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stinkyturd · 6 months ago

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Sweet Wishes

Haru Sagara/Reader

Comments: Spicy? At what point do I say it's NSFW? Would have made this longer guys, but I got a Fever Dreams Chappie to get on. Featuring 90's classic anime nosebleeds. Some of you may not be old enough to get it, bahaha.

"Did you ever find your soul mate, Dandelion?"

Towa sits with you under the stars near the Jabberwock House. The two of you had been sprawled out in the grass, looking for constellations, until the ball of sunshine popped the random question on you. Towa turns his head to meet your gaze, wearing an angelic smile. You wonder what prompted him to ask, as it had been months since he first brought it up.

"I think so," You reply. And you did, but it was more wishful thinking than anything.

Towa sits up, his eyes as wide as saucers. "Really? Who is it?"

"Well, I think it's entirely one-sided... so I don't know that soul mate is the right word, then," You explain with an airy laugh, staring up at the night sky.

Towa scoots forward, hovering his face a little too close over yours. "So? Who is it?"

Your eyes meet the Jabberwock vice-captain's again, as his face is now blocking your star gazing. "It's Haru."

Towa blinks, his mouth hanging open in awe at your admission. "Haru...?"

"Yup. He's really grown on me," You add.

You weren't sure exactly when you had first realized it. It was a gradual build up. After you were inspector for Jabberwock, you found yourself helping out Haru a lot when you had free time. The eccentric Captain had a ton on his plate and the other two members of Jabberwock didn't really pull their weight like Haru did, so you decided to drop by one afternoon. When you so quickly picked up on the routine and memorized all the anomalies feeding schedules and clean up times, Haru timidly asked you to return whenever you were available.

"Does he make your heart flutter, Dandelion?" Towa asks, tilting his head curiously.

"Yeah..." You say with a nod. "Haru's very caring and sweet. I like working with him and he's so easy to talk to. Plus, his nurturing nature towards the anomalies here really does something for me. I don't have a Daddy kink, but if I could call anyone Daddy, it'd be him. Ya know?"

Towa didn't know. He nods anyways.

"I've tried flirting with him, but it usually goes over his head. Or he's just swerving me," You ramble, mindlessly running your fingers through the grass at your side.

Towa hums, his expression pensive. Tilting his head up, he looks at the sky. "Dandelion, look...! It's a shooting star." The Jabberwock vice-captain points at said star's location.

You follow his line of sight and he's right. "It is, isn't it?"

"Make a wish, Dandelion."

"Hmm... I wish Haru would notice me. As a potential romantic interest," You say aloud.

Towa giggles. "If you say it out loud, it may not come true."

"Whoops. Maybe, next time."

"That's okay," Towa starts, looking back down at you. "I think I can help make your wish come true."

"For real?" You wonder what the little ball of sunshine has in mind.

Towa nods, getting to his feet. "I think so."

"Haru, (Y/N) says you're her soul mate."

Haru sits on the floor in the main living area of the Jabberwock house, portioning out bags of feed for the next day. The Captain is currently concentrating on resetting the scale he is using for the task and the darn battery must have been going out, because the tare function had been acting up.

"That's nice, Towa," Haru replies, though it's evident he's not really listening. The red-head sighs in exasperation, flipping over the scale and opening the back compartment that held the battery.

You had already left for the night back to the cathedral and Towa is determined to get the ball rolling with making your wish come true.

"Did you really hear me?" Towa persists, peering over his shoulder.

Haru pulls out the dead battery from the scale. "Yes, yes I did! Now, can you help me with this please, Towa? There's batteries in the drawer by the kitchen sink."

"Hmph..." Towa puffs out his cheeks. Towa knows Haru didn't hear him, but he goes to get the batteries for the Captain, anyway. Once he pulls two out of the drawer and brings them back, he holds them out to Haru in the palm of his hand.

"Thanks, Towa!" Haru takes them from him, his lips pulling into an appreciative smile. The Jabberwock Captain makes haste to change them out so he can be done portioning within the hour.

"(Y/N) says she would call you Daddy," Towa deadpans.

Haru drops the scale in his hands onto the floor, causing the cover he just set to pop out again. The Captain tilts his head up at Towa, his jaw going slack. "W-W-WHAT...?!"

Towa beams, nodding fervently.

"T-TOWA...! T-That's not funny! Don't joke like that, my poor heart will explode! Who will care for Peekaboo, then?" Haru dramatically motions his hand over to the rabbit-like anomaly, sitting idly in it's playpen.

"But it's true," Towa protests.

"Do you even know the implication of that word? You can't just go around saying things like that," Haru chastises, his voice gradually getting calmer as he replaces the cover again.

Towa exhales. "...I didn't say it first."

"If you hold the bags open, I can pour the feed in and we can tag team this faster! Easy peasy," Haru suggests, completely dodging any more talk of the subject.

"...Fine, okay."

Towa resigns, sitting by his Captain's side. He would try again later.

Attempt Two.

A few days later, you're once again at the Jabberwock House. It was now evening. After your classes, you had come to help after Haru sent you a text asking for your assistance. You had been there since the early afternoon. The Jabberwock Captain recently had said something about winding down for the night and said he would be right back. Currently, you sat in an armchair looking over your emails on your phone.

"Dandelion."

Glancing up, you find Towa in front of you, holding out his hand.

You shoot him a skeptical glance, but you place your hand in his anyways. "What's up, Towa?"

"Come with me," Towa urges, gently pulling at your arm. "I have something to show you."

"Uh... sure." That is vague, but unsurprising coming from the source. You get to your feet and allow Towa to pull you along.

Towa drags you around the house for a bit, sprinting in between rooms. At first, you wonder if there is any real destination in mind and by the time you become suspicious enough to ask, the vice-captain stops in front of a door. If you're not mistaken, you're pretty sure it's one of the bathrooms.

You flit your dubious gaze on the white-haired man. "Uh... you need to pee, Towa?"

Towa giggles and shakes his head. The vice-captain opens the door, ushering you in, before shutting it behind you.

"--What the heck, Towa?" You blurt out, tilting your head in the direction of the now shut door behind you.

You hear movement from somewhere within the room. Looking forward, you make an attempt to spot the source of the disturbance.

Okay, so the steam emanating around the room makes it obvious that this bathroom is in use, or had just been used. Directly in front of you is a partition separating the changing area from the soaking area. And you happen to spot a few articles in the hamper just to the side of you that look awfully familiar.

A flashy orange jumpsuit, in particular.

Subconsciously, you think back to Towa's promise a few days ago. He couldn't have...

Footsteps pad from behind the partition, approaching where you stand. You know you should turn heel while you still can, but your pervy temptations take over and you stay grounded. Besides, Towa brought you in here! Anything that happens after is the consequence of circumstances entirely out of your control. You were just an innocent bystander who--

Haru appears from behind the divider, humming a tune that sounds vaguely familiar. Save for the wrapped bandages around his right arm and the small towel around his waist, he's completely nude. Haru's toned musculature is completely bare for you to admire. All those countless hours tending to the little farmland the young man had cultivated, really paid off. In fact, so much so, you're pretty sure you feel blood draining from your nose. Haru has yet to notice you so far. Right now, he's smiling pleasantly and pulling his clean clothes off a hook attached to the wall.

It wasn't until Haru slips his shirt on that he spots you from the corner of your eye. The Captain yelps in surprise. "AAAGH! W-WHAT ARE YOU...?!"

You watch as the Jabberwock Captain's face flushes a deep shade of crimson. Your heart beats violently in your chest when you realize he's getting closer to you, his shock faltering into a look of concern.

"(Y/N)...! Y-You're bleeding!" Haru brings a hand to your face, a look of panic on his own. "Are you okay?! I can get you a washcloth to clean that up! Stay right there!"

You stand there like the pervy goblin you are, as Haru rushes on the other side to get a cloth to clean your face. Closing your eyes, you inhale sharply. You thank whatever deity that may be looking out for you. There must be one, for you to have been blessed with such a sight. Or maybe you should just thank Towa.

A very warm, damp, cloth pats your face. You lean into the contact unconsciously, finding comfort in the heat. A hum of contentment escapes you.

"I should have shown you where the rest of the bathrooms are! And I forgot to lock the door, looks like, too," Haru clicks his tongue, making a displeased sound. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this! Ah, I really ought to be more careful."

"Don't apologize. I would have been thoroughly disappointed had I showed up any later," You say. It's meant to be flirtatious, obviously, but…

Haru nods, pressing his lips into a thin line as he finishes cleaning your face. "Right? I wouldn't have been able to find a washcloth for you!”

"..."

"Do you need me to take you to Mortkranken? I can, if you need to," Haru offers, tossing the now bloody cloth into the hamper next to him.

"No, it will be fine. Probably just the uh… weather changes. Between houses," You fib. “... Anyways, I'll let you finish getting ready.”

Haru regards you skeptically, before nodding. “Well, if you're sure!”

–

Attempt Three.

“Hey, honor student.”

“Hey, Ren,” You reply back, not diverting your eyes from the paperwork in front of you. A few days have passed since the bathroom incident took place. At the moment, you were going through vaccination records for the anomalies. You were trying to figure out which ones were due for their newest rounds.

“Here,” Ren says, tossing something at your side. Paper crinkles as the object lands, and you shift your attention to focus on it. It's a bouquet of assorted flowers, wrapped neatly in decorative paper.

You glance up at Ren, your lips quirking into a mischievous smirk. “Trying to confess to me, huh?”

Ren rolls his eyes. He plops down on the loveseat across from you, returning his attention to the handheld gaming device in front of him. “Read the card on it. It's not from me.”

“Oh…? Where'd you find it?” You peel back the paper surrounding the bouquet and pick up the card.

“Was on the porch,” Ren replies simply.

“To (Y/N), with love Haru,” You read aloud.

It's from Haru?

“Why would Haru leave this outside, though…?” You wonder.

“Dunno,” Ren says with disinterest. “Maybe he got shy. He's still outside trimming those weird sheep anomalies.”

Well, if this was really from Haru, you were absolutely ecstatic. A blush crept up your neck at the idea of him arranging the flowers. Did Towa help him? Were they sorted by meaning? Either way, you're going to thank him.

You get to your feet, flowers in hand, with intention to look for the Jabberwock Captain. Exiting the house, you walk through the grass and head towards the part of the field that Haru typically shears at. After a few minutes of searching, you spot him kneeling in the grass as he bags up piles of wool.

“Haru…” You call out as you approach him.

The red-head glances up at you, a smile spreading across his features. Haru stands up, dusting himself off. “Heya, (Y/N)! Whatchya got there?”

