#Coe Brothers

[coe-olivier]

Yes I’m making them brothers. No one can stop me.

Gluteus Maximus will be great big brother for Octavius Citrus 🫶

Me looking for those who cares phahaha

[coeluvr]

I...I.....I like Ikram. ... ... ... 's son. 😜

That being said, would be be willing to share some facts/details about Felix? ✨️ (sorry if you had already and I just forgot 😔 if it's already been shared I'll dig though tumblr harder)

I neglect my side side side side appears once in a blue moon characters and it shows because this took me so long LOL

Felix does show up in Chapter 3 so you guys can meet him and be very nice or terribly mean to this baby. 🥰

Now for facts and details!

Adores his big brother to the moon and back, his brother can do no wrong and he is perfect!! #1 Vincent Fan in the story.

He's more of a creative kid, just like Vincent, doesn't like physical activity so he is definitely not becoming a soldier in the future. He does think his brother is very cool for becoming one though.

The person he likes to visit the most outside of his family (and Helios) is Fadiya, don't tell Vincent though (he knows already).

Felix has a really sharp eye, sometimes when he's laying in bed with Ikram he points out tiny bugs that are crawling around and his mother is like "what bug?" and then she sees it and gets creeped out.

Felix says "I love you" a lot, he will sit outside his father's room while his father is working and say it 100 times and his father will have to say it back or he will cry. Also applies to Ikram and Vincent.

[biinanzas]

we don't talk enough about clay stafford

sure, he wasn't the best influence on joe but i still have a soft spot for their brotherly relationship 🥺

[mintsalsa]

omg i leave for a week to play starfield and come back to 100+ notes on the danse hcs? 😭😭 tysm and welcome to everyone that decided to follow me! requests are still open and im preparing to participate in #falloutober with some quick drabbles so pls look forward to that!

[ask-joe-caine]

aki probably died

uhhh

[sobbing]

[itsnoones-stuff]

Do you think they know?

Masterlist

Summary // you’ve been secretly dating Five for a month without suspicion but one morning could change everything.

//

Five groans lightly, using his free hand to rub his eyes as his other hand wraps tighter around your waist, the sun seeping through the curtains waking you both. There was nothing you loved more than spending the morning cuddling in bed with Five, it was the only time you two can really be together. No one else in the family knows what you two have been doing, you’ve become so good at hiding it they think the two of you hate each other. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“We should get up princess” Five mumbles, his voice deep and rough, you loved his morning voice. “No” you mumble back, letting out a chuckle as you bury your head further into his chest. “Yes princess” he chuckles to himself, preparing to get out of bed, you hold onto him tighter moaning at the idea of leaving the bed. He sighs, leaning down to kiss you on the forehead, “I know, I’m sorry but at least one of us has to get up” he’s right. You know he’s right. You loosen your grip with a huff, watching as he stands from the bed. Throwing his shirt on and buttoning it up, he turns to you, giving you a soft smile “I know princess but you know what will happen if we stay in bed all day”. One thing about Five is that he’s always right. You hate it. “Fine” you say defeated “I’ll see you tonight?” You ask, looking up at the sweet boy “of course” he coes, turning to face the door as he puts his pants back on. “I’ll see you soon princess” he winks, sending flutters through you, before heading to the door and for the kitchen. You watch him leave, carefully closing the door behind him.

Walking down the hall you start to hear your siblings arguing, you stop, trying to find out what they’re saying. “Just admit it Five, we all know” know what? You think, carefully stepping closer as the argument continues, “I’m not going to admit to anything Allison because there is nothing to admit” Five fires back, you can feel his frustration, “nothing’s going on huh?” Diego pipes up, your interest only increasing “then explain why Klaus saw you two this morning” your heart stopped at his words, you’ve been caught. It was nice whilst it lasted, you thought. “I don’t know what Klaus thinks he saw but he’s high right now” Five snaps back “he doesn’t even know what he saw” he’s mad. Really mad. Klaus scoffs in protest, he is high but he knows what he saw.

The bickering continues some more before you decide you’ve heard enough, you decide to walk in like nothing happened, watching as your family all fall silent and stare as you make your entrance. “Morning” you coo, heading to the coffee maker “what are you all arguing about?” You ask, already knowing the answer, watching as they all become flustered at the question. Silence quickly filling the room, you let out a soft sigh as you pour your coffee. “Well” Luther clears his throat, ignoring Diego’s attempts to silence him “we we’re talking about how…” his words drift off. “Are you two fucking?” Allison asks, folding her arms over her chest as both you and Five choke on your drinks, “Allison!” Diego scolds his sister, you can’t help but chuckle.

“No, we’re not fucking Allison” you snapped back after a moment, shaking your head at the idea. “Is that what you were all arguing about?” You add, looking around the room, no one can make eye contact with you, not even Five. “Maybe” Luther mumbles, looking around at his siblings, you laugh in response, it was the only thing you could think to do. “Why would you all care anyway?” You ask, instantly regretting your choice of words, your siblings all look around before looking to you “because” Allison sighs “because?” You ask, pushing for an answer “because you’re brother and sister, that’s weird!” She shouts, clearly forgetting. You turn to her, a smile prominent on your face. “Oh hunny” you chuckle “those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” you were right but it was kind of harsh. You watch as the others try not to laugh, holding in your own.

You finish the last of your coffee, taking it in one swig before placing the empty cup in the sink and standing straight. Clearing your throat you wrap your hands around your chest “well” you speak, grabbing everyone’s attention, “since you all think we’re fucking, I guess we might as well do just that”. Allison scoffs as the rest of your family look at you with wide eyes, Five can’t wipe the smug grin off his face. “Yeah, I guess you’re right princess, might as well” his words were like hunny, your body fluttered at the idea. Taking Five’s hand you cheerfully walk to your room, leaving your family pick their jaws up off the floor. Guess there’s no point in hiding it anymore, right?

//

[ask-joe-caine]

AKI NO-

IM STARTING A CULT WHO WANTS TO JOIN

ME!!

(@ask-joe-caine)

[bookwermthings]

My Official Torchwood Fanfic Rec List as of 9/3/2024

I had to delete twenty-three fanfics off the list to get it to work on Tumblr, so if you want to know what those were, feel free to ask!

The list will be formatted like this:

Fic Title | Author | My Remembered Rating Out Of 10 (on how much it impacted me)| Wordcount | my remembered general mood of the story

the link

and a summary.

They are ordered from happiest to most heart wrenching.

Special thanks to @myarmsaretoolong for the inspiration to make this :D

Cheers, and happy reading!

Torchwood Season 3: What could have been | SqutternutBosh | 9 | 171K | happy fluff https://archiveofourown.org/series/1735756 A reimagining of Season 3. what if it wasn't Children of Earth? What if Owen and Tosh lived?

