#All of them pick sides and fight over the divorce constantly

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Boomsonic: okay when we tell the kids about the divorce, I’ll start the conversation, that way they’ll be more angry at me, not you.

BoomShadow: wow that’s.. really mature of you?

BoomSonic: they can’t be mad forever right?

* both walk into their kids room and kneel down*

BoomSonic: kids we both love you very much, you are the best kids in the gosh dang world, and it’s because we love you , that we’re here to tell you..

Boomsonic: YOU BOTH GET RAISES IN YOUR ALLOWANCE :D

* both kids hug sonic * YAAY WE LOVE YOU DAD OMG

BoomShadow angry and flabbergasted : KIDS that’s nOT what’s happening, your dad and I are getting a divorce

the kids and sonic shocked: w-what how could you do this shadow * sobbing*

Boomsonic :you ruined this family * all three crying* YOU MONSTER 😭

The kids in question are Tails, Knuckles, AmyRose, and Sticks…

I love that the lead to the divorce was Sonic eating the last hot pocket. Oh my God I love this soap opera. ❤️🥹❤️

[artificial-transmutations]

Two sides of the same coin - MVP

"Come on! That shot was easy! Even a baby could have done it, even Cedric here!" Buck shouted in full voice.

Cedric tried to crawl into the plastic seat he was sitting in even further. If there was a dictionary entry for "cringe", there would be a picture of his father right next to it. The older man had been drinking heavily since noon, and when he wasn't shouting about how much better he was than everyone else, he was busy humiliating Cedric. Sometimes, like right now, he even managed to do both at the same time.

His dad, Buck, was the very definition of a redneck. From drinking during the day to the pickup truck he drove, everything about that 40 year old man fit together to form one big cliché. He was loud, drunk and always ready to pick a fight. He never missed an opportunity to tell you that you were doing something wrong or that you should try harder. And of course, he was always better than everyone else, at least in theory. The very definition of the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Cedric, on the other hand, was nothing short of a nerd. He had been raised by his mother after his parents divorced when he was three years old and was a smart guy. With his 20 years, he was already half way through university and working towards a Master's degree in computer science. But all that meant little to Buck. He couldn't stand anyone who wasn't as dumb as he was, and he especially hated nerds. Of course, another thing that made their relationship difficult was that Cedric was gay - a fact that Buck knew and constantly made fun of every chance he got.

Every now and then, Cedric tried to better his relationship with his dad, like today, where they went to a hockey game together. Cedric hated every second of it. The mind-numbing sport, the shouting, the drinking, the cliché male atmosphere... and of course his father. Well, it was halftime already, not much longer to endure.

"Hey, are you listening, boy?" Buck's pronunciation was slurred slightly, as he leaned closer.

"I said that I need to take a piss!" Buck said more loudly than necessary. "Come!"

Cedric didn't know why he had to come along, but he groaned and followed his father.

Since it was halftime, there already was a long line of men in front of the public restroom.

"See, that's what I'm talking about, they don't teach you the useful shit in your fancy school." Buck grumbled and pointed at the line. "Now look at them. They're all waiting their turn like good little boys. And they're gonna miss half of the game. Come on, this way."

Buck led Cedric through maintenance corridors until they arrived at a door, which he opened with a grand gesture.

"But this locker room here is never ever used. The players are all out in the field now and the door is always unlocked. If I were the manager here, I'd fire the janitor."

Buck shrugged his shoulder and walked to one of the steel urinals on the wall.

"You stand watch while your old man does his business!"

All of this made Cedric really uncomfortable. This was basically breaking into an area they were not supposed to be in, and he had to stand here and watch over his horrible dad.

Something on the ground caught his attention and he bent down to pick it up. A curious coin was lying on the floor. He pocketed it to show it a friend who was into collecting later. Perhaps at least something positive would come out of this.

He was interrupted in his thoughts by his father shouting loudly: "What the fuck!"

As he looked over, he saw that Buck was looking down at his crotch. At first, Cedric thought it was some kind of bad joke, but the surprise seemed genuine. Curiosity got the better of him and Cedric looked over. At first, he didn't understand what was wrong until he saw his dad's cock. It was really big, really dark and really stiff. Cedric didn't know why Buck was so aroused all of a sudden, but then he noticed something was clearly wrong. As he was watching, the stiff member got even darker and, more importantly, even longer. It was growing out in a frightening speed and looked less and less like flesh by the second.

"What's going on? Hold on, I'm gonna call the ambulance." Cedric took out his phone and cursed under his breath. No reception. Then he froze. The hand that was holding his phone was wrong. It was not his hand, but it was much bigger. His whole body was tingling weirdly, as his frame shot up in height and width. All of a sudden, his clothes felt tight and uncomfortable, and Cedric struggled to get out of them.

"What the hell?" He muttered, as he watched himself grow larger quickly. He was still wearing his jeans, but they were too small for him now. He quickly pulled them off and threw them away before he looked over to his dad again.

The older man had his own troubles. His cock had grown to at least 75 cm length by now and was obviously made out of blackened wood. The tip was larger and bent. Overall, it looked like a hockey stick that was firmly attached to the older man’s groin and just finished growing into the full size.

Just then, a clacking noise was heard as something fell down to the ground below Buck. He looked down to see a hockey puck between his legs and his face went white as he grabbed between his legs with his left hand.

"That's my balls! That's my freaking balls!"

Meanwhile, Cedric's body was becoming more and more muscular. His bi- and triceps grew huge, and his legs got stronger with firm muscles as well.

A slight coating of hair grew in on his pecs that became more manly and impressive by the moment. Impressive was also a good word to describe his crotch! A large cock and balls surrounded by some curly manly hair hung proudly between his massive legs.

Meanwhile, Bucks cock had finished transforming into a hockey stick. His clothing dissolved and revealed a most unusual sight: The skin on his upper body was getting redder, unnaturally so. However, below the waistline, his legs turned a bright blue. His whole body puffed out and looked more and more like synthetic fabric, probably polyester. His head on the other hand, became red and shiny metallic with his face forming into a protective metal grate.

Buck's crotch, which was already cock- and ballless turned into a protective cup, complete with jockstrap.

Cedric could only watch in shock as his former father collapsed to the ground, now nothing more than a heap of protective gear for a star hockey player. A hockey player like... Cedric? Cedric held his head, which squared out into a manly, rugged face. Yes, that seemed right. He needed to hurry, halftime was nearly over. He needed to get back to the ice, to bring his team to victory!

Cedric briefly wondered why he had stripped completely just to use the urinal, but he finished pissing quickly and got dressed again.

The bulky hockey uniform that was once Cedric’s father felt proud of his son for the first time as he tightly wrapped the large masculine body. His son was a star ice hockey player, and his job was to protect his body and be his tool - a task he felt most useful and content in.

If you enjoyed this story, perhaps the other ones of the series are also something you'd like.

[drawnfamiliarfaces]

Do you think Chase would go after any future ninjas?

Like, obviously, he wouldn't go after someone like Mac Antfee, but would he go after the ones with more potential? Like Randy, for example, especially since he summoned that giant earth worm that one time while he wasn't wearing the mask makes me think he has some form of magical potential.

Or maybe First managed to struck a deal with him to prevent him from pursuing any future ninjas? That's also an option that came to mind.

But what do you think?

Oh dude I have so many thoughts about it! I think I mentioned something about it in the first post, but I believe that after First, Chase would probably keep an eye on the Norisu Ninja succession line. But, the details would depend on the AUs.

For example, a basically canon AU where First wins a VS event and does not join Chase's Fallen Warriors harem. There could be two variations: in their fight conditions First could state that Chase never bothered anyone from Norrisville/Norisu line if First won (but that's too boring xD) or the 'unbother' conditions could have been only extended to First and not his successors.

So in this case, Chase would retreat back to his Fortress, and after First ascends into Ninjanomicon, over the years he would make surprise visits to Norrisville whenever someone worthy of his attention appears.

Would he actively try to recruit the future ninjas? I mean it would depend, but I think if one particulary powerful caught his eye, he might make an attempt to get them as a Fallen Warrior, (also as a way to grate on First's nerves). However IMO, those attempts wouldn't happen too often, only because the more powerful the Ninja is the more chances are:

they are either of particular strong will (like First) and can resist the Corruption during their tenure as Ninja and successfully give up their mask/memories/power when needed - and in turn resist Chase's offers/manipulations.

OR they are not that strong of will and will fall into Dark side and thus loose the Mask and most of their power. In that case, Chase still can try to get them into Jungle Cats army OR he can take them on as a minion! I mean, imagine a disgraced Ninja with memories but no Mask/Suit power, being suddenly offered another power by an evil warlord with a beef with your ex-boss??

So I actually think Mac Antfee would be an interesting specimen for Chase! I mean, it seems to not happen often, a disgraced Ninja while not overly powerful, but decent enough, that escaped The Ultimate Lesson, since Antfee was like the only one in recent decades. And while of no particular overwhelming skill or honor, Antfee certainly had ambitions and Chase could use that. And more importantly Antfee would decide himself to join evil, which is an big thing for Chase.

Besides, imagine Chase taunting First about how he picked up the dishonored Ninja he discarded and turned him to Dark Side? Like Oof, talk about divorced exs arguing about whose side the kids take, lol.

Randy, on the other hand is certainly no minion material, but firmly potential Fallen Warrior/Jungle Cat candidate. We all know that he is freaking powerful and took to Ninja powers/suit like duck to a water which says a lot about his pre-existing natural abilities. But Randy also falls into category of 'Strong Willed' powerful Ninjas that are not easily swayed by corruption/evil.

But I guess one can argue that he is constantly swayed by selfish needs, thanks to Howard's influence HAH, but he is also always quick to fix those mistakes, so it kind of cancels each other out? Though, one could also say Randy is vulnerable to manipulation, of which Chase is a master of, so like?? If Chase does decide he wants to get Randy as his Fallen Warrior, which is highly likely especially after RC9GN finale, ooooooo it could be an incredible temptation to get the one who could be equal to/if not greater as First.

So yeah, in basically canon AU I think it's highly likely Chase will make visits to Norrisville, to scoop out potential so to speak, with various results.

Now, there is another variation, I call Favorite Warrior AU, which is basically different outcome for VS event, where First lost, but in case of his loss he made a deal that since Chase is getting him - he would leave anyone associated with Norisu Ninja in the future alone. And Chase, as honorable as he is, would certainly accept those conditions, because well, he is getting what he wants after all. BUT he also predicts/creates a loophole to that deal (because he can be sneaky like that! >;3).

And the loophole is - while Chase himself promised not to actively pursue any future Ninjas, he promised nothing about actively avoiding them if they pursue him. And why would they pursue him, you would ask? Well, because of the First himself!

I mean imagine, in the Ninjanomicon there is a record about what happened to First (like, he still shared/recorded his memories in the book and joined Chase after, because he is honor bound to do so, and its all written down) and a warning for future Ninjas to never get into anything associated with Chase Young, the immortal warlock warlord, prince of Darkness and etc. because they would end up in his servitude, like First. It's a cautionary tale, a warning, a record of what happened to their Norrisville founder.

What do you think dumb Ninja teenagers would do??? They would try to figure out more of course! Granted not all of them, but perhaps a great number would try to seek out Chase for very different reasons.

Like, I would imagine the more honorable, goody-two-shoes would attempt to rescue First from this servitude. The success of their attempts would vary, but most of them Chase will send off back with their tails tucked, failed in their noble if dumb pursuit. Some, who are stronger, would be perhaps played with, in an attempt to make them join Chase too. (First would be very frustrated, if a little proud, to see those idiots try to save him, because he made a deal for them to be safe and here they are throwing themselves into the lion's den.)

Then there are those who would seek out Chase with less honorable intentions. Those who fell to corruption and are tempted by Dark Side, but lost the Mask, title and most importantly all that power. They would seek Chase in hopes of pledging their loyalty in return for power they so crave. And well. While Chase is certainly not going to say no to more people/ex-ninjas turning to evil, he would be more picky about accepting those kind of ex-ninjas into his Fallen Warriors army. (First would be most saddened to see those who fell into corruption though. I think he would feel guilty and like if he hadn't lost, they wouldn't have known to try and seek Chase and thus fall further into evil.)

Mac Antfee would belong to a second category (after escaping Ultimate Lesson, he would try to get more power from the one who captured the most powerful Ninja ever, because logic) and Randy will belong to the first category (that baby idiot will read that Ninja Prime was turned into a cat warrior by an evil warlord, and will be like 'Oh shoot I know what we gonna do today Nomicon, Howard! We are gonna save First Ninja!' and probably fucking succeed, lol.)

So yeah, in this AU Chase basically agrees to leave Norrisville alone, because it would become an effort-free warrior making machine for him, lol.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, hope my answer was entertaining at least! ;D

[laurfilijames]

Like My Dreams

Part 1

Intro

Pete Dunham Masterlist

Pairing: Pete Dunham x female reader

Words: 4.8k

Warnings: Mentions of a broken leg, use of crutches. Bruises and cuts. Swearing. Alcohol consumption and use of pain medication. Discussions of fighting.

Summary: Life is getting back to normal for Pete, including going back to work and participating in his first scrap since almost getting killed, and little does he know that an unexpected person is going to step in and show him that while football is life, there may be more to life than just football.

After moving home to help your sister with your nephew, Jack, after her divorce, you meet his bruised, but gorgeous teacher, and later discover you're connected in more ways than one.

A/N: Part 1 is here!! Pete deserves the world and I'm using this fic as a way to rebuild his for him.

---

"Have you heard from the Yank at all, there, Peg Leg?" Swill asked through a grin, ducking when Pete raised his arm up in an attempt to hit him.

"Aye, I'll beat you with my crutch, you cunt," he threatened, turning away for a split second before making a quick jab at his mate with the proposed weapon, making Swill jump and spill his beer. "And yes, I have. Turns out our Yank mate has sought his revenge and managed to get a recording of that geezer Jeremy admitting he put the blame on him, so he's right back into Harvard now and will be graduating soon as."

"Ahh, result!" Swill cheered, clanking his glass against Pete's before extending his arm out to cheers with Ned and then Ike.

"Gonna be a proper Journo now."

"Good on him," Ike nodded.

"Yeah, yeah. Says he's planning a visit back across the pond soon as he's done," Pete explained.

"Oi, when are you going back to work, Pete?" Dave asked, handing him a fresh pint before taking a sip of his own.

Pete took a long drink, tilting his head to the side and shrugging slightly as he swallowed his beer. "Soon, I hope. Apparently the little lads have been giving the substitute a right time. I already had to go in and give 'em the what-for…tell 'em to be nice while I'm away."

"Bloody buggers," Dave sighed, shaking his head.

"Told them I'd taught them better than that." Pete took another sip, wiping his mouth with his hand. "Their response was that they wouldn't have to be such shits if she wasn't such an old, miserable cow."

"Yeah, there's no doubt you're their role model, then eh?" Dave laughed.

Pete shrugged in agreement, finding no point in arguing.

"Once I get out of this cast I can go back in," he explained, turning and leaning his back against the bar. "I'm itching to get back to it, but more just to get out of Steve and Shannon's place."

"That bad?"

He sighed, choosing his words carefully, "Shannon is being nice to me for the first time ever, but they fuss constantly. It'll just be nice to go home."

"Yeah, all in time, mate." Dave clapped his shoulder, happy Pete was being cared for and wasn't spending the long days of recovery alone.

There were days his leg ached like hell, and after ditching his crutches about a week ago, Pete sometimes wished he still had them to lean on. He sat on the edge of his desk, reading out loud to the class from there rather than pacing through the desks like he had been, his limp becoming more and more noticeable with each step, but despite the pain from the long days of being back on his feet, he was grateful to be back in his classroom with life pretty much back to normal.

Being back in his flat helped with his overall recovery too, having felt desperate to get out of Steve and Shannon's stuffy place and in the familiar comforts of his own, having appreciated time spent with them and his sweet nephew Ben, but ultimately relieved to relish in the peace and quiet.

The bell rang, signaling the end of their school day, and Pete marked his page and closed the book, glancing at the clock in slight disbelief that the day was already over.

"Okay, boys, we'll pick up there tomorrow," he announced, collecting some papers on his desk as his class packed up their notebooks and began filing out of the room. "And remember your assignments are due on my desk first thing Tuesday morning, so get cracking on them!" he shouted over their excited voices, some of them moaning in disappointment over their homework.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket to see a text from Bov confirming their plans to meet at the pub later for beers, and excitement buzzed through him knowing that in two more days, West Ham was playing Manchester at home. The two firms hadn't seen each other since the GSE surprised them at the station and embarrassed the hell out of them, and word was that they were gunning for a comeback more than ever. Pete knew he would have to be careful, but the thought of getting back into fighting and experiencing that rush as his firm kicked the shit out of the other's whose bruised pride had never recovered from the last time made him feel like he was close to invincible.

