Pirates Sparrow & Turner

Save Animals!

2012-11-18T18:50:17Z

Dead Octopuses Aren't Art!

Demand Justice for Dolphins in the Gulf

Help End the Slaughter of Wyoming's Wolves

Help Put A Stop to Deadly Gillnets

Stop the NRA's Lead-Poisoning Legislation

Tell Congress: Don't Turn Your Backs on America's Wildlife

Tell Congress to Protect 3,200 Tigers!

Help Defuse Utah's Tar-sands Carbon Bomb

Save the West Coast's Only Marine Wilderness

Stop Destruction of Marbled Murrelet Habitat

Went Fishing, Caught 4 Deer!

2012-11-18T18:28:02Z

Went Fishing, Caught Four Deer!

Of Stars and Wishes (Excalibur; Kitty/Rachel; G)

2012-11-12T18:22:58Z

Title: "Of Stars and Wishes"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Femme Slash, Drabble
Challenge: For a FemSlash100 LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 100
Disclaimer: Rachel "Phoenix" Summers, Katheryne "Kitty" "Shadowcat" Pryde, Lockheed, all other characters mentioned within; the X-Men; and the X-Women are © & TM Marvel comics and Disney, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

She was looking up at a night sky as dark as her future sometimes seemed when a single star zipped across the horizon. Kitty smiled and made a quick wish, knowing Rachel would claim it childish if she was there. She'd let her think it childish when they found each other again, but in the meantime, Kitty would use whatever means she could find to try to make her wish a reality. When she did have her beloved Rachel in her arms again, she wouldn't have need of stars or wishes for her fondest wish will have come true again.

The End

Alfred's Secret (Batman; Alfred; G)

2012-11-12T18:20:53Z

Title: "Alfred's Secret"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Drabble
Word Count: 100
Date Written: 14 July, 2012
Challenge: For a ComicDrabbles LJ comm's weekly challenge
Disclaimer: Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce "Batman" Wayne, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM DC comics, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

His fingers fly across the keyboard in these late night hours as he awaits his Master's return. The monitor's light gives off a soft glow in the Batcave and upon Alfred's knowing smile. He finishes his thought, then sits back, interlaces his fingers, and stretches his hands and arms out before him. He surveys his finished product and smiles satisfactorily before turning to post his story. If it's true that what is written comes to pass, his Master's lovelife should stop being so chaotic and be nothing but hot, steamy, and happy soon with Alfred's newfound hobby of fan fiction.

The End

'Bout Time (TMNT; Don/Mike; G)

2012-11-12T18:18:39Z

Title: "'Bout Time"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Drabblish
Challenge: For a TMNT Tuesdays LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 500
Date Written: 13 July, 2012
Disclaimer: Master Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He's tired of running. He's spent his life running from or up against one enemy or another, his childhood hiding from the humans above, and this agonizingly long night running from his own brother and thoughts he knows he shouldn't be having but can nonetheless stop. He's still staring at him, watching his shell rising and falling shakily with his labored breathing, when Donnie finally begins to have enough. This is the one time in his life when he can take advantage and do something he shouldn't without hurting any one, and nobody will ever have to know.

It's something he's thought about for years but never dared attempt for fear of losing what he cherishes most in all the world, his family. If his brothers ever suspected how he felt, they'd laugh at him, but Master Splinter . . . Donnie loves his Sensei and has never questioned his authority or beliefs, but he knows that, if he ever suspected the wicked thoughts that enter his mind many times every day, he'd abandon him and kick him out of their family, no matter how many times he says he loves him greatly and would never leave him.

He knows this is wrong, and yet, he's wanted this since he was old enough to spell amorousness and has only ever felt the condition for one. He has also dreamed of this moment since then, when he might finally taste the sweet beak that beckons him forth still in this quiet, midnight hour. Donatello leans closer, watching his brother's still face. Mikey will live, and he's endlessly thankful for that, but his little brother will still need hours of care. Donatello's happy to give him the loving care he needs and much more, but he wishes he would wake just long enough for his calculations to be proved correct.

If he did awaken, however, Donnie knows that he'd be forced further away from him again than he is currently. He is now leaning down to within just a breath of air to his brother, closer than he has been since they were children. His tail wags at the mere thought of their approximation to each other. He lays a hand on Mikey's forehead, telling himself he'll just check his temperature again, but his betraying hand slides further down to cup his beloved brother's green cheek.

Donnie stills. He can hear both their hearts beating in the quiet stillness of his laboratory. He can do this. He can live his dream, and no one will ever have to know. As quick as a wink, before he can pull himself away or try to ignore the thoughts that have seemingly forever plagued him again, Donnie leans down and brushes his beak against Mikey's. Thrills shoot through him; his tail trembles within his shell.

Then, he stills in horror as Mikey's eyes open and look directly up into his. "'Bout time." Mikey grins, laughs, and makes Donnie's most cherished dreams come true as he kisses him back.

The End

A New Dance (TMNT; Ensemble + Venus; G)

2012-11-12T18:15:53Z

Title: "A New Dance"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Drabblish
Challenge: For a TMNT Tuesdays LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 400
Date Written: 8 July, 2012
Disclaimer: Venus de Milo, Master Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

"I do not understand," Venus protested, warily eyeing the four Turtles who she had been told were her brothers and who must be for they were the only other creatures in the world like she, "how maneuvering one's body parts in such silly postures could be fun."

Mikey grinned. "It's easy, dudette!" he told her. "Dancing's cool! Try it one time, and you won't go back!"

"Let your heart speak with the music," Donatello advised, jerking his arms and shaking his shell from side to side.

"It does speak," Venus agreed, looking doubtfully at his movements, "but not like that."

"Shut your eyes," Donnie advised, knowing how awkward it could be for some one who was shy to dance around others for the first time, even if they were family, "and dance like no one is watching."

Leonardo, dancing backwards next to his smart brother, nodded his agreement.

"But you are watching," Venus protested the obvious.

"Sheesh!" Raph muttered and shook his head sharply. "She's never gonna get it trying to listen to you two doing the ninjitsu of the dance, like there is such a thing! Look, Venus, babe," he told her, "you're graceful already. You're not gonna fall flat on yer shell, and we wouldn't let ya any way. But I see yer foot's tapping to the music. Let it lead."

Venus' puzzlement continued to grow. "Let my foot lead?" Her knee jerked.

Suddenly, all four brothers were agreeing. Listening to them, she slid her foot out; the rest of her body followed suit. What began as a tapping in her foot seemed to grow up her body, through her legs, into her very shell and heart, and out her arms. Her eyes were wide and round as she started to jerk as much as they were, but slowly, a grin started tugging at her mouth. "You're right!" she exclaimed at last, her eyes shining as she laughed. "This is fun!"

Unbeknownst to the turtles, Master Splinter had arrived home early to find the lair thumping with their loud, rock and roll music. He had listened to his sons, however, while guiding their sister into her first youthful dance. Now he stood in the shadows watching them as they laughed, danced, and grew as a family. The wise Sensei smiled; his long, wiry tail tapped in time to the music. Maybe this modern music wasn't so bad, after all.

