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n1angi · 1 month ago

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Shrouded in Darkness

CHAPTER 1 : PILOT

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Will Graham x AFAB character x Hannibal Lecter (Polyamory)

Summary:

In the heart of Baltimore, forensic analyst Sidonie Renard navigates the shadows of crime scenes, concealing her loneliness behind a composed facade. Drawn into a web of intrigue, she captures the attention of profiler Will Graham and the enigmatic Hannibal Lecter.

Word count: 4,1k

Chapter Warning: Murder, Blood, Gore.

The countryside surrounding Baltimore stirred with life as the first signs of autumn emerged. Delicate amber leaves had already sprouted on barren branches, as the fields gradually blurred into a warm tapestry of earthy tones, once parched by summer heat. The air, once dry, now carried a hint of crispness and the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Similar to Persephone’s return, autumn brought fresh colors to the world.

Despite her fondness for the chilly weather, the demands of her profession often required her to rise before dawn, leaving her longing for the warmth and comfort of her home. Unfortunately, the extensive off-field work required by her profession only exacerbated her yearning for brighter surroundings beyond the lit confines of the laboratory.

With a steaming cup of tea cradled in her hands, she blinked against the morning sun’s glare as she stepped out onto the porch. She shivered involuntarily; the chill of the autumn was clear. Her faithful golden retriever squeezed past her legs, eager for their morning stroll amidst the falling leaves.

“This is refreshing,” she whispered, her gaze sweeping over the landscape. Catching the retriever’s eager gaze, she offered a faint smile as she stroked its head, granting permission for its walk. With a joyful wiggle of its tail, the dog bounded down the stairs and dashed into the field ahead.

She savored her tea, the bitterness lingering on her tongue as she sighed. Despite the present allure, her mind drifted to work and the proposition. Special Agent Jack Crawford, head of the B.S.U, had approached her. While they had crossed paths in the past because of cases several years ago, they had never engaged in private conversation. Thus, the invitation to join the B.A.U. as a forensic analyst and crime scene investigator came as a surprise.

“A mind like yours could be invaluable to us,” he stated, his words laced with persuasion. He emphasized the importance of her role, perhaps nudging her into accepting the offer. Such tactics were common in their work.

Yet, she had been yearning for a change in her workplace for some time. Despite her proficiency and dedication to her work, she found herself isolated among her colleagues as of late. Their discomfort around her was understandable, and if she were to be honest with herself, she had grown accustomed to being treated differently, especially by those senior to her. However, humans are social creatures, still yearning for acceptance wherever they go. The sense of alienation had taken its toll, leaving her longing for an environment where she could feel more accepted and valued.

Change, though uncomfortable at first, was preferable to stagnation. Retrieving her phone from her sweatpants, she hesitated for a moment before dialing Jack’s number. After a few rings, he answered.

“Hello, Jack Crawford speaking,” the voice behind the phone said.

“Hello, Agent Crawford. It’s Sidonie Renard, from the law enforcement agency. I’ve given your offer some thought…”

As she parked her car near the building, she sighed softly, tapping her fingers on the wheel. After a moment of reflection, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening the car door. Retrieving her soft black leather handbag, she stepped out and locked the car behind her.

Adjusting her black coat and dark blue slacks with a slight touch, she made her way towards the building’s entrance. Her outfit, perfectly coordinated with her black loafers and turtleneck, radiated a sense of effortless elegance. A small leather watch adored her left hand, while her ears sparkled with silver stud earrings.

Her almond-shaped olive-green eyes, framed by dark lashes, held a captivating gaze that added a certain allure to her. Her dark brown waves cascaded around her face, highlighting her angular cheekbones, which added a touch of refinement to her features. Her brows were elegantly arched, while her lips boasted a subtle rosy hue. With a slender build, she moved gracefully.

As she walked, she studied the building’s appearance, absorbing its imposing presence. The structure loomed before her, casting long shadows that seemed to swallow the surrounding sunlight. It was both sleek and austere, with darkened windows. Compared to the bustling atmosphere of the enforcement agency building, this place was quieter and more subdued.

Approaching the building, she noticed Jack already standing at the entrance, his eyes scanning the surroundings. As soon as his gaze fell on her, his face lifted slightly, reflecting a pleased expression. Returning the sentiment, she offered a smile.

“Agent Crawford,” she greeted.

“Welcome to the BSU,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake. “I’m glad you decided to join us.” She accepted his gesture, shaking his hand gently.

“I’ll be happy to contribute,” Jack gestured towards the door, and both of them entered the building.

“I’ve heard that you have a special eye for details, Ms. Renard,” he stated.

“I assume this is the reason why I was recruited,” Jack nodded as he continued.

“Have you heard about the recent murder case?” she shook her head as Jack continued.

“The Vanderbilts family, specifically Jonathan Vanderbilt and his wife Elisabeth, who are known for diversified corporations, have been killed in their penthouse. Their arms were vertically cut, drained from blood.” Jack shared as he took a glance at her while walking down the hall. “They were glued at the table, their faces were mutilated. Eyes were taken out, along with their teeth. Money was glued to their hands and imposed in their eyes and mouth.”

“Depiction of greed,” she confirmed.

“The theatrical way of seeing a murder is no news to us. At first, we thought it was the copycat. However, our criminal profiler tells us this is someone entirely new,” he shared.

“What was it that gave it away?” she raised a brow as Jack clicked on the elevator door.

“He said he was sloppy.” As the door opened, they stepped into the elevator. “We’ve been combing through the crime scene for any leads or evidence that might help us identify the perpetrator,” Jack explained. “But so far, we’re coming up empty-handed.” They exited the elevator and walked down the hall. “I want you to take a look at the bodies,” Jack decided, stopping in front of her. His gaze held a sense of resolve. Sidonie clutched her bag slightly, her lips tilting up.

“Lead the way.”

Jack opened the door, and Sidonie followed behind him, already dressed in her lab coat. The room was occupied by a few people, three of whom were clad in coats, while the other was not. They seemed to be engaged in conversation about the deceased bodies displayed before them. A tall, lanky man with brown hair appeared to notice their entrance.

“Jack!” His voice exuded cheerfulness and friendliness. Jack raised his hand in acknowledgment as everyone’s attention shifted towards them. “Oh, and a stranger...” he added with a smile still plastered on his face.

“Sidonie. It’s a pleasure,” she introduced herself.

“Oh, you are the recruit Jack mentioned,” he recalled.

“Why wasn’t I informed about this?”

“Because Jimmy, you were too busy trying to outsmart the evidence with your latest conspiracy theory,” the woman with long dark hair retorted playfully, shooting a glance toward Sidonie. “Name is Beverly, welcome to the team.” They exchanged a slight smile.

“I’m Jimmy,” A slightly stocky man with a rugged appearance inquired.

“And I’m Brian,” As everyone introduced themselves, Sidonie’s gaze drifted towards the un-coated man. He was fairly tall and slender, with a somewhat disheveled yet sharp appearance. He had tousled brown hair and wore brown square-shaped glasses, highlighting his piercing blue eyes. His expression carried a certain thoughtfulness. When their eyes met, he blinked a few times and looked away.

“Will Graham. I’m a criminal profiler,” he stated, his tone measured, yet soft. It was evident he kept to himself most of the time. Sidonie nodded, recalling Jack’s earlier mention of him regarding the case.