Assuming he's being coy, you walk right up to him and wrap your arms around his waist, eagerly pulling him into an embrace. “Thank you, Haru! You're so sweet!”

Haru yelps in surprise at the sudden contact, though he doesn't make any attempt to shy away. “Ah… You're welcome, (Y/N).” The Jabberwock Captain timidly wraps his arms around you, returning the hug. Though, he notably pats your back in a comforting gesture like you're his cousin, or a younger sibling, rather than a love interest. “... But what are you thanking me for, exactly?”

Haru does sound genuinely confused. Shit.

“Oh…” You lean back slightly, looking up at him. “Um… You didn't leave me these flowers?”

“Flowers…?” Haru repeats, his lips downturning slightly.

You step back, reluctantly parting from the contact to hold the bouquet and card out to him. “These?”

Haru takes the card from your hand and reads it. After a beat, the Jabberwock Captain sighs, shaking his head. “I'm sorry, (Y/N). This is Towa's handwriting.”

So, that's it.

Towa must be still trying to fulfill his promise. It's cute and you appreciate it, but you do feel a little disappointed. Maybe you should just be even more direct with Haru to save the vice-captain the trouble?

“Oh, I see,” You mutter, making an effort to sound particularly bummed out by the revelation.

“Yep. I'm not sure what's gotten into that little rascal lately! Maybe he's trying to tell you something, but he's embarrassed?” Haru guesses, but you know he's grasping at straws.

“Towa isn't shy,” You say point blank. It was true. The guy puts his face centimeters away from yours on a regular basis. Haru knows it too!

Haru laughs weakly, scratching the back of his head in a nervous manner. “Well, you caught me there! I'm not sure what's up with him, but I'll let him know that it's not nice to play tricks like that on you.”

“Haru, I think I need to tell you something,” You start with determined resolve.

The Jabberwock Captain's expression shifts into a more serious one, maybe because of the tone in your own voice. A bullet of sweat drips down Haru's cheek. “... Okay. You can tell me anything, (Y/N.)”

Just as you're about to open your mouth, a thunderous noise reverberates from somewhere behind the two of you. Haru flips around to identify the source and you follow his gaze.

For whatever reason– probably a petty one– Towa was in the background summoning lighting on the Capybus again. The now burnt creature groans blaringly, before collapsing to the ground. You feel the earth quake underneath you on impact and Haru immediately begins sprinting towards the vice-captain’s side.

Turning his head for a brief moment, the Jabberwock Captain shouts back at you. “Hold that thought, (Y/N)!”

You watch as Haru begins scolding Towa for his mischievous behavior and makes an attempt to tend to the defeated mammoth sized creature. Needless to say, the whole debacle took longer than anticipated to resolve.

You didn't hold that thought.

–

Attempt Four.

You had just returned to the cathedral not even an hour ago. The classes scheduled today had come to an end and you were now sitting at your couch in your room, reading a book. A vibration on the coffee table breaks your attention from the novel in front of you. Leaning forward, you pick up your phone and notice a text notification from Haru. You open the message without hesitation.

‘Please come over tonight so we can have a date! 🥰🥰🥰’ 2:22 pm

Holy shit. Is this for real?

‘Yes, okay. What time?’ 2:22 pm

You wait with anticipation for probably another several minutes before another text comes in.

‘I'm so sorry, (Y/N)! Please disregard that message. (╥﹏╥) Towa took my phone and just started typing smzjdjwnsvehwjsv.’ 2:27 pm

Damn. Well, you can't say you're too surprised. But why let this opportunity go to waste? You almost confessed to him not that long ago, anyway.

‘Really? I was really hoping it was for real this time 😫💔!’ 2:27 pm

This time, a reply doesn't come for so long that you begin reading again.

‘Haha! Always goofing around, I like that! I'll make sure to put a lock on my phone so it doesn't happen again. Sorry for the trouble! ヅ’ 2:39 pm

‘Haru, I'm not joking.’ 2:39 pm

Surely. SURELY he can't dodge this one. You even left out emojis this time!

A minute or so later, your phone starts ringing. Haru is calling you.

Promptly, you answer, bringing the phone to your ear. “Good afternoon, Haru~”

You hear background noise on the other end. It's distorted, but you're pretty sure it's the nonsensical jabber coming from some of the anomalous farm animals. “(Y/N), I got your text. I wanted to call you to be sure of your tone before responding properly!”

“That's very cute of you,” You flirt shamelessly.

You hear Haru's adorable nervous laughter on the other end. “Aaah, I try? Actually, no wait! I wasn't trying there. Scratch that!”

“I really like you, Haru,” You confess with conviction. “I don't want you to mistake my text as a joke. I wanted to tell you a few days ago, before Towa zapped the Capybus. And Towa knows too.”

You can practically hear the nervous panic in the Jabberwock Captain's voice. “Aah, really? I guess that explains a lot, haha… Okay. Let's do this properly, then.”

You feel your stomach flip at his words.

“You can come over tonight and we can have dinner. How does that sound?” Haru asks.

“That sounds like a dream,” You reply.

“Ahaha, you're such a flatterer…! Come by around seven? I will make us something! But it probably won't be done until around eight, I think. I just don't want to make you walk around past dark!”

Ugh, he's so cute.

“Okay. I would love that, Haru.”

“GYAAH…! Wait, come back here!” You hear Haru shout at an anomalous animal. “Sorry. I'll talk to you later, (Y/N). Gotta bounce!”

“No problem, see you soon.”

With that, you end the call and immediately run towards your wardrobe to plan your outfit for the night.

You arrive at the Jabberwock House around the planned time. Usually, you would just barge in, but this time you're practicing date etiquette, so you knock on the door and wait.

You definitely made sure to put effort into your appearance this time. Before arriving, you went to the trouble of applying makeup and even styling your hair. Most of the time, you didn't do either. After all, when you weren't taking classes or running errands for Darkwick, you were getting all sweaty tending to the farm at Jabberwock.

Accompanying your glam, you chose a modest dress and cardigan to go over it. You wanted to make it obvious that you were serious about this for the dense Captain, but didn't want to do so much that he would find it off putting.

It didn't take long before Haru opened the door. He was wearing his normal casual wear, with an apron over it all. Haru even had oven mitts on, likely from still being in the process of cooking.

God he's so…

“(Y/N)...! Sorry for the wait–” Haru's words die in his mouth, as he assesses your appearance. “Aah… t-this is really happening isn't it?”

You take a step inside, boldly standing just inches from him. It wasn't as if you hadn't gotten close to him before, but this is the first time he understood your intentions.

“Need help?” You ask, your lips tugging into a playful smirk.

Haru closes the door behind you, staring down at you rigidly. “I, uhm… N-No, I can take care of it! You look so cute! I'm sorry, I didn't have much time to dress nicer.”

“You look very handsome, as always,” You assure him.

You can't help but notice that he spritzed some cologne before your arrival. Traces of sandalwood and amber fill your nostrils at the proximity. If Haru had the idea to use cologne, he must have planned on getting close like this, right? The mere notion leaves your heart hammering like a drum.

“Ah, you really think so?” Haru asks and the question sounds sincere. Like he hasn't the faintest clue of the effect he has on you.

“Of course.” You slip your arms around his waist, pulling him into a gentle hug. “It's been a couple of days since I've seen you. I really missed you.”

Haru's heart beats rapidly against his chest, so loud that you can easily hear it right now. “I really missed you too, (Y/N),” The Jabberwock Captain replies, his voice raising an octave at the admission. This time, he returns the hug without patting you platonically.

The sound of the stove going off startles Haru out of the embrace. “Oh! I'll be right back, the oven is preheated.” The Captain begins walking briskly towards the kitchen.

You look around. There's currently no sign of Towa, Ren, or even Peekaboo. That makes you wonder if they already know about your date. You remove your shoes and make your way over to the couch, before plopping down.

It wasn't long before Haru returned, frantically making his way over to you. The Captain sits to your left, a few feet from you, reaching for the remote to the tv on the coffee table. He immediately relinquishes it to you. “Ah, here! You can pick whatever you want to watch.”

You hum, pointing the remote in the direction of the TV. It rested on top of an entertainment center in the middle of the room. Clicking the power button on, you watch the television come to life. “What do you like to watch, usually?”

“It's been so long since I've had time, I can't really remember!” Haru admits, laughing awkwardly. “I will be okay with anything, though.”

“I'll hold you to that,” You tease. Daringly, you scoot right next to Haru to where your hips are touching. An audible gulp sounds from the man next to you when your legs meet.

“Where's Peekaboo?”

“... I pleaded with Ren to watch him for the evening,” Haru answers. He regards you tentatively, as if he's not sure what to do with his hands.

“I see.” Helping him out, you lace your fingers with his left hand as you look for a streaming platform. “Is this okay?” You ask for his permission softly.

“Yes! Yes, of course it is!” Haru attempts to relax back into the couch behind him, though his posture remains somewhat rigid– you can only assume from nerves.

He is too freaking cute.

Following by example, you settle yourself back into the couch cushion, then nestle your head against Haru's shoulder. This was seriously the pique of comfort and you couldn't be any more elated. You randomly select a movie, a thriller you think. The description hadn't been interesting enough to hold your full attention before you played it, though you're not sure anything could right now.

At some point during the intro of the movie, you feel Haru's free hand slip onto your partially exposed thigh. Butterflies stir in your stomach as you observe his gloved thumb rubbing small circles against your skin.

“Haru,” You say.

The Jabberwock Captain stills his hand, for the moment. “Y-Yes…?”

“Did you feel anything for me before I confessed to you today? Romantically.”

Haru haltingly resumes the subtle movements of his fingers against your skin. “Ah… it might be more strange if I didn't. You are always helping me, even when I know you have your hands full. You're so good with Peekaboo and the other animals. And you're very pretty, (Y/N).”

You absorb his answer for a while after he says it. Your eyes are unfocused on the movie playing in front of you. Some guy is getting his ass kicked on screen. You're pretty sure you don't even know the main character's name.

“You could have told me that all those times I was hitting on you, ya know,” You tease.

“I-I wasn't sure if you really meant it,” Haru counters.

“You're so cute.” Craning your head forward, you land a chaste kiss on the closest place your lips would land in your current position. That place happens to be the side of Haru's neck.

The Jabberwock Captain's hand clamps firmly on your thigh as he gasps involuntarily from the contact. Warmth crawls up the base of his neck and you admire with satisfaction as the tips of his ears turn bright red.

“Y-You really know how to make a fella nervous,” Haru remarks, a nervous chuckle tumbling from his mouth.

You nestle yourself back into his side, thoroughly amused by his jitters. “Don't be, it's just me. We can just watch the movie and I'll let up… for now.”

