#Manny; blood Bound

[theesirenteller]

BLOOD 🩸BOUND

🄼🄰🅂🅃🄴🅁 🄻🄸🅂🅃

Pam Grier as Serafina

Eiza González as Maria Bellá Lopez

Manny’s words replayed in Serafina’s mind as she laid in bed at the ariza house. She hasn't known him long, less than 72 hours. But, he was by far the nicest, the most gentlemanly out of the men she'd met at the clubhouse. As she stared up at the chipped wallpaper in the bedroom she occupied, Serafina let out a deep breath and then proceeded to sit up. Almost instantly, pain shot up the side of her neck and inner curves of her inner thighs. The sensation was a hot, uncomfortable feeling that sent cold shivers down her spin. Her body was drenched in sweat, her white-blood stained t-shirt clung to her body like a second layer of skin. The moment she stood up, she felt lightheaded. Serafina ignored that feeling and walked out the room.

Instantly, the sound of multiple women chit-chatting could be heard. But, that wasn’t new. The Ariza house was always a jam packed whore house that hoarded feedlings for the bikers. It wasn’t her life plan to end up one, but she did. “Bout time you woke up, chica.” a familiar voice said from behind her.

Serafina turned around and almost instantly rolled her eyes, “Anyone would sleep like the dead when you’re getting sucked off by one.” She replied with a weak smile, “Where were you last night Marie-Bella? After you left with Bishop, I got worried.”

Marie-Bella wassup an alluring beauty in Mexico. Her long, raven-black hair cascades down her shoulders, framing a face that is both sharp and captivating. Deep, expressive eyes—accentuated by a hint of intensity—tell a story of a life lived on the edge. Her full lips, often painted a deep crimson, reveal a quiet confidence, hinting at her undeniable influence among those in her circle.

Clad in a sleek black corset and matching leather pants, she emanates an effortless sensuality. The detailed studs lining her pants enhance her boldness, while her form-fitting top highlights her curves, amplifying her command of any room she enters. As a feedling, Marie-Bella has honed her ability to navigate the underworld, using her charm and sharp wit to cater to the Mayans MC. Known for her strategic mind, she often moves through shadows, ensuring that her actions always benefit the club. Serafina, her closest confidante, and best friend.

“Amor, you worry too much.” Marie-Bella laughed as she ran her hands through Serafina’s hair, “Bish is like thee nicest out of all of them, well maybe the second nicest next to that blood-thirsting feen Coco.” she giggled. Her dark eyes skimmed Serafina from top to bottom, her giddy expression weening.

“You look like shit.” She said,

“Gee thanks,” Serafina replied sarcastically, “Taza didn’t exactly take it easy on me last night.” she informed Marie-Bella with a sigh. The sound of floorboards creaking had caught Marie-Bella’s attention just as she was about to reply. The friends shared an unspoken look before Serafina announced she was going to freshen up.

“Cool, I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re done.” Marie-Bella replied before she headed downstairs.

And with that, Serafina made her way into the bathroom. She soon stood beneath the hot water, her body trembling as the warmth cascaded over her bruised skin. The steam filled the small bathroom, but it did little to ease the ache deep in her bones. Faint purple bruises marbled her arms, the delicate tracery of veins beneath her dull-brown skin standing out starkly from the abuse. Darker patches bloomed across her collarbone, hips, and thighs—reminders of where Taza’s hands had gripped too tight, his hunger too raw. Each bruise throbbed, a testament to how close Serafina had come to being drained completely.

As the water poured over her, she pressed her forehead against the cold tile, eyes squeezed shut. A hollow ache gnawed at her insides, like a hunger that could never be sated. She craved Taza’s touch again, the biting edge of her fangs, though she knew how dangerous it was. The sharp euphoria of being fed on had left her yearning, her mind foggy, her limbs weak. Every muscle aches, not just from the roughness, but from the withdrawal that gripped her. It was a craving, a twisted need, much like an addict’s for their drug of choice. Even the hot water couldn’t chase away the cold that settled in her chest, the way her pulse pounded in her temples, begging for that release again.

Serafina’s fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palms as she tried to steady her breathing. She hated this. The bruises would fade, but the craving would not.

The transition from finishing her shower, getting dressed, and then leaving the whorehouse was a complete blur. She’d been brought back to reality an hour later. She blinked slowly, now finding herself seated across from Letty in some run down diner. The scent of burnt coffee and empanadas filled the air. The diner buzzed with the afternoon crowd, Letty and Serafina sat across from each other in a booth, sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow on the wooden table. Serafina stirred her coffee, her mind racing with thoughts of the Mayans Motorcycle Club. She already knew their dark secret; after all, they fed off her and the other women connected to the club. ‘Crow-eaters’. Just a stupid name for the word whore.

Letty leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Bishop Losa and his cousin discovered the secret to becoming vampires ages ago. But it’s not just about blood; it’s about power. They can turn others, but only one of them has the authority to gift that power. that’s why they’re so selective with who they choose;Manny, Gilly, and EZ… they were all chosen for a reason.” she proceeded to lean back slightly. “Manny’s fiercely loyal with charm, Gilly’s is loyal and obedient, and EZ? He’s got this fire that draws people in. When Bishop or the Alverez turns someone, it’s more than just a bite. It’s a ritual, an honor. They’re sharing their strength and binding them into the family.”

Serafina’s heart raced at the thought. “So, when they turned those three, they weren’t just making more vampires. They were expanding their influence, solidifying their power.”

“Right ,” Letty said, her tone serious now. “It’s a code they live by. Once you’re in, you’re family, and you protect your own. The club’s like a fortress, and they’ll go to any lengths to defend it.”

Serafina remembered the times she had felt that fierce loyalty among them, a bond that ran deeper than blood. “But what about us? The women who get caught in all this? We’re just… collateral?”

“Not collateral,” Letty corrected, her eyes fierce. She shook her head as an angry look flashed across her eyes.

The diner hummed with life, the smell of coffee and grilled burgers began hanging in the air.

Serafina had seen the way the men looked at her and the other women, how they consumed their essence—blood slaves, nothing more. “Then what? Marie-Bella got us here from Los Vegas a few days ago. We partied at the clubhouse with them and then I woke up covered in blood with my virginity gone and Taza feeding off my legs.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the events. “It was terrifying.”

Letty’s expression darkened. “It’s not just terrifying; it’s brutal. Bishop Losa and his cousin have the power to turn someone, but they choose their mates so carefully, and it’s a painful process.”

“Painful how?” Serafina asked, her curiosity mingling with dread.

“They don’t do it for love,” Letty said sharply. “Most of the time, their wives aren’t even considered for that privilege. For them, love is a weakness. They want loyalty, control. It’s about power. When they choose someone to turn, it’s because they see potential for obedience, not affection.”

Serafina’s heart sank. “So, we’re just… vessels? Nothing more?”

“Exactly,” Letty replied, her voice heavy with contempt. “They’ll drain you dry, both physically and emotionally. You think you might be special for a moment, but really, you’re just another blood source. It’s a brutal hierarchy, and the pain of being chosen or discarded can be unbearable.”

“What happens to those who aren’t chosen?” Serafina asked, the weight of reality pressing down on her.

“They stay as they are—used and tossed aside when they’re no longer needed, or in some cases dead,” Letty said bitterly. “It’s a cycle of exploitation. They revel in their power, and for the women involved, it’s often a nightmare.”

Serafina felt anger and despair swell within her. “So, we have no power at all?”

“None,” Letty confirmed, her voice low. “you guys exist to serve their needs. They take what they want and leave you feeling empty. The men don’t see you guys as partners or equals; we’re just tools for their pleasure.”

The realization hit Serafina hard, and she shivered at the thought of being nothing more than a pawn in their twisted game. Letty’s words echoed in her mind, a dark truth that made her skin crawl.

As they sat in the diner, the bustling world around them faded away, leaving only the weight of their conversation. Serafina understood that in this perilous game, survival depended on navigating a reality where power ruled, and love was a cruel illusion.

### Transition Scene: Midnight Carnival

The neon lights of the carnival flickered like fireflies against the night sky as Letty and Serafina wandered through the bustling streets, their arms laden with shopping bags. The air was thick with the scents of popcorn and cotton candy, and the sounds of laughter and carnival games created an electrifying atmosphere. Midnight struck, and the vibrant chaos of the carnival seemed to pulse with life.

“Can you believe we stumbled onto this?” Letty exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “This feels like something out of a movie!”

Serafina smiled, momentarily pushing aside her thoughts about Manny. The colors, the lights, the music—it was a welcome distraction. They drifted toward a carousel, its horses gleaming under the bright lights, and Serafina felt a rush of joy wash over her.

But then a shiver ran down her spine, and she instinctively turned. There he was—Manny—leaning casually against a lamppost, shadows playing across his sharp features, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her.

“Manny,” she whispered, a mix of excitement and unease stirring within her.

Before she could process her feelings, he glided toward them, his movements smooth and confident. The crowd seemed to part around him as he approached, his gaze never leaving Serafina. “Ladies,” he said, his voice low and entrancing, like velvet laced with danger. “Enjoying the carnival?”

Letty frowned, sensing the shift in the air. “We were just having a little fun, Manny,” she replied, her tone a mix of defiance and caution.

Manny’s grin was charming yet predatory, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Fun’s cool and all, but Serafina, I think it’s time we had a little chat.” He reached for her, his fingers brushing against her arm, and the contact sent an electric thrill through her that both frightened and excited her.

“Wait, Manny—” Letty began, stepping forward.

He turned to her, a warning flickering in his gaze. “Listen, Letty, I’d keep the stuff you hear from your pops on the down-low if I were you. It could get real messy if it falls into the wrong hands.” His tone was smooth but had a chilling edge that made Letty’s skin crawl.

Manny’s attention shifted back to Serafina, his smile turning possessive. “Come on, Mama, let’s roll. We need to talk.” His casual nickname sent a mix of warmth and fear racing through her, and she felt drawn to him, the carnival lights fading behind her as she looked into his dark eyes.

Letty hesitated, concern etched on her face. “Manny, she’s not some plaything,” she protested, though the confidence in her voice was wavering.

Manny stepped closer to Serafina, his presence enveloping her. “Nah, she’s way more than that,” he said, his voice low and entrancing. He took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle, and she felt both exhilarated and anxious as he led her away from the carnival, the laughter and music fading into the distance.

As they slipped into the shadows of the night, Serafina glanced back at Letty, whose expression was a mixture of worry and anger. Then, with a smooth motion, Manny guided her deeper into the darkness, leaving the carnival—and the light of their carefree night—far behind.

TAGGED : @lovedlover @nobodygetsza @spaghettificationandpretzels @ravennaortiz @fvckthisbxtchup @darqchilddaydreamz @withmyteeth

[limerlove]

#001.5 TOUCHING YOURSELF!

❝ ABBY!ANDERSON SERIES ❞

warnings. eighteen+, nsfw content: lowkey loser!reader, voyerisum, dub-con, dildo penetration (abby!r), minors hop off my shit, friends to lovers (eventually), nerdy!abby.

....AND THEY WERE ROOMATES, she’s always been just abby to you. best friends and thick as thieves. sweet as can be, breathing shy naivety with ever inhale of oxygen — a walking angel on earth. a gentle remainder of what’s good but looks can be so convincing? can’t they?

The college bar is no busier than it would have been any other thursday night. Any other night, you would have been able to handle the rowdy college kids, the old men checking out your ass with a lingering promise of a nightcap you would never attend but the promise of more kept the tips rolling into now deep pockets. 

Two regulars going at it, again, leaving you and Jesse to split them up. Frank, the alcoholic with violent tendencies reaches for the visible switchblade attached to your carabiner. With a swat of his hand, Manny catches his limp wrist before shoving the chaotic pair outside. 

God to honest truth, you should have been able to handle them on your own but your mind happens to be occupied elsewhere tonight. 

You catch glimpses of her tonight. Abby’s tucked in the black leather booth, her laptop and books laid out in front of her. She insisted on coming here tonight, not caring to be alone in your shared apartment so there was no saying no to her sweet smile. 

Soft, slushy braid lightly woven together, but it hardly held. Blonde strands framed her face beautifully, accentuating her soft jawline and supple cheeks. When she wasn’t looking, given you had a moment to breathe, you would take her in. 

Abby sheds herself of her vest, a loose white button up disguises her figure along with the navy trousers fitting her loosely around her muscular thighs. 

Adorable. 

Quietly, you sport a smile, wishing it could be suppressed but it can’t. 

It’s been a few weeks since that night. You’re sure you’ll never forget the way she moved, her beautiful hair you were goddamn obsessed with at this point, watching her hamstrings succumb to the pleasure, and the way her body writhed as she came. So, naturally, you hid here. With your loose lips, you were bound to spill. 

But this? You couldn’t. 

There wasn’t anyone you could talk about this with, especially not Abby. In your mind, you’ve run it over a few times, none of them end well. She’s always been a sensitive girl. Taking everything to heart since grade school. Her big heart remains on her sleeve and you adore her for it but now? It’s the demise of your doom. 