The Lonely Cheryth| BookWerm |11 proud of this :)| 6.5K |fluffy!! https://archiveofourown.org/works/30708251 Steven's Uncle Jack is a mystery. one he's determined to solve

Not Good As In Not Evil, But Good As In Not Bad| orphan_account | 7 | 6.7K| fluff https://archiveofourown.org/works/23150389 Ianto Jones has realizations about his life through the life of his son.

Once Lost| saxgoddess25 | 7 | 25.5K |hopeful/happy https://archiveofourown.org/works/13465965/ it's been two years since Ianto died. Now he's back.

Falling Doesn't Feel So Bad When I Know You've Fallen This Way, Too | BookWerm | 8 | 4.5K | mostly fluff | https://archiveofourown.org/works/42053868 Ianto has always felt not quite right in his body. It only became more apparent as he got older. Ianto Jones is trans, and surprisingly, so is Jack Harkness.

Just this once (everybody lives) | Beleriandings | 11!!!! | 360K | happy hopeful flulff https://archiveofourown.org/series/1826248 An everybody lives AU with an ultimately hopeful tone, picking up at Exit Wounds and continuing through beyond into the far future.

Bits And Pieces| DinoDina | 7 | 6.2K | hopeful, hurt/comfort https://archiveofourown.org/works/32878222 Ianto is made of metal and wires underneath, built by Yvonne Hartman.

On Happiness | Anonymous | 9 | 90K | happy-ish https://archiveofourown.org/works/20500817 Ianto Jones used to be such a happy child. He wasn't any more. All Rhiannon wanted was for her brother to find that happiness again.

Push And Pull| sherlockpond | 7 | 34K | hopeful hurt/comfort https://archiveofourown.org/works/24358693 Post COE. Ianto's back, and he doesn't have his memory. People are disappearing.

Torchwood Series 5: The Reboot | logos00 | 9 | 20.4K |bittersweet fluff https://archiveofourown.org/series/235344 After Miracle Day, Gwen and Jack accidentally land themself in an alternate version of the past where everyone is alive.

Time Loves You | Anonymous | 8 | 44.2K |neutral happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/series/1324307 Post CoE. Ianto has no idea who he is. In fact, the only thing he knows? he is looking for someone.

A Different Life | gmariam | 10 | 141.8K | neutral https://archiveofourown.org/works/8247706 Ianto left Torchwood after Owen's death. but can he really stay away when the worlds about to end?

I Sing the Body Electric | Paycheckgurl | 7 | 19K | neutral https://archiveofourown.org/works/35019091 Ianto, Toshiko, and Owen wake up in a dark room. Their bodies seem to be strangely metallic. Which isn’t even the strangest development:they remember being dead.

A Point In Time | MemoryDragon | 7 | 8.5K | neutral a little sad https://archiveofourown.org/works/540393 Jack turns up late at night at Ianto's flat, asking strange questions, forgetting important things. Strangest thing is that Jack was never actually at Ianto's flat at all.

past Imperfect | gmariam | 9 | 23.6K | bittersweet https://archiveofourown.org/works/8716999 Jack time travels backward to fit in more time with Ianto.

a blip in time (we had forever) | someawkwardprose | 7 | 2.8K | bittersweet https://archiveofourown.org/works/26712370 Jack visits sometimes. it's how Ianto knows he's going to die.

To build a home (I held on as tightly as you held on to me) | flamingbluepanda | 7 | 12.5K | angst w/ happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/24916039 it's 2076. Jack and Ianto are still together. Ianto has dementia.

Only Temporary | badly_knitted | 7 | 1.4K | sad https://archiveofourown.org/works/20794613 Death is no less upsetting when it's temporary, especially when it's someone you love.

Lament | engagemythrusters | 7 | 3.2K | hurt/comfort https://archiveofourown.org/works/24203638 Jack died, because Jack died, and Ianto just had to learn to work through it.

A Moment (An Eternity) | Clare_Hope | 7 | 21.9K | hurt/comfort https://archiveofourown.org/works/30907163 Everyone survived Exit Wounds. That doesn't mean anyone is alright

Regarding Jack | celedan | 7 | 10.6K | angst w/ happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/22282087 After a night Jack can't remember, he's slowly losing who he is.

I'm All Ears (and I'm All Scars) | MrSandman | 7 | 5.1K | angst w/ happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/27609358 Post Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Jack and Ianto's first real date. They have a conversation about timelines.

A Vision Too Removed To Mention | pocky_slash | 8 | 14K | angst w/ hopeful ending https://pocky-slash.livejournal.com/1462797.html Ianto is in a time loop, and no one remembers who he is.

All My Uphill Clawing | pocky_slash | 7 | 3.1K | angst w/ happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/393640 After the time loop. Ianto is comforted by the team.

To Fight When You Feel Like Flying | innocent_until_proven_geeky | 7 | 2.7K | angst w/ hopeful ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/29508843 Ianto is depressed again, but he's not as alone as he was after Lisa

do not go gentle | someawkwardprose | 8 | 17.7K | angst w/ hopeful ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/28386996 the Big Finish audio Broken if Ianto hadn't gone to The Ferret

One Last Breath | Riennynn | 8 | 3.4K | angst w/ hopeful ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/1835368 There's something after Jack and Ianto. Fortunately (?), they've trapped themselves in an airtight locker with a limited amount of air

Breathing Freely | BookWerm | 7 | 2.1K | angst w/ happy ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/42905979 continuation of one last breath.

I just wanted you to watch me dissolve, slowly | MonsterMince | 8 | 15.4K | really sad https://archiveofourown.org/works/41765781/ If John had known the true cost he'd need to pay to cure Jack's immortality, he might not have paid it. (That's a lie)

The past in the future (And Put Away Childish Things remix) | pamymex3girl | 8 | 1.8K | really sad https://archiveofourown.org/works/1595603 Her father is smiling, except he's from the before, so he's not her father, not yet anyway.

I Cannot Sleep Warm | Beleriandings | 10 | 11.2K | fluff w/ sad ending https://archiveofourown.org/works/27181552 ""And I love you, too. Now… time to wake up."

left you with both of the rings | princessoftheworlds | 11!!! | 21K | absolutely devastating https://archiveofourown.org/works/34108996 Ianto's life is fine. Some might even say great. When cracks begin to appear in the surface of Ianto’s perfect world, he’s forced to confront what he knows is real.

