#.i'm thinking like.... first time the gang track her down

[punksyeet]

- Protection ❥

Plot: Gianna (OC) is protected by a guy at the gym who, she’d later find out is the man of her dreams.

Warning: S/A, mature language, & hefty flirting!

28!

29!

30!

I set my pair of dumbbells back onto their rack and take a seat on the black bench that's sat in front of me to catch my breath.

Panting heavily, I take a sip from my rose gold Stanley cup and towel dry the numerous beads of sweat rolling down my forehead and chest.

Once I'm cooled off and my breathing returns to normal, I head to the treadmill to do the last 10 minutes of my workout.

The song "Lifestyle" by Rich Gang and Young Thug plays through my headphones, and I mouth the words while doing some light jogging.

About 4 minutes in, I feel a presence behind me, causing me to look back.

An older random man, at least 50 years old, is stood there just watching me.

I pause the machine and hop off, slowly taking my headphones off as well. "Hi. Is there something you needed?"

He lightly chuckles. "Not at all, sweetheart. I'm just enjoying the view."

Oh for fucks sake!

"Yeeaaah," I respond hesitantly, turning back to the treadmill. "I'm not interested, sorry."

He lightly grabs my waist, causing me to stop half-way. "Baby wait! I just wanna ta-"

"Okay first of all," I exclaim, backing out of his grip. "Don't touch me. I don't even know you."

He crosses his arms over his chest and swallows hard. "Well that seems unfai-"

"And secondly," I continue, cutting him off. "I told you I'm not interested. You're making me very uncomfortable. So please, respectfully, walk away from me."

"I don't think I will," he instigates, proceeding to walk even closer to me. "You know exactly what you're doing in these tight little shorts, baby."

He starts inching his hand closer and closer to my ass until another person clears their throat, making him stop in his tracks and turn around.

I look behind him, where the sound came from, and see a much younger looking and, not for nothing, but super attractive guy.

My eyes automatically scan his body, which is filled with what looks like cultural tattoos and sweat that makes his gorgeous caramel-colored skin glisten under the ceiling lights.

"I believe the lady asked to be left alone?" he clarifies, his hands in his pockets.

The man throws his hands up innocently. "I wasn't trying anything man, I swear."

"I see," the attractive guy says, nodding and smoothing out his freshly-trimmed beard. "Then why are you still here, uce?"

Uce? What does that mean?

"Because uce," the man replies, mocking him. "I'm a guy that likes conversation. And I saw a pretty woman so I walked over. What does this have to do with you anyway?"

The attractive guy's nostrils flare in reaction to being mimicked. "It has everything to do with me when I'm witnessing a lame ass dude come up to a female, making her uncomfortable in a place where she should feel safe. Have some shame bruh."

With every word he inches closer and closer to the man, even pointing his finger at him.

The man suddenly turns speechless, and places his hands in his pockets.

"That's exactly what the fuck I thought," the attractive guy continues. "So I suggest you get outta here before things get real ugly."

The man then rolls his eyes, scans my body one more time, and walks away.

The attractive guy watches him leave and comes walking over to me. "Hey. You alright?"

I blink numerous times out of shock. "Y-yeah I'm good. Thank you so much for that."

He gives me a warm smile. "Anytime. It infuriates me seeing dudes disrespecting women that way. I'm glad I saw it before he could do anything else to you."

I return the smile. "Well, thank you again. I appreciate it. More than you know."

"You're very welcome..." his voice trails off, and he tilts his head at me.

"Oh!" I reply, holding out my hand. "I'm Gianna. It's nice to meet you."

He flashes me another gorgeous smile and shakes it. "You too, and that's a real pretty name. I'm Josh."

"Thank you," I reply, lightly blushing, and stick my hands in my pockets once we end the handshake.

He stops for a minute and takes a deep breath before speaking up again. "Say Gianna, I know we met in a kinda unfortunate way, and the timing of all this may be off. But would you like to hang out sometime?"

His gorgeous ass? Wants to hang out with me?

I give him a soft smile, shrugging. "Sure, why not?"

He nods, rubbing his hands together. "Cool, cool. How about tonight? I'll text you my address and we can kick it? Have dinner or something?"

I nod, pull out my phone, open my contact list, and hand it to him. "Sure, that sounds nice."

He enters his number and hands it back to me. "Perfect. I'll see you tonight."

I smile, nodding. "See you then."

He gives me one last smile before walking off, allowing me to finish my set and head home.

—————————————————————————————————

It's now 5pm and I just got out of the shower.

Josh and I are meeting at his place at 5:45 so I gave myself some extra time to get ready and mentally prepare.

He texted me to dress comfy, so I decide to go with a cotton white sweater and pants set, some beige slides, my belly piercing, some silver jewelry, and my LV purse.

I straighten my hair and spray some yummy smelling perfume before heading out.

—————————————————————————————————

You've got this Gi.

Just be yourself and he'll love you.

I take a deep breath before leaving my car and heading up Josh's walkway and to the front door.

Seconds after I ring his doorbell, I hear dogs barking and then shuffling towards the door.

Once it opens, I practically drool at the sight I'm brought with.

He's dressed in a black muscle tee, grey sweatpants with his print visible, Nike socks, hoop earrings in, and a nice gold chain around his muscular neck.

"Hey again," he coos, standing against the door.

I give him a soft smile. "H-Hi. You look nice."

He chuckles. "Thanks, love. You do too. Come on inside."

I do as he says and I'm greeted with three adorable french bulldogs. "Your dogs are adorable."

He closes the door behind me and smiles when he sees me petting them. "Thank you."

He introduces me to Pongo, Mumble, and Jax.

As he's making dinner, I chill on the couch with them.

"They took a liking to you quick," he exclaims, watching us with his arms folded leaning against the wall. "Normally it takes them a while to get used to new people."

I look up at him and smile. "I have a pup of my own. Maybe they can smell her."

He chuckles and sits with us, his arm draped over the top of the couch behind me.

"So," I begin, rubbing Pongo's belly and turning to Josh. "What's on the menu for tonight?"

He smiles, looking back at the stove. "Garlic butter shrimp pasta with some oven roasted veggies on the side."

My stomach growls at the sound of it and faint smells coming from the kitchen. "That sounds amazing. I can't wait."

He smiles and we continue to play with the dogs until dinner is ready.

"Josh holy shit," I say, covering my mouth as I chew a piece of shrimp. "This is amazing!"

He smiles proudly, taking a sip from his wine glass. "I'm so glad you like it. I've been working on the recipe for a while."

"Feels like it's perfected now," I reply, setting my fork down and picking up my wine glass.

He chuckles and we spend the rest of dinner getting to know each other.

From dinner I found out that:

- he's full blown Samoan

- the term "uce" means brother / bro

- he was born in San Francisco, raised in Pensacola, and moved to Atlanta a few years ago

- he has 2 sons named Jeyce and Jaciyah

- he has 6 siblings including a twin brother named Jonathan

"So," he begins. "If you don't mind me asking, what do you do?"

I take a sip of wine before answering. "Well, I've been into wrestling for a little bit now. I got signed to NXT a couple weeks ago."

A gorgeous smile appears on his face. "That's awesome Gi! Congrats!"

I giggle. "Thank you! And you said you're already in WWE, right?"

"Yup," he replies, nodding. "I debuted with my brother back in 2010."

I smile, tilting my head. "That's awesome that you guys have been in it together the whole time."

He smiles, folding his arms and leaning on the island. "Yeah it's been one hell of a ride. But I'm grateful for him."

We talk more throughout the night and it's honestly such a good time.

It sounds weird, but I feel safe with him.

Despite me meeting him less than 12 hours ago.

—————————————————————————————————

It's now 9pm, almost 2 hours since we finished dinner, and we're sat in the backyard near his fire pit.

"Nice out tonight, huh?" he asks, looking up at the sky, which is filled with stars and a crescent moon.

I nod, smiling, just watching the fire. "It really is."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him look down at me and kinda just watch me for a while.

After a few moments, I grow the confidence to look back, which causes a shy smile to appear on both of our faces.

"You okay?" I ask, placing my hand on his thigh softly.

"All good," he replies. "You really are gorgeous by the way."

My cheeks turn red hot and I look down shyly, picking the blanket that he brought out for us up to my chin. "Thank you, Josh."

He chuckles and scoots in closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I get goosebumps at the feeling of his warm and soft hand on my skin.

"Don't get all shy now love," he teases. "You were just touching my thigh a second ago."

I playfully roll my eyes, giggling. "It's not my fault you're fine as hell, sir."

He raises his eyebrows as if he's shocked. "Fine as hell, huh?"

I nod confidently, trying to swallow every last bit of nervousness. "You know you are."

He pretends to have long hair and flicks it off his shoulders.

We share a laugh and he cups my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb.

"You have a real nice smile too," he continues, cupping my face and stroking my cheek with his thumb.

I try to put my head down shyly again, but he lifts my chin before I can, allowing us to lock eyes.

We both slowly lean in and, soon enough, our lips are connected in the sweetest and most romantic kiss I've ever experienced.

With every stroke, our lips move in sync and his hands wander further and further along my sides.

Eventually, we pull away slowly and I bite my bottom lip softly.

"You're a good kisser," I say, just above a whisper, my hands still playing with his dreamy curls.

He chuckles and takes a strand of hair away from my face. "So are you, mama. I could kiss those lips forever."

"What's stopping you?" I tease, brushing my nose against his.

He smirks and connects our lips again, this time far more passionately.

The kiss lasts about 5 minutes - tongue included and everything - and not gonna lie, I was a little bummed when it finally ended.

"This is gonna sound a little upfront and please let me know if you think it's too soon," he begins, stroking my side. "But...I haven't felt this way since I first started dating my ex wife so it must be true."

I tilt my head, rubbing soft circles his back. "What's that?"

He smiles and stares directly into my eyes. "I think I'm in love with you, baby."

I bite my bottom lip gently and take a deep breath before finally speaking up to respond. "I'm in love with you too."

He raises an eyebrow. "Really? You are?"

I nod, smiling. "I think so. And I’m willing to find out for sure.”

He lets out a sigh of relief and wraps me into a warm hug, and I immediately hug back.

"I was so nervous that you'd whack me across the face or something," he confesses once we pull away, making me giggle.

"Now why would I look to do damage to a face as handsome as yours?" I tease, playing with his beard.

He chuckles and pulls me in for another kiss.

Our third of the night.

And hopefully the third of many more to come.

After a little while more of hanging out and enjoying each other's company, it gets pitch black outside.

"I should probably start heading home," I exclaim, rubbing the bicep of his arm that's wrapped around my waist.

He sighs. "You sure you can't stay?"

I lay my head on his shoulder and kiss his jaw. "I'd love to, but not tonight."

He kisses my temple and gets up, holding out his hand. "I understand, baby. Come on, I'll walk you out."

I smile and take it, getting up.

I crouch down to his pups and say goodbye with tummy rubs and lots of kisses. "I'll see you guys soon."

They respond with barks and licks to my face.

Josh smiles, watching us before I stand back up and take his hand once more.

We head out to my car, share a couple more kisses, a little more small talk, and I head off.

—————————————————————————————————

I park in my driveway and automatically take notice to a bouquet of pink roses sitting at my front door.

Once I make it to them, I smile, reading the note attached:

Thank you for the best night I've had in a while. I'm so happy we met earlier today, even though it feels like I've known you forever. I hope you enjoy these and I'll see you soon. ❤️

- Love, Josh

I place the note in my pocket and pick up the bouquet, smelling the flowers.

I head inside, set my stuff down, and immediately text him.

Gianna ❤️: You're adorable! 🥹

Josh 🩵: You like them baby?

Gianna ❤️: I love them. They're beautiful. Thank you. 🤍

Josh 🩵: Just like you. You're welcome mama. ❤️

You loved "Just like you. You're welcome mama. ❤️"

It hasn't even been a full 24 hours, and I already love him more than anything.

Liked by uceyjucey, wwenxt, cmpunk, trickwilliams_wwe, and 154.6k others

giannamacri happy 👼🏽🤍

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uceyjucey Gorgeous ma 🩵

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wwenxt We love a happy girl! 🥰

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[liketheinferno2]

These aren't full ref sheets but I was trying to take some clear pictures of Hephaistos for later art reasons and then got side tracked doing all of the Pandaemonium bosses so here they are in order. Also for anyone following who doesn't play FFXIV and knows it as the catgirl game, enjoy this instead? VISUAL SPOILERS obviously.

Asphodelos

Warder of the Condemned: Erichthonios

Mythic Creation: The Hippokampos

Mythic Creation: The Phoinix

(+ familiars)

Hemitheos: Hesperos

(+ sexy fanfic redesign by Nemjiji)

To be brutally honest I never really liked either of these designs compared to every other Hemitheos we get, I think the really brutal black and red of the Phoinix is weakened by gold accents, but I still am always down for gay vampire surf rock. The Savage version kind of looks like Ultimalius as well if you've played XVI.