The End

Good Night, Hello, & I Love You (X-Men; Bank; PG)

2012-11-12T18:12:48Z

Title: "Good Night, Hello, and I Love You"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Slash, Drabblish
Word Count: 225
Date Written: 14 July, 2012
Challenge: For a ComicDrabbles LJ comm's weekly challenge
Disclaimer: Doctor Henry "Hank" "Beast" McCoy, Robert "Bobby" "Iceman" Drake, the X-Men, and all other characters mentioned within are © & TM Marvel comics and Disney, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He loves every inch of him, from his deep, blue eyes that always so easily see directly into his soul to his furry, blue toes that are so cute when they wriggle. He quite often finds himself just watching him as he reads, experiments, or walks across the ceiling to their bed. He knows he still thinks himself a monster, but Bobby knows the truth. There's no one more beautiful than his Hank.

He loves all that he is. He loves him for his amazing brain, his heroic nature, his bulging muscles, his rich voice, and secretly romantic nature. Yet, every time Hank touches him, Bobby is reminded of what he loves the most about his partner. He loves the way he touches him. The slightest stroke from his fuzzy fingers pours instantaneous heat throughout every inch of Bobby's cold body, warming him through to his very soul and bringing him utter and complete pleasure as only Hank has ever given him.

He's touching him now, just a soft touch on his bare back as he slips into bed with him, and despite his exhaustion from the day's missions, Bobby immediately finds himself rejuvenating. He curls around his hand, throws himself back into his arms, and purrs, a habit he picked up from him, as he kisses him good night, hello, and I love you.

The End

The Cuties of Today!

2012-11-08T18:08:31Z

Go here for more!

No Mas Death Birds (TM7; Josiah, Nathan; PG)

2012-11-08T18:04:02Z

Title: "No Mas Death Birds"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Drabble
Challenge: For a Gen-Drabble LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 100
Date Written: 29 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Josiah Sanchez, Nathan Jackson, and The Magnificent Seven are © & TM CBS, The Mirisch Group, MGM, and Trilogy Entertainment, not the author, and are used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He'd dragged himself across the desert after having his horse and gun taken. His belly and throat howled like raving banshees, but there was still nothing for his searching eyes to see save endless miles of more desert, not a lagoon nor even a tree. There was only heat pulsating throughout every inch of his body and soul. "I'm sorry," he breathed, collapsing on the ground. Buzzards circled above him.

"I'm sorry, too," Nathan spoke, unseen by Josiah, "but I done told ya, those damn death birds ain't gettin' ya." With Vin's help, he lifted him and carried him home.

The End

The Nightmare That Never Ends (Supernatural; Sam, Dean; PG)

2012-11-08T18:00:01Z

Title: "The Nightmare That Never Ends"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Drabble
Challenge: For a Comment-fic LJ comm prompt
Word Count: 100
Date Written: 29 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Sam, Dean, and John Winchester, all other recognizable characters mentioned within, and Supernatural are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author, and are used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

The swaying flames paint my dreams tonight. Hissing with laughter, they call me by name. Screams echo throughout my dreams, as so often they do. I hear Mom and Jess screaming as they're killed. Dad's calling my name. I know Dean needs me, too, though he's too brave and proud to admit it. Then all my family is there, burning, screaming my name, telling me it's my fault. I scream. I scream until my throat is hoarse. I scream until Dean returns and shakes me awake, but even after wakening, I'm still screaming inside. I just can't be heard now.

The End

A Study on Leadership (Animorphs; Jake; G)

2012-11-08T17:57:13Z

Title: "A Study on Leadership"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Drabble
Challenge: For a Comment-fic LJ comm prompt
Word Count: 100
Date Written: 29 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Jake, all other recognizable characters mentioned within, and the Animorphs are © & TM K.A. Applegate and Scholastic, not the author, and are used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He used to have time to study for tests. Now he's glad if he can just take the test, let alone pass it, for he never has time to open a school book any more and barely attends school. He still studies, though. He studies the Yeerks, their movements and strategies. He studies past wars and how small forces came up to defeat larger, seemingly impossible odds. He studies military leaders' strategies and how he can use them, and sometimes, when he's too tired to think clearly and the words are running together, he wonders. Will anybody ever study him?

The End

Home At Last (TMNT; Raph/Casey, Ensemble; PG)

2012-11-08T17:55:31Z

Title: "Home At Last"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Slash
Challenge: For a TMNT Tuesdays LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 989
Date Written: 27 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Casey Jones, April, Master Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Raphael could scarcely believe he'd made it. He'd been in Hell for a month at least, and he'd began to think all hope was lost and the Shredder had killed his family until they had at last managed to break through into the Shredhead's penitentiary. Now they were free, the Shredder and his minions yet again defeated, and Raphael could feel tears beginning to surge in his eyes.

He blinked them stubbornly back, as always, and turned his face toward the bright rays of the early morning sun. They basked upon him and felt so good and warm on his skin and shell. His brothers' hands clasped his shoulders. His heart welled along with his swelling tears.

During all the torments Shredder had put him through, the worst had been his taunts that he had already killed his brothers and that Raph would never see him again. Once more, he relived the arguments they'd had the day before he'd been taken prisoner in his mind. Only this time, he was able to say, "I'm sorry," as he dragged them all into a tight group hug.

He didn't know how long they wavered there, just hugging like crazy. It would have suited him fine to have spent an eternity hugging his brothers, but a voice cut their family time short as it cleared. Raphael would have known that voice anywhere. A fresh surge of tears threatened to finally make the moisture in his eyes spill over as his brothers parted and he saw the one man outside of his family who meant as much to him as any of his brothers did, only in an entirely different manner.

"Casey." His voice was tight with emotion. He was alive! He blinked back his tears. His brothers looked at each other, but Raphael missed the glance the three shared before moving further apart. He'd had so many regrets in that prison, Raph remembered, and he'd sworn if he ever got out, he'd never miss a moment of letting those he loved know how much he truly did care about them.

Well, he thought with his usual irritable, expecting-the-world-to-end-if-he-showed-true-care attitude, here goes nothing or, rather, everything. He stepped forward, grabbed Casey's arms, and drew him to him. The actions were swift but made with surprising gentility for Raph. Casey looked at him in confusion, only his eyes revealing his hope that this moment was going where they had in his dreams. And then, before his brothers and the world, Raphael kissed him.

"Yeah, man!" Mikey crowed, pumping his fist in the hot, Summer air.

Leo and Donnie looked with open-mouthed shock at the couple of men, then looked to one another, and finally turned their gaze to the one who stood behind Casey. There were two others waiting to welcome Raph home, one of whom was wishing she'd brought her camera instead of a sword and Raphael's sais, but it was the one in the lead who, as always, the Turtles turned to for guidance.

Casey and Raphael were gripping each other as hard as they had in their fondest dreams. Their lips were busily embracing, telling each other all they'd not dared say aloud, and doing so with an almost frantic passion for fear that some one would still permanently rip them apart. Raphael's tongue had just began to slide into Casey's hot and eager mouth when Master Splinter softly cleared his throat.

The young men broke instantly apart. Casey started to jump back, but Raph's green appendages entwining with his white fingers kept him still. "Master Splinter," Raphael spoke with sincerity, gazing at his Master and letting his love be shown, "I love him."

Casey blushed. Mikey giggled. Don and Leo again shared a look before looking back to Master Splinter. "Aw," April crooned teasingly and wished even more fervently for her camera.

Master Splinter surveyed his son, saw the true love within his gaze, and shifted his scrutinizing look to Casey. Casey gulped underneath his gaze. His free hand rubbed the back of his neck, and he nodded slowly. Rather than answer Master Splinter's unspoken question, as he did not yet have the courage to face the wise and mighty rat, he looked to Donnie, who'd been his best friend ever since he'd met the Turtles outside of Raph. "I said I'd never looked at another man, and I haven't. I've only ever looked at one Turtle." He winced and blushed a deeper shade of crimson. "That sounded lame."

