Four

Feb. 25th, 2011 11:20 am
turps: (B&W Ways ( turloughishere))
[personal profile] turps
Title: Four
Rating: PG
Fandom: Bandom - My Chemical Romance
Pairing: Gen. Mikey Way and Gerard Way
Word Count 1000
Summary: Mikey's changed forms again.
Notes: Written for [livejournal.com profile] picfor1000. Thank you to [personal profile] sperrywink and [livejournal.com profile] themoononastick for beta reading.

Photobucket




When Mikey changes forms it’s never a shock.

In fact, suddenly having a dog for a brother is a nice change in routine. Or a hamster-brother. Even the sister-brother was okay. A few days with Mikey milling around Gerard’s feet or taking up space in his pocket or heading off to the bathroom to ‘explore’ and things go back to normal. It’s how it’s always been.

Until the time it doesn’t feel normal anymore. When one morning Mikey pulls back the curtain of Gerard’s bunk and says, “It’s happened again.”

At least Gerard thinks that it’s Mikey. It sounds like him -- if Gerard goes back in time and matches the voice to stored memories of skinned knees, sticky fingers and a gap-toothed smile.

“Mikey?” Gerard asks, and when he pries open his eyes all he sees are two tiny hands clutched over the side of the bunk. “The fuck?”

“I’m a kid,” Mikey says, the hands disappearing. “A fucking kid.”

“Language.” It’s an automatic response and Gerard’s horrified at himself as he rolls over in his bunk, peering over the side at Mikey. Because, seriously, he’s channelling their mom.

Except, this Mikey is tiny. His hair ruffled up in unruly spikes, and his feet bare, a ragged robot band-aid wrapped around one of his toes. Mikey’s also staring at Gerard, and the soft roundness of his face does little to disguise his unimpressed look. “Remember when you tried to feed me kibble when I was a dog?”

Gerard rubs at his wrist, says slowly, “Yeah.”

“Good.” A last look and Mikey turns and heads toward the kitchenette, the hem of the t-shirt he was wearing last night trailing on the floor behind him. “You need to make me a coffee, I can’t reach the fucking machine.”

Concerned, Gerard pulls on his pants, and rolls out of his bunk, hitting the floor with a thud. “I don’t think caffeine’s good for kids. Maybe....”

“I’m the size of my bass, have hands like a howler monkey and couldn’t reach the toilet to piss this morning,” Mikey says, and he crosses his arms over the gaping neckline of his t-shirt as he stares up at Gerard. “I need coffee.”

“That doesn’t make sense, you’ve a different body,” Gerard points out and crouches so they’re at the same height. “This one isn’t addicted.”

“My brain’s the same,” Mikey says. “And that’s addicted.”

Gerard shakes his head, because even if this is Mikey, it’s Mikey in a tiny, easily damaged package. Adding caffeine isn’t even an option. “No coffee.”

Mikey’s eyes are wide and watery, his bottom lips quivering as he says, “But I want it.”

Which is playing unfair, and no way is Gerard giving in to such blatant manipulation. To prove that he looks away, seeking distraction. “You can have milk instead.”

“I hate milk,” Mikey says, any trace of tears erased as he stalks to the counter and jumps, his knees hitting the cupboard door and his fingertips sliding over the worktop. “I’ll get it myself.”

Gerard gasps, and scoops up Mikey, holding him at arms length. “Are you fucking crazy? Do you want to be in hospital with first degree burns?”

Mikey remains rigid, glaring at Gerard, “I want my own body back.”

Gerard sets Mikey down, well away from the temptations of coffee. “You’ll get it. In a few days.”

“And until then?” Mikey asks, and boosts himself up onto the couch. With his knees tucked up close to his body, he frowns, and says, “I can’t be seen like this.”

“We can tell people you’re sick,” Gerard suggests, because Mikey’s right, unlike previous times when Frank gained an inexplicably skinny dog or when Gerard had to arrange emergency hamster housing, a kid can’t be seen on tour. Unless, “Or I could say that you’re mine.”

Mikey rolls his eyes, which is just weird under baby-fine brows. “Because you suddenly gaining a kid is better than people knowing I’m some kind of freak.”

“You’re not a freak,” Gerard says instantly, that’s something he’ll never allow to be said about Mikey, even if it is self-applied.