Abyssos

Mythic Creation: Proto-Carbuncle

Hrgrhhgrhrgrh

Hemitheos: Hegemone

^ My favourite detail on this is you can see the parasite's outlines in her robes and in her legs, then right through the eye holes on the mask to wrap around the torso. I'm convinced this version of Hegemone is functionally an ant being piloted by a cordyceps infection.

Hemitheos: Agdistis

She's very big

Perfect Imperfection: Hephaistos

I'm probably biased by Abyssos being the first raid I was there for day of release but these really are all fantastic. It's also when the story abandons all pretense of not being (at least partly) about family abuse and is loudly using the body horror and shackle motifs to talk about that. It's great. Hephaistos specifically is constantly bulging and twisting in and out of different forms like a highly unstable chimera and the more I look at these the more I notice parts that just should not be there. He's giving everything.

As for the Savage design It's a hard thing to rate as such but my favourite part is the veins that grow down from the eyeholes in his mask like bloody tears.

Thanks Abyssos I love you

Anabaseios

Mythic Creation: Kokytos

Dæmoniac Dungeon: Pandæmonium

It's really hard to communicate how huge this nasty tumor crab I zoomed out as far as physically possible in the game engine and subsequently ended up at a goofy angle staring up his nose.

Ephemeral Justice: Themis

Best boy. The double ended lance and second pair of arms are fantastic for this character.

Theos: Athena

In.. almost every final fantasy adventure you're fighting the real villain not at the very end but a little beforehand, the big iconic end boss is often more a metaphorical figure representing everything wrong with that first person's ideals. Athena cut out the middle man and became her own JENOVA.

I do like the moth angel, especially the hollow body full of dubious orbs, but with her eyes closed all the time it gives off the impression of this not even being the true body but some kind of anglerfish lure in the shape of a fairy... which might be true because this exists:

I really really love her twitchy anemone feelers and how the moth body ends up grafted to the rest of it waist down.

Anyway there's the gang I did not specifically intend for this to be design reviews I just wanted to have clear photos because when you actually see them in game there's other things to focus on. In hindsight I can appreciate more the theming of each tier and then the series as a whole, but my only (extremely obvious) observation for now is that every character Athena had a personal hold over is decorated in chains somehow and so I should have seen the Hegemone thing coming lmao. Heph and Aggy are still my favourites I don't think that's changing any time soon. I'm also noticing that Anabaseios is now just old enough for random DF parties to fuck up severely and I find that fun so I'm going to go fight the crab mansion now.

[milliesfishes]

I think about the drugging fic you wrote every day and the new torture fic is PERFECT. Do you think you write something that’s a mix of the two? Billy having to watch his girl slowly lose her latch to reality after some rivals drug her in front of him. He feels so helpless as she starts giggling about how pretty she is with the first start of the effects before she gets sad and confused why she doesn’t feel good

౨ৎ⋆billy watches you get drugged⋆౨ৎ fem reader x billy the kid

Time is a cruel organism, at the hand of a master who lets it do as it pleases. Today, it was agonizingly slow as Billy squinted into the darkness, waiting for any sign or hint of you.

Bindings at his ankles and wrists prevented him from getting to his feet and combing the area for his beloved girl, though he resisted them with fervor. He could hear echoing voices, neither of them yours. There was no screaming at the very least.

The hardened men of a rival gang had taken you first, the bait to their trap. And when he'd come after you, he was bound and shoved against the wall too, gun forcibly removed. Your captors didn't state their case or offer any hint of an explanation. They just dragged you off by your wrists, and you called for him in aching tones, attempting to wriggle from their hold.

He didn't know anymore how much time it had been. The simple act of keeping track had proved hopeless after a few measly minutes. It didn't matter the amount of minutes, only the undeniable fact that you were not here with him, safe under his gaze.

Had it not been for the utter poetic metamorphosis he had been through in the act of falling in love, Billy was unsure where his place would be in the world. He shuddered to think of this imaginary version of himself's whereabouts, the bloody footprints in his wake. You were the key to the lock of his goodness, the love he knew he was undeserving of.

How he had cherished you. His darling angel, sent by a steadfast praying saint to retrieve his soul and pull it from the depths of hell. You had bloomed from his adversity, taking his face in your soft hands and teaching him just how tender a kiss could be.

And how had Billy repaid you? He'd gotten you embroiled in a situation devised by cruelties you should have been kept innocent from. You deserved silken sheets and jewels at your feet and instead you were held captive by men who knew not what they possessed.

The very second bootsteps sounded in the distance Billy sat up, straining his neck to see if you were close at hand. Two men became visible, and gripped in their opposite hands was you, dragged behind them, your bindings for an unknown reason nowhere to be found.

Tossing you to the side in a way that sparked rage in Billy, one of the men bent down to him. "We'll see if a little while watchin' your girl like this will loosen your tongue for what we wanna know later."

Unsure of the context of his words, Billy looked from them to you, perplexed. The men traipsed away without saying anything else, and he was forced to turn to you for answers.

"Baby..." Billy's wrists strained against the ropes in a way that was sure to leave a mark behind. "What happened? What'd they do to you?"

You rolled over on your back, giggling and looking up at the ceiling. "Am I pretty Billy?"

Frowning and shuffling forward the best he could, Billy's voice was veiled with concern. "Darlin'? What-?"

The sound of your laugh was like a bell, the buttons of your joy mistakenly mismatched through the loops of the situation. Streaked with a smile, you crawled forward to him. "You're pretty too."

Your comments were misplaced with the happenings of the hour. Hands on his knees, you propped yourself up. Through the glow of the nearby lantern stationed against the wall, he could see how glassy your eyes were. He tilted his head, studying you. "What'd they do to ya, sweet girl?"

"Mmm, they gave me some water," you murmured, leaning forward and propping your elbows on his thighs. "And now I'm so happy."

They gave you something? A thousand possibilities swam through Billy's head. But looking at you now, with your hazy smile and bleary eyes, there was only one that truly felt plausible. You had been drugged.

Otherwise they would have kept the ropes around your limbs and you would be terrified, even crying to him right now. Instead you were tracing lopsided circles on his knee, babbling about something or other he couldn't quite make out.

"Honey...honey," he tried, wishing his hand was free so he could grasp yours. Your eyes shot back up to his as a sweet smile graced your lips. Billy held your gaze, searching your eyes like a sailor for the horizon. "Stay calm. I needja to stay calm." You rubbed your hands over his legs, nodding and looking down at your fingers.

There was a steady quiet for a long while as you hummed distractedly to yourself, amused by your inner thoughts. The drug's grip was tightening on you, Billy could see it. It terrified him more than anything that you were unresponsive, arrested by the substance fed to you.

Unable to tear his eyes away from you, he tried and failed to come up with a plan. This wasn't a situation he'd been at all prepared for, and it terrified him. He was in dangerous situations nearly every day, and yet when something involved his girl, he was utterly helpless except for that baser instinct to keep you alive. Anything beyond that was a mystery thrown to the wind by fate.

He was yanked from his thoughts when you began to sniffle, eyes darting from side to side as if you were attempting to read your own thoughts. Your hands were shaking, fingers clenching into fists over and over in an attempt to rein in control. An alarm sounded through the chambers of his mind, and Billy shifted, leaning into you. "Sweetheart...baby look at me. Whatsa matter?"

"My...my head...it's all..." you shook it vigorously. "It's a-all jumbled. I can't think." Frustrated tears pooled in your eyes as you tried to make heads or tails of your thoughts. "What's happening to me-e?" The last word dissolved into a sob, and you folded your arms around yourself as your tears poured tracks down the apples of your cheeks.

Billy moved to put his arms around you immediately, but the ropes stopped him. Powerless to console you, he could only watch as you lost yourself to your misery. "My love...oh my baby." You raised your head at his words, graceful as a swan despite your drugged state. Recognizing him as your comfort, you lurched forward, crying into his chest, the dots of your tears wetting his shirt. The most he could do was nuzzle his chin against your hair.

You tugged on one of his suspenders, the expression on your face breaking his heart when he lowered his head. "Billy...won't you hold me?"

His face fell. "My hands are tied, sweet girl, or I would."

Eyes widening, you sat up, sniffling and brushing your tears away. "Can I...can I undo them?"

There she was. You was still in there, his smart girl, buried beneath the layers of the drug's hold. They had underestimated you even under the influence. It was almost laughable how simple it all was. He felt a smile coming over his face despite the circumstances. "Yeah, yeah honey you can."

Your hands were trembling, but you managed to unknot the ropes, shoving them away from him. Once they were free, you were diving into his arms, enveloped by his being as you'd so wanted to be. He took advantage of his limbs' newfound freedom and held you as tight as he could, planting gentle kisses into your hair. "Shh, baby. It's okay. It's gonna be okay, I've gotcha. It ain't gonna last forever, I promise."

"What's wrong with me?" you choked, and the compass of his heart pointed right to yours, the chain connecting you driving your emotions straight into him like a knife.

"Nothin', sweetheart," he cooed, nuzzling his cheek against your head. "Oh, baby...it ain't you. They gave ya somethin'. But it'll wear off in no time."

Lifting a finger to your eye, you sniffled delicately and brushed a crystal tear away. "It'll be okay?"

"'F course," Billy murmured, cradling you in his big arms and rubbing away any leftover stress that drew your body so taut. "We're gonna get outta here, darlin'. 'nd getcha some water 'n fresh air...it's gonna be okay, my love."

As he rocked you gently back and forth, consoling his angel, his mind labored for a solution in a previously drought-ridden desert of thought. His hands were unbound and so the possibilities stretched far and wide. He'd stolen your heart like a thief and he would guard it with his life. That meant keeping you unharmed.

This was the last time any man would lay a finger on his girl, whom he was besotted with so devotedly. Billy would re-dot the sky you shared so you weren't star-crossed anymore, seal the two of you away in the margins of a long-forgotten place.

Looking down at you in his arms, the end of this trial was near. You would be safe.

He would keep you safe.

[goldenshrikecomic]

Hi! I got back from the hashtag rabbit hole I fell into in your blog. In one of the posts I saw you said "Boneslav is very loved in his group, especially because he's different." and thus sprung two questions:

1) Usually animal characters behave like us, so they have a fear or rejection of what's different. Are Stonekrovnes the opposite? Or is it just Bones's family? Or is it just that he was too indescribably cute as a puppy?

2) In the comic Boneslav once said something like "Weak heart gave me sheltered life in the mountain." and his face made me think he felt guilty or something about the special treatment he got, is that true? If so, why?

2.a) I know we haven't really seen much of Loudkill's mouth family dynamics but during that whole chase scene, Boneslav seemed to be treated the same as everyone else. I mean I'm quite ignorant about the condition so I hope this is not too dumb, but if you have a weak heart and you were sheltered, I wouldn't expect your family to let you run around a lot chasing/hunting others down. And when he was granted his quest to go with the gang, nobody seemed especially worried about him or doubted he could do it. So how was he exactly sheltered?

Thank you for your work. 💛

They just thought Boneslav was really cute (like every puppy, but him being tiny made him extra cute), and his runty look just made everyone more protective of him. Stonekrovns are very tightly knit together, big and small.

Boneslav has been shown vaguely embarrassed in multiple scenes so far, and it indeed is because he doesn't want outsiders to think he's coddled or incompetent. Despite his stony face, he wants to keep up appearances.

There's a bonus comic that shows a scene just before the stonekrovns hunt down the pup killer buck. It implies that this is the first time Loudkill takes Boneslav with their task force. That was his first time in front lines, because it's important that he gets to see these things face to face. He doesn't do much hunting, but he does tracking. When Boneslav leaves with the gang, Loudkill doesn't object because stones are very religious and Boneslav has just gotten a quest directly from the Tongue who's closest to god they can meet. Loudkill loves her baby but she knows he's able to take care of himself. She has faith in him, everyone does. It has given Boneslav a great foundation to grow.

[iamnmbr3]

Cursed Child rant? as a treat? 👉👈

Oh god. Where to even start. Listen, I know some people enjoy CC and I say more power to you. I'm not here to be the fun police and say what people can and can't like or write fic about or derive meaning from or whatever. But for me, personally, Cursed Child is an absolute mess of the worst kind that irritates me on a profound level.

First off, it's completely inconsistent with the canon characterizations and established rules of world building (and JKR didn't even do that much world building so there wasn't that much to keep track of and yet, they couldn't even bother to do that). I mean, Cedric, who tried to give the Triwizard Cup to Harry doesn't win and that somehow causes him to become a Death Eater??? Huh? It's not just ooc. It's bad storytelling. I mean, even if he was a hugely sore loser why would losing a tournament cause him to join an extremist blood purist paramilitary group? That has nothing to do with him losing. It's stupid and childish and nonsensical and SO bad.