“I want her to take a look at the bodies,” Jack announced as everyone made space for her. Sidonie grabbed the gloves from the opposite table and approached the body, examining it closely. Everyone observed her movements, curious about what she might find. She noticed the glue still present on the man’s fingers, along with money paper on his hands. The woman, however, was missing the papers, only the glue remained. ‘I suppose it’s a depiction of how greedy he could have been over his money…’ she thought to herself. Both victims had their eyes torn out, with money still in them.

“We didn’t have enough time to remove them yet,” Beverly explained. Sidonie continued to observe the bodies, her focus drifting to the scene where the bodies had been positioned according to the pictures. Her eyes widened as she recalled the arrangement of the bodies, the table, and the money depicted in the pictures.

“Where is the money that was on the table?” Jimmy and Brian exchanged a glance, while Will rubbed his chin, observing the body himself.

“It’s here,” Beverly said, displaying them in front of Sidonie. Gently grabbing the money, she started to arrange them around the table. Some were completely covered in blood, while others were only partially covered. However, it didn’t seem like a natural occurrence; it was part of the theatrics, the décor, a hint. Will’s eyes lit up as he approached the table. As Sidonie arranged the money, he seemed to grasp the idea of what was going on.

“It’s a puzzle,” he observed as she continued to place the money in order. After a few seconds, the picture formed, spelling out ‘Seven.’

“Holy shit,” Brian muttered.

“Seven deadly sins,” Beverly murmured, looking at Jack. “That means he is planning on six more.”

“How can we know which sin would be displayed next?” Jack inquired, turning to Will, who appeared to be lost in thought, staring at the puzzle. Sidonie steeled herself as she examined the bodies once again, searching for more clues.

“It will be a Gluttony.”

“How do you know?” Jack asked, raising a brow as Will’s eyes scanned the body as he pursed his lips together.

“The killer’s choice to tamper with the victims’ mouths suggests a focus on consumption or excess...” he furrows his brows slightly “They’re making a statement about indulgence, perhaps hinting at the sin of gluttony. It’s a common motif—the physical alteration serving as a metaphor for the sin being expressed.”

“And how can we know who the next victim will be?” Jack persisted.

“He feels underappreciated like a victim. It’s a sign of protest,” Will paused. “He will target someone who holds a higher social status, to be seen, and heard. To make a verdict.”

“Wow... took the ‘eat the rich’ movement to the extreme,” Brian commented, earning a roll of the eyes from Beverly.

“So he will go for the wealthy individuals?” Will nodded. Sidonie stared at him, considering his words, as she looked back at Jack who seemed ready to take action.

“Let’s coordinate with the team and gather as much information as we can on potential targets among the wealthy individuals,” he instructed, before leaving the room. A brief silence fell over the group until Brian cleared his throat, dispelling the awkwardness.

“I think we should take the money out of these guys.” Jimmy agreed, gesturing for Sidonie to join him. Will adjusted his glasses as he grabbed his jacket.

“Call me if you find anything else.”

“Uh-huh,” Beverly responded as she grabbed her tools. Will nodded as a sign of goodbye and left the room.

After successfully collecting physical evidence, Beverly and Sidonie took the body to the morgue. As they closed the door, Beverly smiled.

“I’m starving. Would you like to get some lunch with me?” she asked, and Sidonie smiled in agreement. As they headed to the cafeteria, they exchanged brief conversation. Beverly mentioned how glad she was to have another woman around during work, noting that being with Jimmy and Brian could be tiring at times, although she cared for them deeply without saying it.

“What about you? Where did you use to work?” Beverly asked as she grabbed the turkey sandwiches from the station.

“Law enforcement agency,” Sidonie replied, scanning the food displayed in front of her. Salads, sandwiches, wraps with assorted toppings, and dressings were neatly arranged on the station. “I’m not used to making spontaneous decisions, but I thought it was time for a change of environment.”

“You can’t be spontaneous when it comes to our job, I can say that,” Beverly remarked, raising both eyebrows as she grabbed a cherry-flavored juice. “What do you look forward to?” she asked, examining Sidonie. She glanced down, avoiding eye contact.

“Nothing in particular,” Sidonie replied, her tone optimistic yet reserved. Slowly meeting Baverlys gaze, she continued. “It’s a chance to grow both… personally and professionally. I’m excited to see where it leads,” Beverly sighed slightly as she mumbled.

“That’s true spontaneity you have there,” Beverly remarked as both of them sat down at the table. “What do you think of the crime? Had anything like this before?” She breathes in deeply, recalling the past crimes.

“I wouldn’t say it was like this one, but… there was this crime, in the suburbs, in a small church. 2 priests killed.” She shrugged “I wasn’t working at the field there, but I have seen a picture. The killer sewed their mouths and eyes and crucified them in the church, cutting their genitals. It wasn’t a hard case, but obviously, it was a revenge for the rape the killer and some other victims went through. Theatrical and symbolic. Just like this one.” She bit the part of the sandwich.

“Why weren’t you working on the field?” she asked curiously. “Jack told us you have a special eye for detail, so they should have put you to good use.” Sidonie swallowed the food.

“I used to work in a field, but…” her voice softened “a few people got fired because of me. So I was… forced to lay back”

“Ahh, I see.” Beverly responded, “You scared them.” She affirmed as Sidonie leaned away slightly, not saying anything in return. Beverly continued “I’m sure the copycat will keep us occupied for a while so I won’t be too worried about losing the job.” She joked.

“Agent Crawford mentioned him earlier today. He also has a theatrical way of displaying his victims.”

“Ugh, yes. He leaves close to no clues.” She stressed.

“What’s the reason behind the crimes? Anything specific?” Sidonie suggests.

“No, nothing at all.”

“What does Mr. Graham think?” Sidonie asks as Beverly rolls her eyes.

“He said that he sees his victims as pigs, to ridicule them, but other than that, even he has a hard time placing it together.” She highlights “ Or maybe not… I’m not sure. It’s hard to tell what’s going on in his head.”

“Well, if everyone has been having a hard time, why wouldn’t he?” Beverly raised her brows.

“Oh, you don’t know?” Sidonie tilted her head in confusion. “Let’s just say he is… different. I won’t say too much; you will have enough time to see it yourself.” Sidonie glanced down at her plate. ‘Different huh…’.

As the evening progresses in the dimly lit B.A.U. office, the atmosphere becomes hushed and serene, with only a few scattered individuals remaining. The usual hustle and bustle of the day gives way to a quiet intensity as the remaining staff members focus on their tasks.

Sidonie sits at her workstation, surrounded by the soft glow of computer monitors and the occasional flicker of fluorescent lights overhead. Despite the late hour, she remains deeply engrossed in her work, peering through a microscope with unwavering concentration. As she meticulously examines samples under the microscope, her brow furrows in concentration. Beverly chuckles as she approaches.

“Take it easy,” she advises, glancing at Sidonie’s coat. “It’s time to leave, or the office will close on us.” Sidonie sighs slightly, acknowledging her co-worker.

“I’ll be leaving soon. There is only one sample left.” Beverly rolls her eyes playfully.

“Alright. Have fun- I suppose?” she says, turning away. “Get home safe,” she calls out, and Sidonie smiles before refocusing on her work.

Remembering Jake Crawford’s words about the crime scene, she furrows her brows in concentration, hoping to find something significant. ‘How was this sloppy when there is close to no evidence that points out the killer other than his motive? Perhaps it was meant to be said about his personality.’ Grabbing another sample, she examines it under the microscope, noticing what appears to be animal hair. Intrigued, she checks the file for any mention of pets but finds none.

