#Chen An the dog whisperer

[justabigassnerd]

Finally Safe

Pairing - Tim Bradford x reader

Word count - 6,179

Warnings - kidnapping, drugging, talks of malnourishment, sad Tim hours, angst, fluff, inaccurate medical scenes, swearing

Summary - after being missing for years, you and Tim are finally reunited

A/N - hey y'all! this was an idea suggested to me by @scarletstarrs so I hope I did your idea justice because I loved exploring this idea so much (and all the angst that came with it). anyways I won't ramble, as per y'all please send in requests, feedback, and enjoy!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When Lucy entered the station, ready for the morning roll call, she was both shocked and confused to find Tim Bradford missing from the building. Other than being forced to take leave after being shot, Tim had always shown up to work no matter what.

“Hey, have you seen Tim?” Lucy asks, sitting down in between Jackson and Nolan who both shrug, shaking their heads. Before the three could begin theorising about where Lucy’s training officer had gone, Sergeant Grey stepped up to the podium and began to talk, detailing what was going to be happening during the day. Just before he sends everyone off to start the day, he addresses Lucy.

“Officer Chen, you’ll be riding with me today. Dismissed.” Grey says, his dismissal causing everyone to stand up and make their way out of the room to start their day. As Grey begins to exit, Lucy follows after him.

“Sergeant Grey, while it’s an honour to ride with you today. Where’s Officer Bradford?” Lucy asks, trying her best to sound respectful while enquiring about where Tim is.

“Officer Bradford is taking a personal day,” Grey replies simply, gesturing for Lucy to go and get the war bags to load the shop. At Grey’s gesture, Lucy began to make her way to get the bags, silently wondering to herself why Tim had taken a personal day and whether he was okay.

Across LA, Tim was sitting at home. He had barely had the energy to move out of bed when he woke up but he had managed to drag himself over to the sofa after making sure Kojo had his breakfast. Kojo, while not having lived with Tim long, had picked up on Tim’s melancholy mood and curled up next to him, whining softly as Tim studied a picture on his phone. Tim let out a soft sigh, tears filling his eyes as he studied the picture, a picture of him and you, his wife, on your wedding day. He was embracing you happily, lips pressed to yours.

“I miss you so much,” Tim whispers, unable to remove his gaze from the image of you. You had gone missing three years ago to the day, and Tim could never forgive himself for it. At Tim’s whisper, Kojo shuffled around, resting his head on Tim’s lap, sensing Tim’s pain. Kojo’s movement briefly pulled Tim’s attention away from his phone.

“I’m sorry buddy,” Tim says softly, stroking the top of Kojo’s head. Since you had been taken, Tim had consistently taken a personal day on the date you were taken with each passing year you remained missing. Most detectives involved in your case had told Tim that it was time to give up. The chances were high that whoever had taken you had killed you and had moved on. But Tim wouldn’t just give up on you. He couldn’t. Deep down he knew you were still out there somewhere, and he needed to find you. As Tim continued to swipe through the album of photos he had of you and him, Kojo began to paw at his leg slightly, as if trying to drag him out of his slump.

“I know. Come on, I’ll take you for a walk.” Tim says, knowing that keeping Kojo inside because of his upset would just not be worth it. Tim manages to get up from the sofa, shower and change before grabbing Kojo’s lead. As he left the house with Kojo trotting along by his side, he was silently grateful for the dog’s presence in his life. Before Kojo came around, Tim just wallowed in his house, hiding away from the world when he missed you too much. But now he had someone relying on him, and he couldn’t let Kojo down. After reaching the park, Tim let Kojo off the lead so he could explore while he sat on a bench. As he watched Kojo, he couldn’t help but imagine you sat by his side. You had always wanted to get a dog since long before marrying Tim and he had always put it off, claiming he wanted to wait. He felt so guilty for owning Kojo while you were missing but he knew that when he found you, you’d love Kojo and you’d so quickly become his new favourite person.

After a while, Tim whistled for Kojo to come back over so they could walk back home and as they made their way home, Tim’s phone buzzed, alerting him that he had a message but he opted to wait until he was home to see what it was. When he finally made it home, Tim collapsed onto the sofa and pulled out his phone to see a text from Angela.

‘How are you?’

That simple message was enough to bring the smallest of smiles to Tim’s face. Angela had been Tim’s entire support system since the day you went missing. She had checked in with him regularly and was someone to lean on during his bad days. When she had been promoted to detective, Angela had promised Tim she would do what she could to try and pick up any leads in your missing persons case. Tim had been so grateful for Angela’s support over the last few years, she was the person he needed to help him navigate your absence in his life.

‘Could be better.’

Tim could never lie to Angela. She had ways to see right through him, even over text so he knew there was no point even attempting to act like he was feeling okay on a day like this.

‘Do you want to come over? Have some company?’

Angela’s offer of company was not unusual, although the last few times Angela had asked if he wanted her to come over after her shift had finished, but now with her on maternity leave, both she and Tim had a whole day to console each other.

‘That would be nice. I’ll be over in a few.’ 

Tim types out and sends his response, once again forcing himself up from the sofa and petting Kojo, promising him he’d be back soon before grabbing the keys to his truck and making his way to Angela’s house.

When he arrived he barely even knocked on the door before Angela opened it, a soft gentle smile on her face as she took in Tim’s appearance. It was obvious to her that he hadn’t slept well the night before but she couldn’t blame him. If Wesley had gone missing she knows she’d be absolutely beside herself with worry and anticipatory grief.

“Come and sit down,” Angela says softly, resting a hand on Tim’s back and guiding him to the sofa, easing herself down alongside him, her gentle hand never leaving his back as she moves it up to rub his shoulder lightly. For a few minutes, the two of them sit in silence before Tim lets out a shuddering breath.

“I miss her so much.” Tim manages to say, his voice choking as tears begin to well in his eyes.

“I know, Tim,” Angela says sympathetically, her hand continuing to rub soothing circles on his shoulder in an attempt to keep his breathing steady.

“It hurts.” Tim manages to say, hand hovering near his heart, swearing he could feel his heart pounding louder and stronger with each second.

“I can’t imagine the pain. But I’m here for you. You’re not alone.” Angela says softly, feeling her heart break more and more at Tim’s broken state. She was the only person who got to see this side of Tim in these moments and it made her more and more determined to find you. After a few moments of comforting whispers from Angela and teary sniffles from Tim, he turned to face her, eyes still shining with unshed tears.

“Do you think we’ll even find her alive?” Tim asked, uncharacteristically pessimistic about your case, making Angela shocked.

“She’s got to be out there somewhere. And we’ll find her.” Angela says, pulling Tim into a careful hug.

“It’s my fault she’s gone,” Tim mutters against her shoulder, a confession no one had heard from him before.

“Don’t say that. You’re not to blame.” Angela says, pulling away slightly to look him in the eyes as he shakes his head.

“I am.” Tim insists, his right hand moving to fiddle with his wedding ring, a movement Angela didn’t miss. She knew he would take the ring off when he was on duty, but when he was off duty it would be restored to its rightful place and he’d often find himself twisting it around on his finger out of habit.

“Why do you say it’s your fault?” Angela asks tenderly, hoping she’d be able to help Tim realise that it wasn’t his fault.

“We had an argument that night. A stupid one at that, I can’t even remember what it was about, maybe about chores or something? But y/n got pissed at me and she said she needed to go on a walk to clear her head. I was pissed too and the moment she left I just decided to go to bed. I was too angry to do anything else. If I had gone after her none of this would’ve happened. She’d still be here with me.” Tim whispers, feeling like his throat is closing more tears welling in his eyes as he relives that night.

“Where are you going?” Tim asks, pausing his angry pacing to glare at you from across the room.

“For a walk. I can’t be around you right now.” You reply, your voice just as venomous as his as you grab your keys, reaching for the door handle.

“Fine.” Tim spits angrily, turning on his heel and stalking off again as you open the door, exiting and angrily closing the door behind you while Tim storms to the kitchen, grabbing himself a beer from the fridge.

After a couple of beers, Tim decided it wasn’t worth staying up waiting for you any longer. You had taken your keys and he knew you’d come back whenever you were ready to so he took himself to bed, practically passing out as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The next morning, Tim woke up and found your side of the bed still empty, and when he reached across to search for any remaining body heat, he found that your side was still cold, like no one had slept in it all night. Figuring you had spent the night on the sofa, Tim sat up and got himself out of bed, all anger from the night before gone.

“Hey, Baby, I’m sorry about last night.” Tim enters the living room, rubbing his eyes as he enters, stopping in his tracks when he realises you’re not in the room, nor was there any evidence you had even slept on the sofa. At the sight of the empty room, and your keys still missing from the key bowl, Tim felt his stomach turning with anxiety. He just knew something bad had happened to you. You wouldn’t just go silent on him or not come home at all.

After trying to call your phone and getting no answers, Tim knew he had to file a missing persons case when he got to work. He wasn’t going to rest until he found you.

“Tim, listen to me. It is not your fault. You couldn’t have known. Neither of you could’ve known there would be a psycho out there. You can’t blame yourself for something you never could’ve anticipated.” Angela says softly, her voice shaking Tim from his thoughts. She could imagine the guilt Tim was feeling, but she knew it wasn’t his fault.

“It is. If I had just-”

“Okay, I’m going to stop you right there. There’s nothing you could’ve done. I know just as well as you that y/n is stubborn as anything, so if she wanted to go and get some air after your argument then she would’ve done it regardless. You can’t predict the future and y/n wouldn’t want you to blame yourself.” Angela says, her voice was soft yet firm so she can get her point across to Tim. She knew Tim had a habit of blaming himself for things out of his control but she had no idea that he had carried guilt from your disappearance silently and had been beating himself up about it for so long.

“I just need to find her. I need her safe and home with me. I didn’t even tell her I loved her the last time I saw her.” Tim says, fiercely wiping at his eyes to stop any tears from falling.

“I’m working with detectives to pick up the dead ends from y/n’s case. One of them will lead us somewhere I’m sure. Between you and me, working y/n’s case is the only work Wesley is okay with me doing while on maternity leave. He knows how important it is to us and he’s promised me that if we catch the asshole he’d ensure he spends the rest of his life behind bars.” Angela says reassuringly, wanting to help restore Tim’s faith in finding you.

“Thank you, Angela,” Tim says quietly with a nod. With the topic seeming to be at an end, Angela decides to change the subject and while Tim had always jokingly complained about helping Angela with wedding planning, he was more than happy to do so on this day. While he helped Angela plan various parts of her wedding, he couldn’t help but think about the time he had spent planning his wedding with you.

“Tim, we can’t seat my uncle next to your brother-in-law!” You exclaimed with a laugh, curling further into Tim’s side as he wrapped his arm around you, chuckling lightly to himself, both of you focusing on the seating chart Tim had drafted.

“Sure we can. It would be hilarious.” Tim says, squeezing you closer, his hand winding around your waist.

“You want our wedding to result in a fistfight?” You say, an amused tone to your voice as you raise an eyebrow.

 “Mmm, might not be the best idea then,” Tim murmurs, leaning close to press a kiss to your cheek.

“The best idea is to make sure they stay as far away from each other as possible.” You muse, unable to stop the smile covering your face as Tim continued to press kisses to your cheek.

“We’ll figure it out.”

By the end of the day, Tim had spent most of his time at Angela’s house and he had been beyond grateful for her company and her willingness to help him through a day like this. When Wesley got home, Tim decided that was when he should be heading home himself, knowing Kojo was probably waiting for him.

“I’ll see you around,” Tim says quietly, giving Angela a gentle hug, pulling away and giving Wesley a friendly nod before making his way out of their house, heading to his truck to head home. Unbeknownst to Tim, the moment he left, Angela’s phone buzzed and when she read the text she knew she had to step into work again. Whether Wesley liked it or not.

The next morning, Angela made her way to the hospital, meeting with other detectives once she got there before being led to a room that had a girl inside. Angela figured she couldn’t be any older than her early twenties. After getting a quick brief from the other detectives, Angela made her way into the room, smiling softly to let her know she wasn’t a threat.

“Hi, Bella. I’m Detective Lopez, but you can just call me Angela.” Angela introduces herself, easing herself down onto one of the hospital room chairs as Bella eyes her carefully. Angela could tell that the last thing Bella wanted was to be questioned but it was protocol, whether she liked it or not.

“I promise I’ll make this quick, just tell me what happened,” Angela assures, pulling out her notepad and pen.

“A few months ago, some guy grabbed me off the street while I was making my way home. He kept calling me ‘Samantha’ the whole time. No matter how many times I told him my name was Bella he just ignored it.” Bella explains, tears welling in her eyes as her arms wound around her middle.

“Can you describe this man? And where he was keeping you?” Angela asks carefully, making notes on her notepad as Bella nods.

“He looked like he was in his forties, his hair was greying and he had a huge burn scar on his right arm, like all up it. He was keeping us in the woods. It sounds really cliche now that I say it out loud. He’d moved us around a bit before he found this old abandoned cabin on the outskirts of the city. He managed to get power and water so he figured we could just stay out there, like some delusional family or something.” Bella says, and Angela immediately picks up on her choice of words.

“I’m sorry, you said ‘us’. Was there someone else?” Angela enquires, glancing up from her notebook.

“Yeah, there was another woman, she might’ve been in her thirties? The guy kept calling her ‘Vivian’ but I’m guessing that wasn’t her name.” Bella explains with a nod while Angela pulls her phone out of her pocket, hurriedly scrolling through it and finding a picture with you in.

“This other woman. Did she look like this?” Angela flips the phone around, showing Bella the picture, watching as her eyes widen in recognition.

“Yes! That’s her!” Bella exclaims, looking over at Angela.

“She’s alive,” Angela mutters to herself, unable to believe the news.

“Do you know her?” Bella asks, noticing Angela’s reaction and how hurriedly she was typing into her phone.

“She’s a friend of mine. She’s been missing for a while.” Angela says, tucking her phone away as she talks.

“She’s the one who helped me escape. She saw the opportunity and she encouraged me to go for it.” Bella says, watching Angela’s reaction carefully.

“That sounds like y/n. She always looked out for others.” Angela says with fondness, remembering how you had always put others above yourself.

“I want to help her,” Bella says, a strong, newfound determination in her voice.

“Can you recall where the cabin was? If you can that would help us track her down.” Angela asks, listening carefully as Bella explains all the details she can remember of her escape from that cabin. After getting as many details as Bella could remember, Angela excused herself, exiting the room and immediately calling Grey on her way out, informing him of everything and letting him know that he and the LAPD needed to act fast before you were moved again.

Back at the Mid-Wilshire police station, police officers were starting to prepare for an operation on the outskirts of Los Angeles just as Lucy and Tim entered, ushering their recent arrest to be processed. They quickly became aware of the atmosphere around them so while Lucy was processing the arrest, Tim stepped out to find Grey.

“What’s going on?” Tim asks after tracking down Grey.

“I’m getting some people together for an operation. But I need you and Officer Chen to stay on patrol.” Grey says, gathering his war bags and barely glancing Tim’s way.

“I want to help,” Tim says, confused as to why Grey isn’t letting him get involved with an operation, not when he had as much experience as he did.

“This isn’t a matter to discuss Officer Bradford. You’re one of my best patrol officers and I need you out on the streets with Officer Chen while we do this. Is that understood?” Grey asserts, facing Tim and staring him down as Tim straightens up.

“Understood, Sir,” Tim says, feeling his heart sink at not getting to be involved with an operation.

“You’ll get in on the next operation,” Grey says, clapping Tim on the shoulder quickly before making his way towards his shop, leaving Tim to head back to Lucy, finding her after she had just finished processing their arrest.

“Hey, did you find out what everyone’s doing?” Lucy asks, looking up at Tim curiously.

“There’s an operation going down. I don’t know what it’s for but Grey wants us on patrol.” Tim says with a shrug, beginning to turn on his heel and make his way towards their shop, annoyance evident in in his body language.

“Do they know this would be a great learning opportunity for me? I want to get as much experience in operations as possible. Why aren’t they letting us help?” Lucy asks, following behind Tim.

“I don’t know, Boot. But it’s not my place to challenge Sergeant Grey’s orders.” Tim says firmly, glancing over his shoulder at Lucy who nods, still obviously upset about not getting to help with an operation while she’s still in training.

“Come on, get in. We’ve got a patrol to finish.” Tim then says with a shrug, both of them reaching the shop and getting in, ready to continue their patrol.

After a couple of hours of patrolling, Tim and Lucy had stopped to grab some coffee and while they stood outside their shop, talking and sipping at their drinks, Tim’s phone rang, making his eyebrows furrow when he saw Angela’s name displayed across his screen.

“Angela.” Tim greets as the phone reaches his ear.

“Tim, you need to get your ass to the hospital right now,” Angela says, making Tim raise an eyebrow before he thinks of a reason why she’d be asking him to come to the hospital.

“Are you having the baby already?” Tim asks, a panicked expression crossing his face.

“What? No. Look, just come to Shaw Memorial as soon as you can.” Angela says, an urgency in her voice that Tim hasn’t heard in a while.