And really? That's the best you can come up with? If the point of that whole thing was the tired trope of 'time travel goes wrong and makes things worse' they could've just had the gang expose Crouch earlier but instead of Voldemort not returning he just ends up returning but not using Harry's blood which allows him to do his original plan of growing his power in secret. And idk. Maybe then he takes over and he kills Harry and Harry doesn't come back. I didn't even put any effort into that. It's a bit dumb and inelegant but it gets the job done without wild character assassination and a lack of logic so profound it would insult the reasoning abilities of a fungus.

But ok, let's judge it as its own vaguely Harry Potter inspired thing rather than as an actual sequel to the canon series. You know what the result is? IT'S STILL BAD. It's just. SO BAD. I don't understand how it's a real thing.

It's like a parody of a bad play. It can't possibly be real. Harry suddenly has a phobia of pigeons? Why??? It's so...stupid. And I'm supposed to take that seriously? What? And the dialogue. The dialogue. "Bad" doesn't even cover it. The fact that "Wow. Squeak. My geekness is a-quivering" is a real actual line in the actual play causes me physical pain. WHO WRITES THAT?! AND THEN LEAVES IT IN THE FINAL DRAFT?!?!?

And Delphi. WHAT EVEN?! She's literally like a parody of a bad fanfic Mary Sue. Down to the blue streak in her hair. But we're supposed to take her seriously? As a villain? Tf? She's like a bad Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way knockoff. The whole play is like an unfunny parody of bad writing. But it's not supposed to be. It actually pretends to be a genuine drama. Which is so much worse. I truly think My Immortal is better. And way funnier.

No effort at all went into the story construction. Characters act incredibly childishly and unrealistically and simplistically. The story doesn't feel like it was written by adults. There's no feeling or depth or emotion. It's all plot contrivances and nauseatingly simplistic writing. It isn't a story. It's just some stuff that happens. Because the writers were just like 'eh it's Harry Potter it'll sell.' And that's not art. That's just churned out content. And it bothers me on such a profound level that they did it and got away with it.

I would be embarrassed to write that for myself, let alone to turn that in as a professional writer. It's so inconsistent with the original story that I legitimately think the 2 guys who wrote it didn't even read the books. They just glanced at the wiki and decided they were good to go. Despite being PAID to do this. How sloppy is that? Not to mention Harry Potter meant so much to so many people who were ecstatic to get more content yet the two clowns who wrote this just skimmed the wiki and then vomited out some of the worst lines ever penned in history and called it a day.

[twisted-gremlin]

Platonic yandere first years!

Ace(sibling):

- he is overly protective of Yuu, makeing sure that they are by him at all times

- he was glad that they can't use magic but has alot of mixed feelings about them following him to NRC

- he practically begged Crowley to let Yuu into Heartsbyul- but there was no room (he didn't mind shareing his bed- but, his roommates better leave you alone)

- he invites you to every celebration! Why? Oh Trey was worried you're not eating enough in that shack with the greedy rat-

- he isn't strong enough to actually kill, but he is cunning enough to manipulate people, trying to get a boyfriend without his permission- hey look at all this homework- oh he wants to break up and hates you? Oh big brother is here for you-

- you're never leaveing your bother♡

Deuce(sibling)

- he is worried that his baby sib is gonna go down the path he did- he made sure that any gangs would never take you in, but would beat to death whoever dared lay their hand on you- its ok- he and mom is there to hold you and protect you-

- his mom sent you to NRC so that he could protect you, and he swore to her that he would.

- he allways walked with you to class, he even made you join the track club, Jack was trustworthy, right?

- you have some things you are allowed to do on your own, just be careful, of anything goes wrong and he finds out, he isn't letting you do that stone again

Jack(bestie)

- he saw you as like a little cub that was lost and alone when he first saw you

- as you two grew to know one another, he did his best to take care of you. Hungury? He has some extra food, it's not like he bought it just for you- cold? Idiot, you need a scarf- so what it has his sent? You'll be protected from other beastmen who may want to pick on you

- he greets you every day and walks you to class (like he did with ruggie), if he has the time he waits outside of your class and walks you to your next one

- he wont let you think about going home, why go home when you have it so great here? I'm sure none could love you like he does, or even protect you like he can when you're at home-

Epel(sibling):

- excuse me- he is the man here- he can take care of ya- why are you laughin-

- Epel beats the snot out of those who try to hurt his sweet and innocent baby sib- they are a sweet apple tart- none hurts em-

- Epel before Vils traning was much- much more aggressive towards others, with a slight sweetness. But now, he acted more sweet and innocent until the time came where his opponents was in their backs

- now he uses thar cuteness to ask to hangout and stay by your side. You can't exactly say no because... look at that face-

Ortho (sibling):

- in life, you weren't all that close to Ortho- he and Idia were allways hanging out with eachother.

- then the accident happend, now you can get rid of the fake brother or your older Otaku brother-

-you're at NRC because of said Otaku, so while he was in class, you got to do whatever you wanted- and a certain robot followed your every move

- if Ortho evaluated someone as a threat they would be exterminated as soon as possible.

- you tired to get him to leave you alone, to make his own friends and learn about others. But he would make his following you a bit more... subtle...

- while he tried to get his big brother outside, he kept you inside. He played games with both you and Idia, to keep you content and stay

- need anythjng? He will get it for you, he wants to be a good brother for you- so you don't have to linger in your hurt anymore- so you didn't have to be alone anymore-

Sebek(friend/Maleus' bestie)

- you as a pathetic human from another world had caught the eye of Malleus, so, he needed to vet the human to he sure they were good for his master

- his first meeting with you was interesting to say the least. Despite your conditions (and his attitude) you treated him kindly and sat down with him and had an array of tea and baked sweets (courtesy of the Heartsbyul bois)

- he started to see why his master took a likeing to you, you were sweet, a good listener, and even interesting. He just, couldn't understand why you would want to return to your boring world?

- his master would take amazing care of you- even extend you life! All you had to do was ask!

- so why are you breaking their hearts and asking for help going home...?

- maybe... your mirror could be broken? This Mickey is a distraction, and they had room in Diasomnia, he will keep gaurd of your room, it'll be by Malleus'!

[onlyonetifosi]

The sun shone brightly as Y/N and Max Verstappen, her husband and the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, laid asleep next to her. Their twin boys, Liam and Luca, were eight years old who had inherited their father's passion for racing and had been karting since they were four; and their baby girl, Elisse, was five. With a heart full of love and a life full of adventure, they were a family bound by their passion for racing. In the Verstappen household, mornings were filled with laughter and excitement.

"Boys, breakfast is ready!" YN called out, her voice carrying through the spacious house.

The children raced down the stairs, their little feet barely touching the ground. YN watched with a smile as Liam and Luca donned their miniature racing suits, their tiny helmets resting proudly on their heads.

"Morning, my racing stars," Max said, his eyes twinkling with pride. He placed Elisse in her high chair and ruffled Liam's and Luca's hair.

"Daddy, we can't wait for today!" Liam exclaimed, his face beaming with anticipation.

Luca nodded vigorously. "Yeah, and we'll be even faster than you, Dad!"

YN chuckled, setting a plate of scrambled eggs in front of Liam. "Well, boys, you've certainly got the talent. Just don't forget to eat your breakfast first. Champions need fuel, you know."

The twins exchanged excited glances before digging into their breakfast, fueling their bodies for the exhilarating karting competition ahead. As they ate, their lively chatter filled the room, recounting stories of their karting adventures and cheering for their favorite drivers. Max looked on, marveling at the indomitable spirit his children had inherited.

"Daddy, look at my helmet! Just like yours!" Liam exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration for his father.

Max beamed at his son, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You're a true champion, just like your dad!"

Luca, not one to be left out, tugged on Max's sleeve. "Papa, do you think I can be as fast as you one day?"

Max's grin widened as he lifted Luca into his arms. "Absolutely, buddy. You have racing in your blood!"

YN wrapped her arms around the trio, feeling blessed beyond measure. "Alright, boys, it's time to get ready for school. Elisse, sweetheart, do you want to help Daddy prepare your breakfast?"

The little girl's eyes sparkled with delight, knowing that her time with her father was precious. "Yes, Mommy! I'll help Daddy!"

As they all gathered in the kitchen, the smell of pancakes wafted through the air. Max held Elisse in his arms, guiding her delicate hands as she poured the batter onto the sizzling pan.

"Daddy, can we go to the track today?" Liam asked, his voice brimming with anticipation.

Max nodded, flipping a pancake skillfully. "Of course! We're going to meet up with Uncle Daniel, Uncle Charles, Uncle George, Uncle Alex, and Uncle Pierre at the track. It's going to be a fantastic day!"

After a hearty breakfast, the Verstappen family hopped into their car, the twins eagerly buckling up in the backseat. The drive to the racetrack was filled with chatter and laughter, their voices blending harmoniously.

Arriving at the track, they were welcomed by a sea of F1 fans, all eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite drivers. The children, wide-eyed with excitement, clung to their parents' hands tightly.

As they made their way through the paddock, YN smiled and waved at familiar faces. Kika, Pierre Gasly's girlfriend, approached them with open arms.

"YN, Max! The gang's all here!" Kika exclaimed, her joyful tone infectious. "Lily and Carmen are waiting for you near the pits."

The Verstappen children, having formed a close bond with the other F1 drivers' families, ran towards their friends. Lily, Alex Albon's girlfriend, scooped up Luca in her arms, spinning him around playfully.

"Uncle Alex says I'm his lucky charm!" Luca giggled, his laughter filling the air.

"Uncle Charles said he wants to race with us too!" Luca exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Y/N's eyes twinkled with amusement as she played along, "Oh, really? Well, you better watch out. Uncle Charles might be fast, but you two are the fastest kids on the karting track!"

Carmen, George Russell's girlfriend, smiled warmly at the sight of the children. Elisse toddled over to her, her tiny hands reaching out for a hug.

"Look at my little princess!" Carmen cooed, planting a gentle kiss on Elisse's cheek. "George is waiting for all of you by the garage. He's ready to show off his driving skills!"

The children beamed, feeling a sense of belonging in their racing family. They clung to their "uncles" and "aunties," forming a bond as strong as any blood relation.

The girls were talking and catching up while watching from the stands how Max, Charles, Alex, George and the Verstappen twins raced each other.

Kika chimed in "Liam and Luca are incredible. They're going to be the next big thing in motorsport!"

"They have the talent, that's for sure. But it's their passion that makes me the proudest"

Max and Y/N's baby girl, Elisse, sat in her mother's lap, her eyes wide with wonder. The five-year-old was the apple of her father's eye, and the ultimate daddy's girl. Max showered her with affection, and she basked in his adoration.

"Mommy, can I have chocolate croissants?" Elisse, the five-year-old little girl , asked her mum, her doe-like eyes sparkling with innocence.

Y/N scooped Elisse into her arms, pressing a loving kiss to her rosy cheek. "Of course, my sweet girl. Just for you."

The conversation continued as they settled into their seats. Lily, Alex Albon's girlfriend, and Carmen, George Russell's girlfriend, joined them. The four women chatted animatedly, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences and love for the sport.

"¡Hoy fue increíble!" Carmen exclaimed in Spanish, her eyes sparkling.

Y/N laughed, replying in Spanish as well. "Sí, nuestras futuras estrellas están arrasando. Los quiero tanto."

Liam emerged victorious, a wide grin spreading across his face. Luca, not far behind, joined his brother in celebrating their accomplishments. The twins had made their mark, leaving an indelible impression on the track.

Y/N, overcome with joy, rushed toward the boys, sweeping them into a tight embrace. "You did it! I'm so proud of you both!"

Max joined the embrace, his pride shining through. "My little champions! You're incredible!"

"Daddy, Liam and Luca are so fast!" Elisse exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.

Max chuckled, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Yes, they are, sweetheart. Just like you, they make Daddy very proud."

Max scooped Elisse up into his arms and peppered her with kisses. "How's my princess doing?"

"Great race, boys!" Max exclaimed, hugging them into his arms and planting kisses on their cheeks while having Elisse in his arms. "You were amazing, my little champions!"

"Daddy, I'm faster than you!" Liam declared, his eyes shining with triumph.

Max feigned a look of surprise, his voice filled with mock disbelief. "Oh, is that so? Well, I guess I'll have to step up my game then!"

Liam and Luca couldn't wait to show Elisse their karts and introduce her to their world of racing.

"Elisse, look!" Luca exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "This is my kart! It's super fast!"