You want to have her. It’s a craving in your blood, but you’d just tear her to pieces. So, what if she knew how to fuck? Emotionally, spiritually, mentally - you’d only ruin her into bits until she didn’t even know where you ended and she began. Abby being so woven in your day to day, the friendship the two of you shared, it’s all so complicated. 

You did the only thing you know how to. Avoid. 

Luckily enough for you, the first week is easy. Abby is busy enough with her schedule, the thought never even crosses her mind that you're avoiding her intentionally. Until you change the time you’re going to the gym, and you’re picking up extra shifts on the days you’re normally off. Still the saint she is, nothing is uttered. A hum, short and crisp with just a hint of disapproval laced in her tone. 

She’s smart…careful.

Abby asks to come when she knows you’re unable to deny her request. Here you are, behind the bar, distracted. Again, with her nose buried in her books, pushing up her glasses to the bump in her nose ever so often. She sips the iced water, a lemon wedge and a couple cucumbers sinking to the bottom of the frosted glass. You offered her beer, something to help with her social anxiety but she refuses like she always does. 

Need to keep my head clear, she says with a small smile. 

Your shift is nearly over, thankfully. There’s a few stragglers in the bar, regulars who are often here every Thursday night make their way out as you clear off glasses, wiping down the countertop. Jesse’s words keep echoing in your brain. 

“What’d you do to her?” Jesse raises his eyebrows, subtly nodding his head in Abby’s direction. 

“Nothing! Why would you assume it’s me?” You shrug off as you make another cocktail for a woman tucked in the corner. “Because Abby’s as innocent as a fly. Some might find her annoying, but it’s her. Abby looks like a puppy who's been kicked. Stop being a dick to your girl.” 

“She’s not my-” Jesse runs off before you can complete your sentence. Leaving you to huff alone, pouring another shot of tequila into the drink. “Fucking men…” You curse to yourself. 

You waltz your way over, picking up her empty glass, removing the apron tied around your waist. “Sorry, didn’t mean to take so long, Abs.” The apology slips from your lips, but inwardly you find yourself apologizing for something else entirely, not that she would ever know that. 

“It’s alright. I really don’t mind waiting. I, um, got some work done anyways. It felt good to get out of the house. Thanks for letting me tag along.” Fuck, she’s so sweet. 

“You don’t have to thank me, loser.” You playfully wink, causing a light giggle. The tension in her shoulders dismisses as you help her pack her things. Instinctively, you wrap her books in your hold as she carries her bag. 

The ride home is silent again, leaving room for your mind to wander. Your mind can’t help but end up here for the past week, occupying every second of every day. You ignore the wet patch forming beneath your trousers. The way your cunt is sticking to the fabric, your clit thumping its own heartbeat because of her. 

Hardly do you sleep and if you do, you’re dreaming of your best friend. Sometimes, it’s delicate. Soft moments which feel like memories but more intimate. It’s Abby and you, hands cupping her jaw as the pad of your thumb soothes over her chin. Bottom lip tucked between both of hers as you savor her taste. Hints of raspberry balm and something minty invade your senses. 

She’s perched on your lap, hips grinding into you as you slip your tongue inside her mouth. Exploring every inch of her, dominating her every step of the way. It’s almost harmless but it leads to more. 

Just like tonight. 

You’re able to sleep for once. Even if Abby and her perfectly sculpted, bare body is imprinted on your brain, you find rest. Or so you thought. 

Really, you don’t know how you even got here. But she’s on top, the strap fucking up into her as she rides you like there’s no tomorrow. Abby’s freckled body facing away from you. Her palms resting on your strong hips, as she fucks down on to you. 

The harness rubbing against your clit, watching the baby blue dildo sink into her aching hole as she chants your name like she’s praying to some god. Instead, it’s you. All she needs is you and fuck all you crave is her. There’s no one else nearly as special as her. The way she rides as if she was made for you, taking everything you have to offer, even when you thrust up into her, soft whimpers being pulled out of her each time. 

The edges of her are blurry, she never turns around, but fuck can you feel her. Using you for own pleasure, not giving a single damn if it benefits you are not but fuck it does. It’s doing everything to you. From this alone, you could cum. You know you shouldn’t but you crave more. She’s a need that can’t be undone. 

Desperately, you want to sink your teeth until all of her. Whatever she wants, you’ll do it. Even if it comes at the expense of your own sanity. God, you’re not careful enough to think about what it means and your hands speak for you on their own. Greedy palms reach out for her, needing to touch her and just as you do, reality sinks in. 

Quickly sitting up in bed, realizing your alone, finally awake and fucking soaked. Blood rushes to your brain, your heart thumping. Unfortunately, sweat welcomes nearly every part of your body. You can feel damp hair sticking to for forehead as you feel utterly suffocated by the duvet. 

You need to take care of this. She can’t know. She can never know. 

The heavy heart beat in your chest, threatening to pump out, doesn’t stop. A sports bra clings to your sweaty chest as you attempt to catch your breath. Flashes of the dream plague your mind, intoxicating your brain with her. You see glimpses of her sparkling golden hair reflecting in the moonlight, entranced by the complete control she has over her body. Each moment calculated with purpose as she lets you fuck her. 

With images of only her in mind, fingers sink deep within, a choked moan echoes out as you see the defined muscles in her back clench. You imagine the dream is real, it’s you taking what you please from her. It’s Abby sitting herself on your cock taking what she’s owed. 

The thought alone has you slipping in another finger, severely lost in the thought of her, you’ve yet to clock your door open. Too lost in wondering how her face crumbled when she tumbles over the edge. Does she like to be fucked through her orgasm or does she prefer a gentle voice, whispering sweet affirmations in her ear? Both? 

Curling your fingers into your g-spot, drenching your fingers as you find the one spot as you picture Abby, fucking herself on the dildo as it brings your closer to the edge. All you see is her and as much as you try to rid yourself of the thought, you can’t help how wet it’s making you. 

Trying but utterly failing, you’re getting louder, incoherent moans tumblr before you can catch them. Soft whimpers as if you’re some sex deprived teenager rubbing your clit for the first time. It’s stupid, trivial, yet, you need this. 

“Abby—” before you catch it, it falls from your lips. Tirelessly needy, you grab the vibrator from the drawer, bring the shaking toy to your puffy clit. Over-abused by your ministries but if you don’t finish, your actions are terrifying. The thought alone scares you. 

“Please, Abs, I need you.” It’s then, you feel it. The tight band in your stomach being released from it’s strong hold. Deep pools of blue and golden waves haze your mind. As your eyes shut, you ride the wave as if you’re riding her. 

As if she’s the one to bring you to completion, coaxing you with the soft rasp in her voice as sweet little nothings are whispering into your ear. It’s impossible to stop the way your body shakes, just when you watched her come undone the first time, you can’t stop it. 

Maybe you would have if you’d know the truth. 

Your blonde nerdy best friend wasn’t as innocent as she appeared. No. 

Not when she leaned against the wall, your bedroom door opened as she got off along with you. Abby’s pussy swallowed her fingers as she pictured they were yours bringing her to the edge.

Fuck….No.

All the sins were piling up, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up to the both of you.

This is what roommates are for, right?

lmk what you think! mwah! ♡

[such-a-daydreamer]

*flutters eyelashes*

Me when I oc x cannon but it's platonic and I also get to expand on pre-existing lore with my random ass world building.

Check under the cut for a fic drabble of this scene and the oc info

My Gf Oc Manny!!♡♡ :3 (I want to be him so bad the gender envy hits HARD grrrgrrgrgrgrgrrrgrgrgrgrr)

He is a closeted gay man and cursed so every cryptid in a 20 mile radius wants him dead.

Now onto the story explaining the comic scene!!!!!!!

Lil' warnin, but there be blood!!!

✄----------------------------------------------------

The three men wander the halls in silence, they each know the importance to stay quiet in times like this, and each man has decades of experience in stealth.

The hospital -a real classy choice- is full of spiderweb decor, and each room has decayed into an unrecognisable square full of debris and metal skeletons.

Stanley wishes he stayed in the van, while Ford's mind is occupied with suspicion regarding their new "travel companion."

"So, Manny," Ford breaks the silence with a directed whisper. He doesn't miss the way the other two flinch despite his soft volume. "Since you're the "renowned expert" when it comes to cryptids, I'd like to ask you about this particular case."

Stanley feels the tension crackle between them, and suddenly regrets standing in the middle. Then again, if they decide to jump at each other's throats, he'd better stay put. Not that he'd like to break up a fight in the middle of a possibly-haunted run-down hospital, but he's done worse in worse places.

"It's a curious case." Manny mumbles out. "I've never seen a ghost report like this before, but considering it seems to be a location-bound spirit, I'm not exactly surprised. They tend to get more bizzare the longer they "ferment."

"Location-bound?" Ford repeats.

Manny gives his rival a sideways smirk. "C'mon now, this is basic ghost knowledge. You tellin' me you don't know?"

"I prefer to sort them through catagories, is all." Ford dismisses the subject in favour of staring at his EMF reader.

Another round of tense silence goes by, yet the three of them have come across nothing. Stanley is beginning to think this is just a huge waste of time.

Manny holds a similar sentiment as he pauses to shine his UV light around one last time.

"Welp, if nothing has come to get us by now, there's probably nothing here. This place is a bust, let's wrap things up." He points his finger up and swirls it before pointing to the exit.

"What, just like that?" Stan grumbles out as he lowers the flashlight. "Ya couldn't have made that decision any further back?"

With the light now pointed at the floor, it leaves everything above their waists in a dark abyss. The only other light source is from the UV lamp Manny holds.

"Scared, are we?" Ford asks, but there's an undeniable mocking tilt to his tone.

Manny rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, the UV light in his hand makes the side of his shirt glow.

"No, it's just that I've got something you don't."

"And what's that?" Ford crosses his arms in a similar fashion.

Manny does a little flourish with his hands. "Magic."

Stan and Ford scoff in sync.

"I knew I shoulda stayed in the van." Stan begins to make his way back to the exit while the other two continue their squabble in the growing dark.

"So, this "magic" lets you know when ghosts are about?" Ford asks, partly curious, and partly to jeer at him.

Ford isn't poking fun at Manny because he doesn't believe in magic, it's just that if a spell to detect ghosts were in use, Ford would be able to tell. So far, Manny doesn't have anything on him that could be used for such a spell.

"Not just ghosts, but yes, it does. And it's totally real, by the way!" Manny spins on his heel to follow Stanley out before he pauses abruptly.

"Actually, nevermind. I think we've found our ghost."

Ford follows Manny's gaze down the empty corridor. The shine of the UV light does little to illuminate their surroundings, unlike the flashlight Stanley had.

Ford feels his blood run cold.

"Don't panic."

"I'm not panicking." Ford replies evenly.

"Really? Because you just broke the EMF reader."

Ford looks down to the cracked device in his hand. Alright, he'll admit this to himself and no one else, but he is very much panicking.

"The ghost didn't trigger the EMF reader, so it's not like we'll be needing this anyway." Ford throws the broken pieces to the side with a little more force than he intended.

"Uh... true, I suppose." Manny shines the UV light around the hallway before spotting drops shining against the cracked tiles. "Okay, we've got a lead, at least."

"And all it took was my brother to find it." Ford grits out under his breath.

Manny lifts his hands in a placating gesture. "I know you probably don't want to hear this right now -and certainly not from me- but let's try to calm down and keep a level head, alright?"

Ford shoots him a deadly glare, but Manny simply holds his gaze with a worried expression. Out of both of the twins, he likes Stanley more, so Ford isn't the only one concerned.

The trail leads to a room, a suspiciously empty room. The far back wall glows brightly under the shine of the UV light, and that's the only thing worth noting. Ford is reasonably upset once he realises Stanley isn't here, but trudges onward into the room anyway.

Ford stares at the wall curiously. He places a hand on it, and it feels completely normal. Dissapointed once again.

"I wonder why only this wall glows under ultra violet light..." Ford murmurs to himself as he raises a hand to place on his chin.

"Up."

"Pardon?"

Ford turns to Manny and sees his horrified expression. Before he has time to register that, something wet splatters against his glasses.

Manny lifts the UV light upwards just as Ford lifts his gaze.

"Ah, I see... Up."

There, strung up by limbs of what can only be assumed to be blood, is Stanley. He looks furious.

Behind him, flat against the roof, glows an almost cartoonish depiction of a human. They laugh, but there's no sound. Slowly, it removes itself from the roof and takes form. It shines hauntingly under the UV.

What first started as a light sprinkle, is now a full on downpour of blood as it looms above them. The stench of it makes Manny gag, but Ford just narrows his eyes at the being while it approaches slowly. It continues to laugh silently; that's the only thing that irks Ford.

"How do you suppose we kill this thing, Manny?"

Manny jolts a bit in surprise at being addressed, then strugles to form a sentence for a moment as he takes a step back.

"Wha- me??? I dunno, usually with ghosts I can just exorcize them with my medallion and be done with it, but that isn't a ghost." He points at the liquid mass that Stanley's struggling to escape from.