“A mutant then,” Mikey says with a shrug.

“That works.” It’s a distinction Gerard’s okay with, especially when mutants are always so awesome. Even though, yeah, this is the strangest change yet -- because while seeing a cat with Mikey’s eyes or a dog with awkward knees is surreal, this is a Mikey Gerard knows, and right now it’s making him feel too big. Like he should be holding a juice box or lying on his belly in front of the TV and not debating yet another speech about body acceptance.

Gerard sits and hunches over, his hands tucked against his lap as he says, “You could be a cousin twice removed on mom’s side. We could say we’re taking you on tour to experience life.”

Mikey looks from Gerard’s hands up to his face, says slowly, “Or I could hide on the bus until I change back.”

It’s a simple plan, but Gerard has to concede it’s the best option. He sighs, says, “I’ll call Brian.”

“Then you can go buy me some clothes,” Mikey says, plucking at his t-shirt. “I feel like I’m wearing a dress.”

“You looked better in a dress,” Gerard says simply, and starts to stand, freezing when Mikey grabs hold of his hand.

“Not yet.” Mikey’s got his fingers wrapped around Gerard’s thumb, holding on tight as he says, “What time is it?”

Concerned at this unusual development, Gerard says, “You don’t know how to tell the time?”

“I’m not stupid.” Mikey wiggles to the edge of the couch and drops to the floor, looks up and stares significantly at Gerard. “It’s almost three. Cartoon time.”

Understanding hitting, Gerard takes two slow steps forward, Mikey holding on until they both kneel, and then lie on the floor. Side-by-by side, Mikey’s feet in the air and chin resting on his joined hands.

Gerard grins and turns on the TV.
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Date: 2011-02-25 09:33 pm (UTC)
turlough: castle on mountain top in winter, Burg Hohenzollern ((mcr art) as we're touching hands)
From: [personal profile] turlough
Awwwwwww! This was wonderful! It's so sweet and funny and has that little touch of seriousness that prevents it from becoming total fluff. I love the way you write their brotherly interactions, you do it so fabulously well. Though now I want to hear about the other times Mikey changed :-)

Date: 2011-02-26 02:34 am (UTC)
omens: close-up cup & ball  (misc - toys)
From: [personal profile] omens
& how jealous was Gerard of Mikey's ability when they were children, REALLY. :D :D A mutant, c'mon that is awesome!

this is an adorable story! <3

favourite: “Language.” It’s an automatic response and Gerard’s horrified at himself as he rolls over in his bunk, peering over the side at Mikey. Because, seriously, he’s channelling their mom. HEEEEE. That, and HANDS LIKE A HOWLER MONKEY... <3<3<3 bahahaha.

Date: 2011-02-26 07:05 am (UTC)
frausorge: Mikey Way's chest in an Umbrella Academy t-shirt (still have each other)
From: [personal profile] frausorge
Oh I love love love the way Gerard's brain works - 'freak' is not okay but 'mutant' is, you totally nailed his character there. And watching cartoons together! So lovely!

Date: 2011-02-26 08:53 am (UTC)
northern: "northern" written in gray text across a raven (Default)
From: [personal profile] northern
Socute.

Date: 2011-02-26 01:14 pm (UTC)
From: [personal profile] asdi
This is such a cute story. Tiny!Mikey and overprotective!Gerard are adorable. And Mikey as Frank's dog <33

Also, now I inexplicably want Gerard to suddenly de-age and Mikey to be all, "But Gerard's always been my older brother" xD

Date: 2011-02-27 06:54 pm (UTC)
chalcopyrite: Two little folded-paper boats in the rain (Default)
From: [personal profile] chalcopyrite
A dog with awkward knees! This is dear.

Date: 2011-02-25 11:57 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kopperblaze.livejournal.com
i have such heart eyes for this, omg! i can't even......i'll let my gerard icon do the rest. because....SUCH HEART EYES!!!!!!

Date: 2011-02-25 12:51 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (Default)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Thank you!

Now that I've posted the annual insane Way fic it feels that the writing year has officially began.

Date: 2011-02-25 01:04 pm (UTC)
greedy_dancer: (Default)
From: [personal profile] greedy_dancer
Awwwwww! This is too cute! Tiny!Mikey is melting my heart right now! *chinhands*

Date: 2011-02-25 01:08 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Androids, mermen, now de-aged Mikey. This challenge always makes for weird stories *g*

Thank you!