Elisse clapped her hands in delight, her gaze moving to Liam's kart. "And this one is Liam's kart! It's just as cool!"

Liam puffed out his chest, grinning. "That's right! We're going to teach you everything we know, Elisse!"

Elisse's face lit up, a smile that mirrored her father's adorning her lips

After an exhilarating day at the track, the Verstappen family returned home, their hearts filled with joy and memories. YN tucked the children into their beds, their eyelids growing heavy with sleep. "Daddy, do you love me more than racing?" Elisse asked, her voice filled with innocence.

Max's eyes softened, and he kissed Elisse's forehead. "Darling, you're my princess. There's nothing in the world that I love more than you"

Elisse giggled, hugging her father tightly. "I love you, Daddy"

Max grinned. "I love you too, my little angel"

Elisse giggled again, her little hands reaching out to touch Max's face. She was a daddy's girl through and through, and Max loved every moment of it.

"Daddy, will you tell us a bedtime story?" Elisse asked, her voice soft and sweet.

Max settled beside his daughter, his eyes twinkling. "Once upon a time, there was a young racer named Max, who had a family of champions…"

As Max wove a tale of dreams and triumphs, the children drifted into peaceful slumber, their hearts filled with the love of their racing hero. In the Verstappen household, every day was an adventure, every moment a cherished memory, and their love for one another shone brighter than any trophy ever could.

[chaispicelatte]

Fairy Tale Allusions in Yugioh 5Ds

So I was rewatching 5Ds and Akiza's duel against the knight dude got me thinking about the fairy tale allusions in her design and arc, and thinking about it more got me to realize that 5Ds actually has a lot of loose fairy tale allusions throughout it. So here are just a couple of the ones I noticed:

Akiza in general: Akiza's first duel of the series was already really heavy with the knight vs. witch symbolism. It also got me thinking about the "Princess, Witch, and Prince" theme from Revolutionary Girl Utena. A very basic rundown of what Utena says on it is that people will try to sort women into a box of good (Princess) or bad (Witch) based on how much they conform to the concept of what a girl should be like, a good Princess has to trade independence for protection from a Prince, any girl that doesn’t agree is a Witch. Problem is that no woman is ever just one of those things at a time, and Akiza definitely isn't. She is at first feared for her power, labelled the evil Black Rose Witch, and attempts to find comfort and safety in her "Prince" (Sayer). Only when she meets Yusei and the gang and finds acceptance from them and her parents do we see that she's actually a very kind girl. And even then, she doesn't go trading one Prince for another, she's never as reliant on Yusei as she was with Sayer and maintains her independence. Also just her deck in general carries the theme with fairy tale-like imagery (roses, knights, witches, fairies, and a dragon).

Akiza + Yusei: These two are basically Beauty and the Beast. I am a major faithshipping fan, but even if you take out the romantic aspects, it still fits. Yusei being Beauty and Akiza being the Beast for obvious reasons. The scene with Yusei waking Akiza in the hospital also gives major Sleeping Beauty vibes as well (this scene also owns my soul).

The rose imagery also still fits with both of them.

Yusei: He's Cinderella: he's a poor boy, goes to a ball that he wasn't supposed to go to (Neo Domino), has to leave at midnight (gets arrested), but leaves behind a "glass slipper" (the mark of the Crimson Dragon) that makes it so that the prince (Godwin) can track him down and give him another shot at freedom (not for altruistic purposes of course, but it still fits).

Jack and Carly: Scoopshipping are The Little Mermaid. The mermaid (Carly) falls in love with the prince (Jack), but for certain reasons, they cannot be together. Said mermaid makes a deal, by trading her soul, she gains legs (Dark Signer abilities + duel runner) which allows her a second chance to go after the prince. But the prince rejects her proposal (because she's undead and evil now), and the mermaid concedes. But being unable to hold up her end of the deal, she turns into sea foam and dies (turns into dust and dies).

Leo and Luna: Luna's deck already has a loose fairy forest type theme (and in the manga, has a Fairy Tale archetype). I want to say they're Hansel and Gretel. Has the same beats of two siblings getting lost in the woods (Luna with her spirit world adventure, Leo dueling Devack with "Closed Forest" up). But most of it comes from their duel with Devack, in which Hansel (Leo) stalls the witch (Devack) for as long as possible until Gretel (Luna) can kill the witch by pushing him into the oven (win the duel). You could also say that Luna's arc of freeing Ancient Fairy Dragon has elements of Rapunzel (saving the princess from the witch that locked her up).

Those are at least the ones I noticed. I doubt all of them were intentional but it's interesting when you make the connections. Let me know if there's any I missed because I'm not done with my rewatch yet and don't have anything for Crow. Feel like Team Satisfaction and Neo Domino City have Wizard of Oz parallels, but haven't got enough info to say how yet.

[alexihollis]

People We Try to Save

tw: referenced mental health crisis

Swan was going to kill Ajax.

"What the fuck were you thinking?" Swan demanded, voice low and teeming.

"For fuck's sake, they're barely a gang," Ajax muttered, but her downcast eyes, the bouncing of her leg said more than her words.

Rembrandt pressed the bag of peas a bit harder against Ajax's face, making the other woman wince, but not protest her girlfriend's less than tender care.

"She wanted to," Ajax tried.

"I don't care," Swan said. "You were in charge. You should have said no."

"I've already heard this shit from Cleon, would you just-"

"What, exactly, would you be saying to me if I brought Rembrandt into the territory of a gang I knew had beef with her?"

Swan and Ajax didn't always get along. They were sisters, it happened, but they had understandings. Swan would never dare bring Rembrandt home with even a bruise more than she carried herself. When she heard that Cleon was sending Mercy out on a job with Ajax and Cowgirl, Swan had assumed the same understanding would apply.

Considering that Cleon was forcing copious amounts of alcohol down Mercy's throat while Cochise stitched up the massive stab wound on her thigh, Swan was clearly mistaken.

The words had the desired affect on Ajax, her eyes darting to Rembrandt and jaw clenching. It was a dick move, Swan could see the guilt clear as day in Ajax's body language, but she was too angry.

"The Orphans need handling," Rembrandt said.

"Thought they were barely a gang," because Swan felt like being bitchy.

Her mood was not helped by Cleon banning her from her and Mercy's bedroom until further notice, since apparently Swan's "looming energy" was distracting Cochise.

"It's not that." Rembrandt paused, before saying, "Word is their girls show up at the Tremont clinic a lot. Apparently they fall down a lot of stairs."

"Huh," was all Swan was going to say about that.

"Started after Cyrus' meeting," Rembrandt said. Then looked to Ajax, "That have anything to do with this? Anything you want to admit before Swan decides to throw you out the fire escape?"

"She just wanted to talk to some chick," Ajax finally admitted. "Chick looked...bad. The Orphans must have tracked her, though, we were barely there three minutes before they all popped up out of nowhere. They're bad fighters, but when they swarm like that?" Ajax shook her head.

Swan sighed. Collapsed in one of the kitchen chairs as the anger suddenly drained from her. She barely looked at Ajax as she muttered, "Thanks for bringing her home."

"Your girl's a fighter," Ajax said. "But always."

Late into that night, after Mercy passed out from a mixture of the alcohol and pain, Swan stayed awake, looking out of the small window into their small corner of the world. Mercy was curled up next to her, head tucked against her hip and one arm curled possessively around Swan's thigh while Swan rested against the wall. Swan's hand played in Mercy's hair.

"Swan?"

"Yeah," Swan looked down, pressed her hand assuringly to the back of Mercy's head. "Yeah, I'm here."

"I'm sorry," Mercy's voice came out more like a whine.

"You came home," Swan said. "That's what matters."

"I left them. The girlfriends. Those assholes wouldn't have dared before, but now they- I think I did that. I didn't- I didn't realize."

Swan had seen this happen before, Mercy underestimating the power she had in a situation. Particularly that of her ability to start a fight.

"You brought me another fucking Ajax," Cleon had said the first time Mercy had started running her mouth to someone she probably shouldn't. "Except with half the muscle to back it up!"

"The Orphans are weak idiots," Swan told Mercy. "Masai and Cleon are already planning against them." Then, after a moment, "And if we could maybe not go wandering into territories of people that want you dead again, that'd be great."

Mercy snorted. "What? Your blood pressure can't take it?"

Swan couldn't joke back, though. "That could have been a bad injury."

"Yeah, I know-"

"We've had girls die from that kind of thing." Because Mercy didn't know. "Just a bit to the left and it could've..."

"Yeah." Mercy's voice was a bit more serious. "Yeah, Ajax told me. While I was bleeding out on the train home, so it was very helpful in keeping me not panicking, but, y'know, thats stuck in my head forever now."

Swan couldn't help but chuckle, just a bit at Mercy's exasperation. Serious once again, though, "You can't save everyone."

"Don't think I've ever saved anyone."

"Saved me." Because that was the truth.

Mercy paused, opening her eyes and looking up at Swan. "When?"

Swan shrugged. "Multiple times."

"Yeah, right."

"I'm serious."

"Sure."

"You gave me your bandana for the Molotov."

Mercy rolled her eyes, "I started that fight."

"Riverside Park," Swan said. "Cops would have totally grabbed me if you hadn't gotten me to follow you."

"Uh-huh, sure-"

"Fox." That was all Swan could say. She felt Mercy tense.

They didn't talk about the aftermath of Fox's death. When Swan went...internal. The Warriors knew it happened, but Mercy never told them the full extent and Swan didn't know how. So they never talked about it.

"You were just thinking about it," Mercy muttered into Swan's thigh, her grip tight. "You wouldn't have- I just woke you up a little bit."

Swan was going to, actually. But she shrugged. "Still saved me."

[shayrose5494]

Valentino Must Die

So I have Hazbin Hotel brainrot and hate Valentino with a fiery passion. So I decided to compile a list of who I'd like to see be the one to off him when his time comes and how I think it would go down. This list is essentially from least exciting (but no less satisfying) to most exciting:

6. Husk

Now Husk is so low on this list because let's be honest, he's one of the most predictable ones to do it. It's been established by Vivziepop that apparently his and Angel's relationship will be a slow burn, but it's been hinted HuskerDust is endgame, so it would make sense for Husk to be the one to take Val out.

I imagine that one day, Angel returns to the hotel seriously hurt because of Val. This would be the tipping point for Husk. So he tracks down Val. Now this part could go one of two ways visually:

Scenario 1: We see Husk track down Val, and after a bit of a confrontation (and veiled threat on Husk's end), the screen cuts to black. Cut back to the Hotel, where Angel is finding out Husk went after Val. Angel, despite being in pain, has to go find Husk. But before he can leave, a bloodied Husk returns. He tells Angel he never has to worry about Val hurting him again and that he'll keep him safe. Insert HuskerDust first kiss.

Scenario 2: Husk still tracks down Val, but Angel arrives before the fight really begins. Val tries to hurt (or even kill) Angel. This send Husk into a rage and for the first time we get to see Husk's full demon appearance. The fight ensues and Husk comes out on top. Insert HuskerDust first kiss (I kinda sort ship it lol)

5. Angel

Angel is the one that has the most motivation to kill Val, which is why he's also so low on this list. Like Husk, this is quite predictable.

I imagine something along the lines of Husk's Scenario 2. But instead of Husk going full demon (maybe because he's lost his overlord status he can't go full demon anymore) he still fights as is. Unfortunately, this gives Val the upperhand.

So when it seems Val is going to win this fight, and possibly kill Husk, Angel shoots Val. We know Angel has the guns to do it. But he's always been too afraid of Val to follow through. But seeing Husk, someone he loves, facing Val's wrath, this would be the motivation Angel needs. (We know Angel is protective about those he cares about, like he was with Charlie when she came to the studio). Angel kills Val and HuskerDust kiss. (I'm trying to manifest it into existence ok).

4. Charlie

Now, I don't actually think Charlie would kill Val. However, I'm not gonna rule it out or be mad about it if it happens.

After all, we all saw how she went full demon after Sir Pentious' death. I wouldn't put it past Charlie to go full demon on Val after learning the extent of his abuse towards Angel (she nearly did in the studio). She's already lost one friend, she's not about to loose another. But we all know, that if Charlie got into a fight with Val, there would be no option of sparing him. And not even Angel would be able to talk her out of it this time.

3. Cherri

I feel like Cherri's motivation would be similar to Charlie's. She also lost Sir Pentious and there is no way in hell (pun 10000% intended) she's going to loose Angel to moth boy.

I'd love nothing more than to see her shove one of her bombs down his throat then walk away as he explodes in the background like in an action movie.

2. Niffty

Nothing would bring me more joy than watching Niffty pull an Adam2.0 with Val. And since we know that she enjoys killing bugs, watching her kill the giant pest would be so satisfying.