[starsurface]

Politely asking for regressor Bi Han from mk1 headcanons please :)

I almost feel bad, you asked so politely and I'm warning you now, some of these are kinda sad . . . <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Regressor Bi-Han Hcs

❄️ Regresses to about 2-3, sometimes older though

❄️ Involuntarily regressed for the longest time and it terrified him, started regressing when he was about 13

❄️ Did not do CGs for the longest time

❄️ It wasn't until Kuai Liang and Tomas began regressing with or around him that he even thought about

❄️ And even then, you gotta be really, really close to him

❄️ Grew up with a constant fear in mind that someone will walk in, some one will catch him, someone will hurt him while he's vulnerable

❄️ Personal Headcanon that'll effect the rest of my requests: I don't think Bi-Han is a horrible brother. Not a good one, he definitely doesn't like Tomas. But Tomas will glare back at him and mouths him back, things people don't do to abusers.

❄️ ^ I think in the scene where we saw them fight that Bi-Han took it a bit too hard, because yes, Tomas did look genuinely hurt. But I've said things that hurt my own brother before and didn't apologize until later.

❄️ ^ Unfortunately they with both children forced into a terrible situation with no say of their own

❄️ Now, back onto regression hcs-

❄️ Tomas was the first one who found him regressed and it was one of the few times Tomas had ever seen Bi-Han cry

❄️ They were angry tears, and he didn't speak to Tomas for days later, but eventually Tomas sat them both down and they ‘spoke’ (Bi-Han didn't say much, but Tomas found some fruit on his bedside table the next day with a note that only said Bi-Han's name)

❄️ Tomas, Kuai Liang, and himself are his most preferred CGs >:/

❄️ (^ He's had some babysitters, but it took a couple of playdates to even think of it)

❄️ Actually really likes it when Raiden watches him because Raidens really calm and can handle young regressors really well

❄️ ^ Does NOT like hanging out with Kung Lao when hes also small though, he makes too much of a ruckus!! >:(

❄️ Very grumpy baby

❄️ Won't tell you what's wrong, he'll just pout and glare and have tears in his eyes as he stares at the floor

❄️ It can be a bit frustrating, but he knows your doing your best and will cuddle up to you out of apologies

❄️ Lashes out a lot while small

❄️ The easiest things can set him off into a fit of screaming and hitting

❄️ Please don't leave him during this time, just let him act out for a few minutes before hiccuping and looking up at you in shame

❄️ You have to tell him that he's still a good boy, but that's not how we handle our very big and negative emotions

❄️ Experiment with different ways to work with his feelings (blowing finger candles is his personal favorite, but he also thinks it's too silly for him so you have to prompt it)

❄️ No is his favorite and least favorite word

❄️ Hates hearing it from you, but loves hearing it himself

❄️ Hissy fits are also common where he'll stomp his foot and scowl

❄️ Although the softest coe and asking him what's making him all upset makes him melt very quickly and sheepishly whisper what's wrong

❄️ If he's verbally communicating, his voice is very quiet, but he's trying

❄️ Doesn't like watching cartoons but will do so if it means he can cuddle you for a long period of time

❄️ Pulls a Liu Kang and refuses to regress for weeks on end until he drops incredibly hard and is totally dependent on someone (he hates it)

❄️ ^ Kuai Liang and Tomas are working on him with it, don't you worry

❄️ Once had such a stressful week and pushed back his regression for so long that he regressed really young for almost three days straight

❄️ ^ It was also kinda his eye opening that maybe he needed to change some habits of his

❄️ It's a struggle to let himself be vulnerable at times so he'll demand that he changes the channel or cooks his own food

❄️ But only gets more frustrated with himself that he can't do any of the stuff!! >:(

❄️ Just gently shush him and tell him that he doesn't have to be all big and strong anymore, he can be a baby, it's okay

❄️ When he's not throwing a tantrum or having a hissy fit, a pretty good boy

❄️ Pouty, scowly, but also constantly seeks your attention and praise

❄️ Cuddly, but he has to reach out first

❄️ Doesn't speak much unless he has a complaint or is upset, he just doesn't like talking while small

❄️ Unless its a complaint, will complain about everything you do because it's ‘not right’, like putting his goldfish in the wrong bowl and flat out refusing to eat out of them now

❄️ Tell him you don't like being birrated, and his complaining will go to more whiney because he doesn't want to make you feel bad

❄️ He knows he's a lot to handle while regressed, especially if he's had a bad day, and will buy you things when he's bigger as a thanks

❄️ I know it's frustrating at times, but don't yell at him please

❄️ He hates it, he despises yelling, it terrifies him

❄️ Can't do punishments either

❄️ ^ Either of these could cause him to withdraw from you while he's small, and maybe even big

❄️ (Although if all you did was slightly raise your voice when he was upset, he won't entirely run away, he knows it was probably an accident)

❄️ Sitting down, talking about what's wrong, maybe even writing it all out and tearing up the paper later, that's what he'd prefer

❄️ And he is getting better as time goes on, it's really rough at first, but eventually he'll go more for his blowing candles and paper ripping than full on screaming and hitting

❄️ Favorite little nicknames are Snowflake, Sweetie, Baby Boy, Little One, Tough Guy, and Icey

❄️ Favorite little activity has to be reading his nursery rhyme book and cuddling

❄️ Doesn't have any regression items, it too scared to actually own any

❄️ But he has this thick nursery rhyme book that he really likes you to read to him

❄️ Please do voices, it makes him really happy and smiley 🥺

❄️ If you ever got him a paci, he might freak at first, but he does adore it

❄️ Although he'll only use it with his mask on so you can't see

❄️ Although one day he sheepishly used it without his mask, only to hide in your neck

❄️ Your his CG, and he loves you, and he's very thankful to have you in his life <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I love him, I do, but Pookie over here needs to learn how to heal a little bit. He's doing great though (I'm my own mind :3)

[daydreamgoddess14]

The Escape Artist - Chapter 7

Masterlist

CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6

Tag list: @moonmaiden1996 @theskytraveler @acrackintheteacup @succulentthief

He'd left her behind. 

Aside from the fear of not knowing where Clover was, she felt completely betrayed. 

She paced around the office like a caged dog, snarling at every comment Shirley and Louisa made until Lamb’s pounding on the ceiling above summoned her.

“Stop taking it out on Thelma and Louise down there, they’re trying to help.” He demanded harshly. She looked at her feet and mumbled an apology. “I don’t want your sorrys, they do. Now fuck off and wait for Cartwright to call.” She apologised, and then took up residence hovering over Ho’s shoulder as he tracked River’s phone.

“You know where they’re going?”

“I do.”

“Can you tell me?”

“Nope,” he popped his ‘p’ loudly, half a packet of Hubba Bubba visible in his open mouth. 

“Ho, please?”

“Cole, no. Strict instructions from Cartknob.”

“Since when do you do anything he asks?”