"I don't know why you keep eating it, then, Bov," Pete scolded, walking through the doors of The Abbey with his mate who kept going on about his sore stomach, unable to help the laugh at his expense as he watched him hold his gut and beeline it right for the toilets.

"What's the matter with him?" Dave asked, nodding in Bovver's direction as he struggled to get by other patrons.

Pete shook his head and sighed, "Bloody guy insists on ordering the hottest curry going and then fucking complains about his insides turning as soon as he's stuffed it down."

"He'll never learn, will he?"

"Nah, serves him right," Pete chuckled, clanging his glass against Dave's after being handed it.

"I don't know about you boys, but I am more than ready for the weekend," Ike said exasperatedly, "work has been kicking my ass."

"You best be rested up for our big event on Saturday…" Dave warned, earning a scoff from him.

"Yeah, yeah, you know I'm good for it. When have I ever let us down?"

Dave opened his mouth to quip at him, but started laughing when Ike shoved his arm and directed his attention to Pete. "What about you, eh? You feeling up to it?"

"Mate," he said pointedly, his eyebrow raised, "more than I ever have." Pete grinned, knowing each of them would be keeping extra close watch on him despite him feeling like no one would be able to knock him to the ground.

"I've been trying to get Fiona down here for some drinks," Swill started to explain, "her bestie is here staying with her for a bit and said they were looking to go out on the pull-"

"Aye, I'll show your sister a good time," Ned interrupted, causing Swill to glare at him seriously.

"Don't you fucking think for a second you're gonna touch my sister."

Pete laughed into his beer, listening to the two of them carry on until Keith interrupted them.

"Isn't she the hot one that moved away a few years back?"

"Yeah, that's the one," Swill confirmed.

"Oi, she's fit as fuck," Ned chimed in, making a crude gesture with his hands.

"She's here helping her sister out with her nephew or something, I dunno," Swill nonchalantly explained. "I keep telling her that Fi's place is too cramped and she should come stay with me."

"In your dreams!" Pete laughed, "Poor girl would be traumatized if she spent more than five minutes with you."

"Yeah, well, you'll just see when she comes 'round, eh. I'm very charming when I need to be."

"The only charm you're going to have is when you're helping me kick the snot out of Manchester's top bloke." Pete wrapped his arm around Swill's shoulders and necked the rest of his pint, the exhilaration of the upcoming match and fight already tingling through his veins.

"Fucking right, mate!" Swill cheered, patting Pete on the back aggressively to help pump him up even more.

Saturday turned out to be one of the best days Pete could remember having. The Hammers won 2-0 and him and the boys made the ruck afterward almost look too easy, but it didn't go without it's evidence.

He looked at his bruised reflection in the mirror, having missed seeing various shades of red and blue marking his face, his skin tender as he pulled the razor down over it before rinsing it off under the tap. He smiled to himself in thinking a clean shave would make up for his appearance when he showed up to school that morning, the colours even more pronounced than they were yesterday, having already earned glares from other staff members as he walked through the hallways to his classroom. The little lads always got a kick out of seeing their teacher's battle wounds unlike the Headmaster, but Pete still did his best to set a good example for them and prove to everyone that even a Weekend Warrior could maintain his professionalism. Pete winced when he went over a cut on his cheek, making blood spring from it again, and washing the remaining shaving cream off his cheeks and chin, he dried his face and went through to his bedroom to get dressed.

"Have a good day, Jack!" you smiled, watching your nephew climb out of the back seat of your car, thinking how dapper he looked in his neatly ironed school uniform and finding how he styled his hair with a bit of gel too sweet. He was growing up so quickly, ten going on fourteen it seemed like some days, and despite the circumstances, you were grateful to be around him more. There was no doubt that the split between your sister and his dad was tough on him, but overall he seemed to be coping okay, and you hoped a small bit of it was because his one and only amazing Aunt was there to help look after him. Part of your designated duties were to drop him off and pick him up from school and football practices, your work hours more flexible and easier to line up with his activities than your sister's, and it was the least you felt you could do to help out.

"Thanks, Auntie."

"You've got your football gear, right?" you called out through the passenger window you quickly rolled down before he got too far from the car.

"Yup," he confirmed, holding up his cleats and giving his backpack a shrug to keep over his shoulder.

"Okay, then, I'll see you at half four when practice is over. Maybe we'll go grab a bite and see a film?"

He scowled, "The match is on tonight!"

You raised your hands in mercy, "May the football gods forgive me!"

It earned a laugh from him, making you smile, the little 'see ya!' he gave you as he turned and ran off toward the building enough to make your Tuesday feel a little less mundane.

Glancing out of the corner of your eye at the backseat as you reached for your purse, you did a double-take, noticing Jack's lunch bag and homework left forgotten on the seat.

"Shit!" you hissed before giving a long sigh, looking out the window for any sign he was still around.

He was long gone into the school now, forcing you to switch your car off and take it inside, and you trotted down the pathway quickly in your heels so as not to be late to work yourself.

Something had cheesed-off the secretary already this morning, and with little to no help from her, you took it upon yourself to wander down the hallways in search of Jack's homeroom.

"You alright there, Jack?" Pete asked, passing out a worksheet on each desk, his concern growing after noticing the sulk on the boy's face. He looked like he was about to cry, having finished rooting through his bag for the second time since he'd gotten into class, clearly searching for something that wasn't there.

"I don't have my assignment." There was so much defeat in the poor kid's voice, and Pete couldn't bring himself to be cross with him even if he wanted to be.

"It's alright, mate, you can hand it in tomorrow."

When that didn't seem to ease his troubles over it, Pete crouched down beside his desk, his leg complaining as he did.

"You did do it, yeah?"

"Yes," Jack confirmed, his disappointment not fading. "I think I left it in my Aunt's car."

"Right, then there's nothing else to be done about it for now, eh? Mistakes happen, I won't knock any marks off for it."

"I forgot mine, too, Mr. Dunham," the boy sitting behind Jack called out.

"No you did not, Louis," Pete said through a wince as he stood. "The only thing you forgot was to actually do it."

Louis, along with all the other boys, laughed, the kid being famous for never handing in anything on time or simply neglecting to do half the assignments tasked in the first place, his admission not coming as a surprise to Pete.

About to explain the instructions on the pages he had just handed out, Pete was interrupted by a light knock and the door opening, making all of them pause to look at the slightly embarrassed, but extremely beautiful woman who was disrupting their class.

"I'm so sorry," you began, smiling in your bashfulness. You looked directly at Jack, making Pete swivel on the spot he stood on to follow your gaze before looking back at you with a big grin on his face, watching as you held up a folder containing what had to be his forgotten assignment.

"Looks like you've got yourself a guardian angel, mate," Pete smirked, limping over to the door where he opened it more for you.

You apologized again, but somehow couldn't wipe the smile from your face as you got lost in Jack's teacher's vibrantly blue eyes, the colour seemingly enhanced and appearing almost fake due to the reddish bruises that surrounded them.

"Don't give it another thought," he assured you, looking back at you with a similar amusement before reaching his hand out to take the folder decorated with West Ham United stickers from you.

More bruises and cuts decorated his knuckles, making you wonder what the hell this man got up to when he wasn't teaching your nephew, and you made a mental note to ask Jack questions about it all later.

"You've forgotten your lunch, too," you spoke, peeling your eyes away from the man who made butterflies flutter violently in your stomach. Jack trotted up to the front of the class where you stood, taking the bag from you sheepishly.

"Jack, you're a very lucky lad," Pete began, moving to perch on the edge of his desk. "I don't have anyone bringing me my lunch if I've left it."

You shrugged and nervously tucked your hands in the pockets of your jacket now that they were free, biting your lower lip to try to stop yourself from smiling more.

"I won't take up anymore of your time," you said to the impossibly handsome teacher, maintaining eye contact with him as you took a step backwards toward the door, praying your feet didn't betray you. "Sorry, again, for the disruption."

"Not a problem at all," he said slowly through another bright grin, his head tilting curiously as he crossed his arms over his chest while you walked through the door, closing it behind you.

The second it latched you heard the entire class erupt in a long 'ooooooo', jeering their teacher as any group of ten-year-old boys would for talking to a girl, making you smile even more when you heard him shush them and chuckle lightly before continuing on with his lesson.

10:47 Fiona: We're going to the pub tonight.

10:49 You: …

10:49 Fiona: I said, we're going to the pub tonight. That's an order.

10:51 You: Fine.

10:51 Fiona: Don't be mardy. We need to get out of the house. I promise to show you a good time.

10:51 Fiona: Plus, there's a match on, so it'll be full of fit lads.

10:52 You: Is that really your main selling point?

10:52 Fiona: Yes. We'll see which of us can get the most free drinks.

11:09 Fiona: I'm taking your silence as a yes.

11:09 Fiona: Maybe you'll even get a snog or a shag in the toilets!

11:17 You: I swear you're a bigger perv than your brother.

Tucking your phone back inside your desk drawer, you bit the inside of your cheek and sighed out deeply, trying to regain concentration on the computer screen in front of you, but it was helpless. All you could think about was the fraction of a possibility of seeing Jack's teacher there, the teacher whose name you didn't even know, out of the simple fact that he probably spent his time outside of school in a pub watching football as most men did. Even if he did happen to be in that exact pub, in that exact part of London, on that exact night, the chances of him being there without a woman, or many, hanging off his arm were slim. Maybe he was even engaged or married, happily at home on a Tuesday night with his missus…

Regardless of your speculations, you continued to think of the way he had looked at you, letting this silly and unexpected fantasy get the better of you, recounting every moment of your meet-cute and how unbelievable it would be to find yourself tangled up with the likes of him. Had you exaggerated the glint in his eyes and the brightness of his smile, or how he made your whole body tingle with that nervous-excitement enough to feel like you were floating?

With another sigh, you willed yourself to get a grip, needing to get something accomplished in your workday, the chances of seeing him outside the school slim.

Still, a girl could dream, and smiling to yourself, you secretly thanked your friend for her persistence in taking you out.

Several very distracted hours later, you pulled up beside the pitch outside the school, seeing a small mob of boys in various coloured jerseys running around it, and your eyes immediately found and fixed on the tall coach that was unmistakably the same man who had occupied your mind all day.

You sat for only a couple of minutes before their practice was over, watching the banged-up teacher with a hitch in his step walk around collecting pylons while the boys ditched their jersey's into a bag and started to clean up their belongings piled near the fence.

Jack ran to your car even though his bags were far too heavy for him to be, and seeing how sweaty he was along with the muddy stains covering his gym gear, you wondered how many of these pick-ups it would take until your car began to smell like gross footy equipment.

"How was it?" you asked when he hauled on the door and threw his stuff in, flopping himself into he back seat before shutting the door and putting on his seatbelt.

"Good. Thanks for bringing my assignment, you're a legend."

"Don't I know it," you winked at him, taking one last look over at his teacher who just so happened to be staring at you, and you felt yourself flush from head to toe as you tore your gaze away from him and blinked into reality, putting your car in gear and driving off.

You were quiet for a couple of minutes, debating quizzing your nephew about his teacher, and ultimately decided there was no harm in it.

"Does your teacher always show up with bruises on his face?"

Glimpsing in the rearview mirror, you saw Jack smile. "Mr. Dunham? Yeah, most of the time."

"You're acting like that's a normal thing, Jack," you laughed, "Why is he always battered?"

"He's a Hooligan, so yeah, it's normal."

"A Hooligan?”

"In a footy firm?” he emphasized in the form of a question, like it was the most obvious thing. “Yeah. West Ham’s, obviously."

You nodded, trying to wrap your head around the information you were getting. You knew of the firm because of Fiona, having heard the odd thing about it through her because of her brother Swill, but the ins and outs of football were something you didn't pay much attention to anymore. You weren't even sure if Swill was still a participant of the barbaric side of football, assuming he might have given up his hooliganism in exchange for his respectable career as an accountant.

"Mr. Dunham's the coolest. He's everyone's favourite teacher. A lot of grown-ups and other teachers think he's bad or whatever, but he's the nicest out of anyone and is really smart, too," Jack went on, pulling you out of your thoughts for a moment. "I want to teach history like him when I grow up. It's my favourite subject."

"Well, then, I'm sure glad I brought in that assignment for you."

"Yeah, I was real upset that I forgot it. I want to keep my grades up in his class."

It was incredible to hear your nephew talk like this, finding a role model in someone so unconventional, but seeing as his father wasn't really one to look up to, you figured it was good he found someone who inspired him.

"Right, my man," you announced, parking in your sister's driveway. "Enjoy the match! I hope they win!"

"Mr. Dunham says they will for sure. Birmingham doesn't stand a chance!"

"Well good, because even I am going to watch it tonight!"

Jack pulled a shocked face, "You're gonna watch football?"

"Yes! Cheeky…"

"Make sure you cheer for the proper team!" he laughed, tugging on his West Ham shirt to show you the crest. He closed the door after taking out all his things and ran up to the house where he stuck his tongue out at you from the porch, making you laugh and shake your head.

"Want another one, Pete?" Bovver asked, nodding to his empty glass that had been drained for a while now.

"Nah, man, I'm good. Gotta be sharp for work tomorrow."

"Since when?"

Pete glared at his mate, not wanting to get into too many details, the truth behind his reduced consumption of pints being he had just taken some pain pills on account of his leg. He had done his best to cope with it, but after running around too much at practice he had to give in, needing something to help take the edge off.

"Oi, Fi's on her way over," Swill said, sitting down beside Pete.

"Oh, tonight? Sweet," Pete said, curious to see who her friend was and if she was actually as fit as the other guys kept claiming she was.

The Abbey was packed by the time the game started with the GSE dispersed throughout to watch on the various screens hung on the walls and above the bar, Pete sticking to their usual spot in the back corner where less people were gathered.

He spotted Fiona making her way through the crowd, judging by her tipsy smile and half-finished pint that she had already been here for a decent amount of time, the atmosphere of the whole place very rowdy as the Hammers maintained a lead.

"Pete!" she called, nearly pushing someone down to get to him to give him a hug.

"Aye, aye!" He stood and accepted her embrace, unable to recall the last time he had seen her.

"How are you doing? You gave everyone quite the scare!"

He chuckled, "Yeah, all good. I'm doing fine now, thanks, Fiona." He took his seat again and looked up at her with a smile, watching as she clapped her hand on her chest.

"What a relief, you should've seen how gutted they all were. Swill was beside himself."

"As they should've been!" he laughed, spinning his empty glass on the coaster. "You enjoying the match?"

"Wha- oh! Yeah," she laughed, her smile somehow larger than her brother's, "I'm not paying all that much attention if I'm honest!"

"I can tell!"

She shrugged and took a long sip of her drink, glancing around the bar.

He nodded at her, his brows knitted, "Where's your friend?"

"Hell if I know! Somewhere over there," she waved, motioning in the direction of the pool table, "Ned and Swill are chatting her ears off."

"Sounds about right…"

Pete settled into his seat and drew his focus back to the match as Fiona went and greeted someone else, but he'd be kidding himself if he pretended his thoughts weren't constantly on you, unable to get you out of his mind for even a second. He wondered if he would be lucky enough to see you again; if Jack would just so happen to forget something on a weekly basis and if you were going to be the one consistently picking him up from school and football practice, or maybe even be the guardian he would get to sit down and discuss Jack's grades with at parent-teacher interviews.

But it was rare for lightning to strike twice.

The Brigid Abbey Pub itself was incredibly charming, even if most of the people occupying it were far less so. Swill was the same as always, never changing his lewd, loud ways despite being forced to be well-mannered and respectful throughout the day, but it was rare that anyone had ever made you laugh as hard as he did. His mates were all there, most of them hanging around where you and Fi were, but mentions of someone named Pete and his whereabouts kept coming up.

You found yourself taking in your surroundings more than the game itself, looking at all the plaques and paraphernalia that hung on the walls, all while scanning the crowd in hopes of spotting the one person you somehow felt desperate to see again.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Hmm? What? No one," you lied to Fiona, though very unconvincingly.

"You spotted a fit bloke, didn't you?" she said with a grin that rivaled Swill's.

"Yeah, me," Swill chimed in, causing Fiona to talk back to him about being gross and them to start bickering as they usually did.

They always managed to make you laugh, and you had to admit you were having a better time than you thought you were going to, enjoying the company of your bestie and her brother, who's mates were exceptionally kind and welcoming.

It wasn't until you overheard a couple of them discussing a fight they had had that you really started paying attention to what was happening around you.

“Wait, are you still part of all that?” you asked Swill, grabbing his arm to make him turn around to face you.

"For life!" he exclaimed, "I'll be dead before I leave it."

"Yeah, well, some of you are making that come true more than others," Fiona scoffed.

