Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A match held in hand, as thunder boomed from outside. Standing on a ladder, in order to reach the candles hanging inside the old chandelier. Tommy could not help but feel calm as he listened to the thunder, that shook the café with each boom. Nightshade had taken him awhile to set up, with a vision in mind. Black candles to light up the dreary area instead of bright light bulbs filled with electricity.

He stepped down once he finished lighting the final candle, taking in a breath as he moved the ladder back into storage. The multiple machines he had purchased for this new location still shined brightly and new, in time he'd be able to make them fit this establishment more. Giving a hum, he made his way into the small kitchen in the back. A hand moved across the counters, looking for something.

Tommy grabbed the spider themed sprinkles from one of the shelves, walking towards the tray of black iced cookies. He sprinkled the spiders on top, disappointed that real spiders could not be used for his treats. Thing, the hand stopped for a moment as a timer rang. Tommy turned, opening the oven and grabbing the oven mitts before pulling out the chocolate muffins that were inside. "This smell" he muttered, as he placed them on the counter. Taking one and not minding the heat on his hands, he brought it closer to his nose. "Just as I thought, Grandmothers recipe" he gave a sigh, as he remembered the old days. "Make certain to price these higher, I wish to see them squirm for these dreadfully tasteless muffins", he told Thing.

The hand tapped it's fingers on the counter, as an understanding. It shuffled out of the kitchen, Tommy turned towards the old recipe book. The pages stuck together, aged and worn with time. It was a shame he could not follow them perfectly, for the normals who would enter this place would not enjoy that. He clicked his tongue, grabbing a bowl. They had an hour till opening day, enough time to make some more treats.

When he was done, he cleaned up his mess. Whipping up some frosting, that he added a special ingredient to. He waited for the oven to go off, before taking out the cupcakes. He disliked the name, to cheery. Shaking his head he let them cool, as he worked on the fillings. Soon they were cored and filled and topped with black buttercream. He added them to the display out front, tying his work apron around his waist. Thing scurried back to the kitchens, to possibly work on more treats.

Ten minutes till opening, he cast a glance at the clock on the wall. The thunder boomed again, he shut his eyes to, listen to the sound of the rain hitting the roof. Thing's snapping was what brought him out of his own peace. Turning he looked at the hand that scampered across the floor to the door, unlocking it and flipping the closed sign to open. Seven Am, right on the clock, how dreadfully early.

Thing was gone once more as Tommy leaned on the counter, waiting. Time ticked by, it took thirty minutes for the door to swing open. The bells above the door ringing, an umbrella was shaken off before being placed in the holder by the door. The man that came in was wearing an old dark red rain coat, a shade of crimson that matched that of blood. His hair was dyed a light pink, almost the shade of bubblegum.

He scanned the menu board, for about three minutes before giving his order. "A black coffee, with as many expresso shots you can legally give me" his eyes moved to the treats on display, "And one of those chocolate muffins, My brother told me to get him something, So I'm out of spite buying a muffin and eating it in front of him" the mans tone held no emotion yet Tommy enjoyed the words the man spoke.

"What a dreadful intention, But I welcome it, Thing!" Tommy called, "Black coffee with" he looked at the man for a moment, "Eight shots of expresso" , The hand scampered across the counter getting to work on the drink as the machines came alive behind him. The man stared for a moment, blinked then pinched himself and decided this was probably normal for a gothic themed café named after a deadly plant.

Tommy grabbed a muffin from the display, placing it into a paper bag. Passing it across the counter, just as Thing slid a cup of coffee across the counter. Tommy rang the man up, watching as he placed a twenty on the counter. "Keep the change" he told him, before making his way out of the café, grabbing his umbrella on the way out. Tommy shook his head, going back to waiting as Thing made it's way back to the kitchen to get started on the lunch items for later.

= = =

Two hours later, Tommy finds himself staring at someone dressed in a purple hoodie. A resume in hand, eyes an unnatural shade of purple. "Your hired" Tommy spoke, without another thought. "Thing grab this young man an apron would you?" he ignored the way the blonde just blinked at him in confusion, no interview no nothing. One look behind the purple wearing blonde was enough for Tommy to want him working here. "You can work a cash register correct?, Thing can train you with the machines soon" the boy gave a nod, "Theseus, but refer to me as Tommy".

"Purpled" The boy spoke, stopping for a second to watch as an apron moved across the counter almost on it's own. Till it was revealed it wasn't, a hand that wasn't attached to anything. "I will just take a guess and say this must be Thing, The name makes sense now". Gothic café, disembodied hand. Purpled couldn't help his smile, he would enjoy working here. He grabbed the apron, that had the name of the café printed in the corner. He slipped it on and stepped behind the counter, standing out with his purple hoodie.

His resume was placed under the counter by Thing. And he was soon shown the ropes, it would be three hours later that he would find himself getting handed an envelope of golden coins and random bills as the day came to a close. He blinked, staring at it, wondering if his knew boss was aware how paychecks worked. But decided against asking, for he could of sworn he saw the taller blonde dragging a body into the back earlier.

Instead he asked something else, "I know we just met, And you just hired me, But can I sleep on your couch?" . This guy could kill him, probably would kill him. But Purpled was tired of sleeping on park benches, and the shitty hotel-motel where he refuses to even step foot in anymore since witnessing something he shouldn't have.

Tommy gave it a second to decide, grabbing his keys, he gave a simple nod. "You can sleep in the extra bedroom, Having a roommate will be quite dreadful, So I don't see why not" he gave a nod, "But if you do, No color, I let your hoodie slide for now for I can tell it's the only clothing you have, That will change". Thing scampered across the café floors, as Tommy made his way towards the door. Before he stopped turning to look at the candles above them with a sigh, he pulled open the door and a harsh breeze flew in blowing out the candles and making the place dark.

