#Keeper group chat

[doodle-do-wop]

MARELLA REDEK

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: MARELLA ADENE REDEK

world's shortest firecracker (written by Stina)(approved by Maruca)(disapproved by Marella)

(i love making shitty memes with these portraits)

and thats all the horse girls!!(minus Linh cause Chrissabug already drew her)

[bewarethecircles]

After a vacation in Alpha Centauri, Gabriel and Beelzebub come back to earth and move in together. They proceed to be the worst and most baffling neighbors anyone in the neighborhood has ever experienced. 

They introduced themselves as Bee and Jim, but immediately started laughing about it, so people are pretty sure those aren't their real names. 

Neither of them seem to have jobs, but they must be rich, because their house is massive and they're always wearing fancy clothes, and their wallets are bursting with money. Maybe they’re in the mafia?

Speaking of fancy clothes, “Jim” is always wearing designer suits. There is an ongoing game where people attempt to take a picture of him in any other clothes. One time, an enterprising teenager went so far as to sneak over in the middle of the night to look into his bedroom (hoping he’d be in pajamas), and saw him still in a suit, Standing on Top of the Bed, eyes wide open and Smiling Brightly. (Gabriel has not gotten the hang of sleeping yet.) (The teenager refuses to go near the house ever again.)

The short one, “Bee,” is consistently trailed by flies. This is alarming to everyone. They say that they're a “fly-keeper,” but people are pretty sure that's not a thing. Do they carry rotting meat around or something?

Bee also seems to be constantly changing appearances. One day they have a buzz cut, the next day their hair goes to their mid-back. Their eyes are a different colour every time you see them. People have set up cameras to take pictures of them on different days, and upon comparing them they are Definitely almost 6 inches taller this week. Even their facial features shift. 

It gets to the point where people decide Jim must just have multiple partners, and be lying about it. (“Multiple partners that all look similar and are never seen together?” the opposition will point out. When asked if they have a better theory, they can never answer.)

The two of them will have romantic moments Anywhere, including standing in the middle of the highway staring into each others eyes. By all rights they should have been run over, but in a bizarre coincidence every car in the area ran out of fuel and stopped moving at that exact moment. People want to blame Jim for it (he did make a strange hand movement, after all), but that would just be absurd.

They use the absolute worst pet names for each other. A list of overheard ones is being recorded. “My rotten cabbage?” “My hell-bringer?” “Dearest packet of crisps??” 

You cannot let them notice that you're disgusted by their lovey-doveyness. They will either get exponentially more cringey, or straight up insult you until you run away crying. Or both. 

“Everyday” by Buddy Holly will be audible to the whole block at all times. Do they know other songs exist? Don't they get bored of this one?? Why is it so loud???

There’s a statue of Jim in the front yard. Its 20 feet tall and definitely a HOA violation, but people are too scared to mention it. Both Bee and Jim will come out at different times and spend hours staring at it dreamily. 

People would hate them, but ever since they moved in the weather has been perfect, crime is at an all time low, and there’s little trucks that go around selling hot chocolate, and those things Probably cant be because of them, but still...

Plus, Jim doesn’t understand how money works at all, so he’ll give you $300 for a bag of chips. It's endearing, even if he is sometimes a jerk.

Bee does seem to know how money works, but they’ll frequently pay even more than Jim, especially if the person seems overworked and the place is under-staffed. They say they have experience with it.

After a month of them living there, most of the neighborhood is in a group chat created to discuss the two of them. Beelzebub is secretly in the chat, and reads their favourite theories to Gabriel. 

A rumour starts going around that they're an angel and a demon in disguise, but no one can agree which one is which. 

Beelzebub is the one who started the rumour. 

If anyone writes a fic with any of this by all means tag me I'd love to see it!!

[bluerosefox]

Courting Chaos (to Balance)

A KlarionxDanny brain worm that has spawned

Tim Drake, aka Red Robin gets kidnapped suddenly and very randomly by Klarion in the middle of a JL and others meeting.

Leaving with a

"I'LL RETURN HIM WHEN HES NO LONGER USEFUL JUSTICE LOSERS!"

And fire and chaos in his wake.

While the JL, and others scramble to figure out what Klarion has planned this time, Tim manages to break free of whatever Klarion had used to kidnap him only to find himself on a couch and Klarion nervously petting Teekl on his lap while also sitting in a chair across from him.

When Tim goes to demand to know why Klarion kidnapped him Klarion finally speaks.

"Okay, I wanna strike a deal. I won't bug you or your little Young Just US buddies if you help me ask someone out..."

"...What the fuck Klarion?" Was Tim's only response.

-x-x-

So it turns out, every so often the three main entities and actual factions of Order, Chaos, and Balance get together to well discuss things happening in certain Realms, worlds, and timelines. Basicly to touch base, see where everyone was at. Etc etc.

Order was Order. Chaos was Chaos.

Very simple.

Both could be bad. To much order caused restraint and could snuff out growth. To much Chaos could get out of hand and cause ruin.

Both could be good. Order help stabilizes worlds and builds their future. Chaos allowed creativity to roam and brought forth wonderful things.

And Balance.

Well Balance was the very scales that kept both sides in check. They were neutral grounds. The ones that normally oversaw the meetings as well. And despite their low numbers they held powerful entities that more than made up for it.

Balance did their best to keep things in check, sure they do have their own preference sometimes and allowed the scales to tip a tiny bit but always corrected it later if it tips to much.

It was at this meeting, a meeting even Klarion knew better than to do anything too chaotic, pranks were fine but nothing too much, and had been chatting with a newcomer to the side of Chaos (Danielle, call me Ellie, Phantom. She did some heroing on the side but liked causing chaos in her wake to do so, he liked her so far though.) When the bells for the side of Balance to appear announced them.

Ellie had smiled brightly and said her brother was coming with his mentor, turns out her brother was apart of the Balance group which meant that he was strong, strong enough to need a mentor.

He watched as the members of Balance walked, teleported, flew, and other means into the meeting halls. And then froze when his eyes caught sight of him.

Floating next to a blue skined being that was switching ages was a beautiful otherworldly person.

Snow white hair that wisped upwards oh so softly. Glowing green eyes that were cat-like with their piercing glance. A galaxy cloak hanged around his shoulders and seemed to shift with each movement. Star like freckles decorated his face and seemed to glow a soft bluish white. A crown made of ice and aurora lights floated above his head as well.

All in all Klarion couldn't keep his eyes off of the being at all. He nearly spat his water out when Ellie commented that was her brother Danny, or rather.

High King of the Infinite Realms, Daniel 'Danny' Phantom. The Great One. Defeater of the Tyrant King. The Halfa. The Peaceful End. The Balance of the Undead. (And his mentor was the Ghost of Time itself. THE very Keeper of Time, Kronos original form himself.)

Klarion honestly didn't know what to think or rather what emotions he was feeling when he spotted Danny, nor why his face felt so hot and red when the young man looked over at them and smiled. (He was smiling at Ellie but Klarion for some reason hoped it was for him as well)

It wasn't until halfway in the meeting when a rather ingenious prank that Klarion, Ellie, and a few others had set up went off... thing was it strong enough that it had hit Danny's side of the meeting and had hit him.

Now, again pranks were okay but only after the meetings. It was one of the few rules many, even those in Chaos, took seriously because once it was done and over they could go do their things. So for it to happen in the middle of a meeting means someone set their time on the prank wrong and add the fact it hit a person on the Balance side...

Yeah not good.

Only...

Only instead of getting angry, even Clockwork who was seated next to Danny was chuckling, Danny threw his head back and laughed about it. And his laugh... was very cute.

And before he knew it, Klarion had already fallen.

-x-x-

"So yeah.... Since you have a boyfriend and know how to date in this modern age, I need your advice."

".... Klarion just because I'm dating Bernard doesn't mean I know how I did it..."

"Bernard? I thought you were dating that one Supes?"

[bradshawssugarbaby]

Urban Cowboy - Jake Seresin x Reader

pairing: Jake Seresin x f! reader

warnings/content: smut, unprotected p in v, mildly mean!dom Jake, teasing, jealous Jake

word count: 3.2k

The sounds of some 80s pop song echoed throughout the Hard Deck, a cheap colourful strobe light flashed around the room, its rainbow coloured beams striking random bargoers as they began to dance along to whatever was playing. It was new idea your aunt had come up with - doing theme nights at the bar once a month as a way to freshen things up and breathe new life into the military bar scene. 

Since you moved here four months ago, you’d gotten familiar with the regulars - there was Bradley Bradshaw, a man far older than he looked, with a penchant for comandeering the piano if the bar needed livening up, Natasha Trace, who had a fiery personality and often kept the other guys in their place, especially when the beers were flowing and they started flirting with unsuspecting patrons, Robert Floyd, the shy backseater who was always polite, tipped well and seemed to be the permanent designated driver on nights out, Reuben Fitch, who stood about a foot taller than you, and always had a witty comeback on hand, just in case, Mickey Garcia, who was sweet, but could talk anyone’s ear off about Star Trek, and Javy Machado, resident score keeper and pool table champion. 

Leading the group, was your Aunt Penny’s boyfriend, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. He often would come in, finding a table at the back of the room for his squad before abandoning them to spend the evening at the bar, chatting your aunt up and offering up any excuse to come behind the bar and sneak a hand to her hip or steal a squeeze of her rear. It was sweet the way your aunt and Pete were loved up, like a couple of teenagers who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. 

This afternoon, Pete came in at four o’clock sharp, just as he promised to help set up. As he hung a couple of decorations you and your aunt had managed to find online, he turned to you and smiled, watching as you prepped the theme night’s cocktail menu.

“I forgot to tell you, another one of my guys is going to be here tonight. He’s been off training at a different base for the last few months, just landed in this morning. You’ll like him. He’s a firecracker.”

“Isn’t that your way of saying he’s a cocky asshole?”

“I wouldn’t say asshole. He’s just very…confident. I think you’ll like him though.”

“Are you talking about Jake?” Penny piped up as she looked at Pete, watching as he climbed up the step ladder to hang another decoration from the ceiling.

“Yeah, don’t you think they’d hit it off?”

“I think she might hit him.”

“What? No way. Jake’s not that bad.”