You screwed up your face in complete bewilderment, "Wait. What?"

"The head of the firm," she began explaining, "their mate, Pete, nearly died about four months ago in a fight. He's just been back to work the last few weeks and everything. It’s a complete miracle he's even alive."

"Jesus Christ," you muttered. "And he still fights?"

Ike huffed out a laugh before turning serious, "Oh, fuck yeah…like nothing ever happened."

The rest of the lads all excitedly started recalling how intensely this Pete had fought the other day, going on about how their fearless leader was back and stronger than before.

"Is he here?" you asked, wanting to meet this death-defying prodigy of England's roughest unofficial sport.

"'Course he is," said Ned, "he's sat over there in his usual spot." He nodded toward the back corner of the pub, and standing on your tip-toes, you attempted to see over the hoard of heads between where you were and there, but it was impossible to manage.

It was almost hard to believe that these men, who held regular jobs and had seemingly normal lives, still carried on the insane, delinquent habits of the firms brought on from decades prior, and even more so that after one of them was nearly killed, they continued on with more pride than ever.

The match ended in a win for the mighty Hammers, the high spirits of their dedicated supporters lingering on in the pub, helping to keep Pete going despite being the most sober one of all his mates. As the groups of people started to thin out, he was finally able to spot where Fiona and the rest of them had been loitering, his eyes trained on one person in particular.

His heart hammered in his chest as he downed the rest of the beer he had been nursing, praying for the slight nervousness he felt to calm.

"Well, fuck me," he murmured under his breath, standing from the table where he left Dave asking him what he was on about and where he was going.

Not bothering to ease his friend's mind with an explanation, Pete slowly made his way through the crowd, almost afraid that if he moved too quickly, the scene he was walking toward would vanish from his sight like a mirage.

A grin that met his eyes crept up his lips, thinking that maybe dreams didn't fade and die and it was possible that lightning could strike twice after all.

---

Part 2

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[bonefall]

do you have any toxic families who “get better” even if they aren’t perfect? sometimes parents do get better but for me it wasn’t until i was an adult so it. feels complicated.

I do! But I am aiming for there to be more examples of families that don't, or are broken in a way that they can never be what they always imagined. It's my little way of rejecting the more common depictions of toxic families, which is, "Oh they're still your parents. You only get one. They tried their best. Forgiveness is always good and always necessary."

Imo the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, so, jot that down

Digressing, here's the families with some toxic dynamics I'm planning;

Sparkpelt and Nightheart: Reconcile, I don't rewrite arcs until they are done but I am dead set on fixing the buildup of miscommunication between the two of them.

Tallstar and Palebird: Reconcile, expanding on Pale having severe postpartum depression when he was born

Bramblestar's Thorns: Spark and Alder reconcile along with Jessy, Bramble is always on thin ice with them.

Lionblaze and Dove/Ivy: Lion and Ivy are able to mend, Dove hasn't forgiven either of them.

Thunder Storm and Co: Gray Wing has some things to unlearn that he picked up from Clear Sky, but is strongly considered Thunder's dad here and comes out wiser from this. Clear Sky is Not forgiven.

Owlclaw and Whitewater: I haven't had the chance to really talk about these two yet, but the fact that White is scared of her child is influential to him as a little bully.

Tangleburr and Deerfoot: Deerfoot died to TigerClan and Tangleburr supported it until it was too late. This is something that haunts her, that they weren't able to fully reconcile.

Blackstar: Instead of Blizzardwing being Featherstorm's second mate, he was unhappily cat married to Hollyflower and they were CONSTANTLY fighting. Black was very close with his siblings as a result of this.

Crookedstar and Rainflower: Staying largely unaltered, however, she is not allowed to abusively rename her child. sincerely what the fuck. why did Hailbert "The Word Of The Leader Is The Warrior Code" McStar allow this. Why Can You Not Say No. Crookedjaw is an honor title in BB.

Sedgecreek: Actually ends up cat divorcing her wife Greenflower when she's xenophobic towards their daughter Swallowtail and their grandchildren. Also she gets to become deputy.

Aaaaand under the cut is Graystripe's family thing because it's so large it couldn't fit in a bullet point summary

Graystripe and Co

He has never really moved on from Silverstream, or the death of Feathertail. He loves his Three Bs, but it's always obvious to them that his heart is somewhere else. They're compared to Storm and Feather a lot, and Gray doesn't realize how much it hurts to be second best to siblings you never met.

But worse is that he can't stand up to Millie, when she smothers Briarlight after she's paralyzed. He can't lose another mate, so he doesn't defend his daughter, and he's not there for the other two when Briar ends up being the only cat Millie focuses on.

And Millie... after over a year of mistreating Briarlight and making it all about her, she gets cut off completely. Jessy upgrades Briar's mobility device, giving her more freedom than she's had since the accident, and Millie's response is, "Don't give her false hope! Shame on you, she'll ALWAYS need me with her!"

Briar says, "No! That's enough! I don't want to hear from you until you learn some respect!"

Millie is cut off for several months. Graystripe is forced to stay on her side of the line. Blossomfall and Bumblestripe are working through their resentment. Blossom's kittens come and grow, the impostor happens, Stemleaf and Briarlight are both victims of his regime.

Shellfur and Bumblestripe both have long reckonings with how they supported him. Shellfur is nearly cut off by Spotfur and threatened with not being involved with his nespring's lives, Bumblestripe goes on a long journey with Ferncloud and Cloudtail, replacing Graystripe's Vow with Ferncloud's Parting.

There's a lot here. I intend for some things to get better, some things to get worse.

[destinygoldenstar]

Just A Couple Of Fun Headcanons Of TD Characters (Duncan)

- Duncan was born in a big family. Several cousins and brothers. He’s the fifth of seven boys. And all of them are police officers. Every single one of them.

- When he was born, the doctor was a rookie and delusional, so he got pulled on the wrong way. This is why he has the absurd long torso and short legs. Despite this, his parents loved him. Their loving brave boy with a bright future that would bring justice to people and be seemed as a hero.

- Of course, that light quickly dimmed out.

- His mom picked the name ‘Duncan’, because it means ‘detective’. Just like Duncan’s grandmother was in the law enforcement. 

- Duncan’s father was in the law enforcement ever since he was three. Duncan’s grandparents from his dads side aren’t around anymore. Arsenal took their lives. You can imagine the generational trauma in making sure all your sons were able to hold their own.

- Duncan’s parents don’t know what divorce is. That said, they don’t have a very happy marriage. After their last kid was born, the dad was out every night working late hours and sleeping in his office, and that ticked off the mom quite a few times. Their loud arguing became normal background noise in the household. Duncan went to sleep overhearing that.

- It didn’t take long for most of their fights to be about Duncan.

- For a baby/toddler, the constant shouting was stressful and made it hard to hear things around him. The brothers were always busy with homework, clubs, training, or a ton of police studying. Needless to say, Duncan never had a good relationship with his brothers, who constantly dismissed him as whiny.

- This household watched a LOT of police shows. And they watch a lot of the Fox medical/firemen/police dramas. It’s all they have on. With not much left to do, Duncan would watch these shows, even as a toddler.

- Unfortunately, he almost always took the wrong lessons from them.

- An example is when he was three. He was watching a show around the part where the criminals were getting arrested by the good guy cops. The cop made a monologue that their job was more than just saving people, it was a sense of desperation to do things right in the face of danger placed by emotionally tormented people. Everyone had a police officer in them.

- Duncan didn’t hear that. His parents were arguing extremely loud in the kitchen over one of their kids stealing desert without permission. But what Duncan DID hear from the TV was the criminal pleading that he didn’t deserve to be locked up, that he had a family he was trying to help, that the police were unfair and unjust. So the kid watching learned the wrong lesson. The parents found out it was Duncan who stole the desert, and he stood up for himself and talked back. He got a time out while his parents fought all night. The dad especially was harsh, as he was concerned even then that something was wrong with his son.

- Duncan’s mom loved him, even with all of this. She never treated Duncan any differently from the rest of the family, and always defended him. She always took the time to tuck him in at night and console him as much as needed. 

- Needless to say, Duncan’s pretty clingy and hungry for affection. It’s just how he showed it that changed as he got older. 

- Duncan’s household had a very strict sleeping schedule. Expect to wake up at 5 AM on a holiday.

- Duncan’s really into spicy food. His mouth does get set on fire a few times though.

- This family does not do takeout. No McDonalds.

- Would you believe me if I said that Duncan was a massive coward? He was often the kid of the pack that was afraid of every little thing and jumped at spiders. He was scared of heights, closed spaces, loud noises, gunshots, knives, the dark, insects; pretty much everything. His brothers often called him the wuss of the family.

- Duncan LOVES animals. He doesn’t want to admit it now, but as a kid, he’d gush over the cutest of critters and try to hug the bunnies.

- Canon, but he had a dog named Petey. That was his best friend as a kid. 

- One night, Duncan, a six year old, was put in charge of taking care of the dog while an older brother was lazy. He accidentally gave the dog the wrong food, so he got hyper enough that he broke out of the leash and ran away. 

- Duncan ran after him to get him back, but by the time he found him...

- The dog had been struck by a truck.

- The kid was in a lot of grief. The brother at the house, when he found out, pinned the blame on Duncan and called him a bad boy and a murderer. The parents snapped at that guy and demanded the idea that he was wrong and it wasn’t Duncan’s fault. Duncan still believed it was. 

- Ever since, as a cope to grieve, Duncan found interest in animals that could kill, like spiders and racoons. He’ll tell you those are what cute animals look like. He won’t admit he likes bunnies. 

- Duncan was born with Limb Length Discrepancy (look it up); explains his shorter legs. It made law enforcement physical training so much harder.

- The first time Duncan got in serious trouble was in Kindergarten. He (not intentionally) shoved a kid off the slide. Said kid was trampling all over him, so he was defending himself. But the staff didn’t know that, so he got a three day suspension. His brothers said “Only bad boys would get suspended.”

- Duncan’s brothers used the term “bad boy” as in meaning “failure at life”. They always felt the need to use them on Duncan every time he got in trouble. “Only bad boys would do this” “Only bad boys would do that” “Only bad boys would get in trouble” “Only bad boys fail”. The dad, surprisingly, considered that overkill.

- Duncan, for a long time, tried to tell them he was NOT a bad boy.

- Duncan’s neighbors are a bunch of nerds. Gross, brace-wearing, dorky, bossy nerds. They weren’t traditional bullies, but they did look down on Duncan a lot from his lack of booksmarts. They didn’t invite him to any hangouts. So their spilling of facts became extremely grating to Duncan because of that. 

- Overall, Duncan was NOT a good student in school. He tried his best, but his school was, again, full of law enforcement classes. He was put in honor classes, because that’s family tradition. He couldn’t find any way of studying that worked for him. He failed nearly all of his tests. And everybody had things so much easier that they thought he had some learning disability. (That wasn’t the issue.) It made him feel extremely out of place.

- On top of all of this, Duncan would break a few rules in school. Completely on accident. Sometimes he was ignorant, sometimes he was too stressed to realize, or sometimes some jerks would shove him into a situation where the only way to get out was to break a rule. Get shoved in a locker? You’re gonna have to learn how to lock pick to get out, which counts as breaking an entering. He’d apologize and explain himself, feeling bad every time, but because the school was so strict, he had to suck in so many punishments in school. The brothers only advice was, “Stop being a bad boy, and maybe you’ll get it right”

- It would be rare that a teacher would explain why Duncan’s actions were bad and try to help him find a better solution. Most of the time, the staff would just give Duncan the consequence with no hint of grey area. 

- Despite this, Duncan was pretty well known. Not because he was likeable to anyone, but because he was the son of pretty well known police officers. “Wow, this is the son of those cops? And he’s so soft and pathetic?!”

- His dad didn’t listen to Duncan’s failures in school very well. He just told him to study harder like he did, do what he’s told, and then he’ll get it right. He wanted his son to succeed, and this was the way he knew how. His mom was more generous and understanding, and told him they’d help him find a way to make it. That he was a good kid. People would understand that some day.

- She gave him a summer at a knot-tying camp in an attempt to help him find his place. He didn’t. But because of this, Duncan has a great knowledge of rope.

- His clear black sheep caused even more of a strain on his parent’s ‘stable marriage’. His mom wanted him to try something different, his dad wanted him to keep trying this path, and his brothers just suggested that he was simply a bad boy. 

- Young Duncan was pretty insecure, like there was something wrong with him. That he was learning the wrong lessons. That he couldn’t comprehend the right lessons. That he was ‘bad’ for preferring to play games and go outside rather than study for an LSAT. That he was ‘bad’ for asking anything of anyone. That he was ‘bad’ for wanting attention he rarely got from anyone but his mother. But maybe he’d learn one day, and everything would turn out fine. 

- Then when Duncan was ten, that idea would age poorly.

- It all started at another day of nerds being practical bullies, but this time, Duncan was saved by someone in his class. His name was Mal. He was a cheerful punk kid who constantly got in trouble in school. He took time to comfort the scared Duncan and assure his safety and his fears. A part of Duncan felt comforted by the idea that he didn’t need what he was being taught. So the two began to hang out a bit and get to know each other. 

- No. Duncan never knew about Mike or any of the other splits at the time. 

- Mal invited Duncan to come with him downtown to ‘light some fireworks.’ As of means to get some fun and expose Duncan to the brave and tough life of a fighting spirit. Duncan however, declined at first, as this time, he KNEW it was against the rules.

- But that same night, Duncan’s father once again, didn’t come home from a fight his parents had, and he claimed to be sleeping at the station. The mom needed to reconcile with the situation, so she left the house for the night as well. In a rare instance, she told Duncan to stay home and study. She meant well, but it caused Duncan to have a panic attack in the house with just his stern brothers around, especially when she claimed “I can’t deal with you right now.” Duncan took that the wrong way.

- From the stress of books and getting no help, plus the darkness outside, the kid had panic attacks left and right, eventually getting to his brothers who demanded he ‘grow up’. Let’s just say it resulted in a fight that made Duncan run away from home on the spot.

- From there, his only option was to go downtown and find Mal. The only one he believed would listen to him.

- He found Mal at an old building that he claimed to be uninhabited. Throughout the night, Duncan felt more free than he’d ever been, doing dangerous things and adventuring out in the world. 

- Then Mal gave him a lighter, wanting to each him how to ‘make fireworks’...

- Mal ran out to do something, leaving Duncan, on his own, to burn the building with a microwave to have some fun.

- A massive fire broke out in the place. A place that, which the starter didn’t know, was a building that people lived in.

- The police and firemen came in, including Duncan’s father, and his brothers who made a search party. They had a hard time putting the place out and saving the residents. A lot of them were heavily injured and now homeless.

- And then when he believed that only a MONSTER would ever do this, his son came out in the open, laughing...

- Unaware of the situation, Duncan escaped unharmed and happy with himself, trying to find Mal and tell him how great he did. But then he saw his father there in complete shock, and they both put two and two together. 

- Duncan began crying in terror pretty quickly, begging for forgiveness. He pleaded that he could help fix it. That it wasn’t a big deal. That he was sorry. But no one listened. The cops showed no remorse and tackled this ten year old to the ground to handcuff him. The whole brutal procedure, Duncan was crying to his watching family for help, apologizing over and over again. But none of them helped him. The brothers only claimed that he would certainly learn his lesson now. 

- His dad was so blinded by rage to even show a single ounce of care for his kid in this moment. The last thing Duncan heard clearly was his father screaming in is face, “You’re a BAD BOY!”

- Duncan was taken away to Juvie. The entire drive there, he just kept crying and begging to be let go. No one listened.

- Duncan spent the whole night in his cell crying until he threw up, then still cried hours after that. It was terrifying in a cold dark cage all alone.

- He fell ill from this level of fear and crying and needed to be in the infirmary. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him, other than his mental state went badly out of hand when he came out of it. 

- After he’s brought back to stay in his cell, he’s stiff and giving the guards nasty death glares.

- The mom, the only one not at the scene of her son’s arrest, heard about it when she got home. She immediately insisted they’d bail him out. However, her husband forced her to keep their kid behind bars for the entire three month sentence. Their idea was that this would teach Duncan a great lesson, and he would finally understand. This would be his hero origin story.

- Nope. It ended up being his criminal origin story.

- In all honesty, Duncan’s father truly thought he was doing what was best for his kid, and simply didn’t know how else to put it. He’ll tell you that how Duncan turned out was not his fault.

- Duncan was forced out of his cell the next morning for breakfast. He had to be dragged out by a guard because he was too scared to move. When you’ve been sick and you’re in this place for awhile, you don’t get a lot to eat. By then, word had already gotten out to the other inmates that the son of a famous police officer was in Juvie. So the other delinquents rushed him. ‘Rush the new guy’. 