"Don't worry, Casey," April laughed aloud, "the rest of New York doesn't have to know." She winked. "For the right price."

Raphael growled and cut his eyes at the reporter. "I'll kill ya, Ape," Casey ground out.

Splinter rose a hand, and every one instantly hushed. Even Mikey dared not keep giggling. "If you two love each other," Splinter spoke, smiling and swishing his tail. "As lame as it sounds," he continued, to which Casey's blush darkened even more, "that is all that matters. That," he concluded, stepping up to Raphael, "and that you are home, my son."

Splinter embraced his son. A single tear escaped Raph's restraint and rolled down his green beak. Casey ached to hug him again upon the sight, and April finally hushed her teasing and smiled. Mikey looked to his older brothers, both of whom still seemed stunned. "Cowabunga?" he suggested with a grin.

Leo and Donnie looked to one another one more time that fateful day and then slowly nodded. Looking back to Mikey as Splinter reached out and pulled Casey into his hug with Raph, they agreed, "Cowabunga!" The three Turtles high fived and then looked back to the rest of their family with silly grins.

April sniffled. It really was a Kodak moment.

Splinter slid out of the hug, leaving Casey and Raphael still embracing. He turned into the rising sun. "Let us go home," he said, and his family, complete at last, did just that.

The End

Kuuma

2012-11-08T06:26:03Z

I haven't had the heart to post this, don't even want to think about it now, but we lost Kuuma something like a week and a half ago. The poor baby was sick for a long time. The docs never really seemed to know what to do. Perhaps it was heartache, because he started going down right after we lost his twin sister, Kita, last year, and they were always so close and loving. Regardless, we'll forever miss and love them both.

Lonely Night Musings (TMNT; April, Ensemble; PG-13)

2012-11-08T06:20:19Z

Title: "Lonely Night Musings"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG-13
Summary:
Warnings: Drabblish, Het, Multiple Pairings
Challenge: For a TMNT Tuesdays LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 500
Date Written: 1 June, 2012
Disclaimer: April, Master Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

She couldn't help it. Certain women had certain thoughts when they were lonely, and April knew she was one of those. She fought the forbidden thoughts off most of the time, but when she was all alone, late at night, trying to sleep in her lonely, empty bed, or to relax in her bath whose cold water was oh so void, they came. She could avoid them during the day. She had learned to distract herself with other thoughts; heck, avoiding these thoughts was what her whole fling with Casey Jones was all about.

And yet, no matter what she did, sooner or later, every night when she was alone, the thoughts came again. She could tell herself that the strong, caring Turtles, who were handsome in their own ways despite having green skins and shells, were her brothers, that they were an entirely different species that may not even be anatomically compatible with her own body, but nothing kept her wonderings permanently at bay.

As she languished in her tub or rolled around in her bed, April would find herself wondering about them again. Did any of them ever think of her in such a light? Would it matter if they did? Was there any way that they could possibly ever do the deed? How did Turtles have sex, any way? They were no longer as young or naive as they had been when April had first met them. She knew they had to have done the deed, but for the life of her, she couldn't figure out how.

Then there were the other questions, the curious thoughts that made her blush deeply whenever they entered her mind and any one else was around. Just how were they built underneath their shells? They were so strong; most of them had amazing endurance in battle. Did that endurance last in the bedroom? Could any human woman hope to keep up with them? Would they even look at a human in that way?

She should be disgusted with herself, April thought, and yet she couldn't stop the thoughts. She couldn't stop wondering what kind of lovers they would be. Donatello, she knew, would be sweet, kind, and gentle. He would make sure his partner came before he did and put her pleasure far before his own. Leonardo would be another gentle lover whereas Raphael would be the wildest thing to ever hit any New York bedroom.

Then, she reflected, there was Michelangelo. He had the cutest grin amongst them but was hardly ever serious. Would he even crack jokes in the bedroom? That would get very tiring very fast, she thought, but then, still, she'd love the chance to find out just once what it would be like to mate with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. She yearned for her questions to be answered, but all of them were conversations that would never happen for she'd never dare ask them for fear of ruining the most special relationships she'd ever known.

The End

The Family Who Stays Together (TMNT; Ensemble; PG)

2012-11-08T06:17:41Z

Title: "The Family Who Stays Together"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Drabblish
Challenge: For a TMNT Tuesdays LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 500
Date Written: 24 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Master Splinter, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are © & TM their rightful owners, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He almost didn't make it in time, but with his other three brothers shielding them, Raphael reached the Footbot and broke its chokehold on Mikey just before his little brother could breathe his last. He caught Michelangelo as he collapsed. His eyes met their Master's. He remembered their lesson and knew immediately his answer: A family that fights together stays together.

Mikey was soon feeling his ever-fun-loving self again. He busied himself in the kitchen, making pizzas and joking, but there came a quiet moment during the meal when the young Turtle looked around him and reflected on his father's lesson. For a change in their busy lives, they weren't trying to save the world or fighting for their very lives, but their family was together. A family that eats together stays together. He'd heard the phrase before and agreed with it. He smiled, knowing his answer to his father's question.

Another attack, as always, and although they beat the Foot back once more, their success in battle wasn't without its cost. Donatello worried constantly over the many injuries that were continuously dealt out to his beloved family, and he doctored them, sealing cuts, fixing broken bones, and praying over those gashes that looked so bad that they caused him to worry if they'd ever heal properly, he, too, like his brothers before him, thought of Master Splinter's lesson for the week. He'd wanted to tell him that a family who reads together, even if Mikey's and Raph's chosen reading is limited to their comic books, stays together, but upon surveying the damage done to his brothers, Donnie knows the sad truth. It's the family who survives together that stays together.

He looks up as Leonardo clasps his shoulder. "Will they be okay?" he whispers, knowing how badly Mikey's shell was damaged and the life-threatening blows Raphael received when he yet again rushed to his rescue.

Donnie nods silently, unsure of the truth and not wanting to voice a lie but also not wanting to worry their leader who's not as fearless as he pretends. He knows Leo's afraid every time they charge into battle, just as they all are. Every single one of them fears not for himself but rather for his brothers and father who might not come out of the next battle alive. Leo doesn't see Donnie blinking back tears as he walks away.

He goes to the domo where he's surprised to slowly be joined by every one of his family. Raph comes next to last and kneels silently beside him. Leo's beginning to wonder if perhaps the answer to Splinter's question is that the family who meditates together stays together when their father arrives himself. He looks at his sons with eyes full of love that hides his sadness and concern, and he tells them then, quite simply, the answer. "A family that loves together stays together." His smile is true, then, as his children surround him, and their family is covered with loving hugs.

The End

The Gospel's Joy (X-Men; Nightcrawler; G)

2012-11-08T06:15:11Z

Title: "The Gospel's Joy"
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Drabble
Challenge: For a now-closed Marvelites LJ comm weekly challenge
Word Count: 300
Date Written: 30 June, 2012
Disclaimer: Kurt "Nightcrawler" Wagner; all other recognizable characters mentioned within; and the X-Men are © & TM Marvel comics and Disney, not the author. Everything else is © & TM the author. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

He comes here whenever his burdens get too heavy to bear and start to make him wonder rather or not he's on the right path. He comes here for renewal of his soul and belief not just in a good and loving God but in humanity and his own self, as well. He comes here under the guise of a normal man seeking to celebrate the Lord, but every now and again, the image inducer fizzes out and he has to improvise. The inducer went out last night, but he needs this today too much to stay away. He's here with a plastered face to hide his true form, gloves and a hat to conceal what fur the plaster doesn't cover, and a trench to keep his tail in check.