The last bit of your sentence was meant to be glib, rather than a reflection of your actual intentions, but Haru appears even more restless after the words leave your mouth. You return your attention towards the screen ahead. It takes a bit of time, but eventually his heart rate slows to a more normal pace as he relaxes fully into the cuddling.

You're not sure what Haru has in the oven, but it's taking a while. The movie you picked was boring enough that it wasn't really holding your interest. Hopefully Haru liked it more than you did. The warmth of the kind Captain at your side brings so much solace and relief that you find yourself inevitably drifting off to sleep.

By the time you wake, the lights are already off, but the dimly lit screen of the flat screen just ahead, illuminates the room you're in. Something else plays, it looks like an animation you don't recognize and the volume is now exponentially more quiet. You're also in a new position, lying your head on a throw pillow, with a thin blanket covering you. And you happen to be laying on your left side. You must have been moving around a lot in your sleep.

Shit, wasn't Haru cooking something for the both of you? And you went and dozed off for how long?

Mild panic settles in and you really hope you didn't offend the Jabberwock Captain. You knew it was highly unlikely that was the case, but this was your first date. Haru probably wouldn't often have the time for such things. Where was he, anyways?

You're about to sit up when you feel a hand move to your hip. Said sneaky hand begins tracing small languid circles, not dissimilar to the ones you felt earlier. Though, this time it felt more suggestive based on your current position. You're so touch starved at this point that you begin to feel heat pool in your loins from something most would consider so kosher.

Haru must be lying behind you. And who else? Certainly not Towa. He was touchy but you can't imagine he'd do this considering how you felt about Haru. You want to turn around to confirm, but for some reason that typical bravado you try to maintain around him is completely flopping right now. Maybe you could try to ask.

“Haru…?”

The hand, now on your waist, stills. But it doesn't leave. “Oh, you're awake. I hope this is okay. You were flopping around like a fish once you fell asleep, so I tried to make it more comfortable for you,” Haru explains, amusement lacing his voice.

The idea of him still taking care of you long after you had fallen asleep on him makes your stomach do backflips. How was this man so effortlessly sexy without even trying? Is it too soon to start making advances? Because at this point, you don't know what to do with yourself.

“Haru, I don't mean to alarm you, but I'm warning you now. I'm extremely turned on right now.”

You swear you hear the Jabberwock Captain choke on air behind you at the declaration. “... O-Oh?” Haru's hand tenses on your waist.

“I'm going to turn around. If you have any objections, you should let me know now,” You warn.

Haru remains silent for a few moments and for a second you worry that you're about to be rejected. “... No. No objections from this guy.”

Without hesitation, you flip around on your side. Haru's face is just inches from yours, his expression a mixture of trepidation and anticipation. He's flushed beautifully as he peers back at you. You pull your hands up from underneath the blanket cloaking the both of you, then delicately bring them to cup his face.

“So sweet,” You murmur as you close the distance fully, joining your lips with his.

Haru responds immediately, scooping you in as close as possible with his left hand. He returns the kiss eagerly, abandoning all shyness he may have felt moments before.

Haru's lips taste like lavender salve, something he must have put on in preparation for your date to cure any chapped skin that may have been there before. You don't mind. Your lips continue to interlock with his over and over again in an onslaught. Eventually, you find yourself wrapping your arms around the Jabberwock Captain's neck, searching for a closeness that only intertwining souls might achieve.

Haru takes the initiative, slipping his tongue past your lips, coaxing you to take it all a step further. And you oblige, tilting your head as you press yourself flush against him, allowing the kiss to deepen. Haru is warm, he tastes like spearmint. Haru is inviting, like the sun. You want to explore the light he radiates and the heat that comes with it.

You feel your cardigan begin to slip from your shoulders. You're so preoccupied with the fervid makeout session that you don't even realize that Haru is peeling it away on his own. It wasn't until the red-head broke the kiss to relocate his lips to your neck that you piece it all together. You gasp for air, partially from the lack of it during your heated exchange. But mostly because you feel his tongue press against your throat as he litters you with countless clumsy kisses. You feel his teeth graze your sensitive skin, each time it elicits a pathetic whimper from your lungs.

“Fuck, Haru. I want you,” You blabber out, mindlessly.

Maybe it was reckless, considering you just addressed your feelings. But how the hell do you just stop now?

Haru, who had already been making his kisses trail farther down to your clavicle, barely separates himself from you to respond. His voice comes out raspy. “Y-You… You're sure?”

It seems almost ridiculous to ask such a thing, considering that you're already hyper aware of the tent having formed in his pants that was now pressing invasively against your thigh.

“I don't think I've ever been more sure of anything in my life,” You deadpan.

Haru hums in contentment, wrapping his arms securely around you as he buries his face into your chest. “Anything you want, I'll be happy to be of service,” He murmurs against you.

You're seriously in love with him.

Just when you're about to continue getting this show on the road, the overhead light flickers on. The sudden change in the room's brightness startles Haru enough to sit upright from you.

“It worked!” Towa declares from the front entrance. The ball of sunshine is beaming brightly after he voices his snap judgment assessment of your compromising position. You suppose there is nothing else to think, with Haru basically on top of you.

“GYAAAH…!” Haru removes himself from you so quickly that he almost stumbles off the couch. “T-TOWA, AT LEAST ANNOUNCE YOURSELF! HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE?”

Towa merely snickers impishly, blatantly ignoring the question directed at him to address you. “I'm glad your wish came true, Dandelion!”

Your face burns bright, but you manage a smile, paired with an awkward chuckle. Sitting up fully yourself, you respond to him. “Yeah, you're like a real life fairy, Towa.”

“What wish?” Haru interjects, cluelessly.

Towa’s face splits into a shit-eating grin before he bolts up the steps.

“H-Hey, wait you didn't answer…!” The protest dies in Haru's mouth as his vice-captain makes a hasty retreat. “Aaah, and he's gone.”

“Pfffft,” You stifle a laugh when you notice Haru's aghast expression. “Well… in his defense, this isn't the most private place to be fooling around at.”

Haru lets out a breathy sigh. “Yeah, you're right.” The Captain gets to his feet, holding his hand out for you to take. “My room?”

Your heart flutters, as you admire him in the now bright light. Placing your hand in his, you nod. “Kay.”

Once the two of you begin to make your way to Haru's bedroom, he pops the question again.

“So what was the promise Towa mentioned?”

#tokyo debunker #fanfic #fan fiction #haru sagara #haru sagara/reader

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workingclasshistory · 2 years ago

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On this day, 24 April 2013, the 8-storey Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 mostly women garment workers, as bosses in the country's largest industry put profits before people. The first people on the scene to render assistance were local workers and relatives of those trapped, who began desperately trying to rescue survivors before emergency service workers arrived. The building had been evacuated the previous day after cracks appeared in walls, floors and pillars, but the owner of the building, Sohel Rana, claimed that an engineer declared the structure safe and workers should go back to work the following day. At 9 AM, one hour after the morning shift began work, a quality inspector named Mahmudur described to the Daily Star what happened next: “Darkness engulfed the entire place with thick clouds of debris. I heard screams around me. My heart started pounding… I lay down near a pillar, thinking that perhaps I was going to die. We were being roasted inside”. Rana, who was an official in the ruling Awami League party, had the building constructed without any supervision from engineers or architects in 2008, and in 2010 added three more floors of the building without planning permission. At the time of the disaster he was planning on adding an additional ninth storey. On April 25, the day after the collapse, hundreds of thousands of workers in the area walked out on strike, built barricades on major highways, attacked working factories and battled police before besieging the headquarters of the garment employers' federation, demanding prosecution of Rana and the factory bosses. More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/9625/Rana-Plaza-collapse https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=614209984085554&set=a.602588028581083&type=3

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littlemisspascal · 11 months ago

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Rockford & Roan Pt. 8

Pairing: Tim Rockford x Female Reader/OFC ‘Roan’

Word Count: 3.4k

Summary: The idea of it, of this outing being classified as something more than just two roommates getting breakfast, isn’t entirely unappealing to ponder. There’s actually a tiny bit of a thrill unfurling in your stomach.

Rating: T. Heed the warnings y'all!

Warnings: Language, Reader has a dog, Reader has military background, Superpower AU, They Were Roommates AU, self-esteem issues, soulmates-ish, original characters, worldbuilding, crime-solving, Princess Bride reference

- Reader has no first name and no physical traits described in detail except for being shorter than Rockford. Reader is mentioned to have hair

Author Note: Thank you always for the kind support💗

Special thanks to @beecastle for beta reading and encouraging me 💜💜💜

Series Masterlist

The Breakfast

Rockford slips into the kitchen the next morning while you’re preparing Banjo’s food. The little mutt barely turns his head to acknowledge the man, his hunger outweighing his love of ear scritches. Your roommate’s freshly showered, curls fluffed up and slightly damp, wearing a casual waistcoat over his white button up and a pair of dark pants. He looks like a college professor, you think, setting the pet bowl on the floor for Banjo to dig into with relish. All Rockford needs are some elbow patches and he’d fit right in amongst the Ivy League elites.

He’d left last night shortly after you’d retired to bed. Like usual he didn’t stop to tell you his midnight plans, and also like usual his absence dwindled in your thoughts right up until sleep washed over you. Where does he go? What does he do? If only you could take a magnifying glass to the entire city, look for a trail or clues to follow. Knowing Rockford though, he’s too smart to leave traces behind. No, he can be a mere shadow of a human just like his brother.

“There’s a nice breakfast spot about a five minute walk from here.”

With your head half inside the fridge staring at a near-expired carton of milk, it takes a beat for you to realize the comment was directed at you. You shut the fridge door, turning to find Rockford staring at you expectantly.

“Isn’t Inspector Dorrance coming over to pick up the suitcase?” you ask, although you have to admit, the idea of a stack of pancakes drowning in syrup sounds extremely appetizing to your empty stomach.

“Keziah may have been able to successfully substitute cigarettes with candy, but nothing on earth will ever replace his love of coffee.” Rockford sounds more amused than annoyed at the fact.“It’ll be several cups before his soonest convenience delivers him to our doorstep.”

“Well, in that case,” a grin grows on your face, “breakfast sounds wonderful.”

Stacked and Served is a bustling hive of activity when you and Rockford arrive, full of tasty smells and Fox Leap citizens eagerly tucking into their food. If dogs had been allowed, Banjo would’ve levitated off the floor due to the speed of his wagging tail. You’ll have to make it up to him when you return home with lots of belly rubs.