- It was actually a greeting they did to welcome Duncan to their clan.

- Course, none of them expected the kid to simply cling to them and hug them. They thought it was pathetic, but they consoled him anyway. They gave him the only form of love, comfort, and safety he was gonna get from his situation. They listened to Duncan and heard his story, and his growing grief over his family, the police, and the whole world. How it was unfair. “Everyone hates me. My parents hate me!”

- Needless to say, these delinquents fueled that mindset, and quickly became Duncan’s first friends, and they helped give him a home where he felt belonged.

- He found where he belonged. At long last. 

- Despite everyone else telling her to leave him be, his mom visited him once, when they weren’t looking. By that point, Duncan was too heartbroken to look her in the eye, even when she kept on trying to console her son that things would be okay, that mommy was gonna help him, that he wouldn’t have to be there ever again. He didn’t listen to that.

- Juvie was split between genders. So all Duncan was really taught on respecting women was from his delinquent friends. ‘Chicks are hot. Chicks are stupid.’

- Duncan didn’t talk to Mal again. Mal’s echoes of cackling in the cells were enough to reveal that he was FAR more dangerous and evil than Duncan gave credit for. 

- Despite the company, Duncan wasn’t a fan of Juvie. He never was. The cells were cold, dark, and uncomfortable. The food was worse and worse every day. He was put through so much brutality that he felt like he would pass out after each day of labor. Frankly, he wouldn’t want to talk about what else. 

- His new friends helped him through the time by helping him train and toughen up, which certainly helped him suppress his fears and get stronger. Duncan was actually sad to leave Juvie in that sense, as he might never see these people again.

- Ever since this, Duncan and his dad’s relationship went from flawed but well meaning, to complete spite in each other. His dad did eventually feel bad about his decision to leave Duncan there, but not because it was scary for his son, but for what came out of there. That was not his son. His son would listen to him. 

- His dad got the parole officer for Duncan to help him out. Duncan liked the parole officer because he’s a chill dude compared to his parents, and he’s easy to bribe.

- His mom still loved him, but Duncan constantly pushed her away and didn’t want her company. He thinks she hates him.

- They tried everything to help Duncan. Therapists, more school, punishments, consolation, everything you can think of. But every time, he thought those people hated him, so he heavily mistreated the counselors and forced them to claim that he was beyond saving. 

- Duncan didn’t apologize for whatever he did wrong anymore. He could stand up for himself far better now, and couldn’t be pushed around anymore. He was the one pushing. If anything, breaking the rules and doing whatever his hormones told him was fun. Turns out, people found a bad boy really fascinating. While Juvie was a ton of torture, he could at least face it with pride and an ego, and frame the hell as a heaven. Plus he got to see his friends there and tell him about the amazing crimes he committed. They became their own family.

- Even after Duncan changed his hair, gave himself piercings, and went full punk, the bad boy persona was all an act. He didn’t think he was actually a bad boy, or that it was even a good thing to be called. The real Duncan was still scared of the dark, even if that Duncan was suppressed in a safety mask now. The real Duncan was a failure. The Delinquent was a Type A. He grew into pretty much the opposite of pre-Juvie Duncan. Confident, egotistical, tough, stubborn, prideful, unapologetic, brave, and a complete pain in the ass.

- Needless to say, nobody would believe they were the same entity, nor would they believe how Duncan had grown. He made himself so unapproachable and terrifying that it was all beyond belief. 

- Duncan loves ghost stories. Though he does tell the same story over and over again.

- Celine Dion reminds Duncan of his screeching grandma. No thank you.

- Duncan knows mechanics. He can be a getaway driver in a heist if he wanted to.

- Duncan sleeps with his knife. Yes, he did get his face cut a few times, but he doesn’t care. Nothing a bandage can’t fix.

- Duncan will NEVER resort to murder or first degree injuries on anyone. He’s not that type of guy despite his delinquent status. Never in his life would he become a murderer. 

- Duncan found Scruffy in an alleyway on a heist with his friends. He took it in as a pet for Juvie. He definitely aids the scariness of the cell.

- Duncan and the other inmates often attempt to escape Juvie. Not because they thought it would succeed, but because it gave them more sentences. Sometimes they’d be stuck there for so long that Duncan forgot some details of his own house’s appearance. 

- Then one of them asked Duncan what he planned to do once he was too old to be in Juvie.

- That was a question that sunk into Duncan. He couldn’t get a job. Not from his Juvie record. So where else could he get money that wasn’t a heist?

- How about a reality show that’s opening up auditions?

- If anyone in this cast has a foul mouth, it’s this one. The producers have to censor him more than all the others combined.

- Duncan bullies Harold because that’s the delinquent name. Plus, he sees his obnoxious neighbors in Harold. So nothing personal. Until the Courtney incident. (Deep down, Duncan thinks Harold should’ve beaten him in Action)

- Duncan is kind of the papa bear of the people he hangs out with. He insists he does it cruelly, but people will tell you otherwise and that he’s very kind and understanding.

- Geoff and DJ are very easy to get along with and talk to. And they seemed okay with Duncan’s demeaner. So they immediately became his best friends on the island.

- Duncan sees himself in DJ, in the sense of loving animals and being a soft coward. He would hate DJ for it, but even he can’t do that to the gentle giant.

- Duncan secretly asks DJ for hugs. And DJ lets him hug Bunny. Duncan threatens him not to tell anyone.

- Duncan sees himself in Courtney. What would he be if he was like his father? TV only wants to show the dramatic parts of their relationships. In Island, Duncan and Courtney do speak more kindly to each other, and a little more sincere. Especially Courtney’s side in this. (Want me to make a Courtney headcanon post?) They also bond over their strict parents. That’s a rare thing they have in common. They definitely felt the dysfunctional chemistry blooming, which at the time felt like they understood each other. 

- Duncan would tease about it, but he never anticipated Courtney would actually kiss him. What sexy chick like her would want him? 

- She listens to him. He listens to her. They’re heroes to each other. Maybe it’s different from everyone else.

- Duncan definitely became famous in the IN UNIVERSE fandom of the show. Chris knows this. He’ll gladly keep Duncan around in the game if it means better ratings.

- Duncan is a love-sick puppy when it comes to his girlfriends. He won’t admit it aloud, but he loves his pet names for a reason. They make him all gushy underneath his piercings. Rare times where he doesn’t hate that.

- Duncan LOVES being pet on the head. It’s a weak spot for him when it comes to receiving love.

- Duncan wants to be given affection and love. In any means necessary as long as he’s consent. He wants to be loved for his persona.

- Duncan wasn’t after Gwen in Action. They were great friends, but not much else then. He was not lying when he said he didn’t hook up with her then. 

- Duncan and Courtney were in a relationship during Action. I know that seems like a stretch, but I see no reason why they would not be. Their acts in Action were just Duncan trying to flirt and make it as functional as possible. Courtney however, always chose the win over those she cared about.

- That resulted in the amendments, which turned Duncan off. Progressively, Duncan became tired of her physical abuse on him, and the papers were way too close to home. Plus it practically destroyed both his mental and physical health just to make her happy. She wasn’t different. She just wanted to change him. 

- After Action, Duncan considered Harold to be an equally matched rival. He even visited Harold when he was depressed and having weight problems, and he practically slapped the dweeb into getting back with his band.

- When Duncan won the season and got the money, Courtney came in to share it with him. From there, they moved in together as a power couple, despite the abuse.

- It started fine, with the temporary tattoos, but for the year they’ve been in their relationship, it quickly went to another nightmare. The amendments didn’t stop, and Courtney was extremely strict. She was trying to help him make it out in the real world, but Duncan was way too stubborn for that talk. Make out sessions would become fights more and more, and the raccoon custody did not help.

- This rocky relationship only worsened Duncan’s state, and it only got called out once. He hates doctors, that’s canon, so he had to be dragged to one by Courtney. There was the feral incident in Action. Then there was a date at a steakhouse. A stalker trying to get footage of the couple got all up in Duncan’s face and he began to get confused by everyone’s words. He ended up smashing glass and getting in trouble. 

- Courtney bailed him and took him to a doctor much to his protest. It couldn’t have been serious, right? He just got carried away.

- No. The doctor said he had a psychotic episode. And it wasn’t the first. They believed it was trauma that caused these since they weren’t hereditary, likely from Juvie, the show, or Courtney. 

- So they diagnosed him with schizophrenia, and they offered him medications. But Duncan did not take these meds because he was paranoid of the side effects like blurry vision, weight gain, muscle fatigue, and these, in his eyes, would ruin his bad boy reputation and his life. When Courtney asked what the doctor said, Duncan lied to her and told her everything was fine.

- He refused help for awhile, and therefore it just got worse. 

- In that same year, whenever Courtney was out of their apartment for law studies or whatever, Duncan was free to not be little miss perfect’s boyfriend. So he’d catch up with his Juvie friends, Geoff, and DJ, who he donated to.

- He’d also hang out with Gwen. Off screen of Total Drama, they began to hang out more and more. She was there to hear his rants about his relationship and not complain. They were laidback about each other’s nature and wanted the best of each other’s motions. They definitely felt the dysfunctional chemistry blooming, which at the time felt like they understood each other.

- She listens to him. He listens to her. They’re heroes to each other. Maybe it’s different from everyone else...

- Why did he kiss Courtney on the bus then? Because again, he craves attention. He’ll get it any chance he can get. That doesn’t make them ‘back together’. But the lack of clarification on such is... kind of intentional for what happens next.

- When Duncan quit, it was a pretty big heist ride to get his priorities straight. Clear his head, and figure out what he wanted at the moment. 

- He claims he hates singing, but he sings all the time in the showers. He’s also into the punk band he became a guest star of. Those guys could very well be in his pal section.

- Duncan planned on telling Courtney about him and Gwen. But then Alejandro had to eavesdrop and ruin it.

- A part of Duncan is jealous of Alejandro. That dude can play the hot game pretty well. And outplaying him, the Ultimate Merger? Impressive.

- Duncan did somewhat feel bad about Courtney, but he couldn’t convey that well cause, well, he was fed up with her abuse and he’s moved on. By the time she went possessive over him and tried to kill Gwen, he stopped feeling any sympathy for her. 

- That said, him and Gwen also became quite possessive after World Tour. Especially on Duncan’s side of things.

- See, the Gwuncan kiss... pretty much RUINED Duncan’s reputation. Both him and Gwen got so much hate mail that it’s flooding in a closet. Cheating does not do well for any celebrity’s image. A lot of people sided with Courtney and felt bad for her. Way to make a fandom hate you, am I right?

- But Duncan didn’t want that to get it down. He didn’t want to lose Gwen to these people and what everyone else was saying. She was different. She would be different. She wasn’t like all those haters. She loved him. He loved her. So he exploited all the hate and shoved their relationship in people’s faces to tick them off. Didn’t take long for Duncan to forget to take Gwen’s word for things. 

- So yeah, Duncan’s kinda the reason why Gwen’s a Villainous Vulture. Great boyfriend, huh?

- So Gwen had no choice but to blank him to save her own sanity. Courtney had no choice. Geoff. DJ. Harold. His parents. His Juvie friends. Everyone. They ad no choice but to blank him. And... well, Duncan’s very attention craving, so it hurt. He became starved and desperate for someone, ANYONE to notice him.

- When Gwen finally called off the relationship, Duncan confronted her that same right to ask what gave. It was a very ugly fight. Duncan ended up making it all about him and his feelings, and Gwen claimed that she THOUGHT Duncan was the only good that ever happened to her on the show... so they were both heartbroken in the end, and never understood each other’s ‘why’ in the matter. 

- Chris originally was gonna let Duncan go home early in All Stars. Because of all the hate Duncan had gotten. However, Duncan refused to leave, because he wanted to be there for Gwen. So Chris gave him the offer that he could stay, but only if Duncan got a redemption arc.

- So bam. Heroes team ahoy.

- At this point, his bad boy persona became more than an act. It WAS Duncan. This was who he was. This was who he believed he was. If he wasn’t bad, he was NOTHING. With that in jeopardy, and with everyone blanking him, he NEEDED to get it all back. 

- Duncan became acquaintances with Mike before he knew about Mal. After he figured out about Mal, Duncan kept his distance. However, Mike was the last person Duncan talked to before the infamous episode that would be his arrest. In the middle of the night, Duncan couldn’t sleep, and neither could Mike from a headache. Mike confessed his fear of both himself and Duncan, and he was pleading for Duncan to drop the act.

- But why would Duncan listen to Mal?

- Fed up from the blanking, the forced paths for him, and with only his persona left, Duncan burned down Chris’s house. His final rebellion.

- It took a few hours, but Duncan did eventually sink in what he did before the elimination ceremony. It was a show, so it didn’t count, right?

- And then Chris ordered his arrest.

- Needless to say, when Duncan realized he meant it, he was HORRIFIED. All those fears of the first time he went to Juvie came back, and he was screaming and begging for help more than the cameras would allow. He just did what they wanted of him! WHAT ELSE COULD HE POSSIBLY BE?!

- No one helped him. No one showed mercy. No one showed any emotion towards Duncan’s arrest. (At least, not from what Duncan could see or hear about). Duncan had turned down everyone who tried to help him in favor of petty rebellion. Karma. 

- No one even had the guts to tell him he was a bad boy for what he did. If anything, Duncan was... nothing.

- Duncan was sentenced to ten years in prison for arson, vandalism, and property damage. That’s not counting his other criminal records from Juvie. He was only a month away from eighteen years old when he was sentenced.

- Aside from one letter to his mom as an apology letter, Duncan didn’t ask for anyone else to see him. Prison was hell on earth, and he certainly burns in it. These inmates didn’t know what kindness or mercy was, and they only talked with their fists. Duncan was very often the punching bag from his small size and age compared to them. 

- He quickly gave up on defense and sulked in prison for as long as he needed. Scars and bruises galore. Nobody visited him or even mentioned his existence. Whenever they did, it was a statement that Duncan was never redeemable, or had any chance to turn it around. That Duncan deserved to be locked up.

- Everyone else at least had the freedom to move on with their lives after the show. Duncan did not. It never changed after prison time anyway, from his Juvie record and felon status. Nobody was willing to take him in, or give him a job. They were all fully aware of the criminal with the gut to ask. His psychotic symptoms at that point were at an all time high, and the rejection cemented that there was no helping him or his mind. So whatever was left was some petty robbery to stay afloat, which earned more prison and several years of living as a street rat running from the cops all around the world.

- Duncan never asked for attention again. He never regained any of his past relationships, or made any new ones. There was no point. He had to lay low, or else he’d be back in the gulag. He was just some mindless crazy runaway now with no connection to the world. 

- In all his reflection, if he ever did get the chance to see the faces of anyone who tried to help him, it wouldn’t be to beg for them to see his pride, but his shame. If he had listened to one of them, any of them, maybe he would have turned out better and had a chance to be anything more than a false persona. But he threw it all away like an entitled brat, and now he can’t say anything to them if he doesn’t want to be harassed again and called on. So, in his mind, he deserves to be left locked up as nothing. He won’t be able to hurt anything or anyone ever again. Not as Duncan. Not as the Delinquent. 

- In conclusion, Duncan spent the majority of the remainder of his life as a depressed, lonely, petty, broken husk of a criminal...

- Unfortunately, I feel as though Duncan got the worst out of the show out of ALL the first gen characters. Someone should protect him, even if he doesn’t deserve it.

[elysian-noctuary]

Yoshino Junpei info

"ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛꜱ. ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪᴅᴇᴀ ꜱᴀᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ʙᴜᴛ, ɪꜰ ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴍᴇᴀɴ ᴛᴀɪɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ... ᴛʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴄᴀɴᴛ ᴋɪʟʟ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ."

THINGS / ASKS / HC / THREADS / MUSINGS / WIKI

BASICS

Name: Junpei Yoshino

Nickname(s): TBA

Age: 17

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 165 lbs

Species: Human

Sex and pronouns: Male, he/him

Birthday: May 4th

Orientation: Bisexual

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Junpei is a thin young man with green eyes and brown hair that reached to his shoulders. His side parting let a large portion of his bangs cover the right side of his face. This helped to cover the scars he received from his bullies.

He wears a purple and pink striped t-shirt or a simple white t-shirt with a green rectangle printed on the front. He also wore a pair of calf length olive green pants and off-white sneakers with black laces and golden soles and toes.

PERSONALITY

Junpei is a reserved and apathetic individual with a distaste for other people. He has very negative views of people and society as a whole. If there existed a button that would kill everyone he hates, he wouldn't press it. However, if there was a button that would kill everyone who hated him, he'd press it without hesitation. He claims that he feels indifferent towards people and believes that it's no worse than hating them.