“Since he’s tryin’ to save your kid.” She sighed and dropped into the chair next to his. She watched the screen with her chin in her hands. “Stop huffin’ and puffin’ will ya?”

“Sorry.” On the map, the red dot of River’s car came to a stop. “Are there any cam-” Ho looked at her with a withering stare. “I’ll let you just… do your thing, shall I?”

“Please do. Go and get Guy and Dander.”

“But -”

“Cole, fuck off a minute will you?” Though his tone was irate, there was a softness in his eyes. 

He wanted to check the camera alone before letting her take a look. Her shoulders slumped in defeat but she did as she was told, taking her time up the stairs. She gave him five minutes and then followed Louisa down the stairs. “It’s alright,” he told them without looking up. “She can look.”

Ella went back to her previous spot on his shoulder and watched the camera. 

She saw River’s car and an open warehouse door and very little else. 

Ho wound the footage back and she watched as the car spun into the yard at speed and came to an abrupt halt. Coe and Cartwright were out of the car quickly. The footage was grainy but she could see the tension in their faces and the way they held their bodies. 

Silent hand gestures and head nods passed for conversation until they were out of sight and inside the building.

“Where is it?”

“Can’t tell you til he tells me I can.”

“What if he can’t tell you?”

“Coe then. Either one of ‘em.”

“And if we hear nothing?” At that, Ho clearly hesitated. 

“If we hear nothing, then Shirley goes to check it out.” Lamb told them from the bottom of the stairs.

“What he said.” Ho mumbled. Shirley got up from the edge of the desk and went to speak quietly to Lamb who only nodded in response. 

Ella stared at the camera footage, willing something to happen.

Nothing did.

On the desk, Ho’s phone buzzed angrily. Coe’s name was on the caller I.D.

“Back up.” He said simply. 

“Please?” Ella begged Lamb. “Please let me go.”

“Come on,” Shirley pushed her towards the door. “Send me the pin, Ho.” 

Lamb eyed her carefully.

“Dander,” he called after her, “don’t fuck this up.” He put a hand on Ella’s shoulder with a light squeeze. “Just so you know, I’m not fucking happy about this.” Ella nodded gratefully and followed Shirley out of the door.

“Why’d you let Cole go?” Louisa asked.

“Dander was taking her regardless. Pick your battles, Guy.” He told her. “And let’s hope they’re more competent than the bloody Chuckle brothers.” 

*

Ella read out directions from Shirley’s phone, the location wasn’t remotely familiar and in the now fully dark yard, they nearly collided with River’s car as they turned in. Ella was considering her options, conscious that they hadn’t come up with any kind of plan.

“Right, Coe probably called ‘cos they’re in trouble, yeah?” Shirley asked quietly. She reached into the inner pocket of her jacket and pushed a small object into Ella’s hand. “Put this in your pocket.” She told her. The door they’d seen River and Coe use was still swinging open.

“So we should go in.” Ella concluded. A few metres from the door, Shirley jumped a mile as Coe bundled though with Clover in his arms. “Clover!” Ella launched herself towards them, peeling Clover from him.

Clover’s legs wrapped around her waist as Ella struggled to carry the girl who got closer to her mother’s height with every new growth spurt. Ella let Clover hang onto her as she used a free hand to pat along Coe’s arm and back to check for injuries.

“It’s from earlier,” he explained, grimacing. “I’m sorry, El.”

“Don’t be. JK, I’m so sorry he got to you.”

“Let’s not hang around, eh?” Shirley looked worryingly at the door.

“Cartwright’s got him distracted.” Coe explained.

“I’ve got to go in there,” Ella started, trying to pass Clover back to Coe.

“Mum, no!”

“My lovey, I need you to go with Shirl and JK, ok?”

“Come with me, mummy,” Clover begged.

“I need to go and help River. I can’t leave him here alone, sweetheart.”

Shirley got back into the car while Coe opened the back door.

Clover fought against him, trying to get back to Ella.

As the girl pulled free of Coe’s timid grip, she wrapped herself around Ella who fell to her knees.

She held Clover tightly, breathing her in. 

“I love you. I love you so much.” She whispered fiercely, remembering the day Eddie had turned up and taken Clover away. “I need to go in there and save River, I need to stop your dad.” She explained, her voice calm and reasoned in Clover’s ear, though she had no idea how.

“Mummy,” Clover sobbed into the crook of her neck.

“I’ll see you at Slough House, ok? I need you to do me a very special job, I need you to take care of JK and Shirley. Help them tell Lou and Lamb what’s happening, and ask Ho if you can help him look on the map for us?” Clover nodded sadly.

“Ok,” she whispered.

“That’s my brave girl. I love you, I’ll see you soon.”

Clover still squealed as Coe took her hand and pulled her back to the car. Ella heard the sobs and cries even with the door shut, until the sound of the engine overpowered them and Shirley peeled out of the yard. 

*

Ella roughly brushed her tears away and took a deep breath to steady herself. 

The first shot rang out as she set foot into the warehouse, making her jump. She was half wondering whether the shot had been aimed at her when the second shot sounded. 

She ran to follow the noise, a dim light not too far ahead of her. 

"Come on then, pretty boy," She heard Eddie jeer as he loomed over River who was crumpled on the floor.

"Over my dead body," she snarled. Without thinking, she threw herself at Eddie and tried to knock the gun from his hand.

He pushed her away with ease, leaving her standing defiantly in front of him. She used her body to shield River from the path of the gun.

"You little bitch -" Eddie started. She’d never seen him so angry, his rage terrified her but her own wrath was far greater.

His hand clenched around the gun.

"You'll pay for this, all of you," he spat, raising the handle of the gun to Ella.

With a horrifying scream, she ran at him again, her much smaller frame darting behind him. He spun on the spot as she jumped onto his back and wrapped her forearms around his throat. He shook her off, flinging her to the floor. As she fell, she aimed a kick at his hand and sent the gun flying across the room.

Eddie laughed.

“You think I need that? I can fuck you up without a gun, darls.” Ella scrambled to her feet as he stalked towards her. “You're pathetic,” he sneered. “A mess. I saved you - do you remember? So bored of your sad little life and your parents. You wanted me, you wanted to run away -”

“Yeah, because I was seventeen, god, you're sick! Hanging round the school gates with flowers and gifts, you groomed me, Eddie. I was just too young to see it then.”

“Nah, you wanted it. You were gagging for it. Proper little slut she was, y'know?” He said to River. “Not anymore, christ, she's fucking frigid now. But when she goes mate…” Eddie whistled as he stepped towards Ella, a hand raised to her throat. 