Penny scoffed and shook her head, laughing. Holding her hands up in surrender, she walked away, retreating back to the bar to begin making sure all the key ingredients to your drink menu were where they needed to be. You continued to stuff the evening’s special menus into their plastic protective sleeves, shaking your head at Pete’s attempts to try and set you up with someone from his squad. It wasn’t the first time, you’d been on a date with Bradley once before, but found the age gap was too great between the two of you, with Bradley in complete agreement that you were much better suited as friends than lovers, and on a date with Reuben, who, despite efforts between the two of you, there was no chemistry shared there. 

As five o’clock approached, you hurried into the back stockroom to change into your themed outfit for the night, pulling your hair out of the velcro rollers that Penny had helped you wrap your hair up into, creating the perfect 80s voluminous curl that would make even Christie Brinkley jealous. Your tight fitting Daisy Duke style shorts accentuated your curves, hugging your thighs and hips in all the right places, your crisp white button down shirt tied just under your bra, showing off your tanned, soft midsection. A pair of mid-sized silver hoop earrings hung from your earlobes to complete the look. Your aunt’s stash of Aqua-Net hairspray was all you needed to finish it off, stepping out the back door to shake your curls out and spray them with enough hairspray to ensure they wouldn’t budge for the night. 

You reentered the bar to find Pete’s friends piling in, the other regular patrons all trickling in and getting comfortable as they came through, turning the bar into a sea of cheesy fake mustaches and 80s style Hawaiian shirts, brightly coloured polos and coordinating Bermuda shorts, wigs and legwarmers. The evening was quickly livening up, and you got to work behind the bar with your aunt, pulling pints and mixing drinks, firing off orders left right and center as the bar filled with partygoers. 

An hour into the night, Bradley approached the bar, his aviator sunglasses perched atop his chocolate coloured curls, his loud, brightly coloured Hawaiian print shirt buttoned just enough to allow a few sparing curls of chest hair to peek out from the top. He leaned against the bar, smiling at you, his mustache neatly combed to closer resemble a style from the 80s. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear he was trying to emulate Tom Selleck. You’d seen pictures of Bradley’s dad and Pete from back in the 80s, and recognized the shirt anywhere. It was clear Bradley was dressed identically to his father, and you had to admire the dedication he had to the theme. 

“What can I get you, Bradshaw?”

“Hi dollface, I’ll take a Budweiser. And a chance to take you for a spin later?”

“We’ve done this before, Bradley,” you laughed as you cracked the top off the beer bottle and slid it across the counter to him. Bradley shook his head as he sipped the frothy liquid, grinning as he set the bottle down on the counter.

“I didn’t mean you. I’m practicing. I can’t be dressed like this and not use some kind of weird 80s shit to impress a girl, right? I’m just…using you for practice. Did it work?”

“Bradley, why don’t you, I don’t know, just, be yourself?” 

“Because tonight I’m not myself. I’m some single 39 year old in the 80s trying to get a date, apparently.”

“Well then, gag me with a spoon, that was gnarly. Try a different line. One that doesn’t begin with “dollface”?”

“Got it, thanks!”

You watched as Bradley sauntered away to go try his luck with a pretty blonde over by the jukebox. You smirked to yourself as you heard Bradley start singing along to Madonna, carrying the tune with an impressive baritone that you weren’t expecting. You knew he could sing, but singing Madonna was a whole new side to him. Turning your back for a moment, you began fixing a drink for yourself, mixing together the ingredients for a Shirley Temple. You looked up to see a tall, broad-shouldered blonde man approach the bar counter, his hair slicked back, and a blonde mustache that made poor Bradley’s look unimpressive rested on his upper lip. The most stunning pair of bright green eyes looked at you, and a set of perfectly straight, whitened teeth fresh out of a Colgate commercial flashed a smile at you.

“Hi Darlin’, I’ll take whatever’s on tap.”

“Sure thing,” You nodded, trying hard not to audibly gulp at the adonis of a man standing in front of you. 

“Are you new ‘round here?” he drawled, “I’d remember a pretty face like yours.”

“Uh, within the last four months, yeah.” you nodded as you finished pulling a pint of draught for him, the frothy head of the beer perfectly resting in the glass. 

“Oh! That’ll explain it. Lieutenant Jake Seresin, at your service, m’am.” He winked, and you felt yourself melt a little at the sight of this human embodiment of a Ken doll flirting with you. 

“You’re Jake?”

“Depends who’s askin’, Honey.” His accent was thick and heavy, something straight out of those reruns of The Andy Griffiths Show that your mom made you watch when you were a child.

“I’m Penny’s niece,” you nodded, giving him your name and laughing softly as your cheeks blushed, “I moved down here to help her out with things around here while I try to figure some life things out.”

“I see,” he smirked, sipping his beer, the foam brushing against his mustache as he set the glass down. “And does that list of things you’re figuring out include finding a strong, charming, handsome Southern boy?”

“It might, do you know any?” You quipped, raising an eyebrow as you sipped your own drink, pretending to feign disinterest in the handsome stranger before you.

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

“That so, hun? Who? Do I know him?”

“Not yet, but I think he sure would like to know you, Darlin’.”

You shook your head, your curls bouncing as you started to laugh, unable to control yourself. Jake was as bold as he was handsome, and you were suddenly realizing what Pete was referring to when he said that Jake was confident. He practically exuded a cocksure confidence from every pore in his body. And while that would normally repulse you and send you heading for the hills, with Jake, it felt different. You couldn’t help but feel drawn to him, his magnetic charms and graces pulling you in, and your inhibitions wearing down. However, you also knew how to deal with men like this - he was in need of an ego check, and you were just the person for the job. 

“Is that right? Well, you tell your little Southern-fried wannabe cowboy of a friend that if he’s interested, he’s going to have to stick around the bar all night. I promised Aunt Penny I’d help her make sure this night went smoothly, and I don’t need a knockoff Dukes of Hazzard cast member distracting me.” 

“Wannabe cowboy?” Jake gasped in feigned offence, clutching his chest dramatically as he slipped into an even thicker accent than earlier, “Now Darlin’, I don’t know if you know this, but you’re breakin’ my heart over here. One thing I ain’t is a wannabe cowboy. You know, I used to ride in rodeos as a kid? Was one of the best there was for under 15 year olds, ‘til I decided to join the Navy instead.”

“Oh, so you’re like, a real cowboy then,” you teased, your voice dripping with sarcasm. 

“S’pose you could say that. Only one real way to find out, ain’t there?”

“Take you to a farm and watch you wrangle cattle on horseback?” you retorted sarcastically.

“You’re funny, I like that.”

“I bet you do.” 

Jake leaned in across the bar, a smirk forming on his lips as he looked at you, his bright green eyes fixated on your lips as you spoke. His long eyelashes fluttered at you as he eyed you up, practically undressing you with his imagination. You grinned as you gestured to the sign behind you, reading that if you disrespect a lady, you owe everyone a round. 

“Watch it, Lieutenant. If you’re not careful, I’ll go ring that bell and you’ll learn a very expensive lesson.”

“Oh, Darlin’, I can guarantee, I ain’t gonna learn anything from it. I’m just dumb enough to do it again. Can’t help myself around a pretty girl like yourself.”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes, shaking your head as you laughed at his relentless attempt. You knew the only reason he persisted was because you were teasing him, but at the same time, you didn’t mind the attention he was giving you. He wasn’t as tall as Bradley, or as broad shouldered, but he was built like a linebacker, with a solid frame and the accent alone was enough to drive you crazy.

It was almost 11 when Jake stopped you again, this time, outside of the stockroom when you’d disappeared back there for more maraschino cherries and pineapple juice. He leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, causing his pastel-coloured polo shirt to bulge around his biceps. His lips curled up in that annoyingly perfect smile once again as he stood in your path.

“Hey, Honey, need a hand with that?”

“I’m fine, thanks,” you shrugged it off, shaking your head as you smirked at him, “You often follow girls into storage rooms?”

“Only the ones worth following.”

“Wow, Lieutenant, with a response like that, it’s a wonder you don’t have a trail of broken hearts following you around.”

“What is your issue, anyway? You got a thing against blondes? Pilots?”

“Please,” you smirked, shaking your head, “I went on a date with Rooster. He’s a pilot.”

“Is it ‘cause I’m from Texas?”

“No, it’s because you’re probably the most arrogant prick I’ve ever had the displeasure of coming across, actually. God, it’s like you think all you have to do is flash that stupid handsome smile and I’ll throw myself at you.”

Jake’s face fell slightly as he raised an eyebrow at you. You could tell he wasn’t used to having a girl put him in his place like this, but his crestfallen gaze was quickly replaced by that shit-eating grin he seemed to never go without sporting. 

“Honey, you’re real pretty when you get mean like that.”

“You’re impossible,” you sighed in exasperation.

“But you love it, don’t you?” 

Jake closed the gap between the two of you as he spoke, taking a couple steps closer to you. You bit your lip as you hesitated, thinking about the consequences that might follow if you acted on your desires. 

Fuck it. 

Your hands gripped the fabric of his polo shirt, pulling him down to your height as you crashed your lips into his passionately. You kissed a slow, hot trail up to his ear, a breathy moan escaping your lips as he put his hands on your hips to bring you in as close as possible, his body heat radiating on to you. 

“You gonna show me just how good you are, Cowboy?”

“Yes, m’am. I reckon I could show you a better time than any other man in here.”

Jake’s hand slipped down your curves, reaching around to cup your ass cheeks as he hoisted you up effortlessly, wrapping your legs around your waist. You quickly discarded the cherries and juice that were in your hands, wrapping your arms around his neck to steady yourself. Jake’s lips worked their way along your neck, wet, fervent kisses that made your body squirm with pleasure, your arousal growing and burning in your stomach with each second. 

“Back door?” He murmured against your neck, his hands keeping a firm hold of your ass.

“Two steps behind me, to the left,” you panted, nodding your head as he sucked on your skin. 

It was unseasonably warm for May, the humidity hanging in the air as you left the air conditioned building. Jake pushed you up against the wall, using it as leverage as he quickly reached down to undo your shorts and wiggled them out of the way. He ran two of his thick fingers along the outside of your lace underwear, stroking the dampened fabric as he smirked to himself.