The only light source coming from each flash of lightning across the sky. That night Purpled was led to a place he'd soon be calling home, as Tommy got him situated in the old mansion that sat just on the edge of town. Not only had Purpled gotten hired to a gothic café with a disembodied hand, and got paid a lot more then he should of. His new boss was apparently loaded, yeah Purpled would indeed come to love this new found life of his.

Chapter Text

Nightshade was his home, it's what he realized when he was lighting the candles for the day. The thunder sounding outside the window, he would of flinched at the sound six months ago. Now he enjoyed it, he accepted the darkness the storm brought and the melody the thunder gave. Purpled stepped down from the ladder, stuffing the box of matches into the pocket on his apron. He grabbed the old broom from where it sat leaned against the wall. The wooden handle held a lot of grooves in it, showing just how much it's been through.

Tommy watched as Purpled worked, getting ready for their opening today. Six months ago he hired what to others would be a lost cause, a street rat someone who didn't deserve a chance. The Addams saw this as a challenge, and an interesting case to unravel. Even now Purpled held secrets Tommy was unaware of, but he would state that they were close. Sharing a house, and later a bed in a platonic sense. One thing Tommy learned, Purpled did not like to sleep alone for he was plagued with Nightmares.

Odd was the thing to come to mind, for nightmares were nothing to fear. But Purpled was normal, he did not begin in the darkness like Tommy had. However, the blonde could see the change. The acceptance to the darkness of this world, even while the spirits that haunted him screamed for attention. "We open in Ten" Tommy spoke, and Purpled gave a nod. Tommy made his way to the back to prepare for the morning rush.

In the Six months of Nightshade being open, they had gotten more customers along with a few regulars. One being the man who came in on the opening day six months ago, who would occasionally order his coffee and take a seat at one of the tables to get some work done. Other days he'd order it to go, either way Tommy enjoyed his company when he did come. He always had the mans order waiting when he entered, nobody knew how Tommy knew when someone would be there that day at that moment, but after one look from him nobody asked the question again.

Purpled put away the broom once he was done, walking toward the door he flipped the closed sign to open. He made his way behind the counter, "Get the Order for our Least favorite customer ready would you?" Tommy spoke up as he stuck his head out from the back, apron covered in flour. Purpled did as asked, grabbing the paper cup and writing a name on it before moving to the machines to brew some strong coffee.

The smell filled the Shop, just as the bell on the door jingled. An umbrella was shaken and closed as a man entered. Technoblade took one look, and placed a twenty dollar bill on the counter just as Purpled finished and pushed a cup of death liquid towards the man. "Any special pastry items today?" he would ask just as Tommy exited from the back with a tray of black croissants filled with a dark chocolate ganache, taking one and tossing it in the air just for it to land in a bag Thing had at the ready. The bag was tossed in Technoblade's direction who caught it with ease used to this daily routine at this point. "Can't wait to torture my brother with this today, Unfortunately I cannot stay here for long today , for I sadly have a case".

He was a detective, one who worked at the station. Technoblade Craft, Purpled had seen him before when he was still living on the streets but now things were different that life was behind him. "Is this about the murders?" Tommy asked, catching the curious eye of the pink haired man. "Living where we do, You tend to hear some things, Whispers if you may" Tommy put away the croissants "Though it's rather curious of just how the state of the bodies were left".

"Curious as it may be, Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong Theseus" Technoblade told the Addams, "I don't need the only person willing to sell me coffee that can kill me getting murdered because of curiosity" the pink haired man knew those eyes and that tone, the want for adventure. One that could and would get the young man he grew fond of killed or injured, despite the factor the blonde could possibly hold his own, Technoblade wasn't going to risk that. "You as well, Reformed or not no getting into trouble street rat".

Purpled shook his head, "Wouldn't dream of it, I rather like my new life" he replied. Though the look Tommy gave him spoke otherwise, he was curious which wasn't a good thing. Technoblade gave a huff, before bidding the two and Thing a farewell. Purpled turned to Tommy once he had left, "Were going to be doing the opposite of what he asked aren't we?". His boss and Roommate tilted his head to the side, giving that smile that promised death.

"Why of course My Dear, For what is this dark and dastardly life of ours without a little bit of adventure" Tommy replied, turning back toward the kitchen that look still in his eyes. "However our work comes first, We will discover this mystery afterwards". Purpled should of known his perfect life would come crumbling sooner or later, even so he would do what he could to keep his newfound home safe even if it meant going on an adventure that would possibly get them both killed.

= = =

It was a miserable day, filled with rain and thunder. Two people found it as an inconvenience, and so as they entered the first building offering coffee to get away from it they were met with the gothic state of that which was Nightshade. A young women sat curled up in the corner with a book and a cup of steaming liquid sitting on the table in front of her. A young blonde male with captivating unnatural purple/magenta eyes cleaned off a table a bit close to the entrance.

Nightshade was lit with a candle chandelier, the melted wax dripping and collecting in the tray built into it. Blue eyes stared at the two that entered, there was no smile only a monotoned voice holding barely emotion. "Un-Welcome to Nightshade how may I make your day more Dark and Bitter?" he could see something nobody else could that haunted the two newcomers.

"A Stormy sorrow and" The shorter looked to the taller masked one, whose hands twitched and the shorter gave a nod "Whatever the Nightshade Special of the day is" he gave a smile, "we'd also like two of those croissants they look rather good".

"Thing! A Stormy Sorrow! and Whip up a Daily for the tall one!" The two watched as something darted across the counters as cups moved almost on their own and machines whirred to life. A disembodied hand made it's appearance as they two cups were set in sight one steaming and the other holding what looked like a storm cloud in a drink form with ice. "That will be Fifteen-sixty-five" cash was placed and the correct change was given back. As two bagged pastries made their way onto the counter next to the drinks. "Have a terrible day".