Both men would be worried about Stanley possibly suffocating from the stream of blood that covers the lower half of his face, but it doesn't seem to be covering his nose. Which, as relieved they both are, is still concerning.

Could it be using Stanley as bait? What is it planning? Whatever it is, no one's keen to find out.

It continues to move forward, almost sussing the two men out like they are to it. Ford mentally checks his inventory for a weapon that would do the most damage to a creature made of blood.

Predictably, nothing comes to mind.

He lets out a frustrated growl. "We have to do something."

Ford decides to take the inititive, seeing that he's the more capable one out of the two. Not that he's being presumptious of Manny's abilities, but the fact of the matter is that Manny is staring at the creature like a deer in headlights and Ford is inches away from trying to pummel a liquid.

Which also isn't good, but it's better. Ford will take better than nothing.

Flicking open one of his books from inside his coat, he searches through it until he finds what he's looking for.

"I believe this might be a failed resurection spell."

Ford pauses on an old partchment page in a plastic sleeve, the words are written in a dead language, but to Ford, it's like reading english.

"The closest I can find to-"

Ford doesn't get time to finish before he finds himself being shoved to the side. There's a split second where he sees Manny, then he doesn't.

A stream of blood slams Manny through the wall and leaves him lying in a pile of debris in the corridor. A pained groan proves that he's alive, so Ford returns his focus to the task at hand.

Despite the UV light now being broken, the mass of blood continues to glow.

"It would appear you've made your final assesment." Ford says to it while pocketing his book. He's read all he needs to, anyway.

It looses it's human form in favour of creating large waves to try and crash against Ford, but it underestimates his speed.

Manny stumbles back into the room with his madallion in hand. He raises it and the metal glows blue, acompanied by a low hum.

The blood spikes, then looses form. Most of the blood falls to the floor with Stanley, who wastes no time to put distance between it and himself.

Multiple souls writhe and scream as they try to escape the blood, but eventually they fade back into the mass. Manny lets his arm drop as he joins the other two men.

"There should be some sort of tether, we need to destroy it." Ford explains.

"There's a heart-" Stanley starts as he tries to wipe himself clean. He makes zero progress. "-Inside that thing somewhere. It kept movin' the damn thing around though, so I couldn't get a grip on it."

"That's fine, Stanley, thank you." Ford turns to Manny. "Do whatever you did before, and I'll shoot its heart."

Manny, although dazed, manages to nod and turns his attention to the growing ball of blood.

"Do you still have your flashlight, Stanley?" Ford asks as he pulls out his trusty gun. The line along the side of it's triangular barrel glows blue as it whirrs to life.

"Even if I did, it would've been chock-full of blood."

"Alright. Just stay behind me, then."

Begrudingly, Stanley complies. He wishes he could do more to help right now, but he has neither guns nor magic. He would offer to punch the thing, but he's been doing that for the last ten minutes and done no damage.

Once the ball reaches its previous size, jets of blood shoot out from it. Stan and Ford manage to dodge them but Manny gets clipped on the shoulder.

He stumbles back against the wall with a pained hiss. Yet he still manages to lift his hand up to activate the medallion. Ford takes aim.

The blood spikes again, more violently this time, before a large jet of blood slams against Manny.

"Dammit-!"

"Manny!"

Ford takes a shot in the dark, hoping to distract it.

The lazer passes through it with a sizzle as blood get evaporated. The light from the lazer briefly illuminates the inside of the blood enough for Ford to see the heart.

It stops the constant stream against Manny to turn its attention towards Ford. Manny falls to his knees and coughs violently.

"Sixer." Stan calls out to his brother with a warning tone.

"Manny, I'm counting on you here!" Ford takes aim again.

It takes the form of a human again and its expression is livid.

It lunges at Ford with its mouth open too wide for a human in something like a scream.

The being stops a mere inches away from Ford, its hands ghosting around Ford's neck before it writhes. Blue spikes jut out from it as it tries to keep form.

It takes a moment, but Ford can feel something on his shoulder. He glances to his left and sees Stanley with a handful of his coat, his stance tense and ready to run. Ford hasn't seen an expression this serious on his brother's face in a while as Stanley stares down the entity.

Ford returns his gaze forward.

For a split second, he sees the heart reveal itself.

He shoots.

✄----------------------------------------------------

Uhm!!! I like them all a lot :3 Mwah mwah mwah kisses to all. If you read allat then THANK YOU!!! I HOPE YOU LIKED IT!!!!! Lmk if you'd like to see more of this stuff idk

[ordinaryschmuck]

Full Family AU Part Five

Vee practically inhaled the waffles given to her, eating each one served with such intense delight. And as she ate, Luz was, per usual, in her own little world.

"Then after school, we can play 'Pew-Pews and Laser Swords!'" Luz said between bites of waffles. "It's a game I made up, but needs two people to play and Papi is too slow to play it now."

"For now, at least," Manny chimed in. "Still getting my strength back."

"And maybe hold off games for now," Camila suggested. "Especially the one where you run around swinging a plastic laser sword while the other goes 'pew-pew' with a toy ray-gun. Might be too much for our...new guest."

"Vee's not a guest." Luz defended. "She's part of the family!"

Camila and Manny shared a look. "Uh, family's a bit much, Mija," Manny told her.

"But she slept in my room and not the guest room. And she's eating our special waffle breakfast, not our cereal or some toast or--"

"Yes, but, uh, Vee might have a family of her own," Camila said, turning to Vee. "Don't you?"

Vee stopped her eating, fork full of waffles inches away from her mouth as she sat still, her mind in thought. She eventually looked at Camila with a curious expression before asking, "What's a family?"

Camila didn't respond. She was too taken aback by that question. This creature knew how to talk, how to feel, and how to do that...bizarre shapeshifting thing. But it didn't know what a family was?

"A family is what we are!" Luz said, though Camila wasn't entirely sure who Luz included within that "We."

"She's right, actually," Manny tried to explain. "A family is, um, a group of people bound together by blood and love. It's something you're born with or something you can make for yourself. People you love with your whole heart, trust to always be there for you, and you would protect them through thick and thin, no matter what."

Vee looked as though she was digesting that knowledge far more than the waffles she ate. She looked down at her plate with a furrowed brow and played with her fingers.

"I don't...have family..." she muttered, just loud enough for everyone to hear her. And the sound of her tiny, broken voice caused an ache in Camila's heart and a desire to hug that creature--To hug Vee until she stopped hurting.

Thankfully, Luz beat her to it, jumping out of her seat and running to Vee's to give her a tight squeeze.

"Don't worry, Vee..." She said softly. "You have a family now. And it's us. Right?"

Luz smiled at her parents, but they shared another look.

"Come on," Luz whined. "She just said she has no one else. And Papi did just say that family can be something you can make."

"I did just say that, didn't I?" Manny said abashedly.

"How about we save this conversation later tonight?" Camila asked. "Right now, you need to focus on finishing your waffles and getting ready for school."

Luz responded with a pout but still returned to her seat and focused on her food. But Camila still kept her eyes on Vee and how she didn't even touch her food again.

[linabellaox]

Me and Her (E.W)

word count: 810

(TLOU2 spoilers!!~ TW: graphic content)

Chapter 3

₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

I tried my best to sit up but couldn't since my hands and legs were bound. My eyes darted to Jordan—he had a massive gash on his face, clutching the wound as the others held him back. My eyes went back to Ellie. She was pinned to the ground, screaming, thrashing, trying desperately to get up, but Nora and another man held her down.

"You're gonna fucking die!" she yelled. I watched, feeling utterly useless, as they kicked her and kept her restrained. Then I heard Owen's voice. Mel followed close behind him.

"What's going on?" Owen demanded, scanning the room and taking in the chaos.

"Who is that?" Mel asked, confused. Owen cursed at them for not keeping watch outside.

"We gotta get out of here... before the whole town is on top of us," he said, striding toward the large windows, peering outside. Then he turned to Abby. I looked between Ellie and Joel, my heart aching. When I first met them, they were inseparable. They had the same bond I once had with my dad. Ellie kept repeating the same words over and over.

"Let him go." Ellie sobbed.

"You're done," Owen said angrily. Abby's face twisted with frustration. "You want what I want, right?" she asked, stepping toward him.

He glared at her, getting in her face.

"End it. Now," he said coldly. They stared at each other for a long moment before Owen finally looked down at Joel. I heard Ellie's breath hitch.

"Joel, get up," she said, her voice trembling. "Joel, fucking get up." She was pleading now. "Please stop. Please don't do this." Tears welled in my eyes as I glanced at Joel. He wasn't moving. His finger twitched ever so slightly.

"Abby, don't do this," I sobbed. Manny stomped over and kicked my leg.

"Shut up before I slit your throat," he growled quietly. I whimpered but stayed silent.

"Joel, please get up!" Ellie cried, her voice breaking as Abby raised the golf club one final time. The hardest swing yet. I watched in horror as blood splattered across the floor.

"NO!" Ellie screamed.

I clenched my eyes shut, trying to erase the image from my mind. Ellie let out broken sobs.

"I'll fucking kill you..." she whispered, her voice weak, drained of all strength. The room erupted into arguing—voices overlapping in frantic, panicked tones.

"What do we do with her?" I heard Manny ask. I opened my eyes. He had his gun raised, pointing it between Ellie and me. Owen stepped in front of him, shoving his arm down.

"There's no point," Owen said. "We need to go. Now." Mel, Owen, Manny, and Jordan bickered, but Abby wasn't paying attention. She dropped the golf club. The room fell silent. Then she turned and kicked Ellie in the face. Ellie slumped over, completely still.

Abby walked over to me next. She grabbed me, forcing me upright. I cried out in pain.

"Come on," she grunted, trying to pull me to my feet. My legs immediately gave out beneath me.

"Fuck!" she cursed under her breath.

"Abby, we have to leave," Owen said sharply. She sighed, dropping me back onto the ground. "She'll slow us down." He stated.

"She knows who we are," Abby countered.

"We're all dead if we don't go. She doesn't know how to get to the base," Owen snapped. Abby hesitated. Then she looked down at me. And kicked me in the face.

Everything went black.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up to someone shaking me. My head pounded. My body ached. I blinked, my vision swimming as the world came back into focus. Joel was still on the floor. Dead. Tommy sat slumped in the corner near Ellie. She was slowly sitting up, a girl helping her. The sharp scent of blood filled my nose, making my stomach turn. A man snapped his fingers in front of my face.

"Hey! Stay with me," he said. I blinked up at him. He had a set of keys and quickly unlocked the cuffs on my wrists, then untied my legs.

"I'm Jesse. We gotta get out of here, okay?" he said, his voice firm. I nodded weakly. He grabbed my arm to help me up, and I winced.

"My ribs," I mumbled, clutching my side.

Jesse lifted my shirt slightly, his eyes darkening as he took in the bruising. He nodded, then, without hesitation, picked me up in his arms. He carried me effortlessly, heading toward the door.

As we passed the girl helping Ellie, Jesse said something to her. She nodded, giving me a small, sad smile.I turned my head toward Ellie. She looked numb. Her face was battered, her eyes swollen and bruised. But it wasn't just the physical damage.

Her expression was empty. Hollow.

As Jesse carried me out of the room, I forced myself to glance back one last time. At Joel. Then I squeezed my eyes shut, turning away.

⋆˙⟡ ☆ ⟡˙ ⋆ ⋆˙⟡ ☆ ⟡˙ ⋆ ⋆˙⟡ ☆ ⟡˙ ⋆ ⋆˙⟡

A/N: hi hi again!! rip to joel 🫡 ellie is introducedd tho .. 😄. haha but yeahh i hope you guys like it so far! again please lmk any feedback that you guys may have and im working on ch. 4 right now so it should be out tmrrow <3 )

[melis-writes]

Blood Money (Tony Montana x Reader Multichapter, 18+ Smut) Chapter 2 – The Strings of Fate.

Chapter 1 / Read on AO3 / Chapter Masterlist.

18+, explicit smut read.

“The American dream, huh? You’ll see. It all goes up from here, man." / "The one who did the killing was Tony, Tony Montana. His friend’s name was Manny Ribera. Do those names ring a bell?"

Your return back home to to Miami is marked with bitter disappointment but an insatiable curiosity about this Tony Montana you met, whose world continuously moves to collide with yours. Migrating to Miami with Manny, Tony has leverage "knowing you" that he intends to take advantage of. Your heart simply aches and remembers too much to let go of the incident back in Havana and you find yourself almost wanting to see Tony again, but the thought of what you'd say and do next to a stranger holds you back. Tony on the other hand is bound to make his fate intertwine with yours no matter what it takes.

[WARNINGS]: Mentions of blood & violence.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE]: Another update/chapter just as promised for the Tony Montana girlies!! 🤗🤩 Long overdue but it's here at last and I couldn't be more happier with it. 🥴 Blood Money is definitely one of those fics I want to take my time with piecing and weaving the story together. It's building up just as the film would, so there's a looooot of excitement coming together and a gradual, authentic feel and touch of intimacy to Tony and Celeste's upcoming relationship! 🤭

With a taste for success and dollar bills, Tony Montana’s drug empire grew in vast wealth, power and influence by your side as the kingpin’s lover. From sharing an intimate history in Cuba, you and Manny Ribera were the only ones to believe and support Tony from rags to riches. Embroiled in the same lifestyle and sharing enemies, you and Tony come to build your empire and world together with the threat of it collapsing from the inside. As partnership turns to betrayal and thrill to danger, you find yourself in-between ultimatums and sacrifices for the man you love.