“Huh...” she blinks as she turns back to the microscope, observing it further. Her eyes widen as she notices a slight paint stain on it. Sidonie smirks slightly, realizing the killer’s oversight. “Sloppy,” she mumbles to herself, noting it down. She decides to report her findings to Jack, taking a photo of the sample before replacing it and marking it as important evidence.

Sidonie’s shoes gently shuffled on the ground as she approached Jack’s office. As she reached for the door handle, she hesitated. While she was accustomed to walking into her boss’s room whenever there was something to report, she was no longer working there. She glanced at the tinted windows, preventing her from seeing inside, but she could hear Jack’s voice from within. With a slight pause, she gently pushed the door open, her voice carrying into the room.

“Excuse me, Agent Crawford, may I come in?” Jack’s voice paused momentarily before granting her entry. As she stepped inside, her gaze fell on Jack and another familiar figure. Will stood with his arms crossed, acknowledging her presence. She noticed that he wasn’t wearing glasses anymore.

“Sidonie, what brings you here?” Jack inquired.

“Um…” Sidonie glanced between Jack and Will. “I hope I’m not intruding,” she added, taking a step back.

“As long as it’s important,” Jack replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. Sidonie nodded and approached, standing next to Will. She handed him the file with the printed picture, prompting a raised eyebrow from Jack.

“It’s a bristle,” he said.

“Yes, it is,” she confirmed, stealing a glance at the man next to her. “But it’s not just any bristle; it’s from a brush, a paintbrush,” she explained, pointing at the picture and leaning in slightly. “At the end of the bristle, there is paint. It’s not noticeable at eye level, but under a microscope, you can tell it’s from paint.”

“He’s a painter,” Will remarked quietly, raising his eyebrows at his colleagues. “How typical...” Sidonie blinked in response to the comment.

“At least we have a lead,” Jack interjected, furrowing his brows. “I’ll talk to Hannibal tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be able to help,” he added. Will nodded and turned to leave, eager to remove himself from the situation as soon as possible.

“Consider what I told you,” Jack warned before Will closed the door on him. He shook his head and turned to Sidonie, who realized that something must have happened before she entered the room. “You can go home now. Keep up the hard work,” he said, and she bowed slightly, pressing her lips together. She turned to leave, but her feet halted halfway through the door.

“Agent Crawford, may I ask you something?” she inquired, turning slightly. Jack hummed in response as he grabbed his coat. “Earlier today, you mentioned the copycat, and I was wondering…” she began carefully. Jack looked at her, his eyes softening slightly. “May I take a look at his files?”

“I doubt that there is anything we can find, but…” Jack trailed off. “Feel free to do so,” he added with a hint of encouragement.

She retrieved her bag and coat from the office before making her way down the stairs towards her car. Will stood nearby, muttering something under his breath, his demeanor tinged with irritation. His gaze flitted around the surroundings, and upon catching sight of Sidonie, he averted his eyes, as if seeking to conceal himself. Dealing with a phone call, he grabbed his phone. Sidonie had noticed that he wasn’t the friendliest type. At the very least, he was awkward, if not unfriendly.

Entering her car, Sidonie placed her bag on the passenger seat and took a moment to gather her thoughts before starting the engine. Just then, she caught Will's muffled voice.

"Hello... hi. I’ve been having trouble starting my car. After I turn the key, I hear clicking sounds, but the engine doesn't start. Yes, I tried jump-starting it, but that didn’t work," he explained, his voice wavering slightly in the cold as he spoke to the service. After providing his details, he pocketed his phone, his expression uncertain. A car pulled up in front of him, and Sidonie leaned down, peering through the window.

"Hey," she greeted him. "I overheard your conversation. Do you need a ride?" Will hesitated, then shook his head.

"No, it’s fine. They will arrive soon," he replied, though his tone lacked conviction.

"I don’t think they will," Sidonie remarked, trying to sound reassuring. "I can drop you off at your place if you’d like?" Will glanced around nervously as if expecting the truck driver to materialize out of thin air. With a resigned sigh, he leaned in.

"I live in Wolf Trap. I’m not sure if—"

"I live in Vian," Sidonie interjected, and he fell silent for a moment before opening the door. Retrieving her bag, she moved it aside to make room for him. Will settled into the seat, his discomfort was evident in his stiff posture and avoidance of eye contact.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice softening.

"You’re welcome," Sidonie replied, starting the car and pulling away from the curb.

The silence enveloped the car, stretching on for a couple of minutes without either of them uttering a word. Sidonie refrained from initiating conversation, sensing Will's discomfort in social settings. Having experienced such feelings herself, she chose silence for their mutual comfort.

Meanwhile, Will felt a sense of unease, a departure from his usual demeanor. He didn’t know her. He would have felt more comfortable if she were someone he had known for a little while. Or maybe not. He considered engaging in small talk, a prospect that filled him with dread, compounded by recent unsettling nightmares he had been having about antlers.

“How was your first day at the office?” Sidonie glanced at him, slightly taken aback by the sudden question, before adjusting her grip on the wheel.

“It was alright. The murder case was interesting,” Will responded, his gaze drifting out the window to the illuminated city lights. “And you?”

“Same old,” he replied.

“How long have you been working at the B.A.U.?” she inquired, attempting to steer the conversation away from an awkward pause.

“Around a week and a half,” Will replied, prompting a surprised reaction from Sidonie.

“I would never have guessed. You and Agent Crawford seem close,” she observed.

“I wouldn’t call us close,” Will muttered, and Sidonie refrained from further comment, sensing his reluctance to elaborate. “How did you come to know Jack?” he asked, shifting in his seat.

“Through law enforcement. I met him through colleagues,” Sidonie replied.

“And why the job change?” Will pressed, his gaze briefly flitting towards Sidonie's hands on the wheel, noting her tight grip. Her grip was tight almost as if she was scared her hands would slip away.

“Nothing specific. Just decided to try something new,” Sidonie explained. He didn’t respond.

“I’m not good with small talk,” Will confessed suddenly, breaking the silence.

“It’s fine. You don’t have to talk if you don’t feel like it,” Sidonie reassured him with a slight smile. “I enjoy silence as much as conversation.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page... with silence,” Will remarked, his tone softening.

The entire ride remained silent. Surprisingly, after their small talk, it wasn’t as awkward as Will had anticipated. He felt a sense of relief from the tension, at least that’s what he could freely admit.

“You have to turn left here,” he instructed, sitting up slightly. She followed his directions, entering his yard where the dogs barked at the sound of the unfamiliar car. It was clear they were from the house, but the number of them surprised her.

“You’re a dog lover, I see,” she commented.

“Strays,” he replied as he opened the car door. “Would you like to... have a coffee?” he offered, attempting to meet her eyes. He felt grateful for her assistance and wanted to express his thanks, but the thought of sitting in silence over coffee made him uneasy.

“I have a dog of my own, so I need to get going. She’s waiting,” she explained, and Will felt a wave of relief at her words.

“In that case, I won’t keep you. Thanks again,” he said, nodding as he exited the car and closed the door behind himself. Sidonie watched him enter the house, where a bunch of dogs greeted him.

“Strays, huh...” she mused to herself.

#will graham x oc #will graham x reader #Hannibal lecter x oc #hannibal lecter x reader #hannibal x reader #will x reader #hannibal x will #Hannibal Lecter x Will graham #slow burn #canon divergence #polyamory #tw blood #cw: gore #murder #romance #eventual smut

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all-for-the-recs · 5 months ago

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Chapters: 40/40 (COMPLETE)

Words: 103,707

Author's summary:

“Who even are you?” Neil blinked at him with those perfect, blue eyes.

