that you're fully stable. I was pushing the black magic out, which hurt you.
[Leo's eyes are fixed on Peter for the moment. Helping clean the dripping blood, his hand. He so gingerly places the towel in his hands before getting up to get a glass of water and trash can. Something to rinse out with, anything. Leo carefully hands the glass to him as well-] Here.
[And watches him. It's like Mikey isn't even in the room now for this moment, focusing solely on Peter. The sharp edges he had a moment ago snapping at his brother is gone as he watches his husband.]
What will 'check again' do? What will you have to do for that?
[Peter gently accepts the glass, relieved to clean out his mouth. The coppery aftertaste of blood was never his favorite. He takes a sip of the water, swishing the water in his mouth before spitting it into the trash can.
Mikey sighs a little, giving the two a moment before he speaks.]
Reach out with my ninpo, but, I won't be pushing. I'm not sure how much it would hurt in comparison. I would have to reach out to Peter and hold on for just a little bit longer.
Even feeling your ninpo was... hurting me. [Peter admits quietly.]
[Muttering just to himself:] Considering what they did, I'm not surprised.
[And then he sighs. He settles for rubbing Peter's back softly before looking back at Mikey. His own eyes are flaring with anger, hurt, resentment. But... Glad that Mikey stopped when he did, when Leo made it clear to stop.
Stop it! Don't do this! his voice filling their ears with desperation and pain. April, Donnie, and anyone else who was in the area who could physically restrain Leo from stopping Mikey as he worked, untangling Peter's ninpo from their own, yanking him from the Hamato family's spirit and leaving Leo screaming for them to stop. His chest an aching, gaping chasm without Peter's there after so, so many years
He looks from Peter, rubbing his back still back to Mikey.]
Only if he agrees to it. And if he says stop, you stop.
Peter takes an actual sip of the water, still leaning into Leo for support. He sets the glass carefully on the kitchen island's countertop. He strengthens his resolve, taking a deep breath as he sits up fully.
Spider-Man, General Parker, not Peter.
He needs to be someone better just for the moment.]
I'll do it. Just so I can know, so everyone can know I won't hurt anyone. I'm not going to endanger anyone.
Well, thats definitely a Peter thing to say. [Mikey jokes weakly in turn, shaking it off as he continues.] It'll be easier if I hold onto you.
[Peter doesn't hesitate to push himself up and off of the stool. He squeezes Leo's hand in his own, drawing strength from his spouse before stepping forward to meet Mikey halfway.
Their hands meet. Peter bites the inside of his cheek, trying to stay resolute.]
[For the briefest moment, Leo holds Peter, pressing his face into his hair to just hold him.
But then Peter is up, Peter is taking his role back as General Parker and not his husband. General Parker... putting himself in danger and pain again for the sake of everyone else.
Leo watches him, no small amount of pain in his eyes. The shapes of his arm tattoo are trembling with the resolution his husband has to do this. Was... Was Leo not enough?
Would he ever be? a small voice whispers in the back of his mind.
Leo hadn't been enough of a reason for Peter to not go into that base.
Leo hadn't been enough to stop his brothers from breaking Peter off from their ninpo.
And now he isn't even enough for Peter to choose him over anyone else.
That's definitely his husband. Through and through, bone to blood. And it hurts. Peter and Leo gave up so much of themselves for that fucking war, for the world and the universe, and he isn't even allowed to have this.
His hand grips the edge of the countertop, trembling with how tight his fist is.]
[Peter glances back once at Leo before they begin.
A mirror of their last goodbye. Peter's eyes locked on Leo's face. A look meant to reassure Leo as much as draw strength for Peter. He turns his attention back to Mikey. He nods his assent to begin.
Mikey waits to be sure before his magic ripples to the surface. Peter is trying to stay loose and relaxed, aware of how it will hurt. He isn't sure if tensing up will make things worse.
When the ninpo connects, Peter hisses quietly at the sting of it. The glow of Mikey's ninpo fills the room. Peter's own slowly brightened up as well. A familiar crackling white of the web ninpo spreads out around them. The air is thick with magic, practically humming at a frequency that makes skin prickle and teeth ache.
Peter shakes wordlessly where he stands, just focusing on his breathing. He never lets go of Mikey, even as his skin throbs from the contact.
His eyes begin watering, black tears escaping and rolling down his cheeks. The staining at his fingertips begins spreading down his arm. As if peeling away the careful magic Leo had woven there.]
Almost.
[Peter sucks in a shaky breath, starting to lose his footing. He lasts another few moments before his voice shakes.] Stop.
[Mikey hesitates just for a moment too long before releasing his hold on Peter. The brunette staggers back in relief as his ninpo disconnects from Mikey's and he turns back towards Leo. He ends up taking a few steps forward before crumpling onto the kitchen floor with a pained exhale.]