Junpei's indifferent towards other humans because he expects them to be evil, so even people's deaths don't seem to affect him. This is due to all the trauma he received from being bullied and rejected in his life. He has always been a recluse, but Junpei loves movies and tried to start his own club at school. It was unfortunately taken over by bullies who burned Junpei while nobody did anything to help him or reprimand his assaulters.

Despite being a normal student, Junpei's dejected attitude made him easy for Mahito to manipulate. Mahito fed into Junpei's darkness and encouraged him to take his indifference a step further into hate and revenge. This resulted in a shortsightedness that made Junpei unable to see Mahito for what he truly was.

Yuji, someone else who is around Junpei's age who's interested in movies, became one of Junpei's only friends. Even after Junpei had rejected all those around him, Yuji was able to begin to bring Junpei out of his troubled mindset.

CURSED TECHNIQUE

Overall Skill Level: Prior to meeting Mahito, Junpei was weak. He was an average non-sorcerer who was constantly picked on and bullied. Mahito altered Junpei and turned him into a sorcerer, allowing Junpei to get his revenge. To his peers, it looked as if Junpei gained psychic powers they could not perceive. They were unable to view Junpei's jujutsu and Shota Ito suffered a wrath he couldn't even see. Junpei gained the ability to summon a fairly strong shikigami. This allowed him to even put up a fight against Yuji, who was a relatively new sorcerer at the time.

Basic Cursed Energy: Junpei was born with enough innate talent to be able to see curses, but his brain was not meant to be a sorcerer. He was able to see Mahito, which eventually lead to the cursed spirit slightly transforming Junpei's brain enough to learn jujutsu. This granted him the ability to harness enough cursed energy to conjure a shikigami of considerable strength using his hair as a medium.

Moon Dregs (澱 (おり) 月 (づき) Orizuki?): A large jelly-fish like shikigami capable of paralyzing targets with a unique poison that covers the skin in black spots that burn the victim as if they were being stung. Moon Dregs also has a pair of spiked stingers that can pierce through flesh.

BACKSTORY

Junpei's father and mother are divorced, he was raised by his mother and had a pretty standard upbringing. However, he was bullied by several of his school mates. In one such instance, the end result caused him to end up with cigarette burn scars on his forehead.

Being bullied throughout his schooling, Junpei grew tired. Anger brewed deeply into his being, leading him to come in contact with Mahito, who lead him down a dark path. He altered Junpei's brain in order for him to develop cursed energy. Already born with the innate talent to become a sorcerer, Junpei developed a quite strong technique. From there, Junpei foolishly complied with the lies fed to him by Mahito; that another student was one of the people who may have cursed his mother. Junpei believed that it may have been his bully from school, and decided to confront him about it.

(AU) -- A sorcerer who belonged to Tokyo Jujutsu Tech was able to arrive on scene before there was a massacre. They talked Junpei out of committing to his anger, rage, sadness, anything under the sun, and taking it out on innocent lives. With deep regrets, Junpei spiraled into severe depression. But with the help of the people who finally accepted him, he (slowly) built up the strength to keep on living.

TRIVIA

Junpei started a film appreciation club with two of his friends during his first year of high school.

Junpei stopped going to school by his second year.

Junpei’s dislike for his mother’s smoking is likely rooted in his bullies’ habit of putting out cigarettes against his forehead. It may also be out of a concern for her health. (Both)

According to Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook:

His hobby is watching movies.

Favorite dish: Crab omelet on rice.

Least favorite dish: Herring roe.

Cause of stress: School

Junpei's surname has the kanji for "good luck" (吉, yoshi) and "field, wilderness" (野, no). His given name has the kanji for "order, sequence, obedience" (順, jun) and "ordinary, mediocre, simple" (平, pei).

[manofmanymons]

I love how cute the late chapters of the truthful route are

This is more me rambling than any form of serious post or ~anaylsis~ I'm just replaying the route and constantly sobbing over how adorable they all are

They get along so much better with each other and their partners than at the start or in the routes where bitches be dying and it is very much fun seeing them have so many positive interactions

Even their arguing is more productive barring when Takuma FIRST got back but admittedly that was MOSTLY just Kaito ksksmd like there's a lot more "think we should do this because this" "I see what you mean but also consider—" and a lot less "maybe we should—" "FUCK YOU SHUT UP YOU'RE WRONG"

Super love the scene where Ryo and Kaito are talking to Renamon and at first Takuma freaks out thinking they're gonna start a fight but then Shuuji tells him to calm down and just trust them and they end up just being like "hey what you did sucked but we're on the same side so let's work together" and Takuma is like

Like not even just the fact that those two of all people DIDN'T start shit but the fact that Shuuji wholeheartedly trusted them not to is SO insanely different from early game

Also the fact that after everything they've been through they can even still joke around with each other like there are just so many scenes where they're just being happy and silly in spite of it all

Minoru continuing to piss Ryo off by not treating him like he's older is so funny. Like they also clearly get along way better than before especially since Ryo doesn't take Minoru's dumbassery to heart anymore but that one scene where it was LITERALLY like "it's not what you said it's how you said it" had me dead jdjdnd they are such an old divorced couple. Not an old married couple. An old divorced couple.

I LOVE HOW YOU CAN PLAY TAKUMA AS THE WORST BEST FRIEND EVER AND JUST REPEATEDLY THROW MINORU UNDER THE BUS LIKE WTF MAN I THOUGHT YOU WERE RIDE OR DIE

Also love how pretty much all of them have at least one line that's just something along the lines of "we can do anything if we're together" because you KNOW none of them used to feel that way. Putting up with each other bc safety in numbers to actually genuinely trusting each other and being grateful for each other.

SUPER LOVE WHEN YOU'RE TALKING TO SHUUJI AND TRYING TO REASSURE HIM THAT HE'S NOT TOO MUCH OF A PESSIMIST AND IT'S GOOD THAT HE'S THE WAY HE IS AND IF YOU PICK THE WRONG DIALOGUE OPTION HE'LL JUST LIKE??? OPENLY ADMIT THAT HE KNOWS HE'S NOT THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB AND THAT AOI AND TAKUMA ARE MORE SUITED FOR IT BUT HE APPRECIATES THAT TAKUMA'S TRYING TO BE NICE

This is turning into a "random scenes I love" post but I love when Minoru calls Kaito weird for being happy about Miu bossing him around and Takuma telling him to knock it off because there's probably more to it than that. Also Minoru being like "dude how can you put up with this" and Kaito being like "how long do you think I've been her brother for" ksjskdn like it is so funny to think that Miu has always been a little dictator and Kaito has always just gone along with it

Also all the kemonogami are precious I mean they're precious in every route but I laughed so hard when I purposely picked a wrong dialogue option and Labramon yelled at Takuma for being stupid ToT

Falcomon and Dracmon kill me every time they're on screen. They're the funniest characters in this whole game. Again I mean they're like that in every route but I think the humor lands better in the route where there's not constant death happening.

Also also I'm sorry but them being afraid of the ghost at the school was so funny to me bc they've MET other ghosts at that point and also the other times they've thought there were ghosts it was just like...a digimon. It's like in ghost game when Kiyo is like AAAAAH GHOST and it's like bitch you KNOW it's a digimon.

Also also also Kaito lying about not being worried about Dracmon bc he doesn't wanna freak Miu or Takuma out but then after getting him back being like I WAS SO SCARED SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU

Also also ALSO also Ryo and Shuuji being alive so I can see all their battle lines with the other characters. And how even lines between characters change over time. I actually don't know what all the lines are and if the change is related to the chapter or to the route or to their affinity but I know for a fact that the lines aren't always the same and I am always delighted to see a new one.

ALSOx5 CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW ADORABLE THE MINASE SIBLINGS ARE FOR A SECOND? THEY ARE THE SWEETEST EVER.

Anyways these kids are the cutest friend group when their spirits are not actively being crushed by pointless deaths with no clear end in sight and it's just so nice seeing the kinda people they all are when they're not completely miserable and being pushed to/past their breaking points.

Like truthful may not be the most fun or interesting route but goddamn does it make me happy that the canon path is the one where they're actually allowed to grow and learn and be happy

[biillys]

hi. still living my 'what if billy's mum didn't fuck off and abandon him' best life becos dacre said neil moved them to hawkins to keep them apart and it refuses to leave my mind.

anyway divorce au where she fights for custody and ends up with every other weekend, which isn't the goal, but its a starting point. billy living out twelve days of hell with his dad before getting two days of peace with his mum.

shit escalating when susan and max come on the scene, billy lashing out everytime neil refers to them as his new family and neil lashing out when billy refuses to accept it. one short hospital trip two days before the wedding day has his mum finally getting increased time, custody going up to every other week, and neil getting basically just a fucking slap on the wrist.

his mum and neil not even being able to be in the same room together without yelling at each other, and billy counting down the days til he can finally have his own say on where he wants to spend his time, even though he knows it's not guaranteed.

billy's mum always wanting a big family, and refusing to let neil take that dream from her, even though she can't ever see herself marrying another man again. deciding to have a baby the new-fashion way, and starting IVF. giving billy a little half brother just after his 10th birthday, then another one after his 12th, then another after his 15th.

his mum fucking showering them all with love and affection and warmth, and billy being genuinely happy for the entire week he's there, even if the clock in his head starts counting down every second until he has to leave the moment he walks in the door. him feeling like the life's bring sucked out of him the as soon as he's back at his dads.

him and max having a fragile relationship. billy not wanting to be there and not making a secret of it, constantly stuck thinking of her and susan as outsiders, and the more neil tries to force them on him, the more billy rejects them. max getting promised a big brother, and getting a moody asshole instead. he has his moments though, sometimes after he gets back from his mums, and every time she gets that side of him, she thinks maybe if he wasn't such a dickhead, he might actually be cool.

then, a new court date looms closer, and as it approaches, neil suddenly gets a job offer he can't refuse, half way across the fucking country. billy's mum flips her shit, showing up on their front door step and raising hell. it doesn't change anything though, just seems to drag the moving out process longer, having to get lawyers involved and sign new agreements.

billy being so so so fucking angry at the entire fucking world because nothing is fucking fair, and neil being a smug asshole about it.

going from seeing his mum every other week to holidays only, and losing his fucking mind about it, taking it out on the people at school, on max, and on his car that one time.

him and max going from fragile to fucking hostile, right up until they reach their breaking point. max loses her shit at him and threatens him with a bat, and billy ignores her entire existence until he can't anymore, and has a breakdown over his entire fucking life after the oldest of his younger half-brothers calls him crying asking why he's never home anymore.

max overhearing the call cos billy took it in the car and max has never claimed to not be a nosy bitch, and giving him the third degree the second he hangs up. billy taking one look at her then punching the steering wheel, driving them to bennys diner instead of school.

billy getting some stuff of his chest becos he can't keep being this angry all the time, he feels like he's losing his fucking grip. max listening, and still keeping her distance, but also maybe starting to get shit. being slightly jealous that billy's so close with his mum when her dad won't even pick up the phone, and also being slightly fucking cut that billy barely seems to give a shit about her but apparently cares so much about a couple of half siblings that she didn't even know existed until today.

billy making an effort to try and not be such a dick after that, knows it's not her fault that their family's such a shitshow.

max getting introduced to billys mum and his brothers via facetime, and billy's mum basically fucking adopting her through the phone, even getting added to the group chat.

billys mum rolling into town for billy's 18th, bringing the boys and argyle as a surprise. billy going from thinking his birthdays gonna pass with barely even a blink, to realising max is acting suss as fuck and basically fucking demanding him to take her out that night. him being pissed that he has to chauffeur her around still, today of all days, only to feel actual genuine fucking joy the second the youngest of his brothers run up to him, argyle right behind him.

idk idk ! okay idk how divorce works or how custody arrangements happen but i would give my LIFE to see the person who promised billy five more minutes on the beach still love and care about him when he's a teenger when he's an ADULT. also sorry for pushing my billy & kids agenda but also. i just think billy being good with toddlers is something thats so important. and i think its fun to give him brothers. ALSO billy's mum and max. i just think they'd get along like a house on fire yknow. max seeing someone who married neil hargrove then fucking walked out, and took her kid as she went, and lowkey wishing that her own mum would fucking follow. billy's mum trying not to judge susan, after all she married neil once too, and she knows it takes strength to leave, but she looks at max and all she can think is why in the fucking world would you subject your child to that man by choice. so basically she welcomes max with open arms and tells max she can come to her for anything. also neil hates argyle and billys mum loves him. okay shutting up now.

[darkpoisonouslove]

I’m sending like half the list so feel free to trim this down if you want 😅 But 3, 6, 7, 8 (ofc 😇), 9, 15, 17, 18, 22, 25 for the writing asks!

I am happy to answer them but I'll hold back on 6 because it's included in another ask I got.

3. Tell us about the fics on your “to write” list

*rubs hands together* You'd better strap in!

I talked about the s3 canon divergence in which Valtor tries to convince Griffin that Faragonda doesn't really want her love but is only dating her to spite him here.

Other than that I really want to work on the Griffin x Valtor Reign AU. It's going to be a long-ish one-shot that takes only the very basic premise of Reign - Griffin needs to marry in a political alliance to protect her kingdom. Valtor is not at all being nice or polite to her and is constantly pissing her off by making unreasonable demands on her side of the alliance. She is intrigued by him, however, because he can challenge her in a way that not even her 4 ladies-in-waiting, who are her closest confidants, can. He tries to make her send them away one by one to weaken her by stripping her of her support system and he's semi-successful with Griffin fighting him every step of the way. She starts to put her own desires over her loyalty to her friends and Zarathustra is there to talk some sense into her to keep her from having to live her whole life in heartbreak. Of course, Griffin being Griffin takes the advice and follows some very distorted version of it that is not at all smart but it doesn't matter anyway because things do end in heartbreak thanks to outside forces when Valtor dies. Griffin is left to pick up the pieces with her friends and her new arranged husband.

I have The Lost Magic Dimension AU where magic has disappeared. Griffin is married to Codatorta but deeply dissatisfied with her life of a housewife. She was chasing ancient magical artifacts and any other leftovers from the era of magic but Codatorta was worried she would get in trouble with the law and she promised to stop. She meets Valtor, who is also interested in magic, and the two have an affair that Valtor at one point reveals to Codatorta. Griffin finds herself divorced and marrying Valtor because the panic that the disappearance of magic caused has made society revert to more "traditional" values and she was left in a horrible social position when Valtor made their affair public knowledge. They are constantly fighting until Griffin meets Faragonda at a social function and the two become friends. Faragonda gives her good advice and things are improving between Griffin and Valtor. So much so that they accidentally do some magic together. Valtor knew they could because it's happened before (but Griffin was preoccupied with him and didn't notice) which is why he revealed their affair to Codatorta. He wanted to marry her and find a way to do magic with her. Soon after at another social event, the Council announces that Marion and Oritel are the first people in centuries to be able to do magic. Griffin and Valtor keep their secret for a while but when it comes out, they do gain a following because they didn't need anyone's help to figure out how to do magic so some people think that they are more talented at it than M&O. Griffin hates the publicity around them but Valtor is loving all the influence this gives him and there's tension between the two of them again. I am still working on an ending.

I am losing my mind over the canon divergence in which Griffin draws Faragonda to her and Valtor's side during the Coven times. I have a pretty good idea for the first two chapters in which Faragonda intercepts Griffin and Valtor's heist on Oppositus and has a fight with Griffin and later Valtor is being an asshole about all of it to Griffin because his ego can't handle her obvious feelings for Faragonda. Griffin has to assure him that she's with him but later he's the one who gets the idea in her head to seduce Faragonda to her side. He is annoyed by Griffin's inner drama over Faragonda's involvement with the CoL and he feels that drawing Faragonda to their side would be the way to get rid of the CoL. He could always kill her later anyway if he so feels the need (he doesn't tell that last part to Griffin, of course). From there there's a lot of manipulative!Griffin, who is doing it all out of real, genuine love for Faragonda. And Faragonda is definitely falling for it, especially when Griffin convinces her that her current goals are unachievable anyway and she won't be throwing her life away if she joins Griffin. On the contrary, Griffin (and Valtor) will help her achieve her dreams.

I am also very hyped for the Ready or Not AU, which isn't really a Ready or Not AU. When I first heard of the movie and watched the trailer, I thought that hunting down the new bride would be some kind of insane family tradition with some sort of function for the future of the family but it was actually very boring. So I've taken it in my own hands to fix that. Griffin is marrying Valtor and his whole family is being very weird about it on the wedding day even though most of them really like her and treat her like one of them. Later that night after the wedding they inform her that until sunrise all of them (except for Valtor) will be trying to kill her because that's how the new members of the family are tested. The tradition started from the three "sisters", who founded the family. Most of its members don't have any blood ties so the idea was that this is a bizarre bonding tradition which shows how far any family member is willing to go for the others. It lets everyone know what strengths and weaknesses they have and how they are supposed to protect and support each other. The truth is that it was a way of drawing powerful but vulnerable people with resources and no family of their own into the sisters' circle and trapping them in there through that insane and illegal tradition. The idea that you'd be forever accepted if you partake in this tradition is very seductive to all the people who get drawn into the family and that keeps them from exposing the insanity to the world. Griffin survives but barely. She almost bleeds out in Valtor's arms because she got stabbed just on the cusp of dawn. The story actually opens with Griffin and Valtor's wedding anniversary and how traumatized Griffin is before the whole wedding night is shown and then there's the conclusion back in the present.