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From: [identity profile] lobsterclaaaws.livejournal.com - Date: 2011-02-28 06:46 pm (UTC) - Expand

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From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com - Date: 2011-02-28 06:56 pm (UTC) - Expand

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From: [identity profile] lobsterclaaaws.livejournal.com - Date: 2011-02-28 06:58 pm (UTC) - Expand

Date: 2011-02-25 01:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] inlovewithnight.livejournal.com
Oh my God that is so SWEET. ::loves::

Date: 2011-03-09 03:25 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
I'm glad you liked. Thank you!

Date: 2011-02-25 01:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] romanticalgirl.livejournal.com
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. ♥ Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaays.

Date: 2011-03-09 03:25 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (glasses ways)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
They are the best and most awesome!

Date: 2011-02-25 06:13 pm (UTC)
x_dark_siren_x: (Default)
From: [personal profile] x_dark_siren_x
Brothers. ♥____♥ Have I mentioned at any point how much I love how you write them like that? Because I really, really do. (And I especially love this part - this is a Mikey Gerard knows, and right now it’s making him feel too big. Like he should be holding a juice box or lying on his belly in front of the TV and not debating yet another speech about body acceptance. - though I'm struggling to explain why, because I'm kind of hopped up on cold meds and cough sweeties and stuff. :S)

Date: 2011-03-09 03:27 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Have I mentioned at any point how much I love how you write them like that?

Your comments make me so happy ♥

I'm glad that you enjoyed, and like the way that I write them.

Also, I hope your cold is gone by now.

Date: 2011-02-25 07:31 pm (UTC)
ext_188166: (hanging by their fingertips)
From: [identity profile] t-vo0810.livejournal.com
too adorable for words. i love this one so much. and the mere vision of the way bros on their tummies watching cartoons with their bare feet in the air and their chins on their hands made me melt into a puddle of awwwwwwwwww.

wonderful job with this. i really enjoyed this beyond measure.

Date: 2011-03-04 08:56 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Thank you!

I love the mental image of the Way bros watching cartoons, something I'm sure they do when adults too.

Date: 2011-02-25 10:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] madambeetroot.livejournal.com
So, so, so, so sweet! I love the fact that Mikey is still aware of himself and finds his temporary body so limiting. Gerard being fatherly and refusing coffee! Cartoons!

You have really cheered me up after a shit-awful day, thank you :-)

Date: 2011-03-03 01:20 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Suddenly finding yourself in a tiny body must suck, even if you have experience of changing before. Of course Gerard isn't helping with his coffee denial!

I'm glad you liked, but I'm sorry you had a bad day ♥

Date: 2011-02-25 11:28 pm (UTC)
themoononastick: refract ([bandom] mikeyway - look into my eyes)
From: [personal profile] themoononastick
Tiny, cranky Mikeyway is so my favourite ♥

Date: 2011-03-03 01:18 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (bite me)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
He is very annoyed!

Date: 2011-02-25 11:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] toucanpie.livejournal.com
Oh my god, I have giant GIANT heart eyes right now. This is the best thing ever. TINY MIKEY. I love the mentions of the other times and how Gerard just takes it in his stride and secures hamster housing if necessary (♥♥) and how determined he is to look out for Mikey (ahahaha, denying him coffee, love it). Please be writing the Way brothers always <3

Date: 2011-03-03 01:17 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
You know that Gerard was off researching the best hamster housing ever when hamster-Mikey was on the scene. No small cage would do for his little brother!

But denying Mikey coffee is just mean *g*

Thank you :)

Date: 2011-02-26 06:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] delphinapterus.livejournal.com
This is really lovely. I like how Gerard gets thrown off by Mikey being little instead of a dog, or a hamster, or something equally unMikey. He knows little Mikey and that seems to put him off balance because it's different dealing with a version of Mikey he's grown up with as opposed to dog!Mikey because versions like that aren't who he grew up with (does that make sense?).

“I’m the size of my bass, have hands like a howler monkey and couldn’t reach the toilet to piss this morning,” Mikey says, and he crosses his arms over the gaping neckline of his t-shirt as he stares up at Gerard. “I need coffee.” I really loves this line because it's so grumpy and it makes sense and it really points out that Mikey is has his current/adult mind but he's trapped as wee Mikey.