Andrew became very aware of Neil’s weight at that moment and dropped him. Neil bounced back on the bed and yelped.

“I’m the guy who is going to go take a shower and you’re the guy who is going to wait patiently for Kevin to come tend to your needs,” Andrew said. He gestured down to Neil’s blanket covered body. “Whatever this is, is above my pay grade.”

[AFTG Crime AU that takes place in Baltimore where the Foxes and Raven's are opposing gangs. Neil escapes the Nest and falls for Andrew, but Riko will do anything to get him back. Kevin and Aaron tumble headlong into a secret relationship and Jeremy Knox fixes a very broken Jean Moreau.]

oh god this fic. it makes me physically sick how much i love it. summary kinda says it all but it's just...so gut wrenching. and it has a second part. y'all, you just need to check it out

#aftg #all for the game #neil josten #andrew minyard #andriel #aftg fic rec #aftg fanfic

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tv-girl · 2 years ago

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Sept 21 // San Antonio // Aztec Theatre // Tickets Sept 22 // Austin // Emo’s // Tickets Sept 23 // Houston // White Oak Music Hall Lawn // Tickets Sept 24 // New Orleans // House of Blues // Tickets Sept 26 // Tampa // The Ritz Ybor // Tickets Sept 27 // Orlando // House of Blues // Tickets Sept 29 // Atlanta // Masquerade // Tickets Sept 30 // Asheville // The Orange Peel // Tickets Oct 1 // Richmond // The National // Tickets Oct 3 // Baltimore // Soundstage // Tickets Oct 4 // DC // The Fillmore Silver Spring // Tickets Oct 6 / Philly // Franklin Music Hall // Tickets Oct 7 // NYC // Terminal 5 // Tickets Oct 8 // NYC // Knockdown Center // Tickets Oct 9 // New Haven // Toad's Place // Tickets Oct 10 // Boston // Roadrunner // Tickets Oct 12 // Montreal // Corona Theatre // Tickets Oct 13 // Toronto // Danforth Music Hall // Tickets Oct 14 // Toronto // History // Tickets Oct 15 // Detroit // Royal Oak Music Theatre // Tickets Oct 17 // Cleveland // House of Blues // Tickets Oct 18 // Columbus // Kemba Live! // Tickets Oct 20 // Milwaukee // Pabst Theater // Tickets Oct 21 // Minneapolis // First Avenue // Tickets Oct 22 // Chicago // Aragon Ballroom // Tickets

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timebegins-onopeningday · 4 months ago

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Time Begins On Opening Day 2024: Round Up Post #1

Happy Friday everyone and welcome to Round-Up Post #1! This post includes links to all works posted in the first half of the season + details about First Half Commentfest which begins today and goes through the weekend.

Soft Deadline #1 offers us 20 (20!!) fanworks for five teams and 104 prompts across several teams as well as some broad and open-ended prompts! For a small fandom and only halfway through the season, that's pretty cool. If you're just finding this prompt meme now, or if you didn't finish something you were working on before the deadline, never fear - this prompt runs the entire length of the 2024 season! There is still plenty of time create.

Enjoy the works, slam that kudos button, leave a comment, and enjoy the second half of the MLB season!

Soft Deadline #2 is September 29, the end of the regular season.

🌞 First Half Commentfest 🌞

First Half Commentfest runs this weekend, from Friday July 19 to Sunday July 21. As we catch up with all these amazing works (fic! art! poetry! y’all are amazing!!) my challenge as a mod for us is to get every single one of these works at least five independent comments from five independent readers by the end of the weekend. (So we’re not including creator responses in that comment count!)

Why? Because it’s very easy to feel isolated as a creator – particularly in a small fandom like baseball rpf. We all know how easy it is to hit the kudos button and move on, but in a challenge designed to inspire creators for a very small, very spread out of fandom, a little encouragement can go a long way.

justleaveacommentfest has a list of resources for helping write comments on fic here and hxphaestion wrote some notes on what kind of comments resonate with artists (scroll for reblog) if you’re not sure where to start.

Let’s get all these works some comments!

🌞 Fanworks from the first half of the season 🌞

That we got as many fics as we did in the first half makes your mod SO happy, because we’re already past what we had last year!! This was a pain in the ass to put together because there were so many links and that delighted me. Shout out to you all, you’re all amazing.

I organized these by fanwork type, then grouped works by team and sorted alphabetically by the creator’s name + title (with the exception of one set of works, which are grouped in order of the series). Enjoy the works, bang that kudos button and COMMENT 🥳🥳

Art

Baltimore Orioles

[collage] heat waves by sapplyandherfriend

a celebration of dingers and slug edit: WOOOOOO TONY IS AN ALL STAR

Toronto Blue Jays

[collage] cheer on your team! by idlt

a toronto blue jays collage made on a 6x4 index card with a bunch of junk from the recycling bin

[collage] love song (show elation) by idlt

a vladdy and bo collage made on half of a page of cardstock with a bunch of junk from the recycling bin and a pile of old magazines that I got from someone in my neighbourhood who was going to throw them out, plus a few star stickers and a picture of vlad and bo pasted on top digitally

Poetry

Toronto Blue Jays

come home (the way they need you to) by idlt

A short poem about Vladdy and home and being seen.

Fic

Baltimore Orioles

one warm summer night (fireworks outside) by Settsplitt

Technically, they’re kind of hidden, standing a few steps down the tunnel, with their teammates all turned towards the fluorescent night sky, eyes fixed on the show. But still, Kyle thinks, as Adley tucks his hand under the hem of his pants, slipping his fingers beneath his belt and digging until he finds bare skin, this can’t be a good idea.

Milwaukee Brewers

In Stadium Light & Shadow by TheGlobeLifeBarn

A thin satellite in orbit of nothing.

Philadelphia Phillies

Pressure Point by caltrain

Bryce fucked up his hammy and he’s being an enormous baby about it.

you think it’s different but it’s always the same by palimpsestic

Florida’s always so fucking humid, even in February—the air is sticky with unshed rain, hangs heavy with anticipation.

Who’s on First by powerblu (bluspirits)

A lot may have changed since Rhys first got called up to the Phillies: the size of the crowds, their record, the fact that they're playing in the World Series. But one thing is exactly the same: Bryce Harper is still there on the other team, annoying the hell out of him.

put some moves on you, babe (i know you need it) by pronoe

Bryson reminds himself to be careful where he sucks his marks on Alec’s skin, with the way he keeps his jerseys half-unbuttoned.

Seattle Mariners

Broken Foot and Cuddles by Anonymous

turns out that record-breaking pitch had actually been “breaking” in more ways than one. Poor Ty, with the foot fracture.

Toronto Blue Jays

Fiber arts for first inning starts by caltrain

There’s a hot guy no one has ever seen before at the softball clinic. He crushes three balls out of the park off of Kevin and pisses Kevin off so bad that Yusei slings an arm around his neck and kisses his cheek. “Can we get him?” he says happily.

5 Times The Blue Jays were Blue Gays: Number 1 Will Shock You! by idlt

George Springer is writing for the first edition of the new Blue Jays newsletter, organized and edited by Davis Schneider. George's first assignment? Clickbait the fuck out of everyone with the most unbelievable listicle ever (except somehow it is actually that gay)! Here's what he wrote, plus what Davis had to say about it.

he said i have bisexual swag! by idlt

An ode to Jordan Romano's short-lived yet glorious septum piercing (in the format of 2 idiots texting)

the grip of artificial chaos by idlt

Davis and Ernie sneak a moment in the dugout as the fireworks go off.