“Okay, I’ll head over now.” Tim concedes, bidding Angela goodbye before hanging up the phone and shoving it away in his pocket.

“We’re going to the hospital. And no Angela is not giving birth.” Tim says, able to predict what Lucy was about to ask from a single look.

“Then why are we going to the hospital?” Lucy then questions, both of them getting into their seats just before Tim starts the drive to the hospital.

“No idea. Maybe one of my C.I’s ended up in hospital and they wanted to talk to me.” Tim says, shrugging lightly, wondering to himself why it was Angela had summoned him to the hospital when she’s not supposed to be working. The closer they get to the hospital, the more Tim starts to suspect that it has something to do with you. Angela had assured him that the only case she was working while on maternity leave was yours. But as he parked in the car park for the hospital, he started to picture the worst possible case scenario as he bursts through the hospital, tracking down Angela within minutes, practically leaving Lucy behind.

“What’s happened?” Tim asks, studying Angela’s expression carefully as she grabs his wrist leading him to a nearby hospital room and letting him look through the window. At the sight, tears immediately began to well in his eyes, stepping forward slightly towards the door before Angela stopped him.

“The doctors are working on her now. They’ll get you when she’s stable. I just wanted to show you that we found her.” Angela explains softly, watching as Tim refuses to tear his gaze away from the window.

“She’s alive,” Tim whispers, tears in his eyes as he watches the doctors hooking you up to an IV drip and heart monitors.

“She is. We found her.” Angela says softly, carefully guiding Tim back to the waiting room and helping him ease himself into a chair just as Lucy finally found the pair.

“What the hell? Why did you leave me behind?” Lucy demands, approaching Tim who barely processes her words, his gaze locked on the floor in front of him as his knee bounces impatiently.

“Not now, Lucy,” Angela says, holding a hand out towards Lucy to silence her while her other hand rests on Tim’s shoulder, squeezing it softly.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Lucy then asks, noticing the unusual behaviour Tim was exhibiting and how Angela was protecting him fiercely.

“We’ll tell you later,” Angela says, knowing that with the state Tim was in, she shouldn’t go spilling his personal life.

After half an hour of waiting, a doctor approached Angela since they only recognised her but she made sure to bring Tim into the conversation as well as make sure the doctors knew he was your husband so that he would make any and all medical decisions that you couldn’t make.

“y/n had been drugged upon being found, I assume something that was something done so that the perpetrator could move her without the risk of her running away. She’s also showing clear signs of dehydration and malnourishment so we’ve got her on IVs to give her what her body needs. She’s still asleep but would you like to see her?” The doctor explains, glancing at the tablet in his hand before looking at Tim who nods. The doctor gestures for Tim to follow him to your room but before he leaves he turns to Angela.

“Message me if you need me,” Angela says softly, watching as he nods once more before following the doctor and being granted access to your room. As soon as he enters the room, he grabs a chair and pulls it up along your bedside, one hand taking your hand in his while his other hand runs through your hair.

“I’m here, Baby. I’m so sorry. I love you.” Tim says, repeating the three sentences like a mantra as he squeezes your hand softly. He felt more tears welling in his eyes as he took in your form. Your cheeks were hollowed and you had dark circles under your eyes. The more Tim watched you as you slept, the worse his guilt got. He couldn’t help but hate himself more and more for letting you leave the house that night. As the day progressed, Tim found himself uncharacteristically talkative with you, rambling about everything you had missed.

“I’ve got a new rookie. Her name’s Lucy Chen. You’d like her a lot actually. She reminds me of you in a way.” Tim says, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing the back of your hand as he talks. He knew you and Lucy would get on well. After all, Lucy was someone who was unafraid to speak her mind around Tim and you’d admire her fire. By the time night fell, Tim was sure he’d covered everything that had happened since you had gone missing. He felt a yawn slip past his lips which made him attempt to shake the sleepiness off. He didn’t want to fall asleep and then risk waking up to find out that this had been a dream. He couldn’t bare to wake up to find you missing again. However, as the night progressed, Tim got more and more tired and he began to struggle to keep his eyes open so he laid his head down on your bed, making sure he was facing up at you, keeping your hand in his the whole time before letting his eyes slip closed, hoping this wasn’t all a dream.

You woke up slowly in the early hours of the morning and as you slowly open your eyes, you couldn’t help but smile tearily when you recognised the sleeping face of your husband. The face you had dreamed of seeing for years. You watched Tim quietly for a moment, admiring the man you loved so much before your need to talk to him overtook you and you squeezed his hand softly, rousing him almost instantly. His eyes blinked open and you felt a tear slip down your cheek.

“Hey, Tim.” You whisper softly, your voice slightly hoarse from lack of use. Tim couldn’t even bring himself to talk, he just squeezed your hand, tears welling in his own eyes.

“You’ve grown your hair out a bit.” You observe quietly, gently extracting your hand from his to run your hand through his hair, having been used to his shorter haircut for too long.

“You like it?” Tim asks with a teary laugh.

“I love it. I did always tell you it would look nicer if you grew it out a little.” You muse softly, enjoying the feeling of running your hand through his hair with the slight added length. As another tear rolls down your cheek, Tim reaches out and wipes it away, his touch as soft and as gentle as you remembered it.

“I’m so sorry, Baby. I let you down.” Tim apologises, his hand lingering on your cheek as you lean into his touch, desperately craving the love and comfort only Tim could provide you with.

“It’s not your fault. I’m the one who left that night.” You say, slowly retracting your hand from Tim’s hair, returning it to your lap as Tim shakes his head.

“I should’ve stopped you.” Tim argues, making you shake your head in response.

“You couldn’t have known, Tim. Look, let’s not argue. We haven’t seen each other in years I don’t want to ruin this by arguing. It’s no ones fault but the ass who took me.” You say, your voice soft yet firm as Tim nods lightly in understanding.

“I missed you so much.” Tim then whispers, his face displaying every emotion he was feeling in the moment.

“I missed you too.” You reply softly. Glad you were reunited with your husband again.

After a few days stay in hospital, you had finally been cleared to go home which you were excited for. Your days in the hospital were mostly spent talking to lawyers and detectives to get all the evidence needed for the case against your kidnapper. But Tim had all but refused to leave your side through it all, and some of your friends came to visit you after news had spread that you had been found. You even got to meet Tim’s newest rookie, Lucy, who like Tim predicted, you got on brilliantly with. And while you had appreciated people wanting to visit you, and that the detectives and lawyers wanted to get that guy behind bars as soon as possible. But you just wanted to go home, to spend some time with Tim in the comfort of your own house, as well as getting to know the family member you had missed the arrival of. When Tim had told you about Kojo, he had not missed the way your eyes lit up and he knew it was going to be love at first sight for both you and Kojo. After all the paperwork had been sorted and Tim had brought you a comfy change of clothes from home, you finally headed out to Tim’s truck, letting him help you into the vehicle and settling in to the passenger seat.

The drive back to yours and Tim’s shared house was relatively silent, you listened to what was on the radio and occasionally chatted with Tim until he pulled into the driveway. You waited upon Tim’s orders for him to round the truck and open the door for you, helping you out carefully before leading you to the front door.

“Are you ready?” Tim asks softly, hand interlocked with yours as you both stand in front of the door, staring it down before you nod lightly, giving Tim the sign he needed to unlock the front door, easing it open and ushering both you and him inside, quickly coming face to face with Kojo.

“Hey, you must be Kojo. Tim’s told me all about you. I’m y/n.” You introduce yourself to the dog, watching his reaction carefully as he approaches you, sniffing at your outstretched hand for a few seconds before gently licking your hand and allowing you to pet him.

“Oh, aren’t you the sweetest boy?” You praise, petting Kojo happily while Tim jokingly rolls his eyes.

“It took less than a minute for me to be replaced by the dog.” Tim jokes, making his way into the kitchen to grab some drinks and by the time he returned, you had curled up on the sofa with Kojo and Tim couldn’t help but smile at the sight of having you home again. After placing the drinks on the coffee table, Tim sat down on your other side and wrapped his arm around your middle, pulling you into him and pressing multiple kisses to the side of your head as you smile softly, cherishing the attention and love Tim was giving you.

By the time night fell, you were ready to crash and Tim knew it. He chose to carry you to the bedroom, sitting you down on the bed and finding one of his old police academy shirts he knew you loved to wear and a pair of flannel pyjama bottoms, handing them to you before turning around to get changed himself. When you were both ready for bed, you climbed under the covers while Kojo curled up at the foot of the bed. You instantly curled into Tim’s side, burying your face in his chest.

“I’ve missed this so much.” You mumbled, smiling to yourself when Tim tightens his grip around your waist.

“Me too. I love you so much.” Tim whispers, kissing the top of your head before you tipped your head up so Tim could press the softest of kisses upon your lips.

“I love you too.” You reply softly, eyes full of love as you look up at Tim before curling back into him, quickly falling asleep in his arms the way you had been dreaming off the past few years.

In the middle of the night, Tim stirred, aware of the way the two of you had shifted throughout the night. You were now lying with your back to Tim and his arm was wrapped around your middle but he quickly withdrew it when he noticed you twitching and crying in your sleep. He instantly knew you were having a nightmare so he flicked his bedside lamp on and reached out to gently rouse you, placing his hand on your shoulder and calling your name softly until you bolted upright, eyes wide open and tears staining your cheeks.

“y/n. Baby. It’s okay. I’m here. You’re safe.” Tim says softly, his hand reaching down to hold yours, his actions only stopping when you practically curled into him instantly, changing his action from holding your hand to holding your sobbing, shaking form instead. Tim continued to reassure you and comfort you quietly, his hand rubbing up and down your back while Kojo rested his head on your leg, whining softly in his own way to comfort you. Tim then began to coach you through slowing your breathing, using techniques you had used when he suffered with nightmares and when you began to calm down, he began to wipe your tears away.

“I thought I was really back in that cabin.” You admit with a sniffle, making Tim hold you closer, taking your hand in his and placing it above his heart.

“You feel that? I’m here and so are you. I’m not going to let anything happen to you again.” Tim promises quietly as you focus on the steady thumping of his heartbeat while your other hand reached down to pet Kojo softly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” You apologise, pulling away with your eyes still shining with tears as Tim shakes his head.

“Don’t apologise. I’m going to be here for you when you need me to. I’m your husband and after what you went through I’d be a shit excuse of a husband if I did anything but look after you when you needed me. Don’t ever apologise for having a nightmare. I love you and I’m going to help you through this.” Tim says, pulling you back into his arms and feeling you settle your head perfectly above his heart so you could focus on his heartbeat once again.

“I love you too.” You mumble, soothed by Tim’s repeated action of running his hand up and down your back as well as his melodic heartbeat and soon your eyes slipped closed again. In the arms of the love of your life and feeling safe for the first time in years.

Tim watched you sleep peacefully for a few minutes, just to make sure no nightmares tried to attack you again as you slept but after not as much as a twitch, Tim switched his lamp off and cuddled you closer as he let himself drift off to sleep. You were finally back where you belonged. And Tim wasn’t going to let anyone hurt you again.

[unofficial-fhr-polls]

Propaganda:

Ricardo Ortega: Ricardo grows a grief mustache half out of guilt and half to avoid looking like his abusive asshole father and will shave it in a heartbeat if he thinks sidestep seriously doesn’t like it. He will drop the puppet in a split second if he thinks there’s a whisper of a chance of having something more with sidestep. If he’s suspicious of sidestep being a villain—but they come out as trans—his suspicion score plummets and he nearly breaks into tears over his guilt at assuming something bad about them. Again and again he comes to sidestep’s defense and believes in them.

He’s viciously, dangerously intelligent. He’s putting on five dozen masks a day because he’s desperate to appear correct for every situation he’s in. He’s desperate for people to never see who he is underneath, terrified that they’ll never want him for *him*.

He’s got giant stupid brown cow eyes, he’s tanned dark from the sun. Ortega’s the only character who can be six feet tall.

This man is so unhealthily devoted, obsessive, insane and gorgeous that there is a very firm reason every other sexy man (gn) is quaking and whining at him being included.

Wei Chen: Stoic marshal steel vs dog dad wei that spoils his son (PJS AND RAINCOATS FOR SPOON). Wears tight + thin t-shirts off duty "enough [them] to feel silky to the touch." (ch23). this has to be on purpose. right? right?? Understated snarker. Banter is very hot. Always checking in and asking for consent <3. Thoughtfulness + discretion - the shelf in the fridge!!!! (+ not outing a high clue villain with the relevant tags).

Conflict between duty + personal: "This is private. Just for me." A breathed admission. "I feel so selfish right now."'' (ch25) / 'Chen hesitates for a moment, then leans in to kiss you once more, one hand cradling your bruised cheek. Soft. Slightly awkward. Far too many things unsaid. He's not used to open displays of affection. […] A last selfish act before getting back into the Marshal role. Get the job done.' (ch24) / - 'He could cut out his own heart and serve it up as a sacrifice if he had to.' (ch24)

'The way his Adam's apple moved when he took another pull on his protein drinks. […] The way his scars pulled his smile slightly sideways, crooked in its amusement.' (ch23)

CANONICALLY HAS A FANTASTIC ASS, ACCORDING TO A STEELSTEP SIDESTEP.

[wawamouse]

Oz Rewatch 3: S5E04: Next Stop Valhalla

Storylines

Jaime tries to kill Guerra and is killed instead; Miguel feels guilty; Alicia Hinden comes to Oz with the dog training program; Augustus, Penders, and Miguel are selected

Miss Sally’s Schoolyard to become Sallycise; Brass confirms to Rebadow he bought the lottery ticket; Martinez hits Brass with a shit cocktail; Gloria tries to get Martinez put in the hospital and then beats him up when he keeps touching her face

Beecher and Schillinger fight during an interaction session; Schillinger antagonises Schibetta;

Peter Marie visits Keller; McClain visits Keller

Winthrop and Guenzel arrive at Oz; Guenzel is taken under Beecher’s wing while Winthrop becomes a prag for the Aryans in Unit B

Frank Urbano arrives at Oz; Beecher asks Pancamo for the Italians help in protecting Guenzel; the Aryans and Italians get into a fight

Gloria tells Ryan he has to tell his mother about his crimes; Ryan breakdances instead; Shupe tells O’Reily that Li going to rape his mom; Ryan and Cyril kill Li

Augustus continues to grieve his mother and ends up breaking his sobriety

Omar annoys Emerald City and Said with his singing, McManus gives him a supply closet to practice in; Redding demands Omar use it to sell drugs; Lalar and Arif complain to Said that he’s neglecting his role as leader; Robson tortures and kills Lalar

Sister: That’s why they gotta stop announcing everything they do in this show, like...

Sister: I feel like [Norma’s] just dead at this point.

Sister: I feel like they’re leading up to him being like a mass shooter or something. Me: You think he’s gonna snap? Sister: He seems like the type...

Sister: …I think being free would making him happy. I mean, [Toby] had that whole vision about being free that did not include [Chris], so I think he’ll be fine.

Sister: You can just tell them anything and they’ll let you through…

Sister: What’s wrong with this guy? What’s he in for? Me: Hate crimes… Murder, officially, I think. Sister: Hate crime? What’s he sniffing people for? Me: He's just a perv...

Sister: …That’s so gross… In my sickened state*, I can’t even summon a bleugh. Me: [Retching noise] Sister: Thanks. (*We got some booster shots yesterday and Sister always gets sick afterward lol)

Sister: When are they going to address that guy whose wife also died? Me: Never. Sister: So why did they introduce her?! To spout off some facts and get shushed by the priest?? Me: Maybe there was originally supposed to be more of a story to it and it go cut. Sister: No, they just wanted to do their little after school special moment and then not deal with it. You know, if any of the Muslims should be having the issues in these episodes, it should be the other guy (Arif), not Mr. Said... Me: They could have issues together. Sister: Yeah. Kill the Nazi helper dude. The one who's egging everything on. Schillinger doesn't even really do stuff on his own anymore. Before, he didn't want to fight and wanted to become a Jesus freak and it was always that guy whispering in his ear. And now look.

Sister: How we know he’s not gonna build a bomb in there? … Oh, I guess they took away all the cleaning supplies…

Stray Thoughts

Sister says Jia Kenmin and Li Chen’s plan to provoke Ryan so they could kill him in self defense was really not thought-out

Sister is convinced that someone is going to die for one of the dogs

Sister believes that killing Robson would get rid of most of the Aryans’ bite since she views him as being the worst out of all the Aryans

Final thoughts

The scene where Robson and what’s his face torture Lalar is the toughest scene to watch in the entire show, imo. And it pisses me off (like, I’m actually getting mad thinking about it right now, lol) that Robson gets more expansion in terms of character as the show progresses, too, because whooooooooo gives a shit about a Nazi?! They still haven’t followed up on Arif’s wife LMAO. Also Urbano gets introduced this episode and they don’t end up doing shit with him, really, either. But let’s learn about this asshole!!