“Someone’s eager, aren’t ya, Darlin’?”

“Just shut up and fuck me, ok?”

“Now, that any way to ask for it?”

A wicked grin appeared on his face as he slipped his fingers beneath the fabric, stroking at your clit with a feather light touch, just enough to make you whine for more. 

“Jake, I swear to fuck, if you don’t take me right now.”

“Shhh, Sugar, don’t want anyone to hear, do ya? Unless you get off on getting caught,” He purred as he coaxed his fingertips inside of your dripping entrance, pumping them into you with precision.

You tossed your head backwards as Jake thrusted his fingers further into you, each movement harder and faster than before. The determined look in his eye alone was almost enough to send you over the edge. This man was hell-bent on making you orgasm, and he was on the right track to get you there within a matter of seconds.

“Fuck, s-so close, Jake,” you keened, your fingers gripping his thick blonde hair as he brought you to your climax.

“That’s it, Sugar. Look at you, you’re a mess and I ain’t even started on you yet.”

“J-Jake, please,” you whimpered, coming undone as he fucked his fingers into you at a breakneck pace.

“Speak up, sweetheart, can’t hear ya.”

Your head started to spin as he pulled his fingers out of you, causing you to whine at the loss of contact. Just as you opened your mouth to speak, he slammed his hips forwards, shoving his thick cock inside of you, causing you to cry out in ecstasy at the sudden fullness. Trying to be quiet, you secretly thanked your lucky stars that the sounds of Your Love by The Outfield blared throughout the club. Just as the chorus picked up, Jake rocked his hips forwards again, fucking himself into you with enough force to make you feel as though he might blow your back out right then and there.

“That’s it, Sugar, takin’ me so well,” Jake smirked, “What was that you said about bein’ a wannabe cowboy? Bet those other boys can’t fuck you like this, now can they?”

You were practically rendered speechless by Jake’s precise, rhythmic thrusts into your cunt, his masculine grunting and teasing proving enough to throw you back over the edge once again. Your legs began to shake and shudder while he bucked his hips up into you, his eyes full of lust and hunger as he brought you to your second orgasm of the night. Your walls clenched around him tightly, eliciting a low, pornographic moan out of Jake. 

Raking your fingers through his hair, tugging on it as you threw your head back, you screamed out his name, louder than you intended. You lost your ability to hold yourself together as Jake’s thrusts became sloppier, his own orgasm following close behind yours. 

“Fuck, am I good?” He groaned, his eyes pleading for permission.

“On the pill, you’re good,” you panted, nodding quickly as Jake let himself go inside of you, your name falling from his lips like a sacred prayer as he repeated it over and over, praising you.

“Now, how ‘bout letting a strong, handsome Southern boy take you out on a date so he don’t feel so bad about fucking you until you can’t walk a couple hours after meetin’ ya?” He grinned as he readjusted himself and pulled his clothes back up. 

“I think I can fit you into my schedule, on one condition.”

“Mhmm? What’s that?”

“Next time, you come wearing a cowboy hat.”

“Deal, Sugar, I’ll even let you wear it.” 

[grimesproperty]

“ FRIENDS “

part two.

jj maybank x reader

—

Later that night you arrive at the boneyard, the sounds of music and laughter filling the air. You see the rest of the pogues gathered around a bonfire, talking and laughing.

Kiara and Sarah chat amongst themselves, while John B and Pope are throwing beers at empty cans for some Odd reason. JJ stands a bit farther away, his arms crossed, his expression more subdued than usual. He notices you arrive, but looks away quickly, avoiding your gaze.

"Hey sorry you guys, I was with my boyfriend and his friends." You said as you greeted the group with a smile and a beer bottle in your hands.

John B glances at you, his smirk returning. He takes a sip of his beer before replying, "Ah, the elusive boyfriend appears with his Kook entourage."

"You could say that. He was with Topper and the others. I just put on a smile for them," you said to him. John B rolled his eyes, clearly disapproving of the idea of you spending time with your boyfriend and his friends.

"Yeah, I bet it was really fun," he says, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Oh yeah, totally," you reply. Pope, who has been quietly listening until now, chimes in, "You know you don't have to pretend to enjoy it, right?"

"I never claimed to enjoy it, Pope," you said as you looked at the fire, taking a sip of your beer. Pope nodded a sympathetic expression on his face.

"Then why do it? You're beter off hanging with us than with a bunch of kooks, " He says to you.

"Because—" but no words come out of your mouth. You can't just tell them the truth, that your secret feelings for JJ have grown stronger with every passing minute. You're using your terrible boyfriend as a distraction from your true emotions.

"It's nothing, I'm going to get another drink," you said as you stood up, smiled at them, and walked off.

John B and Pope exchange a quick glance as they watch you walk away, both silently wondering what's going on in your mind. Meanwhile, JJ observes you from a distance, his expression still unreadable.

John B turns to look at Jj, annoyance evident in his eyes. "Why are you always so moody when it comes to her and her boyfriend?" he asks JJ.

jj lets out a huff of annoyance, before taking a swig of his beer. "I'm not in the mood to see her playing friends with a bunch of kooks, that's all. And she's been acting different since she started seeing that guy."

John B rolls his eyes, clearly fed up with JJ's attitude. "You're acting like a pouting child. So what if she's dating someone? You're not her keeper."

JJ's irritation flares up at John B's words, but before he can respond, Pope jumps in, trying to mediate. "Come on, guys, this isn't the time for fighting. Let's just enjoy the night."

John B nods, reluctantly agreeing with Pope. "Yeah, you're right..." he looks at JJ and gives him a stern look. "JJ, just chill out, yeah?"

JJ grumbles under his breath but nods grudgingly. "Fine, I'll chill out, happy now?"

Pope gives jj a weary look, hoping he will intend to keep his word. They all know arguing with jj when he's in a mood is like banging your head against a brick wall.

Sarah looks at jj suspiciously, "If there's something you're not telling us...." She leads off. JJ gives Sarah a sidelong glance, his expression guarded. "I don't know what you're talking about, Sarah, there's nothing to tell."

Sarah, not easily persuaded, moves closer to jj, her eyes narrowing. "You know you can talk to us, right? Were your friends."

JJ lets out a sigh, his walls slowly crumbling. "I know that." He glances off to the side, avoiding everyone's eyes on him. "it's just... complicated, alright?"

Eventually, as you return with a drink in hand, the conversation abruptly stops, jj quickly turns his gaze away from yours, avoiding eye contact. John B and Sarah exchange a knowing look, their suspicion growing.

You sat next at the only spot open next to jj. The others exchange discreet glances as you sit down beside jj.

There’s a palpable tension in the air as if every small action is being heavily scrutinized. Jj is unusually quiet, his arms still by his side and gaze fixed on the fire.

The silence continues, the only sound being the crackling of the bonfire and the distant sounds of laughter and music from the other people.

Your attention shifts towards the water where your boyfriend and his friends are, loudly laughing and stumbling around, clearly drunk.

The sight makes you feel a pang of irritation and annoyance. While the others are occupied with their own conversations, jj notices your the direction of your gaze.

JJ leans forward, his arms resting on his knees, but he lets out a scoff under his breath.

Clearly not impressed by the sight of your boyfriend and his friends. "seems like those kooks are getting wasted tonight."

John B taking a sip of his drink chimes in, "Yeah, those guys are something else. Acting like they own the Goddamn island."

As your boyfriend and his friends stumble towards where you are all sitting, it becomes increasingly obvious that they're visibly inebriated.

Some of them have their shirts off, and they're clearly trying to show off for the girls present.

The others watching roll their eyes anticipating what's about to come next. You look up at your boyfriend and speak up, "Hey, too much to drink?"

Your boyfriend, a bit more intoxicated than the others, slurs his words as he grins a you, "Nah, just enough." he looks around at his friends, who are also pretty drunk. "We're just having some fun, baby."

Kelce, belches loudly, eliciting snickers from the others. "Yeah, we know how to enjoy ourselves, unlike some people." he casts a pointed glance at the pogues.

JJ's jaw clenches, his irritation growing. "Yeah, you guys sure know how to make asses of yourselves."

Your boyfriend, still unsteady on his feet, scowls at JJ's comment, taking offense. "Hey, what's your problem man? You got a problem with us having a good time?"

JJ meets your boyfriend's gaze, a challenge in his eyes. "No, I just don't like arrogant assholes who think they own every goddamn thing on this island."

You turn to jj, "Jayj," you said in a warning tone to cut it out. JJ turns his gaze away from your boyfriend and looks at you, his expression immediately softening. "Yeah?"

"Don't start anything, he's drunk." You say to him standing beside him, jj's irritation towards your boyfriend is still clear in his eyes, but he takes a deep breath and nodes. "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut."

You nod at him as a silent thank you, "He doesn't know what he is saying that's all," you say to him. John B rolls his eyes at your boyfriend's drunken state. "yeah we can tell, someone probably needs to get him before he embarrasses himself even more."

"And before he ends up doing something stupid," Pope adds in. Your boyfriend, still slurred, puffs out his chest at the comments. "Hey, I can handle myself. I don't need anyone to babysit me."

JJ snorts derisively. "Oh yeah, you're doing a great job handling yourself right now," he says to your boyfriend.

Your boyfriend now stumbles forward, "Watch it, man. Don't talk to me like that."

Earning jj to step forward as well, his eyes narrowing. "Or what? You gonna do something about it?" jj says to him. Your boyfriend takes a wobbly step closer, anger etched in his features. "You wanna find out? I'll beat your ass, Maybank."

You tried to intervene, as well as Pope and John B, sensing the tension escalating into something more. "Come on, guys, just chill out for a minute." John B says to the two.

"there's no need for this to turn into a fight!" You say to them, jj while also trying to diffuse the situation, remains tense and prepared to defend himself if necessary.

"yeah, listen to them. You wouldn't fare too well in a fight, you're too drunk to even stand straight." JJ says, earning a shove from your boyfriend.

JJ stumbles back, the unexpected shove catching him off guard. Immediately, John B and Pope jump up, trying to get between them.