I imagine that Angel would finally tell Val, he's done, contract be damned. So Val shows up to the hotel. A fight between Val and the gang ensues. Val, like Adam, starts monologuing, until a knife pops through his chest.

Bonus points if Niffty does it because a tiny moth came flying through the lobby, so her thinking it's the same principle as with mother roaches and their children, kills Val to send a message to the moths lol.

Finally, last but never least, and my personal favorite because it's so out of left field:

Alastor

Now, hear me out, this one's a bit strange, but let me explain:

Imagine the Husk/Angel scenario where Husk goes after Val, but Val gets the upper hand. Husk is seriously injured (not killed mind you, just injured). While Alastor doesn't consider Husk a friend, he does own Husk's soul. And if you think anyone but Alastor can hurt Husk and get away with it, you'd be sorely mistaken.

Alastor would rip Val limb from limb (and we love that for Val). Plus this would reinforce the rivalry between Alastor and Vox, especially of Vox and Val are still in their dating phase of their on/off relationship. This could even bump Vox up to a serious antagonist for the hotel.

I know that some of these were a bit far-fetched, but I love twists and turns like that in movies and TV. Going in one direction for so long before taking an unexpected turn. If anyone else has any other ideas let me know. I want to hear all of the fun ways we could kill Val. In the meantime:

Piggy kisses for your troubles.

[ukulelevillainwrites]

who follows the rules anyway?

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9

complete

pairing : anthony lockwood x reader

word count : 6.7k

warnings : language ig?

content : a lot more plot, i'm settling all the elements i need to move forward and write pt8 (which i've been fantasizing and imagining since day 1 lol), reader meets Lucy and the gang finally has a plan

taglist : i've lost track lol @demigoddess-of-ghosts @cassiopeiia24 @archiveoftara

note : again i'm sorry this took so long, the weeks keep getting busier and the time flies by faster and i got hit with writer's block too at some point i think idk but i'm on vacation in three weeks and it should help (i hope) anyway i hope you enjoy :)

She didn’t know if she was still dreaming or not when she heard hurried footsteps climbing the stairs. She could hardly move and even though her eyes were open, all she could see were blurry shadows and the greenish light from the ghost lamp outside. For a moment she thought the voice she heard calling her name was her mind still playing tricks on her but the hands that grabbed hers were definitely real and convinced her she was awake. Someone turned on the light, blinding her. She blinked to see Lockwood sitting next to her on her bed, clutching her hands and asking if she was okay. George entered the room practically running, holding a rapier he must have taken just in case.

“We heard you screaming, what happened?” He asked, seemingly out of breath.

“I-I uh… um” She cleared her throat. “I gotta…”

She made a move to get out of bed.

“Come, we’ll make you some tea.”

George helped her up. Lockwood didn’t let go of her hand until she was out of reach with a concerned look on his face. He didn’t say anything, he just kept his gaze fixated on her.

George supported her down the stairs, though she didn’t really need it. But she felt bad that she woke them up, so she let him. Lockwood was in front of them, looking back every once in a while, to make sure she was okay. She must have really scared them to have them acting this way. Or they cared more about her than she realized.

They got down to the kitchen and Lockwood put the kettle on. George brought a blanket from the library to cover her, but she was still sweating from her dream and needed fresh air more than anything.

“So…” George started as he settled into the chair next to her.

“I had a nightmare.”

“Yes, we gathered that much…” Lockwood spoke for the first time in a while. His voice was hoarse, his tone serious. She would have felt like she was being reprimanded if his eyes hadn’t been so filled with worry. It made her want to apologize profusely.

“Though it sounded like you were getting murdered.” George added.

A heavy silence fell over the room. The two boys stared at her expectantly, waiting for an explanation.

“I tend to have intense dreams.” y/n finally said. “It doesn’t happen every time, but they can be very realistic. And that girl… I keep seeing her, but she never screamed at me like that.” She looked into her cup, images of the girl screaming at her flashing before her eyes.

“What girl?”

“I keep seeing this girl, she’s always telling me to find her and to look for her but I never know what she means. To be honest I had forgotten about her. But tonight, she just screamed at me, it was so loud you have no idea!”

“Actually, we sort of have an idea…” George said, burying his head between his arms. He looked like he was about to fall back asleep.

“I didn’t know I was actually screaming I’m sorry…”

“That girl screaming at you was all it took to wake us up in the middle of the night?” He mumbled.

“It’s not just that, I was in this haunted warehouse with agents attempting to clear it, the case went wrong, horribly wrong it was awful. I couldn’t move, I tried to help but I couldn’t do anything, I just stood there and watched.”

“Do you know who she is?” Lockwood asked. It looked like her story had piqued his interest.

“I have no idea… and I don’t know why I need to find her…”

“Maybe it’s just a dream, it doesn’t have to be a premonition. Don’t overthink it.”

“That way we could go back to sleep...” George said, his eyes now closed.

“You should go back to bed, I’m fine really. Thanks for the tea. And for checking up on me. That was sweet of you.”

They both gave her a warm smile. It made her feel even more guilty that she woke them up.

“George really you should get upstairs, you’re barely awake.”

He made a poor attempt at a protest but soon gave up and went back to his room. Lockwood was yawning too.

“You should go too, I’ll go back to the attic in a bit.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Lockwood really I’m fine.”

“I don’t care I’m staying until you get back to sleep.”

She settled back into her chair, sipping her tea in silence. Lockwood was standing against the countertop, doing the same thing. She put her cup back onto the Thinking Cloth and tried to bring up her legs closer to her chest. The chair was too small and she bumped her knee into the table.

Lockwood took her mug and left the room without a word. She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to follow him or if that was retribution for waking everyone up. She did anyway and found him in the library. He was settled on the couch, both their mugs resting on the coffee table beside it. She sat next to him and brought her legs up next to her, drawing her closer to him. She draped a blanket over her and took back her cup. Even though she was comfortable, her mind still hadn’t calmed down. She kept seeing images from her nightmare, the girl’s face screaming at her, the heavy doors closing on her teammates, sealing their fate. She was glad Lockwood stayed with her, his presence was comforting.

She finished her tea and put her mug down on the table.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better, thanks.” She said, sleepy-eyed.

“You should go back to bed, we have a lot to discuss tomorrow”

She stared at him wondering what he meant.

“Now that we’re officially involved in this whole Dufour mess we need to see how we’re going to clean it up.”

“Oh, right.”

“You look half asleep already, I’ll help you get back to the attic if you want.”

“No, don’t. I want to stay here, I don’t think I’d be able to fall back asleep in my room tonight.”

“Alright.” He hesitated. “I could… read to you if you’d like. It always helped me when I had nightmares as a kid.”

“I’m not a child!”

He was already picking a book from the bookshelf on the wall opposite the fireplace. He came back to settle next to her, bringing her closer and settling her head against his chest.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned with you it’s that sometimes it’s nice to have someone looking out for you.”

“Oh really?” She teased, but she was too exhausted to really give him a hard time.

“You have to ask for help sometimes.”

“Says the guy who couldn’t ask someone to tie his tie for him.”

He nudged her leg with his foot with a laugh. She settled against his chest to get more comfortable and when she finally stopped moving, he started reading in a low voice. The monotonous tone he kept rocked her to sleep. His arms kept her warm. She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her fingers. She nodded off almost immediately.

When she woke up, the sun was already high, bathing the room in a soft glow. She slowly opened her eyes, feeling an even breath in her hair. Lockwood was still asleep, looking much more peaceful than she had ever seen him. His arms were wrapped around her, keeping her warm. It was more comfortable than the time she woke up with George on the other side of the sofa, probably because this time she was cuddling with her bedmate and not trying to share a couch too small for the both of them. It ended up being a relaxing night after all, the waking up part making up for the nightmare. They were breathing in unison, fitting perfectly in the tight space of the sofa. Her mind was still blurry, she wanted to fall asleep once more to stay in the peaceful state she was just in. She snuggled closer, her face in the crook of his neck as she hugged him tighter, when she realized what she was doing. She was hugging Lockwood, and he had his arms around her. And for the briefest moment she felt like he was hugging her back. Suddenly it all felt wrong. They were colleagues. He was her employer. And landlord. They had a job to do together. During her time at Fittes she never let herself get too close to her teammates, at least not that way. It had happened once or twice that she found herself attracted to one of her colleagues, but she always kept her distance, thinking of the disaster that could have happened if she had let her feelings take over. And yet here she was throwing caution to the wind and allowing herself to get closer than she had been with anyone in a long time. As hard as it was, she pulled away slowly, trying to get up without waking him. She could’ve sworn she felt him holding on to her, trying to pull her back, but once she was on her feet she saw him turn on his side, still asleep. Her imagination was playing tricks on her, giving her false hopes. She covered him with the blanket she had last night, studying his relaxed features. It was unfair how good he looked when he was sleeping. She forced herself to get into the kitchen before George could catch her staring.

It was a close call since he came down as the water started boiling in the kettle. He looked more awake than he had earlier. It eased her guilt knowing he had managed to get some rest.

“I didn’t hear you come up last night.” George remarked as he poured himself a cup.

“After I woke you up in the middle of the night I thought you’d be grateful for that.”

“I’m not complaining I’m just wondering if you got any sleep after that.”

“I did.” She smiled without adding anything, sipping her tea in silence.

“I didn’t hear Lockwood either.” He said innocently while stirring his tea. He didn’t sound like he was simply checking up on her anymore. His voice had an edge with the slightest hint of insinuation.

“You were so exhausted you could barely stand. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had slept through one of us falling down the stairs from the attic to the ground floor without opening an eye.”

“Actually, I had a hard time falling back asleep.” He took a sip looking up at the ceiling.

She didn’t answer. Whatever she could have said would have led to more teasing anyway. She blushed. He just smiled before offering her a biscuit. She didn’t get why he reacted that way. He was looking at her like she had something to hide. But he had fallen asleep with her on that same couch and it certainly hadn’t meant anything! Though, if she was honest with herself she was just annoyed that he could read her like an open book. She took a biscuit out of the box he was handing her, avoiding his knowing eyes and proud smirk.

“I’m guessing things are better between you two then…”

“I came up last night to tell you so, didn’t I?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Before she could throw the nearest dish towel at him Lockwood came in. An awkward silence fell over the room. At least y/n felt the tension. Lockwood didn’t seem to notice and George was back to pretending like his biscuit was the most important thing in the world. He was right of course, things really were better between them. So much better that she wished she could wake up this way every morning.

She didn’t let herself think about it. Nothing good could come of this. Except of course the comfort she felt when she was in his arms, the butterflies in her stomach that danced to the song playing in her mind whenever he looked at her. She froze. She needed to clear her head and started to walk out of the kitchen. Maybe taking a shower and getting ready for the day would help.

When she came back down, she could hear the boys arguing. The debate didn’t sound heated, so they were probably discussing an upcoming case.

“I’m telling you it’s far more logical to do it this way!”

“You never listen to what I have to say!”

She pushed the door open.

“What’s this all about?”

“Ah, y/n I’m glad you’re back.” Lockwood said, walking towards her and putting a hand on her shoulder. “I keep telling George that we should focus on discovering who is at the head of the whole relic operation but he won’t listen.”

“You’re the one not listening! We don’t know enough about the operation to aim so high right away.”

He slid his hand down to her arm. “What do you think?”

His touch was enough to make her mind go blank. “I- um... you’re catching me off guard. Could you walk me through it?”

“Well, I think that focusing on Dufour isn’t useful anymore. Since we know she isn’t in charge we should let her be and focus on whoever is behind this.”

“And I think we could still learn a lot from what she does and follow her.”

“Those are both… good points…” She was still very aware of Lockwood’s hand resting on her arm. She wasn’t used to this. He had been distant most of the time those past few weeks and the sudden change really disturbed her.

“Well, I know I’m right!”

“And I am too! You’d see that if you weren’t so stubborn.”

It really was the pot calling the kettle black. She tried not to laugh at their argument as she crossed her arms, not so subtly removing Lockwood’s hand form her arm.

“You should just go your separate ways then, meet up later today to debrief the info you both get?”

“Yes, I guess we could do that.” They both nodded. “What do you do then, y/n?” Lockwood asked her, crossing his arms.

“I’ll go with George!” She said, realizing it came out a little too loud. Lockwood shot her a confused glance. “I’m just… curious to see what she’s up to… is all.” She tried to justify.

Lockwood briefly frowned before approving their plan, telling them they should meet back at the house at 4pm.

---

“You jumped awfully fast at the chance to come with me on this stake out.” George commented.

“I’m always excited at the thought of working with you Georgie!”

He rolled his eyes at her. She wasn’t being subtle, and he let her know it.

“Plus, I’m genuinely curious to see what this bitch is up to.”