[ Havana, Cuba ]

‘Oh my God,’ you blink, almost staggering back into the hotel lobby—unable to stand remaining outside for a moment longer in Havana. 

Taking a deep breath, you place your hand over the small splatter of dried blood that landed over your jeans; a strange relief washing over you to know it’s not your blood, but still a reminder of what your trip to Havana has gotten you into it. 

Keeping your head down to avoid drawing suspicion or attention of any kind to yourself, you move past the front desk and quietly enter the elevator. 

The elevator doors slide open with a ding only a few seconds later as you slip inside, hitting the fourth-floor button. 

You lean your back against the elevator wall, tilting your head up to stare at the lights on the ceiling, taking another deep breath. 

The initial rush of adrenaline and surprise you felt just fifteen minutes ago has worn off but sinks realization back into you. 

The only thing you can focus on is getting back into your hotel room without doing anything else—attempting to process everything that just happened and what it means to you. 

You’re out of the elevator and speed walking to your suite from the moment the elevator doors slide back open, wasting no time. 

Unlocking the door, you step inside and shut it immediately behind you—giving your head a shake. You move your hand off of your jeans, checking your palm to see if any dried blood smeared over it only to see nothing. 

Raising your head, you look around your hotel room before slowly stepping forward; taking everything in bit by bit. 

It’s as if absolutely nothing’s happened; just as calm and normal as you left it this morning but you’ve returned back to your hotel room with someone else’s blood over your clothes and the vision of brains splattering over the ground for your memory. 

The blood of the man on your clothes is the same one who attempted to mug you almost an hour ago, then got shot in front of your face at close range by two men you’ve never seen before—conveniently there at the wrong place but the right time. 

‘It wouldn’t be the first time, would it?’ You frown, moving towards your hotel bed. 

There’s too much to think about; how you ended up in that situation, to begin with, leaving empty-handed, then coming across two men named Tony and Manny when you least expected it. 

‘Still…’ You slip off your shoes and sit over the edge of your bed, clasping your hands together in your lap as you let your mind continue to think. 

At the very least, your business is concluded in Havana. You have nothing else to do or look forward to here, and now without much of a choice you realize the danger you can find yourself in going forward here. 

You don’t know what you expected. You flew down to Havana to find proof of your mother’s claims of a family estate, which was transferred to your name after her divorce with your father was finalized only to find crumbling rubble and a mugging lurking around the corner. 

You’ve come from Miami with something to return with nothing and no reason to call home or your father right now as you’d prefer to let him know in person. 

Not to mention the political tensions rising in Cuba only insists your best options now are to get back to Miami and never look back. 

You move off your bed, approaching your half-opened luggage propped up next to the television, and stuff back the loose pieces of clothing sticking out as your mind continues to wander. 

Truthfully, you’re not shaken by the mugging since it isn’t the first time you’ve been followed or provoked, but you’re not desensitized to crude, spontaneous violence either. 

Had nobody else been around, you still could have dealt with the situation yourself and defended yourself just fine; you can handle a knife swiftly and well and you know how to use a gun. 

Almost everything you’ve come to learn in terms of defending yourself one way or another has been because of the nature of your father’s business. 

Even with bodyguards, you refuse to have someone else fight your battles, especially if it means business rivals gone rogue or inconspicuous assassins sent your father’s way. 

Where Manny didn’t notice your relaxed state and lack of hesitation in your defensive prowess, Tony did. In just the sight of seeing you quickly calculate your moves with your flight or fight instinct, Tony easily discerned you from any other woman he’s met before in Cuba. 

In fact, Tony liked nothing more than seeing how you held your ground before he made his presence clear, but your first impression of Tony is far from anything similar to what he thought of you. 

It’s not that you think this Tony figure is some sort of show off whose trigger happy or a slum lord, but much closer to a truly born killer whose made peace with his own violence. Tony did what he did back there for you, after all. 

You’d rather just forget the whole thing and move on, but your mind continues to linger on Tony with unease. 

‘Those two…’ You stare down at your suitcase. ‘If all of that wasn’t bullshit, they’ll be on their way to Miami too.’ 

At the very least, your father will want to know everything that’s happened and hasn’t happened since you landed in Havana and you don’t plan on holding back any details either. Maybe the names ‘Tony Montana’ and ��Manny Ribera’ will mean something to him. 

When your eyes land back on the little splatters of dried blood upon your jeans it only reminds you that you’ll be telling your father everything. 

You’ve come to remember Tony’s comment about him not being a name or face to forget, but you know you can’t say more or think more on the matter until you return back home at least. 

Still, Tony’s come off as bold, confident—cocky even to you and you barely know who he is. You’re completely unaware that if you don’t see or find him in Miami, he’ll certainly come to find you again. 

You almost find yourself blushing a little remembering the sight of him; although both men before you are very attractive in their own ways, there’s just something else about Tony that’s rubbed off on you differently. 

Putting your hair up in a loose bun, you check the time on the alarm clock by your bed before leaning down and beginning to zip up your suitcase. 

Regardless of finding anything for your family heritage or not, you’re finally ready to go home. 

If you’re meant to see Tony again after all of this, you will. Either way, it’ll give you something to think about for the rest of your life. 

~

[ Next Day, 5:02 AM]

Up at the “ass crack of dawn” or as Tony puts it, Tony and Manny are but two in a crowd of hundreds of Cubans preparing to board on boat to finally immigrate to the United States first thing in the morning.

Having barely slept the night before due to excitement, Manny can hardly keep his eyes open and finds himself consistently rubbing over his eyelids or scratching at his arm just to stay focused and awake.

Tony on the other hand slept like a baby, snored throughout the night, and knew what he’d come to expect at the “ass crack of dawn”; lineups, paperwork, and being kept under a watchful eye by guards for order.

“Think they want us gone more than we want to be gone,” Manny grumbles, rubbing his eyes again.

Just across from Tony and Manny are dozens of boats designed to carry hundreds of passengers, already beginning to pack on crowds of sweaty men bumping into each other—hollering to get a decent place to sit.

Regardless of the chatter and noise, the guards patrolling and policing the nearby area and the docks maintain order and peace well; shoving those around who lash out or are deemed disobedient to ensure security is kept in line this morning.

“We all going to one place this early in the morning,” Tony looks around his environment, appearing annoyed by Manny’s sleepy state. “That’s why I told your ass to sleep early last night, but no—you didn’t listen to me.”

“I tried man, I tried,” Manny whines back, slowly moving up in line with Tonny. “But I got too excited. Look, we’re finally leaving this place, man. Don’t blame me.”

“Yeah, finally,” Tony mutters to himself as he looks up at the boat closest to his and Manny’s lineup. “That could be the one.”

“Maybe,” Manny’s eyes light up.

“Your ass gonna be packed on there with me like a sardine anyway. Then you can sleep,” Tony comments.

“Shut up, man,” Manny chuckles, playfully smacking Tony’s arm.

“NEXT!” The officer sitting at the makeshift desk at the very front of the lineup calls, leaving Tony and Manny next in line.

Tony steps up first, staring back at the officer as he hands over his passport and crumped up documents upon the table.

“State your name,” the officer takes Tony’s passport without breaking his cautious gaze over Tony’s face.

“Antonio Montana,” Tony replies.

“You go by ‘Tony’?” The officer asks, staring at Tony’s passport pic and squinting his eyes.

“Yeah, sometimes,” Tony shrugs his shoulders.

Tony appears nonchalant in his passport photo, but the officer’s trained eye knows it’s no fake or forgery; this is the very man in front of him now only appearing handsomely crude.

The officer stamps Tony’s passport and hands it back to him only a moment later, gesturing to the very boat behind him. “That one will take you to go. Go to the next line ahead.”

Tony glances over his shoulder to give Manny a smug smirk before taking back his passport and papers and being nudged toward the next line by another officer.

Manny’s passport check is no longer than Tony’s and bound for the same boat, now standing in the same and last line to sail off from Havana.

“This is what I need, man,” Manny grins as the two walks aboard the boat at last, squeezing through a small crowd. “We gonna be in Miami before you know it, man. America! Sweet Miami!”

“The American dream, huh?” Tony crosses his arms, looking out towards the docks with an amused expression on his face. “You’ll see. It all goes up from here, man. That’s what I’m talking about, now—” Tony taps Manny’s arm, pulling him back from near the edge of the boat. “Stay close, man. You gonna barely have room to breathe in here and I’m not looking for your excited ass if you fall into the water.”

“Okay, man, okay,” Manny bursts out into laughter, moving aside. “Let’s go, let’s go. I wanna get out of here already. Miami, here we come, man!”

Unlike Manny, Tony doesn’t even bother to look back once at the life he was leaving behind, whether it was to say goodbye to Cuba one last time, reminisce about his childhood or think about where he came from.

Tony’s mentality and future are already settled in America; embroiled in the American dream without even being entirely aware of it. Tony can’t see anything else or past it.

All Tony knows now is he’ll no longer have to toil under a regime while being under a watchful eye in case any of his words or actions are warranted as “counter-revolutionary”.

Tony will no longer have to think his life has no meaning in Cuba but build his future elsewhere; one that doesn’t involve slaving away working at the docks and catching octopus ten hours a day only to be fucked by the government on the daily.

Tony always knew that if he couldn’t feel like he’s come to accomplish anything in Havana, he wouldn’t give up and decide this is how he has to live.

Even now, Tony keeps his eyes affixed on the waters ahead of the boat as security on the docks gives the all-clear to keep sailing onward while Manny watches the distance growing between him and Havana.

What Manny sees in Havana and what he’ll always remember is his home; the city he grew up in and had no intention of leaving until the Castro regime.

Manny grew up with Tony on the streets of Havana; it’s where he attended education all the way through high school, got his first job, had his first kiss, learned how to drive—just about everything.

Nothing else happened in Tony or Manny’s life outside of Cuba before it all went to shit; neither Tony nor Manny felt welcome in their own home anymore.

Still, optimistic and excited enough for the future, Manny welcomes the new chapter in his life. It’s just like the way it’s always been, of course, still side by side with Tony doing anything and everything they can just to make a living.

Before Manny can turn to tell Tony, “we’re really going, man”, he sees Tony already moving in line to get into the living quarters without a care for anything he’s leaving behind.

Tony’s already had one too many times to gaze out towards the sea and wonder how he’d get away from Havana and actually start living his life; he has no reason to do it to himself again.

~

“Aww, man,” Manny mumbles under his breath, cringing as he tenses his muscles and squirms through the packed crowd with Manny just to get inside the living quarters of the boat.

“What I say?” Tony pipes up, having reminded Manny well one too many times over as to just how crowded the trip to Miami will truly be.

“Yeah, yeah,” Manny and Tony get ushered towards one room by a guard, noticing six more men inside the crammed living space before the doors shut behind them.

Four of the sweaty men are already on their bunkbeds, reading newspapers and making quiet conversation with one another while the other two sit at a small, worn-out end table with flimsy, plastic chairs playing a game of cards.

With nothing but a rag as a makeshift rug in the middle of the room separating the bunkbeds from one another, Tony and Manny notice the bunk beds themselves are made of cheap stiff metal consisting of thin, very worn, old, and yellow-stained mattresses.

The crushed-looking pillow on each bed is in the same stained and sorry state as the mattress with a pilled-up, wrinkled wool blanket in the middle of the bed.

Manny cringes at the filthy sight of discomfort before him he has no choice but to spend hours with whereas Tony raises his brows for a moment, but accepts it.

“You go up,” Tony points up at the bunk bed before moving towards the lower bed. “I’m staying down here.”

Nodding, Manny begins to carefully climb up to the top bunk; wary of every step he takes up the shaky metal ladder with complete distrust and caution.

“Jesus,” Tony mutters under his breath, picking up the scent of body odor reeking from the other men in the room mixing in with the humidity and clear lack of proper ventilation.

Grunting quietly, Tony lays flat on his back—feeling no different from laying down over concrete or anything else stiff and guaranteed to cause back pain only to see a few of the men in the living quarters beginning to peek over at Tony and Manny, even letting their conversations fade out to do so.

“What?” Tony furrows his brows, immediately agitated by the staring as he smacks his pillow—attempting to fluff it.

The men immediately look back away to mind their own business from Tony’s gruff response.

“Tsk, tsk,” Tony shakes his head, resting his head back down on the reeking pillow.

“Hey, man,” Manny’s eyes peer down on Tony, catching his eye.

“Enjoying the kingdom up there?” Tony asks sarcastically.

“Please,” Manny whines quietly, “my ass hurts, man. This feels like a brick.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Tony rolls his eyes, looking up at Manny. “But it gonna be over before we know it.”