The interior is earthy colors, complementing shades of blues and browns, with a wooden bar lined with stools of happy customers chatting and dining. Throughout the restaurant are oversized, yet cozy-looking chairs arranged around tables, all occupied except for one marked with a reserved sign. It’s positioned next to the front window looking out at the busy city street, all walks of life beginning their days, some strolling along the sidewalks while others shout for cabs.

Before matching with Rockford, you tended to avoid crowded places like this. All these people, all their shades of emotions, would have brought down an avalanche upon your empathy, overwhelming and suffocating. With the stability of the bond to rely on, their feelings are still detectable along the edges of your mind-gift, but no longer sharp and grating. Muffled like you’ve put on headphones. Ignorable white noise unless you choose to tune in.

Rockford makes a deadline for the reserved table immediately, gesturing for you to take the window seat before he claims the lone dark blue chair for himself. You slowly sit down, eyes flicking between your match and the sign, wondering if he’s going to acknowledge it, when a man in a flour-stained apron and marked with at least a dozen tattoos in thick black lines along his forearms steps up beside the table with a warm, delighted grin.

“Rocky,” he greets, voice deep as a canyon and booming over the encompassing chatter. The two men shake hands, clearly familiar with one another, and then you’re being given a menu that had been tucked under the man’s arm. “And you must be Roanie, yeah? Keziah said you were pretty, but seriously you’re way too gorgeous for this asshole. Do me a favor and let me know if you ever catch Kez with a smoke, alright? He’s a sneaky bastard when he wants to be and usually I’d find that hot as hell, but nothing’s attractive about cancer sticks. I’ll staple ‘em to his balls if he ever touches those damn things again.”

You blink. Once. Twice. “Um.”

The man stares back at you for a moment, blue eyes taking in your awkwardness. Then he slowly turns to Rockford, lips pursing into an unimpressed line. “You didn’t tell her who I am, did you.”

There’s no inflection in his voice. Definitely no question mark at the end.

“Even if I had, it wouldn’t change the fact you have a habit of running your mouth and making terrible first impressions,” Rockford replies, but his gaze is focused outside the cafe, sweeping the streets in search of something.

He earns a well-aimed slap to the back of his head as a result. You wince in sympathy, feeling the sharp pop of pain in sync with your match who rubs at the spot tenderly.

“Lest you forget, Rocky, I’m the one who makes your food here. Don’t tempt me to spit–”

“So,” you pipe up, fumbling for a quick way to diffuse some of the brewing tension before it gives you a headache. “How long have you worked here…um.” It belatedly occurs to you that you’ve still yet to learn his name.

The tattooed-man takes mercy on you and offers a beaming smile just as warm as the one he’d initially approached with. Must’ve mastered it working in the food industry, you reckon. Or maybe warm and sunny is his natural temperament.

“Elio. And I’ve owned the place for…” he idly scratches the underside of his jaw, and there’s another flour stain there on the tendon of his neck, “oh just about three years now almost. It became mine after dear old Rocky here helped me prove to the police my old boss was skimming the cash register. Our paths should’ve split after that except then he went and introduced me to the love of my life.” His smile changes at the corners. Softens. A feeling sugary sweet and wispy flutters above your empathy, and you don’t need to bring it into focus to know it’s love.

“Introduce is a strong word,” Rockford interjects wryly. “As I recall, you saw him across the room and immediately lit up like a glow stick. I was then forced to explain to Kez you weren’t a criminal trying to escape incarceration by blinding the entire force.”

“Still ended up in handcuffs later that night.” Elio winks, but it’s the teasing, faint pulse of glowing skin that surprises you more. Reminds you of fireflies you used to see in fields back in your hometown.

“On that appetizing note,” Rockford grimaces, but there’s nothing but amusement coloring his mood, “think you could whip us up two stacks of your specialty pancakes? It’s Roan’s first time here.”

“Oh, a first timer! My favorite kind of customer!” Elio presses a hand to his chest, looking absolutely thrilled at the news. He steals the unread menu back from your hand quicker than you can process. “Leave the food to me. And I’ll see if I can find a candle or something for the table–make this date a little more romantic.”

All you can do is sputter at that, choking on your own spit as the man scurries away.

Date?

This isn’t–

You didn’t think–

No. No way. You fiddle with the silverware, thoughts spinning, unable to bring yourself to look at your match quite yet. A quick check of Rockford’s mood reveals he’s unruffled by the remark, not even the faintest blip resembling the line of exclamation marks running through your head. Does that mean you’re overreacting? Underreacting?

If this really was a date, you would like to think you’d know that with absolute, 100% certainty. Surely you’re not that oblivious, or so you tell yourself, at least. So, with that in mind, Elio was mistaken with his labeling. This is definitely not a date.

Still. The idea of it, of this outing being classified as something more than just two roommates getting breakfast, isn’t entirely unappealing to ponder. There’s actually a tiny bit of a thrill unfurling in your stomach.

Or that could just be hunger pangs.

Definitely plausible.and a lot less complicated to analyze.

You give your head a little shake, finally summoning the nerve to glance at Rockford. Except, low and behold, he’s looking out the window. Again. Not out of avoidance of your attention, no, you can tell by the roaming of his eyes taking note of every passing figure he’s keenly searching for something out there he wants to find real bad.

Your patience runs out five minutes later after another waiter has dropped off a pot of coffee and a glass bottle of water for the table.

“What are you looking for?” you ask, pouring yourself a drink and taking a sip.

“We know now our killer abducts his villains,” Rockford answers without preamble. “He drives them to secluded, private spots where they swallow the cyanide. But there’s been no reports of abductions, no witnesses of suspicious behavior, which suggests the victims go with him willingly. They don’t put up a fight.”

“Maybe he’s got a weapon?” you suggest, resting your chin on your knuckles. “Tells them if they scream he’ll shoot?”

“Perhaps,” is his preoccupied mumble, still looking outside, lost in his head.

Outside, the street is still full of commotion. A gray-headed businessman carries his briefcase in one hand and the morning paper in the other. Farther down the way, a pair of women point at something in one of the antique shop windows. Everybody’s got places to be, things to do. Oblivious to the dangerous predator skulking about.

Goosebumps rise up along your arms, like ice has found a way under your skin, imagining the killer out there right now. Hidden in plain sight, watching the goings-on. Hunting their next victim.

The pot of coffee goes cold. Untouched.

The Reason

Elio’s whistling when he brings the pancake stacks to the table. They’re golden, fluffy, and fucking huge, almost as round as the whole plate with a fat square of butter on top. He brings a candle with him too, which you studiously ignore, focusing instead on cutting off a small bite with your fork and dipping it in a cup of syrup.

“Ohmygod,” you utter around your mouthful, manners forgotten in the wake of tasting pure deliciousness. Elio looks very pleased with him, puffing out his chest as you all but inhale another bite. “It’s amazing.”

“Thank you,” Elio says, eyes crinkling. “Wanna know the secret ingredient? Self-confidence in oneself.”

“More like an extra helping of cinnamon sprinkled in,” Rockford says, voice dripping in sarcasm.

“Oh hush!” Elio swats at his arm without heat, clearly holding back a chuckle. “Enjoy the food guys. On the house.”

You spare a moment to swallow and thank him properly before he leaves. These pancakes really just might be the best thing you’ve ever eaten in your whole life, your mother’s famous triple chocolate cake officially bumped to second place.

Your fork scrapes against the plate as you cut off another bite-sized piece to soak in the syrup. Tastes like rich maple on your tongue, a faint hint of vanilla when you lick your lips. You glance at Rockford, wondering if he’s going to ignore the food the same as he did the coffee, but you watch as the man rolls up one of the pancakes like one would a poster or a rug, delicate and precise. Three bites, that’s all it takes. Three bites to devour the entire fucking thing without even a single drop of syrup.

“Something on your mind, Roan?” he wonders, wiping at his mouth with a napkin.

Blinking out of your mildly horrified daze, you start to shake your head no, but stop yourself. Truth is there is something on your mind. And it’s not the efficient way he consumes pancakes or where in the city the killer will strike next.

“You don’t sleep at home.” It feels a little strange (and a little scary), to voice the concern that’s been a thorn ingrained in your thoughts since the first week you moved to 445D Albatross Lane. Hard to say if it was the change of scenery or good food that gave you the needed boost of confidence to finally bring it up. Perhaps it was both.

Rockford frowns, initial surprise shifting into a narrow-eyed wariness. There’s a change in his posture too, a subtle straightening of his spine you only notice because you’re watching him intently. “You noticed that, huh?”

“It’s kind of hard not to,” you admit with a small shrug. “I feel the absence of your emotions when you leave at night. You also don’t ever nap around the apartment either.”

“You’ve been thinking about this for a while.” It’s an observation, not a question.

“Yes,” you answer slowly, uncomfortably aware of the sudden sensation of walking on thin-ice. “I’ve been worried. Thought maybe…” You bite the inside of your cheek, warring with yourself over how much to reveal, but you’ve already come this far might as well take it to the finish line, “I thought maybe you didn’t trust me enough to fall asleep when I’m nearby.”

God, it sounds so stupid said out loud, doesn’t it?

Sure enough, Rockford is as blunt as ever when he confirms, “That’s total bullshit. We share a home, Roan. Of course I trust you.”

“Then where do you go at night?” You look at him, trying to understand if it’s not about trust then what is it about? “Do you have a secret girlfriend I don’t know about?”

That earns you a sharp bark of laughter, head thrown back and dimples out in full force. “A girlfriend? No. Not really my area.”

Oh.

A short pause follows, reassembling your thoughts.

“Okay,” you say, chewing your bottom lip. “So, do you have a secret boyfriend then?”

Rockford arches an eyebrow, and it’s deliberate, you can tell it is, the way he nudges your empathy. Judgy and bemused all at once.

“It’s totally fine if you do.” You hold up your hands, fork aimed at the ceiling, a defensive gesture that has Rockford’s other eyebrow rising to join the other, looking at you like you’ve grown a second head.

“I know it’s fine.”

“So you do have a boyfriend then?”

“No, Roan.” He shakes his head, a low grumble. “I don’t have anybody. Not looking for anybody either. Relationships like that, they’re a distraction to my work.”

That settles it then, you realize with a faint sinking feeling. Definitely not a date.

“But what about when the work’s over?” you ask softly.

“The work’s never over.”

You frown, something awfully painful pinching in the center of your chest when his emotions don’t waver. He honestly believes that notion, as true a fact as water is wet. “Alright,” you murmur, reluctantly deciding not to push the subject further. “Explain it to me, please. Why don’t you sleep at home?”

“Because I can’t,” is Rockford’s succinct response doing absolutely nothing to clear up your confusion. “My gift won’t let me.”

Your fork slips from your fingers with a clatter, tongue tripping over words, “Wh-what? How does that even–? People die if they don’t sleep.”