That got a laugh out of him.

They were heading towards the Fittes building to see if maybe they could spot their nemesis stepping out to run one of her fraudulent errands. As they got closer to their old employer’s offices, she noticed familiar faces. She spotted several agents she used to see down Fittes corridors. As they crossed the road, she passed a guy who used to be on her team. She waved politely but was met with a dark stare. She couldn’t remember anything she could have done to upset him, then realized it was probably the aftermath of that offensive column. Her pace quickened, fueled once more by anger. She was determined to see what that horrible woman was up to and most importantly to find out how to bring her down. She was so furious she could have just walked into her office to strangle her. Hopefully George grabbed her arm and led her down a street far enough to remain unseen. He kneeled down to get out a hat and a pair of sunglasses out of his bag.

“Put these on, we don’t want Dufour to recognize us.”

“What are these eggs for?” She asked as she tried on the sunglasses.

“They might come in handy if we spot her car!”

It would have been a great relief, but she didn’t have time to appreciate the mental image she got. Dufour was getting out of the Fittes building across the street, seemingly in a hurry, carrying a large duffel bag. And so, the stake out began.

They tried to keep enough distance to remain discreet and followed her for the next hour. They weren’t sure that following her would lead them somewhere useful or if they would learn anything new. The fact that their old supervisor kept walking without stopping didn’t help. y/n even started to think that she didn’t have a destination at all and was just messing with them. That was until they reached an imposing building located near Clerkenwell Road. As Dufour got closer to the glass doors at the entrance, she looked around as if to make sure no one saw her go in. y/n and George had to hide several times behind cars or newspaper stands to avoid getting caught. The first time she turned around y/n felt her heart sink as she pulled George down with her, crouching behind a parked car. But it was a good sign, it probably meant that she had something to hide. They remained far from the building to remain unseen. George eagerly wrote down the address in his notebook. She could tell how pleased he was with their discovery before he even turned to congratulate his plan, his smile getting wider with every letter he wrote. They waited for her to come back out. She took her time. When she finally emerged from the building an hour later, she didn’t carry the bag anymore. Whatever was in it had to be valuable. Dufour started walking back the way she had come. They ducked and slowly entered the nearest café.

Since it was only 2 and they were starving, they decided to take a break, unable to come back out without being seen anyway. They settled at a table far from the window. They ordered tea and some pastries to share and discussed different theories, trying to figure out what the woman could be up to.

“Given her track record it’s fair to assume that her bag had sources in it right?”

“I’m surprised Fittes didn’t bat an eyelash since she started her operation. I mean she can’t be that subtle…” His eyes lit up. “What if Fittes was involved?”

“Maybe…” She didn’t want to bring down his enthusiasm but she was already picturing him getting way too far from the matter at hand. “Let’s focus on bringing her down for now. If you’re still mad at Fittes after that we’ll see what we can do.” She said with a laugh.

“Right. Then we should try to see what this building is.”

“It’s the Silverpoint Organization building!” said a voice behind her that made her jump.

“Norrie? What are you doing here?”

“Hey George! Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I came to see my girlfriend, she just started her shift. But then I saw you two and I knew you had to be discussing something interesting given all the rumors these past few days… I couldn’t resist.”

“Actually, you could help us a lot!”

y/n greeted the girl as she sat down next to her. The last time she had seen them was at the furnaces. Apparently, the chat she had with George that night inspired her to do some investigating of her own. She had paid closer attention to the weird things she had noticed and caught a guy stealing a source red-handed. Not only did she get the source back to burn it but she also managed to get some information out of him. y/n was really impressed.

“So, I made him understand that he’d better tell me what he wanted to do with the source. That’s when he told me he was to bring it to this building across the street. I dug a little further and turns out it’s the Silverpoint Organization, whatever that is.”

“I’ll have to look into that.” George said while scribbling in his notebook. She didn’t think his smile could get any wider and yet it did.

“Hey! I didn’t know you were passing by!” called a voice behind them.

Norrie turned around to greet her girlfriend. The girl sat in front of her, saying something about having some time before the beginning of her shift. She had short wavy hair, auburn color, almond brown eyes. Her face was round and delicate. She looked friendly, but the warmth of her smile wasn’t enough to keep y/n from freezing. After all, that girl had woken her up in the middle of the night screaming just a few hours ago.

---

“And that’s why we should go after the money trail.”

Lockwood had been talking nonstop since he had walked through the door. He didn’t notice the heavy silence filling the living room. Or the haunted expression on y/n’s face.

“So, you somehow got your hands on an envelope supposedly used by that old man, who you think runs the operation, to pay a relic man who, again supposedly, brought him sources and that’s enough to convince you that you have a proof of the transactions?” George’s eyebrows were furrowed. Confusion filled his stare and his mouth was slightly agape. He looked baffled and not in a good way.

“That’s not all I found, didn’t you listen to what I just said?” Lockwood retorted, unfazed and still so sure of himself. “I have a reliable source telling me that they saw the guy take the money out of the envelope and it also has a strange code on it that has to link him back to wherever the money’s from. There must be a record of it somewhere. They wouldn’t bother writing such a long code on an envelope that gets left in the street if it didn’t have a purpose.”

“And you think this maze is worth getting lost in?”

“We won’t get lost! Like I told you I have contacts to help us out!”

“With relic men transactions? I’d love to meet them.” George still didn’t seem convinced.

“So, what do you think?” Lockwood asked with a triumphant smile, ignoring his friend’s objections.

“You don’t even care a little about what we discovered?”

He looked around the room, finally conceding them a glance. His smile fell as he looked into her eyes.

“What happened?”

It was George’s turn to talk restlessly about their day. Y/n looked at their exchange back and forth and listened to George tell Lockwood all about their successful stake out and their encounter with Norrie. There were times where she couldn’t focus on what they were saying, too caught up in the strange feeling that had followed her all the way home. Lucy had been lovely and tried to make her feel at ease even though y/n had stared at her like a deer caught in headlights for the better part of five minutes. They exchanged a few words about adapting to life in London and leaving agency work behind, though only partly for Norrie who wanted to do her best to help even without being back in the field. They never mentioned the incident that had led them here, just that they had left agency work. y/n knew why the girls had decided to change their lifestyle but nodded and smiled without ever referencing her dreams. She thought it would probably freak them out plus she didn’t want to bring up the horrible event that probably traumatized them in the first place. She tried to focus back on George’s explanations. He was excited to start researching the Silverpoint Organization. It was obvious that Lockwood was frustrated that his idea hadn’t gotten the attention he thought it would have. He sat back to let George talk with a barely hidden exasperated look on his face. But when he locked eyes with her his face slightly softened, allowing George to finish his theory.

“You’re awfully silent, y/n.” Lockwood said as he came to sit down next to her on the couch.

“We met Lucy today.”

She was met with a questioning stare.

“The girl from my dream.”

This triggered more frowning.

“As it turns out Norrie’s girlfriend Lucy is also the girl who woke me up screaming.”

George was still scribbling in his notebook. Lockwood didn’t say a word.

“I don’t really get it either. Hence the silence.”

He grabbed her hand in both of his. He was gentle, like her bones would break if he made any sudden movements.

“Do you… want to talk about it?”

“I don’t think there’s a lot to talk about for now.” She said gently. She still didn’t know what to do with this and didn’t want to burden anyone. “But thank you…” She took back her hand, smoothed down her skirt and sat back, coincidently distancing herself from him. “How about we just get back to Dufour?”

“Right…” He flexed his hand while looking down. He looked back at her, his usual smirk curving his lips. “You can’t let it go, can you?”

“Remind me when you let go of your rivalry with Kipps?”

He smiled, pausing for a second. There was a complicity in the look they shared. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered their wings. She pushed the feeling down as much as she could, trying to win their staring match without blushing. She failed, obviously. Lockwood got up with a satisfied look on his face.

“So, what should we do? I mean… I think my lead is pretty solid…” He said looking up at the ceiling.

“No, it’s not. It’s numbers on a torn envelope Lockwood!” George retorted.

“What do you think y/n?”

“When it comes to instinct, you told me to always listen to George and I followed that rule religiously since I joined the agency.”

“Like following the rules is going to help us with your revenge plan…” He rolled his eyes. But he didn’t look offended or disappointed. He looked…proud?

“But fine it’s two against one anyway and I’m a fair leader. We’ll start with this organization and see what we find.”

George didn’t need more. He rushed back to his room, slamming the door with a renewed determination. They probably wouldn’t see him again until dinner. A silence fell over the room. Her mind wandered, going back to the girl haunting her nights. She had asked her to find her and she had. Now what? She didn’t feel relieved, and meeting that girl hadn’t felt like she was fulfilling some prophecy, accomplishing her fate in a high-pressure decisive moment. What if she had been too late? What if from the start she was supposed to help Lucy save her team? Maybe she was cursed with the guilt she had felt in her nightmare, forever unable to sleep soundly again.

A hand resting on her wrist brought her back to reality. Lockwood had sat back down next to her and was stroking his thumb back and forth on her skin in a soothing way.

“We’ll work it out.” He reassured her. “The answer could be in the extensive research George will make us do.” She looked at him unconvinced, but she appreciated his effort to make her feel better.

“He’s not gonna let us rest, is he?”

“I wouldn’t count on it.”

“On the bright side, if I’m exhausted it might keep my mind off this.”

He held her hand tighter before letting go. She almost reached for his arm to get him to sit back down next to her. As he told her to get some rest before the busy day awaiting them, she ran back upstairs, her wrist still tingly.

The week that followed was in fact a busy one. They followed a strict schedule of intense research, rigorous preparation of their cases and efficient ghost clearing. The military-like organization was all George of course. He took the habit of waking them at 7:30 sharp by knocking repeatedly on their door until they were up to tell him to stop. They were among the first people present at the archives. Each day George assigned articles and newspaper respectively to Lockwood and her while he worked on the case they had that night. At noon they would switch, George looking over their research while they got familiar with the case before heading home to prep their bags for the evening. It was exhausting but she had to admit that it was yielding results. In just a week they had uncovered detailed information about the organization, how it was founded, who it was founded by, and why it was created in the first place. George had summed up the information both in their casebook and on the Thinking Cloth. Every morning as she drank her cup of tea she could read:

“Silverpoint organization – 1996 – founder Theodor Mullet of Mullet & Sons

TM eldest son and heir to M&S, created Sp Org to “further his father’s legacy” and protect agents against field injuries unrelated to ghost-lock

One fundraiser organized each year

Strong link to M&S rapier supplier

Funds from Fittes?

No financial records or official information available”

She couldn’t help feeling insulted that she slept so little only for their hard work to be summed up in a few lines. She didn’t complain however, at least she had helped find some of this information. Lockwood on the other hand was out of his depth. Research had never been the part he excelled at. He was too impatient and couldn’t sit still. By default, George took the lead but y/n could feel Lockwood’s pride taking a hit. If George, resident researcher of 35 Portland Row, was now in charge, what good was he? He tried his best to remain helpful by offering theories of his own. He kept insisting that the lack of financial records was suspicious and that his hunch was right. Of course, he did so without an ounce of pettiness and repeated that they should have listened to him from the start. y/n had a hard time believing him. His frustration started to show and it affected his work. During cases at night, he was bolder, trying to show off. At one point they were fending off a visitor which could have been easily handled at two while George looked for the source yet he picked this time to demonstrate the new move he had been practicing all day. The night had ended with a rush to the hospital and three stitches.

Today was a close call too. He had jumped down a flight of stairs to get between her and a visitor. She thought he probably had good intentions but she had her rapier ready and the situation was under control. It was a relief to see he didn’t break anything, a miracle frankly. She didn’t need a third time to decide to act. She would talk to George in the morning to convince him to spend some time looking into Lockwood’s lead.

They came back home exhausted, George going to bed immediately to stick to his schedule. She was about to do the same when she noticed the light was on in the library. She wasn’t surprised to see Lockwood sitting there with one of his magazines in his lap, acting like the day had no effect on him. He simply smiled at her when she entered and kept reading. She told him that he should rest. He simply hummed in agreement but didn’t move except to turn the page. She was about to give up and leave him there when he bolted up to show her the page he was on. It was a double page ad for an open-door day at Mullet&Sons, inviting clients to try their new line of rapiers and meet the board. The perfect occasion to get closer and hopefully find out more about the founder of the Silverpoint Organization. A light brightened his eyes as he smiled at her. She was certain he wouldn’t shut up about his finding.