[A very selfish part of him wants to turn away. He's - it feels silly to feel hurt by this of all things. After everything they've gone through, after the world and civilization being nearly destroyed, to have his feelings hurt like this feels almost childish.
He does gradually turn his eyes down from Mikey's ninpo; a no insignificant amount of him ashamed for what he's done. But as soon as he hears Peter hissing through his teeth, Leo's eyes are back on them. Watching for any sign of further pain or discomfort or .... Peter's skin at the hands blackening further up his arm.
His breath catches when Peter tells Mikey to stop. And everything holding him on his feet plummet with Peter when he hits the floor. Leo bolts to kneel next to him, gathering his husband up into his arms as if he's glass cracked and almost breaking.]
No no no no no- [He gets Peter's head cradled in the crook of his arm, stroking down his face before looking up at Mikey.]
[Peter presses into Leo, desperate to stay close. He's shivering now, trying to get his bearings again. He tries to make himself smaller in Leo's hold as his ninpo fluctuates unsteadily.
Mikey looks pained, and remorseful, raising his hands up in a sign of surrender as he speaks.]
Our ninpos connected completely, and the tainted magic couldn't really handle it. I thought that much exposure wouldn't be any worse than pushing at the magic earlier. I didn't think it would do that- Peter. I'm sorry.
[Peter swallows thickly, his words a little slurred.] Lets... not do that again.]
[Peter lets his eyes slide shut, only half present in the conversation. He hurts, he can feel his ninpo crackling with too much energy. Leo's presence, his touch is helping Peter feel grounded.
Mikey releases a short breath, frowning back at Leo. ]
I'm sorry. I pushed it farther than I needed to. I know it's Peter now though, he's stable.
[Peter presses his lips together. He finds his voice again. As always, quick to accept an apology.] S'okay.
[Leo lets his gaze linger on Mikey for a moment longer than he ever has since that day... Then turns it down to Peter, quietly shhh-ing him, comforting.
But his voice is... tired, quiet when he speaks again.]
After everything that happened... That's the first apology any of you have said. None of you ever said 'I'm sorry' about any of it.
[Mikey for his part is quiet, just for a moment. He cuts to the point, too tired to make it anything else but what it is.]
We owe you two more than a few of them at this point.
[Peter hums lowly back, drawing out the sound before coughing a little. Even in his current state, Peter feels like there is a distance now, even with Leo softening towards Mikey to some degree.
His death broke Leo apart from the rest of his family.
He fumbles with his further stained hands to sign something clumsily at Leo. A simple, 'I'm Okay.']
[That distance is there, and likely will still be for some time. Leo just watches Mikey another moment to make sure there's nothing else before focusing down at Peter again. Sees those shaky hands and the tears he'd been holding back break loose with a noise in his throat, a wet cough as he just. Sits right there on the floor. Crosses his legs and gently maneuvers Peter into his lap to hold. Protective. Scared.
He looks up at Mikey, tears down his cheeks as he holds his curse-tainted husband in his arms. For the first time in two decades looking more like his brother Leo and not the closed off Commander Leonardo.]
[Peter reaches out to very carefully touch Leo's cheek, trying for reassurance even if he wasn't steady yet himself.]
I know. [Mikey's answer is simple, tired. His own demeanor loosens up, just slightly. The tense terseness of responding to Leo's distance softening.] I could lecture you about how dangerous this all is, but you know. If anyone knows, it's you. It isn't what either of you need right now.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
As long as I don't... poison anything? I don't know what its going to be like- [The sound of the front door opening is enough to derail Peter completely. He clicks his teeth together, sitting up somewhat.] I guess Mikey is here?
no subject
But that was quick, that was too quick. Mikey must have already been on his way when he felt the ninpo changing, the mystic energies Leo used, to get here this fast.]
Guess so. [Leo doesn't sound... thrilled.]
no subject
His voice is steadier than he actually feels when he calls out.]
We're back here, Mikey!
[The two can hear the door closing. Peter looks to Leo again, managing a thin nervous kind of smile.
Mikey doesn't look...happy to see them. His expression tired, but stern. He actually lands on his own feet to walk into the kitchen instead of floating.
A joke about as much sits in the back of Peter's throat until he really looks at the turtle's expression and clicks his teeth together. Discomfort is tight in his chest at the searching, sharp look on his face when he actually looks at Peter.]
This is what you've been doing, Leo? [The question is tired, a little brittle at the edges. Mikey isn't shocked as much as disappointed.]
no subject
Leonardo. [He corrects his little brother, voice firm, sharp, and devoid of whatever familiarity Peter might remember between the brothers. Whatever was there before.. it's gone now.]