Yet, as the singing overcomes his soul with joy, his tail gets out of bounds as it so often does. He feels it whip out from underneath his trench and forgets about singing for a moment as he gulps in fear instead. He looks swiftly about him, but no one else has stopped singing. The Preacher's daughter is looking, however, and he knows from her wide, innocent, blue eyes that she's seen the Devil within him.

He smiles shakily at her, and to his surprise, she smiles back. She touches her cross. He touches his, and they nod in secret understanding. They've come to celebrate the same God. They have nothing to fear from each other. Kurt's grin reaches all the way to the bottom of his heart. Humanity is still worth saving. There's still hope for the dream. He's in the Lord's house and with His people, and here, he has nothing to fear. He sings again, and this time, his soul is nearly bursting with the gospel's joy.

The End

Remembering Martha Raye

2012-11-07T15:50:26Z

Even if you don't recognize her, you should still read this article. She was surely some one that we all should look up to, entertainers, women, and otherwise!

Playing Catch Up Again

2012-11-07T05:27:34Z

I always seem to be trying to catch up on things when it comes to my online life these days. Ah, well, here we go again . . .

Protect North Carolina's Endangered Red Wolves

Save Australian Cows From Having Their Ears Cut Off

Save Oxen Bill and Lou From Slaughter!

Stop Extermination of Wolves

Stop the Destruction of Jaguars' Southwestern Habitat

Stop Trapping Endangered Wolverines!

Tell CU-Boulder to Stop Abusing Animals in Classrooms!

Urge Air India to Keep Ban on Shipping Animals to Labs

Hopefully, there'll be some more stories coming soon! And for any who may have missed the first invite, allow me to reissue an invitation to my Disney comm, featuring weekly challenges and little known tidbits of Disney trivia: Disney Scribers!

She Lived Her Life (Hocus Pocus; Binx/Dani; PG)

2012-11-03T02:40:51Z

Title: "She Lived Her Life"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary: She lived her life because he asked her.
Warnings: Het, Character Death, Future Fic
Word Count: 1,029
Date Written: 3 September, 2012
Series: The eighth of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Danielle, Thackery Binx, Hocus Pocus, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM Disney and any other rightful owners, none of whom are the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

She had only known him for a night, but in that one night, he totally changed her life forever. Not only did meeting him affirm her belief in Witches, Witchcraft, Zombies, magic, and talking animals, but it also gave her a role model to look for in guys as she grew older. Sadly, none of the boys she met growing up could come anywhere close to Thackery Binx, and the men, once she was grown, were even worse.

Most of them were interested in one thing, just like her mother and Allison had warned her. A few were kind, but they thought she was crazy when she tried to relate her greatest adventure to them. There were one or two who actually believed her and set out to help her find more magic, but she never did and, sooner or later, she grew apart from them as well.

Nobody could match Binx. He might have been a cat for most of the night when she had known him and she might have only been a kid, but despite the species and age differences, something had clicked within them. He had been the sweetest, most caring, and wonderful guy she had ever known, fur not withstanding, and his green eyes had been the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

It had been his eyes that had first helped her to recognize him in his human, or ghost, form, and it was his eyes that she saw the most in her dreams. Sometimes, he was human in her dreams; sometimes, he was still trapped in the cat enchantment. Sometimes, they were in her time; sometimes, in his. When they were back in the seventeenth century, it was sometimes due to time travel, and other times, she and Max had grown up as kids of his time rather than ever knowing the future. Regardless, Binx was always in her dreams.

He was always there waiting for her whenever she closed her eyes and never far from her mind even when Dani was awake. She daydreamed about him in class and later at work. No man could come close to comparing to him, and in truth, she didn't want them to. She wanted her best friend. She craved being with her beloved Binx again more than she craved air for somehow, on that magical, Halloween night, when they had met each other, they had connected as much more than friends. They were soul mates, and once soul mates were parted, no matter what stood between them, rather it was time, species, enchantments, or worlds, they never stopped wanting to be together again.

But he had told her to live her life. He had told her to go with the living and explained to her that his time was over but her time was now. It was hard to ilk out a living in a world in which she didn't even care to be, what with its lack of magic, idiot boys who all shared the same desire, disbelief in Halloween and the paranormal, and, most of all, its distinct lack of Thackery Binx, but Danielle managed. She never married or had children in the normal sense of the word, but she did have cats.

She had cats of every shape and size. She had black cats, white cats, tabby cats, brown cats, gray cats, orange cats, cats of every color ever seen on any feline. She had cats that she took in off of the streets, cats that she picked up in parking lots, cats that she saved from death row in supposed animal shelters, and cats that the people she knew gave to her when they could, or would, no longer care for them themselves. She had cats of both genders and every age. She had cats almost as old as she.

She had all sorts of every type of cat imaginable, and she loved every one of them. Yet none of them talked. None of them, no matter how sweetly they cuddled with her, how reassuringly they purred, how gently they licked her fingers, or how much they made her laugh, could fill the void in her heart. Nobody could but one, but she lived her life as he had asked her to do so many years ago when she'd been so young and still naive.

She lived her life, never once stopping dreaming of him, never once, for even a second, forgetting him, but always yearning to be with him. She lived her life as he would have wanted her to do, taking care of those who could not take care of themselves and making sure that no more idiot virgins lit any more hundred year-old, black candles. She lived her life until the day she died, still alone except for her cats and on, as fate would have it, the very same holiday upon which they had first met.

When Dani passed into that realm beyond the curtain, when the veil lifted and at last let her go under, she wasn't sure where she was going except to him. She didn't know if she'd find him in Heaven, the Elysian Fields, Hell, or somewhere else, but when he appeared before her, glowing and smiling in white and yet with a shadow swishing behind him where a tail would have been had he still been a cat, Dani knew she was finally where she belonged. She raced into his waiting, open arms. He hugged her, laughing and smiling, and kissed her at last, and Dani knew that, wherever they were, whatever eternity held for them, it was Heaven for she finally had her sweet, wonderful, and beloved soul mate, her Binx, back with her where he belonged!

"I love you!" she excitedly whispered the words she'd been waiting all her life to say.

He laughed some more, and she giggled as he whirled her around in his arms. He gazed into her eyes with all the love he'd always held for her alone, then brought her back down beside him. "And I love you!" he vowed and kissed her again on that most magical night when soul mates reunited.

The End

Stepping Time (Mary Poppins; Burt/Mary; G)

2012-11-03T02:39:38Z

Title: "Stepping Time"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Het
Word Count: 1,831
Date Written: 3 September, 2012
Series: The seventh of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Mary Poppins, Burt, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM Disney and any other rightful owners, none of whom are the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

The chimney sweep unconsciously placed a hand down upon his hat. It was only afterward that he realized that he had had to do so to keep his cap in place because the wind was tugging at it and, more importantly, the wind was pulling on him because it had changed directions. Burt lifted his head, his eyes beginning to twinkle with hope, and took a deep inhalement of the crisp, Autumn air. He smiled; his eyes sparkled mischievously. The wind had changed direction, and at this time of the year, that could only mean one thing!

He looked up, his blue eyes searching the darkening skies with every bit as much eager hope as a child on Christmas morning. The clouds were swirling, but she was there somewhere. He could feel it in his bones. He could sense her impending presence in his heart and very soul. Mary Poppins was coming again!