“Right,” Manny rakes a hand through his hair with a strained sigh, “like a whole day of travel.”

“Nobody else complainin’ here but you, man,” Tony points out. “What did you expect?”

“I dunno, man,” Manny plops back down on his bed. “Just thought your new friend would help.”

“What are you talking about, man?” Tony yawns, closing his eyes. “What friend?”

“Oh, sorry,” Manny lets out a soft laugh, “I mean your new girlfriend.”

The other men in the room begin to curiously look back over at Manny and Tony again, listening to their conversation.

“Or did you realize you can’t talk to a woman like that?” A playful grin crosses over Manny’s lips.

“Like what?” Tony’s eyes snap open as agitation begins to grow in his tone of voice. “Because I was good. I always am.”

“Yeah, you a real ladies' man, alright,” Manny scoffs, “if I didn’t know better man, I think you knew that American girl for a thousand years.”

Tony almost feels immediately possessive at the very mention of you; his muscles tensing up in response.

“Got tired of digging through old rocks, now you chasing women, huh? What I tell you, huh?! This is 

my neighborhood, so if you fuck with it, you fuck with me!”

There isn’t a single detail of how Tony encountered you with Manny that Tony can’t remember; your face and voice are still etched in his mind with no intention of Tony wanting to forget just how he met you in the first place.

From how quickly everything happened and how Tony took the heat knowing your life was very much at risk right then and there out on the street, Tony can’t let go of meeting you. It’s like in a way, you were already his. What kind of coincidence could that be?

“I bet your girlfriend on a nice, fancy plane right now flying to Miami,” Manny continues, chuckling to himself. “She waiting for us or something, man? ‘Cause you said she gonna remember your face and all that shit for some reason.”

“Hey, shut up, man!” Tony snaps, leaning up on his elbows. “Shut up!”

Manny holds back his laughter by clasping a hand over his mouth as the other men in the room once again begin to stare at the two from the sudden yelling.

“What?!” Tony scowls towards the other men in the room; his voice sharpening. “What you all looking at, huh?! Nobody minds their own business in here, huh? Stop fuckin’ staring at me!”

This time, all heads are turned away sharply, pretending as if nothing ever happened.

“God,” Tony grits his teeth, rubbing his temples gingerly. “I’m in a goddamn mental asylum here…”

“I just asked a question, man,” Manny’s voice pipes up again.

“Yeah, I answer,” Tony snaps back, “we gonna see her again. I got a name, you forgot? What you think? I’m gonna mention her name when we get to Miami; when we talk to customs.”

“Wait, seriously?” Manny’s eyes begin to widen.

“Yeah,” Tony nods, “I do her a favor, she do one for me. Maybe she don’t know it’s coming but I know she not like that. If she really the big shot in Mami and not lying, then we see her again. She owes me.”

“She don’t have to help us, man,” Manny points out, “what if she don’t want to do nothing for us?”

“Then she gonna have to explain to the customs why she know our name,” Tony mentions with complete confidence in himself. “I told you, easy way out. I gonna thank Celeste for all she done, don’t worry, man. She need me, I need her. She’ll see.”

~

On your return flight back to Miami two hours later in first class, you remain indifferent and rather nonchalant about the trip home; doing well in getting your mind off of it.

Enjoying the comforts of first class and having a much-needed drink, you’re easily able to distract yourself and indulge in a book—curled up on your seat with a faux fur throw over you.

When you land back in the United States, your father’s private chauffeur as expected and scheduled picks you up to drive you back to his estate.

You’re grateful for the rest and relaxation you were able to get on your trip back, feeling the lasting effects of travel exhaustion only minorly over you.

In any case, the news of your trip to Havana and just what happened may surprise your father a bit, but it won’t cause him to become upset to any degree.

Only when your step outside of your chauffeur’s vehicle and make your way towards the guarded, front gates of your father’s estate do you feel a numbing ache inside of you desperate to be back at home.

You don’t plan on delaying the news of everything to your father a moment longer.

“Celeste!” Your father’s eyes light up at the sight of you entering the grandiose living room from the foyer. “Welcome back, sweetheart,” your father rises to his feet with a smile.

Standing in the first of many living spaces in your father’s estate with the floors polished in marble, a flair of Roman and Spanish architecture decorated with silver and gold finishings but also inspired by modern American interior design greets you once again.

“Father,” you can’t help but find yourself smiling back at him.

Your father extends out his arms, holding a glass of bourbon in one hand as he begins to approach you. “How was your flight, honey? You’re back almost just as scheduled—impressive.”

“As well as it could be,” you hug your father as he sets down his drink, embracing you back. “I’m just so tired,” you groan out over his shoulder, “every single time, and it always hits me at home.”

“It’s only ever so comfortable,” your father chuckles, patting your shoulders before pulling away. “Well?” His eyes fill with amusement, “I won’t have to guess too much as to how it went. I can see the disappointment in your eyes.”

“That obvious, huh?” You sigh softly.

“Mhmm,” your father nods, “it makes me even more curious. Let me just assume that…” Your father purses his lips, leading you towards the velvet couches to sit down together. “There was just nothing there?”

“Yeah,” you answer back.

“Figures,” your father moves towards the bar table across the room as you take a seat first. “But it’s also no surprise. Here…” Your father pops open a cask of whiskey, pouring some over ice in a glass and mixing half of it with a bottle of coke. “You could use the relaxation. I’m sure you’ve got more than enough to explain.”

“Thanks, Dad,” you lean up to take the drink from him before both of you sit side by side. “But you know I didn’t expect to come back empty-handed myself.”

“Sure, I know what you mean,” your father shrugs. “We can’t say it was entirely for nothing but it was no vacation either, huh?”

“Please,” you shake your head. “Havana is beautiful and lively but some parts... Well—that can be said for just about anywhere, including Miami.”

“Absolutely,” your father reaches for the drink he set aside.

“There was something, though,” you mumble, staring down at your drink. “Mom didn’t entirely lie to us.” You slouch down on the couch, taking a glum sip of your drink. “I don’t know how long it’s been or what happened to it, but there was something.”

“Your mother’s estate was there as she said?” Your father raises his brows. “It actually exists?”

“It did at some point,” you nod, “it’s demolished now, along with every other decent-looking villa I could have found there. Gone. It’s destroyed, just rubble.”

“I see,” your father frowns. “Grim news then.”

“I don’t know what happened to it, and it’s not like I could ask anyone,” you swallow down another sip of your drink. “The villa was right around the outskirts of something like a ghost town.”

“The rebels must have done some work to it,” your father rolls his eyes. “I’m not surprised. The villa must have been standing there for many years prior.”

“If Mom never told you about it, maybe it was only up and around when you two first married,” you suggest.

“A lie is a lie, isn’t it?” Your father raises his drink to his lips. “Your mother kept many things from me since we began dating; her family estates being one,” your father emphasizes the plural of an estate. “Although, I suppose it would be hard to legally prove it was destroyed when and how she owed us this much from the divorce.”

“I don’t know why she did this to us,” you swallow hard, continuing to drink. “First the lies, then the divorce—all of this. She just… She tore our family apart.”

“Yes,” your father agrees, “but it’s her fault and hers alone. She chose to do that to us, so we have no choice but to let it be. The same goes for her so-called villa—estate, whatever you wanna call it. I never wanted any of it for myself, but she owed you.”

“If it’s just a piece of history rotting there now, so be it,” you point out, “I don’t care, Dad. It’s not important to me. I just don’t want you to be upset by it because it’s…” You bite your lip, sighing again. “It was just another lie. Ugh, I can’t take this anymore.”

“And you don’t have to,” your father finishes his drink, exhaling quietly. “Neither of us do. We can leave it at that.”

“Only we can’t,” you lower your glass down to your lap—remembering just how you came across Tony and Manny back in Havana.

“My first American friend and she wanna help me. All Americans like you must be so nice.”

“I met someone,” you say, “two people, actually…”

“You think they may have known something about your mother’s estate?” Your father raises a curious brow.

“Well, they definitely knew more about where I was than me,” you shrug your shoulders. “They were two Cuban men. I assume they probably grew up around or in that same neighborhood from how they spoke of the street and knew it so well. “

“Hmm, interesting,” your father muses, listening to you explain. “And they helped you find the estate or at least what was left of it?”

“More like they saved my life,” you shake your head. “There was some other street rat lurking around, preying on me. I don’t know how long he was stalking me when I was there, but he snuck up on me good.”

“Are you alright? Did he do anything to you?” Your father’s eyes begin to grow with worry. “That man didn’t hurt you or anything?”

“Honestly, Dad, no. I’m fine, really. It was more of a question of what I was going to do to defend myself.”

“I know that sweetheart,” your father chuckles to himself. “No doubt you could, but it doesn’t make you any less concerned.”

“I know,” you purse your lips, “then those two men showed up like nothing. They must have been around. One of them… He…”

“The least you two could tell me are your names.”

“Tony. Antonio Montana.”

“He shows up, then he shoots my stalker right in front of me. Killed that guy like nothing; mocked him first and got him fearing for his life first. It was…something. His friend next to him just stood there like he’s seen this sort of thing every day.”

“He may have,” your father suggests. “What were their names?”

“The one who did the killing was Tony, Tony Montana. His friend’s name was Manny Ribera. Do those names ring a bell?”

“Hmm, no,” your father smoothens out his dress shirt, “I can’t say that they do. Should I?”

“I honestly don’t know,” you laugh a little to yourself, “they just seemed awfully convinced they’d see me again as if they already knew me.”

“And you’ve never seen or met these men at all before?”

“Never,” you reply.

“I’d just assume these men may be well known in Cuba,” your father rests his back against the couch.

“Or they could just be two guys in the right place at the right time,” you sip your drink again. “Either way, I do owe them. They didn’t have to do anything for me back there.”

“No shame or harm in that. I’ll keep their names in mind,” your father rakes a hand through his hair, “but how can they be so convinced that they’ll be seeing you again? You’re back in Miami now.”

“They’re migrants,” you point out, “and from everything going on in Cuba, I’m not surprised that they’re leaving like everyone else.”

“Now there’s something,” your father’s eyes light with curiosity. “So they’re coming to Miami.”

“Mhmm,” you swirl around the ice at the bottom of your drink. “They’ll be here eventually. Whatever part I seem to play in that doesn’t make sense to me.”

“You know you don’t owe either of these men anything, Celeste,” your father tells you. “You’re not obligated to do anything, although I can understand your appreciation towards them for what they’ve done for you.”

“I know,” you shrug, setting your drink down, “I’m just as much of a stranger to them as they are to me. Their words mean nothing to me anymore. We’ve forgotten each other already, it’s just… When I think of Havana, I’ll remember them again. I can’t forget that. It’s like I have to remember.”

“Celeste, honey…” Your father frowns, looking down at his hands for a moment as he ponders how to phrase his next words. “I do believe you’re getting a little too desensitized to all of this, sweetheart. All of the blood and carnage… This isn’t good for you whatsoever.”

“It’s not like that, Dad,” you murmur, denying it. “I was still shaken too and it’s not new, is it?” Your eyes meet with his. “We see it all too often ourselves.”

“Mm, that much is true,” your father notes. “I’m intrigued about these men because of what they did for you so I’ll keep their names in mind, but that is as much as I’ll do. Like you said,” your father begins to rise up from his seat, “you’re as much of a stranger to them as they are to you.”

“It’s all over now, Dad,” you scoff, slouching on the couch. “I’m never going back to Havana again. There’s nothing now.”

“I’m sure they’ve come to understand that too.”

~

[ Miami, Florida: Cuban Migrant Camp ]

“Okay, Tony,” The immigration officer sighs in annoyance, wishing to get done and over with this mandatory questioning held with high suspicion and an even higher rate of being refused a green card and full entry into Miami.

“So,” The immigration officer lets the file folder holding Tony’s documents plop down onto his desk with a smack, eyeing Tony carefully. “What’s your full name? What do you go by?”

“Antonio Montana,” Tony’s reply is as smug and confident as always; more like he’s at a job interview he knows he’ll get through anyway instead of being questioned about every aspect of his life in Cuba by US officials. “But everybody call me Tony.”

“Tony,” the other cop repeats, “and whose ‘everybody’?”

“Everyone,” Tony shrugs his shoulders. “Everyone who know me; my friends, you know. And you? What you call yourself?” The playful grin on Tony’s lips begins to grow.

The immigration officer rolls his eyes, avoiding the small talk invitation. “Okay Tony, where’d you learn to speak English like that?”

“In school,” Tony’s tone of voice begins to grow more serious. “Then my father taught me. He was from The United States. Just like you guys, you know, but he was a Yankee. He used to take me a lot to the movies, so you know, I learn a lot of English from there. I always knew one thing,” Tony points back at his chest, “coming to the United States. That’s what I wanted to do.”

“And where’s your old man now?” The police officer asks, picking up his clipboard.

“He dead,” Tony replies plainly. “He died somewhere, sometime. We not close after I began growing up. He left the family.”

“And your mother?” The immigration officer raises a curious brow.

“She dead too,” Tony answers, convincing enough.