A call the next day brought their enthusiasm back down. Right before they left for the Archives, Inspector Barnes had called. Lockwood had answered. His smile had faltered as the conversation went on. He hung up and stayed silent until George asked him what he wanted. Apparently, the inspector had called to warn them again. Only this time the threat had become much more real. Superiors at DEPRAC had taken an interest in the complaints against them, mostly to get Fittes off their back Lockwood thought. But it didn’t matter why, what mattered was that the ridiculous rehabilitation program offered by an unqualified journalist was getting more consideration than originally thought. One mishap would turn y/n and George into the first test subjects of this “educational” experiment. They were now under more surveillance than before. Sneaking into Mullet&Sons offices during their next event was out of the question, they’d be the first accused.

They stood in the hallway in silence, unsure what to do next. Researching more at the Archives seemed futile now.

“I might have an idea.” Lockwood said.

They looked up at him expectantly.

“We go after the financial records.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake Lockwood.” George swore. She understood his frustration. Being right didn’t matter now, and this was really not the time. Plus, stealing financial records wasn’t much better to remain far from suspicions.

“Lockwood…” She looked up at him. “We don’t have a way to do that legally and we’ll be the first interrogated. How could we even give evidence to DEPRAC, if we ever find any?”

“We get ourselves an airtight alibi.” He said proudly, like it was obvious.

They stared at him with a beaten expression, still not knowing what he had in mind. He went to the library and came back with the magazine he was reading last night. He eagerly handed it to them, open on a page featuring one of those fancy parties that took place occasionally. Though it wasn’t just any party, it was a fundraiser for the Silverpoint Organization. The next fundraiser was taking place next week and for the occasion an article was referencing last year’s event.

“We get into this party, make sure that everyone sees us and hopefully get some information about Theodor while talking to the guests.”

“But what about the records?”

“We’ll need some extra help.” He said before winking at her.

---

“By getting traces of the transactions between the organization and relic-men we can bring down the operation. And for that we need your help.”

Lockwood was back to his usual self. Charming, self-assured and most importantly in charge. The two girls in front of him had very different reactions. Norrie seemed to have made up her mind already, looking over at George every once in a while like she was in a hurry to get to work. Lucy was more skeptical. She looked like she was battling conflicted emotions. y/n didn’t blame her. They barely knew each other and they were asking her to steal financial records. They had just given up on a whole life, trying to adapt and they should throw all that away to help people they had just met? It was madness and y/n felt bad for asking them such a thing. But she didn’t really have a choice. Aside from them, there weren’t a lot of candidates.

After his whole speech, Lockwood sat in front of them, determination piercing through his eyes. He quirked his lips up in the slightest. She knew all too well this intense stare and irresistible smile. She hadn’t managed to turn him down, not many could. He spoke in a softer voice to try and convince Lucy to join their cause. And it was working, she was considering it. She said she needed time to think it over. But Lockwood wasn’t usually patient. y/n knew what would come next. A compassionate and understanding tirade so sincere you couldn’t help but join his side. But she knew what Lucy had been through, she was there sort of. Not ten seconds after Lockwood had started speaking again she interrupted.

“Lockwood stop.”

“Is there something wrong?”

“Don’t do this, just give her some time to think it over.”

“We don’t have a lot of time y/n!” He turned back to Lucy. “And as much as I understand the difficult position this puts you in-”

“Just shut up Lockwood!”

George sighed and buried his head in his hands. Norrie asked him what was wrong.

“They had just started to get along!”

y/n ignored his comments.

“Lucy, I’m sorry if we made you uncomfortable. I completely understand if you don’t want to join us and stay far away from anything agency related. I just think that we can trust you and we desperately need allies right now. We don’t need a definitive answer now, but do you think you could give it some thought… maybe?”

Lucy looked up at her with a softness in her gaze. She was scarred, that much was clear. She seemed afraid too. But there was much more than that. There was resilience and bravery. An ember in the ashes.

“I’ll think about it.” She said with a thin smile. They exchanged a glance that was enough to make y/n feel a deep connection to the girl. She reached for Norrie’s hand as they exited the room. There was so much more she wanted to say to her. She wanted to tell her about her dreams, about the relief she felt now that she got to know her. The platonic attraction she felt was overwhelming. She had never wanted to be friends with someone so ardently. There was something special about her. She didn’t know if it was El’s betrayal that left a scar or if her dreams were a sign of a deeper bond, but she desperately wanted to find out. She led them back in the hall and slowly closed the door behind them.

She turned to find Lockwood staring at her with a hurt look on his face.

“What the hell was that?”

“I’m… sorry…”

“I’ve been jumping through hoops with you since I met you and I’m getting tired of it.”

Her heart sank.

“Yeah, that’s fair. In my defense, I knew what you were doing and I couldn’t in good conscience let you go through with it.”

“What was I doing?”

“Faking compassion to get what you want.”

“Oh please, not that again. I was just trying to get the help we need. We’re in this mess because of you need I remind you.”

“Lucy’s been through a lot and she deserves genuine sympathy, not some fake act you put on every time we have a difficult client. I still have nightmares about what happened to them, you can’t imagine how it feels.”

“I can actually.”

There was a silence. He looked deeply hurt. She didn’t dare speak, knowing the matter was probably more sensitive than she realized.

“I’m doing everything I can to help you and I need you to be more cooperative. I’m not risking the reputation of my company if this is the thanks I get.”

“You’re right…” She said after a moment. “I went too far.”

He nodded. They stood in silence, neither of them daring to move.

“Just don’t be mean to me again.”

“I won’t.”

He turned to enter the kitchen.

“I wasn’t really mean though…” She said on a hesitant tone. “I was rude sure. But mean… Kipps is mean. He degrades you and all…” She didn’t even know why she said that. A desperate attempt at lightening the mood, giving Lockwood a reason to redirect his anger at someone else. It was pathetic. She could already see herself unable to sleep months from now living the shame of this moment all over again.  

“Oh, so you agree with me now?” He answered turning around. “When did you take the “best leader of the best team” off his pedestal?”

She smiled.

“You’re still a bigger prick than he is though.”

He smiled back.

“Tea?”

[couldpolyamorysavethem]

ANRI SONOHARA, MASAOMI KIDA, SAKI MIKAJIMA, and MIKADO RYUUGAMINE from DURARARA!!

Justification:

"(Spoilers for the entire series sorry not sorry) About half of the Raira trio's character arcs are them warrings between their loyalties amongst each other. Saki is just like, 'can i get a waffle. can I pLEASE--' as her boyfriend starts another gang war.

Mikado says straight up 'everything I've done, I did for Anri and Masaomi.' Which he DID. He repeatedly uses his power and influence in Ikebukuro to protect Anri and Masaomi, and tears himself to bits when those plans backfire. At his core, however dubious and morally grey he is, Mikado tries to work for a greater good for those who matter to him.

Masaomi is exactly the same. He hates being involved in violence and gangs, he regrets ever starting the yellow scarves. He's bitter and resentful that he can't protect Saki, that he got her hurt, *and* that now Mikado's getting dragged into the deep end with him. From the first time we see Masaomi, our very first inner monologue from him is him confessing to us, the audience, that he's trying to shield Mikado from the darkness in Ikebukuro.

Enter ANRI. Everyone and their mother knows both Mikado and Masaomi are in love with her, it's literally a running gag. But Masaomi won't make a move because he feels loyalty to Saki & he won't leave her because he loves her, and Mikado won't make a move because his top priority in life is Masaomi & the Dollars. She made a promise to herself to never ever use Saika and yet when the Slasher became a genuine threat to her boys she grabbed her sword and she went to track down whatever Saika offspring was causing such a mess. She openly tells Erika she's in love with both of them, but won't make any moves because of her codependent nature (and also Saika--), AND when Saki comes to visit her in search of Masaomi, she tells her something similar, but telling Saki she's 'doesn't love Masaomi' (girl. Anyone with eyes knows you're in love with him you are NOT fooling us)

Mikado first starts to use his power in the Dollars to protect Anri (and Mika but he also did that *for Anri*), he became class rep for Anri, his every thought in the first arc ties back to his appreciation and connection to her. When Masaomi fucks off to who knows where after the first season, Anri and Mikado become practically inseparable to the point every one assumes they've gotten together and they *both* feel such a loyalty to Masaomi that they're like 'no, no, no, there's nothing!' Girl what are you talking about.

Not to mention when Aoab enters the frey & Mikado takes up leading the Blue Squares, he does so for Masaomi!! He spends all of Shou and Ten like 'I'm going to make ikebukuro a safe city so Masaomi will come home!! I need him home!! I need Masaomi!!" and when Bacura enters the chatroom, he's FRANTIC all "MASAOMI??? MASAOMI THAT YOU??" And it's so genuienly sweet. Say what you will about mikado's morally grey nature, the homie does everything he does for his trio.

And Masaomi... Homeboy really said "I'm so obsessed with Anri and Mikado that if I don't leave this city I'll betray Saki, and I just got her back. So I'm running away with my girl!!" and he comes back to the city after swearing off crime, sees thirty minutes of shenans, thinks Anri and Mikado are in danger, and IMMEDIATELY brings back the Yellow Scarves???

Literally the entire second Blue Squares v. Yellow Scarves war would be solved if Masaomi & Mikado kissed and realized they all have two hands. It's that easy, boys. I promise.

(realizing after writing all of this how much of a fucking essay this is. I'm. So sorry. But also I'm not deleting because the world needs to know.)" - Anonymous

[little-winter-witch]

Déja vu

Contains spoilers of Moonvale's 1st episode as well as angst, sadness, crying and nostalgia.

It has been weeks. Or even months? I don't know. I lost track of time, since the incident in the Ironsplinter Mines. Not a word from my friends from Duskwood since. Or ... From Jake.

I've tried to just go on with my life, go to work, meet with friends and family, try new hobbies. But I'm not the same person I was before Thomas texted me. And I'll never be. I don't feel complete anymore. I don't belong here anymore. Whenever my phone vibrates, whenever a random guy looks at me for more than five seconds, I think of him. I wish, it was him. I see clues in every corner, hear my name, although no one said it.

And then, I got this message. Didn't know the number, but it felt so familiar. It reminded me of how I was introduced to the Duskwood gang. But it wasn't someone from Duskwood. He introduced himself as Eric and said that he got my contact from his friend Adam, who called me shortly after and disappeared. Similar, yet very strange. I agreed to help and Eric introduced me to his friends. It felt strange, being in a new messenger group, with new people. They were as desperate as my friends from Duskwood and very nice to me, but I kept my distance. Memories flashed before my eyes, memories I had kept secure somewhere in a corner of my brain. Memories that hurt. But I stayed. I just couldn't leave them, while they were desperately searching for their friend. It felt like, I finally had a purpose again.

While wandering through the woods, looking for Adam, or at least a hint of his whereabouts, Eric flirted with me. I played along a bit. But all I could think of was him. And the stupid pamphlet of the Chinese restaurant around the corner, that hung on the door of my fridge. I kept it after having takeout. Because it reminded me of one of the first moments Jake dared to flirt with me.

And then... Ash contacted me.

She was a friend of Eric's and part of their gang. She asked me directly if I was involved in the Duskwood incident. I felt my stomach sink. I told her, briefly, what happened and why I didn't say anything. She reacted nicely, but I didn't dare to trust her too much. After we finished that conversation, I sat motionless on my bed. It had been the first time, that I had told someone about my experiences in Duskwood. A tear ran down my cheek.

That was when I got contacted by an unknown number. I wasn't sure what to make of their messages at first, but soon I realised, that Eric could be in danger. He'd been gone into an area they called the 'forbidden forest', which was surrounded by a fence with barbed wire. He managed to get away from whoever was with him, and found a cave. A cave that reminded me of the Ironsplinter Mines. And that was too much. The hope I had when that unknown number had appeared, the pressure, when, again, someone was in danger while being on the phone with me, and then the cave. That stupid cave!

I missed him. I missed him so much that it physically hurt. I opened the last conversation I had with Jake.

"I love you"

"I love you, too"

And then I sat there, sobbing and crying my heart out, clenching the phone against my chest. It vibrated.

"MC. I WILL FIND YOU"

'Cause you're everywhere to me

And when I close my eyes it's you I see.

You're everything I know, that makes me believe

I'm not alone.