We didn't ask you to come judge me, just to make sure he's all right.
no subject
Mikey sighs openly, but doesn't seem surprised. He raises a hand, mystic energy pooling at his fingertips.] We both know this isn't right. It isn't fair to either of you. I can tell from here how tainted both of you are.
[Peter winces a little, bolstering himself somewhat.] Can you... give us a chance at least? I don't know what happened to cause this- well, me, but we can figure it out.
no subject
What happened was I did what they refused to do when you needed help.
no subject
Bringing back the dead with dark magic isn't the answer, Leonardo! [Mikey snaps, some of his own frustration bubbling to the surface as he pulls at his own magic.
Peter can feel hints of it, easing initially until it stings. Like something is repeatedly stabbing him. Peter startles back on the stool, his back connecting with the kitchen island behind him.
He gasps, hand flying to his mouth as he hunches into himself.
He never expected the ninpo to hurt, but it does as it finds him. Peter squeezes his eyes tightly against the feeling.]
no subject
But then Mikey starts working. And his eyes dart to Peter, hands reaching to help ease him to sitting on the stool. He can feel that ninpo hurting, his own on the edges in pain as well.] Peter-
[He wraps arms around him, seeing the tattoos on his arms glowing violently, the designs and lines moving like fighting to stay on his skin in a hurricane.]
Michelangelo, stop it! You're hurting him!
no subject
Peter whines a little, the sound high-pitched and pained. He starts to shake slightly, not fighting against Leo helping him sit back down completely.
Mikey lowers his hands slightly, conflicted given how much of a hold he has on the tainted magic.] I'm just trying to purge the black magic-
[Peter hunches into Leo, starting to tear up from the pain. His hand was still locked over his own mouth.
Blood starts to escape from between his fingers. From droplets to rivulets pouring down.
Mikey drops his hands quickly, cutting the connection. Peter goes slack against Leo, gasping a little. He draws his hand away, cringing at the blood staining his palm. Able to feel it on his mouth, chin and dripping down his neck onto the fabric of his shirt.]
no subject
-Peter, delirious, aching and barely conscious. Blood from his eyes and mouth, just a slow, trickle the longer these two weeks drag on. Leo only got to look at him once in all this time before the tent was sealed up tight and Peter supposedly sequestered to himself alone -
- grabs for the nearest kitchen towel to help clean up some of the blood. Whatever he can.]
Well, it was hurting him.
no subject
Peter coughs, but tries to keep it in the one hand he's stained. The inside of his mouth is just coated in blood. The blood stains the collar of his shirt, dripping down onto the chest.] S-sorry, it's- everywhere...
Sorry, Peter. The dark magic is... [Mikey is kinder to Peter directly, but, struggling to get his thoughts together.] Its all you are. I can't do much.
Am I going to hurt anyone? [Peter questions back, trying to cut to the point.]
[Mikey sighs.] No. I would need to check again to be completely sure that you're fully stable. I was pushing the black magic out, which hurt you.
no subject
[And watches him. It's like Mikey isn't even in the room now for this moment, focusing solely on Peter. The sharp edges he had a moment ago snapping at his brother is gone as he watches his husband.]
What will 'check again' do? What will you have to do for that?
no subject
Mikey sighs a little, giving the two a moment before he speaks.]
Reach out with my ninpo, but, I won't be pushing. I'm not sure how much it would hurt in comparison. I would have to reach out to Peter and hold on for just a little bit longer.
Even feeling your ninpo was... hurting me. [Peter admits quietly.]
no subject
[And then he sighs. He settles for rubbing Peter's back softly before looking back at Mikey. His own eyes are flaring with anger, hurt, resentment. But... Glad that Mikey stopped when he did, when Leo made it clear to stop.
Stop it! Don't do this! his voice filling their ears with desperation and pain. April, Donnie, and anyone else who was in the area who could physically restrain Leo from stopping Mikey as he worked, untangling Peter's ninpo from their own, yanking him from the Hamato family's spirit and leaving Leo screaming for them to stop. His chest an aching, gaping chasm without Peter's there after so, so many years
He looks from Peter, rubbing his back still back to Mikey.]
Only if he agrees to it. And if he says stop, you stop.
no subject
Peter takes an actual sip of the water, still leaning into Leo for support. He sets the glass carefully on the kitchen island's countertop. He strengthens his resolve, taking a deep breath as he sits up fully.
Spider-Man, General Parker, not Peter.
He needs to be someone better just for the moment.]
I'll do it. Just so I can know, so everyone can know I won't hurt anyone. I'm not going to endanger anyone.
Well, thats definitely a Peter thing to say. [Mikey jokes weakly in turn, shaking it off as he continues.] It'll be easier if I hold onto you.