“Tell us what kind of work you did back in Cuba, Tony,” the cop moves on to his next question.

“I worked in construction business,” Tony begins, “trades stuff. I work a lot with my hands. I build things. I was in the army too.”

“Hmm…” The immigration officer muses, opening up Tony’s file before exchanging an unamused glance with the police officer. “Interesting enough but far too convenient. What do you think?”

“I think he’s full of shit,” the cop answers, looking Tony dead in the eye. “You really don’t have any family in the United States at all? No cousins? Not even a brother-in-law or something?”

“No,” Tony remains unphased by their comments. “Nobody. Like I said, man, they all dead.”

“You ever been to jail, Tony?” The immigration officer sits on the edge of the desk directly in front of Tony.

“Me?” Tony blinks, almost appearing offended by the very question. “Jail? No. No way, no.”

“Been in a mental hospital?”

“Oh yeah,” Tony lies jokingly, “on the way coming here.”

Holding back his own laughter, neither the immigration officer, the cop or the guards in the corner of the room seem the slightest bit amused or entertains Tony’s jokes.

“What about homosexuality, Tony?” The immigration officer begins to slowly pace around Tony’s seat. “You like men, huh? You like to dress up like a woman?”

‘The fuck?’ Tony thinks to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. “The fuck is wrong with this guy, man? Are you kidding me or what?”

“Just answer the question, Tony,” The cop sighs out of impatience, shifting in his seat.

“Okay, no. Fuck no.” Tony answers. “No, okay?”

“Have you ever been arrested for anything? Marijuana? Heroin? Drugs of any kind?”

“No, no. No way, no,” Tony denies.

“Cocaine?” The cop narrows his eyes, growing increasingly suspicious.

“No, man.”

“Uh huh,” unconvinced, the immigration officer suddenly grabs Tony’s face, pointing at the glaringly obvious scar over Tony’s left eye. “Where’d you get that beauty scar, tough guy? Eating pussy?”

Tony is all the more wildly entertained by all of this. “Eating pussy?” Tony points up at his scar, “how am I gonna get a scar like that eating pussy, man? It happened to me when I was a kid. Mhmm, yeah, you should see the other kid, you know.”

“Then explain this,” the immigration officer lets go of Tony’s face, snatching up his hand again to show a small poorly tattooed, stick and poke heart pierced by an arrow. “The hell is this?”

“Ah, that’s for my sweetheart—” Tony begins, but neither of the officials are buying it.

“Sweetheart, my ass,” the immigration officer rolls his eyes, “we’ve been seeing a whole lot more of these lately. It’s some kind of code you and your friends used back in the can, huh? This is what? A pitchfork of some kind? Means an assassination happened, huh?”

“You wanna tell us about it Montana or should we take you on a little trip to the detention center?” The cop crosses his arms.

Tony pauses for a moment, remaining calm. “Okay, okay. You got me. I was in the can one time. One time, okay?” He holds his free hand up in surrender. “Nothing crazy though. I was buying dollars. Fake dollars.”

“Funny,” the cop begins to rise to his feet, alerting the attention of the guards in the corner of the room.

“No, it’s true,” Tony continues his story, “I got it from a Canadian tourist. Didn’t know it was fake.”

“Let me guess, you mugged him first?” The immigration officer appears all the more frustrated, thinking now’s his chance to brush Tony aside with the dozen others he’s interrogated already today. “Get him out of here!”

“So I fucked up, what’s to it?!” Tony protests, nudging back the immigration officers that begin to attempt to restrain him. “Wait—wait! Wait, man, hold on. Just hold on. Let me talk to this guy, okay!” Tony holds both of his hands up in surrender once the officers pull away. “Let me ask you something, man,” Tony points at the immigration officer, wetting his lips. “Are you a communist? Huh?” He asks completely calmly.

The immigration officer crosses his arms, staring back at Tony with a mix of disgust and disappointment in his expression.

“How’d you like it?” Tony scowls. “They tell you all the time what to do, what to think, what to feel. Do you wanna be a sheep like all those other people, huh? BAAA, BAA!” Tony bleats, beginning to loudly imitate a sheep.

“I don’t have to listen to this bullshit!” The cop fumes, rising up from his seat abruptly.

“You wanna work eight hours a day; you owe everything, you got nothing?” Tony redirects his attention to the cop, pointing at him as he speaks. “You want someone standing on the corner of every street watching everything you do and say, man? You wanna live and work like that? That’s what I did, okay? That’s what I did,” Tony gestures to his chest, “I made nothing. They make me clean octopus eight hours a day, every day! I got fucking octopus coming out of my ears, man!” Tony gestures to his ear. “I got holes in my shoes and they work me like that every fucking day. How’d you like that? What did you want me to do, stay there and do nothing? Huh?” Tony’s voice sharpens as he continues, “What could I do, man? What would you do?”

Nobody answers, but Tony’s words are well-heard and understood. As petty and difficult as the immigration officers and officials are, let alone completely unsympathetic to the sob story of any Cuban migrant, Tony’s explanation can’t be argued against.

“It make anyone go fucking crazy,” Tony’s voice begins to calm, growing serious. “I’m no thief, no criminal, okay? I’m Tony Montana, a political prisoner from Cuba, and I want my fucking human rights!” Tony slams the palm of his hand down on the table. “Right now!”

“I don’t believe a word of this shit,” the cop speaks up, surprising the others. “All of you sound the same. You know that son of a bitch Castro is shitting all over us. Send this bastard to Freedom Town where they’ll take good care of him.”

Tony scoffs, bursting out laughing as he doesn’t resist being restrained. “You know something? You can send me anywhere. This, there, here—it don’t matter.”

The officers begin to haul Tony towards the door of the interrogation room by force.

“There is nothing you can do to me that Castro has not already done,” Tony attempts to halt in his tracks, pushing his back against the cops. “I have someone who can vouch for me, you know that?”

Immediately, the cops trying to restrain and shove Tony out let go and take a step back, staring at the immigration officer in shock as if Tony’s words have rendered them completely helpless.

“What?” The cop furrows his brows. “What the hell did you just say?”

“That’s right,” a wry smirk returns over Tony’s lips. “I know somebody. She’s an American, and she live here in Miami. She know me, I know her. You don’t believe me? Fine, but you gonna believe her.”

“You said you had no family here, Tony,” the immigration officer presses.

“It’s true,” Tony confirms, shrugging his shoulders. “That no lie. She not my family, but she know me. I can prove that to you.”

“Who is she?” The immigration officer rolls his eyes, taking a seat back down at his desk. “Go on, tell us about this supposed woman you know. I call bullshit. You’ll say anything to save your own ass now. Just so you know I’m fucking serious, I’ll call her over here to see if you’re telling the truth.” He leans over the desk, lowering his voice. “And she better look me dead in the eye and say you’re her fucking best friend.”

Tony leans back in, resting his palms over the immigration officer's desk with a mocking, sweet smile on his lips. “Trust me, she will. Go ahead. She know my friend Manny too, so what are you doing? Call her already. Go on, ask her. Ask.”

“Ask who?” The cop interrupts. “Give us your American girlfriend’s name.”

“Celeste Navarro,” Tony answers. “That her name.”

The room immediately falls with silence and expressions grow extremely concerned.

One police officer standing by the door chuckles to himself, but with one death glare from the cop, he too falls quiet.

The immigration officer clears his throat, “Celeste Navarro?”

“Yeah, I bet you know her, don’t you?” Tony crosses his arms, cockiness growing in his demeanor.

“And I bet you don’t,” the cop spits back. “Do you have any idea what you’re fucking saying? How much weight the Navarro family name carries?”

“Sure,” Tony grins devilishly, “that’s why I just said it.”

“You better not be fucking with me, Montana,” the immigration officer slams his documents down on the table. “I’ll look into it—”

“You have to,” Tony pressures. “So just do it now, man. Quit wasting time. I miss her and I wanna see her again.”

“If you’re lying, Montana, you’ll be in a whole separate pile of deep shit from that alone,” the cop threatens.

“Then I’m in no shit at all,” Tony brushes them off, sitting back down comfortably in his seat and slouching before gesturing to the telephone upon the center of the cop’s desk. “Go ahead, call Celeste, man. Tell her Tony’s here and he misses her.”

[108garys]

Randolph Hodgson journal audio transcribed

For hoa's 21st in inuniverse anniversary I have transcribed Hodgson's diary using this video

You can also check out my previous transcriptions of Manny Sherman's tapes and all puritan dialogue in little hope

I will always love this plotline and so wish there was more to it, I love that Randolph is such an unreliable narrator and damn do I wish I had the music in this separate, well at any rate...

September the 24th 1945.

When Lady Bradshaw summons you, you go. Mary and I were bound for our honeymoon, but the chance to dine with one of Britain's finest antiquarians was too great for us to miss. When we met, Bradshaw wore a brooch that caught Mary's eye: a Sumerian relic recovered from a dig site in the Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq. After dinner, she showed us another find from the same site, a gold cuneiform tablet. She called it the final puzzle piece in her life's work - a map that pinpoints the tomb of Alexander the Great. If she's right, the tomb lies somewhere on the border between Syria and Iraq. Lady Bradshaw wants us to lead her expedition. I realise now that our honeymoon will take place in a dusty dig site in the Zagros Mountains. __

April the 2nd 1946.

We have assembled our team. Top of my list was my old comrade from the wars, Captain Sherman Crow, the bulldog of Omaha Beach. We found him in Cairo, brawling for money in a Levantine drinking club. Crow recommended an experienced dig foreman, Arthur Pulman, and in Haifa we picked up my assistant, the always inquisitive Aline Journeau. Lady Bradshaw insisted on the presence of her own advisor, Ellis van Huyten, an archaeologist I know only from his poor reputation. Our team complete, we shall head to the Lebanon and from there by train to Baghdad. __

October the 21st, 1946.

Crow was the first to break into the tomb: an honour he shared with "Bessie", that damned machinegun of his. It was a beast of a weapon, but it seemed to comfort the fellahin doing the digging. This place has lain undisturbed for centuries. It is not the tomb of Alexander the Great, but a temple of an even older God-King: the Akkadian despot Naram-sin. We have been mistaken, but Lady Bradshaw still declares it a find for the ages. A discovery that will write our names in the annals of history. Looking out at this sceptered hall, I have no reason to doubt her. __

The catacombs beneath the temple are heaped with human bones. Aline has worked sacrificial digs in El Castillo, but even she hasn't seen death on this scale before. The Akkadians killed thousands in the name of their gods: most ritually decapitated, but others crudely slain and dumped in charnel pits, as though the slaughter had spiralled out of control. What plague of cataclysm demanded such a price? So much blood spilled, and for what? Whatever happened here, a millennia ago, is a secret waiting to be discovered. Our work begins in earnest. __

7th of December, 1946.

Our finds have been so spectacular, I couldn't resist breaking out the champagne. As I entered the survey tent to pour a glass for Mary, I realised something was awry; she'd found Bradshaw's crate of dynamite. I tried to calm her, but she worked up a full head of steam, sounding off about the risks of using explosives at a dog site. She was right, of course, and I feel terrible for hiding it from her. Just then Crow arrived and picked up the dynamite. When Mary ordered him to put it down, he looked her boldly in the eye and said they'd found something below. __

The bottom of the chasm stank of death and was littered with corpses, fresh enough to be covered in flies. Crow thinks that local bandits must have tossed their victims down here after robbing them. I pity those hapless wanders; the fear they must have felt as they tumbled to their doom. But this was not what he wanted to show us. An unearthly light pierced the rocks. When Mary asked us what it was, Bradshaw nodded to Crow who broke open the dynamite. She said she intended to find out. __

Blowing a hole through the rock face, we found a gateway to a strange world below. A phosphorescence emanated from beneath, casting its eldritch light over us all. Lady Bradshaw was insistent that we descend further. Perhaps Mary is right, and Bradshaw is becoming reckless and uncontrollable, but I can't stop thinking about what's down there. I am now working with Crow and Pulman to set up a winch and elevator to descend into the shaft. What mysteries lie below, I wonder, undisturbed by the world above? __

13th December.

Crow, Bradshaw and I descended in the elevator. As we left, I was struck by the change in Bradshaw's temperament. She seemed eager, almost manic, in the face of our new discovery. When we reached the bottom, Crow could not prevent himself from letting loose an oath. There before us, set in a dizzying vault, lay a city. It was loathsome, colossal and sleeping, a great carcass built in some ancient age before men. Overcome with awe, I fell to my knees. __

28th December.

God, forgive us. For days we have studied this dead, silent realm and its entombed abominations. Now the horrors have come for my own dear Mary. Crow found her unconscious in the Star Chamber, her notes scattered around her. He carried her back to our supply room and laid her down in one of the cells. When Bradshaw learned what had happened, she was evasive about Mary's work down there. As I cleaned my wife's face, she spoke to me in a fever, sounding distressed and confused. I have resolved to keep a vigil over her. I pray her fever abates so we can escape this cursed place. __

29th December.