Sister: I feel like they’ve run out of storylines with the Muslims and are just repeating past ones. Wasn’t it [Arif] who was the one complaining about Said’s leadership the last time? And then he couldn’t handle it which caused the whole thing… and now he’s doing it again? Me: I think they just don’t like when Said helps other people. They complained when Said was spending time on Beecher, too… Sister: Yeah, [Arif] is so needy… He’s like “you’re spending too much time with your roommate who you have to stay in a cell with” and also every time he is around, [Said] just wants [Omar] to be quiet anyway…

[centralperkchenford]

We're you going to write a 2nd (or 3rd) chapter from your "work wife" story. I think Officer what's her name deserves to see Tim and Lucy work together on a case., goes sideways but one saves the other or saves the mission.

And then someone unexpected like Aaron, Celina or even Mad Dog tells her to give it up before she makes an even bigger fool of herself or puts her job in jeopardy.

I finally felt inspired to do a 2nd chapter of this one. I know it took awhile and I’m sorry. But I do hope you like it!

We're you going to write a 2nd (or 3rd) chapter from your "work wife" story. I think Officer what's her name deserves to see Tim and Lucy work together on a case., goes sideways but one saves the other or saves the mission.

And then someone unexpected like Aaron, Celina or even Mad Dog tells her to give it up before she makes an even bigger fool of herself or puts her job in jeopardy.

We're getting stronger now find things they never found

Lucy loves when she is able to work with Tim on a case and they still work well together despite being in different departments. She loves seeing her husband in action, and she loves to work besides him knowing he’s okay especially when the case involves a gang of suspects that is coming to get their guns and money. A dangerous cartel, Lucy is more than happy to be by Tim’s side.

Except now there’s some woman whispering in his ear. And she’s way too close to him, her hand ghosting his arm. She knows it’s the new member of Metro: Moore, the clueless woman who keeps telling everyone she is Tim’s work wife. Tim furrows his brow at whatever she is whispering to him and shakes his head. Lucy watches carefully as Moore grins and backs away. Tim looks around catches Lucy’s eyes and motions her over.

She goes over slowly to him and when she finally gets to him he reaches out and pulls her in.

He’s silent for a few minutes his fingers running over her knuckles ever so gently. “Metro is going to go in first building first.” He says softly. “And then you and Aaron follow okay?” She nods and looks over shoulder where Moore is glaring at Lucy. She isn’t even sure if Moore knows who Lucy is, she’s not even sure the other woman would care.

“Your work wife has an attitude.” Lucy says in a teasing tone smiling at Tim but her smile falls when she sees his face turned down in a frown.

“She’s not my work wife.” He growls. “That’s so.. she’s just not. She knows I’m married.” Lucy places a hand on his arm and squeezes it.

“Baby relax.” She says softly. She changes a glance over her shoulder again to see Moore’s eyes on Tim’s face now a dopey smile on her face.

Tim looks over at her too and furrows his brows and glares at the other woman. “This is getting ridiculous.” He mutters. He reaches down and squeezes her hand gently.

“Please stay safe.” He mumbles and just because he can or he just wants to show Moore she can’t have him, he leans over and kisses Lucy on the cheek.

He walks off then, shooting her a smile over his shoulder as he goes around the corner. Lucy takes a deep breath and goes back to where Aaron is. She bends down with him and watches as Metro moves into the warehouse.

“You shouldn’t flirt with the sergeant.” Says a voice behind Lucy. Lucy frowns looks at Aaron and then behind her.

“Excuse me?” She snaps. “What are you talking about?”

Moore glares at her, a frown on her face. “Sergeant Bradford.” She says stiffly. “We have a job to do. And that doesn’t include flirting with him.”

Lucy opens her mouth to tell her, she’s allowed to flirt with Sergeant Bradford. But then Moore’s radio cackles and Tim’s voice comes over it.

“Moore! Get moving now!” Tim snaps and Lucy knows that Tim is pissed.

Moore smirks at Lucy. “I get to work with him. I’m his work wife.” She says and Lucy rolls her eyes at the woman. She glances at Aaron whose eyes are just as wide.

Moore dashes off before either of them could say anything.

“Chen! Thorsen! Move in.” Says Tim’s voice and it’s a little calmer but Lucy knows he is still on edge.

They move in the direction that Moore went, Lucy pushes open the door to the warehouse and motions Aaron go in front of her. He does and she catches a glimpse of Tim. Moore is next to him, but he’s completely ignoring her. He sees Lucy and nods and she makes her way over to him.

“The suspects are going to arrive in the next building.” Tim says to her. “I want you moving on my call okay?” She nods and squeezes his arm again in reassurance that she understands.

“I do have one request though.” He says softly. She looks up at him and his blue eyes are hesitant.

“What’s that?” She asks.

He sighs loudly looking over at Moore. “I need you to make sure Moore is ahead of you. Make sure she goes on my command.” He says and she nods. That is easy enough hopefully.

“Got it!” She says and he smiles softly. “You can count on me.”

“I know.” He whispers back a small smile on his face.

He walks over then motioning his team to follow him. Moore is staring at Lucy again.

“Who do you think you are?” She says loudly. “He’s—”

“My husband.” Lucy snaps. “Now go do your damn job before he gets pissed again or someone gets hurt!” Moore stares open mouthed at her and then she hurries off.

Lucy huffs out a breath hoping that was the end of that.

It wasn’t.

Lucy and Aaron go into the next building quietly and Lucy sees Moore talking to Tim intently. She’s making gestures with her hands and she turns around and points at Lucy. Tim rolls his eyes says something to her. But she doesn’t seem to hear him, and Lucy is rolling her eyes too.

“She’s not going to give it up huh.” Lucy mutters to Aaron.

“She’s definitely trying something.” Aaron says as he watches Moore and Tim. Lucy let’s put a sigh but shakes her head. She needs to focus on the task at hand. They would deal with Moore later.

Tim seems to be thinking the same thing because he tells Aaron and Lucy to be ready. He tells Moore to have Lucy’s back and make sure she is near them.

They get in position and Lucy looks around for Moore but then the warehouse door flings open.

Tim and his team are on them in instant and Aaron and Lucy aren’t far behind. It’s going good until she sees Moore up against Tim whispering to him. And then someone grabs Lucy and she feels a gun pressed against the side of her head.

“Why the fuck are you here?” The man growls and pulls her tighter against his chest. Tim turns around and his eyes widen and then he’s stalking over, his gun at his side. His team hurries after him, looks of determination on their faces.

“It’s over.” Says Tim as calmly as he can. Lucy knows him well enough that a damn is about to break inside him. “Let her go.”

The man presses the barrel of the gun harder into the side of her head and it clicks. Lucy gulps and watches Tim’s face it’s calm right now but she’s not sure how long that’s going to last.

“No. You stole my drugs and money now I’m going to take her.” He sneers. Tim’s face visibly pales and she sees him discreetly motion to Mad Dog, she’s not sure what it means but she knows he’s going to make sure she gets out safe. No matter what.

She sees Tim nod and the man is yanked away from her. And she stumbles forward right into Tim’s arms.

He mumbles I love you; you’re safe into her hair. And then looks down at her. “Are you okay?” He asks her. She nods and even though her heart is beating fast and her legs are shaky, she is okay. He nods and kisses the top of her head before he’s turning on Moore. He waits until all the suspects are out of the warehouse and then he is on her.

“Where were you?” He says angrily his chest heaving. “You were supposed to have Officer Chen’s back!”

Moore doesn’t say anything at first her eyes on Tim. “Sir I’m so sorry I didn’t—”

“You were so focus on me you almost got my wife killed!” Says Tim. “You didn’t do your job and if something had happened to her..” He trails off. “You are getting written up.”

Moore’s eyes widen and Lucy can see she is thinking of something to say. “But I’m your work wife!” She protests. Tim growls but before he can say anything Aaron is stepping forward.

“Give it up!” He says calmly but firmly. “You are already in enough trouble and Sergeant Bradford is above you. Have some damn respect before you lose your job.”

Moore swallows and then nods. “I’m sorry sir.” She says.

She glances at Lucy, a small frown on her face. “I’m sorry I didn’t have your back Officer Chen.” She says but it’s stiff.

Lucy nods and she walks away, her shoulders slumped. Lucy turns to Tim. “Are you okay?” She asks him.

He takes a deep breath and nods. “I will be.” He says softly. “I will be.”

***

When Lucy gets back to the station, she sees Moore with her head down talking to Lieutenant Pine. The Lieutenant looks pissed and Lucy tries to feel bad for the woman but she just can’t. If she had just focused on the job she probably wouldn’t be about to lose her job.

Tim comes up besides her and tucks her into his side, “That was scary.” He says. “Like I was about to lose my damn mind.”

Lucy hums a little and then tugs him away to the hallway. “I think she’s learned her lesson.” Lucy says. “You only have one work wife.”

Tim gives her a small smile. “Yeah I do.” He says his lips twitching into a smile. “And lucky for me I get to go home with her.” She grins at him and places her hands lightly on his chest.

“You are pretty lucky.” She says a teasing lilt in her voice.

“Yeah I am.” He agrees. And they stand there staring at each nothing but love in their eyes. And as they both turn to go into the locker rooms, she is pretty lucky too.

[affiesque]

So Ai Di x Chen Yi has essentially taken over my brain, which led to a late-night writing session that resulted in this little thing. Note that it’s really just PWP and definitely NSFW. If that’s your thing, please enjoy! 🖤

Once again Ai Di found himself in Chen Yi’s room, his bed. Weeks of push and pull, teasing and understanding led him back - this time both of them sober and mostly clear-eyed. Things are quiet, probably too quiet - the eye of the storm, no doubt - with no one injured, no one missing, no one beating down the doors, at least not today. Ai Di has noticed something different in Chen Yi’s expressions of late, something hard and gentle at the same time - sure, there’s that same desire, the look that says he might devour Ai Di entirely if given the chance. But there’s something else lurking underneath, and Ai Di wants nothing more than to tear it out of Chen Yi and pull it apart and get his hands dirty with the feeling of it, the promise of what it might be.

Right now, though, Chen Yi’s hands are in his hair and anything he might want to say is swallowed up by Chen Yi’s teeth tugging at his lips. Ai Di melts into the kiss, sliding their tongues together and pressing himself against Chen Yi so hard he almost feels like he could disappear. They stay like this for a long while, Ai Di breathing in the heady scent of Chen Yi, the deep woodsy smell of his cologne and something darker underneath, tasting each others mouths until Ai Di can’t bear it any longer and starts tearing at their clothes. Ai Di pushes Chen Yi onto his back, peppering his jaw with kisses, then moving down to nip and suck at the sensitive skin of his neck, drawing out tiny sounds of pleasure. Ai Di continues lower, his hands roaming freely over Chen Yi’s naked body, enjoying the tremors under his fingers when he hits a particularly sensitive spot. He’s so absorbed in his explorations that he’s caught off guard when Chen Yi grabs him by the waist and tosses him on his back, letting out a huff of indignation that Chen Yi just laughs at.

Chen Yi leans in to offer a kiss of apology, then trails his lips up to Ai Di’s ear and whispers oh so softly, “Wanna taste you.” Ai Di hums in appreciation as Chen Yi takes him in his mouth, carefully at first and then with more and more insistence, sucking him in deeper and deeper until Ai Di’s hips start lifting off the bed of their own accord, his dick slamming against the back of Chen Yi’s throat. Another minute of this and Ai Di knows he won’t last much longer. As if reading his mind, in one fluid motion Chen Yi pulls off his cock and flips him onto his stomach.

“Fuck, Chen Yi!”

Ai Di is turned on and pissed off at the same time as he feels the full weight of Chen Yi on his back, the insistent press of his hard-on against his ass. Before Ai Di can do anything about it, Chen Yi is back at his ear, his voice pitched even lower this time, dripping with intention: “Wanna taste all of you.” The sound that escapes Ai Di’s lips is one that only dogs can hear, and before his brain can fully catch up to what’s happening, Chen Yi has buried himself face-first in Ai Di’s ass, tongue lapping and pressing insistently at his entrance. It doesn’t take long until Ai Di’s legs are shaking and he’s reduced to humping the bed, trying to get any friction he can for his aching dick. He vaguely wonders where the hell Chen Yi learned to do this, a tiny flare of jealousy that he might have been doing this with someone else while Ai Di was gone those four years erupting, only to be pushed aside by the overwhelming sensations radiating from the core of his body.

“Please, Chen Yi - I need you - ah, please, just fuck me already,” Ai Di stutters out, craning his neck to see Chen Yi pull back with a triumphant smile.

“Such an eager boy,” Chen Yi teases, pressing tender kisses to Ai Di’s spine.

Ai Di buries his face in the pillow beneath him, listening to the sounds of Chen Yi slicking up his fingers, barely able to contain himself as Chen Yi works him open slowly but intently. By the time Chen Yi gets a third finger inside of him, Ai Di’s head is swimming and his breath is coming in short, hard bursts. Another flip onto his back and suddenly Chen Yi is above him, inside him, overwhelming him. They cling to each other, Chen Yi’s hips snapping into Ai Di at a steady pace, his head tucked into Ai Di’s shoulder. Ai Di moans Chen Yi’s name again and again, then pulls him back by the hair to press a brutal kiss to his lips. When Chen Yi finally breaks away his eyes stay locked on Ai Di’s face, and when he speaks his voice is filled with emotion: “Tell me you’re mine, Ai Di. Tell me.”

“I’m yours, Chen Yi, I’m yours.” Ai Di whispers it like a holy mantra, tears pricking the edges of his vision. Chen Yi’s eyes flutter closed and he lets out what sounds to Ai Di’s ears like a sigh of relief. But all of a sudden Ai Di feels that ugly flare of envy arise in him again, thoughts of Chen Yi’s desperate crush on their boss rushing to the front of his mind. He needs to know once and for all that Chen Yi only has eyes for him, needs to have the wildfires of his jealousy extinguished for good.

“Tell me you’re mine, Chen Yi - I want to hear you say it.” Ai Di’s hands travel up to caress Chen Yi’s neck. When he presses experimentally, Chen Yi’s eyes fly open, dark as obsidian.

“I’m yours Ai Di,” he gasps, leaning into the pressure. Ai Di tightens his grip just a bit more.

“And no one else’s,” Ai Di demands.

“And no one else’s,” Chen Yi repeats. Ai Di releases his neck, his hands caressing Chen Yi’s face as Chen Yi begins to pick up the pace even more, his cock finally reaching the spot that makes Ai Di arch up off the mattress, a loud moan escaping him. He can feel his orgasm building, and before long he’s coming untouched, spilling all over his stomach. Chen Yi follows soon after, filling Ai Di and collapsing into his arms. Ai Di sighs happily, running his fingers through Chen Yi’s hair, scratching a soothing rhythm into his scalp. A minute of comfortable silence passes, after which Ai Di feels a strange hitching of breath coming from Chen Yi. He pushes himself up a bit, forcing Chen Yi to lift his head, and can’t understand why he’s seeing tears staining Chen Yi’s face.

“Hey, hey - what’s this?” he asks, concern evident in his voice, but Chen Yi can only shake his head. Ai Di gently shifts them around so he can better tuck Chen Yi into his arms, comforting him as he cries.

Eventually Chen Yi looks up at him, choking out the words: “Please - please just promise you’ll never leave me again.”

Ai Di lets out a deep breath and pulls him closer, thumbs brushing away his tears. “I’m not going anywhere, Chen Yi. I’m yours - I’m yours.”

[pasteloctoz]

Damihux

Christmas ass lookin colors

My favorite couple bc these beautiful specimens need more appreciations.

any trigger warnings will be seperated from the rest and put at the bottom (probably not too many, its just a precaution :])

Hux is pan n transmasc, Damien is queer.

Search up frederic chen on yt (love their content) the way they dress/do make up is how i imagine damien dresses especially after not talking to his mom as much (bc he doesnt feel the pressure of her looming over him anymore.) And ppl like gavin pushing him to try new things.

Hux does the thing that Nick does in Heartstopper. "I'm bi, not gay" but instead he says pan. Bc pan/bi representation is important!!!

Hux is African-American and his other mom is Puerto-Rican (is that how you spell it?) So he grew up with Puerto Rica culture. While Damien is Mexicana. Sometimes they'll use some random slang that they grew up with in their respective houshold and the other will be just- slightly confused as to what it means.

They have a cat named shrimp and huxley calls him their firstborn child. To which damien deems "stupid" or "dumb" while being so flushed hed practically be a working furnace

Hux looks at damien with that loveheart eye look where you just KNOW hes admiring his partner like theyre the only light in the world. When Damien notices he just asks, "....... what?....." while a bit flushed.

Huxley never had the money to get top surgery until after he graduated from Damn. His moms wanted to help pay but he insisted that they didn't have to worry about it.

Once he's gotten top surgery, Damien does nothing but worry and take care of him. They would be attached at the fuckin hip istg-

Hux's favorite game is Dark Souls and everytime Damien tries to play it he gets angry and eventually just ends up leaning on hux and watching him play.

Damien is a big fucking fan of the final fantasy games. But somehow the only time hes gotten Hux to play a game made by the studio is fucking kingdom hearts. (Nothing against kingdom hearts i love kingdom hearts)

Tw: Tabacco/Vape mentions, homophobia mentions, suggestive

If you find any of these triggering feel free to scroll past (it will be in small font like this), meanwhile have a picture of my dog :D

Damien is probably more likely to vape/smoke than hux bc of his anxiety. Hux would honestly be more of a clean lungs advocate (he doesn't judge ppl who use drugs though- its not his buisness).