[Peter doesn't hesitate to push himself up and off of the stool. He squeezes Leo's hand in his own, drawing strength from his spouse before stepping forward to meet Mikey halfway.
Their hands meet. Peter bites the inside of his cheek, trying to stay resolute.]
no subject
But then Peter is up, Peter is taking his role back as General Parker and not his husband. General Parker... putting himself in danger and pain again for the sake of everyone else.
Leo watches him, no small amount of pain in his eyes. The shapes of his arm tattoo are trembling with the resolution his husband has to do this. Was... Was Leo not enough?
Would he ever be? a small voice whispers in the back of his mind.
Leo hadn't been enough of a reason for Peter to not go into that base.
Leo hadn't been enough to stop his brothers from breaking Peter off from their ninpo.
And now he isn't even enough for Peter to choose him over anyone else.
That's definitely his husband. Through and through, bone to blood. And it hurts. Peter and Leo gave up so much of themselves for that fucking war, for the world and the universe, and he isn't even allowed to have this.
His hand grips the edge of the countertop, trembling with how tight his fist is.]
no subject
A mirror of their last goodbye. Peter's eyes locked on Leo's face. A look meant to reassure Leo as much as draw strength for Peter. He turns his attention back to Mikey. He nods his assent to begin.
Mikey waits to be sure before his magic ripples to the surface. Peter is trying to stay loose and relaxed, aware of how it will hurt. He isn't sure if tensing up will make things worse.
When the ninpo connects, Peter hisses quietly at the sting of it. The glow of Mikey's ninpo fills the room. Peter's own slowly brightened up as well. A familiar crackling white of the web ninpo spreads out around them. The air is thick with magic, practically humming at a frequency that makes skin prickle and teeth ache.
Peter shakes wordlessly where he stands, just focusing on his breathing. He never lets go of Mikey, even as his skin throbs from the contact.
His eyes begin watering, black tears escaping and rolling down his cheeks. The staining at his fingertips begins spreading down his arm. As if peeling away the careful magic Leo had woven there.]
Almost.
[Peter sucks in a shaky breath, starting to lose his footing. He lasts another few moments before his voice shakes.] Stop.
[Mikey hesitates just for a moment too long before releasing his hold on Peter. The brunette staggers back in relief as his ninpo disconnects from Mikey's and he turns back towards Leo. He ends up taking a few steps forward before crumpling onto the kitchen floor with a pained exhale.]
no subject
He does gradually turn his eyes down from Mikey's ninpo; a no insignificant amount of him ashamed for what he's done. But as soon as he hears Peter hissing through his teeth, Leo's eyes are back on them. Watching for any sign of further pain or discomfort or .... Peter's skin at the hands blackening further up his arm.
His breath catches when Peter tells Mikey to stop. And everything holding him on his feet plummet with Peter when he hits the floor. Leo bolts to kneel next to him, gathering his husband up into his arms as if he's glass cracked and almost breaking.]
No no no no no- [He gets Peter's head cradled in the crook of his arm, stroking down his face before looking up at Mikey.]
What did you do?!
no subject
Mikey looks pained, and remorseful, raising his hands up in a sign of surrender as he speaks.]
Our ninpos connected completely, and the tainted magic couldn't really handle it. I thought that much exposure wouldn't be any worse than pushing at the magic earlier. I didn't think it would do that- Peter. I'm sorry.
[Peter swallows thickly, his words a little slurred.] Lets... not do that again.]
no subject
He glances back up to Mikey though.]
What was that? What'd you just say?
no subject
Mikey releases a short breath, frowning back at Leo. ]
I'm sorry. I pushed it farther than I needed to. I know it's Peter now though, he's stable.
[Peter presses his lips together. He finds his voice again. As always, quick to accept an apology.] S'okay.
no subject
But his voice is... tired, quiet when he speaks again.]
After everything that happened... That's the first apology any of you have said. None of you ever said 'I'm sorry' about any of it.
no subject
We owe you two more than a few of them at this point.
[Peter hums lowly back, drawing out the sound before coughing a little. Even in his current state, Peter feels like there is a distance now, even with Leo softening towards Mikey to some degree.
His death broke Leo apart from the rest of his family.
He fumbles with his further stained hands to sign something clumsily at Leo. A simple, 'I'm Okay.']
no subject
He looks up at Mikey, tears down his cheeks as he holds his curse-tainted husband in his arms. For the first time in two decades looking more like his brother Leo and not the closed off Commander Leonardo.]
...I.. I just. I needed him back.
no subject
I know. [Mikey's answer is simple, tired. His own demeanor loosens up, just slightly. The tense terseness of responding to Leo's distance softening.] I could lecture you about how dangerous this all is, but you know. If anyone knows, it's you. It isn't what either of you need right now.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)