There is, of course, Warmth of Rage, Cold of Love that I want to finally finish writing after more than three years. I finished rewriting ch 1 and I've been cowering away from ch 2 for some reason but I do want to finish it. Not only is Valtor's plan to leave Griffin alone and isolated going to backfire, but he'll also get a big serving of poetic justice. There is also the usual drama over him between Griffin and Faragonda which I am planning on ending in a very traumatizing-for-Valtor way. He's going to wish he never even thought of stealing Faragonda's magic but he's too vengeful to just do the reasonable thing and return her magic, which will reverse the consequences for him. He's sure Griffin will get bored of a magicless Faragonda eventually and then come free him herself since she proved that she still has feelings for him. Unfortunately for him, he's also getting solid proof of her feelings for Faragonda but Valtor won't be Valtor if he finds some sense so he's choosing to ignore that.

Griffin x Faragonda Harley Quinn AU. Faragonda is getting married to Hagen because she wanted to be with Griffin but Griffin keeps going back to Valtor, who is only getting her into trouble. Faragonda tried to help her and they wanted to go for a relationship but Griffin just couldn't get away from Valtor and Faragonda gave up on her. Griffin goes to her mom's to heal her broken heart since Faragonda's wedding is the same day. Her mom's warmth is just what she needed but then her mom suddenly does a 180, drugs her and is about to kill her. Griffin manages to escape and goes to Valtor because she has no idea what else to do. There she notices he's successfully completed his mind-control device and thinks he used it on her mother to make Griffin crawl back to him. Valtor denies everything but the fight between them is interrupted when Hagen comes looking for Griffin because Faragonda is missing. That's the part that's mostly ironed out. After that... I am still thinking about it.

The Escort AU just got a makeover recently. Most of what I had about it was scrapped and now it starts with Griffin seeing Valtor from across the street. He's supposed to be in prison for murder but he comes after her and saves her life. He explains that he made a deal with the DA and got released because he betrayed the real puppeteers of the whole scheme (the Ancestral Witches). Now they want to kill Griffin in front of him and frame him for her murder to get revenge on him. They know he's in love with her even though she was the one who turned him in. She was (and still is) an escort. Her currency is that the people she provides her services to, who are all from the high society, do certain favors for her like see through changes to certain laws or support a cause she's invested in. That's how she met him and they fell in love but then she found out he is a murderer. Now he is her escort because her life is in danger. He has to stand there and contain himself while she's with the people requesting her services.

I am so totally planning on writing a Goncharov AU (hopefully soon-ish) with Griffin (as Katya), Valtor (as Goncharov) and Faragonda (as Sophia) even though I don't have any kind of solid idea as to the plot yet.

7. Post the last sentence you wrote

She was his.

8. Post a snippet

“I like to stay committed to you.” His palm on her knee drew a gasp from her that didn’t go unnoticed, his gaze openly skirting her cleavage. His hand inched up, the hunger growing sharper both in the curve of his lips and in her lower belly. “Especially when you’re trembling from pleasure.”

“I’m not-”

The pull on her hair cut off her words with a shiver running down her spine.

Griffin’s gaze focused in on the smug smile on his face.

His hand left her knee only to take purchase on her hip. His fingers grasped her chin to keep her in place as if she’d had any intention of moving.

“I should be displeased with you. Aiming for this at the cost of the mission is one thing, but constructing the situation so poorly that I have to waste my magic and this perfect setup instead of making you scream,” the words morphed into a growl, “is another.”

Griffin grabbed his wrist, pulling his hand away from her face. “I didn’t plan any of this.”

“Oh, Griffin,” Valtor chuckled.

He pulled her body closer into him, her legs swung over his lap. If he let go of her waist, she’d fall back on the couch.

She had to release his wrist. Her fingers dug into his vest desperately to keep her balance. She forced herself to swallow the heart in her throat at the look of his pupils – blown so wide there was hardly any of the ice left in his gaze.

He ran his knuckles over her cheek. “Magic is emotion. Your magic. That failed where it has succeeded a hundred times before.”

A stream of warmth dripped from his fingers down her cheek, her neck–her pulse point–and her cleavage. His magic ran through her like a river, the air trembling around him as if he were the sun. Her skin rose in goosebumps begging for his touch to smooth them over. Her scalp was already tingling in anticipation of the return of his hands in her hair.

His next caress was a certainty in her mind, in her body. Her nipples were hard, straining against the fabric of her top. She was already wet for his touch, for his fingers to slip under the satin of her shorts. Or better yet, for him to burn it out of existence and dip freely into her arousal the way his magic resonated into her very core like the hum of an avalanche.

“And what of your magic?” Griffin hissed.

Her hand was quick down his front and to the bulge in his pants. She cupped him through the fabric before he could stop her. He wouldn’t let go of her just to do so which left him only with his magic.

“Is it just an excuse to frustrate me? Or are you really letting it be an obstacle between us?” Squeezing his erection had him bucking into her and they keeled over under his momentum.

Griffin landed in a heap of her own hair, Valtor’s lips pressed into her neck, his cock – into her thigh. She had to wet her lips to lure her voice out into the heat of the moment.

“Valtor, greatest wizard in the known universe, failed by his own lacking control of his magic.”

9. How many drafts do you usually write before you feel satisfied?

I usually do three drafts. The outline is draft 0 but it's so detailed that it definitely counts. Then I have the first draft that is just writing the story. Then I do the fundamental + sentence level edits in draft 2. And this I don't count as a draft but I check for typos in the end.

15. Favorite first line/opening you’ve written?

Oh, god, hold on! I have to go reread 216 opening lines.

"Their friends took off like a flock of doves scared by the gunshot. Only, they were swarming the shooter like a murder of crows instead of scrambling away. It was reflex – like his knees giving way as he stooped down next to Stella's body strewn on the ground and his hands trembling as he cradled her against his chest. Her scream was still ringing in his ears, his own stuck under his tongue, his heart running to a stop." - Heart-Shaped Bullet Holes

Honorary mention goes to "The scent of Griffin’s perfume was bolder than Faragonda’s steps out of the bedroom" from Not Lingering Outside Our Truth.

Turns out that my opening lines are generally way better than I thought they were. Thank you for sending this, which made me realize that!

17. Post a line from your WIP with no context.

"You’re not Valtor."

Griffin hates it all the same when he is the perpetrator. But that’s not what she says.

I'm ruminating on whether or not to write this in the present tense.

18. Search for the word “knife” in your WIP. If you find it, paste the line and explain the context.

I have a mention of blade which used to be knife but I don't actually have the word knife anymore.

22. Have you chosen birthdays for any of your characters? If so, when are they?

I have chosen a few!

Griffin - 13 September (Virgo)

Valtor - 7 August (Leo)

Zarathustra - 21 November (Scorpio) right before midnight

Ediltrude - 22 November (Sagittarius) right after midnight

Emalyn - 25 October (Scorpio)

And I have only the months and zodiac signs for several more characters:

Marion - January (Capricorn), Oritel - June (Gemini), Faragonda and Griselda - April (Aries), Hagen - May (Taurus), Daphne - January (Aquarius)

25. Post a picture or gif that describes your WIP.

I am amazed by how accurately this captures the core of Sparks of Life:

(I saved this picture for it way before I even figured out what I was doing with that verse.)

[bisluthq]

A lot of Joe fans feel the need to defend Joe because he is constantly being attacked by irrational Swifties. Matty actually walked out on her and ghosted her, but Swifties still talk about Joe more, even to the point of denying Matty meant anything to Taylor, because that would mean the scathing Matty songs are about Joe. They actually seem like they were the one in the relationship with Joe, instead of Taylor. The hatred is that bad. As progressive as Swifties say they are, they actually prefer men who act more traditionally performative, when women were considered weak, and men had to be her knight who would throw a coat over a puddle(from history) for a lady to walk on. Modern day equivalent is opening doors and letting women go first. But maybe like you said once, Joe was raised by a mom who preached equality amongst sexes, and you made an implication there that wasn’t necessarily good, as I interpreted it.

Swifties are not generally speaking progressive.

I didn’t mean to imply Joe’s feminist upbringing is a bad thing. I kinda remember the context of the convo - we may have had it several times - and it was around how both Brynn and Taylor have accused Patrick and Joe of not doing much for them lol and I think that stems from a practical and feminist background where they’re like… not going to do things for their gfs if it’s much simpler for the gf to do it herself (Brynn seemingly being upset about him not picking her up at the airport but like realistically that would’ve been semi hard for him and it’s like an Uber like all she needed to do was get an Uber to where he was which, while not romantic, is logical and he obviously presumes Brynn is a functional human who has traveled internationally regularly and ergo can manage this, Taylor doesn’t have an example of this but I think he just let her do a lot of stuff because eh she’s capable of it 🤷🏻‍♀️) and also I think Joe was very happy for her to Bejewel on her own time but didn’t want to have the Bejewelling infringe on his time and I think, again, that’s a genuine equality stance where like “our careers are important to us so let’s both do them” 🤷🏻‍♀️

I know Swifties and Joe fans fight a lot but guys why here lol. I like them both. I kept both in the divorce. Like this feels worse than my parents’ divorce where yk I obviously kept both because my parents aren’t compete cunts (well to each other often they are but not generally speaking as people) and they didn’t keep insisting the other side was evil lol. My parents are divorced because they’re both shitty in some ways and were very incompatible and also my dad had an affair with my mum’s family friend from growing up (but they’re still married like 17 years later so it was a fuck u to my mum and that woman’s first husband and also to our grandparents for whom everything got awkward but it did work out so also like life happens and like fwiw my dad loves to say that my mum is the one who kicked him out and he was willing to work on stuff but idk what you were on when you who and fuck her best friend from growing up lol like that one’s done mate). Overall, good for everyone idk. Nobody was fucking evil. Life just… happens.

[thedawningofthehour]

The question with Donnie is whether he'd be willing to exercise. Like, he's more than happy to ninja train but once you call it 'exercise' then he'll suddenly be too cool for it. But in some universe where Draxum/Splinter force him to pick a sport:

Track. Spiny softshells are speedy and I feel like Donnie would have one of those builds that lends itself to running well. He'd excel in it.

Leo would join every club Donnie joined for the sheer purpose of bothering him/trying to show him up. It backfires because Donnie's science/math/nerd clubs are way over his head, and Donnie beat him in some foot race because Leo was too distracted trying to look good while running.

The twins also join the chess club and are probably a part of every theater production.

Mikey I can see doing, like, volleyball and tennis. I'd say gymnastics, but I think he'd be a little limited with the whole turtle thing. He'd probably also do theater. (and upstage the twins constantly)

Raph, I actually don't know. He has the perfect build for football, but I think he'd be scared he'd end up really hurting someone. He definitely wrestles. And he probably does stage crew to support his brothers. (he's the guy carrying all the heaviest set pieces and equipment)

Draxum and Splinter are 100% embarrassing fathers. But they're embarrassing in different ways. Splinter is the one who cheers super loud and yells down from the stands. Draxum is the one who pretends like he's above it all but still gets super into it.

(he 100% tries to fight the ref when he doesn't like a call)

And Draxum totally has a group of mom friends he gossips and drinks wine with. He hates every single one of them but they are in a BRAGGING WAR over their kids and by god he is winning.

I can't decide though if Draxum and Splinter team up to obnoxiously support their sons together or if they commit to being incredibly divorced and sit on opposite sides of the room, trying to out-do each other.

Thinking about if the boys joined like Hidden City youth sports leagues (Donnie can join mathletes or something) and how Splinter and Draxum would show up to every game and be supportive to the point of being obnoxious

They definitely get in fights with the ref/coach regularly

[fernisclosed]

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

-Leo Buscaglia

Growing up i never had a lot of things. i didn’t have the new school supplies, i didn’t have the new phones. i learned to live with that. and then my parents got divorced. one parent lost everything, the other gained everything.

my birth mother is a lovely woman. i am so glad to have her, despite the things i do that may disappoint her. during the divorce she struggled, but then it was over, and she got so much better. she got through her issues, and found a loving and kind man to help her through the trauma her marriage caused her.

she gained a nice house and a loving husband, and she works hard, harder than anyone i’ve ever seen.

my other mother thought she would win the divorce. she was so confident she didn’t do anything wrong.

but she did. she lied. she cheated. she screamed. she bashed her head into walls and hit my mom. she kicked things and would pick fights with everyone who dared get in her way. she threatened to put me up for adoption more than once for not doing chores or for crying when she would scream and get in my face. she would pick my little brother up by the back

of the neck, and grab our cats and shove them around.

moving in with her parents were even worse. it was fighting constantly. we lost the house because my mother blew all her money on stupid things instead of providing for her kids. we had to live with her father and mother, who were equally as bad as her.

they would get into screaming matches. they would fight about us. i would get to school and start sobbing because i was terrified of them.

i would call my birth mom for comfort, but somehow mother always found out i talked to her, and she would scream more.

my brother confessed to me that he was scared one of the times i stood up to mother for the two of us that she would grab my by the throat and strangle me to death.

he was six at the time he told me that.

no child should ever be scared that their older brother was going to get killed by their mother.

a kid shouldn’t have to worry about that.

every time my friends come over to my birth moms house, they’re so amazed because it’s such a nice house and i have a cool mom.

they don’t know the other side. i won’t let them see the other side.

i feel awful about not being grateful that i have a nice mom and a nice house. i feel awful when seeing my friends family situations. i feel like i’m not allowed to be upset with my mother because i have my mom there to support me. how can i tell people how i’m feeling without comparing my life to theirs. because others have it way worse. and i don’t deserve to be unhappy

[sunshine-on-my-mind]

Home, finally

one-shot

pairing: Andy Barber x Reader

description: Andy find comforts in someone when almost the whole world is against him. The bond grows stronger between them.

Words: 4.9k

Warnings: ANGST!! Fluff, Emotional infidelity (??), age gap (not specified) talk of divorce, crying, broken marriage.

a/n: I have worked hard on this one, hope you all like this, do reblog if you enjoy reading this. Any feedback is appreciated. This is my second work so I am not even sure if I am doing an okay job but I somehow got this idea and just wanted to write about it.

i do not own the characters Andy, Jacob and Laurie.

PLEASE DO NOT COPY MY WORK OR POST IT ANYWHERE.

I made the moodboard and the divider.

The knock on the door brings back Andy to reality, in a way it saves him from his thoughts. “Sir, are you busy?” her voice calms him, he asks her to come in. “Sir, it’s pretty late, maybe you should call it a day?” It is pretty late, how did it slip his mind? Maybe because his mind is a hollow place right now and ironically filled with so many thoughts.

“Right it’s late, I was actually going through these files” he picks up the file closest to him “Those?” she worries about him, she approaches his desk. “Yeah these, i-“ she interrupts him “Sir, that has been solved at least a month ago”. Andy doesn’t know what to say, well it’s not like he needs to say anything, she understands. Even though Y/n has been his assistant just for a year, she has learned a lot about the respectable ADA Andy Barber. Although the recent turn of events have changed everything. With his son, Jacob been accused of murder and the trial going on, Andy is hardly himself. Each passing day he seems to lose himself gradually and everything else. She genuinely cares about his well-being.

After a minute of silence Andy looks at her, “You should have left, it’s pretty late.”

She smiles. Such a warm smile, Andy feels good for a second, that smile seems like sunshine filled with hope, a reassuring smile.

“I wouldn’t be a very good assistant if I would leave when my boss is working so late, right?”

“I am sorry I didn’t even check the time” The truth is he doesn’t want to check the time, he feels like a failure, and going home will just remind him that. Is it his home anymore though? Doesn’t feel like it.

“You should go home now Y/n”

“What about you? It’s pretty late you should go home too.”

“I think I’ll stay here a little longer”

“I- I don’t want to leave you alone”

Andy doesn’t know how to react, recently he has been so stressed, so self-critical that one ounce of kindness and care seems unbelievable to him. But she, she cares for him, besides being a great assistant, she is a kind and supportive human. Andy thought she may leave the job as his assistant, but she didn’t, sometimes her words ring in his mind - ‘everything will be alright’. Sometimes he just re-plays that in his head.