Usually when ppl are being homophobic to the two, hux calms damien down but one time damien just grabbed hux by the cheeks and gave him a real sloppy kiss. Casually took hux's hand afterward and teasingly whispered "scared them off, didnt we?"

Like- we know hux is always gonna make the first move but you cant tell me there hasnt been atleast once where damien made hux so flushed roses were growing out of his locs.

[crackedpumpkin]

Hiiii, I'm a friend of Coleseyebrows and she mentioned you so I wanted to check you out! Would it be possible to do a Platonic Cole x reader, like lil baby reader gets adopted off the streets kinda thing (kinda cringe of me ngl)? He's just such a father figure it sounded like a cute idea!

a/n: Hello lovely! I adore this ask of yours, and it's my first ever platonic! reader fluffy oneshot thing so tbh it was a challenge to write it;;; It's been a while since I was a baby, so it was lowkey difficult to remember what it was like as...well, a baby :)

However, I really do hope you enjoy it, and feel free to request more if you'd like in the future!!

|| ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴀʟ ᴛɪᴇꜱ || ᴅᴀᴅ! ᴄᴏʟᴇ ʙʀᴏᴏᴋᴇꜱᴛᴏɴᴇ x ᴀᴅᴏᴘᴛᴇᴅ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ||

“Yeah, but if you do a double kickflip, you’ll get past the level with no worry!” 

Jay frowns, nodding doubtfully as Cole explains the secret to beating the last level of the newly released game they’ve been recently obsessed with. 

“Oh yeah, Kai asked for some noodles from Chen’s,” Cole recalls, turning down the street and walking past an alleyway. He’s about to continue talking about the game, only to pause, a peculiar sound attracting his attention.

He takes a step back, Jay watching in confusion. The earth ninja walks down the alleyway to a barely covered box. Surely he’s just hearing things. There’s no way-

A baby’s gurgle echoes throughout the alleyway, both the ninja freezing at the sound. He and Jay exchange worried glances, reaching down and opening the cardboard box. 

That’s when he first meets you, a newborn baby swaddled in a tattered blanket with warm, e/c eyes staring up into his. His heart instantly melts at the sight, a soft smile spreading across his lips. 

“Cole, we should probably report this to the police,” Jay says, concern laced into his words as he looks around for any sign of the baby’s parents.

“I don’t know, Jay. I mean, a baby? In an alleyway? In a box?” 

“Abandonment 101…” Jay breathes out in disbelief, brows furrowing as he tries to decide what to do next. 

“We can’t exactly just leave them here either,” Cole reasons, picking you up as you giggle happily at his body's warmth to your shivering self. He uses his fingers to tickle your nose, awwing when your small button nose wrinkles into a sneeze.

“Well…There’s always the city’s orphanage….” Jay suggests hesitantly, Cole shrugging in agreement. They make their way there, Cole already doting on you and showering you with tickles and cooing noises that you eagerly respond to.

Jay watches you warily, unsure of how to react when you stare up at him with pure curiosity shining in your eyes. His hesitance disappears, however, as soon as you smile at him, and he lets out a small “aww.”

They soon reached the orphanage but got turned away by the staff there, as all their resources were already used up, and they couldn’t afford to take care of another child. 

“Awww, she’s such a cute baby!” Whispers surround Cole as he walks down the street with you in his arms. His chest is puffed up slightly in pride as you giggle with a small burp, Jay watching with a raised brow.

“You do know we can’t keep her, right?” 

“But the orphanage is full, and Dareth can’t even be trusted to take care of a dog.” Cole points out, rocking you gently. The swaying motion lulls you to sleep, and your eyelids slowly close. He wipes away a tiny sliver of drool that trails down your cheek, chuckling softly.

“But we’re ninjas! We can barely take care of Ninjago, much less a baby!” Jay frets.

“I’m not liking the negativity you’re bringing to this conversation; it’s affecting lil’ Rose here.” Cole huffs, holding you close. 

“Rose?? You can’t name them. It means you’re already attached! We can’t get attached; we’re not old enough to have a baby!” Jay’s hysterical panic draws attention, and the passersby send the ninja odd looks.

Cole shushes him, more worried about waking the baby in his arms. “I’m sure Master Wu can help. He took us in after all.”

“Yeah, when we weren’t babies!”

“It’ll be fine. Besides, I think we’d be great parents.” 

— — — — — — — — 

“Hey, you got my noodles!” Kai jumps off the couch, approaching the two ninjas that flinch. Cole takes a step back. 

“Why’re you two acting so weird?” Kai laughs, reaching out to the swaddle of blankets. However, before he can touch them, Jay swats his hand away with a glare.

“Watch it!” Cole hisses, turning to reveal you sleeping soundly in his arms.

Kai’s jaw drops, eyes filled with astonishment as the smile leaves his lips. 

“That’s not my noodles.”

“Where’s Master Wu?” Cole asks, only for Kai to be interrupted by Nya’s excited gasp. She enters the room with Zane, the both of them walking over.

“Is that a baby??” She squeals quietly, gesturing for Cole to hand you over. He does so reluctantly, eyeing how Nya cradles you in her arms.

“Cole, I thought you went out to buy food, so why have you returned with another lifeform?” Zane asks.

“Long story short, they’ll be staying with us for a while since the orphanage is full,” Jay explains. 

“Is that a baby??”

Kai groans. “Yes, Lloyd, catch up to the conversation already.” 

The green ninja rolls his eyes at Kai’s smirk, walking to where Nya holds you. You’re still asleep, despite all the noise and commotion caused by your presence. He coos, brushing his fingers against your cheek. 

This stirs you, and you wake up to see unfamiliar faces staring down at you. This makes your nose scrunch, and your eyes start to water as fear seizes control. You begin to cry, wailing at the sudden change of surroundings from earlier.

“What do we do??” 

“I read that babies like to be teased, or maybe she’s hungry!” Zane suggests, hands over his ears as he winces.

“Uh, here, baby! Have a potato chip!” Kai grabs an open container of spicy chips, holding one up to you. You accidentally inhale the flavoured dusting, the spice stinging your eyes as you wail louder.

“Babies can’t have that!” Jay smacks the potato chip out of Kai’s hands, the latter glaring at him, offended by the action.

“Cole, hold her!” Nya hands you over to him, and he desperately tries to soothe you by gently rocking you. 

“Shh, you’re safe now, little Rose.” He murmurs, and the familiar scent makes you blink, recognizing him as the one who picked you up. You like his warmth, your cries slowing to a stop as you sniffle with teary eyes.

The ninja all breathe sighs of relief, only to freeze as the door is slammed open by none other than Master Wu.

“What is going on here??”

— — — — — — — — 

“Goodnight, Rose.” Cole watches your eyes close, drifting off to sleep after your tiring day. 

After that day three years ago, Master Wu allowed the ninja to adopt you. It wasn’t official, but he warned his students that caring for a literal child would be their greatest challenge yet.

So far, it was proving true. You start to cry, having woken up from an uncomfortable sensation on your back. Tonight was his turn for night duty with you, the others sleeping soundly in their comfortable beds.

Cole begins to hum absentmindedly, hand gently rocking your crib as your loud cries echo across the Destiny's Bounty. 

It's a while before he realizes your cries have stopped, and he glances down at you. Surprise fills his eyes when he hears your happy coos, relieved you have calmed down.

He looks down at you, smiling softly when he sees your wide, innocent eyes that stare up back at him with intrigue. “Want me to tell you a bedtime story?” 

From the way you tilt your head, it seems that the answer is yes.

“Once upon a time, there lived the First Spinjitsu Master….” He recites the tale Master Wu told them many times, loving how your eyes seem to light up as he speaks. He continues talking, only stopping when he sees your eyelids flutter shut.

“Rest well, Rose.” He whispers, continuing to gently rock the crib.

Sure, it’s hard taking care of a baby. But moments like these? They made it worth it.

— — — — — — — — 

“Not like that, sweetheart. Make sure you hold it upright.” Cole chuckles when you accidentally let go of the wooden ladle, and it bumps against your forehead with a soft bonk. You blink a couple times, eyes wide before they start to fill with tears.

“Uh oh.” Cole senses the incoming tears, picking you up and placing you on the tabletop. He grabs the first aid kit from the side of the fridge, opens it and puts a band-aid over the sore spot. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’ll never get hurt as long as I’m around.”

“Thanks, dad,” You say, rubbing the spot where the spoon had landed harshly. 

You manage a grin, lighting up when you see Aunt Nya walking into the kitchen. She notices you immediately, worry filling her face when she sees the first aid kit on the counter. 

“Cole!” She scolds, gently massaging the area around the band-aid. She summons some water, holding a bubble of it on the spot where it instantly provides relief. “Do you feel better, sweetie?” She asks sympathetically, eyeing your adoptive dad with a slight glare.

He huffs, crossing his arms. “We were just baking cake, they asked!” He protests. 

“It’s true, Auntie Nya. I wanted to do it for your birthday this week.” You glance up at her with a slight pout, and she melts at your expression. 

“You didn’t have to do that, sweetie, but I’d love to try your baking!” You brighten up, smiling widely. After getting a glass of milk, she leaves the kitchen, pressing a quick and affectionate kiss against your forehead.

It’s been 10 years since you were adopted by the ninja, all of them becoming family, with Cole as your primary caretaker. The day you addressed him as ‘Papa’ for the first time brought tears to his eyes, and he was teased about it relentlessly for weeks until you called the rest of the ninjas ‘Papa’ as well. 

Everyone was brought close to tears except for Wu. According to Uncle Kai, you had giggled and called him ‘Granpa.’ 

Grandpa Wu accepted the name without further question.

You hop off the counter, giving your dad a hug. His strong arms pull you close, ruffling your hair as you giggle with a wrinkle of your nose, shoving him off you. “Don’t!!” You laugh, “Uncle Zane braided it for me today.”

“What, you don’t like my artistic hairstyles?” He jokes, and you shudder at the memory of him getting your hair tangled into a giant knot that took hours of detangling. He gives you a noogie as you move away, shifting to start washing the dishes.

“I’m glad you’re our kid.” He murmurs, and your eyes curve into crescents as you smile back sweetly.

“And I’m happy you’re my dad.”

[jalpari-spouts]

as if you were on fire from within [mdzs fic]

Fandom: Mo Dao Zu Shi, Chen Qing Ling

Relationship: WangXian

Premise: For as long as the world could remember, the tale of the wild fox and blazing dragon had been passed down for centuries — renowned cultivators, fiercely loyal, passionately in love. But their story had begun long before they became the Huli who wielded demonic energy & the Dragon who showed up wherever there was chaos. Or; a dragonji and foxxian tale!

Tags: Canonverse, Non-Human AU, Mythical Beings & Lore, Top LWJ/Bottom WWX, Pregnant Lan Wangji

Note: Gorgeous art embedded in the fic!

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44519959

Preview:

“Are you alright?” Lan Wangji asked worriedly as he approached the shivering child. “Did they hurt you?” He stopped a few feet from him. “N-no,” the boy’s lips trembled and he shook his head. “Tha-thank you,” he stood up and bowed, “for driving them away.” When the boy straightened up, Lan Wangji gasped under his breath as his face broke into the brightest smile Lan Wangji had ever seen. Despite his tattered clothes and dirt and tear stained face, the boy looked radiant and happy. His smile was wide and vibrant and made the snowy night a little brighter as it crinkled his eyes into beautiful crescents. “Here,” Lan Wangji stepped closer and removed his outer cloak. “You must be very cold in those,” he said simply as he held out the thick robe. “Ah, I can’t ta-take th-that,” the boy sniffled and shivered as he scratched the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. “It belongs to you.” “I have more layers underneath,” Lan Wangji insisted. “You do not.” “Ah, alright,” the boy grinned and took the cloak and wore it, immediately exhaling with a relieved sigh as he was enveloped by its warmth. Lan Wangji felt a warmth bloom in his own chest as the boy’s smile softened and his shivers subsided. He couldn't help but observe him as the boy studied him from head to toe as well. The boy’s hair was black as a raven, wild and tangled as it was barely held together by a red ribbon that was in poor condition just like his robes. Lan Wangji thought he could make out small furry ears hidden within the wavy locks but he couldn’t be sure. If the boy was around his age, it was probably too early for any of his animal spirit features to be prominent. Lan Wangji’s own antlers and tail were barely visible yet. Even though Yiling did not have any cultivators, given its proximity to Qinghe it was possible that the child was a shishi, a lion dog, like the Nie clan. But if the child was an orphan as his current state suggested, he could have any animal spirit origin, if he was a cultivator at all. He glanced at the twitching strands on his head, his entire face softening on seeing how adorable the boy looked. Lan Wangji didn’t miss the way the boy’s curious eyes did a double take on seeing the rattle toy in his hand. He looked down at the toy and then at the boy – who was smiling even in his dire circumstance. Lan Wangji saw the twinkle in his eyes as the boy grinned wider and scratched his cheek and nose. Unbidden, his mind conjured up images of his mother and the way she would pull his cheeks and tap his nose. The boy seemed happy despite the state he was in. “Here,” Lan Wangji said, his voice barely above a whisper as he held out the toy. “Huh?” The boy tilted his head and blinked at Lan Wangji, looking even more endearing and innocent. “This is for you,” Lan Wangji hesitated but then stepped closer and reached for the boy’s hand. He placed the toy in his cold hand and closed his fingers around it, making sure he was holding on to it. Lan Wangji paused but then covered the boy’s hand with both of his, just for a moment, just enough to warm them, before letting go. He adjusted the cloak around the boy and fastened the clip before nodding and stepping back again. “Thank you,” the boy said softly, his smile shy and embarrassed.

[luxnebula]

My cyberpunk dystopia murder mystery story Lightmore is one year old today! A lot of plot has happened during this year. Let's take a look where we are, story-wise, shall we?

The Badawi family, known for their private detective services and whistleblowing, have gathered together for a family conference. However, in the middle of the meeting, a stranger wanders into the family home an spontaneously mutated, slaughtering most of the family. Beatrice Badawi (pictured, left), the second oldest child of the head of the family suddenly finds herself facing the place of the head now that her father Francesco and older brother Gabriele are dead. In the hospital, Beatrice offers to adopt Angelo and Camila, two distant cousins who lost their parents.

With Qianfan Chen, her nephew-in-law, Yuuji Kieu and Whisper Thompson from the Lightmore City Police Department, Beatrice hits the ground running and starts immediately investigating the incident, even when a lot of her family is in the hospital and even more are deceased.

Right after the incident, Yuuji goes to the morgue to investigate the items the mutated person had on them while he mutated. Yuuji finds out that his name was Keith Dallas and that he had swallowed a small vial right before mutating. The vial is sent to texting and Yuuji takes Keith's phone with him as he goes to find Keith's family.

Meanwhile, doctor Mala Carillo-'Aukai (pictured, right) is approaching the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of her husband, Jaimal Suri-Gul, in a traffic accident. Aditi Suri-Gul, Jaimal's mother, Nursimo Meroving, Jaimal's twin brother and Makoto Nakamura, Nursimo, Jaimal and Mala's childhood friend (and a beloved vlogger and influencer) are also coping with the upcoming anniversary in their own ways.

In reality, Jaimal is alive. Mala has a secret lab hidden in the basement of her home, where she is keeping Jaimal in a medically-induced coma in a capsule.

Michael Bafford, the CEO of Bafford Energy Corp. decides that Joel, his son, is old enough to start being trained to take his place as the CEO of the company when Michael is retiring. However, Joel has lived his life a little too comfortably and seems unwilling to work.

Grayson Atieno, Uaid Connell, Nova Thompson, Finley Pelham and Wick Omarov, workers for Lightmore City Saniation Inc., find a weird, silver capsule hidden in the cisterns under the city while they're looking for the corpse of a certain man. They report it to Whisper, but they're busy with the Badawi incident.

Yuuji finds Keith's wife, and Beatrice goes to talk to her with Whisper. Before they do that, they pick up Qianfan and check the family home's security camera tapes. In the security camera footage, they see Keith swallowing something before he enters the house. This causes a suspicion about Keith's drug usage.

While talking to Keith's wife, Beatrice, Whisper and Qianfan find out that Keith had just gotten a promotion at his job at the Power Plant. He and his wife were planning to have a baby, until Keith suddenly changed. He became withdrawn, nervous and secretive. As such, the couple had been growing apart for years, so Keith's wife can't give a definite answer about Keith having a drug habit. She also found out that Keith had been seeing a sex worker behind her back for a while. The sex worker might know more about if Keith had a habit of taking drugs. She also tells the group that one day Keith came home drunk and told her that if he disappears, he's been murdered. A rumor about workers at the Power Plant dying when they get a certain promotion comes up. The next step is to find out if Keith's colleagues know anything about him acting weird, investigate the rumor and go talk to the sex worker that Keith has been seeing.