The two grabbed their orders and made their way to an open table to enjoy them, not wanting to go back out into the storm. A mask pulled down, nobody looked as the taller took a sip of their drink eyes lighting up as a taste of Cinnamon and chocolate reached their tongue. A Cinnamon Hot chocolate was what the disembodied hand had given as a special it would seem. The taller didn't seem to mind the taste enjoying it, better then they would of if given coffee. It was strange, like the hand knew they didn't like the taste of coffee.

"This place is kind of odd" The taller spoke, "But I think I'll come to like it here Bee" he looked to the shorter whom had stuck a straw into his own drink. And had his laptop set up ready to get some work done while they weren't out in that storm. Strange how he had ordered a drink that embodied the weather.

"We just got here, and I am not against making this a daily spot for us" The shorter spoke, eyes glued to the screen of his laptop. He picked up his croissant tacking a bite and his eyes lit up. The Black pastry was colored with charcoal and the gauche inside fit well with the subtle flavor of Smokey salt added to the top. "It's good, Nightshade is truly going to be a good place for us during our stay in this town Boo".

The taller gave a nod, sipping slowly at their drink. The blonde with unnatural eyes made his way towards the back where the taller blonde put what looked like a protective hand on the shorter blondes shoulder. Interesting, even more so with the look sent their way a promise if anything happened to the shorter blonde their would be hell to play. "Yeah, It is, It really is" he would reply ignoring the way those eyes sent a shiver down his spine.

The two would stay there till the rain let up, and find their way out. The purple eyed blonde missing from the front view sent to the back the taller would assume possibly to create pastries. "I never got your Names" a voice rang out the taller blonde stared at them from behind the counter.

"That's because we never gave them to you Big-man" The brunette would smirk "Maybe you'll get them next time" and with that he stepped out the taller masked one following after their partner. Unaware of the factor the Blonde behind the counter, watched as a hand placed two wallets down on the counter. And a smirk crossed his features, they would return for their wallets in due time.

He turned around looking up at the clock, with the calming storm it was almost time for closing. Two wallets were shoved into his apron pocket, and Tommy made his way to the back ready to end another dreadful day at his horrible café, Nightshade. And ready to begin an Adventure that will surely add a bit more darkness into his daily routine.

Chapter Text

Two days is how long it took for the ones that had their wallets taken to arrive back inside Nightshade. The Café had been closed yesterday, for it was far to sunny to be open. Purpled watched the two from where he swept, the shorter looked angered and the taller was nervous. Purpled paid them no mind knowing Tommy would deal with them as he swept up the dirt off the floor and into the dustpan.

Those two were here two days ago, the night him and Tommy went out to search for clues. That night was one Purpled had wished hadn't happened, he shut his eyes for a moment. Remembering where he was and fixing his breathing, his chest hurt, he would have to change his bandages later. To be honest Purpled only remembered flashes of that night, as the claws sank into his flesh. His grip tightened on the broom, his nails became sharper for a moment before going back to normal.

He took a breath, turning his head to look at Tommy. Thing was moving across the counter, two wallets in hand. Purpled picked up the dustpan bringing it to the trash where he dumped it. He looked up at the candles, they flickered brightly but he could tell with how short they were getting they needed to be replaced. The collected wax would be turned into new ones later, but not at this moment. He made his way to the back, putting away the broom and dustpan.

Thing appeared, moving across the counters to grab the ingredients for something. Tommy was still talking to the two in the front, he shook his head and washed off his hands in the sink before going to help Thing. Pie dough was soon lining coffin shaped tins, ones Purpled had ordered a week ago. They had shown up yesterday, today a new pastry would be tested out. He shoved the shells into the oven, pre baking them before getting started on the filling.

The cherries were dark red, the juice stained his hands as he pitted them. He froze for a second, looking down at his hands. The juice was dark almost like, it was exactly like, blood. Thing moved across the counters, measuring out the things needed but Purpled barely noticed. The bowl of pitted cherries sat to the side, his hands began to shake. Thing noticed something was wrong, Tommy was in the room in a matter of seconds not caring for any customers that came inside.

The Addams helped wash the juice off Purpleds hands, staying silent as he did. Tommy did not understand that people had fears, that people had emotions but he was learning. He helped Purpled calm down and come back to reality despite not knowing the extent to the reasons why he acted like this. 'They never did things like this', Purpled thought 'They never cared without caring, But their no longer here and thats fine, I'm fine without Them, I have him now, Him and Thing their the only family I'll ever need'.

"Cherry coffin pies?" Tommy finally spoke "How dreadful" that was a good thing, "Have you thought of adding Rhubarb? Or adding a touch of something extra?" He made his way around the kitchen grabbing glass vials ones Purpled had seen multiple times just never knew what was inside them. "This shall make them tasteless and boring" he added a few drops to the pitted cherries before Thing moved them to the stove in order to cook them down with some sugar to make jam. "You picked the truly sour cherries to go in this correct?".

"Yeah, I did" Purpled spoke, his mind being dragged away from his own dark thoughts. "The more sour, The better as you say" Tommy gave a nod, his blue eyes looking directly at his purple ones. "The customers will truly detest them, Despise them and buy more of them" Tommy looked pleased at those words. Once the jam was done, it was placed into the pre-baked pie shells and thrown back into the oven for a few more minutes.

Once done, Purpled helped place them in the display case next to the muffins. "Get the order ready" Tommy spoke, and Purpled knew who would be arriving soon. Purpled grabbed a cup, the largest they had and began making the order for their least favorite customer. Thing got the bag ready as Tommy took it putting a coffin pie inside it. Something was odd about Tommy's expression, "Add a medium hot chocolate and a Muffin to that order" he added after a thought.