Out of Left Field by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles

Danny Jansen and Daulton Varsho were rivals playing on opposing baseball teams in high school. Now, ten years later, they are playing on the same team for the Toronto Blue Jays. As they weather the ups and downs of the baseball season, Danny and Daulton find an unexpected companionship in one another. But there is a lot on the line and neither knows if it is safe to indulge these feelings or if they are better left buried in the past.

Cover Your Bases by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles

Ten years after being high school rivals, Danny Jansen and Daulton Varsho started playing baseball on the same team for the Toronto Blue Jays. Their months together brought them closer as teammates, friends, and then something more. Now they need to decide what risks they’re willing to take if they want to make their relationship official.

Swing for the Fences by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles

Danny Jansen and Daulton Varsho are officially dating. Unfortunately, being public figures in a major league sport makes that anything but simple. They’ve agreed to keep things private until the end of the baseball season but that means Danny and Daulton must balance their blooming relationship and their work while navigating the ever-present media attention.

The Longest Road by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles

After their nightly game of Settlers of Catan, Davis has a heart-to-heart with Spencer about his growing feelings for their mutual friend Ernie. Spencer offers some valuable advice and reassurance, which gives Davis the courage to accept when Ernie asks him to forgo the living room couch and share a bed for the night.

Therapy with Daulto Varsho by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles

Daulton has always been a listener rather than a talker. Whether it’s good news or bad news, he’s there to hear out his teammates. Sometimes, this leads to unexpected revelations.

#baseball #baseball rpf #prompt meme #ao3 #fanfiction #fanart #fan poetry #round up post

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arthistoryanimalia · 5 months ago

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Another belated happy birthday to Alexander Wilson, aka “the father of American ornithology,” born #OTD (Scotland 6 July 1766 – USA 23 August 1813)

Vol.1, Pl.1: “Blue Jay; Yellow-Bird or Goldfinch; Baltimore Bird”

from Wilson’s American Ornithology; or, The Natural History of the Birds of the United States, 9 vols., Philadelphia, 1808-1814.

#animals in art #birds in art #19th century art #bird #20th century art #book plate #American art #ornithology #Alexander Wilson #Blue Jay #American Goldfinch #Baltimore Oriole #OTD #birthday post

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soulluvs2read · 10 months ago

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I’ve seen some people do this and I want to as well so here are some songs from my Neil Josten playlist that I think are him. Bare with me I got quite a few.

Bug Like an Angel - Mitski

Just One Yesterday - Fall Out Boy

Baltimore Blues No. 1 - Deer Tick

Trust Me - Sincere Engineer

STRANGER SKIN - Brotherkenzie

Yippie Ki Yay - Hippo Campus

People Watching - Conan Gray

Trouble - Cage The Elephant

BROOKLYN - Brotherkenzie

#this is just a sampling #i tend to make atrociously long playlist for books/characters i hyperfixate on #if y’all like this i can do an andrew sampling #also an andriel one from neils perspective #ANNNDD another andriel one from andrews perspective #look i have no self control and they are important to me OKAY #even if no one likes this I’ll still probably do the other ones anyway lol #all for the game #aftg #the foxhole court #the raven king #the kings men #neil josten #neil bbg josten #my dear traumatized boy #the foxes #soulpost

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gmwsuperfan5467890 · 1 year ago

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Never Have I Ever Season 4: My Extensive Opinions on all the plots

I will go through various plots and characters (in no particular order) and give my opinion

Margot

I don’t like Margot. Her introduction this season was her being furious at Devi because she was mad that Ben ghosted her but Devi literally has a right to mad. Margot’s reaction was very unwarranted and a lot for the situation at hand, especially because she wasn’t giving Ben any of that energy she was giving Devi. She isn’t wondering why Ben ghosted Devi out of the blue? She isn’t thinking that this could be a potential red flag? She is still protecting him and doting on him?

This isn’t even the only time this happens. Every time Margot is on screen, they have to get her mad at Devi for some reason, which is usually a misunderstanding. Sometimes she is justified, for example when she finds Devi’s notebook and when Devi almost gets her suspended.But why was she mad at Devi when Ben brought the flowers to her house? Why did she not give the same energy to Ben? He was the one that brought the flowers.Then she admits that she is embarrassed of Ben after she spent 6 episodes fighting over him? Girl, what was the fighting even for??

It just makes me mad that her character got so much screen time and the conflict that she has with Devi is so repetitive. I just think about how her screentime could be given to other characters (cough, cough Aneesa) and that makes me even more mad.

Episode 1

Should be called “Never Have I Ever Risked it all for a man” This is not a criticism to the writing of the episode, this is more of a message to characters that don’t exist. Devi, Margot, stand up, please. No man is worth fighting for, no man is worth ruining your reputation for and no man is worth ruining your chances of getting into your dream university for and I’m saying that as someone who loves Ben as a character (for the most part).

Ben x Margot

Was very unnecessary. Ben stop dating girls to get over Devi challenge I beg of you.

Ethan

Also unnecessary but at least he got Devi to take her mind off of Ben.

Fabneesa

They had so much chemistry in their interactions together and they were trying to tell us last season that they don’t have any romantic chemistry?? Nah, sorry I don’t believe it. During the scene where Fabiola confided in Addison about her fight with Devi and Addison told her that she would make new friends in college, I was thinking about how Aneesa would get it since she is in the same friend group (tho props to Addison for listening to Fab and getting it in the end.)

Aneesa

I adore Aneesa so I was disappointed that she was barely in the season. I wish we could’ve gotten more information about where got recruited to.

Nalini

I adore her and I love how much she has grown. In seasons 1 and 2, she would have called Devi ‘stupid’ or used other harsh words without a second thought. Now she corrects her mistakes and is more gentle and comforting to Devi. I also really like Nalini’s relationship with Margot’s dad, they had chemistry.

Nirmala

Funny as always.

Kamala

I am glad that she took that job in Baltimore and I am so glad that she didn’t get married. I feel like a big part of her character is that she isn’t ready to get married and needs to figure out the timing of things in her own terms. I am also very happy that she is still with Mr Kulkarni.

Paxton

I was worried when he dropped out of university but the writers handled the plotline so well. The first thing they did was drill it into our heads that Paxton made the wrong choice and that he was running away from change. I adored his friendship with Devi and I really liked his relationship with Miss Thompson. I really like Miss Thompson’s personality and I like how she isn’t phased by his charm and holds him accountable for his actions. They are also bi4bi, I don’t make the rules.

Fabiola

Fabiola was right in applying to Princeton because she can apply anywhere she wants but wrong in not telling Devi at all. I definitely felt bad for her because you can tell that she adores Devi and would never want to hurt her. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.

Ben

He really needed someone to slap him in the first few episodes because what the hell was he thinking?? First, ghosting Devi after they slept together, dating Margot, refusing to speak to her and lying about it being Margot’s decision. I was ready to fight him. Luckily, he redeemed himself in the last few episodes.

Devi

I am a Devi stan first, person second, have always been from season 1. I am so proud of how much she’s grown and of how far she’s come. Most of all, I am so glad that she got her dream college, her dream boyfriend and started embracing her culture.