Makoto has auditioned for a part in Adventure Dog, a hugely popular TV show. While waiting to hear back from the AdvenCrew, she's also preparing for her annual memorial stream for Jaimal's death.

Whisper and Angelo head to the Power Plant to talk to Kahale, a Power Plant worker. Kahale agrees to talk to them, but only outside of the Power Plant. Kahale confirms that Keith's personality had a sudden shift soon after his promotion. He also confirms that the rumor is real, a lot of Power Plant workers after being promoted to senior engineer, but people who are either loyal to the company or mind their business live.

Beatrice and Qianfan go to the red lights district to find the sex worker Keith has been seeing. The sex worker turns out to be Delano, a tall, muscular man, who doesn't know anything about Keith or his habits. He is able to tell that Keith has been nervous or stressed every time he's met him. Valeria, a helpful bystander, is able to tell them about a party drug named Zeus that allegedly makes people go berserk. Jaqueline, a casino owner and a known drug trafficer, would probably know something about Zeus.

Grayson and his group bring Yuuji down to the cisterns to show him the capsule that they found. However, by the time they get to where the capsule had been, it's gone. Grayson seems to know that it's not there before they even get to the spot. He also seems to know that it has been removed. But since there's nothing they can do, the group leaves the cisterns.

Joel's first day at the Power Plant is off to a rough start. First he's late (because he overslept and took his time eating breakfast), then he's late even more when he gets lost in the Power Plant. Michael is extremely unhappy about this.

Jaimal's loved ones prepare for the anniversary of his death. Aditi gets a day off, Nursimo is visited by Niran, a friend who he's been having Tension with, being promised that Niran would visit on the day of the anniversary too, and Makoto prepares for her memorial stream. Mala trims Jaimal's beard.

The anniversary comes and everyone's mood is solemn. Aditi sleeps in, Nursimo conflictedly prepares to see Niran, Makoto prepares for her stream, Mala leaves the stream on for Jaimal before going to work. One of the nurses working at Mala's clinic suggests Mala to take the day off, but she turns the offer down. She doesn't want to be alone with her thoughts today.

Meanwhile, the Badawis also prepare for the funerals of their family members. They visit the morgue and wash the bodies, as is custom. After washing the bodies, they go to the Mosque for mass.

Joel's second day at the Power Plant is off to a much better start. He is given to Kahale, a Power Plant worker who's due a promotion, as a ward to train. Kahale is a very professional and dry man and his personality clashes with Joel's almost immediately. While Kahale gives Joel a tour of the Power Plant, they meet Tsubaki, a beautiful Power Plant worker and Joel immediately starts flirting with xir. To Kahale's dismay, Joel keeps finding moments to run off from him to go talk to Tsubaki.

In Mala's secret lab, Makoto's stream plays for Jaimal as he sleeps. Aditi is also watching the stream, while browsing through old photos of Jaimal. Nursimo and Niran are keeping busy working on prosthetics together. On the stream, Makoto reminisces when Jaimal and Mala met. In the lab, Jaimal slowly stirs and opens his eyes.

Makoto closes the stream and gets a call from her manager, Kayden. He tells her that he has news from the AdvenCrew. Makoto got the part in Adventure Dog. Makoto is ecstatic.

In Nursimo's workshop, Niran asks Nursimo if Nursimo has been flirting with him. Nursimo, flustered, admits that he's been flirting with Niran for a few years. Niran is embarrassed that he had no idea. Nursimo tells him that he can ignore the whole exchange, but Niran asks if he can kiss him. The two kiss and stumble onto the floor.

Mala goes to her secret lab after work and sees Jaimal's eyes open. Mala hurries to open the capsule and the two have a short conversation before Jaimal falls back asleep.

Aditi calls Mala and Mala has a hard time holding herself together. Aditi is worried, but Mala reassures her she's fine. Mala invites Aditi for dinner so they can talk about it. Aditi gladly accepts.

The Badawis arrive at the Mosque and are immediately surrounded by people giving them their condolences. With the Mosque goers and Eins, the imani, the funeral is planned and prepared within one conversation before the mass. The funeral is settled to be held the next day.

After Kahale's work day, Michael asks him how orienting Joel went. Kahale admits that dealing with Joel has been like herding cats. Michael doesn't seem surprised to hear this.

After Mosque, the Badawis return to the investigation. Beatrice, Qianfan, Orlando and Angelo go to Lucky Jack's Casino to meet Jaqueline. One of the guards at the casino is Delano, who Orlando also seems to recognize, despite not having met him the previous day. Delano brings the group to Jaqueline's office, and Orlando slips away with him as Beatrice, Qianfan and Angelo step into the office. Beatrice asks Jaqueline if she knows anything about Zeus. Jaqueline knows something, but she wants something from the Badawis first. Jaqueline asks the Badawis to investigate Lieselotte Meyer, the famous philanthropist, to find any kind of dirt on her. Beatrice tells Jaqueline that the Badawis aren't blackmailers, but Jaqueline says that she has a legitimate reason for wanting to ruin Meyer's reputation. She believes that Meyer is doing something evil beyond gentrifying the lower levels of the city. Meyer says she wants to keep the city safe, but she backs up legislation that will only screw the lower levels over, along with people who don't fit her view of a safe Lightmore. Jaqueline wants to stop her plans. With this reasoning, Beatrice can't help but begrudgingly agree to her terms.

Orlando has known Delano for some time now. He met him three years ago, after Orlando had just gotten out of a job and so exhausted that he wasn't working with full mental capacity. He bumped into Delano by accident in the red lights district. Orlando blurted to him that he hadn't slept in three days and Delano told him that he can help. Delano took Orlando to a love hotel and gave him a massage. Orlando turned down the "happy end", though.

In present day, Orlando and Delano are standing in awkward silence. Orlando tries to initiate conversation, but Delano tells him that he tries to keep his clients at an arm's distance. Orlando offers to stop buying his services now that he's overstepped Delano's boundaries by accident. Delano doesn't mind either way. Beatrice interrupts them and tells Orlando that they're going to investigate Meyer now. Delano pales hearing the name.

The Badawis gather up at Beatrice's apartment to plan their next action. They start by looking into if Meyer has any offshore accounts. The name Zeus seems to remind Camila about an incident a few years ago. There was a pharmaceutical company that got caught disposing of dangerous substances carelessly. The company was called Hellenic Pharmaceutical. There was some buzz about it for a while, then the company just seemed to disappear before any arrests or trials were done about it. Beatrice deems it suspicious. The premises where Hellenic used to operate are still unused, which is also very suspicious. Orlando and Angelo volunteer to look into it.

Orlando and Angelo, dressed as cleaners, sneak into the building where Hellenic worked at and it still seems like it's still in operation, although very empty of people. Snooping around in some computers, Orlando finds reports about spontaneous mutations, especially inducing them on purpose in mice. Orlando also finds a mention about a "patron". Orlando saves the files on a flashdrive and tries to find out who this patron is. Unfortunately, he is interrupted by a man in labcoat before he can find anything. Orlando and Angelo greet the man cheerfully and leave the building.

While Orlando and Angelo were sneaking around, Qianfan's sister-in-law Isabella found out that Meyer's finances seem to be clean, but that just means that they have to dig deeper. The family agrees to find Meyer's ex-PA and talk to her to see if she knows anything. After the funeral, that is.

The funeral is held in solemn atmosphere. Thankfully, even Sofia (Beatrice's sister-in-law, Orlando and Lorenzo's mother), Lorenzo (Orlando's brother) and Leonardo (Beatrice's younger brother, Isabella's father, Qianfan's father-in-law), the Badawis that are still hospitalized, could make it to the funeral. Angelo and Camila think about Beatrice's offer again. They decide to agree, although Camila feels like they have no other choice. Sofia tells Orlando and Lorenzo how she met their father.

Grayson's group head out to the streets to continue looking for the body. Wick asks where they should start their search, and Grayson gives an oddly specific answer. Nova asks him about it, and Grayson gives a noncommital answer about having asked his mother (who is a late-night clairvoyant) for advice. The group eventually does find the body of the man they were looking for, wedged between two buildings in a narrow nook. They call Yuuji. With Yuuji's help they manage to wrench the body out of the crook and take him to the morgue. In the morgue, the dead person's daughters come by and confirm that it is their father. Grayson handles the situation so well that Yuuji compliments him on it.

Kahale continues trying to train Joel, but Joel still seems to be more interested in flirting with Tsubaki than learning his new job. Kahale gives him a lecture about his work ethics and sexual harassment, but Joel doesn't seem to take it seriously.

Lieselotte meets Prime, a shady tech implant engineer for lunch and asks him to find someone for her. The name Lieselotte gives Prime is Delano Yamada.

After the funeral, Valeria texts Beatrice and asks how she's doing. Bearice tells her that she wants something to distract herself from her thoughts. Valeria offers to help with that and suggests a girls' night out: shopping, tasty treats and makeovers. Beatrice agrees to it. At the same time, Angelo and Camila tell Beatrice that they agree to Beatrice's offer. Angelo and Camila get a "promotion" to the main Badawi family, which means that they need to be trained. Since they don't have their weapons yet, Beatrice decides to take Angelo and Camila along to her and Valeria's girls' night out. Valeria seems a little surprised about this, but rolls with it.

Beatrice takes the group to a warehouse/shooting range, which Valeria finds a little harder to deal with. Camila doesn't seem too keen about having to have a gun, either. She brings it up to Beatrice who tells her that not wanting to have a gun is the best mindset for having a gun. Beatrice tells Camila that she can use the gun as she sees fit, be it very little or none at all. Camila begrudgingly agrees to take the gun, lock it away and never touch it again. Angelo and Camila take a few practice shots with their new guns before Beatrice pays for them. Valeria asks Beatrice why she's here. Beatrice tells her that Valeria offered to take her shopping and this is shopping. Camila overhears this and tells Beatrice to go and actually have fun with Valeria.

So Angelo and Camila go back home and Valeria takes Beatrice to a bubble tea place. As they're waiting for their drinks, Valeria suggests to take Beatrice to get her nails done. Beatrice agrees. They do just that: Beatrice gets wasp themed nails and Valeria gets citrus themed nails. The conversation drifts to dating, and Beatrice admits that she hasn't been on a date in years. Valeria thinks this is a travesty and immediately offers to take Beatrice on a date. She has a special place that she wants to take Beatrice to, but when Beatrice suggests going there, Valeria says they should go somewhere else first. So Beatrice suggests the library.

The library is closed, but Beatrice gets them in with her library card. Beatrice gets herself a detective novel and Valeria remembers a fantasy novel from her youth that she loved reading. Beatrice helps her find it. They find the book and Valeria reads Beatrice some of it. This flusters Beatrice for some reason. After that, Valeria finds the room with instruments and she wants to try the drums. She mentions that she knows a few people who have a band, but are missing a drummer. Valeria wants to try if she could learn the drums and start being their drummer. Beatrice watches Valeria drum, growing more and more flustered. However, Beatrice also remembers that she buried a large part of her family just earlier today, and the mood of the date is ruined. Valeria offers to take Beatrice home. She promises to take Beatrice to her special date location some other time. Valeria kisses Beatrice's cheek before wishing her goodnight.

Michael is holding a meeting with Joel and Kahale. He asks Kahale how training Joel is going. Kahale admits that it's still not working out, but Joel needs more time, experience and training. Michael tells him that he'll have a talk with Joel. Kahale seems sceptical, but he thinks that he can get Joel into the right mindset with a month or two. After the meeting, Michael takes Joel into a highly restricted area of the Power Plant. Tsubaki and Kahale watch them via security cameras. When Michael and Joel emerge from the restricted area, Joel is clearly shaken and rattled, so much so that he has to sit on the floor. Michael doesn't seem concerned about his state and nudges him to get back to his feet. The two leave, leaving baffled Tsubaki and Kahale.

Oh wow, that was a lot! But now you're caught up on the first year of Lightmore. I think we're about three quarters done of the story that I have planned for this season. Thank you for reading this far and continuing to read. I started writing this for myself mostly, but I'm glad that other people are coming along as well.

[s3a0tterart]

Fallout Ocs pt. 1

🍷 Gloria Vanghoul

Age: (p.w) 45, (cur) 255

D.O.B: November 9th, 2032 (Scorpio)

Sexuality: Omnisexual

Gender: She/Her

Height: 5’5ft

Weight: 180lbs

Species/Race: Half ghoul, Human passing ghoul

Eyes: steel blue Iris, red-black scleraes. (Left eye blind hazy)

Hair: Dirty blonde, shoulder blade length, styled

Faction (main): Wasteland Cryptid museum, Vanghoul Family business; Casino, Inn, shop, etc.

Alliances: The great Khans, The Railroad, Goodneighbor, Necropolis, The Pitt, The Family, Fiends, Jackals, Vipers, Raiders, (prev) Cult of the Mothman, Children of atom, Underworld

Karma/Alignment: Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Karma

S.P.E.C.I.A.L-

Strength: 5

Perception: 9

Endurance: 9

Charisma: 10

Intelligence: 7

Agility: 5

Luck: 10

SKILLS/PERKS-

Skills: Guns, Traps, Melee weapons, Throwing knives, survival, first aid, steal, sneak, lockpick, pickpocket, barter, gambling, speech, repair

Perks: big leagues (1), Armorer (2), Blacksmith (2), Pickpocket (4), Rifleman (5), Locksmith (3), Penetrator (1), Toughness (3), Lead belly (3), Chen resistant (2), Aquagirl (1), Rad resistant (4), Cannibal (3), Ghoulish (4), Cap collector (3), Black Widow (3), Attack dog (3), Animal friend (3), Local leader (2), Party Girl (2), Inspirational (3), Wasteland whisperer (3), Intimidation (2), Medic (2), Gun nut (4), Scrapper (3), Chemist (3), Gunslinger (4), Sneak (3), Mister sandman (2), Action girl (2), Fortune finder (3), Scrounger (2), Bloodymess (2), Better criticals (2), Grim reaper’s sprint (2), four leaf clover (2)

RELATIONSHIPS:

Friends: Stevie, Leonie, Desmond Lockheart, Carol, Jason Bright, Hancock, Isolde

Family: (long dead ex husband & parents), 3 children; Elijah (oldest son), Isaac (middle son) Robin (Roe) (daughter, youngest)

Enemies: NCR, Enclave, Brotherhood of steel, Talon Company, Omertas, White glove society, Diamond city

Lovers: N/A (cur), (ex-husband) Lenard

•Locations- New vegas, Maryland, The Pitt, California & Nevada, Boston NukaWorld

[killerandhealerqueen]

Hi! The idea of Wang Meng as a policeman does not leave me. You can modern au, you can canon time. Wang Meng is a policeman, one of the best. They say about him that he is a lone wolf, he does not like to work in pairs. The only thing that annoys him is working with Jian Yuelou. They are always like a cat and a dog fighting in the department if their paths cross. Their exchange of sarcasm has become a legend among colleagues. But despite the "enmity" they have an unspoken rule: not to touch the topic of family. When someone started making jokes about Jian Yuelou's mother, Wang Meng shut the jokers up harshly. Jian Yuelou also does not allow joking about a colleague. One day they fight again and Commissioner Bai in a rage puts them as partners. And it's not up for discussion. They have to put up with each other and work together. During the mission, Wang Meng is wounded and refuses to go to the hospital. A young man flies into the station like a hurricane and in a rage tells him everything he thinks about him and about his immorality. Jian Yuelou is surprised to see the fearless Wang Meng turn pale and remain silent. Then he finds out that the young man's name is Chen Yuzhi, he is a doctor and Wang Meng's younger brother. Jian Yuelou liked the brave guy and wants to communicate with him. Wang Meng is against it at first, but after seeing how Jian Yuelou is willing to do anything for his brother, he agrees. I rolled up the sheet again🙈

Oh, I love this! Yes, yes, mm, love this (also, I apologize for the delay, I hope you enjoy!)

Wang Meng and Jiang Yuelou never got along

It didn’t matter that they were in the same class at the academy together, had trained together, graduated together…none of that fucking fucking mattered

Why, you may ask?

Because Jiang Yuelou and Wang Meng fucking hated each other

Both men were lone wolfs (which is terrible when you work in a job that requires teamwork) but that’s just how they operated

And anytime their paths crossed…be prepared to have a drink and some popcorn because they were going to put on a show

However, what most people didn’t know was that while Wang Meng and Jiang Yuelou hated each other…they also had a sort-of…mutual understanding with one another

And that was: don’t talk about the other’s family

While they didn’t know much about the other’s personal life, they both knew that their families were touchy subjects so if Wang Meng ever heard someone whispering or starting to spread rumors about Jiang Yuelou’s past, he would shut that shit down, much to everyone’s shock because uh…doesn’t he hate Jiang Yuelou?

And for Jiang Yuelou, if he ever heard someone talking bad about Wang Meng, or about Wang Meng’s family as well, he was all up in the person’s face, acting like an angry chihuahua (who could actually cause some harm)

Many people in the police academy during their time at the academy were confused by this behavior because…they never got along so why were they standing up for each other?