Purpled did as asked, as the doors to the Café opened. They were held open as someone was pushed through, it was not the first time someone with a disability came to the café. They had a button installed to have the doors open automatically if needed, along with a small ramp incase people could not use stairs. Technoblade was pushing the wheelchair, and a young man neither had seen before sat in it. He was wearing an old yellow sweater with a duck on it, skull clips were in his blonde hair pinning it back. An old stained blanket that was fraying at the edges covered his legs from view.

The young man in the wheelchair smiled, "I've been trying to get Techno to bring me here for ages" he spoke, eyes holding slight annoyance. "This time he had no choice" he laughed "Dad set out on a trip last night, Leaving me in my twins care" oh, Purpled realized this was Techno's brother he always mentioned. He could slightly see the resemblance if it wasn't for the dyed pink hair of Technoblade, and the way their expressions were different. "He's always so rude, Eating those pastries in my face, I've always wanted one of your muffins ever since and he's never got me one".

"Your orders are right here, For my Least favorite customer and his brother" Tommy's monotone voice spoke, his movements seemed to unnerve the man in the wheelchair as he pushed the drinks prepared forward, a Medium and a large cup with two pastry bags. "Something you both shall detest and despise on this terrible day to make it worse". Techno grabbed the larger cup passing the medium one to his confused brother along with the bag containing the muffin.

"Nightshade is known for knowing what you want before you knowing yourself" Technoblade told his brother, watching as he opened the pastry bag and seeing just what he had been wanting for awhile. The chocolate muffin was a prize, One they all seemed to note made the man happier. "Chayanne and I have no work today, So we'll be sticking around in one of the booths for the time being" he placed a twenty dollar bill on the counter as payment.

Purpled watched as Thing came around and collected the twenty dollar bill, before returning to the back in order to work on newer pastries. The day soon came to an end as Midnight rolled around quickly. The candles had been replaced and blown out by the time they left Nightshade. Thing rested on his shoulder as they made their way home, something changed however with a tune filling the streets. A cart wheeled past them on the empty streets, a man in a red sweater pulled it before he stopped.

His face was covered by a paper chicken mask. "Hello gentlemen would you like to see my wares?" he invited them, opening his cart to show the wares he offered. Two rings stood out to them both. They held a spiderweb like design, with garnet eyes on the spiders. "Ah have the rings of the wed call to you? If they do I am able to do what must be done at a price of course".

Tommy stepped closer picking up the rings, admiring them as he took one before grabbing Purpleds hand and sliding it onto it. Purpled watched with calculating eyes, this had never come up when they spoke. But he knew this was platonic, the two did not care for love in the traditional sense. "Yes we have an interest in this pointless ceremony, Be it legal or not" Tommy spoke, sliding the other ring onto his own finger.

The chicken masked man looked in joy as much as one could with his face covered. "By the name of Poultry Man" The man spoke, placing a hand on both their shoulders awkwardly. "I pronounce you Husband and Husband now pay me", Tommy took out a handful of golden coins from his pocket placing it in the mans now awaiting hands after they were off the twos shoulders. The man lifted his mask slightly to bite into one of the coins, before pocketing them. "Pleasure doing business with you, Enjoy your marriage" he handed them one last thing before he was off down the road.

A rolled up piece of paper that when unrolled showed a marriage license, with both their names printed on it. The strangest thing is they never gave him their names, But as they turned to look where the cart had been once going down the road it was gone along with it's music. The two shared a look, their rings still on their fingers. The way home was silent, their hands intertwined as they made their way to the mansion. Where they would frame the paper and hang it above the stairwell.

Thing made their way to his room inside the old dollhouse that sat in Their shared room. Purpleds bandages were changed, and he laid down next to his friend. Tommy wrapped his arms around him and pulled him closer. They fell asleep to the sound of the wind and a scream that came from the forest,

= = =

The ground was muddy from the rain earlier, droplets of rain rolled off the leaf's. A man made his way through the forest, his brown hair falling into his face every passing second. He held a phone to his ear, using his other arm to shift his backpack. "I'll be fine it's just a two day trip" he tried to reassure the one on the other end of the phone. "Dream, I'm not worried about getting Murdered" he gave a sigh, gazing around him. "Nor am I worried about getting mauled by a bear, I may be colorblind but I'm not an idiot, Yes Dream I know it's not safe to be camping in the woods, No I'm not going to fight a bear".

The man loved his friend, but the man got worried to much over the smallest of possibilities. If the man had been paying attention he would of realized something was following him, glowing eyes came from the forest. Low growls sounded out that finally caught his attention, The man turned his eyes scanning the tree line. "Dream, I think I'm being followed" he spoke "It's probably just an animal".

His next words never came, as his body hit the muddy ground. The creatures eyes bored into his as his phone dropped beside him, the fear was clear in his eyes. The creature tilted it's head as it stared at him waiting. The man kicked at it trying to get the creature off him, the creature jumped away watching as the man scrambled up forgetting his phone as he ran. The creature followed him, it was a hunter and the man was his prey.

His feet dug into the muddy ground, he could hear the creature behind him as he ran. His chest began to hurt, his legs began to burn. He couldn't stop running he had to escape he had to flee. His foot caught onto a tree root that was peaking out of the ground. His body hit the forest floor for a second time and he knew this time he wouldn't get away. The creature hovered over him once more.

It's limbs moved unnaturally as it titled it's head. The talons tore into the flesh of his leg, a scream tore through his throat so loud it sounded through the forest. The creature showed no fear, only pain as it winced at the sound. It froze for a second before its gaze turned dangerous, it growled out in anger digging it's claws into the man and tearing the flesh from the bone. The thick red substance covered it's talons, as it leaned in closer.