"Whoa, hey, now let's all calm down!" Pope says, meanwhile, the other kooks continue to egg your boyfriend on. Your boyfriend with his drunk bravado, sneers at JJ. "what, you're just gonna take that? I thought you were all talk Maybank."

JJ's face harden, a mix of anger and restraint, He clenched his fist wanting more than to knock your boyfriend flat on his ass, but he's holding back for your sake.

"Trust me, I'm more than all talk." He says. John B and pope contunite to try and de-esculate the situation, but the other kooks are clearly enjoying the potential fight, taunting and jeering from the sidelines.

That's when your boyfriend tries to punch him, jj despite being a bit off guard manages to sidestep your boyfriend's sloppy punch, causing him to stumble forward. "Is that the best you've got?" Jj says with a laugh.

"Come on, man, hit him!" Kelce shouts at your boyfriend. Your boyfriend, humiliated straightens up and charges towards jj once more. JJ ends up punching him in the face.

Your boyfriend stumbles back, clutching his jaw where jj's punch landed solidly. The kooks go silent for a moment, surprised by the swiftness of jj's punch.

"Jayj! What the hell!" you shouted at him. As your boyfriend falls back, holding his aching jaw, JJ stands his ground, chest heaving with adrenaline and anger.

"You asked for that," jj says to him. Your boyfriend throws a punch at JJ. He quickly reflexes, sidesteps the incoming punch, and retailites with a jab to your boyfriend's stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

You let out a loud gasp, the other pogues with shock written all over their faces. People stop what they are doing as their attention lands on jj and your boyfriend.

JJ stands firmly, panting slightly from the tussle, his eyes locked on your boyfriend who is kneeling over, gasping for breath. The kooks watch the unexpected spectacle unfold.

The kooks embarrassed and angry that their friend was beaten, turn their attention towards the rest of the pogues. Their previous arrogance is replaced by a dangerous sort of anger.

A few of them start to step forward, the liquid courage fueling their belligerence.

Your boyfriend regains his balance and heads for jj again. But you stop him, stepping in between him and JJ.

Everyones eyes widen in surprise, espicially jj's. Your boyfriend freezes. You stare at him dead in the eyes.

“back up, now." Your assertive tone caused the kooks to pause. Their intended aggression faltered for a moment.

Your boyfriend, though still seething with anger, also looks surprised. He staggers a little, torn between continuing his charge. "You need to leave now." You said to him.

Your boyfriend stands there for a moment, his eyes locking with yours. He looks like he wants to say something but instead turns to follow the other kooks, throwing a last glare at jj before walking away.

The tension slowly subsides as the kooks retreat. their bravado replaced by a sense of defeat. The pogues let out a collective sigh of relief, and John B and Pope give you a look of thanks.

You turned around and shoved jj — pissed off by what just happened — what he caused. "What the fuck was that?!" You yelled at him.

jj stumbles backward, a mix of confusion and hurt flashing across his face.

"What the hell?! What do you mean what was that? He started it!" JJ shouted back at you. "He was drunk!" you fired back,

he looked at you incredulously, his irratiion still bubbling beneath he surface. "So that's an excuse for him to try and deck me? You're defending him?"

"No jay i-" You were about to finish your sentence until jj cuts you off, his voice rising, "I don't get it. He was coming at me. I was just defending myself, and now you're getting mad at me?" he runs a frustrated hand through his hair, struggling to understand your anger.

"I'm sick of your shit jj!" You said to him, his eyes narrow at your words, hurt and anger now mixing together, "What the hell is that supposed to mean? I was trying to defend myself. What did you want me to do, just let him beat me up?"

"No, because I wasn't going to let him touch you!" You shouted at him. JJ scoffs — disbelief evident in his voice. "And what were you gonna do? Get in the middle of it, and get yourself hurt?"

"for you! YES!" You yelled out while you stared at him intensely, the words you said making a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Why would you do that? you could've gotten hurt, and for what?" He says to you.

"Because I fucking love you jayj!"

part three here

[kurishiri]

01 . . . william v.s. darius

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: none.

Today was what one would call a comfortable, ideal day.

Kate: Thank you for inviting me here, Will.

K: It really has been a while since we last visited the city. I’m really looking forward to it.

William: As am I. Besides——

W: The possibility of encountering something unexpected is another thing I do look forward to, perhaps.

The glance he gave me made my heart flutter...

Kate: I would assume there’s some reason why we’re going out to the street fair going on today, right?

...and I returned his look with a searching one of my own, seeing those lips forming a perfect arc.

William: It is a reward for a very clever and discerning little robin——

W: Ahh, before that, though, let us extend our greetings to our guest here.

When I followed his gaze, there I saw Darius, who was walking toward us with a bright, innocent smile playing on his lips.

Darius: Hello there, Sir Rex. I’ve been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to be able to chat with you.

D: Ahh, and to the little miss fairytale keeper as well. Hello there.

Kate: Hi, Darius. Were you taking a stroll?

Darius: It’s such a good day out, it would be a shame if I stayed holed up in the castle, you see.

William: So, it would appear the castle is slightly too cramped for your tastes.

Darius: Whoops, you got me.

D: The higher-ups here in the castle are so stiff and formal, I could hardly take it. In fact, it was getting a bit hard to breathe, so I came here to escape, you see.

Kate: I see, then——

I was about to invite Darius as well, when I suddenly realized something.

(That’s right, Will was about to say something a couple minutes ago too. If this outing has anything to do with a mission...)

I probably shouldn’t be the one to decide that, so I turned toward Will, only to find him staring at me with an amused expression.

William: It is as you wish, Kate.

Kate: Thank you.

(As always, he seems to know exactly what I’m thinking.)

Darius: What’s this now? Will you let me join your merry group?

Kate: Darius, how about you join us in going to a street fair?

K: Since you have come a long way to England, it would make me happy if you ended up enjoying London.

Darius: Well that sounds very interesting. Perhaps I’ll take you up on your offer.

A smile blossomed on Darius’ face in an instant, and the sight made Will narrow his eyes in response.

William: Alright then, let us share a carriage then to the fair, the three of us. [1]

—— In a carriage ——

William: So the other day, we took down a crime syndicate that committed a great many thefts,

W: and that organization would have impoverished children steal in exchange for a generous reward.

W: We have taken the children who have been used by them under custody and are supporting them now, but that is not to say we were able to completely wipe all the traces out.

Darius: ——I imagine many of those children would stain their hands with crime once again in order to survive.

D: And what better place to do so than a street fair, which is teeming with people?

D: That’s why you are going to patrol around, and should you find any child who may have relations to that organization, you will take them into custody...

D: I wonder, did my guess hit the mark, Sir Rex?

William: Straight in the mark. I would expect no less from you, director.

Darius: I’m deeply honored by your kind words.

D: Even so, though, going out to find the children who had been targeted...

D: It’s a little reminiscent to Versteckspiel.

William: Indeed, it’s fine to see this as a game of hide and seek.

W: After all, since you are staying in England for a period of time, I would like for the director of Vogel to have fun in this fair.

Kate: The fairs here in England are really fun, so I myself enjoy them too. Ah, look, we’re almost there.

When we got off the carriage in front of the fair venue, Darius’ eyes lit up at the scene before him.

Darius: Wow, it’s so lively here. Ah, what are those wavy things?

Kate: Those are garlands the people have decorated the city with. They’re all handmade, so they come in many different shapes.

Darius: Ohh, then are those flags also garlands? They have such an interesting shape. And there are so many shops I don’t know where to even start.

D: They’re a tad different from the festivals over in Germany, but the excitement never changes for any festival.

Darius’ eyes wandered around everywhere with interest, and his frolicking had a very innocent air.

(I’m glad he’s having fun. Just seeing him makes me happy as well.)

William: It seems like he is having a good time.

Kate: Right? I’m glad I invited him. Ah, look, there’s a pie wagon coming!

William: Would you care for some berry pie, director?

Will and I went to buy enough pies for three people, offering one to Darius.

However, once he took the pie, he only stared down at it, not bothering to eat any of it.

William: Oh? It is considered bad manners to eat while you stand. Or perhaps…

Without putting on any airs, Will grabbed his own portion and took a bite.

At the sight of him chewing and swallowing, seeming to enjoy the taste, Darius widened his eyes.

William: If you were worried that poison had been mixed in, let this be proof that it is a groundless worry.

Will wiped the berry sauce on the corner of his lips with his thumb, smiling as he met Darius’ gaze.

Darius: Ahaha, to think you would fulfill the role of a poison taster of your own volition… it’s almost wasted on you.

D: But, that is also groundless on your part.

D: I am actually quite good, you see, at eating with bad manners.

The next moment, he took a large bite out of the pie, stuffing his cheeks.

Kate: Oh, you’ve got cream all over your mouth.

Darius: Hmm? It’s fiiine. Here, why don’t you have some, too, miss fairytale keeper? It’s scrumptious.

Darius paid zero mind to the fact that cream was on his face,

and seeing him munching so happily——

I remembered how he had mentioned that the castle felt a bit cramped.

(So right now, I would like it if he can spread his wings out as far as he can.)

Seeing the two before me so casually eat away, naturally my cheeks started to relax.

With a liberating feeling, I also took a large bite out of my pie.

Kate: Mm! It’s really good!

(Ah, come to think of it…)

Kate: Darius, you mentioned that you like foods that are either hard to make or hard to obtain, right?

Darius: Huh?

Kate: Those types of things don’t seem to be around here, so I will try to find some again next time!

Darius: Oh wow, so you remember the things that others have said very well.

William: Our little robin here is one to take actions for others; it is one of her virtues.

W: This pie as well, I see you have chosen my favorite flavor.

Kate: Yes, as I don’t make a mistake when it comes to whatever you say tastes good.

Darius: Ah, you like strawberries, don’t you, Sir Rex?

William: Oh? How did you know?

Darius: Is it not natural to do some research on the people you want to get along with?

William: Ahaha, your ardent words are loving music to my ears, director.

W: Actually, I am in the midst of unraveling the mystery that is you.

Darius: Oh? You are?

William: Indeed, I have come to learn a variety of things about you in this short time we’ve spent together.

W: Such as how you so heartily eat pie, among other things.

Darius: Ahaha, you aren’t wrong about that.