Benvi

The moments in the last few episodes were perfection. Ben defending Devi from the creep? Amazing. Them interacting with each other and everyone knowing that they’re in love? Spectacular. Them gazing at each other with heart eyes at graduation when you know season 1 Ben would have been so mad that Devi won valedictorian over him. The scene where he flies all the way from New York to confess his love for her and they run away holding hands and the scenes after that? The most romantic scenes on the show. Benvi is definitely one of the best slowburns in recent television.

#nhie #nhie spoilers #devi vishwakumar #ben gross #benvi #bevi #paxton hall yoshida #aneesa qureshi #fabneesa #fabiola torres #nalini vishwakumar #nirmala vishwakumar #kamala nandiwadal

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aftgficrec · 11 days ago

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Staff Recs - Autumn Roundup 2024

Some fics with fall vibes to warm your soul. -AFTG Fic Rec Fam

previous recs:

staff fave Halloween here (includes previous Halloween recs and supernatural roundup)

Fall Exchange 2020 here

‘doubt thou the stars be fire’ here

‘morbid stuff’ series here

‘The End Is Up To Us’ here

‘Autumn Crocus’ here

‘The Suit Universe’ part 8 here

‘Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy’ here

‘FoxTail Cafe’ series part 13 here

‘Apple Picking Day’ here

‘Fair Games’ here

‘little ghost’ here

‘Lucky Strike’ here

‘Foxglove Court’ series here

‘Thanks for nothing’ here

‘Teaching a caged bird to fly’ series part 5 here

‘Sugar, Spice, and Corporate Espionage’ here

‘The Massive Continuity of Ducks’ here

‘Spell it Out’ here

‘10 tips to stress less, without the tips’ here

‘Being So Normal’ here

‘Aidan Minyard’ here

Honeycomb by moonix [Rated T, 10871 Words, Complete, 2023, Locked]

In which Kevin owns a restaurant in a picturesque small town, Andrew is his chef, Neil disrupts the routine, no one gets poisoned with mushrooms, and life isn't so bad.

tw: implied/referenced eating disorders, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm

Seasons of memory by butallmystars [Rated G, 4772 Words, Complete, 2023]

Neil was all sorts of alluring and unusual; a thin strip of seemingly restless energy, eyes moving almost as much as his legs did, the bespoke lines of his blazer the most uniform thing about him and yet somehow not out of place.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse

you wish I was yours (and I hope that you're mine) by lesbiankaz [Not Rated, 9526 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2024]

“Aaron Minyard,” Allison said in a dramatic tone. “Truth or dare?” Aaron rolled his eyes. “Dare.” Kevin wasn't surprised. He knew Aaron would prefer to do a stupid dare instead of telling a single thing about himself. “I dare you,” she paused, making suspense, “to spend seven minutes in heaven with Kevin.” - Kevin has a crush on Aaron. Allison tries to help.

5 ultra-cute fall date ideas that will make your man fall more for you by Bravbo [Rated G, 1364 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2024]

The problem starts with one Neil Josten. Neil who has apparently never celebrated any holidays. Neil, with his blasé attitude about violence. Neil, with his distressingly blue eyes and freckles. Neil, who Andrew want to put on a jar and study like a bug. Yes, Neil Josten is a problem. It´s him that has driven Andrew to this, seeking advice on google like a teenage girl just to make sure Neil has the best holiday.

tw: fire

Float Down (Like Autumn Leaves) series by Apaleyellow [Not Rated, 7309 Words, Collection, Updated Oct 2024]

Part 1: fill my cup half empty (because it's never been half full) [5221 Words, Incomplete, Updated Sept 2024] The boy's face in the reflection was pale, almost translucent, with freckles dotting his cheeks and auburn hair falling in untamed curls around his face. His eyes were an icy blue, piercing and filled with a haunting sadness. Nathaniel Wesninski. The Butcher's son. The ghost of the manor. -- OR -- The one where Andrew is a best-selling horror author who visits the Wesninski Manor in search of inspiration for his next book.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced murder

Part 2: would we survive in a horror movie? [2088 Words, Complete, 2024] Their moment was interrupted by Seth's booming voice. "Alright, losers. Time for a real story. Ever heard of the Butcher of Baltimore?" -- OR -- The one where the Foxes are telling scary stories around a campfire and only Andrew knows who Neil really is.

tw: implied/referenced torture, tw: implied/referenced murder

penchant by rooftopkisses [Rated T, 5051 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2024]

When Neil is recruited by Coach Wymack to join the track team at Palmetto High School, he draws the attention of Andrew, the artsy loner, as well as Kevin, the sport’s current state champion.

Rebel Rebel by Andreil_pipedream [Rated M, 7905 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2024]

October settles down on the small town outside of Baltimore. Werewolves start haunting the forests and a certain orange cat gets curious. Nell meets an interesting girl who she may or may not have a crush on. After an awkward first meeting, things are made worse- or better- when she finds out they go to the same school. After a few risky decisions and oblivious flirting, she gets a date where everything starts to go wrong.

tw: child abuse, tw: extreme transphobia, tw: gaslighting, tw: confinement, tw: food deprivation, tw: implied/referenced murder

it's still the autumn leaves by TogeMythia [Rated T, 3389 Words, Complete, 2024]

‘Can I come with you?’ Andrew paused, he was sat on the floor with one foot awkwardly in the air and a black sock with an orange pumpkin pattern halfway pulled on. ‘What?’ He asked. ‘Can I come with you? Wherever you are going.’ - or Neil and Andrew spend an autumn afternoon together.

A Bushel and a Peck by justdk [Rated T, 1405 Words, Complete, 2020]

Andrew picked a few low hanging apples, handing one to Neil. They wiped them off on their shirts and snacked on them while they looked for the rest of the team. The sweet, tangy juice filled Neil’s mouth and ran down his chin. It tasted way better than a store-bought apple. Overhead crows called to each other and the smell of apples filled the crisp, autumn air. Neil closed his eyes and breathed in deep, holding in the feeling of freedom and possibility. When he opened his eyes, he found Andrew looking at him, hazel eyes warm and steady. [or: the Foxes go apple picking]

Bets, Blind Dates, and Dares. Oh My! by makebelieveanything [Rated T, 3761 Words, Complete, 2021]

Andrew loses a bet to Aaron and Kevin and he has to go on two blind dates - they go about as well as he would expect. Is Andrew stuck in a rom-com or is this really how life works?

gourd vibes only by otatop [Not Rated, 3750 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2021]

A mini road trip up through New England to meet the foxes.

Disparity by Jeni182 [Rated G, 3781 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2021]

Andrew is a criminal justice professor who keeps finding excuses to visit the library where a certain red head works.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm

hopscotch heart by moonix [Rated M, 2046 Words, Complete, 2021, Locked]

Podfic here

Neil has a terrible time at a party. Andrew shows up and Neil has a slightly less terrible time at a party.

tw: implied/referenced murder, tw: anxiety

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness by seaspeak [Not Rated, 869 Words, Complete, 2016, Locked]

In which Jean falls in love with the Fall, thanks to Jeremy

There Was Only One Pumpkin by familiarwildflowers [Not Rated, 2275 Words, Complete, AFTG Fall Exchange 2021]

To get Nicky off his back about his dating life, Neil decided to lie. Surely there would be no consequences? That's what Neil thought, until, while on a visit to a pumpkin patch, Andrew's lot steps in and he's forced to confront his lie.