Of course, no one ever dwelt on this question for too long because Jiang Yuelou and Wang Meng fought more than they stood up for each other

Their fights/arguments were honestly stuff of legends in the police academy…and also the bane of Commissioner Bai Jinbo’s existence

While he couldn’t deny that they were both great detectives…if they wanted to make it anywhere in the police department, they were going to have to learn to work with others so…he decided to put them together on a case

However, when Jiang Yuelou and Wang Meng found out about this…they were not happy

“Commissioner!  Why do I have to work with him of all people?!”

Bai Jinbo huffed

“Because if either one of you want to become great leaders in this department, you are going to have to learn to rely on others and trust others…you cannot rely on yourself all the time.  So, you two are going to work together.  Am I clear?”

Jiang Yuelou and Wang Meng both made faces, as they weren’t entire thrilled by the idea, but they weren’t going to argue with Bai Jinbo so they both just dipped their head

“Yes Commissioner”

Bai Jinbo smiled

“Dismissed”

Jiang Yuelou and Wang Meng nodded before they turned and headed out of the office, both men shooting each other ugly glares on the way out

“Better not slow me down”

Wang Meng scoffed

“I should say the same”

So, during their mission, Wang Meng and Jiang Yuelou worked together, sharing information and sources, bouncing theories and plan ideas off each other, and when it was time for the opium den raid, they trusted each other…enough…to have the other’s back

However, during the raid, things didn’t go exactly how they had planned, and it turned into a giant firefight, with Wang Meng taking a bullet to the gut at one point shoving Jiang Yuelou out of the way of an incoming bullet

“Wang Meng!”

Jiang Yuelou quickly ran over to him and grabbed him, helping him to his feet before he looked over at the other officers

“Fall back!  Retreat!”

They then turned, running out of the opium den, Wang Meng leaning heavily on Jiang Yuelou as they ran

“Wang Meng, we need to get you to a hospital”

Wang Meng shook his head

“I’m fine…”

Jiang Yuelou looked at him incredulously

“You’re not fine!”

Wang Meng huffed

“Just take me back to the department”

Jiang Yuelou growled but didn’t say anything as he guided him over to one of the cars and helped him inside before he got in the driver’s seat

“Fucking put some pressure on that wound.  Don’t you dare make a mess in my car”

Wang Meng chuckled weakly

“I won’t”

Jiang Yuelou hummed before he reversed away from the den and shifted into drive, driving back to the police department

When they returned to the department, Jiang Yuelou helped Wang Meng out of the car and guided him into the department, helping him to their office before sitting him down on the couch

“Wang Meng, I’m serious, you need to go to a hospital”

Wang Meng shook his head as he pressed a hand to his wound

“I’ll be fine”

Just then, the door to their office suddenly burst open and a man dressed in a three-piece suit holding a medical kt burst in, his eyes wide

“Wang Meng!”

At his name, Jiang Yuelou turned and Wang Meng looked up and when he saw the young man, his face paled

“Yuzhi”

The young man, Dr. Chen Yuzhi, then rushed forward and knelt before him, looking at his bleeding abdomen

“What happened?!”

Wang Meng hummed

“Took a bullet to the stomach”

Chen Yuzhi shook his head

“Why are you here and not in a hospital?!”

Wang Meng huffed

“Because I’m fine”

“YOU’RE NOT FINE!”

Both Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi looked at each other in shock as Wang Meng groaned softly

“Oh no, there’s two of them”

Chen Yuzhi looked back at him and huffed

“Oh shut up.  Now lie down”

Wang Meng frowned

“What?”

Chen Yuzhi huffed again as he removed his suit jacket and placed it on the armchair near him

“If you’re not going to a hospital, then I’m going to have to perform emergency surgery so you don’t fucking die on me”

Wang Meng shook his head

“Yuzhi, that’s not—”

“Shut up and lie down”

Wang Meng flinched at his tone before he sighed and laid down, Chen Yuzhi reaching out to unbutton his suit vest before he unbuttoned his dress shirt, looking at the damage done

“Ugh, I wish you had gone to a hospital…”

He then looked over at Jiang Yuelou

“Can you get me a towel and a bowl or something?”

Jiang Yuelou nodded and quickly ran to get what he need as Chen Yuzhi looked at Wang Meng and shook his head

“You fucking idiot.  You should have been more careful”

Wang Meng huffed

“Well, I didn’t exactly want my partner to take the bullet so…”

Chen Yuzhi looked at him in surprise

“You…actually took a bullet for someone?”

Wang Meng hummed

“Shocking, I know”

He then hissed and clutched at his abdomen, just as Jiang Yuelou rushed back into the office with the bowl and towel

“Here”

He then handed them to Chen Yuzhi, who dipped his head before he reached out and took the teapot full of water on the coffee table and poured it into the bowl, soaking the towel in the water before he wrung it out and began to clean the blood away from the wound so that he could see what he was working with

Once the area was clean, he quickly opened his kit, pulling out some instruments before he slipped on gloves and took a deep breath, looking at Wang Meng

“Ready?”

Wang Meng shrugged

“Do I have a choice?”

Chen Yuzhi shook his head

“Not really”

He then grabbed his scalpel and carefully cut the skin so that he could easily remove the bullet without doing more damage

He then set his scalpel down and picked up his forceps, using them to carefully remove the bullet from his abdomen

Once the bullet was out, he placed the bullet aside and set his forceps down before he picked up his suture needle and thread, quickly stitching the wound shut

After he shut the wound, he quickly cleaned and covered it before he wrapped it with bandages

“There”

He then sat back on his heels and wiped his brow, sighing softly

“Thankfully I got here in time…”

He then glared at Wang Meng

“If I had even been a few minutes late, you wouldn’t be here anymore!  Did you even think about me when you were taking that bullet?!”

Wang Meng flinched, as did Jiang Yuelou, before Jiang Yuelou cleared his throat

“Um…it’s my fault that he got hurt.  He took the bullet that was meant for me.  If you want someone to yell at, yell at me”

Chen Yuzhi looked over at him before he hummed

“So you’re my brother’s partner?”

Jiang Yuelou looked at him in surprise

“Brother?”

Chen Yuzhi nodded and motioned to Wang Meng

“My brother”

Jiang Yuelou blinked in surprise before he looked at Wang Meng and smirked

“Wang Meng, you didn’t tell me you had such a feisty younger brother”

Wang Meng hummed as he slowly sat up, clutching at his abdomen

“Yeah…he’s a hissy little thing”

Chen Yuzhi shot him a look

“Hey, who just saved your life?”

Wang Meng chuckled and motioned to him

“See?”

Jiang Yuelou smirked and nodded

“I can see that”

Chen Yuzhi looked between them before he huffed and shook his head as he began to clean up

Once he had finished packing and cleaning up, he pushed himself to his feet

“I’m heading back to my clinic”

He then pointed at Wang Meng

“You better go to the hospital and get it properly looked at; this was just an emergency surgery”

Wang Meng nodded

“I will”

Chen Yuzhi nodded and turned to leave when Jiang Yuelou walked over to him

“Let me escort you out”

Chen Yuzhi looked at him and nodded, he and Jiang Yuelou heading out as Wang Meng watched them leave with narrowed eyes

Just what was Jiang Yuelou up to?

As they headed downstairs, Jiang Yuelou looked over at Chen Yuzhi

“I never got your name”

Chen Yuzhi looked back at him before he held out his hand

“Dr. Chen Yuzhi”

Jiang Yuelou smiled

“Jiang Yuelou”

Chen Yuzhi dipped his head as Jiang Yuelou sighed

“I really am sorry that Wang Meng got shot”

Chen Yuzhi shook his head

“If he hadn’t taken the bullet for you, you would have gotten shot and we would still be in the same situation…though I do hope you would be smarter and go to the hospital if you got shot”

Jiang Yuelou laughed

“I definitely would go to the hospital”

He then looked at him and smirked

“But if I didn’t…would you treat me?”

Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened and he blushed slightly before he cleared his throat

“I…I suppose”

Jiang Yuelou chuckled

“Kidding, I’m kidding”

He then tilted his head

“How did you know that Wang Meng was injured?”

Chen Yuzhi blinked before he smiled slightly

“Oh, I was coming back from a house call when I saw you and Wang Meng heading into the department and I could tell something was wrong”

Jiang Yuelou hummed

“Well, I’m glad you came when you did…thank you”

Chen Yuzhi smiled and nodded

“You’re welcome”

Jiang Yuelou smiled and once they reached the entrance, he hummed

“I hope to see you again, Dr. Chen.  Though…preferably under different circumstances”

Chen Yuzhi laughed

“Likewise”

He then turned and walked away, Jiang Yuelou watching him leave before he hummed and headed back inside, heading upstairs to his office, where Wang Meng was sitting up, a hand on his abdomen

“Want me to take you to the hospital?”

Wang Meng cracked open an eye and shook his head

“No, if Yuzhi did my stitches, it’ll be fine”

Jiang Yuelou hummed

“Never told me you had a little brother.  And one who’s a doctor at that”

Wang Meng smirked

“I didn’t tell you because it was none of your business”

He then pointed a finger at him

“And don’t even think about making a move on him”

Jiang Yuelou smirked

“No promises.  He’s cute.  My type”

Wang Meng growled

“Jiang Yuelou”

Jiang Yuelou chuckled

“You shouldn’t have gotten hurt.  He wouldn’t have even been on my radar”

He then looked over and noticed that Chen Yuzhi had left his jacket behind, causing him to smirk

“And if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to return this jacket to him”

He then reached out and took the jacket before he turned and headed out of the office again, Wang Meng’s eyes widening in shock before he huffed and flopped back against the couch

He absolutely did not want Jiang Yuelou anywhere near his little brother…but he also knew that Jiang Yuelou wouldn’t let anything hurt his little brother so…hmm

Well.  He would let Chen Yuzhi decide what he wanted to do with Jiang Yuelou.  It was his love life after all

But he would put Jiang Yuelou in a casket if he ever broke his heart.  That was a damn promise

Bonus:

Jiang Yuelou continued out of the police department and made his way through the streets of Jing City, Chen Yuzhi’s jacket draped over his arm

As he walked around, he searched for Chen Yuzhi’s clinic, soon coming across a storefront with a large sign that said “Yuzhi Hall” on it

‘Ah…this must be it’

He then walked over to the storefront and knocked on the open door, making Chen Yuzhi, who was sitting at his desk, look up

“Oh!  Hello”

Jiang Yuelou smiled as he stepped inside and walked over to him, holding out his jacket

“You left your jacket back in the department”

Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened

“Oh, thank you!”

He then reached out and took it before he stood up and walked over to his coat rack, hanging it up as he was already wearing his lab coat

Once he had hung up his coat, he looked over at Jiang Yuelou and smiled

“Thank you for bringing it.  You really didn’t have to”

Jiang Yuelou shrugged

“No, but I wanted to”

Chen Yuzhi hummed

“Well, thank you.  That was very nice of you”

Jiang Yuelou hummed before he tilted his head

“Say doc…have you eaten yet?”

Chen Yuzhi raised an eyebrow

“Hmm?  No, not yet.  Why?”

Jiang Yuelou smirked

“Care to join me?”

Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened and he blinked a few times before he cleared his throat

“Oh, um…sure”

He then removed his lab coat and placed it on the coat rack before he removed his jacket and slipped it on, walking over to Jiang Yuelou, who smiled

“Ready?”

Chen Yuzhi nodded

“Mm”

They then headed out of the clinic, Chen Yuzhi closing and locking the door behind him before he and Jiang Yuelou headed off to lunch, neither of them realizing that they would be having many more lunch dates (and other dates) after that (much to Wang Meng’s chagrin (even though he was secretly happy for the two of them))

[rauko-creates]

Master List

List/links for all my Supernatural, Venom, and original works (under the cut cause wow there's actually kind of a lot lol)

Original Art:

Even If We Can't See You

GISH Stuff

Lily and the Stars

Mockingbird for @aloha-cowgirl

My Hallows Eve: Summoning

Punk Mermaid (b/w sketch) (with color)

Tiamat

Trogdor Fire Safety Poster

You Made Music Over Me

Spn Art:

Art for Carnivore (Destiel Hell Rescue Fic)

Art for Enemies at Sea (Destiel) by @rathskitten

Art for Rapunzel, Rapunzel by @diminuel (Destiel)

Art for The Curse of Years by@blueraven06 (Destiel)

Attack Dog Cas

Both Hands on the Wheel/"Touch It"

Cas With Wings

Cas With Wings and Halo

Dancing Gentleman for Hold Me While You Wait (Destiel wip)

Dean and Cas Kissing in the Shadows for Talk Green to Me by@winchester-reload

Feminist!Cas (On Thursdays, We Stab the Patriarchy)

I Deserved to be Loved

"I Should Have Protected You"

Jack, Winged Protector

Misha (because I can't stop drawing him)

Rachel Miner Skittles Portrait

The God of Laundry and Hipbones (sleepy crop-top Cas)

Trenchcoat Angel

Wayward Ladies

When there's Nothing to Burn

When Your Eyes Match Your Mood (Blue)

Original Poetry:

A Lily is a Good Flower

Change

Closeted Gross

Exist

Find Me

Much

Purple

This Fucking Box

You

Spn Poetry:

"Don't Do This, Cas" (Destiel)

"Hello, Dean." (Destiel)

His Name on Your Tongue (Destiel)

I Deserved to be Loved (Crowley)

Ocean's Brawl (for Destiel pirate!au)

Roses Are Red, Don't Lock Yourself in a Coffin You Fucking Martyr Destiel)

Son of a Bitch (Destiel)

The Very Touch of You Does Not Corrupt (Destiel)

Venom Fic:

He Helps (Part 1) (Part 2) (1,623 words) (Rating: M) (Symbrock, Anne/Dan) Tags: established relationship, Eddie and Venom are THAT couple okay lol, kisses, shower not sex lol, Venom's clingy but doesn't like being called out on it Summary: Dan get's a little too curious for his own good about just how much Venom is there for with Eddie's daily activities (Spoilers: the answer is he's always there)

I Saw You (792 words) (Rating: T) (Symbrock) Tags: angst, fluff, emotional hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending, coda Summary: What if Eddie actually HAD seen Venom at that rave? (In which Eddie goes to get Venom himself when he realizes he misses him instead of sending someone else to do it when he realizes he needs him)

Kiss Him Yourself (618 words) (Rating: T) (Symbrock) Tags: kissing, Anne knows, coda Summary: I'm just saying that there was space between when Anne got Venom from Mrs. Chen and when Venom rejoined Eddie and I think Anne and Venom probably talked, and Anne probably gave Venom some good advice.

Let Me Do It (100 words) (Rating: G) (Symbrock) Tags: skipping stones, fluff Summary: Venom is a show-off

The Loser Who Will Save Him (Symbrock)

What We Feel (476 words) (rating: G) (Symbrock) Tags: beech scene coda, fluff, blatant use of quotes from the comics, Eddie calling Venom My Love Summary: “It had whispered to him things about himself which he did not know...and the whisper had proved irresistibly fascinating. It echoed loudly within him because he was hollow at the core. “It was written that I should be loyal to the nightmare of my choice.” -Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

Destiel One Shots:

'Cause I'm Yours (2,210 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel, Saileen) Tags: dancing, love confessions, angst, fluff, Dean Winchester's low self-esteem, everyone knows, post-canon Summary: Cas gets tired of watching Dean dance with bridesmaids and steps outside for a breather. Dean notices and follows him to see what's wrong. ***or*** That one where Cas is so very tired of pretending that he isn't madly in love with Dean...and also of pretending he can't see the way Dean loves him back. Feathers (2,324 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: canon-verse, wing fic, wing grooming, mild angst, fluff Summary: Cas finally has his wings back, but...they're stuck on this plane, and they're getting feathers everywhere. He thinks Dean hates them. He's...very mistaken. I Need You (1426 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel) Tags: time skips, Dean needs Cas, love confessions, fluff, mild angst, first kiss, canon-verse Summary: Dean needs Cas for...well, maybe he just needs Cas. (Written for the prompt "A kiss...out of necessity) Nothing Fucks With My Baby (620 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: protective!Cas, BAMF!Cas, BAMF!Dean, murder husbands, established relationship, canon verse, canon typical violence Summary: I was feeling an intense need to listen to Hozier's NFWMB on repeat while writing about Cas smiting the shit out of everything in the way to get to Dean and slaughtering everything that dared to lay a hand on him. Not that Dean's a damsel in distress in this situation; he's actually holding his own just fine. Cas is just intense. Sing Love (2,688 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: idiots in love, singing, mild angst, fluff, love confessions, first kiss, Sam ships it, canon-verse Summary: Castiel returns from a grocery run with Sam and overhears Dean singing love songs in the shower and decides to confront Dean with a song of his own ***or*** The one where Castiel finds out Dean's might just be in love with him too The God of Laundry and Hipbones (1,819 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: college au, Cas is too pretty for Dean to be smart, Dean's pink panties, fluff Summary: Written for the prompt "I’m sorry you caught me moving your clothes out of the dryer but in my defense I’ve been waiting for one to open up for about an hour now." Basically, Dean catches Cas moving his laundry, gawks at him like an idiot until he leaves, and then spends the next several months not being able to find him...until he does and falls all over himself again. The Nature of a Thing (1,569 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel) Tags: first kiss, fluff, profound bond Summary: Wherein Dean is pretty sure that he and Cas are a thing but is trying to figure out exactly what that thing is.