Pulman says the radio has been sabotaged; an expert job, with vital wires severed. Someone wants us cut off from the outside world. Aline fought in the Resistance, but while she is undoubtedly capable, I refuse to accept she's responsible. Personally, I still harbour doubts about van Huyten, although without proof, everyone remains a suspect. All I can do now is place sentries on the expedition's equipment. __

30th December.

Mary's condition worsens. This evening, I awoke from an exhausted daze to find Lady Bradshaw asking my wife more of her damned questions. Mary was babbling something about winged demons. At this, Bradshaw's eyes lit up and she asked whether Mary could sense them now. Gripped by delirium, my wife lashed out, clawing at Bradshaw's chest. Lady Bradshaw withdrew, and I was, after a while, able to calm my wife. __

31st December.

Mary is dead. I sat with her in her final moments, telling her how sorry I was. Sorry for accepting Bradshaw's offer. For ever coming to this hell-forsaken place. For placing my vanity above our love. When Mary spoke about "the end of everything." I knew she sensed death coming. With her last words, she made me swear to bury this place. __

9pm.

Something unholy has happened. As I sat with my wife, I noticed something in her hand; Lady Bradshaw's brooch. She must have pulled it from her shirt when she grabbed at her. Turning it over, I noticed that it looked like one of the creatures we exhumed from the cocoons. Were these the demons Mary had spoken about? Had Bradshaw known all along what we'd find down here? Then Mary's corpse moved. It was not my wife - it was something inhuman! It leapt at me, and only the bars of the cell spared me from its fury. __

The camp is in uproar. Workers are missing, and Lady Bradshaw has returned to the city deep below. No-one knows why, but I can guess. She yearns for the same fate that befell Mary. She wants to be one of them. __

1st of January, 1947. 1 am.

The saboteur has struck again, sealing us in here. We are hopelessly trapped with those things. All around us, they shriek from the darkness. Crow has set up his machinegun, pointed towards the catacombs. Mary was right. We cannot fight that which does not live. There is only one option now: bring the whole damned temple down on them, even if it means bringing it down on our own heads. They cannot be allowed out of here. __

When this temple falls, my wife and I will be buried together, side-by-side. I owe her that, at least. The portrait that I carry in my watch case is the Mary that I remember. Not that thing in the cell. __

This is all Lady Bradshaw's doing. She knew all along what was down here. She led us to them. I found her below, hunched over the murdered corpse of Van Huyten. As she turned to face me, I saw that she had changed. My hand fell to the closest weapon I could find - an iron tent peg. I stabbed her with the metal, impaling her in the heart. As she died, unholy screams echoed from below, as if answering The sudden release of blood. __

The are coming. We must end it here, with fire and gunsmoke. If there is time, my last act will be to dictate this diary onto tapes; perhaps if it is found in the rubble, it can serve as a warning to any who follow us. __

The bones of this temple are drenched in blood. We have set foot on an uncharted shore and roused something ancient and wicked; a blasphemy that comes in indescribable shapes and forms. For eons, we lived as children in this world, unaware of the horrors that slumber beneath our feet. Now, we have blindly thrown open the gates to madness. I fear being taken, but I must do what I must. We must seal this place for eternity. For all mankind. Mary, I'm sorry.

___

@kassiekole22 @delurkr @ctrvpani @tatjana-fantasy

@tinynightmarewoman @blubary @oblivious-troll

I always be pouring over these things and then I don't have the remaining space to figure out who to tag 😅

[astra-galaxie]

“This isn’t just a circus; it's our home! We created a place where the runaways are running the night! Where the impossible comes true!” - Manolo Madrigal

Biographical information

Full Name: Manolo Madrigal

Alias(es):

Manny

Lolo

Gender: Transgender (Female to Male)

Sexuality: Gay

Status: Alive

Age: 27 (season 4)

Birth: 1863

Race: Mage

Nationality: Colombian

Origin: Enchanted Isles

Residence:

Concordia, USA

Enchanted Isles (formerly)

Profession(s): Acrobat

Affiliation(s):

The Circus of Dreams

Cirque de Nuit (formerly)

Profile

Height: 5’5” Age: 27 (season 4) Weight: 130lbs Eyes: green Blood: O-

Manolo is a short, lean Colombian man with warm, tanned skin, bright green eyes, and medium-length, curly black hair pulled into a ponytail.

In his suspect appearance during The Greatest Murder, he wore an emerald green leotard with a sparkly golden butterfly on the chest, golden swirls wrapped around his lower legs, a short gold sash, and simple slippers. He also had makeup on with a sparkly gold paint stroke over his eyes and small green butterflies along it.

As per his suspect appearances in The Greatest Murder, it is known that Manolo is superstitious and eats popcorn.

Powers and abilities

Manolo comes from a long line of mages, each specializing in a specific form of magic after receiving their miracle candle on their fifth birthday. Some don’t have specific names for their magic, but each has a title for their gift. For Manolo, his magical gift is called “Soul Butterflies.” In short, he can generate small gold butterflies that are pieces of his soul, and he has a variety of abilities for which he can use them.

Some of Manolo’s powers include, but are not limited to:

Light generation (his butterflies glow, and he can change the intensity)

Healing (he can heal minor illnesses and injuries; as he gets older/trains more, he has learned to heal more complex diseases and injuries)

Heat generation (since the butterflies are an extension of his soul/body, Manolo can use them to transfer body heat to others temporarily)

Memory manipulation (by letting a butterfly enter someone’s mind, Manolo can manipulate their memories. He rarely uses this ability, but if he does, it most often to help someone relive a memory in vivid detail, like watching a movie of their past)

Dream creation/manipulation (similar to his memory-based power, his butterflies can enter people’s dreams to create and change them. He can easily turn a horrific nightmare into a beautiful dream)

Empathy (when a butterfly touches someone, Manolo can feel their emotions as if they’re his own)

Other abilities include, but are not limited to:

Manolo can use his butterflies to send messages to people. They’ll hold a recording of him and deliver it to people wherever they may be (though he’s never been able to send a butterfly out Concordia’s bounds)

The butterflies can also be used for spying, as Manolo can see and hear through them. However, it's slightly distorted but still able to be seen/heard

Other facts about Manolo’s magic:

A Madrigal parent crafts a miracle candle for their child’s fifth birthday. They gift a Madrigal with their unique ability and create a magical room within the family’s estate, complete with a glowing door (think Encanto). A child’s candle is lit on their birthday by their parents and magically stays burning until the day they die. Upon their death, the candle melts away, and their door/room fades

He can perform spells and other magic not related to his gift, but his gift is his strongest ability

Like Kilian, Manolo also owns a Palismen, a star-shaped one named Místico, known as the Palismen of Magic. Místico has a gold body, silver eyes, and bronze details. The Palismen is capable of shapeshifting into other creatures and often takes on the disguise of a chameleon

History

Manolo originates from a far-off land known as the Enchanted Isles. (A/N: I’ll reveal more about this later.) It's a magical land where supernatural creatures live without fear of humans hunting them, as humans cannot reach the Isles. It exists in an almost pocket-dimension-like place hidden within the universe. Manolo, like many young members of the supernatural community, wanted to risk seeing the human realm, so he left and joined Cirque de Nuit, a circus created to help the supernatural hide in plain sight.

After arriving in the human realm, he joined Cirque de Nuit to safely travel the world and learn about the realm he’d only read about in history books before. And while it seemed lacklustre compared to the Enchanted Isles, Manolo enjoyed visiting the new countries with the circus. He’ll return to the Isles one day, but he’s content with living in the human realm for now. He’s made lots of friends through the circus, and he’s never regretted leaving the safety of the Isles… Well, never regretted it too much.

Manolo stayed with Cirque de Nuit for some years before following Buttercup and Gwaine to Concordia to help them create The Circus of Dreams. The McGees wanted to start a new, permanent circus in Concordia as a safe haven for the supernatural. Manolo joined their mission as the trapeze artist and found he really loved living in Concordia. Sure, there were more dangers now that he wasn’t constantly moving to new towns or cities weekly, but Manolo liked having the chance to put down roots again.

With the new circus came new friends, too. Through Kilian, Argo and Jason were introduced to the circus. The first became one of their performers (although Argo wouldn’t be performing as regularly as others since he still had his detective work to do), while the second became the circus’ resident handyman. Jason took charge of the renovations of the circus’ building and grounds needed to make it ready for their debut, and Manolo enjoys hanging out with the Phoenix and helping Jason with his designs. The acrobat also has fun with Argo and helps the siren perfect his act and stage persona.

Manolo hopes The Circus of Dreams will help bring new life and wonder to Concordia while providing a safe space for supernatural creatures. Manolo is sure he’ll return to the Enchanted Isles one day, but in the meantime, he’ll live life to the fullest in the human realm. Maybe he’ll even find his soulmate in the human realm… Eh, that’s a thought for another day! For today, he’s got a circus to help open!

Events of Criminal Case

Season 4

Manolo first appeared during The Greatest Murder after one of his leotards had been discovered on the crime scene. Like other suspects, Manolo didn’t hide his hatred towards the victim, Deacon Abbott, but declared that no one from the circus killed him. Though they were all relieved the Deacon wouldn’t be harassing them anymore. The Deacon was convinced the circus was evil and needed to be shut down before it had a chance to “corrupt” the innocent.

Later on in the case, Manolo was interviewed again after Maddie and Isaac discovered a threat the victim had sent him. While he did not confide in the detectives his secret (that he is transgender), Manolo admits that the victim had discovered it and threatened to expose him. Even though the circus already knew the truth and accepted him, Manolo knew the outside world did not…

After the killer was arrested, Manolo and his fellow performers watched the arrest, and he took the opportunity to mock the killer. Which only resulted in Kilian hitting him over the head with his Palismen… As the killer was taken away, Manolo and the others got to work cleaning up the circus. They still had a ways to go before opening night, but Manolo was confident guests would love their show and return for future performances!

Story Information

First appeared: The Greatest Murder

Trivia

Manolo and his family are inspired by the Madrigal family from the movie Encanto

His favourite animal is butterflies

He joined Cirque de Nuit as a teenager, and when Buttercup and Gwaine McGee decided to settle in Concordia and create The Circus of Dreams, Manolo went with them. As much as he enjoys travelling with Cirque de Nuit, he wanted to have a chance to settle down and start a family

Manolo and Argo became fast friends after Kilian introduced them following Argo’s recruitment into the circus. They two bonded over their struggles with body dysphoria, and Manolo loves having someone who understands what it's like to feel uncomfortable in their own skin. While Argo feels more comfortable in his body than Manolo does in his, the siren never undermines the acrobat’s feelings and always makes Manolo feel heard and understood

If left alone, Manolo could spend hours up on the trapeze. He loves flying through the air; it makes him feel free of fears and worries. But he can also lose track of time, so people regularly check on him to make sure he takes the brakes

Gallery

Drawing of Místico created by @sereno-world-sky:

(Místico's design is inspired by Star from the movie Wish)

Disclaimer: Character design was created using Rinmarugames ! I have only made minor edits to the design! Background courtesy of CriminalArtist5

Links to my stories:

The Case of the Criminal (Ao3/Wattpad) Killer Bay (Ao3/Wattpad) Where in the World are the Killers? (Ao3/Wattpad) Murders of The Past (Ao3/Wattpad)

[identity-library]

Diverse Sexuality (Books)

A:

Alice Isn't Dead (Joseph Fink)

Alice (Unspecified WLW)

Keisha Taylor (Unspecified WLW)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Benjamin Alire Sáenz)

Aristotle Mendoza (Gay)

Dante Quintana (Gay)

Aru Shah (Roshani Chokshi)

Brynne Rao (Bisexual)

A Step Towards Falling (Connie McGovern)

Richard (Gay)

Harrison (Gay)

Hugh (Unspecified MLM)

B:

Blood Like Magic (Liselle Sambury)

Keisha (Demisexual, Lesbian)

Bruised (Tanya Boteju)

Daya Wijesinghe (Unspecified WLW)

Shanti (Unspecified WLW)

C:

Cemetary Boys (Aiden Thomas)

Yadriel (Gay)

Julian Diaz (Gay)

Chaotic Good (Whitney Gardner)

Brian "Farrin" (Unspecified MLM)

Cooper Birch (Gay)

Wyatt (Gay)

Connection Error (Annabeth Albert)

Josiah Simmons (Gay)

Ryan Orson (Gay)

Crown of Feathers - Series (Nicki Pau Preto)

Anders (Unspecified MLM)

Avalkyra Ashfire (Aromantic, Asexual)

Callysta Lightbringer (Lesbian)

Kade (Gay)

Latham (Unspecified MLM)

Nefyra Ashfire (Lesbian)

Sev Lastlight (Gay)

Sidra (Unspecified WLW)

Tristan Flamesong (Bisexual)

D:

Dear Mothman (Robin Gow)

Alice (Unspecified WLW)

Molly (Unspecified WLW)

E:

Exit, Pursued by a Bear (E.K. Johnston)

Amy (Lesbian)

Polly (Lesbian)

F:

G:

Gifted Clans (Graci Kim)

Bob (Unspecified MLM)

Chae (Unspecified WLW)