He pushed her until her back bent over the crate, holding her down with one hand. “Shall I show you?” He looked over at River again, “Show you how she likes it?” With his free hand, he pushed her top up, exposing the sheer lace of her bra. Then he roughly unbuttoned her jeans and started dragging them down her hips. 

Ella clamped her legs together and tried to twist her body away from him. His calloused hands pawed at the soft skin of her thighs. River tried weakly to get to his feet.

“Let her go,” he growled, his voice faint. 

“No, no, get the fuck off me,” she gasped. Her hands flew as she scratched and fought against Eddie. With her jeans undone, he moved onto his own. 

“C'mon, darls, I want to show him how a real man fucks his wife,” he leaned down to kiss her as she turned her face away. 

She caught River's gaze. 

He stared so intensely, holding her attention as if he were trying to take the pain and fear away from her. 

Feeling nothing but shame, she closed her eyes and tried to hide as much from him as she was Eddie. 

Lay back and think of England Eddie's mother had said to her once. As if she knew the kind of man her son was, as if she'd already lived through the same. 

Like father, like son. 

Like mother, like daughter. 

No. Not this time. 

Ella knew she had to stop the cycle. With Eddie's face buried in her neck and his fingers digging into her thighs, trying to prise her legs apart, her sweat slicked hand reached for her pocket. Her jeans past her hips, they were nearly entirely out of her grasp. 

Her hand gripped the small item Shirley had handed her in the car, feeling for the sharp end. She felt the cool metal blade catch her palm, blood pooling. 

She used his distraction to her advantage, her thighs burned from pressing them together so tightly, denying him access.

“Aghhhh!” she screamed as she quickly plunged the knife into the soft juncture between his neck and shoulder. 

He didn't make a sound, she wasn't sure she'd even hit her mark until she felt a warm drip down her wrist to her elbow. 

She removed the knife and plunged it into his neck again and again and again until the drip became a steady flow down her arm and into the limited space between their bodies. 

River's eyes widened as Eddie's body slumped onto Ella's, his full weight on her. The hand on her throat fell limply to the crate. 

The knife dropped from her grip and she pushed his body firmly off hers with both hands. He slipped to the ground with a thump. 

Ella rose up onto her elbows, panting. Blood covered her torso and neck, it had flowed into her hair and bra. 

She pulled her top back down to cover herself and with shaking hands, tried to pull her jeans up to her waist. 

She heard River heave and pushed herself fully upright, rushing to his side. Hands still sticky with blood, she wiped them on her jeans before she tried to feel for a pulse. She felt his hand move, finding the bare skin on her hip where she'd not managed to pull her jeans fully closed. 

Her skin burned under his touch and she bit back a sob as his pulse fluttered wildly under her fingertips. 

“His body -” River muttered. “Get rid.”

“No, no I need to get you to hospital.” She tugged off her jacket and held it against his wound. 

“El, get rid,” he groaned insistently. 

“Fucking hell, River. I do not have time for this. Just let me fucking save you for once.”

“Keep the knife.” 

“You'll be the death of me, Cartwright. Swear to fucking god,” she scrambled to her feet and did the button on her jeans. 

She looked frantically around the storage unit and spotted a fire exit on the opposite wall. She launched herself at it and dragged the cold evening air into her lungs. 

They were right by the riverside. 

She hadn't paid any attention when Shirley had been driving, careful to follow Ho's instructions. She hadn't realised that they'd ended up so close to the edge of the Thames. 

Quickly propping the door open, she grabbed Eddie's body by the ankles and pulled. 

She took a step back, braced her heels into the ground and pulled again, repeating the process until she was at the water's edge. 

“Fuck you, Eddie.” She spat, rolling his body straight into the water. He bobbed on the current for a few metres before he began to sink to the depths.

On her way back to River, she picked up the knife as instructed. 

His breathing had become more shallow in the time she'd been gone, and his pulse fainter and more erratic. 

“Oh, fuck you, Cartwright,” she grumbled, trying to pull him into a position where she could get him on his feet and support him to the exit.

“I heard that,” he whispered, his breath ghosting against her neck as she anchored her arms around his waist and lifted to no avail. 

“Good. Do I look like I can carry a bloody six foot dickhead like you?”

“Six one.”

“I'm going to kill you myself. C'mon, help me, please.” Her voice broke as she prepared to lift him again. 

“Trying,” he promised, weakly. As she lifted, he positioned his feet better and stayed upright, though slumped against her. 

“That's it, we got it now.” She said breathlessly. 

She stood still for a minute to get her breath, her arms still tight around his waist and his forehead resting in the crook of her neck. 

“Can walk,” he whispered, his lips grazing her collarbone. 

“No you fucking can't. I've got you, let's go.” She twisted in his arms and moved to the side he'd been shot on. “Walk with me, babe, yeah?” 

It took a few steps to find a rhythm, his bad side leaning heavily into her, followed by his good, as if they were in a three-legged race. 

“Sports day next year,” he suggested cheekily. 

“Will you stop wasting your energy!” She chastised without much force. Grateful, actually, that he was still talking. 

The closer they got to the exit, the quieter he became. His sentences grew shorter and she supported most of his body weight. 

Outside, only his car remained. 

She pushed away the memory of forcing Coe and Clover into Shirley’s banged up car as Clover squealed in terror.

“Keys?” She asked, hoping he was still conscious enough to reply. 

“Pocket,” he breathed shakily. 

She brushed her hand across each of his pockets to find the right one and reached in to grab them. 

“I buy you dinner first next time,” he huffed a little laugh.

“Don't fucking die on me and I'll buy you dinner,” she told him sternly, opening the door wide enough to shove him into the passenger seat. 

Once they were moving, she used the touchscreen of the car and River's bluetooth connected phone to call ahead.

“I hope everyone still has a pulse, Cartwright?” Lamb answered. The tinny echo told her she was on speakerphone.

“Two of us at least, one barely though. Meet me at Guy's hospital?”

“Fuck, what happened?” Louisa asked desperately. 

“Eddie shot River, I killed Eddie. I can't go into the hospital, I'm covered in blood.”

“I'll go in, leave the car at the door and meet Lamb round the side.” She instructed. Ella heard Lamb grumbling in response.

“OK. The others?”

“They got back a little while ago. Clover’s calmed down, she's playing Super Mario with Ho.” Ella felt hot tears fill her eyes.

“See you in a few,” she managed to mumble before hanging up. As her left hand went to change gear, River's hand limply covered it. 

Ella pulled up outside the hospital. She looked across at River, now fully unconscious, his lips blue.

“Do not die you dick, I will kill you myself. Don't you dare die.” She muttered furiously. She spotted Louisa in the bright lights of the doorway and hopped out of the car without a backwards glance. As soon as she’d moved around the side of the hospital, Louisa stepped forward and flung open the passenger door, calling loudly for help. 