“Alright then” Andy gives a barely there smile, “I’ll wrap up everything and then we can leave together” She nods and goes out of his cabin to wait for him. Andy is about to leave when his phone rings. It’s Laurie.

“Yeah” Andy says. On the other side, Laurie asks about him being late, says she is scared and nervous and Andy is being very irresponsible. “Listen I got caught up” He tries to stay calm. Laurie scoffs saying what can be more important than his son and his trial. “What do you think I am doing huh? All I do is think about Jacob, try to investigate things on my own as much as I can, I constantly worry about him okay? I may not be the best husband but I try my best to be a good father. I am trying everything I can.” He almost yells. Y/n can hear the muffled voice from outside. Before huffing and hanging up the call, Laurie doesn’t fail to mention that he should have been a better father. He bangs his fist loudly on the desk, he cannot take it more, he- “Sir? are you okay?” she comes without knocking, she got scared. Andy stares at her. “Do I- do I look okay? no. Am I okay? no. Does it matter? no.” He says a bit loud, she stands near the door. “Sir, I-I just want to help. I am sorry” and with that Andy tells her to leave, before she could say anything he repeats himself. “Go home Y/n” She nods and leaves his office.

She is standing outside, trying to book a cab, it’s difficult to find one now, it’s pretty late, it’s too dark to walk home alone. She is trying to think of a solution when Andy comes and stands next to her. “You don’t have a car I know, I’ll drop you” she has to take up this offer even though she doesn’t want to trouble him anymore.

The car ride was silent. When they are almost close to Y/n’s house Andy finally breaks the silence, “I am sorry, I am sorry for snapping at you, I shouldn’t have, I know you’re just trying to help, I lost my cool and I shouldn’t have.”

“It’s alright Sir, I understand.” why does she? Why does she understand? When almost everything is going wrong, when he feels so alone, why is there? She shouldn’t have to deal with him and his messed up life. She can get a better job, and a better boss.

“So that’s me” she says, Andy stops the car.

She hesitates to ask the next thing, she shouldn’t overstep but she just can’t see her boss like this, he seems miserable. “Sir, I am very sorry if I am overstepping but um- would you like to come in? Have some tea? Or-“ "Is there something with alcohol?” he looks at her. “I may have a couple of beers. And I have some wine, not something fancy though” Andy says that will work. So there he is at his assistant’s house having a glass of wine. Surprisingly enough it doesn’t feel awkward, in fact the atmosphere is pretty calm.

“I am sorry that I can’t be more helpful sir, I understand you are going through a lot but please have some faith, everything will be alright.” Andy can’t help but be in awe with her right now. “You are doing so much, you have no idea. I cannot thank you enough.”

“Sir please don’t thank me, I am trying to be a good assistant, I understand things are difficult and maybe not a lot of people are in your corner right now but I am. I have faith that things will be better soon. I am here for you.” He can cry any moment now, with his life being a complete mess, with him feeling so alone, Y/n is giving him hope. The moment is interrupted by Laurie’s call. Andy just picks up the call and stays quiet. Y/n can hear all the screaming and yelling from the other side. Andy just listens. “I am sorry but I am not coming back tonight, just give me this night, please.” He hangs up. Y/n doesn’t know what to say. “Don’t worry, I’ll go back to the office and spend the night there.” She cannot let him stay alone, it doesn’t feel right “You should stay here tonight, the only problem is that you will have to sleep on this couch.” Andy too doesn’t want to leave, but he doesn’t want to trouble her. As if she can read his mind, she immediately says “It’s alright, I’d be happy to know that you’re not alone tonight.” It’s true, after a long time he doesn’t feel alone, he isn’t alone tonight.

“I know I am being selfish, I know I should be with my family but I need just one night off you know? I am going crazy and if I go back tonight chances are it’s going to be a yelling competition between me and my wife and that won’t be good for anyone, especially Jacob.” He finishes the rest of the wine. “I am not saying my wife isn’t going through a lot too, but even if it is selfish I just need one night, a little time, I-I-“ he cannot finish his sentence before breaking down into tears. He hides his face with his hands and just keeps on crying. Y/n thinks about rubbing his back and soothing him but hesitates. She shouldn’t but she wants to, she cannot see him like this. She gently, very gently places her hand on his back. He is shaking. She can feel it, she can feel all his pent up emotions and stress slowly being let out with those tears. “Sir, as much as I hate to see you cry, sometimes it helps to let out pent emotions, it’s okay, let it out, I am here” Andy cannot stop crying, her words affecting him. Her hand radiating warmth.

After about two minutes, he looks at her, she gradually removes her hand and places it on the couch beside him, making sure not to touch him, he misses the contact of her hand but doesn’t say anything. He wants to say so many things right now but he doesn’t, just says, “Call me Andy, at least outside work.”

“I just want you to know you’re not being selfish, I am seeing you work hard everyday, trying your best, as you said I am sure your wife is going through a lot too, so is your son but then again so are you. You all need to stay functional too and for that do not let all those thoughts take over you. So recharge your self tonight, get some sleep, you have to fight a little longer unfortunately but I have a strong feeling the results at the end will be good. Just hang in there.”

Andy holds her hand. “Thank you for letting me stay and everything else. I am grateful to have someone as kind as you by my side.” She is about to stand up when she realises he is still holding her hand. As if on cue, he leaves her hand, he didn’t want to, she too misses the contact. How can she? What is she thinking? No, no this is nothing but her calming down her boss who is extremely troubled right now. He should sleep now and so should she. Andy too doesn’t exactly understand what is happening, all he knows is that her presence is calming him. Her presence feels like- feels a lot like home. “Alright then, good night, sleep well.” she stands up, about to leave. “Good night Y/n” Is her name actually that good or is it him saying it that makes it so much better. It’s better not to think about it.

“Thank you” Andy thanks y/n for the coffee. The trial is coming to an end in some days and after a long time things are looking minutely positive for them, with Andy’s dedication and to some extent desperation, and with y/n being there as a reliable assistant, they were able to get some evidence that proved to be helpful. Even though y/n has been his assistant for quite some time, after that night, they have grown closer. Andy who used to keep all his worries to himself, gradually let his guard down in front of y/n. They have become friends. He knows he can rely on her, she knows he is trustworthy. “You’re welcome Sir” she smiles.

“Hey y/n?” she turns back and faces him. “Are you free after work today? I was thinking we could go grab some food at the diner? My treat.” She looks confused. “Is there an occasion Sir? It’s not your birthday I know that.” Andy cannot help but smile.

“No I just wanted to give you a treat, after everything you have done for me. I thought this can be like a small gesture of appreciation.”

“Sir the fact that you thought about this gesture is more than enough, I am sure you’re busy with the trial coming to an end, I wouldn’t want to take up your time.”

“Well I am not busy, and you deserve a little break too, you have been working hard, so let’s go to the diner if you’re free. I know you like milkshakes.”

She smiles, he remembers? She may have said once or twice that she loves milkshakes. “Well I can’t say no to milkshakes, alright then.” Andy nods to that.

“This burger is so good.” Y/n said with food in her mouth. Andy chuckles at that. She is so cute. “I am glad you like it.” she nods and slurps her milkshake. Andy has a constant smile on his face, he is happy to see her so happy with just burgers and milkshakes. Y/n is happy, definitely because of the tasty food but mainly because of this gesture. She won’t admit how much this actually, truly means to her. “So Y/n you’re such a good assistant, you know a lot about me, but look at me I haven’t even tried to get to know you much.” She looks up while slurping her milkshake. “No sir-“ He corrects her about calling him by his name. “Sorry, Andy you do know me, besides I have heard how bosses can be super rude and unpleasant so I think I got pretty lucky with you. You’re kind and nice and sweet. Also hey you do know I like milkshakes.” Andy has that smile plastered on his face which now morphs into a laugh. A laugh, after so many days, she smiles at that, she is seeing him laugh after a long time. “Yes I know that, but what else do you like?” She likes making him smile, not that she would say that. “I like cooking, watching movies. I have very few friends, sometimes we go out, but personally I like staying in more.” Andy nods. The next thing he is about to ask, he isn’t sure whether he should, he doesn’t want to cross a line, but somehow he really wants to know it. “Are you dating someone?” She wasn’t expecting that. “Um no, i haven’t even been on many dates actually, the last time I was supposed to have a date and I got stoop up. I have an ex but i don’t even know if he ever considered me his girlfriend. I-“ she stops midway, realizing she has babbled a lot. “I am sorry to hear that, I mean I am little shocked actually, you are so nice.” she looks at her food, fidgets with it. “Yeah well nice isn’t good enough for guys to like me. Anyway that is something I have stopped thinking about, I don’t think I’ll get anyone.” Andy cannot believe what she just said. She is wonderful, caring, sweet, funny and beautiful. how can she think like that? “You really think that? You’re so wonderful, you’re funny, you’re talented, caring, sweet and b- well you are great! really, I think what you are saying doesn’t make sense, I am sorry that you have encountered some jerks all this while but I am sure you’ll get someone who will love you, cherish you and respect you. Besides, don’t get me wrong, most guys your age are stupid.” She smiles, she doesn’t usually get so many compliments. That last line is true, maybe most guys her age are kinda stupid. Maybe someone older, someone more matured will realize her value? “That’s very kind of you Andy.” She cannot help but look at him. She admires him, a lot. Every time she starts feeling anything other than respect for him she constraints herself immediately. He is married, has a kid, and he is totally out of her league. Granted he has had some troubles recently in his marriage but she hopes everything gets solved so that he can be happy. Y/n really wants Andy to be happy. “Well maybe I am not the best person to give relationship advice, considering how my marriage has fallen apart, but I truly believe you are wonderful and deserve someone great.”

“Andy, don’t say that, with time people can grow apart and the sad part is maybe not either is at fault, it just happens. Life changes everything at times, it changes people, changes feelings. What works for someone may not for someone else. There isn’t any right or wrong relationship advice I believe. Although when people say love is complicated, I disagree with that a bit, I feel love is very simple, we make it complicated.” How is she like this? Andy admires the way she thinks.

“Again you didn’t have to drop me but thanks a lot” She is about to step out of the car when Andy calls her name and she faces him. “Look I know recently I have shared some personal information with you, and obviously we have grown closer, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. It’s just I don’t have a lot of people to talk to and you make me feel so comfortable. If you think I am crossing a line do tell me.” She gives him a reassuring smile. “Andy I am glad you can trust me.” That’s all she says. Andy looks at her, maybe he was expecting her to say something more. But she doesn’t. “Y/n i - i think I will get a divorce after the trial ends and when the situation is better. I respect Laurie too much and I know she has gone through a lot and I feel that getting divorced would be better for both of us and for Jacob too. We have fought a lot recently, and I don’t like Jacob seeing that. Plus maybe we all need a fresh start. I love my family but Laurie is now just the mother of my child. I have tried to feel more but I can’t, not anymore.” She doesn’t want to read between lines, doesn’t want to make out some other meaning behind this. She loses her train of thoughts when Andy places his hand on hers. “Y/n if you’re wondering why I am saying all this right now, then I don’t know how to answer that, maybe because I don’t know why I said it.” she is about to say something when Andy cuts her off “Or maybe I do know.” He looks into her eyes. There is so much to ask, so much to say but they choose to sit quietly in the car and look at each other. The atmosphere in the car is gradually changing. “I should go” She says, Andy removes his hand and nods. She steps out.

“Thank you An- Sir for the treat, I had a great time.” He doesn’t correct her this time. He smiles and says “Thank you for spending time with me.”

Y/n cannot stop thinking about that conversation, neither can Andy. Andy is scared he crossed the line. He cannot lose her trust, her respect. He cannot lose Y/n. Maybe he shouldn’t have said all that, maybe it was too much for her. She is not dumb she understands the situation. What does she think though, what does she feel? Andy stares at the ceiling of the guest room and keeps on thinking. It has been months since he is sleeping in the guest room. He picks up his phone, it’s late, he wants to text y/n but he doesn’t want to make things worse. What should he do. Before he can grasp his emotions his phone blinks.

It’s a text. From Y/n.

Y/n: “I am sorry for texting at this hour. I am sorry for stepping out of the car like that without saying much. I am not very smart when it comes to these things but I just want you to know that I respect you very much. I admire your work and dedication and how much you care about others. I have seen you doubt yourself as a father but if my opinion means anything to you then trust me when I say you’re an amazing father. You care a lot about your family. Sir I understand feelings may change but sometimes some relations are worth giving more time. It’s not really my place to say any of this probably but I personally don’t want you to regret something later. You were talking about a fresh start, maybe you all can take a fresh start as a family, together. Again it’s your life and I am no one to say anything. Sometimes things are better the way they are, even if the excitement of ‘what could happen’ or ‘what if’ makes us curious, it can be troublesome. Sorry if this makes you feel bad in anyway, I truly admire you and respect you for the person you are Andy.”

She has sent the message with a lot of courage. The conversation in the car changes a lot of things. It’s not that her heart didn’t skip a beat in the car when Andy said all that. But she respects him too much and doesn’t want him to make any decision that he may regret later. He is married, he has a son, he has a family. Y/n someday wants her own little family and to think that in any way she can anyway stop a family from being happy just breaks her heart. Specially Andy’s. After all his happiness means more to her than her own. After all she- well it’s not like she will admit it. Some things don’t need to be said.

Is it possible that Andy is getting more and more mesmerized by her? She is so pure, so kind. He types back the reply.

Andy: “Y/n, thank you for being so understanding, thank you for taking care of me when no one was there. I know I have thanked you before but I really cannot thank you enough. All I can say is that I am always here for you, if you ever need anything. That being said, the fresh start you are suggesting, it’s not like I haven’t thought about it. I had talked to Laurie too, we think we need a separate fresh start. I am lucky to have met you Y/n, like you said I don’t want to regret something later.”

Her heart seems a little less heavy after reading this. Wait why is she smiling like a teenager? She is blushing. She quickly sends a reply.

Y/n: “I just want you to be happy and I hope you know I am always here for you too.”

Andy: “I know you are and that makes me happy.”

Y/n: “Good night Andy. Sleep well”

Andy: “I will now, good night Y/n”

Andy loves the colour blue. A blue tie would be a great gift for him. Y/n gets a blue tie for his birthday. The Barbers are having a small get together for Andy’s birthday. Joanne, Jacob’s lawyer suggested them to seem as normal as possible, anyway the case seems to be in their favour now and the trial will end in a few days. So they shouldn’t behave like a guilty family. Andy has invited a few friends and colleagues and Y/n is invited too.

“Happy Birthday Sir!” Y/n says as she gives Andy his present. Andy thanks her and welcomes her to his house. With her here it feels a little more like home. She can make any place feel like home. He introduces her. “Jake, this is my assistant Y/n and Y/n I think you have met Laurie before.” They exchange greetings. Laurie is so beautiful. Jacob seems like a great kid. It’s very sad what he had to go through. What they all had to go through.

“Come on Dad, it’s time to cut the cake!!” Jacob ushers Andy over and asks him to blow the candles. Andy does. He wishes for Jacob’s safety and that they win the case. He had another wish but seems like that may have already been granted. He looks up at her, she is there clapping with others, but she is the only one who has been with him in this difficult phase unlike others. He cuts the cake and cuts out a small piece and feeds Jacob. That’s when it happens, Laurie kisses Andy. Andy is taken aback for a second but then he kisses her again. Right that is how married couples behave don’t they? He is still married. Then why are tears forming in Y/n’s eyes? What has she been thinking all this while? This is the reality. Andy is married and seems to have a great wife. She excuses herself and Andy doesn’t fail to notice that. He quickly goes to find her. She is standing in the lawn trying desperately to hold back the tears even though crying because of this seems so wrong.

“Y/n?” she composes herself. “Sorry sir I- I was- I got a call, had to take it, you have a great home by the way.” Andy moves closer to her but she steps back. “This doesn’t feel like a home anymore Y/n. It’s missing the warmth.” She suddenly unexpectedly snaps at him. “Really? Didn’t seem like that just few minutes ago.” Andy keeps quiet. What has she done? It’s wrong. “I am so sorry Sir I-“She gets cut off by Andy. “We are supposed to act like a loving family. Jake’s lawyer thinks that publicly we have to appear as a normal loving family since a troubled family would ruin Jacob’s image even more. There is a belief that troubled families have ill effects on kids. So we are portraying ourselves as a happy married couple but we aren’t. I don’t love her anymore Y/n. I lo-“ She stops Andy from saying anything more. “The lawyer is right. Troubled families do have ill effects on kids. Jacob has already been through a lot. You should give this another shot, Laurie seems wonderful, and she is so beautiful. You all should talk it out. Family is everything Sir, family comes first.” Andy tries to protest but she doesn’t let him. “Sir, sometimes some things just aren’t worth it. I’ll head home, happy birthday again. Goodbye.” she leaves, Andy wants to stop her but he doesn’t, right now things would get more complicated if he did. He wants to scream out, why? Why is this happening? Yes he agrees with her concern about Jacob’s well-being but he and Laurie won’t be able to stay together like a happy married couple for long, it won’t work out and that will probably affect Jacob even more. All of a sudden that ‘goodbye’ hits him. Goodbye? Is it? Did he lose her?