His broad grin burst out over his face, though a part of him warned that he shouldn't be so happy that she was coming back again now, or ever, for that matter. The woman would never settle down. Although he'd loved her since he'd been a lad, she'd never looked at him in the same way; nor would she ever regard him as an equal, a fellow practitioner, or even as anything more than the boy for whom she'd once cared. That was the only reason why she still cared for him, that same part of Burt that he usually managed to keep silent warned. She still saw him as that little boy who needed her magic in his life, and she always would.

Aw, shuddup, Burt thought to himself. He had needed her magic in his life, but he still did. He always would. Mary knew that. She had to. Otherwise, she wouldn't keep returning to this same street, park, or city. There were children all across the world who needed her, but every year, at least once a year, sometimes twice if he was really lucky, she came back to him.

It was never for him in particular, or at least, she never admitted to her journey back being caused because of his presence. There were always kids somewhere who needed her, but then a woman with the magic and kindness of Mary Poppins could never go anywhere where she wasn't needed. There was always some one who was downtrodden, some one whose heart was being broken, some one who'd forgotten to believe in the best things of life. To put it quite simply, some one always needed a good-hearted Witch.

Mary Poppins was not just any good-hearted Witch, however, Burt knew, his heart beating more rapidly at her approach. She was the best there was. She was the kindest, most gentlest, and gracious soul who had ever walked these London streets, or any other! She was one of the most powerful Witches to ever live, especially amongst those who used their magic for good, and yet she was never vain, boastful, or proud. She was far too beautiful, both inside and out, to be any of those nasty things.

And she'd taught him not to be any of them, too, though Burt rather often forgot about the pride. He took a certain pride in many things in his life. He was proud of his work, both his cleaning duties and his artistry. He was proud that he was one of the few men on the streets who could always find a way to turn a dime. He was proud of his looks, of his cunning, and his skills with people, magic, dancing, and a broom. Yet, most of all, Burt was proud that he was one of those rare individuals who had gotten to know Mary Poppins as a lad and still knew her today.

How many years had he known Mary? the Warlock pondered. Two hundred? A millennia? It hardly mattered. A lifetime of knowing Mary Poppins couldn't be enough. Even if she had come to love him, and accept his love for her, even spending every moment of his life loving her, a lifetime still could not be enough.

But she'd never accept his love. She'd never see him as anything more than a child, a boy trying to be a trained Wizard, a man, and failing. Burt shook his head, his smile becoming a thin-lipped line. He wasn't a failure! He was on the streets, because he chose to be on the streets! There wasn't as much adventure or hidden beauty anywhere else in London than on the streets and roof tops of the historical city! He spent his days on the streets and his nights on the roof tops, because that's where he wanted to spend them.

That was a lie. He knew it the moment he thought it, but only by a slight bit. He did enjoy dancing in the streets, playing his instruments, drawing, and painting for people, and putting on his one-man shows, and he loved sweeping the chimneys and getting to frequently see beautiful sights that so few people ever saw in their entire lifetimes. Yet there was still one other thing he'd by far prefer to do, one other place where he'd prefer to spend every breath he ever took, and that was with Mary.

He could see her now, coming down from the clouds while holding daintily to her umbrella. If others had seen her, they would have called her a Witch and ran like foolish blokes away from her majesty. If the people of old had seen her, they might have considered her a Goddess. She was a Witch but no Goddess. That didn't matter to Burt, however, for she was beyond anything any one else seeing her, any one who did not know her but witnessed her descent in fright or admiration, could ever compare her to being. She was Mary Poppins, and Mary Poppins, as he often sang, was the most wonderful of all.

There was none other like Mary Poppins, none with her grace, beauty, skill, intellect, magic, mastery, or majesty. A bloke could look the world over, but they'd never find another woman who came close to being as wonderful as Mary Poppins or who made their hearts so easily beat like big, brass bands. Burt knew he wasn't the only chap she had that effect upon. Every fellow who met her and got to know her fell for her. He was just the latest in a long, long line of would-be suitors.

Actually, Burt thought with a frown, that probably wasn't true any more. She'd traveled the world several times over since he fell in love with her as a child. She was bound to have had other gentleman callers trying to win her coveted affections for themselves. But he was, he reminded himself with pride glowing in his heart and soul and making his chest puff up bigger than it actually was, the only one to whom she always returned.

Every year at this time of year, if not before, she would come back to him. Every year at Halloween, she'd come calling, and every All Hallow's Eve they would spend dancing across the London roof tops and performing their own special stepping time. Their whole lives, Burt reflected, as he watched her with dark eyes shimmering full of love, was a sort of stepping time. They were stepping in time together, in and out of time, in and out of one another's lives, though he wished she would stayed and simultaneously knew she never would, but there was one place Mary Poppins would never step out of, he vowed as he hurried to meet her. He took her hand and kissed it, bowing low before his heart's Queen. His eyes met hers, and in his solemn gaze, she saw the truth that neither voiced, the truth that they could not face for her duty in life would always take her away from him no matter how many times she chose to return. Mary Poppins could step in and out of every place in the world but one. She would never, ever step out of where she most belonged, no matter how many times her duties took her away, how many other people with whom she spent time, or how many other little boys fell in love with their one-of-a-kind, cherished nanny. She could step back in a hundred, thousand, or even a zillion times without ever once truly leaving for Burt would cling to her forever. She would never step out of his heart.

"Happy Halloween, Mary Poppins!" Burt cried gleefully. His eyes twinkled at her. "Got me a treat, do you?" he asked hopefully, angling in for her mouth.

But, as always, she threw her face back and laughed merrily. That sweet laughter of hers was the most wonderful music Burt had ever heard, though it still hurt a tad for he knew, yet again, this year, he'd not manage to win a true kiss from her. "Oh, Burt!"

"That's my name!" the chimney sweep declared, grinning from ear to ear and not missing a beat as he stepped in beside her. "I'd like to hear you say it a thousand more times before this holiday is over."

And she would like to be able to cry it in passion, but that would never happen. She would never allow herself that pleasure or the truth of telling him that she'll always love him alone most of all for she knew she'd forever have to leave him and continued to wish that he could find the right girl for him who would settle down with him, make him a fine wife, and keep him happy. That could never be her for her duties to the world will always draw her away. "You're such a cad!"

He winked at her as he took her arm. "I thought I was a gentleman?"

"You are," she laughed, "but you're still a cad!" She smiled warmly at him as both their hearts ached for more.

Burt knew what she was thinking. She was thinking perhaps she shouldn't have come for he'll fall in love with her all over again tonight, but he was glad she'd come for this was what he most looked forward to not only all year but his entire life. These little moments spent with his beloved, cherished Mary Poppins were truly what made his world go around, and he'd not give anything for them, including a heart that didn't hurt quite so much when he wasn't in her delightful, blissful presence.

They gazed into each other's eyes as their fingers entwined, and in one another's eyes, they witnessed the truths that neither dared ever speak. They'll always love each other, even if they never say it aloud, and both wished fervently with all their hearts, though they knew the wish would never be granted, that this Halloween could last forever.

The End

Seducing the Willing (Charmed; Cole/Piper; G)

2012-11-03T02:38:44Z

Title: "Seducing the Willing"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Het
Word Count: 588
Date Written: 1 September, 2012
Series: The sixth of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Cole Turner, Piper Halliwell, Charmed, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM Spelling Entertainment, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Candlelight danced in their eyes as they gazed lovingly at each other. Then he took his eyes from hers to survey the table and the feast she had created for them. Candles were lit on every available space on which neither food, drinks, nor plates stood except for the center of the table where a glowing jack o'lantern grinned back at him. Cole grinned at it. Only his beloved Piper would think to use a jack o'lantern for a centerpiece.