“She's got it now, Cole. C'mon, let's get you cleaned up. You look like a sodding murder victim yourself. Don't get blood on my seats,” Lamb warned, holding the door open for her. 

*

With Lamb at her side giving her a running commentary of the evening at Slough House, Ella felt every ounce of strength drain from her body as she absorbed the sound of his voice. 

“... very excited at the prospect of a sleepover with Standish, fuck only knows why, poor kid.” 

Ella slumped forward in the seat with her head in her hands, barely registering his words. 

“... have your work cut out for you trying to get her to talk to you. Your little spitfire was very angry with you.” 

Tears filled her eyes, Ella fought to hold them back but she was just too exhausted. A sob escaped her mouth as Lamb pulled the car up outside the safe house. He waited patiently as she cried, her shoulders shaking under the hand he'd attempted to comfort her with. 

“‘m sorry,” she hiccupped, her voice thick with tears and snot.

“Enough now, get cleaned up and I'll take you to the kiddo.” He followed her into the dark house, offering the Range Rover across the road a brief salute. “Do I feign ignorance when the relevant authorities come knocking?” He asked as Ella poured them both a large whisky. Her hands shook as she raised the glass to her lips. At her feet, Eugene seemed to understand the sombre conversation and settled for resting a sleepy head on the tops of her trainers. 

“He's dead.”

“So you said.”

“I stabbed him.”

“So I see,” he eyed her blood-covered clothing. 

“Then I pushed him in the river.”

“And the knife?”

Ella pulled it from her pocket and placed it on the table. 

“What do I do?”

“Keep your trap shut, wait and see how long it takes for his body to wash up. Hang on to the knife.”

“He shot River.”

“He'll live, unfortunately. Nasty habit of his, he's like a cockroach.”

“You're not worried?” She asked. His eyes bored into hers, she could see the unspoken concern. 

“Get a shower, hurry up.” He reached for the bottle and poured another measure. Eugene looked like he was considering following her, but decided that Lamb's feet were more comfortable. 

It took forever to wash the blood off. It had been there so long it had stained her skin. Scrubbing made her skin raw, which made it even harder to tell whether the blood was coming off, or whether she was just extremely well exfoliated.

Her hair was matted with congealed blood, it caught in her fingers as she tried to weave them through the curls to separate and clean them. 

Finally, she scrubbed her face. 

The bottom of the bathtub was filthy with splatters of dust, dirt and blood. She held the shower head so that it all washed away down the plug hole.

She patted her tender skin dry, trying not to scrub it any harder. She checked the mirror for any glaring bits she'd missed, and found herself pink and puffy but fortunately, cleansed.

She wasn't sure she could say the same about her conscience. 

Lamb had fallen asleep on her sofa, head tilted back and mouth wide open with Eugene tucked up next to him, both of them snoring. 

If she hadn't been so desperate to see Clover, she'd have happily curled up at the end and joined them. 

She nudged Lamb’s foot with her own and he startled awake.

“Alright then, let’s go.”

“Can we go to the hospital after I’ve seen Clo?”

“Fuck no. I’m taking you to Standish’s for a kip. We’ll work out the rest tomorrow, tonight you need to sleep.”

“What about River?”

“Guy’s text me, he’s stable for now. They’ve pumped him full of some more blood and done a few scans. Nothing more now til the morning.”

“I should be there.”

“He’d tell you to piss off back to the kid and you know it.” Ella couldn’t argue, she knew he was right. 

Standish waited for them on the landing outside her flat with a pale, tired Clover half hidden behind her.

“You look awful,” she sighed with relief.

“I feel worse. Hey sweetheart,” she whispered to Clover.

“Come on, I’ve made the spare room up for you both. Good night, Jackson.”

“Night, Standish, Cole.” He turned on the stairs and headed back down. 

“Thank you,” Ella called after him. He waved a hand without turning around.

Catherine’s flat was a warm, cosy respite from the evening she’d had. She was guided to the sofa where she curled up in the corner. 

Clover looked warily from the kitchen door until Catherine nudged her gently. At Catherine’s suggestion, the young girl crept towards Ella and climbed into her mother’s lap. 

“Thank you,” Ella mouthed over Clover’s shoulder. 

Catherine left them alone as Ella and Clover’s soft cries filled the flat.

They fell asleep on the sofa, entwined together and cheeks still wet with tears.

*

“I want to come too,” she demanded. 

Ella sighed. She’d spent days being put off visiting River - Lamb didn’t want her drawing attention, Louisa said he wasn’t well enough. She’d finally put her foot down and told them that she would be visiting the hospital and they would not be stopping her. Until Clover decided that she also wanted to go.

“It’s a hospital, babe. It’s full of machines and poorly people and it’s not a nice place for kids to have to visit.”

“But I want to see him, I got him some stickers?” Clover waved a page of Barbie stickers in Ella’s face.

“Ok. Ok, fine. But you have to be super quiet and no racing around.”

“Yessss, thanks mum!” Clover held Eugene’s soft head in her hands, “I’ll tell him you miss him too.” She told the dog sagely.

Lamb was already at the hospital, in the visitor chair reading the newspaper.

“He’s asleep,” he explained unnecessarily.

“Ugh, I wanted to give him some stickers.”

“He’ll be awake in a bit, kid. Want to come and get some chocolate?” He shook the pocket of his trousers to check for change.

“Can I mum?”

“Course you can, stay with Lamb please. No running off.”

“I can give you five minutes, Cole. Beyond that, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep a 9 year old occupied.”

“Cheers, Lamb.”

She waited for the door to close before taking in her surroundings. Some cheap supermarket flowers were on a table next to the bed, along with an open bag of grapes that Lamb had clearly been eating on River’s behalf. 

He was pale against the bedsheets, with dark circles under his eyes. His hair had fallen across his forehead so she brushed it out of the way.

“I’d say it’s good to see you, but,” she murmured, “you look half dead so that’s not entirely true.” She sat in the seat Lamb had vacated and took his hand. He was still attached to a drip so she was careful not to disturb the cannula. “You should have let me come with you,” she complained. “I’ve been so worried. They haven’t let me visit til now.” 

Her voice wavered. 

“You’re such an idiot, River. I told you he was dangerous, I told you and you wouldn’t listen. You’re so fucking reckless, always putting yourself in danger. What if I hadn’t turned up?” 

She sighed, picking at a stray thread on the bedcovers. 

“You’ve been so good to me,” her voice softened. “To both of us. I think you saved me. God, this is so messed up but, I think I’m in love with you. I never thought I was capable of feeling like this, I think Eddie broke something in me. I know I’m not exactly the picture of stability.” 