It's teeth tore into the throat of the man. Silencing the screams, making the man quiet forever as his body went limp. The creature tore into the flesh, tearing the one below them apart. It's head turned as it heard something, a deer made it's way out of the forest. The creature pounced forward chasing after it, blood dripping from it's mouth. Leaving the man behind, as a torn apart pile of bloodied limbs.

A phone lay in the dirt far away from the body, forgotten in the mud as someone cried on the other end. "George!? George!? Come man this isn't funny!? Answer me!? GEORGE!?" nobody answered him. Nobody came and nobody would, not anymore for the man he cried for laid farther away torn apart and a pile of bloodied pieces.

Chapter Text

Tommy awoke earlier then Purpled, he quietly left the bed and made his way down stairs. The old steps creaked under each step, the photos hanging almost seemed to be watching him as he made his way to the front door. It creaked as he opened it, blue eyes meeting those of eyes covered by sunglasses. The clouds in the sky darkened, as the brunette before him gave a smile that would send a chill down any normal persons spine. "Cousin, I have come to wish you a congratulations on your marriage", Tommy's gaze moved to the ring on his finger. He was not surprised his cousin heard of the wedding that occured hours ago on an empty street. "I wish to meet the beast you have tamed".

Tommy eyes focused on other things, such as the black suitcase that sat by his cousins feet. It moved almost as if something was trying to escape, "He is unaware I know of his darkness" he spoke, "But this is a unwelcomed visit, It is rather terrible to see you Cousin Eret. Do come inside, I will brew us a pot of tasteless tea" he stepped aside allowing his cousin to enter his home. Eret grabbed the handle of their suitcase wheeling it behind them, ignoring the sounds it made when she did.

"Two cubes of poison if you may in my glass" Eret told his cousin, "This place is a lot more dark then my visions had me see" their eyes scanned the inside of the home. "I quite dislike it cousin, Such a fine pick you made in this property". Tommy gave his cousin a nod as he shut the front door, he saw no point in locking it for people knew better then to try and break into his home. "I hope you don't mind me staying for a few days cousin".

"I do not mind it has been so long since we had a family gathering" Tommy spoke, "The last was at grandmothers funeral, Before I inherited her fortune" He made his way towards the kitchen, "She always enjoyed the long con, Death welcomed her with it's embrace" He stopped for a moment, "Third room on the left is a guest room you will despise, It has all the qualities you hate dear cousin" he entered the kitchen.

Eret hummed, that sounded rather terrible. She did as instructed, making her way to the room where she left her suitcase before joining their cousin in the kitchen. The style was to their disliking, it was perfect. The kettle, an old family heirloom sat on the stove. It let out a scream to release the steam after a few minutes. Finger taps was what alerted them both of Things presence for they were awake and so was the husband to Eret's dear cousin.

"I was unaware we'd be having guests" Purpled spoke, he felt at unease staring at the one sitting at the table in the kitchen. Tommy placed down three cups with tea bags inside before pouring hot water over them. Tommy held the teapot, kettle, for a moment before putting it back on the stove and grabbing two different containers with what looked like sugar cubes. Purpled ignored the dark gray container going for the lighter one for he was aware the stuff in the other wasn't sugar.

"My cousin showed up unexpectedly, Having heard of our marriage, They wished to meet you" Tommy spoke, placing a few cubes from the darker gray container into his cup of tea. The brunette doing the same, the words cousin made Purpled realize this person was an Addams. That would explain his unease, there was two of them now instead of just Tommy. "Purpled this Is Eret my most hated cousin, It is rather terrible that she will be staying with us for a few days".

"Yes it is dreadful that I am here for a visit" Eret lifted the cup to his lips, not minding the burning liquid as she took a sip. "Your wedding was a surprise to hear, Someone like you taming my cousin, I thought I would never see the day he found a partner" they put their cup down. "It's a shame we did not get an invite".

"The wedding took place last minute, We did not plan for it but it was a unwelcomed surprise" Purpled chose to speak, despite his nerves. Blowing on his glass of tea before taking a sip, he was still learning the ways of being an Addams. "The man that wed us was rather odd, But who isn't now a days? everyone is allowed to be a little different". He set his glass down as Tommy leaned back in his chair.

The blondes eyes were anywhere but those he sat with, eyes darting around the room as he listened to those others couldn't see. "It is a terrible day, We shall open later today" he spoke, "There's been another death" he lifted his tea cup, eyes now staring down at it. His words sunk in, Purpleds hands tightened around his cup. The wound that still hadn't fully healed yet was a reminder that another death meant that beast, that creature got another poor soul. "Close by our home this time, curious and curiouser, It's almost like this creature is wanting to gain our attention once more", Tommy took a sip of his tea.

Purpled looked away, his eyes going to the wallpaper and he began to count in his head. He had zoned out, and Tommy and Eret watched as the claws extended and the grip got tighter on the tea cup. Hot tea covered the table, shards of glass dug into Purpleds skin, Thing made a way for the first aid kit as Purpled stared down at his hands mind focused back in. The wounds were patched up, the tablecloth removed and tossed into the wash basket.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break one of your favorite tea cups" Purpled spoke, eyes saddened, as Tommy led him upstairs. They both were still dressed in their night clothes, and he was in need of a bath for he got drenched in the tea that had spilled off the table. "I'll work harder today to make it up to you". Tommy's grip tightened on Purpled, his eyes swirling with emotions for a moment before the hold loosened.

"You will stay home today, Your injuries will only hinder your work" Tommy spoke voice monotone and stern, "My cousin will take your place till you are healed, I don't care if you broke my tea cup it can be replaced you cannot, I won't allow you to overwork yourself because of a simple mistake anyone could of made" he sighed, "I married you, Platonically for I do not harbor such things as romantic feelings towards you or anyone for that matter, However despite my judgment I find myself not caring for you for your my family, And I protect my family and what's mine".