Pumpkin Patch by H_bee69 [Rated G, 1600 Words, Complete, 2023]

Part 1 of Spooky times and autumn vibes

Neil wants to go to the pumpkin patch and who is Andrew to deny Neil.

until I fell off from that peak by eeveepkmnfan [Rated M, 4817 Words, Complete, 2023]

Neil Josten lives and tries to come to terms with what that means. Or, Neil collects leaves - Andrew vocally protests.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Forever Falling by cshogg [Rated G, 1370 Words, Complete, 2023]

Snippets of Neil and Andrew's life during autumn: trying new things, rewriting traumatic experiences, and learning to love the seasons like normal people do.

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magnetothemagnificent · 1 year ago

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I guess it's time I share my list of birds from this past Jewish year (I've been keeping two Big Year lists, Jewish year and secular year). All are from the US, except the last few which are indicated.

1. Ruby-crowned kinglet

2. American Robin

* Leucistic American Robin

3. Song sparrow

4. Rock pigeon

* Melanistic rock pigeon

5. Chipping sparrow

6. Hairy woodpecker

7. Mourning dove

8. Northern flicker

9. Eastern towhee

10. White crowned sparrow

11. White-throated sparrow

12 Savannah sparrow

13. House sparrow

14. European starling

15. American Crow

16. Common Raven

17. Gray catbird

18. Northern mockingbird

19. Canada Goose

20. Spotted Sandpiper

21. American herring gull

22. Marsh wren

23. Limpkin

24. Great white heron

25. Cattle egret

26. Anhinga

27. Snowy egret

28. Great blue heron

29. Black-crowned night heron

30. Wood stork

31. Common gallinule

32. Blue-gray gnatcatcher

33. Turkey vulture

34. Black vulture

35. Yellow rumped warbler

36. Tufted titmouse

37. Little blue heron

38. White ibis

39. Cooper's hawk

40. Cardinal

41. Green heron

42. Carolina wren

43. Palm warbler

44. Pine warbler

45. Sandhill crane

46. Carolina chickadee

47. Bluejay

48. Osprey

49. Chimney swift

50. Red-tailed hawk

51. Prairie warbler

52. American kestrel

53. Glossy ibis

54. Pied-billed grebe

55. Double-crested cormorant

56. Grey kingbird

57. Brown pelican

58. Fish crow

59. Royal tern

60. Bald eagle

61. Painted bunting

62. American white pelican

63. Common grackle

64. Boat-tailed grackle

65. Great-tailed grackle

66. American purple gallinule

67. American coot

68. Brown-headed cowbird

69. Tricolored heron

70. Mallard

71. Black-bellied whistling duck

72. Eastern kingbird

73. Yellow-billed cuckoo

74. Muscovy duck

75. American bittern

76. Ring-billed gull

77. American Pekin

78. Mallard-Pekin hybrid

79. Eastern bluebird

80. Yellow-bellied sapsucker

81. Red-winged blackbird

82. White-eyed vireo

83. Mottled duck

84. Broad-winged hawk

85. Dark-eyed junco

86. Brown thrasher

87. Sharp-shinned hawk

88. House finch

89. Eastern Phoebe

90. Downy woodpecker

91. Fox sparrow

92. Loggerhead Shrike!!!!

93. White breasted nuthatch

94. Red-bellied woodpecker

95. Brown creeper

96. Pileated woodpecker

97. American goldfinch

98. House wren

99. Barn swallow

100. Tree swallow

101. Black and white warbler

102. Red eyed vireo

103. Yellow warbler

104. Mute swan

105. Rusty blackbird

106. Common yellowthroat

107. Warbling vireo

108. Northern waterthrush

109. Veery

110. Swamp sparrow

111. Wood duck

112. American redstart

113. Orchard oriole

114. Greater Yellowlegs

115. Lesser Yellowlegs

116. Baltimore oriole

117. Hermit thrush

118. Wood thrush

119. Ovenbird

120. Indigo bunting

121. Black-throated blue warbler

122. Scarlet tanager

123. Worm-eating warbler

124. Northern rough-winged swallow

125. Blue-headed vireo

126. Northern parula

127. Prothonotary warbler

128. Philadelphia vireo

129. Blackburnian warbler

130. Magnolia warbler

131. Cedar waxwing

132. Blackpoll warbler

133. Yellow-throated vireo

134. Eastern wood pewee

135. Acadian flycatcher

136. Tennessee warbler

137. Caspian tern

138. Laughing gull

139. Forster's tern

140. American oystercatcher

141. Green-winged teal

142. Purple Martin

143. Least tern

144. Field sparrow

145. Killdeer

146. Grey-cheeked thrush

147. Rose-breasted grosbeak

148. Great-crested flycatcher

149. Swainson's thrush

150. Bay-breasted warbler

151. Chestnut-sided warbler

152. Willow flycatcher

153. Ruby-throated hummingbird

154. Peregrine falcon

155. Hooded crow IL

156. Laughing dove IL

157. Eurasian collared dove IL

158. Eurasian jackdaw IL

159. Common myna IL

160. Rose-ringed parakeet IL

161. White spectacled bulbul IL

162. European bee eater IL

163. Chukar IL

164. Short toed snake eagle IL

165. White stork IL

166. Little egret IL

167. Pygmy cormorant IL

168. Eurasian hoopoe IL

169. Alpine swift IL

170. Graceful pinia IL

171. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler IL

172. Tristan's Starling IL

173. Fan tailed raven IL

174. Eurasian black cap IL

Here's to at least 200 next year!

#birding #birds #big year

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vixnovacoda · 3 months ago

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Doctor's Medicine || Chapter 11

Hannibal Lecter x Original Character

Word Count: ~2k

CW/TW: NSFW 18+, graphic, disturbing content, dissociation, canon-typical violence.

[Chapter 1][Chapter 2][Chapter 3][Chapter 4][Chapter 5][Chapter 6][Chapter 7][Chapter 8][Chapter 9][Chapter 10]

[ao3 version here]

They were barely through the second glass when Hannibal tried to change the topic from favourite wine flavours and European countrysides. He lowered the wine from his lips, holding it how a trained hand would. “We’ve yet to touch upon the subject of your parents,” he said abruptly.

“Or yours,” returned Emma with the clashing of her nails against her wine glass resounding loud against the vastness that was Hannibal’s living room and its gothic decadence. The whole place was decadent, an oasis in concrete, filth-filled Baltimore - there was no sensible way that being a psychiatrist paid for this all on its own. It was made clear then that she didn’t know him well at all. Just bits of him.

He took his time drinking, body turned to face her as he sat upright and perfectly poised on the other end of the sofa. The whole time, he sipped while she gulped. Not once had he broken form like a careful man being a gentleman with nothing to give away. “You don’t like opening up, do you?” assumed Emma.

Then it broke briefly. Hannibal looked away from her. She could barely see the look in his eye, but it was clear enough by how he chose to focus on the skulls of dead prey, their lives having been taken away from man to be used as decoration, that he was questioning something. Maybe letting her inside this room while he had still been awake. It wasn’t clear what exactly. It was never always clear with him. Hannibal Lecter, the man who chooses horse hooves for chair feet. The man who designed his living room to be a forest; his hunting grounds. A place meant for calmness or to take home a meal. But she knew she said something he wasn’t expecting.

“Then in that, we share,” came to utter Hannibal unexpectedly.

“I suppose,” responded her. “However, I just simply don’t like getting close to people.” She lingered on him as the open fire painted the contours of his face like it were some greco-roman sculpture. If his head wasn’t so attached to his body she’d donate it to sit amongst the greats at a museum. “… Not anymore.”

“Am I not ‘people’?” asked Hannibal in his usual manner, in his usual way that had you giving more of yourself up to him than he ever would; charming. Hannibal’s words were a bait she openly ate from.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

His head slanted, ever curious. “And what is your assumption so far?”