Date: 2011-03-03 01:15 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (glasses ways)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
He knows little Mikey and that seems to put him off balance because it's different dealing with a version of Mikey he's grown up with as opposed to dog!Mikey because versions like that aren't who he grew up with (does that make sense?).

Yep! That's it exactly.

All the times Mikey changes Gerard just roles with it, because while he's aware that it's Mikey it's not a Mikey he's ever seen before, so he can compartmentalise to an extent. Which he really can't do in this case.

It must be horrible to be trapped as kid with an adult mind. I was thinking about how to write this and at first it was going to be a full on age reversal, with his mind as well. But I preferred him being aware. And yeah, Mikey is very grumpy just then.

Date: 2011-02-26 01:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] radioaches.livejournal.com
This is the most adorable thing ever! ♥_____♥

Date: 2011-03-01 02:45 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (b2b)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Gerard loves Mikey always!

Thank you ♥

Date: 2011-02-26 08:44 pm (UTC)
ext_979: (mikeyway+gee (turloughishere))
From: [identity profile] saba1789.livejournal.com
You had me at hamster-brother OMG! :D I loved this, Terri, you give such good Way brothers! Thanks for writing and sharing this! <3

Date: 2011-03-01 02:43 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (DR-Ways! ( turloughishere))
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
One of the things popslash taught me is that hamster-brothers can happen.

Thank you!

Date: 2011-02-27 10:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ina-pok.livejournal.com
awwwwww ♥
Of course, it's almost three... cartoon time :-)
Gah, so adorable!!!

Date: 2011-03-01 02:41 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (Way bros (turloughishere))
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
I'm sure Mikey and Gerard watched cartoons together well past childhood. Heck, they probably have a date to do so now :)

Thank you!

Date: 2011-02-28 06:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lobsterclaaaws.livejournal.com
This was adorable, seriously. I love that the fact that Mikey just randomly changes form is totally natural and just happens, no rhyme, reason, or worry. So awesome :)

Date: 2011-03-01 02:18 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (crown two)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Well you know, if anyone would randomly change form it would be Mikeyway.

Thank you!

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From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com - Date: 2011-03-03 01:03 pm (UTC) - Expand

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Date: 2011-03-02 12:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] crowgirl13.livejournal.com
*gleefaces*

You winning streak of awesome weird Way brother fic continues! This is simply lovely and an excellent use of the prompt. Your deft take on on Way Unit dynamics remains top-notch. Terri, this is just delightful.

Date: 2011-03-03 01:10 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (&ways;)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
Hee. Thank you!

This annual walk into the weird is always fun, especially as I can indulge in my love of the Way relationship.

I'm glad you liked \o/

Date: 2011-03-02 05:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] arsenicjade.livejournal.com
UM. THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER. *snort* Frank would NEVER have a skinny dog, are you kidding? UGH MIKEY. MIIIIIIIKEY.

Date: 2011-03-02 03:14 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (besties (spuzz))
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
My popslash years have taught me well *g*

The thought of Frank having a skinny dog is all wrong! And yet, I'm sure he'd take Mikey-dog on long walks and then snuggle in to him and watch TV at night.

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Date: 2011-03-03 06:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] auctorial.livejournal.com
Oh my god, this is so adorable. Cartoons! <3

Date: 2011-03-03 01:10 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (Way bros (turloughishere))
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
You know they'd watch cartoons together.

Thank you!

Date: 2011-03-05 08:23 pm (UTC)
isweedan: White jittering text "art is the weapon" on red field (Default)
From: [personal profile] isweedan
Oh WAYBROS. Your LIVES. Seriously. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Date: 2011-03-09 02:28 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (b2b)
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
If anyone would change forms it would be one of the Way bros!

Date: 2011-03-06 08:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gala-apples.livejournal.com
You wrote the coffee bit! *high fives* This was adorable and awesome, and best of all I didn't have to write it! Mikey trying to scale the cabinets was the best bit. Of course Mikeyway doesn't take no for an answer.

Date: 2011-03-09 02:29 pm (UTC)
ext_1650: (Way bros (turloughishere))
From: [identity profile] turps33.livejournal.com
I had to include the coffee bit!

Mikey is determined when he wants his coffee. Being tiny means nothing to him!

Thank you ♥
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