Purpled felt the tears come fourth, "You wouldn't if you knew I'm not worth it, My entire life everyone has told me so" he let out a bitter laugh, "Who'd care for a werewolf who can't shift!, Who won't ever have a life in a pack" Purpled realized after he said it but he saw no change on Tommy's features when he looked at him. "My own brother tossed me aside, Left me in this town as he moved on without me, Leaving me to fend for myself, What makes you different? Sure life is perfect now but will it be forever? Will you just get bored and toss me to the curb?"

"Know that I won't ever be like your brother, I will threaten your life, I will promise you death but I won't leave you for the darkness chose you, Those that left you mean nothing they are nobodies" Tommy told him, "You are like a Rose, Beautiful and Deadly, You are my Nightshade the poison in my bloodstream, And the man I chose to marry on that street last night. Full wolf or not you are mine and I am yours, I won't ever leave you not even death will keep us apart".

Purpled pulled Tommy in, wrapping his arms around the taller blonde who went stiff arms laying at his side as his night clothes got soaked with tea and tears. They stayed like that for awhile, on the top of the steps close to their room. Till the clock began to chime and Purpled stepped away, heading towards their shared room ready to get dressed for the day. Tommy breathed, staring ahead before taking a step and entering their room shutting the door behind him as he did so.

= = =

Nightshade had opened later then usual, and Technoblade was exhausted when it finally opened late in the afternoon. A new face greeted him, one who stared at him from behind a pair of sunglasses. The black attire, and the air around the person only lead to one thought. "Gods theres two of them" he spoke out loud, getting closer to where his order awaited him. "Where's the street rat?" he asked after noticing the lack of a certain slightly more cheerful blonde.

"Purpled had an accident, He will be at home till he is healed" Theseus spoke, "My cousin has offered to lend a un-helpful hand till he recovers" Theseus did not say much more regarding the person next to him. "Did you find his body?" he asked, sending a chill down Techno's spine, if he hadn't known the boy knew things he would of suspected him committing the murders but even if he was the pink haired man wasn't a snitch.

"We got the call this morning around Four am, The sight was something else" Techno explained, as he dug out the correct cash as the boy placed a pastry in a paper bag for him. "His friend called in, At first we were hopeful that we'd find him alive, However the stench alerted us that it was a lost cause" he shouldn't be telling them this but he knew they wouldn't say anything to anybody else or he hoped they wouldn't. "Tell the street rat to stop getting injured" he saw the look in Theseus eyes. "Don't think I didn't notice how he held himself yesterday, I won't ask how he got the wound but I will tell you again to stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Your the only place giving me liquid death in a cup".

"I will try and keep my cousin out of trouble, But and Addams is always drawn to death and a mystery" The cousin spoke, it was unsettling and the wind outside picked up causing it to sound like it was howling. The cousin leaned forward and Techno could almost see under those glasses and he didn't like the sight, "It's what landed his brother in that Horrible dreadful place he is now" the cousin stood back up turning around to head towards the back.

Techno was unaware that Theseus had family. The boy came off as if he had no more family left, but Theseus was and Addams. The last name sounded familiar like he's heard it before. "I'll be taking my leave before this gets more creepy, I'll see you for more coffee soon" Techno told Theseus. Who only gave a bone chilling grin in return, watching as Techno left the café. The moment he was out, he fished out his phone, dialing the number he called frequently.

It took a few rings till it picked up, "Hello Techno is there anything you need?" his dads voice held a tired note to it. Techno wasn't the one who'd usually call him when he was out on buisness, that is unless there was an emergency. Technoblade eyes those around him and he took a drink from his coffee as the air nipped at his skin.

"Do we have anyone in the family with the last name Addams?" He asked, and his dads breathing changed on the other end, "So do we? Because the café I've been going to is run by an Addams" He heard shuffling on the other end, his dad was pacing the room he was in no doubt.

"No I don't think I've heard that family name before" His dad spoke, "I got to get going mate, Make sure your brother is safe" the line went dead after that, and Techno frowned, that was odd his dad never hung up without any sappy words or a 'I love you'. The way his dad spoke made him think he was hiding something, just what was Phil hiding? and what did it have to do with the Addams family?

Sometimes Technoblade wondered if Phil forgot his son was a detective. And other times he wondered just who his dad was, for he had been acting strange the last few months. Suspecting his own dad of the murders wouldn't end well, he hoped he was wrong that something anything would prove this idea in his mind wrong. For Phil was his dad, he wouldn't no he couldn't be behind these murders.

How well did he know Phil?, How well did he know his own dad who had changed a lot since their mom left. The coffee in his hand was warm, the wind picked up again howling as his thoughts consumed him. These thoughts left him unaware to those around him, as he walked down the street towards the station. He was brought back to reality when the scent of his work places terrible coffee reached his nose. He lifted his own cup and took a sip, Nightshade had better coffee then here. For now he'd put what he was thinking on the back burner, because Phil was family, and despite everything Technoblade did not betray his own family.

Unaware to him, a person shoved their hands into the pockets of their hoodie and a grin stretched across their face. The person withdrew a phone and began to walk, "I've scouted out our next target" the person spoke into the phone voice barely a whisper so no one else could hear, But something did hear something the person could not see. "His schedule shouldn't be to hard to follow, I'll keep you posted as I do my research".

The person hung up the phone and shoved it back into the pocket of their hoodie. Taking a left turn down an alley and seemingly vanishing as they did so. A few blocks away in a certain café, a blonde stilled as something whispered in his ears. And a look that promised death crossed his features, his hand clenched nails digging into his skin. "Thing, Keep an eye on the detective" the blonde spoke, "It appears these amateur killers have decided to step out of line".