William: If the little robin hadn’t invited the director on this outing, such would remain a mystery. So thank you, Kate.

Kate: If you would like to give thanks, it is better suited for the ‘coincidence’ of meeting Darius right before we left.

K: Besides, I feel the same. I would like to get to know you more, Darius.

When I turned toward Darius, his entire face was smiling.

Darius: So you would like to get along more with me, miss fairytale keeper. I’m delighted to hear.

D: Let’s play together and get along much, much more, okay? And Sir Rex as well.

William: You can call me William.

Darius: Then you can just call me Darius. And miss fairytale keeper, that goes for you too?

Kate: Huh, is it really alright for me to call you Darius as well?

Darius: Why, of course. There’s no need to get so caught up in formalities if we’re going to get along with each other, right? So call me Darius, okay?

Kate: Okay then, Darius. I’ll do that from now on!

Then, William extended a hand to Darius.

William: We welcome you to England.

Smiling, Darius exchanged a handshake with Will.

Darius: Thank you. I hope next time you’ll find a time to come visit us in Germany.

D: Of course, that goes for both Crown… and the little miss fairytale keeper.

—— Scene change ——

While enjoying the lively festivities in contrast to the everyday, we could hear a notably loud shout of joy.

Darius: Hm? What are they all doing over there?

With our interests piqued, we headed toward the area where people were gathered, and——

Kate: Oh, they’re throwing horse shoes.

Darius: Ohh, it looks so fun. Now I want to try it.

William: Well then, I may participate as well.

Darius: Ah, then how about we have a match?

William: I don’t mind. I do imagine having a reward for the winner would make this match even more interesting as well, but…

Darius: Then how does miss fairytale keeper here sound for a reward?

to be continued…

will vs darius jude vs nica alfons vs ring

first next →

NOTES:

[1] Will says [ひとつ共有しておこう] (hitotsu kyouyū shite okō), which means “sharing one”... thing... in order to like stay as a three man group at the fair. I just assumed he meant a carriage, as the next scene takes place in a carriage, but I may be wrong here.

full masterlist 🌹🪽

[thetarsier]

heyyy!! i hope you’re well!! i was hoping you could write a jealous!aaron x reader where she’s basically getting hit on while she’s at girls night and maybe penelope snaps a picture of her and the guy and sends it to the BAU gc and aaron basically drives over and suprises you because he was jealous

a/n: hi! thank you for the request, lovely, i was so excited to write this one :)

Word Count: 2k

Warnings/notes: drinking, asshole-type men (yes that's a warning)

<3: aaron hotchner x fem!reader, established relationship

Girls' night always - always - ended in one of your own getting hit on. Usually, it was JJ, but Emily fielded her fair share of creepy drunk men. Penelope tended to go after men herself, and you were the quiet one that laughed along with the others at the strange men eyeing them up. Rarely were you ever the target of their affections. 

It was something that the other girls constantly tried to change, with JJ repeatedly pointing you out to the men who came over to the table (which almost always ended in you ducking away to the bathroom until the guy got the hint). They didn’t know that you were more than content being an observer of their conversations, happy to celebrate the numbers Emily and Penelope received and laugh over the rejections of the men that came after JJ. 

They didn’t know, because they all still thought that you were single. You’d never told them otherwise, and that was mostly because of who you were currently dating: Aaron Hotchner, your boss. 

It was a connection that blossomed over the many years of you being at the BAU, not the same as some rushed, half-assed attempt to score during a night out. He loved you, and you loved him, and you were trying to take it slow out of the eyes of your coworkers. It’d worked for almost two years now with only a few minor slip-ups that were easy to explain away to the people who’d witnessed them. 

Not Rossi, however. Rossi had you two figured out almost as soon as you started to take things seriously, and now he acted as your protector. He changed subjects, scolded, and made those who questioned you or Aaron seem stupid. He was the perfect person to have as a secret keeper, mostly because he didn’t have it in him to care that much. 

And he’d done a beautiful job, too. It was a running joke on the BAU group chat that Penelope’s mission on your nights out was to find you someone to go home with. This was why, despite your usual invisibility, when a guy approached you at the bar, you were left alone with him, your girlfriends disappearing into the crowd around you. 

“-And so, yeah, I would say I’m self-made. I mean, my dad did lend me most of the money I used to actually start up, and all of my customers came from the family company, too, but I run the place, you know?” The guy interrupted his ramblings to take a sip from his beer, and you continued your nodding. 

You were used to listening to fast ramblings, thanks to Spencer, but usually his monologues were interesting, and you could follow them with relative fascination. This guy was just… awful. At storytelling, and being a good conversationalist in general.

“He hasn’t stopped talking this whole time,” JJ observed from their table, shaking her head, “Can’t imagine he’s particularly decent.”

“She hasn’t walked away, yet, though,” Emily shrugged, “Maybe he’s like Reid?”

“Does he look like Reid?” Penelope pulled her phone out of her bag, “Doesn’t matter. Mission half accomplished - everyone has to see this.”

She snapped a photo of the two of you, him leaning into you, you leaning onto the bar. From an outsider's perspective, with the angle that Penelope had taken the photo, it might have looked like you were enjoying his advances more than you actually were. You felt the vibration in your pocket as Penelope sent your photo to the group chat, but you didn’t look, too focussed on how you were going to get out of the man’s company without causing a scene to care about what your phone was doing.

“Oh, look,” Emily pointed to Penelope’s phone, “Morgan’s already responded-” She switched to a lower tone of voice as she read out the man’s text. “-Doesn’t count, Babygirl. Nobody’s gone home yet.”

“He’s right, you know,” JJ looked back at you and the man, “And I don’t think this is a match made in heaven.”

“I can’t keep losing this bet!” Penelope complained as she shoved her phone back in her bag and sat down, disheartened. 

“Ha!” Emily laughed, looking at her own phone, “Hotch has seen it.”

“Oh, that’s embarrassing,” JJ stifled her own laugh by taking a sip of her drink, “Delete it, Garcia. Her boss has seen that.”

“He’s seen it all - he’s in the group chat,” Penelope defended, “Maybe the embarrassment of her constant failure will lure her into a perfect match.”

“That makes sense,” Emily commented sarcastically, eyes roaming over the crowd. 

You laughed politely at the man’s joke before averting your eyes down to your lemonade. You weren’t supposed to be the designated driver - the four of you were meant to get a cab - but once you’d found out about Penelope’s plan, you’d switched to non-alcoholic drinks. 

It wasn’t that you didn’t trust yourself, but you studied serial killers and rapists for a living, and you knew that some men liked to take advantage. If you were drunk, you couldn’t defend yourself as well as if you were sober. Usually, it wasn’t an issue - you had your girls - but sometimes the anxiety was too much for you to enjoy a drink, and that anxiety only increased tenfold when you were left alone with a guy.

The man’s droning on was getting so tedious that when you looked over his shoulder and saw Aaron - neat suit and all - you thought you had imagined him. Then, when he started moving closer, you started to worry that he would get the wrong idea. 

But, he knew you, and you could tell by his caution that he was well aware of how you were feeling, tuned into your discomfort. Once you’d confirmed that your boyfriend was, in fact, in the same bar as you, you smiled and communicated with your eyes something that you hoped sounded like: ‘Get the hell over here right now.’

“Excuse me,” Aaron attached himself to your side, and you instantly felt safer, “What are we talking about over here?”

“Hey, back off, man,” The guy stood up straighter, and Aaron slipped an arm around your waist, “I’ve been talking to her all night.”

“Yes, and clearly it was riveting conversation,” Aaron eyed the many empty bottles surrounding the two of you and then your own singular glass of lemonade with disdain, “But it’s time to say goodnight.”

He didn’t even allow the man to say anything else, just used his grip on your waist to spin the two of you around and toward where he knew the girls were sitting. His arm left your waist once the two of you were no longer shielded by other people, and as you approached the tall table, sliding into the spare chair, you scowled at Penelope. 

“Next time you try to set me up against my will, at least make sure he’s not a jerk.” 

“Next time, my love.” She promised, placing a warm hand on your shoulder. 

Aaron stood to your right, in between you and JJ, and you gestured to him as you looked between your three friends, “Look at who had to come and save me,” You feigned annoyance, and acted as though you were secretly telling the girls of your embarrassment, “How did you even know we were here?”

“Oh, my God. He saw the photo.” Penelope gasped.

“The what?”

“Garcia put a photo of you and the guy on the group chat to try and prove that she’d succeeded in her mission,” JJ admitted, amusement swimming in her blue eyes as she looked between you and Aaron. 

“Oh, you’re asking for an HR case,” You pointed a finger at the flamboyant blonde, who smiled sweetly at you, tucking her hands underneath her chin, “You sent a picture of me at a bar to all of my colleagues?”

“If it makes you feel any better, Morgan said it doesn’t count.”

“Oh, great, so you sent my picture to my colleagues, and it didn’t even count.” You were only joking with them, and each of them was well aware of that fact. 

“Still,” Emily turned her attention back to Aaron, “Why are you here?”

You also turned to look back at him as he rubbed the back of his neck. He clearly hadn’t thought much past the initial urge to save you from your misery, and you were sure that not even Rossi could’ve lied your way out of the situation. 

“Um…” He narrowed his eyes, brain working overtime for something believable, “I was here already for, the, uh…” 

His eyes darted down to yours in desperation. You laughed at him, leaning your head back onto his shoulder and reaching your hand down to grab at his. The secrecy was on your account, as most things in your relationship were; not only because he was technically your boss, but also because he was head-over-heels obsessed with you. It was created on your account, and you would be the one to break it. 

“Okay, guys, there’s a reason why I never go home with anyone from the bar…” You grinned, peeking up at Aaron from where the back of your head rested just below his chin before you looked back at the girls. 

Penelope was shocked into silence, her mouth wide open, hands stuck out by her sides, JJ was sporting a happy smile of her own, and Emily had a hand over her mouth, eyes blown with shock. After a few seconds of silence, where Aaron squeezed your hand to soothe both of your nerves, the group sprung into action. 

“Oh, my God!” Emily chuckled, “I knew there was something going on. I knew it!” 

“Oh, this is… This is…” Penelope waved her hands around. 