He wags a finger in the air. “That’s actually incredibly rare–”

“Rockford.”

“My brain is in a constant state of perception, absorbing information from my senses and my environment,” your match tries to explain, his eyes settling on the coffee pot with a disgruntled glare like it’s personally offensive. “I can’t fall asleep like a regular person. Getting the rest I need requires locking myself in a sensory deprivation tank. There’s a health center with one not far from our apartment. I've been going there for years.”

“That’s where you go every night?” you ask, eyes widening in surprise.

Rockford toys with his napkin, avoiding your gaze. “No. Not always,” he admits, sheepishness creeping into his voice, clouding his aura. “I really do have chronic insomnia, that wasn’t a lie. Sometimes I go to the police station, point out the flaws in their filing system. Or during exam period, I spend the night at Rosasharn’s when she’s up to her eyeballs grading papers to keep her company. Usually though I set myself up at one of the dozens of twenty-four hour cafes in the city with my laptop or a good book and hang out until sunrise.”

“You…” You blink at him, completely thrown for a loop. “Seriously, you'd rather spend the night at a twenty-four hour cafe than your own home? Good lord, Rockford, why?”

“You deserve to sleep peacefully, Roan. And you can't do that with my emotions keeping you awake,” he answers. His voice is soft, yet the words slice through you all the same, boring straight into your heart.

The reason for his leaving is the same reason Rockford had separated himself from you at the crime scene. Your empathy is deeply attuned to the ebbs and flows of his emotions, the bond growing stronger with each day he allows you full, unhindered access to his mind. Dozing for a half hour on the couch in his presence is one thing, when the afternoon sunlight’s bathing the living room in streaks of gold and your empathy keeps watch. Operating on its own battery. A side effect of spending too much time behind enemy lines.

Nights are different. The battery must recharge, weary from the day’s strain of processing, filtering, blocking on loop, or else risk incurring migraines. But in the darkness, the thin line between dream and reality becomes blurred, sometimes indistinguishably so. In the service, surrounded by fellow soldiers witnessing the same horror and traumas, nightmares were commonplace. Creeping out of their mindscapes into your own, twisted horror scenes absorbed by your psyche as if it were a sponge soaking up water.

Worse were the nights your nightmares unintentionally became theirs.

You had tried to contain your empathy on nights where there was blood in your hair, under your nails, hell, you could taste it on your teeth. Chain your mind-gift up in a corner same as a mad dog. Dr. Odair hadn’t been pleased when you told her, dropping her perfect mask of poise and professionalism to level you with a look. She told you tactics like that caused unseen damage, a tipped over domino in the chain reaction leading to the necessity of matching to prevent your own self-destruction.

Shutting off your empathy isn’t a healthy solution, and neither is Rockford blocking you from feeling his emotions. Yesterday’s misunderstanding proved how much you both rely on the bond’s stability. To cut it off night after night…it feels dangerous even contemplating it, heart lodged in your throat.

Doesn’t come close to the guilt pressing down on your rib cage though, threatening to crush you from the inside out. Rockford’s been putting your needs first, uncaring that doing so means being driven out of his own home. And he’s been doing it every night all because of your specific mind-gift.

“It’s ok,” Rockford says, a steadiness to his voice you’re envious of, and he reaches out his hand across the table towards your own. You don’t know if it’s his perception that tells him you’ll shatter under his gentle touch or if you’re subconsciously broadcasting your tumult, but either way something makes him stop before he makes contact. “I don’t mind. Honestly.”

There’s something magnetic about the mere centimeters of space separating your fingertips from his, unable to tear away your stare. “You should,” your voice miraculously doesn’t tremble like a leaf, “it isn’t fair.”

All Rockford has to reply to that is, “Life isn’t fair, Roan. It’s just fairer than death, that’s all.”

For a second time you feel his unwavering belief in his own words. And you could leave it be, let the moment pass. Nothing changes if nothing changes, your mother used to always say.

Rockford starts to pull back his hand, only for you to latch onto his wrist. Your grip isn’t tight, you both know he can easily slip free if he wants to.

You both know he doesn’t.

“I’ll find a way.”

He blinks, the slightest tilt of his head.

“I’ll find a way so you can stay,” you vow. "Everything will work out one way or another."

And Rockford smiles, lopsided and dimpled, warmth pressing against your empathy expressing more gratitude than speaking out loud could ever manage.

“Better finish your breakfast,” he says, returning to the art of pancake rolling, ignoring the disturbed wrinkling of your nose at him. “You’ll break Elio’s heart if you don’t clean your plate.”

#tim rockford #tim rockford x reader #tim rockford x ofc #tim rockford fanfiction #my fic #pedrostories

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berrypass-de-murdler · 3 months ago

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2 - 53 The Bloody, Bloody Hospital

So appetizing

I loaf drawing bebe murdle. Makes things better when life is horrible

I can't believe there are episodes without logico cry

DON'T READ THE EPISODES WITHOUT READING THE BOOKS!!

The blood crust from the floor at the convocation is still in a bag in Irratino’s purse. He knows that the person who would know the most about blood is Dr. Crimson - she can identify who it’s from!

CRIMSON: HELLO… HELLOOOOO! It looks like the INSPECTOR is here to MINGLE… IRRATINO: [shudder] Actually, I need your help again. I have the DNA sequence for the mystery sample written down, but it doesn’t match anyone else’s here. CRIMSON: MMMM! But where… oh where is LOGICO…

She taps and scrapes at her clipboard with her metal insectoid arm.

IRRATINO: He’s… missing. Don’t you remember? CRIMSON: LOGICO? NO… LOGICO?! IRRATINO: I… told you just a couple days ag- CRIMSON: [complete hysteria] NOOOOO, LOGICO, NO, NOOOOOOOO!!!!

She claws at the ground. Irratino picks her up.

IRRATINO: Hey, hey, shhhhh. He’s okay, but he’s being held in prison - I have to rescue him. CRIMSON: A human is MURDERED here… and no one will SOLVE IT. IRRATINO: I will solve it!

He finds the local patients. Coach Raspberry and Uncle Midnight are in beds, looking miserable. Baron Maroon is in a giant tube full of liquid, but seems to be fine regardless.

IRRATINO: Is everyone alright? U. MIDNIGHT: Pssht. RASPBERRY: No!!! [cries] IRRATINO: What happened? RASPBERRY: I… I got concussed…

Irratino wants to comfort him, but Crimson gets in the way.

CRIMSON: Here’s some more BLOOD from the suspects. I took it from them TODAY! IRRATINO: That’s… great.

Maroon does a flip in his tank. What the fuck is he doing in there??

Irratino closes his eyes and dreams for a clue. The ghost of the dead human appears before him, endlessly repeating a phrase in a language that doesn’t exist! He screams himself out of it. This startles Maroon, who does a deafening roar, smashing the glass of his ‘exhibit’! He rolls through the wall and into the parking lot.

CRIMSON: NO, NOOOO!!! STUPID FROG!!!!

The roof of the hospital catches fire, and Irratino climbs up there. There’s no fire extinguisher!

IRRATINO: Well that’s a fire hazard. RASPBERRY: I dunno what’s even goin’ on… I don’t wanna be here anymore!

He tries to leave, but Crimson blocks him.

CRIMSON: YOU can’t go outside… DOCTOR’S ORDERS! RASPBERRY: But… But… [kitten wail]

Irratino imagines what Logico would do right now - he’d go through everyone’s medical files. So he does just that. The killer was the super suspicious Uncle Midnight, who’s been laying in bed the whole time!

CRIMSON: I KNEW I COULD NEVER TRUST ANOTHER HUMAN!! IRRATINO: Benjamin! Why?? U. MIDNIGHT: Nh… I can’t go to my own birthday party. Because… I have a ‘contagious�� disease. And I got so mad… IRRATINO: But now that everyone knows you’re guilty of murder and that you have a contagious disease, will they still want to come to your birthday party? U. MIDNIGHT: …Yes.

There’s silence, and to everyone’s surprise, Benjamin starts bawling.

U. MIDNIGHT: It was LOGICO, he left me to die in the middle of the ocean!! They just left me to die and I can’t even swim… I wouldn’t even be sick right now if they didn’t do that! It’s not fair… IRRATINO: Hey, hey! It’s okay!

It’s not really. That was a really fucked up thing for Gico and pals to do.

IRRATINO: It’s July, your birthday’s months away. You’ll be okay! U. MIDNIGHT: I do my birthday party in July because everyone’s too busy with ChRiStMaS when it actually comes around.

The guilt is laying on thick for Irratino. But he can’t go anywhere near Benjamin, because of his unknown disease.

IRRATINO: Uhm… what does he have, exactly? CRIMSON: EXPLODING BILE DYSPHORIA. IRRATINO: What… does that-

Irratino figures out what that means, and will never sleep again.

The end!

Wherefore art thou Logico?

I'm not feeling tip-top right now so this is a little rushed :'3

The power of Goat Lord compels you!

See you next time murdlers!

#murdle #cartoonmurdleverse

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etherealninfa · 1 year ago

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THE FIRST DATE. Inspector Gadget X Oc fanfic. (CannonXOc) Chapter 3: "A trap in the museum"

Sorry for this late update but there are the last chapters if you need them before read this and also sorry again if my translation have some mistakes.

Chapter 1:

https://www.tumblr.com/etherealninfa/736718475852185600/the-first-date-inspector-gadget-x-oc-fanfic?source=share

Chapter 2:

https://www.tumblr.com/etherealninfa/737164253806673920/the-first-date-inspector-gadget-x-oc-fanfic?source=share

Chapter 3: A trap in the museum.

Ninfa’s POV:

I was still sad but I didn't feel ready to tell him that I didn't want to be away from him. Once we arrived at the museum, Gadget looked at me again with great curiosity. I felt very embarrassed by my previous behavior, not at all appropriate for someone my age. I was fortunate to have him as my boss because he was quite understanding and sweet. I think that someone else in his place would have already fired me or ordered me to be arrested for a few hours. Gadget, on the other hand, was very patient with me. He genuinely cared about me.

******

The place was already cordoned off with yellow tape to prevent entry. We presented ourselves to the colleagues who had secured the vicinity of the museum in order to gain access and begin work.

-Do you want to go in first?- he said. -We must be alert if there is still someone involved nearby.

I couldn't concentrate. I heard it but for some reason my mood didn't let me react.

-Are you going to say something, or not? - He asked me -You look very quiet.

-Sorry...I'll go inside to start looking for clues.