A hand scampered across the counter, tapping it's fingers on the black surface before jumping off. The door was pushed open right as the disembodied hand made it's jump, a person entered and the hand was gone out the door. The blonde turned back to his duties, taking orders all while one single thought was in his mind, a single thought that he would make a reality. For nobody messed with those he deemed family.

Chapter Text

The world felt as if it had stilled, as a man stared at him phone a frown etched on his face. He felt as the world started back up as his senses returned, he shoved the phone into the pocket of his green coat. "I'm sorry for the interruption, Family matters you know how it is" The man spoke as he made his way into a room. A man in a uniform awaited him, giving the blonde a nod of understanding.

"You have Thirty minutes remaining with the prisoner, We will return to collect you, But as you know the protocol Mr.Crow that one phone call was all you were allowed while inside these walls" the man in the uniform held out his hand and the blonde fished out his phone from his pocket and handed it to the man. The guard placed the phone into a plastic bin before patting the blonde man down. Once the measures had been taken the blonde was allowed through another door. A door that lead to a white bricked room with speaker in the corner and a table where a man sat chains on his wrists and a mask holding a lock on his face.

The brunette at the table tilted his head to the side. "Ah Phil it is great to see you again" the man spoke, the mask protected others from him but he could still speak with it on. "How are your sons, How is Chayanne, Are his legs still broken? Still in that lovely chair of his?" fingers tapped on the table as the man now known as Phil or Mr.Crow took a seat at the table, his face stoic and unreadable.

"Of course" Mr.Crow spoke, "He is stuck to the fate you gave him" Mr.Crow stared at the prisoner, the man that lost his mind, the cold hearted man that was once a friend of the crows. "Every day, I watch as my son struggles all because of what you have done" Phil had dealt with this long enough to know not to let his emotions control him. These past years since the incident, he lives with this deal he made. He only visited this man because of it, and if he didn't he'd lose Her as well. "But we are not here to talk about my son, This social call is more of a business venture this time" Phil fished out some pictures from his coat and set them on the table sliding them towards the deranged man.

Pale and covered in scabs, the hands picked up the photos as chains rattled. Staring at each picture, each crime scene ones Phil had stolen. The man across from him looked in a daze as he stared at each photo, moving them and shuffling them. The silence ticked by for what felt like hours but it wasn't, the man placed the pictures down with a stuttered breath. Excitement clear to Phil, the man was jittery with it fingers tapping more franticly on the counter.

"I haven't encounter a creature like this in years, Centuries even!, The way it kills, It's so feral so blood thirsty!" The mans face had a smile under that metal mask on his face, Phil had to hide the shiver going down his spine and the fear dancing in his eyes. "An animal that serves a master! A creature that shouldn't be! Abomination, So beautiful so terrible so ugly!" the man began to laugh. As the speakers on the wall began to sound out with a warning of only a few minutes left.

"What is it" Phil pressed, he needed to know before time ran out. His town was in danger, his sons were in danger and he would do anything to keep them safe. Even if it meant hiding the truth from them. Techno didn't need to know, he was safer in the dark for the dark protected him for it was in his blood his and Chayanne's. The man continued to laugh, not yet saying what Phil wanted to hear. "Karl! I need to know!" he lost his cool slamming his hands on the table as he forced something into his voice, a command.

The man across from him stopped, body freezing as his eyes glazed over. "It's called A-" his words were cut off by the speakers, a warning before the door from before opened. The glaze in the mans eyes began to fade as well as the sense of insanity all there was, was a harsh calculated stare as Phil was forced to leave the table. His thirty minutes already quickly used up, he had run out of time. However Karl had some last words for the man. "In the pages you will find the answer, Grab a cup of coffee and let the spirits guide you, What you seek you shall find in the deadly poison of the Nightshade" his grin was hidden behind the mask of metal with Phils back turned to him. "Say hello to my brother for me Philza Minecraft, After all Theseus Addams hold all the answers for you inside his cafe" karl knew Phil didn't hear that last part as he lowered his voice as the man left.

The door shut behind him, and Karl Addams couldn't help but wonder how his brother was actually doing. His cousins letters only said so much of the outside, and as Karl was lead out of the white room back to his cell he had a new motivation. That small town sounds rather interesting after all, and he did miss his dear brother. With this his chains gave a jingle as he moved with calculated grace using them to choke one of the guards who was leading him back. Using his legs he kicked the one trying to apprehend him, hearing the man fall with a thump. Each guard fell oh so easily it was oh so boring.

Karl Addams broke free of his chains slipping them off his wrists, before lifting his hands to the mask they gave him. He pressed pressure on the lock and it snapped right off. The fun was over and he couldn't wait to see his brother and his cousin. He couldn't wait to meet his new brother in law either, after all it was oh so dreadful that the boy hadn't gotten a proper family welcome yet. A little visit could do them all some good.

Phil had made it to his car when the alarms went off, his phone deciding to ring at this moment. He got into his car, and answered his phone drowning his fears and his worries but he knew what was occurring and who was escaping. Karls words rang inside his mind, as a voice reached his ears from his cell. "Dad...It's Chayanne...Theres been an incident" Chayanne sounded out of breath and sirens sounded out from behind him on his side of the phone. Phil felt like he couldn't breath, "I'm fine....Someone was in the house, Techno was at work and I know you don't like us bothering you on your trips but, I thought I should call you".

"Chayanne, Despite that your my son and this is an important matter more important then my trips" Phil told his son, "What happened exactly" his gaze was locked on outside his car as he watched as the prison went into lock down. He set his phone down putting it on speaker as he put his keys into his car, turning it on ready to leave this place before matters got even worse and he got stuck here.