Then his eyes continued to roam the delicious food that he knew she had spent hours slaving in the hot kitchen to make. The meat was a golden ham covered with pineapple slices. He knew every bite of it would be succulent and make him want more for her hams always did. In truth, all of her foods did, and the sweet potatoes, pumpkin bread and muffins, dressing, sauteed apples, and the Halloween cake she'd created, topped with candy corn and small, honeyed pumpkins, would leave him with the same desire.

He looked back at his love with a twinkle in his devilish eyes and a mischievous grin lighting his handsome face. "I should have known you'd do something like this."

She looked at him in surprise. "Like what?" she asked, like the innocent she somehow managed to remain, despite all the Demons and other horrors she and her sisters had fought mostly alone in the years before he'd come into their lives and with him helping them still in the years they'd been together.

"Why, Miss Piper Halliwell, do you think I wouldn't notice?" he questioned, taking her hand in his and lifting it to his lips. He kissed it gently and held on to her hand though he knew the fire his words were about to ignite. "You're trying to use your magical cooking abilities to seduce me!"

He mouth flew open. Her eyes sparked in anger. She was always beautiful, but somehow, Piper managed to appear even lovelier when she was mad. "Cole Turner -- "

He broke into the tirade she was set to give him, his smile growing larger as he did so. "The problem, my dear, is that you can't seduce the willing." He pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her. She had seduced him many years ago without ever trying. Without magic or cooking, she had caused him to fall in love with her. He loved her for many, many reasons. Her culinary talent was only one of the thousands, but he still, and would always, love her most of all for her attributes that first made him fall in love with her: her heart, her spirit, her smile, her unwillingness to let any one go by with a problem without trying her best to cure it.

He ran his fingers through her long, black hair as he kissed her deeper. The candlelight twinkled on their matching wedding bands. For those and many other reasons, he had fallen in love with her. He had had a problem, too, though he'd not known it, but her smiles, her gentle touches, her kind heart, and loving ways had chased away all the horrors from his world. Now, as always after she'd first let him kiss her, he was engulfed by his love for her, and he showed her that love thoroughly and sweetly in the candlelight on that quiet, romantic All Hallow's Eve they shared together and every day and night thereafter that came through all the rest of eternity!

The End

Clex and the Jack O'Lantern (Smallville; Clex; PG-13)

2012-11-03T02:37:46Z

Title: "Clex and the Jack O'Lantern"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG-13
Summary:
Warnings: Slash
Word Count: 1,056
Date Written: 1 September, 2012
Series: The fifth of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Clark, Martha, and Jonathan Kent; Lex Luthor; Smallville, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM DC comics and any other rightful owners, none of whom are the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

"Oh, come on, Lex. Go ahead and cut it. You'll enjoy it." Clark beamed sweetly at his beloved. "I promise."

"I just can not comprehend what all the fuss is about," Lex said. It wasn't the first time Clark had heard that particular complaint. He'd been trying all afternoon to share the magic of the holiday with his sweetheart, and no matter rather they went apple bobbing, tried on costumes, or jumped into piles of leaves -- or, rather, he jumped into the leaves and pulled Lex in with him --, his boyfriend remained reluctant to enjoy the holiday.

"Some people consider carving pumpkins art," he tried to tell him.

Lex waved the tiny knife Clark had given him. "Picasso and Rembrandt," he replied, unaware that Clark had no idea of whom he was referring, "are artists. This . . . I'm not quite sure what this is."

Clark pressed his lips together to silence the sigh building within him. "Just try it," he urged again. "Besides, you like Mom's pumpkin pies, right?"

"Yes," Lex answered warily, uncertain what Martha's delicious pies could possibly have to do with carving silly faces into pumpkins.

"Well, she has a rule for this time of the year. If we don't carve the pumpkin, she won't use the meat."

"The meat?" Lex blinked, then looked at Clark as though he'd finally taken complete leave of his senses. "What meat? Clark, this is a vegetable!"

"It's what you call the . . . the goo, Lex."

"It's not what I call it. It's a vegetable, not meat!"

Clark shut his eyes and again barely managed to stop his frustration from releasing. He counted to ten, then reopened his blue orbs and looked squarely at the man who, though he loved him with all of his heart, could be such a colossal pain at times. "The stuff inside the pumpkin, the stuff that we cut out already, that's laying in that bowl," he pointed to the bowl in question, "is called meat." He shrugged. "I didn't make the term up. I don't know who started calling it that or why, but that's what it is."

Lex had seen the look that had passed over his love's handsome face before he had shut his eyes. He knew Clark was trying hard to bring him into a holiday that he loved. He was trying to involve him in all the things his family usually did for the holiday, because he wanted him to be a part of his family. Lex felt the pain of remorse in his heart. He wanted to be a part of Clark's family and wanted to share in their activities like a normal family. He had just been so frustrated with his problems at work earlier that day that, despite Clark's best efforts, he seemed unable to settle down, let loose, and go with the flow of the silly holiday.

But Clark was still trying. He was putting up with his temper, because he loved him. He wasn't going to stop trying to involve him, and he wasn't going to hush until Lex carved this pumpkin. Lex eyed the pumpkin before him and bit back a shudder of distaste as he thought back over all the silly and even stupid faces he'd witnessed on jack o'lanterns in the past.

"Just think of something," Clark urged him quietly, "anything, and draw it."

Lex was no artist. He'd probably cut the pumpkin to pieces and whatever he tried to make would not be decipherable. But Clark wanted him to try so badly, and he had enjoyed the tousle in the leaves and what had followed afterwards in the barn. At last, he touched the knife to the pumpkin's face and began to carve. He tried not to feel anxious as Clark watched him with bated breath. It wasn't quite as hard to slice the pumpkin's shell as he thought it would be or to guide his knife.

Still, it required concentration, and Lex was completely unaware of how the tip of his tongue stuck out of his mouth as he focused entirely on what he was making. Clark, however, most certainly wasn't and smiled at the sight. It was all he could do to keep from stooping down and kissing his man, but he didn't want to interrupt Lex now that he was finally making an effort to include himself in the Halloween festivities. He watched him work, thinking of how cute his tongue was and imagining the things he would like to do to it, how he would kiss it later that evening, how he would like to catch it, gently of course, between his teeth, how he'd like to slide his tongue across, over, and around it, and how he'd like to feel his hot, wet tongue trailing on his . . .

Clark swallowed hard and almost jumped as Lex suddenly announced, "There. All done. Now all we need is a cape."

"Huh?" Clark blinked in confusion. With a proud smile, Lex turned his pumpkin around. A giant S was carved into its front. Clark grinned. "All we need," he agreed, "is a cape and a candle."

Soon, they had the little, would-be heroic jack o'lantern finished. Clark placed his beloved Lex's handiwork proudly at the front of the barn for all to see, then turned around and wrapped him in a huge and tight hug. "I knew you'd like doing it."

Lex had to admit that creating his very first jack o'lantern had turned out to be fun, but still, there were other things he much preferred doing. He whispered one into Clark's ear as he hugged him. Clark blushed a deep red, but his smile grew. He hugged him more tightly and began to kiss him with a murmured, "Maybe later, love, when my parents are asleep." They were still kissing when the sun set and the moon began to rise on the night that was said to be the most magical night of all the year. With an excitement akin to a child's finally bubbling in his heart, Lex found he could hardly wait to see what else the night would hold for them but doubted it could be much better than the nights they normally spent together for every night with his beloved Clark was a truly magical night indeed!