I walked towards the entrance and he followed me. Once inside, we looked for a very brief moment at the exhibits before starting with what really mattered. I could notice how, from time to time, Gadget turned to look at me and then returned his gaze to one of the museum pieces. I knew that he was not trying to make me feel uncomfortable and that's why he remained silent. At that point, some police officers came to where we were to talk to the inspector. They explained the situation and what they knew so far: Someone broke in and stole an emerald figure. At the moment there were no clues or indications within the main areas of the museum and, therefore, the identity of the person responsible could not be reached.

-Well, I suppose we should obviously check the place where the stolen piece was, but I think we should take a look at the places that seem unrelated to all this: the ancient Egypt exhibition, the library and the remaining galleries. It is possible to find something important where we least imagine being able to find something.-said the inspector.

So, we went directly to the place where the stolen figure was located. Like the entrance, the place was already cordoned off. There were several shards of glass scattered across the floor; sample of what was the display case that protected the piece that was no longer in the museum. Gadget took out some of his gizmos to start investigating. I followed him, taking notes and paying attention to any orders he could give me.

-Wowzers!-the inspector exclaimed as he leaned near the display.- What do we have here?- He took out his magnifying glass and got as close as the distance between his body and the object would allow him.

I also immediately leaned in to see what he had discovered. It was a seal impregnated on the marble of that structure. That seal, that brand was nothing more and nothing less than the logo of the organization led by the evil Dr. Claw. It was too small so it was to be expected that the officers did not notice it with the naked eye.

-Honestly... it doesn't surprise me- I answered.

-Yes, who else but that eccentric villain to stole a piece like this-Gadget answered. -Well, I guess it's no longer necessary to go to the other places in the museum, we already know who the author of this crime is.

After a few brief seconds with our gaze fixed on the logo, we immediately turned to look at each other with the same closeness as the times we were about to kiss. I could feel his gray eyes, so full of experience, seemed to fix beyond my soul. There was a rather awkward silence. I couldn't look at him so I immediately thought about getting out of that situation.

-Well...we already have the proof we needed, so we better return to the station to get to work on the plan to recover the piece- I said, turning to start walking away from him. But quickly, Gadget grabbed me tightly by the wrist and forced me to stay next to him. I was surprised by that unexpected reaction on his part, almost to the point of scaring me a little. He looked very serious and determined. My body trembled because of this new side of him. Now I couldn't take my eyes off his, due to the shock it caused me.

-I-inspector...- I stammered-we must go...there are guards everywhere.

-There's no one here now- he answered.

-There are security cameras...

-I'll take care of that later.

His words flowed with shocking firmness. He kept looking at me with that same expression. Yes, that was the word: firmness. He did not seem angry or exploding with aggression despite the force he had applied to his grip. I knew that no matter what I said, there was no escape. I know that everything could seem like an excuse for being someone with knowledge of self-defense techniques like me, but the truth is that I didn't know how to answer. I was just sure that coming to a struggle was not one of the options. Part of me wanted to give in and another part resisted.

-Inspector, I think this is not the time to...

-So when?!

With his other hand he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me towards him. He squeezed me lightly without hurting me. I just closed my eyes and started to relax my body; waiting for what we have been wanting to achieve for a few hours. I felt how his lips subtly caressed mine. That slight tickling sent me an overload that ran through my entire spine and made every fragment of my skin crawl. And, finally, the flame of that long-awaited kiss consumed us the moment he pressed his lips against mine.

I was kissing him and he was kissing me. He did it madly, with a certain desperation. Now, with both hands he held my waist and I surrounded his neck. He picked me up and took me against one of the large pilasters that supported the building. It wasn't right that we were both doing that while we were on a mission but we couldn't stop. The tension had been so much that it took just one glance for everything to explode. At a certain point, I felt his tongue in contact with mine and his arms pressing me closer to him. It could only hear how my mouth emanated faint uncontrollable moans and the emptiness combined with the large size of that room made the sound of our lips in contact reverberate in echo.

But just when my mind became more cloudy and I left aside the fact that we were in front of a crime scene and in a place where someone could arrive at any moment, a powerful and unknown noise, whose origin we could not define, echoed throughout the room. It was something very strident that freed us from that trance. We stopped kissing and turned towards the direction of the sound. Some of the officers who were nearby suddenly entered. Seeing them inside the room, I let go from Gadget's arms, without turning to see his reaction.

-What was that noise?!-asked one of the officers.

-I have no idea!- Gadget answered, trying to level out how agitated his voice sounded. -We'll have to inspect and find the exact point where it's coming from. Quick!

We all immediately split up to search. I ran in the direction of the library. I still had a very vivid memory of the inspector's lips on mine. This new event didn't let me process everything. After crossing a long corridor, I finally arrived at the place. There was no one person around. I felt a little short of breath so I walked slowly as I inspected. Everything seemed to be in order, very clean. The air emanated that aroma of ink, paper and glue.

I continued with my investigation until I came across a spiral staircase that led to the second level of the library. There, on each of the steps, there were books placed forming a path that clearly invited me to follow it. Something very suspicious, that was for sure; but my duty was to find out where it led. I walked up stairs and, when I reached the end, the path of books continued. I continued with that journey until the row led me to one of the shelves there. It was empty, apparently because the books that were supposed to be there were what had been used to build that trail that would take me to that point. Only a large red book remained in its place on that bookshelf. I knew that this was not a coincidence, so I took it and after examining it from the outside, I opened it. To my surprise, the book was blank and, before I could react, it exploded in my hands. But it wasn't gunpowder or something that was intended to hurt me to a mortal degree. What that object released was nothing more than sleeping gas.

Gadget's POV:

I was researching in the Ancient Egypt exhibition room. There were no traces of broken glass or destroyed objects, the displays were intact. I couldn't think about anything other than my kiss with Ninfa. I feel a little embarrassed to tell the truth, because I have always focused on my work and being in service I rarely left my obligation aside. But I couldn't contain myself anymore. In a way I am grateful that the interruption occurred because, if I continued kissing her the way I did, I don't know what I would have been capable of. I had to concentrate, calm down. I will be alone with her again, although I was not sure if I have already ruined everything. She responded to my kiss but maybe she could change her mind... I don't know. Suddenly, the sound of a slight explosion and Ninfa screaming abruptly brought me back to reality.

I immediately turned and ran as fast as I could in the direction of the museum library. Once there, I called her several times but she didn't answer. At that, I came across a mysterious path made of books. I didn't think twice and followed it. In the end I arrived to the bottom of the second floor, where I could see Ninfa lying on the floor. As I breathed I could feel a certain heaviness on my eyelids, making it evident that someone had spread sleeping gas. Before this took effect, I put on a gas mask, so that sleeping gas couldn't invade my entire system. I approached where Ninfa was lying. I turned her around, just to check that her condition was solely due to the gas and not anything else. Apparently it was that, nothing more. She didn't had any wounds. She continued breathing and made slight noises with her mouth: she was asleep.

I took her in my arms and carried her to the museum lobby. I placed her on a bench in front of a window so she could get some fresh air. I tried to wake her up but it was in vain, apparently the effect of the gas was very powerful. I was feeling very worried. The officers who were with us a while ago arrived again. I explained everything I had seen but that we would have to wait for the gas to dissipate from the library before I could go and inspect the site. Likewise, I knew that there was no other option but to let the effect of the gas wear off on its own from Ninfa's body. However, I couldn't leave her here in that state. It would be dangerous; so I took her in my arms again and headed to my car. I would have to take her to her house, there was no doubt of that.

******

We moved in my car towards her home. It was a small apartment located in a group of buildings in which several people lived. Luckily I had my master key that allowed me to open any door in the city, so I had no problem entering. It wasn't the first time I was at Ninfa's house; She had already invited me and my niece several times but my stay had always been limited to passing through the living room, the bathroom or the dining room. I had never entered her bedroom before and doing so now piqued my curiosity a lot.

With her in my arms, I turned the knob and, in front of me, the space where she used to rest all the nights was revealed. The sweet aroma so characteristic of her floated in the delicate atmosphere of that feminine and intriguing refuge of hers. Her kitten was sleeping in a small bed located on top of a dresser. She noticed my presence but she went back to sleep instantly. I gently placed Ninfa on her bed and sat for a moment next to her. With one of my hands I caressed her face. I know that she was not in this condition by her own will, which was somewhat worrying; Still... seeing her with her eyes closed, so calm... I couldn't help but smile with some tenderness.

I stayed there for a few moments and was immersed in contemplating her room. It was quite cozy and surrounded by pretty things that gave it an innocent air. I noticed a photo on her nightstand: it was one that Penny had taken of us on Ninfa's last birthday, without us realizing it at the time. We were having a little fight over who would eat the last strawberry on the cake. The photo had captured the moment in which we were both trying to insert our fork into the fruit. Obviously we were playing and in the end I gave her the strawberry.

I laughed when I remembered that occasion and I was surprised that she had that photo, always by her side. I sighed and left it in it place. I had to return to the museum to continue the work. I didn't want to leave her like this but there was no other alternative. I looked at her one last time and gave her a small kiss on the corner of her lips:

-I'll be back later- I told her even though she couldn't hear me. -We still have a lot to talk about but I would like us to do it in a special place. One where we can be far from everything and everyone. It will be our first date.

******

I was already back at the museum. The whole ride I was just thinking about how much I wanted to put an end to this whole robbery thing and get back to her. I didn't expect the day to be this intense but, without suspecting it, I didn't imagine that it was going to become increasingly strange. The police officers I had interacted with from the beginning were waiting at the entrance to the museum. As soon as I approached, one of them handed me a paper.

-Has something new happened, colleagues?- I asked them.

-Just this, inspector- he said, showing me a paper- we found this note that, apparently, is addressed to you.

-A note?- I said, taking that intriguing paper.

With obvious curiosity, I prepared to read:

"Hello, Inspector Gadget. It's wonderful to see that my trap worked just as I expected. For many years I have tried to destroy you in every way imaginable; but you of all people know that it has been impossible. I am impressed, I must admit. ..although without any enthusiasm. Likewise, this does not mean that I will stop my plans. No, on the contrary: I think that the best way to destroy you would be, doing it in parts.

I will start by destroying your heart. I hope you understand what I mean. In case not...let me tell you something: How beautiful and how vulnerable your little assistant looks while she sleeps! So fragile, so oblivious to what is happening around her...and so easy to be taken in my cold claws.

See you never, Gadget. Sincerely, Dr. Claw."

This was not good at all. What was the trap? So many possibilities came to my head. Ninfa...she was alone and unconscious in her house. Without hesitation, I grabbed my secret phone and called Chief Quimby.

-Boss, this is Gadget! I need to leave the museum, the matter has become more serious! Please send other reinforcements to the area. Ninfa is in danger and I must leave immediately.