The Ocean (224 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, canon-verse Summary: Dean finally gets to go to the ocean, and it helps him figure out some familiar feelings

Thief (229 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, pie, canon-verse Summary: Dean makes pie. Castiel is the best thief.

This Is What You Give to Me (479 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel) Tags: fluff, cuddling, established Destiel, post-canon Summary: Just a fluffy little thing about cuddling and Cas musing on how glad he is to be with Dean.

This Is What You Give to Me [PODFIC] (see above for details)

Until You Understand (1529 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: mild angst, fluff, character development, non-explicit sexual content, Dean's low sense of self-worth, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: Castiel loves Dean. He loves him. He loves him. He loves him.And he is 100% done with Dean’s self-sacrificing and self-deprecating. It’s no longer allowed.

We Are Hope (533 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel)

Tags: spn 15x02 coda Summary: Castiel finally understands the essence of hope, and he's going to be that for Dean, even as the world crumbles around them.

You Love Me? (100 words) (Rating: G) (Destiel)

Tags: POV!Dean, Angst, Requited Love Summary: 100 word drabble for the Ficwip prompt "something you don't mean."

Destel Chaptered:

From Perdition: Carnivore (44,868 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, rape/non-con (not explicit and not Dean/Cas...Dean goes through a lot in Hell) Tags: emotional hurt/comfort, canon compliant, desitel hell rescue, BAMF!Cas, BAMF!Dean, whump, angst with a hopeful ending Summary: Sometimes, something beautiful pierces the blackness. Sometimes, an angel comes along with power in his eyes and lightning in his wings and grace in his hands, and he makes you remember that the universe has wonder in it. Sometimes, he sings over you until you remember how to take comfort in it. Sometimes, he flies you through the stars until you think that it might be okay to exist again as part of it. Sometimes, good things do happen. This story is about Dean’s time in Hell and Castiel’s battle to save him. Long story short: Dean is amazing, Castiel is one bamf, Alastair is horrifying, and in the end, half the battle is convincing Dean that he deserves to be saved.

From Perdition: Gripped Tight (38,297 words, wip) (rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: major character death (temporary, this is an Empty rescue fic), canon divergent, angst with a happy ending Summary: Castiel once gripped Dean tight to raise him from perdition...now, Dean's gonna return the favor.

From Perdition: With My Bones (1,896 words, wip) (Rating: M) (Destiel, Anna/Ruby, Midam)

Tags: Canon Complaint thru 14x08, Canon-Typical Violence, Memory Loss, Angst, Pining Summary: Angels aren't created to want. So, how does one survive learning to, figuring out exactly what they want, holding it in their arms, then being forced to give it away? The answer: barely. He barely survives it.

Ocean's Brawl (54,568 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel, Donna/Jody, Claire/Kaia, Bobby/Ellen, brief Charlie/Gilda, mentioned Andrea/Benny)

Tags: pirate au, enemies to friends to lovers, pirate!Dean, naval officer!Cas, slowish burn, openly bisexual Dean, swashbuckling, pub songs/shanties, naval battles, historical themes, lgbtq+ themes, idiots to lovers, angst, fluff, character injury, hurt/comfort, canon typical violence, slavery, racism, drinking Summary: In a time of oppression, the Winchester brothers and their family of misfit pirates sail the seas attacking slave traders and offering the liberated passage to safe-havens, or–if they choose it–a home on the Impala as part of Team Free Will. Dean meets Castiel, a Naval Captain with orders to enlist him and his band of honorable sea rovers as privateers. Dean refuses, but they end up working together when Castiel offers his vessel as transport for some rescued slaves. Castiel, in turn, travels with Dean as collateral to ensure there is no foul play. Along the way, Castiel witnesses the horrors of slavery and begins to doubt his cause. He comes to admire this wild crew and their kind hearts…perhaps falling for one man in particular.

To End Up With You (20,751 words) (Destiel, Saileen, Garth/Bess, Kaia/Claire, Donna/Jody, Dean x Sam)

Tags: Fix-It, Fluff, Castiel Out of the Empty, Love Confessions, Domestic Fluff, The Bunker Is Full Like It Should Be, Canon-Typical Violence, The Rebar/Rusty Nail (you're gonna have to trust me on this one our boy is fine I promise), Happy Ending, Nothing Hurts, Weddings, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode Fix-It: s15e19 Inherit the Earth, Episode Fix-It: s15e20, Carry On, Post-Canon Summary: Okay, but what if Dean actually rescued Cas and DIDN'T die on some rusty rebar…

Too Damn Long (4,313 words) (Rating: M) (Destiel)

Tags: 13x05 coda, angst, fluff, love confessions, implied sexual content, canon-verse Summary: Coda to Cas's return from the Empty

What the Water Gave Me (20,574 words) (Rating: T) (Destiel, Claire/Kaia)

Tags: fantasy au, god/fae!Cas, protective Dean Winchester, hurt/comfort, pining, mutual pining, ALL the pining, angst with a happy ending, fluff, angst with a happy ending Summary: Dean meets Castiel in the woods and spends a long time wondering if he's some sort of vision or dream...until Castiel gets hurt. Dean saves him, falls in love with him, and is convinced there's no way this otherworldly child of the ocean and sky could feel the same for him. Of course...he's wrong.

Spn WLW Fic:

From Perdition: She Keeps Me Warm (8,984 words, wip) (Rating: T) (Anna/Ruby)

Tags: pre-canon, canon compliant, 1600s period fic (at first anyway…), human!Ruby, angst, fluff, Summary: Angels don't disobey, don't rebel. It's their murder one. But, sometimes, you just…fall. And Anna falls in more ways than one.

She's Nice (682 words) (Rating: T) (Anna/Ruby)

Tags: canon divergent, 4x09 coda Summary: Anna and her words get stuck in Ruby's head in a way that she can't shake…so she doesn't.

Spn (non-destiel) MLM Fic:

A Howl at That Moon: Bring You Back (604 words) (Rating: T) (Drowley)

Tags: 9x23 coda, canon compliant Summary: The truth was, Crowley had simply developed a bloody soft spot for one flannel-wearing, denim-clad nightmare...and he couldn't help but be excited to show Dean the world through his eyes.

A Howl at That Moon: "Hello, Boys." (402 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: demon!Dean, implied sexual content (no actual sexual content this is just flirting in the bar and Crowley trying to pretend he doesn't have a Dean-shaped problem) Summary: "We've howled, we've bayed, we've done extraordinary things to triplets..."

A Howl at That Moon: You And I Go Hard (1,294 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: demon!Dean, angst, non-explicit sexual content Summary: Crowley confronts Dean. Dean pushes back. Crowley tries to put him in his place. Things escalate. Turns out, Crowley can't help but give Dean everything he has.

A Howl at That Moon: You And I Go Hard (1,294 words) (Rating: M) (Drowley)

Tags: 12x23, Angst With a Happy Ending, Pining, Temporary Character Death Summary: Crowley deserved to be loved.

From This Dark Room (1,287 words, wip) (Rating: T) (Dean/Gabriel)

Tags: pre-canon, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: When Sam leaves for Stanford, Dean is lost. Luckily, a certain trickster is there to pull him out of his downward spiral...or...that one where Gabriel can't help but temporarily come out of hiding to help Dean.

Gabriel (306) (Rating: M) (Sabriel)

Tags: non-explicit sexual content, fluff Summary: Sam is in awe of what he holds in his arms

Honey, There Is No "Right" Way (10,181 words) (Rating: T) (Calthazar, past Cas/Dean, past Balthazar/Hannah)

Tags: Roommates!au, Ace!Cas, Aro!Balthazar, Demiromanantic!Cas, Demisexual!Balthazar, queer themes, internalized ace/arophobia, fluff, angst, emotional hurt/comfort, hurt/comfort, Domestic Fluff, Sick Character, best friends, friends to lovers, Happy Ending Summary: “That’s not how you feel about her.” “Castiel, that’s not how I’ve ever felt about anyone. This whole…” He waved a hand in the air and propped up against the arm of the couch, “in love business...it’s complete bollocks. If you ask me, people’ve just seen too many blasted movies, got so hopped up on the rush of getting to know someone that they think that's it, that’s love, but it isn’t. Love is…” He glanced down at Castiel. “Love is choosing the person you get on with best, someone you’re able to be mates with and that you find attractive. All this ‘romance’ rubbish is just propaganda.” Castiel looked at his friend. He thought about the warm feeling that grew inside him when they were together, the way his heart beat just a little faster every time Balthazar was close. “Yes...maybe you’re right.”

Spn M/F Fic:

Absolutely Not (1916 words) (Rating: T) (Meg/Gabriel)

Tags: college au, idiots in love, crack that became plot Summary: Meg and Gabriel go to the same university. He is openly obsessed. She pretends to find it annoying but actually adores him. (Inspired by and talked out with@moderatelypanickedbiromantic)

Not As Intended (3454 words) (Rating: T) (Sam X Gabriel, Debriel, alluded to Sastiel)

Tags: fake dating, college au, fake dating but instead of falling in love...they find out the kinda can't stand each other Summary: Sam brings Gabriel home from Stanford in hopes of pissing off his super conservative/homophobic family, but they all actually LOVE him instead. Dean...maybe likes Gabe a little too much...

The Luckiest (630 words) (Rating: T) (Gabriel/Rowena)

Tags: Schmoop, Canon Divergence, Cuddling, Gabriel’s a little obsessed with Rowena’s hair, and just smitten in general, she adores him too Summary: Just a bunch of cuddling and softness for two characters who deserved/needed more of it

[therealluxun]

Alright y’all imma post A madman’s Diary here since y’all brokies don’t have audible. I’m such a nice guy that I’ll give it out for free😌

"I appreciate your coming such a long way to see us," he said, "but my brother recovered some time ago and has gone elsewhere to take up an official post." Then, laughing, he produced two volumes of his brother's diary, saying that from these the nature of his past illness could be seen, and that there was no harm in showing them to an old friend. I took the diary away, read it through, and found that he had suffered from a form of persecution complex. The writing was most confused and incoherent, and he had made many wild statements; moreover he had omitted to give any dates, so that only by the colour of the ink and the differences in the writing could one tell that it was not written at one time. Certain sections, however, were not altogether disconnected, and I have copied out a part to serve as a subject for medical research. I have not altered a single illogicality in the diary and have changed only the names, even though the people referred to are all country folk, unknown to the world and of no consequence. As for the title, it was chosen by the diarist himself after his recovery, and I did not change it.

I

Tonight the moon is very bright.

I have not seen it for over thirty years, so today when I saw it I felt in unusually high spirits. I begin to realize that during the past thirty-odd years I have been in the dark; but now I must be extremely careful. Otherwise why should that dog at the Chao house have looked at me twice?

I have reason for my fear.

II

Tonight there is no moon at all, I know that this bodes ill. This morning when I went out cautiously, Mr. Chao had a strange look in his eyes, as if he were afraid of me, as if he wanted to murder me. There were seven or eight others, who discussed me in a whisper. And they were afraid of my seeing them. All the people I passed were like that. The fiercest among them grinned at me; whereupon I shivered from head to foot, knowing that their preparations were complete.

I was not afraid, however, but continued on my way. A group of children in front were also discussing me, and the look in their eyes was just like that in Mr. Chao's while their faces too were ghastly pale. I wondered what grudge these children could have against me to make them behave like this. I could not help calling out: "Tell me!" But then they ran away.

I wonder what grudge Mr. Chao can have against me, what grudge the people on the road can have against me. I can think of nothing except that twenty years ago I trod on Mr. Ku Chiu's1 account sheets for many years past, and Mr. Ku was very displeased. Although Mr. Chao does not know him, he must have heard talk of this and decided to avenge him, so he is conspiring against me with the people on the road, But then what of the children? At that time they were not yet born, so why should they eye me so strangely today, as if they were afraid of me, as if they wanted to murder me? This really frightens me, it is so bewildering and upsetting.

I know. They must have learned this from their parents!

III

I can't sleep at night. Everything requires careful consideration if one is to understand it.

Those people, some of whom have been pilloried by the magistrate, slapped in the face by the local gentry, had their wives taken away by bailiffs, or their parents driven to suicide by creditors, never looked as frightened and as fierce then as they did yesterday.

The most extraordinary thing was that woman on the street yesterday who spanked her son and said, "Little devil! I'd like to bite several mouthfuls out of you to work off my feelings!" Yet all the time she looked at me. I gave a start, unable to control myself; then all those green-faced, long-toothed people began to laugh derisively. Old Chen hurried forward and dragged me home.

He dragged me home. The folk at home all pretended not to know me; they had the same look in their eyes as all the others. When I went into the study, they locked the door outside as if cooping up a chicken or a duck. This incident left me even more bewildered.

A few days ago a tenant of ours from Wolf Cub Village came to report the failure of the crops, and told my elder brother that a notorious character in their village had been beaten to death; then some people had taken out his heart and liver, fried them in oil and eaten them, as a means of increasing their courage. When I interrupted, the tenant and my brother both stared at me. Only today have I realized that they had exactly the same look in their eyes as those people outside.

Just to think of it sets me shivering from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet.

They eat human beings, so they may eat me.

I see that woman's "bite several mouthfuls out of you," the laughter of those green-faced, long-toothed people and the tenant's story the other day are obviously secret signs. I realize all the poison in their speech, all the daggers in their laughter. Their teeth are white and glistening: they are all man-eaters.

It seems to me, although I am not a bad man, ever since I trod on Mr. Ku's accounts it has been touch-and-go. They seem to have secrets which I cannot guess, and once they are angry they will call anyone a bad character. I remember when my elder brother taught me to write compositions, no matter how good a man was, if I produced arguments to the contrary he would mark that passage to show his approval; while if I excused evil-doers, he would say: "Good for you, that shows originality." How can I possibly guess their secret thoughts—especially when they are ready to eat people?

Everything requires careful consideration if one is to understand it. In ancient times, as I recollect, people often ate human beings, but I am rather hazy about it. I tried to look this up, but my history has no chronology, and scrawled all over each page are the words: "Virtue and Morality." Since I could not sleep anyway, I read intently half the night, until I began to see words between the lines, the whole book being filled with the two words—"Eat people."

All these words written in the book, all the words spoken by our tenant, gaze at me strangely with an enigmatic smile.

I too am a man, and they want to eat me!

IV

In the morning I sat quietly for some time. Old Chen brought lunch in: one bowl of vegetables, one bowl of steamed fish. The eyes of the fish were white and hard, and its mouth was open just like those people who want to eat human beings. After a few mouthfuls I could not tell whether the slippery morsels were fish or human flesh, so I brought it all up.

I said, "Old Chen, tell my brother that I feel quite suffocated, and want to have a stroll in the garden." Old Chen said nothing but went out, and presently he came back and opened the gate.

I did not move, but watched to see how they would treat me, feeling certain that they would not let me go. Sure enough! My elder brother came slowly out, leading an old man. There was a murderous gleam in his eyes, and fearing that I would see it he lowered his head, stealing glances at me from the side of his spectacles.

"You seem to be very well today," said my brother.

"Yes," said I.

"I have invited Mr. Ho here today," said my brother, "to examine you."

"All right," said I. Actually I knew quite well that this old man was the executioner in disguise! He simply used the pretext of feeling my pulse to see how fat I was; for by so doing he would receive a share of my flesh. Still I was not afraid. Although I do not eat men, my courage is greater than theirs. I held out my two fists, to see what he would do. The old man sat down, closed his eyes, fumbled for some time and remained still for some time; then he opened his shifty eyes and said, "Don't let your imagination run away with you. Rest quietly for a few days, and you will be all right."

Don't let your imagination run away with you! Rest quietly for a few days! When I have grown fat, naturally they will have more to eat; but what good will it do me, or how can it be "all right"? All these people wanting to eat human flesh and at the same time stealthily trying to keep up appearances, not daring to act promptly, really made me nearly die of laughter. I could not help roaring with laughter, I was so amused. I knew that in this laughter were courage and integrity. Both the old man and my brother turned pale, awed by my courage and integrity.

But just because I am brave they are the more eager to eat me, in order to acquire some of my courage. The old man went out of the gate, but before he had gone far he said to my brother in a low voice, "To be eaten at once!" And my brother nodded. So you are in it too! This stupendous discovery, although it came as a shock, is yet no more than I had expected: the accomplice in eating me is my elder brother!

The eater of human flesh is my elder brother!

I am the younger brother of an eater of human flesh!

I myself will be eaten by others, but none the less I am the younger brother of an eater of human flesh!

V

These few days I have been thinking again: suppose that old man were not an executioner in disguise, but a real doctor; he would be none the less an eater of human flesh. In that book on herbs, written by his predecessor Li Shih-chen,2 it is clearly stated that men's flesh can he boiled and eaten; so can he still say that he does not eat men?