The End

Treats of the Holiday (X-Men; Bank, Jubes; PG)

2012-11-03T02:36:40Z

Title: "Treats of the Holiday"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Slash, Drabblish
Word Count: 359
Date Written: 1 September, 2012
Series: The fourth of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Robert "Bobby" "Iceman" Drake, Jubilation "Jubilee" Lee, Logan/Wolverine, Dr. Henry "Hank" "Beast" McCoy, the X-Men, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM Marvel comics and Disney, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

"It's not fair!" Jubilee pouted as Hank eavesdropped.

"Yeah!" Though considerably older than his would-be partner in crime, Bobby's lips still formed an equally large pout. "They shouldn't cut adults off from trick or treating!"

"It's a part of the holiday! It -- It's tradition, for cryin' out loud!" Jubes' cry of dismay came out in a snarl, her fangs showing. "But then," she looked eagerly at Bobby, "how can they stop us?"

"By slamming the door in your face. By laughing at you. By refusing you candy."

Jubilee's face fell back down into the pout. Hank suppressed the chuckle rising in his furry throat with a hand over his mouth. "It's not fair," she said again. "I could tell 'em to give us candy or I'd shoot 'em with fireworks!"

Bobby laughed; it took all of Hank's restraint to remain silent. "I don't think Charles would approve!"

"Well, I don't approve of not being able to go trick or treating!"

Hank knocked on their door, then bounded down the hallway. "Who the heck's that?" Jubilee demanded.

"I don't know," Bobby replied truthfully.

"Whoever it is, they better have a damn costume on." She walked over and threw the door open. "Yeah? That's funny. Nobody's here." But then she saw what was left, and her brown eyes shot wide with excitement. She jumped down into a squatting position in the floor and opened the large bag. Candied apples, candy bars, gum, sugar babies, chocolate kisses, M&Ms, Tweezlers, candy corn, and tiny pumpkins immediately started falling out of the bag. "BOBBY!" she shouted in glee. "COME LOOK AT THIS!"

He raced to her side and whooped with excitement. "Jubilee, there is a Great Pumpkin, after all!"

"Yeah," she said, grabbing hand fulls of candy, ripping off its packages, and starting to shove her mouth full. She wondered if the Great Pumpkin had claws or fur while Bobby, also eagerly diving into the candy, knew in his heart that nobody really needs a costume when they're covered with sexy, blue fur. He'd have to thank his lover properly after he and Jubilee both had their stomachs full of the treats of the holiday.

The End

Heart and Soul (Penguins of Madagascar; Private/Skipper; PG)

2012-11-02T03:08:56Z

Title: "Heart and Soul"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: PG
Summary:
Warnings: Slash
Word Count: 1,449
Date Written: 21 August, 2012
Series: The third of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Private, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, the Penguins of Madagascar, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM DreamWorks, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

"Skipper, what are you doing?" Private asks curiously, never guessing the answer that he is about to receive.

Skipper barely glances up at him. His beloved commander's reply is uncharacteristically brusque for Private's done nothing he knows of, this time, to incite his anger. "What's it look like, Private? I'm lighting candles. Now go trick or treat or something." His flippers wave him away.

Private frowns, but Skipper doesn't even bother to notice the hurt look upon his cute and feathered face. "I just got back from trick or treating. There wasn't as much as candy this year as there usually is."

"Tell Kowalski to give you some money to go buy more. Tell him I said so." Skipper still hasn't looked up.

"Why are you lighting candles?" Private asks, far more interested in his love's determination to fill their meeting room with lit, black candles and his grumpy mood that he senses is meant to hide a sorrow. "And why are they all black?"

Skipper sighs. His flippers slide behind him to twist around the candle he still holds. "You really want to know?" he asks, finally looking up into Private's eyes.

Private smiles reassuringly at him, but the brightness of his grin seems out of place in the dark room. "Of course," he answers earnestly and keeps his smile in place out of hope that Skipper will know he truly cares and wants to share his burden. Though he confessed his love for him long ago, Skipper still refuses to let him into his thoughts when he's like he is now or to share any of his sorrows. Private wants to share them, because he believes he can ease those burdens and, of course, wants his love to be happy.

"Each candle in this room," Skipper announces, waving his flippers to indicate the twenty or so candles he's already lit, "represents a brave and good soldier I've known who's been lost to us in battle."

"Oh." Private's face immediately falls. What else can he say? he wonders, looking at all the candles. He'd never known Skipper carried so much pain with him, but he knows from the sheer number of the soldiers he's lost, that that's why his love is so often grumpy and so burdened down. But what can he say? he wonders, his eyes growing large and watery. What can he say to make it right when so many souls have been lost? How can he ever erase the pain that his love feels or fill the void left in Skipper's life by losing so many friends?

"So go play or something, Private," Skipper finally commands when Private's been quiet too long. Tucking his head in shame, Private leaves him to his ceremony. He sits for hours while Skipper hides in that room so full of candles, memories, loss, and death. He barely notices when Rico and Kowalski come in and go to their bunks, but he does notice the pumpkin Rico leaves behind, the solitary pumpkin he didn't explode tonight.

He has no idea how long he's sat there when he finally gets up and walks over to the pumpkin. He picks it up, runs his flippers over it, and stares at where it should have had a face for an even longer amount of time. No one's cut this pumpkin. No one's given it a smile or attempted to make it into a jack o'lantern. It, like his beloved Skipper, is missing the good elements of the holiday, the fun of candy and trick or treating.

Private sighs forlornly, and then, slowly, an idea starts to build in his young head. He races to the kitchen and finally gives the pumpkin a face. He comes back and sits it down before the door of the room in which Skipper is still hiding. He looks down at it and frowns. Something still isn't right.

Again, imagination and inspiration strike on this magical night meant for family, fun, and friends as well as remembering lost, loved ones. This time, Private goes to Rico, but he's sound asleep. He tries calling his name and shakes him so hard a lollipop falls out of his mouth, but Rico won't wake. Private grips the lollipop's stick and rises it from the floor. He looks thoughtfully at it and then at Rico's stomach from which it came. He drops the lollipop but continues to look at Rico.

Private's eyes travel slowly up Rico's body, from his stomach to his beak from whence a feather is currently fluttering in and out. It isn't one of Rico's black or white feathers. It's too long to be from him or any other penguin. Slowly, tenderly, gently, moving almost as though he's afraid Rico might bite him, which is, in truth, too likely a possibility when his friend is this deeply asleep, Private pulls the feather out of his mouth.

"Candle," he calls hopefully. "Candle. Candle! Candle! Rico, I need a candle!" He repeats the word a dozen times before pressing Rico's stomach and then squeals with delight as an actual candle does pop out of the vomiting penguin's mouth. Thrilled his plan is slowly starting to become a success and hopeful that its results will be as victorious as his call for the candle to Rico's subconscious, Private continues his plan.

It takes him only minutes to set up everything, but he still has to wait hours for Skipper to finally leave the war room. When Skipper at last edges out, he's so sleepy that he's almost tripping over his own flippers. He's swaying from side to side when Private, who had finally dozed off, hears the sound of his flippers hitting the cement and pops open his eyes. "Skipper!" he cries, jumping out of his chair and racing to his love.