I didn't wait for the boss's response, I hung up immediately and went back to the car. I had to get to her house because, without a doubt, she was in danger. I drove as fast as possible, waiting for her to be okay.

Upon arrival, I rushed straight to his bedroom. What I feared most appeared before me: Ninfa was not there. Her kitten came out from under her bed, she was scared and her tail was slightly bristled. I took her in my arms and calmed her while I called Ninfa throughout the apartment but it was in vain, she was not there. I had to move and find her. Her kitten was already more relaxed, so I took her back to Ninfa's room. I looked again at the photo she had on her nightstand and felt a feeling of helplessness and a lump in my throat. But there was no time for sentimentality, I had to act.

******

When I crossed the threshold of the door of her house everything seemed normal, which did not allow me to react to what was going to happen. Without warning, I felt something strong and heavy bearing down on me. As soon as I reacted I saw how a fairly tall and strong man took me by both arms to subdue me.

-Hello, inspector! "It's time for a ride" -he said mockingly.

-Who are you?! Get your hands off me! -I exclaimed as I tried to free me but his strength was superior. -Let me go! -Silence- Damn! I need to find Ninfa...

-Don't worry, you will be with her very soon- he said, letting out an evil laugh.

I froze at his comment. I was more worried and the lump in my throat became more painful. The guy took a fairly heavy chain and tied me with it, so that it would be impossible for me to free myself. The worst thing is that my gadgets did not react. The man took me to a truck which he forced me to get into. He went to the back seat with me and the driver started to taking us to a place that was totally unknown to me...

-To be continued-

Notes:

Omg really sorry for took a lot of time to post it . Honestly was very hard translate. I hope you like it. Promise poste the next soon <3

#inspector gadget #inspector gadget 1983 #go gadget #go gadget go #oc x cannon #oc x canon #oc insert #shipping #inspector gadget fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #ocxcanno fanfic

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localgirlbecomesobsessed · 1 month ago

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A winter walk

Short Drabble

“I’ve brought the supplies leader~”

Cathrine dramatically saluted an amused Rui as she handed over the large travel mug. Ed silently bowed as Lyca struggled to hold the umbrella over the unusually restless vampire.

Rui took a swig of his drink, whooping in delight as the mulled wine warmed his entire being.

“Catty! This is super delish~ you’re gonna have to share the recipe!”

Rui cheered as Cathrine giggled rolling her eyes as she handed another travel to Lyca, this time filled with a hot carob milk, she had to wrack her brains on what would be a tasty hot chocolate alternative and stumbled across the beverage when drinking with Taiga.

Ed pouted as Lyca became distracted by the drink, the sun was setting and there was barely any students around, there was barely a sound besides the chattering obscuary students and the inspector, their feet crunching on the thick snow covered floor as they looked for a place to sit.

“My flower 🌺 🌷 🌹 I’m feeling left out😦🥹😀😞, where’s my warm beverage? 🥺🥶☕️Or are you saving yourself for me later😈🤭🫦”

Everyone just looked at Ed in disappointment as he gestured lazily to himself, Cathrine pursed her lips and folded her arms as she looked at the ridiculous vampire.

“Last time I offered you mulled wine you said you wouldn’t ‘partake’ due to a video claiming aliens made the drink to placate the masses during the winter period-“

Rui chuckled shaking his head as he remembered Ed’s delirious rant after staying up for 10 hours straight ( a record) watching the conspiracy documentary. Rui took a small flask full of a special cocktail he made in preparation for Ed.

“Leader😈, you truly are a marvel.🥵🫶🏼🤭”

Rui sighed to himself in a mixture of amusement and defeat, how long were they going to carry on this leader charade? He helped Cathrine and Ed decipher some weird arcane puzzle and ever since then the two had been calling him leader, following his lead-even going for a walk despite the two barely leaving their respective hidey holes during winter, like a bear in hibernation.

“Lea-Gigolo, there’s a couple of benches over there.”

Lyca excitedly pointed at a shaded area, a large tree looming over a couple of benches, it was near the hotarubi dorms and was a picture of peace. The four wandered over, Cathrine lighting up a cigarette as they made their way, her and Rui hanging back to ensure no smoke went near Lyca or Ed.

“How ya enjoying the walk catty?”

Rui asked sparking conversation after walking in silence for a couple of minutes, it was nice the silence, a calm between the two that was comfortable enough to get lost in…but how he enjoyed listening to her voice.

“…it’s nice-“

She was about to say something else but paused as she took another hit of her cigarette, Rui glanced at her, her ruby red eyes seemed far away as she grimly gazed at the snow.

“You don’t like winter that much do you Cat?”

Neither did he if he was honest, the coldness seemed to set a constant reminder of the Loneliness that dwells within him.

She hummed in thought, bringing out her travel ashtray and stubbing out her cigarette, pausing in place as Rui patiently waited for her. The other two had already made their places on the bench, Lyca even making a small snowman next to Ed who watched in amusement.

Cathrine had a tender smile on her as she looked around her, the peaceful setting was a major contrast to how she usually spent the winter season; she was always by herself, usually locked away to work or left behind by family…she hated the constant silence that surrounded her during the winter.

But now she looked at the man beside her, his constant nagging and encouragement swirled around her this season-she looked towards Lyca who was building a Subaru shaped snowman as Ed tried to ‘help’ and instead only made the poor snowman into a misshapen horror.

She let out a light laugh as she pocketed her ashtray, gesturing for Rui to continue on to the benches.

A strange warmth built up within her and it definitely wasn’t because of the mullled wine, it was because…

She wasn’t alone anymore-

“I don’t know…I think I’m warming up to the winter nowadays…”

#tokyo debunker oc #tokyo debunker #Cathrine #obscuary #rui mizuki #edward hart #lyca colt #Cathrine does have Xena but it’s not like she can spend every waking minute with her during the winter seasons #it’s about the found family

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blackjackkent · 1 year ago

Text

OK, once again, our first immediate priority is going to find Florrick, which means we're heading back to Wyrm's Rock fortress and staging a prison break. (Ravengard is also imprisoned but I think he's somewhere else and we still have to figure out where.)

While I'm trying not to get too sidetracked from our main objectives until we have Lae'zel back, I will take this opportunity to scour the entire Wyrm's Rock building so we don't have to come back here again later.

And in this case - my exploration immediately paid off. I found a hidden lever leading to a secret path near the door that took us to the audience chamber before, which led out to a back cliff area behind the fortress with a gorgeous view of the surrounding water.

Climbing down the cliff leads to this:

Perfect! \o/ We're coming, Florrick!

Going inside, Hector is able to smash through a stone wall (yay cloud giant strength potion) and get into a storeroom in the prison area proper. After breaking out of the storeroom from the inside... we're immediately confronted by a guard.

The two options are "lie" or "fight"; Hector is not a fan of either one, since he hates lying, but he would hate killing a guard who was literally only doing his job more. So he claims (scrambling for an explanation and trying not to look as panicked as he feels) that they're officially sanctioned prison inspectors, and astonishingly (even to the narrator), the guard bought it. Presumably Gortash has been cracking down and changing things up and no one is interested in accidentally questioning his orders.

So we appear to be free to walk around safely for now (at least, presumably, until we start busting down the door of Florrick's cell).

Also this happened:

The theft in question was A SINGLE WALNUT that I picked up off the floor without permission. I reloaded; Hector doesn't have time for this nonsense.

There's one door labeled "Prison Entrance Door" that I appear to be able to pick open without bothering anyone, and then a bunch of smaller iron doors that I'm not allowed to touch. The iron ones turned out to be what we needed, though, because a little bit of stealthing around the guards later and look who we found in one of the cells!

Victory.

"You might as well lock the cell. It's over."

She sounds so incredibly dejected, a far cry from the direct, decisive woman we saw in Waukeen's Rest and Last Light. Jaheira notices the difference too:

"Florrick? What have they done to you?"

But Florrick just smiles sadly. "I don't speak of myself, High Harper," she answers. "I speak of the city itself. We came too late. It's over."

"I don't understand," Hector says with a concerned frown. "What do you mean?"

"I came seeking allies to our cause," Florrick says flatly. "Watchers spotted me, dragged me to Ulder Ravengard's husk." Her head twitches, as if struck with sudden pain. "Empty as a stare. A tadpole's puppet, nothing more. He spoke in accusations. Apostasy, conspiracy, sedition." Her lip curls in a bitter smile. "I will soon be hanged on the city gallows to a chorus of cheers. You might have unlocked my cell, but there's no escape from this place."

"The Fist can go hang *themselves*," Jaheira snaps. "We're getting you out."

(I continue to love Jaheira a lot.)

"Ravengard's not lost," Hector adds firmly. "I felt him reach out to me."

This is true - Hector doesn't lie unless forced to it, as above - but it is perhaps a slight shading of the truth. Ravengard is pretty far gone. Hector has no idea if they'll be able to find him again. But he is not lost entirely.

Florrick for a moment looks as if she wants to dismiss him out of hand; the despair has taken a deep hold on her. But... she is a woman of considerable strength of character, and Hector can see the information work on her, the way she takes it in, processes it. The lift of her eyebrows, the flash of hope back into her expression.

"You... you felt him?" she asks unsteadily. "Extraordinary. Maybe... what is lost can be found."

Her shoulders square, her back straightens. The effect is contagious; her force of personality is such that Hector can feel his own strength rising in answer to it. "'When the people need a miracle, you cannot wait for the gods to answer.' Ulder's words..." she murmurs thoughtfully. "I'd almost forgotten." Her jaw works and her eyes flick around the cell with rapid thought.

"No more sulking," she says with a sudden sharp nod. "I know what to do." Her eyes fix on Hector's - more confident now, authoritative. "Lead me from my cell. Escort me out of Wyrm's Rock. I'll seek out my connections. When the city's streets shatter, you'll want their blades."

Hector nods respectfully. He has strongly approved of everything he's seen of Counselor Florrick since the moment they pulled her out of the flames in Waukeen's Rest, and this moment of strength growing out of despair is doing nothing to change his opinion. She will be a valuable ally in the fight to come - and even on a more personal level, he wants her to live.

"Follow me," he says.

#bjk plays baldur's gate 3 #hector carlisle #i really freakin like florrick #fully believe this woman could run my life better than i can

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mischievouslittlecreature · 1 year ago

Text

Part 10: Red Right Hand

Summary: A heartbreaking betrayal threatens to destroy nearly everything Lucy and Tommy hold dear.

Word Count: 4,191

Warnings: Violence, angst, minor character deaths, gunshot wounds, and sexual content.