“Wonderful,” JJ finished, reaching over to touch your other hand that rested on the table, “And congratulations - you had everyone fooled.”

“It’s been hard,” You conceded, “Sometimes during hard cases, it was slightly too hard, but we’ve gotten through it.”

“Oh, you guys,” Penelope tilted her head to the side, “You’re too adorable.”

“And on that note,” You smiled, picking up your purse, “I think we should probably go.”

You said your goodbyes, and Aaron managed to get out his own through his uncharacteristic blushes and stutters, and you made your way out to Aaron’s car, hand in hand. 

“Why did you come?” You asked him out of curiosity once he’d climbed into his side of the car.

“Honest answer?” He raised an eyebrow and you nodded, turning your body towards his, “Really, I saw that photo of you with the guy, and I didn’t even think about it. I just got in the car.”

“Oh, you were jealous,” You teased, poking his arm gently, “It’s okay, Hotchner, I’m all yours, anyway.”

“Good,” He leaned over the centre console, fingers gripping your chin and encouraging your face closer to his, “Because I’m all yours.” 

Each of his kisses was a seal to his promise.

It was only in the morning, when you finally checked your phone after a night with Aaron, that you realised another photo had been snapped of you. One of you and Aaron walking out of the bar holding hands. Penelope had sent it to the group chat with the message ‘Mission finally successful.’ 

The group chat had barely shut up since, question after question rolling into your inbox.  

You groaned, falling back into your pillow, where Aaron kissed a path from the tip of your middle finger to your cheek, smiling against your skin. 

“If it makes you feel any better, Dave will stop bothering us about telling the truth now,” He mumbled into your neck, and you sighed, a smile on your face as you played with his hair. 

“Very true, Hotchner. Just remember: it was your jealousy that got us into this mess, so you’re dealing with the questions we’re going to get.”

He laughed into your skin, an agreement.

[katiemccabeswife]

It's Not Your Fault.

Matildas x Fem!Reader

After losing against England in the semis, not only do you feel guilty but people are blaming you.

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: Vomiting, crying, threats (breifly mentioned), death (very breifly mentioned), self depricating thoughts, sad reader :(

You were one of the youngest players on the team, technically speaking you were the youngest being a few months younger than Mary. Despite your age, and compared to the other girls -your lack of experience, you were still a part of the starting lineup for the semi-finals against England.

You had played in all of the other games, if only for a few minutes at the end of a game, including the game against France. You participated in the penalty shoot-out and managed to get the ball past the keeper which brought you and your team to this point.

You were more nervous than excited but you wouldn’t admit that to any of the girls. The Matilda’s had made history for Australia and women’s soccer and that’s exactly what the girls would tell you for you expressed your worries about the game. They’d tell you that they along with the rest of Australia would have your back and no matter the outcome, everything would be ok. You didn’t want to listen to the girls lie to you, so you said that you were fine and excited.

It didn’t help that some of the girls apart of the Lionesses squad were your teammates from Arsenal. You were still kind of new to the club and were still building relationships with the girls and you didn’t want tension between the group if your team beat theirs or vice versa. Steph and Caitlin would be in the same position as you but they were already well settled into the team and you doubted a loss could ruin the relationships already built.

To sum it up you were shitting bricks and your stomach hurt from stress and worry. You smiled and chatted to the little girl you walked out with, sang the national anthem and smiled for the team picture but once the camera went down and you were in place, ready to start the game, you almost started crying and throwing up.

~

You didn't get any goals. Sam got one, but so did Ella. And Lauren. And so did Alessia.

You did however have almost the perfect shot but your anxiousness washed over you like a hot shower and you passed it off to Mary who missed. You know you should have taken it, everyone does. No one would blame Mary for missing but they would blame you for not taking the shot. Whilst the goal may not have made you win, it could have boosted morale and encouraged one of the others to get another goal that could have won it for Australia.

You passed the ball to Mary but you didn’t run towards an open space to give her options, you stood there with a blank face before bending over and clutching onto your stomach. You heard a few people boo when you chipped the ball and you knew they were booing you. You were booing you as well.

You walked up to Mary and pat her on the back, “I’m so sorry Mary, I should have taken the shot. I’m sorry, I panicked.” Your eyes had filled with tears and your free hand was still clutching your stomach.

“It’s ok, don’t worry about it,” Mary smiled at you in reassurance but you knew she was upset.

“I’m sorry,” You nodded to her before running back to position.

You lost the game for Australia and you felt worse than when you started. You barely held on when the final whistle sounded. You say yourself onto the floor before rolling onto your stomach and crying into your arms, trying to block out the lionesses celebrating. You tried to keep your shoulders still as you sobbed and held your breath when someone came and tapped you on the back or whispered to you that you played well.

You slowed your tears as you did the walk around and again when you and the whole team stood in a heart shape and listened to what Tony had to say, but you didn’t stop them when you walked through the tunnel. You didn’t say ‘Hi’ to any fans nor signed anything, you were sure no one would want to even look at you.

You walked right into the bathrooms and threw up everything you had in your stomach. You were dry-heaving when you felt someone rubbing your back. You leaned your forehead onto your arm and sobbed. The hand stayed there.

You weren’t sure whose hand it was as you stayed in the bathroom cubicle until Sam came and helped you stand before wrapping you into a hug.

“I’m so sorry, Sammy. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” You repeated over and over as new tears began to fall.

"It’s ok, chick. It’s ok,” She reassured with tears in her own eyes.

“Everyone’s gotta hate me, I lost the game for us. I’m so sorry Sammy,” You sobbed loudly.

She pulled you away for the crook of her neck and held onto the sides of your face, “Chick, this is a team sport. You didn’t lose the game, we lost the game. It’s not your fault, no one hates you,”

“Maybe you guys don’t but everyone else will,”

“Well they can go fuck themselves, I’d like to see them play professional football,” You laughed lightly through sobs, “C’mon let’s get goin',” She kissed you on the forehead and guided you towards the bus.

~

Sam was right, but so were you. The girls didn't hate you or blame you, that you knew of, but the rest of Australia did. You were messaged horrible things, threats, death wishes and they were also commented on all of your socials even going back to your earliest posts.

Hayley caught you scrolling through the gate messages, turned off your comments and blocked everyone that DMed you. You were rooming with her so she heard you crying under your duvet and in the shower and tried to cheer you up.

You were grateful for her efforts but if anything, it made you feel more guilty. Yes, not only were you mourning the loss but also fighting against the immense hate you were getting but Hayley was also mourning the loss and you felt guilty that she was trying to take care of you when she should have been taking care of herself.

You ended up spending a lot of time in bed over the next few days, opting out of team bonding time, either sleeping or crying. When it came to training, as you had the match for 3rd place coming up, you were pushing yourself to a new limit and staying afterwards to continue practising.

After dinner with the girls, Hayley came into your room and sat you up against the headrest before turning the TV on. After flicking through a few channels, a familiar face popped onto the screen.

"The good thing about playing a team sport," Sam's voice filled the room, "Is that it's never one person's fault, or it's never one person that made the team win. And I think that without Y/N the whole team, I mean Tony will probably tell you, that our whole team plan changes. She's such a...an amazing player, and being so young she holds so much potential"

You had tears in your eyes as you continued watching the news. Chloe Logarzo also spoke on the matter which made your heart warm as you had never even spoken to the girl and she was defending your honour. Hayley let the news continue playing as she pulled out her phone and wrapped her arm around you.

She pulled up Instagram and clicked on various stories. All of your fellow Australians had posted pictures of you and them saying how proud they were of you, Ellie's kindly saying, "My superstar, leave her alone <3". Some of the girls from Arsenal even posted similar things that Hayley showed you before going into her camera roll and showing you pictures of fans with signs for you, those who also posted for you and those who had DMed you expressing gratitude for you and congratulating you.

You were crying again, but tears of happiness. Hayley hugged you before bringing you down to the girls who hugged you 'til you were scared their arms would fall off.

[archiveikemen]

"Don't Look At Anyone But Me" Collection Event

Nica Schwartz

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting

On my way back after submitting a report, I heard someone call out to me.

Nica: The young lady over there. 

Standing there was one of the twins from Vogel.

Kate: Can I help you?

Nica: Actually, I got lost. 

Nica: Would you be kind enough to guide me? 

I was puzzled by the sudden request, but I nodded and he narrowed his almond-shaped eyes. 

Nica: Thanks. 

Kate: Don’t mention it, where are you headed? 

Nica: The room we’re staying in. Do you know where it is? 

Kate: Yes, this way! 

I pointed down the corridor and started walking with him following behind me chuckling. 

Nica: Fancy running into you like this, I really am as lucky as ever. 

(Harrison’s warning made me a little wary of Vogel’s members, but Nica is easy to talk to and doesn't seem like a bad person.) 

Even though I knew he was lying about something, it wasn't clear whether it was out of malice. 

(It’s not a good habit to judge someone you just met, right?) 

I was deep in thought while walking, and we soon arrived at Vogel’s room. 

Nica: Thanks for the help, “Spatzi ¹”.

Kate: “Spatzi”?

Nica: It’s German for “Robin”.

Nica: Crown calls you “Robin”, right?

Nica: So “Spatzi” it is.

¹ In the original text, Nica says ロビン which is basically hiragana for literally "Robin" and later explains that he actually said it in German. I previously made a post asking how I should translate this into a German word and the general consensus was "Spatzi" because I was told that's a term of endearment in German, so I decided to use this word. Do feel free to let me know in the notes if there's a better word, as I don't know the German language at all.

He sat down on the sofa and shifted his gaze to the seat across from him. 

Nica: Won’t you have a seat? 

Kate: Huh? 

Nica: It's rare for us to meet like this, so let’s chat a little. I want to know more about your job and all sorts of other things.

While I was feeling tense because it was only the two of us in the room, he propped his chin on his hand.

Nica: Besides…

Nica: I’m interested in you. 

Nica was smiling, but his eyes resembled those of a predator who had caught its prey. 

He looked pleased when I hesitantly sat down, and he called a maid to prepare some tea. 

Nica: Well then, shall we start by reintroducing ourselves?

Kate: Yes, please. 