Thanks for reading my first Duskwood fanfiction on tumblr. I hope you like it 🙂

[kindleaf]

hiii sunster ^__^ hope ur having a good day.... im curious about the new naddpod if u want to tell me about it. no pressure i just want to understand your awesome blorboposts

hiiii chippy boy oh boy will i tell you about skaldova :-)

so!! skaldova has been a long time coming because it's disgraced bailiff and notable cuckold jake hurwitz's first time dming (for people that aren't his little nieces)!! the sorta conceit of the world is that jake wanted to do something low magic where a lot of the mechanics stem from your environment, most notably weather!! so skaldova is a world where the gods have left and the magic has dried up, and "instead of searching for glory, they have begun scrounging for gold." the winds are harsh, the wood is dark, the waters uncaring, and we begin our adventure in the coastal village of mudtown >:-)

before i talk about the characters i think it's notable that they all decided to play human fighters to honor jake's first ever dnd character, hardwon, and also his apparent mission of playing every fighter subclass, which i find. incredibly sweet. (also some of their characters seem to contain subtle nods to character beats from campaign 1, which i also find delightful)

so first is boggy rodgers, caldwell's character!! he was the leader of a band of outlaws called "boggy's buds" from the swamplands, a gang of revelry and thieving and, most importantly, brewing alcohol from the abundance of peat moss in the marsh. unfortunately, after being tracked down by an angered baron while boggy was out, all of boggy's buds were either summarily executed or convinced to run away/turn on the group to save their own hides. so he has fled, and is now alone, but not before swearing vengeance. he's a lumbering guy with a heavy walk and a broad brimmed hat that covers everything but his eyes and his messy beard. he wears a shabby green coat and, for some reason, always has a brick or two moss on hand. he's a battlemaster (hardwon's second subclass, after deleveling and reclassing from champion in c3. he also took the feat "lucky," explicitly to honor hardwon, who also took that feat)

next is murph's guy, zudrich of the murder! he's described as essentially a bloodbourne npc, but not one you have to fight, just one that shuffles around who you can just Tell has gone mad. a big rusty and bloodstained suit of armor, with a larger than life anime-esque sword. he has a murder of crows (hehe) that are essentially his only friends, who are all named and also trained to respond to their names; edgar, tabitha, salem, and sabrina! he's a long time knight who came from an area of constant war, and left to escape it. there's also been references to betrayal in his backstory, but i'm unsure if it's him doing the betraying, or him who got betrayed... he has like a deep gravelly batman voice and his introduction is him bringing a dismembered deer into the bar and asking if he gets a discount for bringing his own meat, and the bartender goes "for the fifth time, zudrich, no." he's a steelhawk.

and finally. welly :-) emily's character welly hamdam, disgraced knight of the order of the oaken oar!! introduced at pitching a tent outside of the tavern so as not to bother the tavern keep with asking for a place to stay (and she worked really hard on it, too :-() she's a woman with her hair braided in a halo, a big elizabethan collar, and barnacle encrusted armor. prepared for anything, she's got three weapons strapped to her back, with a folio for her sonnets and a heron feather to pen them! she's a bit wide eyed and a bit naive, following the five tenants of knighthood, two of which are chastity and purity. she's "disgraced" because at a ball, the betrothed of another knight offered her hand for her to kiss, and upon kissing it, she Jizzed Her Pants, later that night, penning an erotic sonnet about the experience which another knight found and read aloud to everyone. she "self-exiled" herself, and is now looking for a way to regain her honor. when asked if she knows how to dress a deer, she goes "dress a deer? :0" and starts removing her ruffled collar to give to the deer. she's delightful and adorable, and zudrich and boggy both find her "hilarious," even though she's usually not joking. she's a rune knight.

first episode is kinda standard stuff, they're given a quest for gold to find a group who mysteriously disappeared in some ruins, they steal some horses, they fake a fight, welly announces her sins to all who will listen, they stop by the blacksmith, where welly meets another believer that the gods will One Day Return in the blacksmith's apprentice, but it's awesome. jake has immediately come into his own and i love to see it. also fun fact, every sigil for the pcs on the cover art for this campaign includes a symbol of one of the three gods of the missing pantheon of skaldova... which i find very , very interesting >:-)

but yeah!!!! it's great it's awesome i fully recommend hopping onto this one. it's only going to be a mini campaign so far, so 4-6 episodes and i'm truly delighted with it :-) yayyyy naddpod

[starwarsmum]

Day 18's prompt is singled out!

@maribat-calendar-events

Tim had been working almost nonstop since arriving in Paris and he was pretty sure it was messing with his head. First, he still hadn't tracked down Hawkmoth, which felt like a failure on his part. Damian was being slightly cagey about the details of his investigation, which was hindering Tim's own.

Second, he was having trouble finding Ladybug. She never seemed to hang around after battles and she had started randomising her patrol a lot more. It was a smart move but it was very frustrating for Tim, who had planned to catch up with her during one of them.

The third thing that made Tim feel like his sleep deprivation was hitting a new high was Damian's behaviour towards Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the newly found half sister of their own adoptive sister, Cassandra Cain. Not only was he spending time with her but he had practically declared that he was interested in her romantically. To a roomful of strangers.

“He could be playing into a whole ‘Brucie’ thing while here,” Dick said when Tim voiced his concerns. Tim gave him an incredulous look before going back to typing furiously on his laptop. “Hey, I'm just saying that it's a possibility. The other option is that he's genuinely into her, so tell me which you think is more likely.”

“Whatever, let's focus on what we're covering with B and the gang,” Tim said, dismissing the conversation with a wave of his hand. “Demon Spawn hasn't exactly been forthcoming with the information he's supposedly gathered whilst he's been here.”

“As if you don't keep information back when you're working a case!” Dick argued, giving Tim a look. “He's doing fine, he says he's got it under control. And I'm sure he'll be back in time to cover all of this himself anyway; when has he ever been late?”

But apparently there was a first time for everything, because when the call started, Damian was nowhere to be found. Tim covered as much as he could whilst sending the occasional pointed glare at Dick to let him know he told him so.

It wasn't until twenty-eight minutes later that Damian stalked into the room, making no mention of his tardiness and giving a brief description of the status of his investigation. Before Tim could jump on him, Jason decided he wasn't going to let the kid get away with waltzing in half an hour late without an apology.

“Yo, Demon Spawn, what gives?” Jason demanded, glaring into the screen. “Don't get me wrong, we've all been late before, but since you throw a fit every time it happens to one of us, you could at least explain yourself.”

Damian was silent for a few moments and if Tim didn't know better, he would think that he was coming up with an excuse on the fly. But that couldn't be it because when Damian was on a mission, he lived and breathed for it. So, wherever he had been, it would have been mission related. Why was the kid so dead set against telling them anything.

“I was…speaking with a former temporary hero,” Damian said slowly. His eyes flickered towards Cass's screen in something like an apology. “The girl with whom I was photographed earlier in the week was a temporary hero called in as a last resort. She has not been asked to use the Miraculous since, but she does have vital information for the investigation.”

“And why did Dick and Tim not tell us that?” Bruce probed, showing that he had noticed the lack of information given about his youngest's absence. There was a very telling silence following the question and Bruce sighed. “Damian, you have a team with you to make things easier. You should be telling them what's going on in your investigation.”

“Tt, yes father. I apologise for my tardiness and will make an effort to be more open with the progress of my investigation,” Damian said, although it looked to Tim like he was forcing the words out. “Now, if we are finished focusing on me, perhaps we can return to the problem at hand?”

The rest of the meeting was fairly straightforward, although Tim saw Cass frowning at Damian several times. He didn't want anyone to know that he'd spotted it, so he didn't mention anything amiss and, when the meeting ended with Damian asking to speak with her, Tim made a show of saying he was going to get some sleep.

Dick followed him out of the room, presumably to make sure he did actually go to sleep and not to pick up another cup of coffee. If Tim wasn't so interested in what Damian was going to say to Cass, he would probably be annoyed at the way Dick was hovering over him. 

He made a shushing motion at the older man, who raised an eyebrow at him but complied. They settled next to the vent system in the adjacent room, listening quietly. For the first few moments there was silence but finally he started to pick up Damian's clipped tones.

“...pictures that will be released shortly. Marinette is concerned that you will be upset and I am…apprehensive of the same. I know I have mentioned to you previously that I admired her mental quickness and unwillingness to allow what she perceives to be unfair to continue.”

“You did,” came Cass's tinny reply, and Tim had to strain slightly to hear her. From what he could hear, she sounded amused, and he wished he could see the expressions on both of their faces. “I take it you finally acted upon the attraction you experienced when you first met her.”

Tim blinked at Dick, watching as an elated smile lit Dick's face. He was practically vibrating with joy and Tim had to shush him so they could hear Damian's reply.

“I- yes, I have communicated my desire to pursue a romantic relationship with her,” he admitted, and Tim would put money down that the brat was blushing. “You were aware?”

“Body language,” was the simple reply and Damian released a breath he had apparently been holding. “You mentioned pictures? Has someone else taken photos of you and Marinette out of context?”

“Tt, not quite. Marinette was asked to attend a photoshoot with our lead suspect's son. Whilst there, the photographer offered to take photographs to help set the media straight regarding Marinette's romantic history.”

“And you felt the need to warn me because…” Cass said, trailing off pointedly. Tim snorted involuntarily, remembering the poses Damian had been asked to do with Marinette. He heard Damian freeze in the other room and decided it would be in his best interests not to be found in the act of eavesdropping.

By the time Damian found both of his older brothers, they had relocated to the kitchen in their suite, arguing over whether an extra cup of coffee would send Tim into overdrive. He shot Tim a poisonous look and Tim just grinned broadly back at him. Knowing he had already been caught meant that he could needle his brother.

“A romantic relationship, huh?” Was the only thing he got to say before Damian launched himself over the kitchen counter. Tim cackled as a disapproving - but clearly very happy and proud - Dick pried the younger boy away.

[inspector-montoya-fox]

let me hop onto this kinda underrated but definitely outdated post for a minute and ask: did Dr Michael PhD know about Clockwerk? it's not like i want the owl to be the ultimate catalyst in Sly's life - he was the end-all be-all for two games, it was time to move on for sure - but at the same time murdering an entire lineage of raccoons isn't um something you stumble upon everyday ?

i know how enticing it can be to want to connect all the dots when writing sequels and i'm so happy SP didn't pull a Roman Bridger told Billy Loomis to become Ghostface with Clockwerk and Dr Michael. actually, when you think about it, Sly 3 resists the urge to bring up Clockwerk in any way, which is very respectable. the way the game connects to the other two is through the aftermath of ClockLa (which is hardly mentioned) and returning villains as new gang members. if we removed those from the equation, Sly 3 could be a standalone entry. it's a very refreshing game after, again, two games that centre around Clockwerk and his subsequent resurrection but it's also a bit jarring to think that he is barely (or not at all?) mentioned during a game that involves two characters who worked for him as well as one who used his own tail feathers. at times it feels like the game is deliberately going out of its way to tiptoe around the subject.

personally, Honour Among Thieves left a lot to be desired, especially as the final episode not only of the game but of the series. more specifically, i love Dr Michael's conversation with Bentley so much but i feel like it was too little too late. i get that it acted as a climax for the 'Bentley wants to step out of Sly's shadow' storyline but the conversation gave birth to so many huge implications that it felt like we were just then getting to the juicy bits. why does Dr Michael have such vitriol for ConnEr Cooper? what happened between the gang members? was ConnEr truly a piece of shit or is it all Dr Michael's perspective? did every Cooper have a Bentley and Murray figure in their life?

whereas the player got to know Neyla through her various appearances throughout Sly 2, Dr Michael's character development is put on pause due to the fact that Sly 3's episodes aren't interconnected via the common thread of "a gang of villains". as a result, many questions arise in the final episode and never get answered. one of them being: what's his connection to Clockwerk? as highlighted in the paragraph above, there are other questions that are easily prioritised over this one because they are pointed at during the conversation with Bentley. that being said, it feels a bit bizarre for Dr Michael to not even bring up Clockwerk once. when he first sees Sly he thinks it's ConnEr, which raises the question 'does he even know about Clockwerk murdering ConnEr in the first place?' that's definitely one possibility. the gang dispersed and when ConnEr settled down as a family man, that's when Clockwerk came into the picture. ok! probable scenario...

... but idk i'm not really buying it. i don't want to be the tin foil hat girlie and i'm truly not, like in terms of narrative logic it makes total sense. but from a consistency standpoint, how can you create a character that is actually portrayed as more of an omnipresent, all-powerful entity, the literal embodiment of evil, to then just have him go *poof* ? Clockwerk is the stain on the Cooper legacy, the Cooper killer and Dr Michael, who prides himself on hating ConnEr so much, has no idea who he is? the evil scientist who is infatuated with the Coopers and creates animal hybrids doesn't know about the owl robot that survives on Cooper hate? mama what are the odds. again, i'm against trying to unnecessarily connect all the dots, but even a mention would suffice. cutscene appearance even. like what if Dr Michael acted as this Judas figure who approached Clockwerk post gang breakup and spilled on how to track down ConnEr or some sort of secret? it would also help flesh out Clockwerk's character posthumously, which i find so clever. this is something discussed on the new episode of Safehouse Chats btw (shameless plug-in sis), where we debate whether or not Clockwerk benefits from being shrouded in total mystery. as for my initial question? i think Dr Michael bottomed for Clockwerk. block me