As for my elder brother, I have also good reason to suspect him. When he was teaching me, he said with his own lips, "People exchange their sons to eat." And once in discussing a bad man, he said that not only did he deserve to be killed, he should "have his flesh eaten and his hide slept on. . . ."3 I was still young then, and my heart beat faster for some time, he was not at all surprised by the story that our tenant from Wolf Cub Village told us the other day about eating a man's heart and liver, but kept nodding his head. He is evidently just as cruel as before. Since it is possible to "exchange sons to eat," then anything can be exchanged, anyone can be eaten. In the past I simply listened to his explanations, and let it go at that; now I know that when he explained it to me, not only was there human fat at the corner of his lips, but his whole heart was set on eating men.

VI

Pitch dark. I don't know whether it is day or night. The Chao family dog has started barking again.

The fierceness of a lion, the timidity of a rabbit, the craftiness of a fox. . . .

VII

I know their way; they are not willing to kill anyone outright, nor do they dare, for fear of the consequences. Instead they have banded together and set traps everywhere, to force me to kill myself. The behaviour of the men and women in the street a few days ago, and my elder brother's attitude these last few days, make it quite obvious. What they like best is for a man to take off his belt, and hang himself from a beam; for then they can enjoy their heart's desire without being blamed for murder. Naturally that sets them roaring with delighted laughter. On the other hand, if a man is frightened or worried to death, although that makes him rather thin, they still nod in approval.

They only eat dead flesh! I remember reading somewhere of a hideous beast, with an ugly look in its eye, called "hyena" which often eats dead flesh. Even the largest bones it grinds into fragments and swallows: the mere thought of this is enough to terrify one. Hyenas are related to wolves, and wolves belong to the canine species. The other day the dog in the Chao house looked at me several times; obviously it is in the plot too and has become their accomplice. The old man's eyes were cast down, but that did not deceive me!

The most deplorable is my elder brother. He is also a man, so why is he not afraid, why is he plotting with others to eat me? Is it that when one is used to it he no longer thinks it a crime? Or is it that he has hardened his heart to do something he knows is wrong?

In cursing man-eaters, I shall start with my brother, and in dissuading man-eaters, I shall start with him too.

VIII

Actually, such arguments should have convinced them long ago. . . .

Suddenly someone came in. He was only about twenty years old and I did not see his features very clearly. His face was wreathed in smiles, but when he nodded to me his smile did not seem genuine. I asked him "Is it right to eat human beings?"

Still smiling, he replied, "When there is no famine how can one eat human beings?"

I realized at once, he was one of them; but still I summoned up courage to repeat my question:

"Is it right?"

"What makes you ask such a thing? You really are . . fond of a joke. . . . It is very fine today."

"It is fine, and the moon is very bright. But I want to ask you: Is it right?"

He looked disconcerted, and muttered: "No...."

"No? Then why do they still do it?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about? They are eating men now in Wolf Cub Village, and you can see it written all over the books, in fresh red ink."

His expression changed, and he grew ghastly pale. "It may be so," he said, staring at me. "It has always been like that. . . ."

"Is it right because it has always been like that?"

"I refuse to discuss these things with you. Anyway, you shouldn't talk about it. Whoever talks about it is in the wrong!"

I leaped up and opened my eyes wide, but the man had vanished. I was soaked with perspiration. He was much younger than my elder brother, but even so he was in it. He must have been taught by his parents. And I am afraid he has already taught his son: that is why even the children look at me so fiercely.

IX

Wanting to eat men, at the same time afraid of being eaten themselves, they all look at each other with the deepest suspicion. . . .

How comfortable life would be for them if they could rid themselves of such obsessions and go to work, walk, eat and sleep at ease. They have only this one step to take. Yet fathers and sons, husbands and wives, brothers, friends, teachers and students, sworn enemies and even strangers, have all joined in this conspiracy, discouraging and preventing each other from taking this step.

X

Early this morning I went to look for my elder brother. He was standing outside the hall door looking at the sky, when I walked up behind him, stood between him and the door, and with exceptional poise and politeness said to him:

"Brother, I have something to say to you."

"Well, what is it?" he asked, quickly turning towards me and nodding.

"It is very little, but I find it difficult to say. Brother, probably all primitive people ate a little human flesh to begin with. Later, because their outlook changed, some of them stopped, and because they tried to be good they changed into men, changed into real men. But some are still eating—just like reptiles. Some have changed into fish, birds, monkeys and finally men; but some do not try to be good and remain reptiles still. When those who eat men compare themselves with those who do not, how ashamed they must be. Probably much more ashamed than the reptiles are before monkeys.

"In ancient times Yi Ya boiled his son for Chieh and Chou to eat; that is the old story.4 But actually since the creation of heaven and earth by Pan Ku men have been eating each other, from the time of Yi Ya's son to the time of Hsu Hsi-lin,5 and from the time of Hsu Hsi-lin down to the man caught in Wolf Cub Village. Last year they executed a criminal in the city, and a consumptive soaked a piece of bread in his blood and sucked it.

"They want to eat me, and of course you can do nothing about it single-handed; but why should you join them? As man-eaters they are capable of anything. If they eat me, they can eat you as well; members of the same group can still eat each other. But if you will just change your ways immediately, then everyone will have peace. Although this has been going on since time immemorial, today we could make a special effort to be good, and say this is not to be done! I'm sure you can say so, brother. The other day when the tenant wanted the rent reduced, you said it couldn't be done."

At first he only smiled cynically, then a murderous gleam came into his eyes, and when I spoke of their secret his face turned pale. Outside the gate stood a group of people, including Mr. Chao and his dog, all craning their necks to peer in. I could not see all their faces, for they seemed to be masked in cloths; some of them looked pale and ghastly still, concealing their laughter. I knew they were one band, all eaters of human flesh. But I also knew that they did not all think alike by any means. Some of them thought that since it had always been so, men should be eaten. Some of them knew that they should not eat men, but still wanted to; and they were afraid people might discover their secret; thus when they heard me they became angry, but they still smiled their. cynical, tight-lipped smile.

Suddenly my brother looked furious, and shouted in a loud voice:

"Get out of here, all of you! What is the point of looking at a madman?"

Then I realized part of their cunning. They would never be willing to change their stand, and their plans were all laid; they had stigmatized me as a madman. In future when I was eaten, not only would there be no trouble, but people would probably be grateful to them. When our tenant spoke of the villagers eating a bad character, it was exactly the same device. This is their old trick.

Old Chen came in too, in a great temper, but they could not stop my mouth, I had to speak to those people:

"You should change, change from the bottom of your hearts!" I said. "You most know that in future there will be no place for man-eaters in the world.

"If you don't change, you may all be eaten by each other. Although so many are born, they will be wiped out by the real men, just like wolves killed by hunters. Just like reptiles!"

Old Chen drove everybody away. My brother had disappeared. Old Chen advised me to go back to my room. The room was pitch dark. The beams and rafters shook above my head. After shaking for some time they grew larger. They piled on top of me.

The weight was so great, I could not move. They meant that I should die. I knew that the weight was false, so I struggled out, covered in perspiration. But I had to say:

"You should change at once, change from the bottom of your hearts! You must know that in future there will be no place for man-eaters in the world . . . ."

XI

The sun does not shine, the door is not opened, every day two meals.

I took up my chopsticks, then thought of my elder brother; I know now how my little sister died: it was all through him. My sister was only five at the time. I can still remember how lovable and pathetic she looked. Mother cried and cried, but he begged her not to cry, probably because he had eaten her himself, and so her crying made him feel ashamed. If he had any sense of shame. . . .

My sister was eaten by my brother, but I don't know whether mother realized it or not.

I think mother must have known, but when she cried she did not say so outright, probably because she thought it proper too. I remember when I was four or five years old, sitting in the cool of the hall, my brother told me that if a man's parents were ill, he should cut off a piece of his flesh and boil it for them if he wanted to be considered a good son; and mother did not contradict him. If one piece could be eaten, obviously so could the whole. And yet just to think of the mourning then still makes my heart bleed; that is the extraordinary thing about it!

XII

I can't bear to think of it.

I have only just realized that I have been living all these years in a place where for four thousand years they have been eating human flesh. My brother had just taken over the charge of the house when our sister died, and he may well have used her flesh in our rice and dishes, making us eat it unwittingly.

It is possible that I ate several pieces of my sister's flesh unwittingly, and now it is my turn, . . .

How can a man like myself, after four thousand years of man-caring history—even though I knew nothing about it at first—ever hope to face real men?

XIII

Perhaps there are still children who have not eaten men? Save the children. . . .

April 1918

[rosetonfm]

welcome  to  roseton  ,  melody & matcha  !  you  have  24  hours  to  make  your  arrival  or  you  will  be  escorted  out  of  town  .  zhao lusi & namtan tipnaree   is  now  a  taken  faceclaim  .  can't  wait  to  get  to  know  you  and  your  muse  !

( namtan tipnaree,  cis - woman,  she/her )  ⎯ fah "matcha" watcharatrakul has  been  a  resident  of  roseton  for  twelve years .  around  the  town ,  the  twenty eight  year  old  tattoo artist / owner of ember & ink  has  been  given  the  nickname,  matcha .  i  think  it's  because  they  are  independent ,  but  also  cynical .  echo  is  said  to  know  she spent time in juvie for a violent crime before moving to roseton as a teen ! [ the roar of a motorcycle down a quiet street ; delicate fingertips smudged with ink ; an old altoids tin full of handrolled joints ] + [ serena , est , 31 , she/hers ]

( zhao lusi, cis - woman,  she/her )  ⎯ melody chen has  been  a  resident  of  roseton  for  her entire life .  around  the  town ,  the  twenty six  year  old  vet tech  has  been  given  the  nickname,  mel .  i  think  it's  because  they  are  patient ,  but  also  indecisive .  echo  is  said  to  know  that she's addicted to prescription pain killers ! [ dog eared romance novels piled high on your bedside table ; delicate porcelain teacups with hairline cracks ; whispers of vanilla perfume on a soft cashmere sweater ] + [ serena , est , 31 , she/hers ]

[xinyis]

          china.

"do you know who chen zheyuan is?" his voice filtered through the phone lightly, it sounding as if his mind was truly not there and elsewhere. anyone else and this would have irritated them but the person on the phone is not just any normal person who would get irate at his lack of substance. the person on the other end of the line hummed, then a sound of acknowledgment before it tapered off into curiosity.

it irked him that he could understand what those sounds meant without needing verbal affirmations— he rolled his eyes as his pencil rolled distractedly across his knuckles, gaze outlining the buildings of nightlife china, of the people rushing across the streets, of couples giggling and sharing food. he wondered what his mother and father were doing, he wondered when he could see them, he wondered how his dog was doing. he wondered how the beach—

his head gave way for a migraine and his chest tightened. the voice on the other end of the phone had gone uncharacteristically silent. "where did you go?" a low ring of static translated into carefully spoken mandarin, a whisper indicated the time and place: they were asleep and this person had to be asleep too but he kept him awake. he hadn't felt bad in the least for this: they often found themselves peering at the sky until it bled into different colors, their conversations about everything in the universe and nothing at all.

it took him a bit to respond, carefully turning the words over and over and over in his mouth, allowing his tongue to feel the way it would when he spoke them into existence— into admitting that he was, indeed, far from where he needed to be, that his mind had taken him to a place not in the present but in the past.

he hated how this voice could pick him apart regardless of how many miles separated them. "the beach," he said thickly, nose beginning to burn with what he told himself was nothing but allergies.

you took yourself back into the past? said the static. i did, said he.

silence, but it was all that was needed for him to decipher the scolding weaseling itself in between the lines and threads of air between them. "so," he whispered, gaze trained stubbornly on the darkness of the midnight sky. "do you know him?"

they talked, then, about this man whom he would be filming with for an x amount of months and a y amount of hours, variables a and b indicating how compatible they would thus become by the end of the show. the static knew how much to reveal and how much to withhold, which irritated him even more, but he knew it had been for his own benefit. after all, what fun was there in knowing so much of someone you could feel your heart begin to take distant interest in?

his chair creaked with the effort and weight shifted when he got up, phone balancing itself in the palm of his hand. the static laughed, an airy and tired sound, only for him to scowl back into the speaker— healthy and playful banter between them both before they wished each other good luck for what the day brought to them. for sleep to be kind and for the sun to bring prosperity and kindness. "you'll like him," said the static, a knowing edge to its voice.

he went to sleep with that thought in his mind, the glossy portrait of this man floating in his head— a curious drive nearly propelled him to open up baidu and weibo to see his face once more, to try and pick him apart, to understand this man's personality but he waved the urges away. he would wait, he had decided. he would wait to see the man for himself, have it be a surprise.

[compulsoryroyalty]

“POPPY, VERSUS!!! “Hm, what’d be good? “OH!

“DROPKICK MURPHY!!!!”

Dropkick, huh?

“Chen, that’s not what his nickname is listed as--”

The opossum ran straight for the mutt, jumping over his fist aimed towards her and extended both her legs straight into the dog’s face! An excellent dropkick, if she doesn’t say so herself!

And thus, the mutt was sent flying out of the ring, earning this opossum another, easy win. For Didelphi’s sake, these guys were pathetic. She genuinely expected a better fight than this. Even her fight with Big A was better than this--and that ended up being really depressing!!!

“SHHHHHHHH, I JUST WANTED TO SEE IF SHE’D DO ONE!!!”

Ah well.

As long as she gets enough money to pay off the gate and Lily’s medical bills, It’ll be fine.

Who’s gonna be the next chump here to challenge her?

---

“Well I’ll be damned.”

She took off her glasses and handed them over to Friedrich, who oh-so loyally stood by her side and watched the entire fight along with her.

The seating arrangements they acquired last minute weren’t too hard to get--being royalty had it’s perks, after all. Friedrich even brought her theater binoculars along so she could see the fights better--something she had specially commissioned back when she used to regularly watch these things, because by Vulpis it was a pain to actually see these things with just her normal magic-dispelling glasses. No, something stronger had to be made, or she’d be stuck looking at vaguely-detailed mass blobs every time these came about! And there’s no fun in that.

Though, with the pretty opossum challenger at the forefront, there was almost no need for these things.

...

Almost.

She still liked to see what the other challenger could do--fights were still very exciting for her to watch, after all!

“What was this woman’s name again, Friedrich?”

She looked over to her side after not receiving an answer.

“Friedrich?”

Did he leave without saying anything again? For the love of--did he forget she’s blind or something??? How absolutely rude!!!

He’s gonna be on tail-brushing duty for the rest of the tournament for this!!!

Ring, ring, ring!!!

Her phone? Who could be calling her now?

“Hello? Who’s--”

“It’s... Richard, your highness--”

“Richard!!! Oh it’s so wonderful to speak to you again! How long has it been? Weeks? Months? Years?”

“At least a year and a half since Boris started winning regularly, ma’am.”

“Ah yes, Boris! You know, he’s always been one of my favorites.”

“Yeah... right. Listen, your majesty...”

And he started to trail off about how important this arena was to him, and how amazing it’s been for the Canopy, and how he values her efforts with the o’possums--all sorts of things like that.

She simply listened and nodded along as he spoke--

Pop!

Huh?

She turned to her side--oh, it’s Friedrich!

She put the phone off to a side and covered the receiver.

“You jerk!“ She whispered, “Why did you just up and disappear like that--”

He simply whispered something into her ear.

...Oh?

She waved him off, uncupping the receiver and placing the phone back to her ear. Richard was still going on and on and on.

So, she decided to interrupt him.

“My apologies, Richard, but what’s this I hear about canceling fights?”

A pause, a silence.

He responded a couple moments later.

“Well, uh, ma’am... there’s been an ‘’erroneously excessive’’ bet that could cost us quite a lot of money...”

Oh, is that what all that babbling was about?

“Really? How much?”

“Fifteen million.”

Pfffffft. Looks like she wasn’t the only one interested in the opossum, huh?

She kept her snickering to herself.

“Oh goodness, that is rather bad, isn’t it?

“Perhaps if I made a bet of my own?”

“How would that hel--”

Sheesh, it’s like they forget she’s rich or something.

“I want 20 million on Boris to win!”

“You wan--I don’t--what? WHAT?”

“Is that a problem~?”

“Tuh-t-tuh-twen--uh, no. No problems here!!! “Just setting things up for the final round!!! “Ma’am.”

“Good to hear! Ta ta, Richard!”

And she would hang up, placing the phone back on it’s little stand.

That’s one problem fixed--

“I don’t mean to question your judgement, ma’am, but--”

And of course, Kit interrupts him as well.

“But you’re wondering why such a ridiculous bet with no payoff, no?”

He remained silent, while she continued on.

“It’s simple, dear Friedrich.

“If things go as expected, and Boris wins, then I keep my stake, the arena is fine, and everything proceeds normally. As if none of it ever happened. “But,

“If our strange, despised visitor surprises us all in the face of overwhelming odds? “Well, I think twenty-million nibbles is a fair price to pay to crack the status quo a little, don’t you?”

All in all, it’s a win/win scenario, no matter who the victor is.

And if everything goes how she hopes, then maybe that opossum ambassador candidate could finally be solidifi--

“You know, most women would just get a new haircut.”

. . .