Nica: I’m Nica Schwartz, a strategist for Vogel, an organisation under direct command of the Emperor of Germany. 

Kate: What does the job of a strategist entail?

Nica: I gather information, act as the brains of the group, and support Dari in various ways.

Nica: The details are confidential. 

Nica: Ah, right. Just call me Nica. No need to be formal with me.

Kate: Understood, Nica.

Nica’s smile widened when I called him by his name and he pointed at me. 

Nica: Now it’s your turn. 

Kate: I’m Kate, a Fairytale Keeper. There were all sorts of reasons that landed me in this job position, but I used to work as a mailwoman.

Nica: Hmm, you must know your way around pretty well, then?

Kate: Yes! I’ve delivered mail all over London, so I know it well enough to show people around. 

Nica: That’s great, I’ll have you show me around next time. 

As I reached for my teacup, Nica’s words interrupted.

Nica: What does the Fairytale Keeper do? 

Kate: I accompany Crown in their activities and record anything that happens.

(There are actually various other things, but…)

I figured it wasn't wise to go into the details, so I decided not to elaborate.

Nica: But you’re only an ordinary person, right? Isn’t it dangerous? 

Kate: Everyone at Crown made a promise to protect me.

Nica: Uh-huh…

Although he looked like he was listening, there was something about his tone that sounded as if he was getting ideas that made me a little uneasy.

But that feeling quickly went away when his expression suddenly brightened.

Nica: So you’re Crown’s super, super, cute little Spatzi. 

Nica: You must be really important to them.

Kate: I- I wouldn't say that…

(While it’s true that they treat me with courtesy…) 

It all started because I witnessed them conquering evil with evil.

(Me being where I am today is a result of my desperation to stay alive.)

Had I not spoken up back then, I might've left this world by now.

Nica: Dari might not like it, but I think it’d be fun to have a Fairytale Keeper in Vogel.

Nica: Ah, but it’d also be no good for Ring.

Kate: No good?

Nica: Ring’s my twin brother, but unlike me, he’s not good with people. 

(It’s true that Ring gave off a cold impression when we first met…)

As I thought back to our first meeting, Nica leaned in and peered into my face.

Nica: Goodness, are you interested in Ring? 

Kate: No, it’s not like that…

Nica: You can’t do that, because— that is mine.

He placed a finger on my lips, narrowing his eyes and flashing me an awfully charming smile. 

Afterwards, we chatted about some trivial everyday topics and the sky turned a crimson hue before we knew it.

(It’s already gotten this late…)

He widened his eyes in an exaggerated manner when he glanced at the clock. 

Nica: Oops, it’s already this late. I suppose it’s about time we end our conversation. 

Kate: You’re right. I enjoyed our conversation.

Nica: I could say the same. Let’s talk again another time.

I thanked him as he stood up to open the door for me, and I was about to leave the room when— 

Kate: eh.

He held up a lock of my hair and placed a kiss on its ends.

Nica: For our next date.

His lips parted with a soft sound. 

Nica: Oh, did you forget how to get home? Or do stay here and have me lock you up?

His provocative tone made it clear that he had been going easy on me. 

(To Nica, that conversation was only a way for him to gauge his circumstances. If he were to get serious—)

— He could easily steal the whole of my heart. 

Kate: Pardon me. 

My cheeks turned hot and I hurried out of the room without caring about who might see me. 

Nica: Bis dann / See you. Spatzi. 

Before he stole my heart. 

…

< Nica’s POV >

While I was laying on the sofa, my younger brother came back looking haggard. 

Nica: What, did you get lost?

Ring: Yeah… the place’s so huge, I couldn't tell where I was.

Ring sat down on a chair with a sigh.

Ring: If only I could easily memorise the layout of buildings like you do, Nica…

I laughed at those words. 

Nica: Sometimes I pretend to get lost on purpose.

[brainddeadd]

More Than This

fluffy fluff fluff

You had always been close with the Hughes brothers. Quinn, Luke, and Jack—they were like family. From the countless weekends spent at the Hughes house, late-night group chats, and random adventures, you’d grown up together. There wasn’t a thing about them you didn’t know—or so you thought.

Tonight, the whole gang had gathered for one of those legendary nights at Quinn’s place. Trevor Zegras, being his usual self, had managed to bring an extra level of chaos, and of course, alcohol. As the night wore on, Trevor’s words became looser, the kind of looseness that made him the worst secret-keeper on the planet. That’s when it happened.

You were sitting around the table, laughing at a story Quinn was telling, when Trevor, suddenly leaning in towards Jack, pointed a wobbly finger in his direction.

“Y’know,” Trevor slurred, grinning widely. “Jack’s only ever had one real crush his entire life."

The room fell silent, laughter fading as everyone’s attention shifted to Jack. Your heart did a little flip—this was new information. You raised an eyebrow, half-intrigued, half-amused. “Wait, what?”

Jack immediately stiffened in his seat, his eyes flashing with warning at Trevor. "Z," he muttered through gritted teeth, his hand running through his hair as if that could somehow undo the moment. "Stop."

But Trevor was having none of it, the alcohol turning him into a master of chaos. He leaned back in his chair, chuckling. “Come on, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Tell her, Jack.”

You blinked in surprise, now fully focused on Jack, your mind racing. "Wait, wait—you're telling me that you've only had one crush your entire life?" you asked, narrowing your eyes at him playfully. "That’s bullshit. Tell me who it is."

Jack’s face turned an unmistakable shade of red, his usual confidence vanishing under the weight of the conversation. His lips pressed together into a tight line. “No.”

Trevor, however, couldn’t let it drop. He leaned across the table, still smirking. “Oh, come on, man. It’s her.”

The air in the room shifted, and everything around you seemed to freeze. Your heart pounded in your chest as the weight of what Trevor said crashed into you.

Her.

You.

Your breath caught in your throat as you turned to Jack, wide-eyed. “Me?”

Jack’s eyes were squeezed shut for a moment, as if hoping he could somehow take it all back, but when he opened them, there was no turning back. He met your gaze, his expression filled with vulnerability. “Yeah,” he said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. “You.”

The room was so quiet you could hear your pulse in your ears. Everyone else had the decency to pretend they weren’t staring, but you knew they were. The tension was thick, the truth out in the open. And for a second, you couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe.

Jack, the boy you’d been best friends with for as long as you could remember, had been in love with you this entire time.

“I didn’t want you to find out like this,” he added, his voice rough with emotion. "I didn’t want to risk losing you, so I kept quiet."

You could feel your heart swelling with every word, the years of friendship flashing before your eyes in a whole new light. And suddenly, you weren’t sure what to say—because maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t as one-sided as you had always thought.

The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity, the weight of Jack's confession hanging heavily in the air. You searched his eyes, trying to make sense of it all—the years of laughter, the late-night talks, the way he was always there. But now, those memories looked different. There was something more there. And maybe… maybe you had felt it too, buried beneath the comfort of your friendship.

You swallowed hard, the vulnerability in Jack's expression nearly breaking you. “Jack…” you whispered, but your voice caught in your throat, unsure of what to say. You hadn’t expected this. Not from him. Not tonight.

Trevor shifted awkwardly in his chair, clearly starting to regret his part in this, but no one paid him any mind. The room was still, the tension thick. Luke and Quinn exchanged looks, but wisely chose to keep quiet, giving you and Jack space.

Jack ran a hand through his hair again, his frustration clear. He let out a deep sigh, as if the weight of everything he’d been holding onto for years was finally too much to bear. “Look, I didn’t want you to find out like this. I wasn’t planning to ever tell you,” he admitted softly, eyes dropping to the table. “You’re my best friend, and I… I didn’t want to screw that up.”

You felt your heart ache at his words, understanding the depth of what he was saying. He had kept this secret for so long because he didn’t want to lose you. But now it was all out in the open, and there was no going back.

Jack finally lifted his gaze, locking eyes with you, his voice raw and honest. “I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember. And I know it’s probably the worst thing you could hear right now, but… it’s the truth.”

Your pulse raced, a million thoughts crashing through your mind. But there was one thing you couldn’t deny, something that had always lingered in the background but never quite made itself known—until now. Somewhere along the way, you’d fallen for him too. You just hadn’t realized it until this moment, with the truth staring you in the face.

“I…” you started, the words escaping before you could catch them. You took a shaky breath, trying to gather your thoughts. “I didn’t know, Jack. I didn’t know you felt this way.”

He gave a small, sad smile. “That was the point. I didn’t want you to know. I thought I could keep it to myself and we could just… stay like this. But now…”

You could see the fear in his eyes—the fear of losing you, of ruining everything you had. But you weren’t going anywhere. Not now. Not after knowing this.

“You didn’t ruin anything,” you said, your voice firm despite the whirlwind of emotions. “Jack, you’re my best friend. You’ve always been there for me. And… I think somewhere deep down, I felt it too. I just—” You hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I just never let myself see it like this.”

His expression shifted, hope flickering in his eyes. “What do you mean?”

You bit your lip, the realization hitting you all at once. “I mean… maybe I’ve been in love with you too. Maybe I’ve just been too scared to admit it.”

The words hung between you, the vulnerability of the moment cutting through everything else. Jack’s eyes widened, a mixture of disbelief and cautious hope crossing his face. “You… you have?”

You nodded slowly, your heart racing as you took in his reaction. “Yeah, I think I have. I just didn’t realize it until now.”

The tension that had filled the room seemed to dissolve in an instant. Jack let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, a small, almost disbelieving smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Are you serious?”

You smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. “Yeah. I’m serious.”

Jack stared at you for a moment longer, as if he were processing everything, then suddenly he moved. Before you could react, he was pulling you into his arms, holding you tight. His embrace was warm, familiar, but now there was something more behind it—a sense of longing that had been waiting for this moment for years.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that,” he whispered into your hair, his voice full of emotion.

You wrapped your arms around him, burying your face in his chest as you breathed him in. “I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner,” you murmured, your voice muffled by his shirt.

Jack pulled back just enough to look at you, his hands cupping your face gently. “Don’t be sorry,” he said softly, his forehead resting against yours. “I’m just glad you know now.”

You felt a wave of emotion crash over you, the gravity of what this meant sinking in. All these years, all this time—Jack had loved you. And now, you realized, you loved him too.