Y/n kept crying for two days even though she felt disgusted with herself for crying because of this. That unfortunately didn’t stop her from crying her heart out. Andy texted her, she hasn’t replied yet. Andy is so tensed he hasn’t heard from Y/n for two days. When a message arrives it shatters Andy’s heart even more. It’s not a text message, it’s an email. Her resignation letter. She says she will clean out her desk after some days. She didn’t fail to wish him luck for the end of the trial though. And finally the day comes, Jacob is proven innocent in front of law. The Barber Family is happy. Jacob hugs Andy and Andy feels good, he has been so stressed about this case, so much has happened during this time, finally all their efforts have been successful.

A series of “congratulations” and “I knew Jacob was innocent” keep on coming to them. Even though most of these people weren’t even beside them during the actual troubled time. Jacob doesn’t want to look back, neither do Andy and Laurie.

Andy receives a text. It’s Y/n “Congratulations, take care” Andy is about to call her when Jacob calls him and asks him they should go out for dinner to celebrate.

It has been two weeks. Y/n is looking for a new job. She didn’t go herself to collect the things from the office, requested a friend to go on her behalf. She too needs a fresh start. She makes her self some coffee and goes through some job openings.

A knock on the door. It’s Andy. “Can I come in please? Please.” She steps away from the door and he comes in. Andy doesn’t wait any time and gives her the paper in his hand. Divorce papers. Signed by both. “Before you say something, Jacob suggested the divorce. I love my son the most and always will, but things are different between me and Laurie. We all sat down together and had a talk and he suggested us getting a divorce before we even said that we were planning to. I was so proud to see how my son has grown so matured. He said he loves us both and he realizes that us staying together won’t make either of us happy and he wants us to be happy.” Y/n couldn’t stop her tears this time. Andy rushes closer to her takes her smaller hands in his. “Look at me please.” She does, still sobbing. “I know you deserve better, but if you give me a chance I promise I will do my best to make you happy. You make me so happy you have no idea. You feel like home Y/n. I love you so much.” She hugs him, she cannot control anymore. “I love you Andy,” Andy wraps her tightly, brings her as close as possible. She pulls apart and he wipes the tears with his thumbs. “I just didn’t want to be the reason to break your marriage. I want you to be happy.” He kisses her forehead. "I know sweetheart, I know. But you didn’t break my marriage, it was already broken, for quite some time, the recent incidents just gave me a chance to realize that. I was broken too, but you fixed me.” She looks up at him. “You make me feel so safe Andy, you feel like home too.”

He kisses her softly on the lips and both of them smile against each other’s lips. They are home, finally.

[randomreader92]

Reasons I personally like RadioApple:

The Enemies to Lovers trope is an oldie but a goodie!

The idea Charlie's dads getting married!

The potential for comedy in their dynamic: The two biggest egos in Hell constantly at each other's throats before suddenly getting hit with The Feelings~♡

The setup, from Lucifer's side: Lucifer, severely depressed Divorced Dad and King of Hell, leaves his castle, possibly for the first time in millennia, to rekindle his relationship with his estranged daughter... only for this creepy lowlife sinner to just saunter in, treat him with disrespect and contempt, rub it in that he has been playing the supportive father role Lucifer failed to play all season (even if he openly mocked the idea of redemption, he technically still helped) and doesn't seem to care that he's picking a fight with a being that could kill him easily and permanently.

The setup, from Alastor's side: Alastor hates being vulnerable and is so desperate for some semblance of control that it's likely that he sewn his own mouth into a permanent smile in order to appear strong. Lucifer is a being that is leagues above Alastor in power and that the Radio Demon has no control over... and he uses that power to hide away in his castle in self-pity, making rubber ducks, leaving his daughter and his people to fend for themselves. To Alastor, someone who was confirmed to be mixed race during a time where racism was at an all-time high and had hunted down those he felt "deserved it" for oppressing the weak, likely had to fight for everything he had. Seeing the pitiful state of the most powerful being in all of Hell must be frustrating.

The Mystery: As of yet, we have no idea what Alastor's true beef with Lucifer is, but exploring different theories can lead to interesting fanfics. Is it simply that Lucifer's potential reconciliation with Charlie could leave Alastor with fewer opportunities to strike a deal with her? Is he pissed that he's no longer the second most powerful being in the hotel? Are the theories that Alastor's father was abusive true, and he's subconsciously projecting that hatred onto Charlie's negectful father, as he was most definitely eavesdropping on Charlie's phonecall in the pilot? Or is the hatred a side-effect of his deal with Lilith/Eve/Roo, and he considers Lucifer partially responsible for his current situation?

The potential for character development and watching their interactions with eachother change over time: beyond the Dad Competition, Lucifer likely sees Alastor as a disgusting example of why his giving humanity Free Will was a mistake and Alastor likely sees Lucifer as a failure of a monarch who doesn't deserve the power he has at his fingertips. Imagine them trying to outdo eachother in helping Charlie at the Hotel, playing nice in front of her through gritted teeth. Imagine them being forced to team up and proving eachother's preconceptions wrong. Imagine their vicious barbs slowly becoming playful jabs over time. Imagine them bonding over stupid dad jokes and ousting potential threats to the hotel. Imagine Charlie's happiness at seeing them getting along, even as they deny liking eachother. And then Lilith returns.

I don’t like radioapple change my mind

[rebelwrites]

Restoration

Jax Teller x Daughter Reader

“You gonna actually behave for your father this week?” You mum asked as you packed your bag.

“Maybe, depends if he pisses me off or not” you shrugged.

The thing was your mum and dad split about 4 years ago, a year after Abel was born. They had you at a young age, at 15 to be precise, you was now 18 and had seen their relationship completely fall apart, you saw how he treated your mum towards the end of the relationship and you hated it, you hated how he made your mum feel, how you saw the whole thing. However you were grateful Abel was still too young to understand what was going on.

“Y/N please, I know you don’t get along with him but he is your dad at the end of the day” mum sighed.

“Not gonna change my opinion on him” you laughed.

Even though your parents weren’t together anymore they never actually filed for a divorce.

“Just try” mum said placing her hand on your shoulder “for Abel at least, it’s hard enough on him as it is”

“And it’s not hard for me mum” you spat “try going through school where everyone is obsessed with the sons, constantly badgering me about them, about dad, asking if the fucking rumours are true”

You knew that your mum wasn’t completely innocent in the whole relationship break down. So you had an attitude with them both.

The drive to Teller-Morrow was silent, neither you or your mum spoke because you were your father’s daughter at the end of day, your mum always said it was like having a female Jax in the house, the way you held yourself, your attitude, your temper. So no words were spoken just for Abel’s sake, he didn’t need to see his sister and mum biting each other’s heads off.

Climbing out of the car, you grabbed your bag from the boot, before wandering off to find your uncles, at least you had a good relationship with them, it was just the relationship with your dad that was rocky.

You didn’t get it, he was such a good father to Abel, but with you it was a different story, one of his biggest regrets was you seeing the breakdown happen, all the arguments that happened when you were younger. Since then you saw the man that you once saw as your hero as the bad guy.

“Hey kiddo” Jax grinned, opening his arms to you.

“Whatever dad” you huffed walking by him, dumping your bag on the picnic bench before placing a cigarette in your mouth.

“She’s in a mood, sorry Jax” you heard mum say, making you roll your eyes. “Give her a couple of days and she should calm down”

“She’s so much like me it’s scary” he sighed as he watched you laugh with Tig and Happy.

“If you’re gonna talk about me can you at least go somewhere where I can’t bloody hear you” you snapped not looking at them.

Jax knew that with both his kids being here with him for the week, he was going to try his hardest to mend the bridges that had once been burnt. He wanted nothing more than getting his little girl back.

“I will speak with her” Jax nodded as he took Abel into his arms, who was grinning at the sight of his daddy.

At least one of his kids didn’t hate him.

However he had a plan, he knew you loved bikes, so he had one sat in the garage waiting to be restored and he was hoping it was something you could do together and then he could teach you to ride. He knew it wouldn’t magically fix the relationship but at least it would give you a memory that wasn’t bad.

Your mum had now left, which meant you were stuck with your dad for the next week, no doubt it would be a week of you looking after Abel, it always was when you were here, the club came before you. It always had and always would.

“Table in 5” Jax shouted as he walked into the club, he didn’t miss the eye roll that came from you, he knew what you thought, you had only been here 10 minutes and he was putting the club before you. But this time would be different.

“Okay so everyone knows my relationship with Y/N is very much on the rocks right now” Jax sighed running his hand over his face. “And I know it’s my fault and I want to fix that, so this week I only want to be involved in club business if the shit has hit the fan. Anything else speak to Chibs, I need to fix things with my little girl before it is too late”

Everyone nodded, they knew how much Jax loved you, you was his first born at the end of the day and it killed him knowing that you hated him.

“Anything we can do to help we are here” Happy nodded.

“Thanks Hap but this is something I need to do on my own, I created this mess so I need to fix it” Jax sighed “If it can be fixed”

It was now Wednesday and Jax still hadn’t made any progress, the bike lay untouched in the garage, and you hadn’t spoken more than a few words a day to him.

“Uncle Hap am I being a bitch?” You sighed looking up at him as you lit a smoke.

“Honestly kiddo, I know where you are coming from but he is the only dad you are gonna get” Happy said placing his hand on yours. “I know the reasons you have for hating Jax but he misses his little girl, I’m not saying forgive him straight away but stop shutting him out”

“I miss my dad” you sighed “but you didn’t hear me say that”

“My lips are sealed” Happy nodded “you know he took a step back from the club this week to spend time with you and Abel”

“I didn’t know” you sighed running your hand over your face.

“I think he wants to restore a bike or something with you” Hap smiled kissing your head “he’s in the garage”

Trudging into the garage with your head hung low, you felt guilty about how you went off at dad this morning.

“I’m sorry” you mumbled, not looking up.

You heard him sigh and his footsteps getting closer to you.

Talk about irony, the radio had started playing bad husband, scoffing as dad placed his hand on your shoulder.

You can be a liar and a good father A good dad, but a bad husband

“Guess the song is 90% right” you sighed “you are a good father to Abel at least”

“Hey look at me kiddo” Dad said lifting your chin. “My biggest regret in life was letting you see all the fights between me and your mum. I know that has done so much damage to our relationship but I never stopped loving your or your mum okay”

You stayed silent, you didn’t know what to say.

Forever be a hero in my eyes, But there’s always another side. To a good father. A great dad, but a bad husband

“Look me and your mum still love each other and we probably always will” he sighed “we just don’t work well together okay but that doesn’t mean I stopped loving you”

All I want is for us not to hurt. And it’s been an exhaustive search to find the words

The song was basically saying everything you couldn’t.

But I’m not so sure how to close this. I just don’t know how some people can be so good At one thing and so fucked at a whole ‘nother, shit, it’s no wonder

You both just stood there not saying a word as Jax pulled you into his arms holding you tight.

“I’m not saying we have to go back to being as close as we once were but I want a chance, a chance to mend the bridges I burnt, I want to be in your life and not as someone you hate” Jax whispered.

Nodding your head, you sniffed as a tear fell down your cheek, this was the most you had talked in a year. All you wanted to hear over the past year was that your dad still loved you.

“You don’t have to say anything yet sweetheart” dad whispered kissing your head “now what do you say to helping your old man fix this bike up and then I would like it if you let your old man teach you how to ride”

“I’d like that” you mumbled.

The next few days flew by and your mum had arrived to pick you and Abel up. Pushing yourself off the bench you walked over to her with a slight smile on your face.

“Come on, let’s get you home” mum said.

Glancing over to your dad you smiled softly before turning back to your mum.

“Actually mum, I think I’m gonna stick around here a bit longer” you nodded feeling Jax place his hand on your shoulder squeezing it softly. “I wanna stay with dad, we still have a bike to finish”

-

Your mum stood staring at you, confusion spread all over her face.

“You want to willingly stay?” She questioned

“Yup” you nodded.

“Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?” She laughed before turning to Jax “you okay with her staying?”

“Course I am” he beamed at the fact you wanted to stay with him longer.

As soon as you said bye to your mum, you headed back into the garage leaving Jax stood there in his own world.

“Come on dad the bike isn’t gonna fix its self” you laughed rolling your sleeves up.

The hours flew by and you was both covered in grease, Chibs walked outside hearing all the laughter coming from the garage, a smile formed on his face as he snapped a photo of the two of you before walking back into the club house.

“Okay a know normally a would bring this ta table but no one is to disturb Jackie Boy, a don’t care wha it is, if it’s club business, Ye arms fallen off or Ye are on fire, ye come ta me” Chibs smiled leaning against the bar. “Tha is until further notice, this is wha they both need”

Everyone nodded in agreement, it was nice to see you and Jax not at each other’s throats and they knew that the fact you wanted to stay here meant you really wanted to rebuild the relationship

Standing back from the bike something clicked.

“Why does this bike look so familiar?” You asked.

“Well princess it was your grandads” Jax grinned draping his arm around your shoulder.

“JT’s” you said looking up and he nodded. “Wait and you are just letting me have once we have fixed her up?”

“That’s the plan” Jax laughed “he would have wanted you to have it and it’s better than it sitting gathering dust”

You were in awe, you knew how much this bike meant to him. Wrapping your arms around him you gave him a tight hug.  

Neither of you talked about much other than the bike, outside of the garage you were slowly building things back up, you both knew it would take longer than a week but it was a start.

“So your mum says you’ve been getting into trouble at college?” He asked as you were packing the tools up.

“Meh” you shrugged “someone said something, I didn’t like it so I fucking punched them and broke there nose. No biggie”

Jax couldn’t help but smirk, you were exactly like him, in so many ways.

“You can’t say anything dad you taught me talking was boring when you can fight it out” just as you said it an idea popped into your head. Spinning round on the balls of your feet you grinned at your dad.

“No, nope happening” He laughed when he realised what you was thinking “me and you aren’t going at it in the ring” he chuckled.

“Why do you think you will lose old man” you taunted.

“Nope it’s not that” he said looking up “I am not boxing with my daughter”

“You’re just scared because you know I’m gonna beat your ass” you giggled squaring up to him.

He knew you weren’t gonna back down. You was a Teller at the end of the day.

“Fine but if you get hurt you are telling your mum it was your idea” Jax sighed in defeat.

And with that you ran off into the clubhouse to tell everyone.

It was now 7pm and Tig was wrapping your fists.

“You sure about fighting your dad kiddo?” He asked.

“Uncle Tiggy I’m sure” you nodded “we need this, well I need this. If I’m gonna let go of the past I need to do this”

“Okay then” he smiled kissing your fist “beat the shit out of your old man”

You were now standing face to face with your dad in the ring. He knew what was happening, and he wasn’t going to fight back, he had overheard what you said to Tig. So if beating the shit out of him was what you needed to forgive him then that is what he was going to let you do.

Punch after punch, you felt the anger flow through your fists, you were fuelled by every bad memory, everything he did and he just let the punches keep coming.

Your emotions got the better of you as you scream, pounding your fists against his chest as you burst into tears. As soon as this happened Jax wrapped his arms around you, dropping to his knees holding you tight.

“That’s it princess let it all out, all the anger, all the pain” he whispered rubbing your back. “I’m never gonna leave you okay, no matter what happens with me and your mum, you will always have your old man in your corner. My biggest regret is you saw everything happen, I never wanted you to feel like I loved Abel more than you, you are my little girl, my princess and I love you”

Once you had calmed down, you felt a weight had been lifted off your shoulders, you no longer felt an immense hatred towards your dad.

It had been a couple of days after the ‘fight’ and you had actually started to open up. The bike was finished and you were just putting the tools away.

“I want to drop out of college” you said “it’s really not for me, I struggle with the exams and coursework”

“You know whatever you decide I will support you” Jax smiled softly at you, hee knew where you was coming from, he was exactly the same when it came to tests and the theory behind things. “If you did drop out what would you do?”

“Actually I wanna be a mechanic” you said looking up. “Maybe I could work here”

“Why don’t you sleep on the idea and if you really want to drop out then we will get it all sorted” he said kissing your head. “Now what do you say we take her for a spin?”

“You think I’m ready for the roads” you laughed.

“You are a natural” he grinned tossing you your helmet “it’s in your blood”

The rest of the day was spent riding round the streets charming, a smile on your face and your relationship with your dad well on the road to being what it once was. Never in a million years you would have thought that restoring JT’s bike would actually restore your relationship as well.