"I don't know to be honest, One second things were fine Dad, Then I started feeling this chill down my spine" Chayanne explained, "Techno had work and I told him I'd be fine without him, I thought I would be, How was I to know someone would break in? But that wasn't the weirdest thing Dad, Whoever it was wasn't after me no they went into Tech's room, They took his planner Dad!" he sounded worried, and Phil was as well. Techno planned his entire month out in the planner, his entire schedule for the day and someone had broken in and stolen it. "I did as you told us to if something happened, Dialed up the station and waited, I explained it to them and now Tech's worried not for himself but for me, But I'm fine he's the one whose in danger! Why else would they only take his planner!?".

Phil frowned, "Whatever motive it isn't a good thing" he spoke, "Keep an eye on your brother Chayanne, Stick together like I've always told you to" he took a breath as he stopped by the gate awaiting for it to open. "Family is important, We protect it no matter the cost, Remember this son, I love you and stay safe. We'll discuss this when I'm home" he hung up the phone as the gates opened and he was let free.

He drove down the road multiple worries on his mind. And as he did, he saw a familiar man on the road his grin etched on his face as Phil drove passed him. Karl gave him a wave and Phils grip tightened on the steering wheel. For when Phil looked in the mirror the man was already gone as if he wasn't there to begin with.

= = =

Chayanne stared at the phone in his hand, and watched as his brother who stood a bit away held a frown on his face. His wheelchair was positioned in the perfect spot so he could watch the others of their police force collect what evidence they could find. The sheriff made his way towards them both. "I recommend finding a safer place to stay for the next few nights till this threat has passed" The man spoke. Schlatt eyed them both, "Make your schedule less known, Whatever was in that planner of yours hold your entire month of what your going to do, I suggest being a little off course".

The sound of leaves rustling and small taps was the only warning they had before a hand made it's way onto the shoulder of Technoblade. The dyed pink haired man looked at the hand, knowing who it was. Thing, Techno should of known Thesuses would of known something was up. Sending a spy to keep an eye on him, however the hand made taps with it's fingers. Morse code and Techno knew what they were asking.

"We have it covered, Someone offered us a place for the next few nights" Techno spoke, "I'll keep me and my brother out of harms way, Whatever it takes, No one goes after me or my brother, because our family sticks together no matter the cost" he gave Schlatt a nod before pushing Chayanne's Wheelchair towards the house to pack some overnight bags. Twenty minutes later Chayanne found himself with a hand on his shoulder as he sat in the passenger seat of his brothers old car he barely used anymore. Unless it was for important matters.

Techno had been given orders to take the week off, the case was on a pause. All for his safety, and Chayanne couldn't help but remember what had occured earlier beforehand. It was a terrifying experience, one he would do everything to forget. The scenery he saw out the window helped as the hand, Thing helped guide them. To a manor at the edge of the forest, with large gates and a garden. It looked like something out of an old movie, an old black and white horror film.

Someone greeted them, a person who had bandages around his hands and a dark purple hoodie. Someone Chayanne had met that one time in the Cafe, now with a ring around one of his bandaged fingers. Another stood with him, tall and unhuman like, dressed like a butler. "Street Rat" Techno greeted as he was out of the car, and the tall man in the butlers outfit took their bags out of the truck and helped Wilbur get his wheelchair set up so he could get into it.

"Technoblade" Purpled spoke "I wasn't aware we'd have more guests till Tommy made me aware of the change in plans" Purpled walked closer to them, "He will return from work soon, He is closing early to help with your problem" he turned around "I set up the ramp for Chayanne, And we have a room setup downstairs for him to stay in" he made his way towards the home, "Lurch will put away your luggage, He will be here if you need anything, So will the others. Your the safest you can be here with us, Nobody dares set foot past these gate unless they have a death wish" Purpled stopped for a moment "Just don't question what you hear and see inside these walls, Steer clear of most things and follow house rules and everything will be perfectly fine".

Chayanne was uncertain if he felt more safe staying with strangers he barely knew, but he did know if his brother trusted them they must be at least a birt trustworthy. After all someone who makes the best tasting muffins couldn't be a bad person right?. Chayanne wheeled himself up the ramp set up, and the inside looked almost as haunted as the outside. He couldn't wait to see what this week would hold for him.

Thing jumped off Chayanne's shoulder, moving across the old floorboards with ease and up the staircase. Techno made his way in last after Lurch, who carried their bags to the rooms they were going to be staying in. A memory began to resurface for Chayanne, a melody and a song. His mothers face and her haunting melodies, as she cut off the heads of the roses because of their fathers allergy. Rose stems sat in a vase by an old picture frame as he passed by it, he stopped to stare.

That picture that hung on the wall there was no mistaking it. But he wondered why the owner of a cafe would have a picture of his mother, and why he would have her in a photo with that man that put Chayanne in the wheelchair. An old friend, an old ex friend that caused Chayanne's Accident. Karls smile mocked him from where he stood looking far younger, and now that he had a moment his mother also looked a bit younger. Something was etched under the frame, and it made Chayanne's blood run cold.

He forced his chair to move, he didn't want this right now. He already had enough stress, he wheeled himself to the room he would stay in shutting the door behind him. And as he did everything began to make sense, puzzle pieces were falling into place and it was only a matter of time before his dads secrets came to light. After all him and Techno heard those alarms in the background from wherever their father really was, whatever he had been hiding wouldn't stay hidden for long.

And as the pieces fell into place for Chayanne, they fell into place for Techno as well. For he found the same picture, and read the same words, 'Kristin and Karl Addams' and it was there Techno realized where he knew the name Addams from. It was their mothers maiden name and now he knew his father had lied, after all Phil did know an Addams for he had been married to one....which would make them Addams as well. They were family, and family kept each other safe no matter the cost.