As you looked into his eyes, everything else faded away—the room, the brothers, even Trevor’s sheepish silence in the background. It was just you and Jack, standing on the edge of something new, something beautiful. And for the first time, you weren’t afraid to take the leap.

Jack smiled, his thumb brushing lightly against your cheek. “Can I kiss you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

You didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

And when he kissed you, it was everything you never knew you’d been waiting for.

[doodle-do-wop]

THE HORSE GIRLS

Keeper Crew aint got nothing on these crazy kids

zooms under cut

they all dyed a streak of their hair blue with some temporary dye cause it was Copy Cat day for spirit week in Foxfire and they all picked to copy Maruca's blue streak, literally all of them, there was no discussion in the group chat, they all just came to school with the same blue hair (Maruca mixed up the dates and thought it was 'wear your cape backwards' day)

[stealingpotatoes]

WIP TITLE GAME

tagged by @tyquu!! thanks for the tag!

rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, LEAVE A COMMENT INSTEAD cause askboxclosed then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and tag as many people as you have wips.

artwips

tfw ur dad wasnt always a member of blue man group

padme gala part 1

top ten father daughter kidnappings

ficwips

brother’s keeper (which is star wars not uncharted)

anakin falls the republic doesnt

ahsoka cal chat rewrite

always this late

anakin leia childhood

[+1 i cant share the title of bc its huge jedi survivor spoilers lol. but its there]

tagging: @spell-cleaver @orphiceonian @nitewrighter @galactic-rhea @constellation-skirmishes @icedjuiceboxes @estel-of-the-eyrie

[rarecarebears]

“Ew! Gross!”

Buck pulls back from Chris’ embrace with a mock glare on his brow.

“I just showered—”

But Chis has already spun around to face him.

“Dad, if you and Buck are going to keep being the worst secret-keepers ever, the least you can do is not give him hickies where the whole entire world can see!”

Eddie can’t stop his jaw from dropping as Chris brushes past him and back out the door, slamming it shut behind him leaving Eddie in a cloud of dust.

He sputters uselessly and turns to face Buck who looks indignant.

“Who the hell taught him about hickies?! Is he old enough to know about that stuff?”

“Buck—” Eddie tries weakly.

Buck runs out into the living room suddenly, leaving Eddie to croak after him. He rounds the corner to find Buck furiously typing away on his phone.

“Hang on, I’m texting the group chat.”

Eddie stumbles over in a trance to peak at Buck’s screen.

UM GUSYS HANG ON CHRIS KNWOS ABT ME AND EDDDUES GUSYS HELSP!!!!!

Eddie backs away to lean against the couch while taking deep steadying breaths. This was supposed to be a nice morning.

Buck makes a noise of disgust and glares down at his phone.

“Hen just sent three eye-rolling emojis… Bobby sent L-O-L? What the fu—”

Eddie thinks his ears are actually ringing… no wait that’s just Buck’s phone.

“Hang on, Chim’s calling! Uh, h-hello? Y-yeah, Chim. I’m with him now. Uh, okay, sure thing, hang on.”

Buck switches to speaker phone with concentration written all over his face.

“Go ahead, Chim.”

Except Chim doesn’t say anything. He just starts laughing. He’s laughing. He’s laughing at them like a hyena. Jesus, he must have the phone right up to his mouth—

Buck clicks on him mid-cackle.

“Unbelievable,” he grumbles under his breath.

He stalks away back towards the bedroom all while yelling.

“I swear to god, if he’s the reason Christopher knows about hickies, I’m going to strangle him!”

Eddie would agree except he’s too busy realizing that he and Buck truly are the worst secret-keepers to ever live. Buck’s wearing his LAFD shirt, and the only reason he knows it’s his is because it fits him too snugly around the arms. He wouldn’t be able to tell otherwise because it’s backwards. Meaning the DIAZ is proudly emblazoned across Buck’s chest.

“Oh, godammit!”

And Buck definitely just caught himself in the mirror.

Worst secret-keepers ever.

[kurishiri]

Vogel members killing time: outro

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but please don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

Darius🪽: Haa〜♡ It really was a fun time doting on Crown a lot.

Ring💍: I’ve always thought this, but I don’t think I really understand your way of ‘doting’ that well.

Nika🍒: Hey, let’s call this a day now. I’m getting hungry.

Darius🪽: ——Before that, though, did you two not notice anything? I have been dropping hints the entire time.

Ring💍: Hints?

Darius🪽: The initials of those who are Cursed by Alice in Wonderland.

Nika🍒: Ah, haha, I see now. So the word pops out in the order they’re targeted.

Ring💍: Am I the only one who doesn’t understand it still?

Darius🪽: Well, if you solve this puzzle, something fun will happen, perhaps.

Darius🪽: My mischief will still prevail from here on.

D🪽: Hey, miss fairytale keeper, you have been listening in to our conversation the entire time, no?

D🪽: You wouldn’t have any plans to tell what we were talking about to Crown, would you?

D🪽: Mhm, that’s right, everything here… shall remain a secret?

It seems Darius has a password for you. If you enter the password one character at a time in LINE, the conversations Vogel has been having will be revealed to Crown, and you can see a conclusion where you can read “Crown’s most amusing payback.”

Duration: 08 . 11 — 09 . 05, 19:00 JST

← back group chat →

[waltwhitmansbeard]

so i just read a post explaining why the op (and, according to the op, a lot of other people, even tho the post in question only had 32 notes, some of which were from people who disagreed with them) didn't like the cut to the crown keepers in last week's episode. while i'm totally on board with people not jibing with stuff that just doesn't work for them, i wanted offer some reasons why this seemingly hard pivot to people who are not the main characters of the story being told was a good decision to make (note good decision, not inherently the best decision, which i believe no one, including the dm, at a ttrpg table should ever be expected to make).

matt had an extremely powerful, extremely unexpected character decision dropped in his lap in the final moments of the previous episode. we don't know exactly how much time matt has between recordings, maybe a full week, maybe not, but either way, there's a very real chance that matt just did not have enough time to fully prepare a session to deal with fcg's death and what comes next.

sam now has to create a new character that a) is of a level with the rest of the party and b) makes narrative sense for him to be there. that takes time for both him and matt, and they might just need some space to work on that. when laudna died, marisha was willing to sit away from the table for several weeks because she knew that she wanted laudna to be resurrected, but sam may not want the same thing, and that's okay!

matt may want to fold the crown keepers into his main story, some or all of them—particularly dorian, whom both liam and the fans have been asking to return for a while now. dorian is clearly important to orym and the story that liam is trying to tell, and bringing the crown keepers in may be matt's way to do that.

matt—and dms generally—has always had to straddle a very fine line of making sure that his players are the main characters of their story who feel like their actions have real consequences and effects on the world, while also understanding that in reality, it doesn't make sense for half a dozen chucklefucks to have such an outsized effect on major cosmological goings-on like *checks notes* the potential release of a god-eater. this becomes especially true when you're on your third campaign set in the same world, and your players' previous ultra-powerful pcs are still around and definitely more adept and connected than their current pcs are. i, personally, think matt does a great job at walking that line, and one of the things he does that i appreciate is that he doesn't shy away from the fact that a) his players are powerful but not the most powerful and b) his players aren't the only one who care about what's going on in the world and who are taking actions to effect change. the current plotline re: ruidus is absolutely world-shaking and is causing all the divine girlies to cower in their demiplanes, so of course even the evil ones are going to be calling on their champions to help out. it makes more sense for opal to be involved (which, btw, matt has been hinting at for a while now) than not.

matt might need a fucking break! he's been doing this consistently for nine years now, and shit is complicated! handing over the reins to aabria for a week or two or three may be what he needs to not get burnt out.

dnd is an emotional game, and the entire cast might have been rocked hard by fcg's death. some space away for a week or two could help them process and regroup to get back into a story that is otherwise very stressful and action-packed.

or it's none of these! what do i know! i'm a random idiot on the internet! matt doesn't consult me on these matters! (though my dms are open if he wants to chat, i do have ideas)

i think it's tempting to think of the decisions made in and around critical role (or any ttrpg show) like those made for a television series, because the episodes are serialized and we love them so much. but this show is, first and foremost, a group of friends playing a game together, and not a carefully constructed narrative with the primary goal of entertaining an audience. the audience always has been and, frankly, always should be second to the wishes and fun of the people around that table. matt would not have asked aabria to step in and dm a crown keepers side arc if he didn't think it was a good decision for him and his players, and that priority is the correct one. we are being invited in to watch these friends have fun together, and that's a privilege that we're super lucky to have. as long as the cr story isn't doing things that are outright abusive or harmful to the cast or the audience, i don't think we should begrudge them the choices they make in the name of their own game.

again, it's okay if you're not vibing with the crown keepers! i didn't love the aeor arc of c2! not everything is for everyone! but i think accusing matt and the cast of narrative malfeasance is a bit much when, tbqh, they don't answer to us. they answer to each other.

[topaz-mutiny]

On my Critical Role hyperfixation again. Just a little something I noticed during Episode 69 (nice).

Now Ashton's been through a lot in the past few hours learning a metric buttload more in one conversation than they've had in a while, and yeah, it's a little freaky and yeah, deserving to freak out over what it all means about what he is (unknowns are scary man. Being transmogrified to a thought-to-be-dead race of entities on the power level of dieties? extra scary)...

But he's still chatting with the rest of the group early on in the episode, and it isn't clear they're gonna have a panic attack shortly.

Until he makes the mean joke to Orym about the Crown Keepers. Which has some layers to it, too.

They immediately not only backpedal but shortly after a few quips about other stuff Taliesin rolls a die, and I think that roll was to determine if Ash was gonna have a panic attack.

They make one or two more comments before Tal makes the decision to have Ashton slip away from the group, quietly, without announcing he's leaving or going to get his new threads.

I don't think it's the entire reason he's having an attack, but I'm pretty sure hurting Orym's feelings set it off.

They're so not used to caring that it probably was a nasty shock to feel bad for being his usual rude self (in his own words: a fucker) with 6 Charisma. He insults and and makes jokes at the expense of the others all the time, and yet it was the one directed at Orym he seemed to regret.