Fat tears splashed from her cheek to the bed as she talked. “I’m no good for you.” 

She sniffed, wiping the tears away with the back of her hand. “Maybe one day, eh? If I’m ever less of a fuck up.”

She heard the squeak of Clover’s trainers in the corridor outside and cleared her throat, hoping her red-rimmed eyes weren’t as obvious as they felt.

“Hey babe, did you get any good snacks?”

CHAPTER 8

[whumpity-whumpwhump]

AI-less whumptober 2024: Trauma Thursday, relapse

Shirley exited the small convenience store and went to the bus stop, foot tapping rhythmically on the concrete, her fingers running up and down the surface of the small bag in her pocket.

Her mind buzzed in a weird anticipation, but she was fully aware of the true reason she was doing this and she couldn't help feeling as if her skin was crawling.

The bus came to a stop and she brushed past the people exiting it, seeking a seat further to the back. She slid into one, pointedly glaring at anyone who looked like they were going to sit next to her.

Marcus wouldn't want this, she knew that. He'd want her to stay clean, even go to a fucking rehab center if she had too. But fuck that, Marcus wasn't here. He wasn't around to do stupid dares with. He wasn't sitting in Slough House waiting for her to come back so they could gamble with paperclips.

He was fucking dead. And he didn't have to be. All he needed to do was stay back with her, stay in Lamb's office and he'd still be alive today.

No, no she shouldn't be angry with him. It wasn't his fault the idiot had gotten himself killed. It was Cartwright's psychotic brother who had done that.

She got off the bus, carefully willing her mind to go blank as she started for her apartment.

---

She let the door bang closed behind her, heading straight for the bathroom, not even shedding her jacket.

She took the small bag out of her pocket, dropped it onto the countertop and stared.

Images flashed through her mind, Marcus, dead in the one place they were supposed to be safe. Cassie and the kids, crying at the funeral. Patrice, dead on the floor after Coe had convinced her not to kill him. She still wasn't sure how she felt about that. Wished he had tried escaping, that she could've killed him herself, was grateful to Coe for putting five bullets through the bastard.

Once again the image of Marcus, dead at the top of the stairs came to her mind.

"Nope, fuck this."

Shirley poured the cocaine onto the countertop, lining it up into two neat lines. She couldn't help the surge of excitement at the action, taking out her bill and rolling, gentle as she performed this sacred ritual. yeah, it was horrible for her and a really shitty idea but that didn't stop the familiar anchoring it gave her. She snorted both lines and stood back, looking at herself in the mirror for a moment.

Damn, when did she get so skinny?

She pulled out her phone, shooting a quick text to Lamb that she wasn't coming in tomorrow. He'd be annoyed if he didn't at least get a heads up. Well, he'd be annoyed anyway but less so this way.

She walked to the kitchen, pouring out a bowl of corn flakes and adding a scoop of sugar. Next she added the milk and yeah- now she was starting to feel it, that familiar surge of adrenaline. She rode it out, closing her eyes and sitting back as a rush of euphoria engulfed her.

After a few seconds she opened her eyes and turned to eat her cereal.

About ten-ish minutes later a knock sounded at the door. She walked over, peeking through the hole to see River. She stood back, she sure as hell didn't want to talk to anyone from work right now. She waited for him to leave. He knocked again, calling out,

"Shirley come on I know you're in there, Roddy saw you enter the building like twenty minutes ago."

"And what makes you think I'd be here and not off hanging with a mate from the same apartment building or shagging somebody?" She demanded, opening the door with a scowl.

"You seemed like you were having a bit of a rough day is all and I figured no one at Slough House is really sharing about that kind of thing but you might wanna talk to someone." He seemed hesitant, like he wasn't quite sure what he was doing.

Marcus used to be the one she talked to. Not anything to serious mind you, they mostly just ribbed each other. Kinda like her and her siblings before they'd grown apart.

"What, Standish send you to check on me?"

"No," River shook his head, "I just figured, I mean it's only been a few days and...." he trailed off awkwardly then looked down at the case of beer in his hand.

"I brought beer if you just wanna drink and brood together in silence."

As if a case of beer or a conversation about their feelings would make Patrice any less his brother, as if it wasn't his stupid family drama that got Marcus killed in the first place.

She took the beer but held up a hand to stop River from coming in. She just wanted to be alone for christ's sake.

"Fuck off, Cartwright."

"What, you just take my beer and tell me to piss off? Isn't there anything I can do to help?"

She dropped the beer on the ground, turning to Cartwright.

"Alright yeah, you can go back in time and kill your fucking assassin family before they take out one of our own."

His face flickered but he stayed silent.

"Pardon me if I don't wanna be around the brother of the psychotic prick who murdered my partner!"

"...Right, sorry," Cartwright gave her a pained smile and turned, walking back down the hall.

Shirley shut the door and turned to her empty apartment, anger dying down to be replaced with nothing but the faintest spark of regret.

[gmariam321]

So I binge-read my biggest Torchwood fic this weekend. I'm still cringing over some of my writing, but otherwise you know what? It was still pretty good, particularly with plot and character. I'm proud of what I accomplished with my beta, who helped hash out so much of it. We had such fun working together! There's nothing like coming up with crazy ideas and figuring out a way to actually make them work. I also really like some of my original characters. Kind of makes me wonder why I don't ever write original characters with an original plot, but then I remember they need an original world, and I like the ready-made fictional worlds I write fanfic for. I have no real desire to build my own.

Anyway, the story was an alternate version of Children of Earth. I came to Torchwood after the series was over, but I think CoE did well in the ratings, didn't it? I feel like it was generally well received . . . until it wasn't. Aside from the devastating death of Ianto, there are countless plot holes that I'm guessing fans really started picking part online and then thought, hmmm, maybe it's not so good after all. We got some great Janto pics and gifs but their actual moments on screen were not the moments they could have been, you know? (True story: I convinced my parents and brother to watch it with me after they gave it to me for Christmas and at the end my dad had no idea Jack and Ianto were a couple. I think my mom figured it out but my dad totally didn't see it because it just wasn't enough. I still want to know why they were so weird from the beginning. I'm trying to remember if I wrote a story about it now...) And then fanfic exploded and there are now countless versions that are just..better. Stories that fix the plot holes of CoE and give Jack and Ianto the moments they deserved.