The details of his sculpted lines turned less blurred. “A hunter,” she answered, her hand grabbing the back of the sofa between them as her body shifted closer. “You wait. You watch with care. You stand in a world of prey and take the ones you need in search of something, maybe you enjoy it, maybe it brings you calm. Either way, you’re alone.”

“I am?”

“It’s hard to find someone willing to hunt alongside.”

The firewood crackled in the silence where they were at a stand still. Embers broke and sparks flittered, seen reflected in the only clear thing of that man she called a hunter, his eyes. Deep, dark forces of nature. Flecks of red. So much red in them. So… familiar.

A bathtub, marbled by blood spilling, pouring over under my knees. I sit in it. I stare. There’s the body, then me. Fingers dip like toes in water, testing the climate. Eyes float to the surface. Iris of blue turned a glaring red. I bend closer, and it almost bleeds into my own.

A hunger.

That’s what it was. She had seen it before back in that house she was supposed to call home. Years passed where she might have almost forgotten. But, how could she when he was right there in front of her to remind her. Hannibal had that same look in his eyes, she was sure, and not a reflection like Will. Just, similar. Which meant he was one of the only people that understood her and what she felt. He had to. He just—

With a grip larger than her own, Hannibal coerced the half-empty glass from her teetering grasp before she could taint the expensive upholstery or the remnants of his stripped-down suit – in which the shirt (a couple buttons undone) and trousers remained – and there she remained without moving an inch. Any closer and their knees would be touching. Then, a buzzing, tingling. A warmth filled her cheeks. She couldn’t help herself, but what was she doing? She barely knew this man she labelled as a friend mere hours ago.

Embarrassment swallowed whatever feeling she had while reality came rearing its head in. “But, what do I know? Maybe I am just projecting,” Emma stammered and lurched herself back, resting her tiring body over what was her side of the furniture. “Or deflecting the original question. After all, there's a lot of revealing oneself in discussing parentage, no hiding from the truth where the pieces come together. Even when buried, it never dies.” Though she wished it did. Then none of this would ever have happened. No pain. No tragedy. No dead Alex.

The alcohol made light work with her, festering in all the nooks and crannies of her body, and the unrest fashioned lead from her frame as she slumped with a heave, spine curving against the armrest. Emma never believed in spirits, but as her heart felt cold while the tips of her fingers and the fireplace burnt, she might have sworn it was Alex. But she would never be so cruel to leave Emma at odds and staring at where heaven laid between the clouds that was Hannibal's ceiling for an answer. It had been this way not too long ago in the spare bedroom Hannibal had provided. Wide-eyed and brain ticking, she had stared at that ceiling. Unable to sleep, Emma was the one to search for the bottom of a bottle and Hannibal the one who indulged her thirst by uncorking a vintage when he probably shouldn’t have.

“Why are we still awake?” questioned Emma. Why am I alive?

Hannibal’s voice waded through the confused silence like an echo. “I think only you can answer that one.” Followed by the pour of more wine. Drop after drop.

It wasn’t a difficult answer when there was pause and alcohol in the air and the warmth of another who was in reach. She knew, like she had never known before. “… Company,” admitted her with newfound lucidity being consciously aware could never give her. “The world sounds different when I’m with you.”

“What does it sound like?”

“Like… Like a symphony.”

The sofa sighed under the shifting of his weight as she swore he moved closer. “Harmony. When the right notes mix with the right instruments under the direction of the conductor, it is a cacophony of delight that is profound to the senses,” assuaged Hannibal.

Makes a part of you from deep inside feel as if you could finally breathe , added Emma mid-thought.

“Everything in sync. Everything right.”

“See, you understand.” Too drunk with enlightenment under her breath to care, Emma threw herself upright to the rhythm of a bounce and eureka. “You’re the only one who sees me. Is it so bad to want to understand why? To be curious as to what you have buried when you’ve already begun digging up mine? Tell me anything of your parents, then I shall tell you mine. Is that so hard?” pressed Emma as she leaned forward, hunching slightly like a blind beggar to assuage and bend his gaze from above as predators pretending to be as innocent as prey ought to often do. This was the time. She was sure. He’d finally give a little; a test to their bond. To their friendship. Or whatever it was that they had and pretending was friendship. Survival.

He looked at her.

She looked back.

And there was that look again. That hunger . When was the last time either of them had consumed? Too long, but Emma’s hunger was stronger, enough to beat Hannibal by a mile. He sighed through seething teeth. Just this once. That’s all she needed. That’s all she’ll get. “It was snowing the last time I saw them. Our home was covered in thick layers of its pure colour that you could barely see the horizon at dawn. A guise of innocent ongoings, one might say, or the blessing of god,” divulged Hannibbal, straining, like he was slicing off a part of him and serving it up to her raw on a platter. The act softened her. It was the closest she had gotten to understanding him, and sure, he could have been lying to get her to divulge something deeply personal. But only God would do that and he wasn’t God. He was far better than Him.

Emma swallowed the hardened lump of salt in her throat. “There was a storm when my mother was murdered. It flooded our moors like an ocean. No one could leave,” she confessed.

“Did you think it a blessing?” he asked.

“Did you?”

They stared amidst a revealing quiet, their eyes piercing through reflections.

“Death is no blessing. It is just death,” spoke Emma through dry lips, suddenly more thirsty than she’d ever been.

Hannibal slid her lipstick-stained glass across the table. “I find that it is an end and a beginning.”

“That’s one way to think about it, certainly.” Nodded along Emma half-heartedly and took glass to mouth; rapid and fast. Anything to completely satiate herself to completion. It wasn’t often she had told someone about her mother and she did not like this strange feeling that came to occupy her because of it. This bitter bile stuck within her like a rot, like a shame. Her fist clenched the wine glass stem with ferociousness. “I prefer to just let death be death.”

“My, you really are a persistent force in the face of a battle, Emma Darcy,” commented Hannibal, with his sliver of admiration seeming all too genuine.

Suddenly smiling and all too proud, Emma said, “I get that a lot. People are often surprised to find how unwilling I am to lie down and play dead.” She raised her glass almost triumphantly as she pushed down the rising rot.

“And nor should you be forced to be something you are not.” Peering past the lip of the glass, she could see the beginnings of a smug smile like he knew something she didn’t. But, no sooner than downing the wine glass’s remains did the red liquid wash away the sight and her vision blur around the corners with a swallow. Light-headed and weightless. Unaware and buzzing. She didn’t seek to stop. The alcohol numbed the pain of her chrysalis – the pain that followed her existence, the pain she had come to stop. The change that was the end of her. Though it was less of a change or evolution and more of a breaking free from an ill-fitted cage.

“Emma, are you still there?” came the sound of Hannibal’s dulcet voice, distant and far off, ringing and echoing, come to pull her back to the surface.

“Yes.” She tried to follow it. Dragging, squeezing. Rising, and rising, and, then, free. Blinking away an old layer of a blurred world and struggling to centre her body upright, she repeats herself with a newfound conviction. “Yes, I always have been.”

With reality rearing back in, she could feel the palm of his hand on her forehead, the other on the small of her back, as the warmth of his body melding with the closeness of hers. The beginning of early daylight cracked into rays behind Hannibal’s head and seeped into the smile that flitted across his lips. This version of herself, the one that had been begging to be let out – the one that found an easy way through the cracks of drunkenness – owed its life to him, and she matched his delight with awe and thankfulness at her saviour.

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