Skipper shakes himself, both mentally and physically, and looks at Private. At first, there seems to be many more Privates than just the one, but at last, they blend together into the one penguin he loves far more than any other. "Skipper, look!" Private cries in glee and points at what he's made for him.

Skipper almost falls face forward as he looks down at the spot where Private points, but then his eyes open wide. "What's this?" he demands, the surprise snapping him back to alert.

"You lit those black candles to honor the dead," Private begins explaining. He waves his flippers to indicate the four white candles surrounding the pumpkin. "I lit these four to bless us and keep us all alive for many more years to come. This is for Rico." He points to a short, white candle whose melting wax is running raggedly. "This is for Kowalski." He indicates the tall one sitting almost regally in comparison next to the short candle.

"This is you." He points to the tallest candle of all. It's the one of only two to share a holder. "And this is me." Private smiles at his love. "Always beside you, always trying to make you brighter and happier." He blushes, realizing that there's no evident symbol of the last. "I used mine to light yours," he explains.

"And the pumpkin?" Skipper asks slowly, uncertain of how to take Private's display though he's slowly beginning to feel warmer and more alive than he has all night long.

"Oh," Private cries in dismay, "I turned it the wrong way!" He grabs it and spins it quickly around, and at last, all his work is made worthwhile as Skipper smiles. "This is us all happy together." Private shyly runs a flipper over the cement floor.

Skipper beams at Private; his smile is the happiest the younger penguin has seen him in far too long. His commander carefully steps around Rico's and Kowalski's candles, reaches out, gently grasps Private's shy flippers in his own, and pulls him close. "That is beautiful, Private! Thank you!"

He presses his beak to his, causing both of their hearts to pound in wild and gleeful ecstasy. Now, he knows he's alive! He's not one of the dead he's been celebrating for so many hours. He's very much alive, and happy, and he recognizes, in the wee hours of the morning and this newly dawning year, that his beloved Private keeps him that way!

He breaks their kiss just long enough to declare, "And next year, I promise you, I'm celebrating with the living! I'm celebrating with you!" Then, he kisses him again, only this time, he kisses him unlike he's ever done so before, pouring all the passion, love, and joy that his cherished Private has brought into his life, heart, and soul into that wonderful, heated, and delicious kiss!

The End

Mother, Maiden, and Crone (X-Men; RoLo; G)

2012-11-02T03:07:07Z

Title: "Mother, Maiden, and Crone"
Dedicated To: With infinite love to my wonderous, magical, and always inspirational beloved husband, Jack, with whom I'm blessed to be celebrating our seventh anniversary! And, as always, to our darling children, too!
Author: Pirate Turner
Rating: G
Summary:
Warnings: Het
Word Count: 1,092
Date Written: 21 August, 2012
Series: The second of Pirate Turner's Halloween stories for 2012
Disclaimer: Logan/Wolverine, Ororo "Storm" Munroe, the X-Men, and all other recognizable characters mentioned within are © & TM Marvel comics and Disney, not the author; are used without permission; and may not be used without permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.

There are those who claim she is no longer a Goddess, even those who believe she never was, but Logan knows the truth. If ever there was a Goddess who walked the Earth in mortal form, his beloved Ororo is that woman. He knows enough of her religion to know that the Goddess comes in three parts -- Mother, Maiden, and Crone --, and he has seen them all in the woman he loves.

The Mother is apparent any time her people need her. Rather it's on or off the battlefield, she's always there for their team mates. She's helped to mend many broken hearts over the years and managed to make the X-Men smile when no other could. Her gentle touches, infinite concern, and loving ways have healed many shattered bones and souls over her time leading the X-Men and even when she hasn't been their leader. Unlike Scott, or even Xavier, she's always put her people first.

That's remained true with her people in Africa and the Morlocks as well as mutantkind. She even wed a man she didn't love and stayed with him for a while to aid the African nation. She did things for her people that no other woman could or would; not just chasing away droughts and filling empty river beds but giving of herself, heart and body, and sacrificing her very freedom to help her people. She made another sacrifice for the Morlocks, surrendering them back over to Callisto when she realized that she could not be the leader they needed.

Logan knows both were amongst the hardest things she's ever had to do. She gave a part of herself to the African people and to the Morlocks both, a part that she will never be able to regain and whose loss has made her a stronger and wiser woman. There isn't an X-Man on this island that she hasn't advised at one time or another, and her advice is always wise, her words the very things they need to hear at the time she speaks them, regardless of rather or not they want to hear them. In that role of giving advice, that he's secretly ashamed to admit has caused him to hold his claws at her throat before, lays the Crone part of her personality.

As much as he's hated her for the advice she's given him at times, almost always without being asked, Logan knows he's a better man for listening to it, even if he listened too late. They're all better for listening to and following Ororo. Just knowing her, he believes, has made them better people, not just fighters but lovers, friends, and family. Scott and Charles give the credit to Jean, but Logan knows Ororo is the glue that keeps their family together. Without her, they fell, but with her, they will succeed if not in their mission or even in their Dream -- in their lifetime for he knows, sooner or later, it will come true --, then, at the very least, and the most important, in keeping their family alive and together.

Keeping their team as being much more than a team, keeping their family together is important for many reasons, but to Logan, no reason is more valuable than in seeing his Ororo happy. She's always at her most joyous, and the skies are their bluest, when their family is together and there's no great evil endangering them. It is in these times, like now as the children mutants trick or treat and their elders dance and party the night away while taking breaks to treat the kids, that she graces him with her most beautiful smiles.

She seems not to have a care in the world, though he knows that thoughts of how best to help their family next are never far from her mind. She delights in the bats flying about on this All Hallow's Eve, the fireworks Jubilee sets off by hand, Gambit's and Bobby's creative decorations of ice and cards, the myriad of costumes they all wear (though he only for her and Jubilee), and even Marrow, who's had one too many, throwing bones in wide hoops in vain efforts to catch the moon with eyes as big and bright as a child's. It's as though she's seen none of this before. Indeed, some of the celebrations are new, but most happen every year. She always reacts the same way, though, and he loves to see the innocent delight of the Maiden come out in his soul mate.

Somewhere on the island, the clocks are beginning to strike midnight. He can hear them if he listens close enough, but he doesn't need a timepiece to tell him that midnight is approaching. He can tell by the way the moon, made silver and full by Ororo's own Witchery, rides high in the night sky. He leaves her side for just a moment. They've been dancing and celebrating all night, but he knows the time has come. He returns to her as fast as he left and holds out her special broom with a smile.

Ororo takes her broom from him, her blue eyes sparkling dazzlingly. He beams almost shyly as she places a sweet but chaste kiss upon his smiling lips. He'd like to go with her, but he knows this is one of the things she has to do alone or so he thinks. He could never know that his beloved Ororo, so special and unique in his eyes for so many reasons, the only real Witch and Goddess he's ever truly known, is, in actuality, joined by many other Witches from all across the globe, each riding through their own special means.

He watches her as she rides the broom and the winds with a pride unlike any other he's ever felt swelling in his heart. One by one, the other X-Men come to stand beside him. Jubilee's first, followed by Hank, then Bobby, Remy and Rogue, Charles and Magnus, who, for this one night, he doesn't hate. He loses count when Magneto comes, however, but it doesn't matter how they come or in what order. It barely matters even that they're there, watching and waiting as he is, for their Goddess to return from another triumphant ride into the new year. What matters is that she's coming home, he'll be here for her, and throughout this year, too, like the last few years before it and all the years to come, he'll love her all through the year and beyond.

The End