Previous Chapter • Series • Fic • Next Chapter

Chapter 15: Black Star

“Lucy,” Tommy said, softly. She whined, face scrunching cutely as she turned her head to bury it into his sternum. He couldn’t help the soft chuckle that rumbled through his chest, stroking his fingers along her back. “Luce, wake up.”

Pouting, she raised her head, hair a mess around her face. “Why?”

“It’s black star day, love,” he reminded her gently. “We need to go tell the others.”

Her big brown eyes blinked slowly as her mind began to process his words. “Oh. That’s right.”

Chuckling, he kissed her nose lightly before rolling out of bed, reaching for his clothes. Curling on her side, snuggling the pillow he’d been settled against a moment earlier, Lucy tilted her head as she watched him, eyes still groggy.

“Are you just going to lay there ogling me, or do you plan on getting dressed sometime?” he asked, smirking over his shoulder. Lucy yawned and stretched.

“I dunno. The view over here is pretty nice…” she squawked when he tossed a loose pillow that had ended up on the floor at her. “Rude.”

Smirking, Tommy finished pulling on his trousers, sliding his arms into his shirt. He could hear Lucy beginning to rummage around, pulling her own clothes on, leaning close to the mirror on her vanity so she could apply her makeup and fix her hair.

“Ready?” he asked as he pulled his coat on. Lucy snatched hers from the hook by the door and pulled on her cap, yawning again.

“Yeah.”

“Don’t go falling asleep on me, now.”

She snorted, shaking her head. “‘M fine,” was mumbled from her lips. She followed him down the stairs and onto the road. He dropped her off at the shop to begin preparations there while he set out to gather up the rest of his family.

It was going to be a busy day.

∗ ∗ ∗

She followed Tommy through the Chinese market, Arthur, John, and the rest of their boys right behind them. The men moved to collect their suits, while Tommy went to the counter to pay. Finding the suit labeled with her name, Lucy tucked it carefully over her arm, eyes scanning warily across the market. They were too exposed, especially all together like this. She didn’t like it. At the counter, Tommy was leaning in close to Mr. Zhang, who was whispering something into his ear. Curiosity piqued, Lucy inched closer.

“What’s going on?”

“Mr. Zhang here says that Inspector Campbell is just in there,” Tommy nodded towards the backrooms. The ones used by customers for the services of the whores.

“Oh,” Lucy snorted. “That’s funny,” not so self righteous now, is he?

“I’m going to go talk to him,” Tommy reached into the holster tucked away into his coat.

“You are?” all amusement drained away as alarm filled her chest. Tommy raised an eyebrow. She nodded to the revolver half pulled from his jacket.

“Just in case,” he said simply. Looking into his eyes carefully, Lucy nodded.

“You want me to come with you?”

“No, this will only take a moment.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, she watched as he disappeared behind the curtain. Leaning against a post, she lit a cigarette, eyes darting up to the woman half cowering in the back behind the counter. There was a cut near her lip that she was trying to press her fingers to.

“Here,” Lucy pulled out a handkerchief and held it out. The woman hesitated, then took it. “It’s Chin, right?”

The woman looked surprised that she knew her name. “Yes, Miss. Winters.”

“Did Inspector Campbell do that to you?”

Chin hesitated. “Yes.”

Lucy sucked in a deep breath. She didn’t know Chin particularly well, but she had a reputation for being sweet; she was a favorite amongst the men who frequented this part of town for a reason, after all. “I’m sorry,” she said, as gently as she knew how. Chin just sniffled and nodded, dabbing at her lip with the handkerchief. When she moved to hand it back to Lucy she shook her head. “You keep it.”

The curtain fluttered, and Tommy reappeared. Lucy gave one last, parting, sad smile to Chin before moving to follow him.

“What did he say?”

Tommy shook his head. “Something about my heart being broken before the day is done,” his brows were furrowed.

“Hm. Spooky.”

“More like him just looking for an easy jab. Come on.”

“Did he say how he found the guns?” the question had been prickling in her mind as of late. She had been so sure that they had been careful…

“No.”

“You still think he got lucky?”

Tommy sighed, rubbing at his neck. “I don’t know,” glancing around, he huffed. “But we can worry about that later.”

∗ ∗ ∗

They all gathered around in the main room of the shop. Tommy was at the head of the table they surrounded, the blackboard behind him. Lucy stood to his right, her arms crossed over her chest as she listened to him give the men their instructions. She wondered if this was how Tommy had spoken to his men back in France, his orders stern but not unfeeling.

Everyone broke into applause when at the end of the meeting Polly ushered Ada into the room, a little bundle clutched in her arms. Lucy watched Tommy’s face carefully as his sister slowly approached him after handing the baby off to Arthur. Cautious hope had entered his eyes, tentatively holding out the metaphorical olive branch, waiting to see if Ada swatted it away or not.

“Well, Ada?” Tommy asked. “Am I forgiven?”

“If what Aunt Polly says is true, you are,” there was a cold standoffishness in Ada’s eyes that had Lucy’s hackles rising. Their men were breaking her bloody husband–who, might she point out, had held a gun to Tommy’s head the last time they saw him–out of prison. The least she could do is be grateful, and maybe apologize for being so awful to her brother when he hadn’t even done anything wrong.

“It’s true,” Tommy assured. A smile bloomed across Ada’s face, overtaking the distrust that had been there a moment before, rushing to wrap her arms around him.

“Thank you, Tommy,” of course, she was all smiles now. When he was doing something that benefitted her. Just like the rest of them. They’d spit and snarl and treat him like shit when it suited them, but once he gave them what they wanted, they’d be sweet as honey.

No wonder the poor man seemed to think that none of them actually loved him. Maybe they really didn’t.

She hated the way that they all treated him. Half the time it made her want to pull at her own hair or smash their heads into a wall.

Lucy turned away before the bitterness showed too plainly on her face.

∗ ∗ ∗

They burst into the pub, chattering away excitedly, blood beginning to rise in the anticipation of the battle to come. Tommy pulled off his jacket, Lucy ducking around behind the bar, grinning and squeezing at Grace’s shoulders in greeting. He moved to join his girls behind the bar after instructing the boys on how much booze they could have before the fight–the last thing they needed was to have half their men drunk before they even got to the tracks. Grace moved in beside him as they started to pour pints while Lucy passed them empty glasses.

“Do you have the enclosure tickets and the register of bookkeepers on the track?” Grace asked him in a low voice.

“In my coat. You did a good job, Grace,” he cleared his throat. “Next family meeting, I’ll make sure you’re there.”

Lucy smirked at him knowingly.

“If I were family,” Grace murmured. “But I’m not.”

Tommy hesitated. “That could change.”

Grace’s head snapped towards him. “Tommy–” her eyes darted between him and Lucy. Lucy’s smile was bright and encouraging. “We’ll talk about it more when I get back. All right?” an awkwardness fluttered in Tommy’s chest, fighting back the urge to battle against the vulnerable feeling. His instincts were encouraging him to lash out and slam his walls up in response to it, but he forced himself to push them down.

“When will you be back?”

“Oh, is this how it’s going to be, eh? You waiting at home for me saying, ‘what time do you call this?’” he chuckled. Lucy giggled, nudging Grace gently with affection. But Grace had gone rather stiff, suddenly pulling away.

“The barrel needs changing,” she walked around him, disappearing without another word into the backroom. Tommy stopped with his hand on one of the levers used to pour the pints, eyes darting to Lucy for some clue as to where he’d gone wrong. But her face was just as furrowed with confusion as his was.

“Go talk to her, I’ll finish these,” she whispered, moving to take his place pouring drinks. Tommy nodded, rubbing a hand awkwardly over the back of his head before opening the door to the backroom and stepping inside.

Grace had her back to him, but even from the doorway he could see that her hand was wiping at her eyes, shoulders jerking as she cried.

“Grace,” he tried, very gently. “Hey, Grace, I was joking,” not exactly the truth, but he just needed to get her to stop crying first. He touched her arm carefully. Someone banged on the door.

“Tommy, we need more mild!” John’s voice hollered.

“Just help yourselves,” he called over his shoulder.

“Tommy, the truth is,” Grace lifted her face to him tearfully. The door creaked as Lucy quietly slipped in, moving to stand close to them. “When you come back from the races, I won’t be here.”

It felt like someone had ripped a rug out from underneath him, or punched all of the air from his chest. He swore for a moment that his heart stopped. “What are you talking about?” he took a step forward, then hesitated, mind whirling as he thought back, trying to puzzle out what exactly he might’ve done wrong to make her change her mind about him. But he was coming up blank.

But maybe it was simply what he was that was the problem. After all, what posh girl with a good background dreamed of tying herself to the leader of a backstreet razor gang, living in a tiny apartment and spending her days counting taking in a gambling den? Always having to look over her shoulder and be on her guard, enemies coming at them from every angle.

But…he had thought that, despite background and class, they were the same. Like him and Lucy. Kindred spirits. Who understood each other.

“All right, look, Grace,” he started, “I know you weren’t born to be with a man like me. But I’m turning things around,” he spoke quickly, desperately. “When I get back here tonight, I will have one of the biggest legal racetrack syndicates in the country. And I’m going to close down some of that other stuff,” he added. If that really was what was bothering her, he could change that. It would take time, but he could change it. “Maybe open a club, hey? Like in London. And another thing,” he reached out, fingers tenderly cupping her chin. “And another thing. You have a contract of employment. With a real Limited company, you remember?”

“I remember everything, Tommy,” Grace’s voice was still full of tears, her eyes glistening. He didn’t know what to do to make it better. One of Lucy’s hands was on his shoulder, trying to soothe him. The other was on Grace’s.

“I am going to make a success of this. I am going to make a success of it. I am,” he insisted. Grace cradled his face, shaking her head even as she spoke.

“I know. I know.”

He swallowed hard. “I’m not talking about marriage,” that he meant. Nice as it would be, he didn’t need it. Still, he stuttered for a moment, trying to put his meaning into words. “We know each other,” he grabbed her hands tightly, squeezing them, holding them up and close against his chest. Lucy was all but hugging them both, their three foreheads coming to rest against one another. “We can talk. We are the same. Us three,” his girls. Just him and his girls. That was all he really needed anymore.

“Tommy…Lucy, I have done something terrible to you,” Grace whispered. Tommy stared at her, trying to process what she could possibly mean. But before he could ask, the door slammed open and the three of them backed away from each other. He let the hands that had been clutching at Grace’s fall limply away.

“Right,” Arthur came striding in, followed closely by Jeremiah. “Tell him what you just told me.”

He listened numbly as Jeremiah reported to him that Kimber and his boys were heading into vans up the Stratford Road in their direction. Not to the tracks, where they had planned to confront them with the help of the Lees.