Fanfic really took Torchwood and elevated it. Sure, we wrote lots of smut (tentacles, anyone?) but we also gave relationships the depth we rarely saw on screen. We explained how Jack and Ianto came to be, even through all the new Big Finish revelations. We gave them real moments (and not just smutty ones.) We made them mortal and immortal. We saved Ianto countless times and let them travel the galaxy. We gave Gwen actual consequences and growth and even made her and Ianto good friends. We took the potential of the show, of 31 episodes and a few Doctor Who crossovers (sorry, I'm not counting the fourth season since most fanfic is set before it) and explored it over and over, showing readers not only what TW was but could have been. We filled in the missing scenes, expanded it, even rewrote it. I wrote over a hundred fics and probably read ten times that. What an amazing thing!

I'm so glad I was a part of it and have both good memories and some good stories to look back on. ❤️

[coeluvr]

Vincent: Oh, shit I made MC cry

Vincent 2 seconds later: It's a trap 😦 do not feel bad for this demon spawn

Exactlyyy, kid Vincent is like "they're faking it!!!!!"

[v3nusxsky]

would you be interested in writing an emily prentiss x fem or gn reader fic? something along the lines of domesticity in the morning (getting kids ready for school, breakfast etc.) or if you’d like, emily and partner visiting the BAU with their newborn child and their other little cuties. i just have this reoccurring dream about this absolute fluff every night 😩🫶

The Dream

*Authors note~ first attempt at some fluff for this stunning lady <3 oc children Matthew and Delilah are mine*

Trigger warning~  fluff? Fem reader

Prompt~ see ask^^^^^

It wasn't uncommon for you to awake in the morning to her side of the bed empty, after all her hours at work were certainly unpredictable. Emily always made sure to leave you a little note somewhere for you to find. A little tradition she started when you moved in. One that you loved very much. Normally you'd be heading into work with her, both of you working at the BAU only your job being desk work only. That being said you were extremely close to Penelope Garcia.

Your alarm rang out through the room as you grumbled shuffling to shut it off, your post pregnancy belly no where near as big as you were pre birth but still taking some adjusting to. You'd given birth two weeks ago, Emily had two weeks home from the FBI to be with you and your little family. Your son Matthew being only four years old really enjoyed his mama being home, you knew the cases were tough on him sometimes and alongside getting a sibling it was only natural you worried. But he adjusted perfectly to his baby sister and those glorious two weeks seemed to flyby. Today would be your first day without Emily, Matthew had school and you were still adjusting to your daughter's schedule, yet you were confident you could manage.

As if on cue Matthew made his way to your room, small little knocks sounded before her peeped his little head round the doorway. "Momma?" He whispered and you couldn't help but admire just how much he looked like your wife. "Hey buddy, wanna come up for a minute?" You offered and he immediately joined you in bed to snuggle, your usual routine. Delilah your newborn wailed out in hunger and you knew your morning snuggles would be over, Matthew was such a good big brother wiling to help with care for Delilah instantly. You did everything for her, she was fed and changed before you placed her in the rocking chair in your living room.

Delilah settled you made Matthew some breakfast and got him into his uniform, how had your baby grown so much? Once he was settled, dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and coat on you put the television on for him and checked on his sister before somehow managing to get yourself ready for the day. What was an even bigger win was you managed to snag a banana for breakfast before needing to leave. Challenge number two would be getting both children in the car and hopefully keeping Delilah asleep.

With both children secured in the car and the house locked up you double checked you had everything you needed. Only when you were sure you left to take Matthew to school. Delilah sat in the carrier on your chest as you walked him into his class and placed a kiss into his raven curls. Ever the sweetheart he placed a sweet kiss on your cheek and his sister before running off to find his friends. So far so good. Your daughter still remained asleep on your chest as you made you way back to the car to put her in her car seat. Your phone dinged as you finished buckling her in, triple checking it was completely safe before coming round to settle in your seat.

    Garcia🧸

Hey love, do you fancy bringing my little god daughter in to the office? It's a slow day and truthfully miss grouchy is  missing you both. Don't tell her I said that! But we would all love to see you. Love you Y/n❤️

You knew you had enough of everything to make the trip and sent off a quick reply informing Garcia to keep your arrival quiet before turning to Coe at your sleeping daughter, "shall we go see mama and the family sweet girl? They all can't wait to meet you." You knew she was a two week old infant so a reply was never coming but for some reason talking to her soothed you as you put the car into drive.

You hadn't seen the team since you left for maternity leave, they wanted to be present after the birth but unfortunately serial killers don't always have the best timing. So you stopped by the usual cafe and picked up the usual routine, some treats for the team, before heading over to the BAU. As you arrived your daughter began to stir so you made sure to soothe all her needs, knowing the team would all want to hold her. Only when she was fed changed and swaddled in her fluffy lavender blanket and wearing her matching little hat did you make your way to find Garcia cradling your daughter and carrying the bag of goodies.

After a quick hug from your friend she was instantly cooing over the sleeping infant that you cradled in your arms. It didn’t take long for the other team members to spot you in the briefing room and come to investigate, happy words and smiles exchanged as each came to get a peak at your daughter. The last person to join you was your wife, you could tell by the way she walked she wasn’t happy, but that all melted away the moment she laid eyes on you and her daughter. “Darling?” She exclaimed coming to hug you from an angle and whispering, “I missed you.” The hug was carful and it allowed Emily to look at the sleeping baby in your arms, a finger tracing over her chubby cheeks.

You handed her over to your wife in order to give out the goodies while the others observed how gentle Emily became. Your daughter waking with the now full room causing Emily to bring her up to her shoulder and stroke her back, talking to her as if there was no one else present, “hey little love bug, I missed you sweet girl you being good for momma? Oh it’s okay lilah these are all your aunts and uncles little one. They all love you so much.” You smiled at the sight and nudged JJ whispering, “I know this is crazy but seeing that makes me want another” causing her to laugh and wonder if you even remembered the pain of birth while Garcia wrapped you in a hug and whispered, “make as many of them as you want Y/n, as long as Emily stays like that and I can love on them.” Here and now watching Emily tend to your daughter, being surrounded by your work colleagues who were practically family, knowing you’d go home to Matthew and your wife, life was perfect.

Word count 1192

[ask-joe-caine]

Ig aki died now

I mean

They probably did

[Coe was still crying]

[ramonag-if]

If a sequel does ever come out, I'd love to buy it and play. I love this story and I'm sure I'll love the second one too. If we get the chance to play as a soldier, it would be great if we could be cynical or more mischievous. If we were in the Blood Guard, there must be something bad inside of us. I wish I could play a bad or morally gray character, at least at the beginning of the game. That would be awesome.

Thank you, even though we're far from the first game being complete 😅 The idea is that the sequel MC would be slightly older than the COE MC, jaded from watching their younger brother being executed for serving as a Blood Guard soldier and filled with hatred for the regime they were 'forced' to serve if only to save themselves from certain doom. The MC would be more morally grey and less 'innocent' than the COE MC so it's something to think about.