Gong (Unspecified WLW)

Jangsoo Jeong (Unspecified MLM)

Girl Mans Up (M.E. Girard)

Blake (Bisexual)

Penelope "Pen" Oliveira (Lesbian)

H:

Highway Bodies (Alison Evans)

Dee (Bisexual)

Eve (Unspecified WLW)

Jojo (Bisexual)

History is All You Left Me (Adam Silvera)

Griffin (Unspecified MLM)

Jackson (Unspecified MLM)

Theo (Unspecified MLM)

I:

Icebreaker (A.L. Graziadei)

Jaysen Caulfield (Gay)

Mickey James (Bisexual)

I Hope You're Listening (Tom Ryan)

Delia "Dee" Skinner (Unspecified WLW)

Sarah (Unspecified WLW)

J:

Jess, Chunk, and the Road Trip to Infinity (Kristin Elizabeth Clark)

Cristophe "Chunk" Kefala (Pansexual)

K:

Keep This to Yourself (Tom Ryan)

Mac Bell (Gay)

Quill (Unspecified MLM)

L:

Learning Curves (Ceillie Simkiss)

Cora McLaughlin (Panromantic, Asexual)

Elena Mendez (Lesbian)

Love Letters for Joy (Melissa See)

Joy (Asexual)

M:

Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl (Brianna R. Shrum, Sara Waxelbaum)

Abbie Sokoloff (Bisexual)

Margo Zimmerman (Lesbian)

Matt Sinclair - Series (Tony Fennelly)

Matt Sinclair (Gay)

More Happy Than Not (Adam Silvera)

Aaron Soto (Gay)

N:

O:

P:

Pahua Moua - Series (Lori M. Lee)

Ka (Unspecified WLW)

Yeng (Unspecified WLW)

Paola Santiago - Series (Tahlor Kay Meija)

Carmela Mata (Bisexual)

Emma Lockwood (Lesbian)

Kit (Unspecified WLW)

Paola Santiago (Bisexual)

Percy Jackson - Universe (Rick Riordan)

Hemithea (Lesbian)

Josephine (Lesbian)

Lavinia Asimov (Lesbian)

Magnus Chase (Pansexual)

Nico di Angelo (Gay)

Paolo Montes (Unspecified MLM)

Piper McLean (Bisexual)

Poison Oak (Unspecified WLW)

Reyna Ramírez-Arellano (Asexual)

Shel (Unspecified WLW)

Will Solace (Bisexual)

Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky)

Patrick (Gay)

Pulp (Robin Talley)

Abbey Zimet (Lesbian)

Janet Jones (Lesbian)

Punk 57 (Penelope Douglas)

Manny Cortez (Unspecified MLM)

Ten (Unspecified MLM)

Q:

R:

S:

Sadie (Courtney Summers)

Sadie Hunter (Unlabeled WLW)

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe (Carlos Hernandez)

Reina Real (Bisexual)

Salvador "Sal" Vidón (Aromantic, Asexual)

Scholomance (Series - Naomi Novik)

Ibrahim Haddad (Unspecified MLM)

Jermaine (Unspecified MLM + Polyamorous)

Yaakov (Unspecified MLM)

Sikander Aziz - Series (Sarwat Chadda)

Daoud (Unspecified MLM)

Idiptu (Unspecified MLM)

Mohammed Aziz (Unspecified MLM)

Sidana (Unspecified MLM)

Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo)

Jesper Fahey (Bisexual)

Nina Zenik (Bisexual)

Wylan Van Eck (Gay)

Sixteen Souls (Rosie Talbot)

Charlie Frith (Gay)

Sam Harrow (Unspecified MLM)

Synchro Boy (Shannon McFerran)

Bart Lively (Bisexual)

T:

The Agony of Bun O'Keefe (Heather Smith)

Chris (Gay)

The Art of Saving the World (Connie Duyvis)

Hazel Stanczak (Asexual, Lesbian)

The Buried and the Bound (Rochelle Hassan)

Leo Merritt (Bisexual)

Tristan Drake (Gay)

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager (Ben Philippe)

Eric (Gay)

The Immeasurable Depth of You (Maria Mora)

Brynn (Bisexual)

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali (Sabrina Khan)

Ariana (Unspecified WLW)

Rukhsana Ali (Lesbian)

Sohail (Gay)

The Luis Ortega Survival Club (Sonora Reyes)

Ariana Ruiz (Bisexual)

Shanaya "Shawni" (Bisexual)

The Manifold Worlds (Foz Meadows)

Gwen Vere (Aromantic, Unspecified WLW + Polyamorous)

The Montague Twins (Drew Shannon, Nathan Page)

Pete Montague (Gay)

The Mortal Instruments - Series (Cassandra Clare)

Alexander "Alec" Lightwood (Gay)

Magnus Bane (Bisexual)

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet (Jen Ferguson)

Louisa (Asexual)

The 100 (Kass Morgan)

Octavia Blake (Bisexual)

U:

V:

W:

Way to Go (Tom Ryan)

Danny (Gay)

Denise (Lesbian)

Adam "Kurl" Kurlansky (Gay)

We Contain Multitudes (Sarah Henstra)

Jonathan Hopkirk (Gay)

What Unbreakable Looks Like (Kate McLaughlin)

Elsa (Lesbian)

Wild and Crooked (Leah Thomas)

Beth (Unspecified WLW)

Kalyn-Rose Spence (Lesbian)

Tamara (Unspecified WLW)

Will Grayson, Will Grayson (David Levithan, John Green)

Gary (Gay)

Gideon (Gay)

Nick (Unspecified MLM)

Tiny Cooper (Gay)

Will Grayson (Gay)

Winger (Andrew Smith)

Joey Constantino (Gay)

Wings of Fire - Series (Tui T. Sutherland)

Anenome (Unspecified WLW)

Burnet (Unspecified WLW)

Silverspot (Unspecified WLW)

Umber (Gay)

X:

Y:

Z:

#:

36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You (Vicki Grant)

Max (Gay)

[ddelline]

fic OST | circulus vitiosus (salva mea)

blurb | bc it’s me ofc there’s a fic OST to be had! posting this in the wake of publishing part 1, despite having 2 more parts to both write & post. well. anyway: hereby the music which serves as the inspirational foundation for circulus vitiosus (salva mea), or as it’s colloquially called: time loop!fic. may contain vague, conceptual spoilers for what’s to come in parts 2 and 3 (though not that much bc everything herein is pretty consistently dark & foreboding, lol) what | 30 tracks which may or may not be arranged according to in-fic events & which fail to stick any sort of genre-bound landing, feat everything from broken beat avant garde electronica → triphop → psychedelic rock → classic r&b, plus some delicious instrumental electric guitar bits playlist → spotify tracklist | under cut

01 | VTSS — why we don’t deserve nice things

instr

02 | tzusing — 戴綠帽 (wear green hat)

instr

03 | aphex twin — formula

instr

04 | the dead weather — will there be enough water?

will there be enough water when my ship comes in? water when my ship comes in? will there be water when my ship comes in?

05 | gustavo santaolalla — the hunters

instr

06 | wax tailor — ungodly fruit

perhaps those who may be among us for the first time may be wondering what is going to happen now

07 | djuma soundsystem — les djinns (trentemøller remix)

instr

08 | DJ shadow — what does your soul look like, pt. 2

in a few moments you will have an experience which will seem completely real it will be the result of your subconscious fears transformed to your conscious awareness you have five seconds to terminate this tape five, four, three, two, one

09 | nicolas jaar — john the revelator 

now who art worthy, crucified and holy bound up for some, son of our god daughter of zion, judea’s lion

10 | ethel cain — two-headed mother

I’ve loved before, I’ll kill again you’re just the worst of all my men I’m not gonna pull you out the den

11 | regis — broken on the wheel

instr

12 | restive plaggona — lonely people after midnight

instr

13 | shudan — jiangshi

instr

14 | teeth of the sea — field punishment

instr

15 | parrish smith — fader

instr

16 | thom yorke — harrowdown hill

did I fall or was I pushed? did I fall or was I pushed? and where’s the blood? and where’s the blood?

17 | TENDER — machine

you cut me open, and pull me apart a hollow chest instead of a heart control, control me you do what you want with me, baby till I am spent, I’m so content

18 | BANKS — 27 hours

it’s been twenty seven hours since we even saw the sun

19 | deaf bones — only lovers left alive

instr

20 | parrish smith — sex, suicide & speed metal

instr

21 | low — poor sucker

some poor sucker at the bottom of the lake took the wrong way up when the ground began to break it’s a long way back that’s the price you gotta pay

22 | sade — long hard road

there’s a long hard road ahead but a voice inside me said said there’s something that you need to know it’s gonna to be alright

23 | massive attack, tricky & 3D — take it there

we’ll take it there, but take your time we’ll take it there, you’ll lose your mind

24 | plaid & björk — lilith

the moon it guides me on baby there’s absolutely no doubt

25 | sneaker pimps — lightning field

hope’s the child of what luck brings points to faith in higher things ask me now fire at everything at once strike me down

26 | mew — one flew over, one was destroyed

do you remember what made you fall? and does it matter to you at all?

27 | amor satyr — que dançar?

instr

28 | manni dee & akiko haruna — frowzy

a couple hours means nothing in the dark in the end the choice was never ours

29 | faithless, rollo armstrong & sister bliss — salva mea

I wanna take a look at the world behind these eyes every nook, every cranny reorganize realize my face don't fit the way I feel what's real?

30 | hozier — first light

the sky set to burst the gold and the rust the colour erupts you filling my cup the sun coming up

[theesirenteller]

BLOOD 🩸BOUND

SUMMARY: INSPIRED BY THE FILM FORSAKEN. IN WHICH MANNY AND THE REST OF THE MAYANS ARE RUTHLESS VAMPIRES.

Manny leaned in close, his voice low and smooth, like velvet brushed against stone. The dim light of the biker clubhouse flickered in shadowy patterns, casting his face in an eerie glow. His eyes glinted, predatory, as he studied the crow eater before him. She shifted under his gaze, trying to keep her composure, but Manny’s presence was suffocating, like the air had grown colder and heavier.

"So... how was it? Your first time?" His words were slow, deliberate, curling out of his mouth like smoke, wrapping around her, pulling her in.

The crow eater swallowed, her pulse quickening. She wasn’t sure if he was asking about her first night with the club or something far darker. His eyes seemed to penetrate deeper, searching for something more personal, more visceral. Her voice trembled slightly when she answered. "It... it was fine. Different than I expected."

A smile twisted Manny’s lips, the dangerous kind that made her skin prickle. His fangs just barely glinted beneath his upper lip, a reminder of the otherworldly nature that lurked beneath his handsome features. His gaze sharpened as if he could sense her unease. "Did you bleed a lot?" he asked, his voice dripping with a dark curiosity.

The question caught her off guard. Her breath hitched, memories flashing back—the wild chaos of her initiation, the heat of the night, the roaring engines, and the harsh world she had chosen to step into. "I-I don’t think so... not much," she stammered, though her mind wasn’t fully certain.

Manny circled around her slowly, his steps soft but filled with purpose, like a predator sizing up its prey. His voice deepened, carrying an unsettling mix of curiosity and desire. "Did it hurt? Hmm? Was the pain sharp... or did it linger, dragging its claws down your spine?"

A chill ran down her body as his words settled over her. He was close now, too close. His presence was intoxicating, overwhelming. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears. He wasn’t talking about the club anymore. "It... it hurt at first, but then... it felt... better," she whispered, unable to look away from him.

Manny stepped in closer, his breath cool against her skin. His fingers brushed lightly against her wrist, his touch cold, like ice but burning in its intensity. He tilted his head, eyes locked onto hers with a smoldering gaze that burned through her defenses. "And did you like it? The pain? Did it make your blood race? Your skin tingle?"

She hesitated, her voice trembling as she spoke, barely a whisper. "Yes..."

Manny’s smile widened, a seductive, wicked grin that sent another chill down her spine. His voice dropped to a near-whisper, dark and filled with something sinister. "Good. There’s something about pain... it sharpens the senses. Makes you feel alive." He leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing her ear. "I bet you’ll crave it again... won’t you?"

Her pulse hammered beneath his fingers, and in that moment, she knew she was in far deeper than she’d ever imagined. "Maybe..." She thought to herself yet her lips never parted.

"Maybe." Manny taunted her, his once onyx-colored eyes growing crimson in the blink of her eye, "You know...I think I just might keep you, serafina."

TAGGED; @nobodygetsza @darqchilddaydreamz @spaghettificationandpretzels @lovedlover

SHOULD THIS BE CONTINUED? 👀

[pdmtsn]

Various - Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 6 (2023)

A1 Dora Morelenbaum - Japao A2 The New York Community Choir - I'll Keep My Light In My Window (12" Mix) A3 General Lee - Pleasure A4 The Drive - Africa Bossa

B1 Chiemi Eri - Okosa-Bushi B2 Manny Corchado & His Orchestra - Pow Wow B3 Sven Wunder - Easy Going B4 Dina Ögon - Bakom Glaset B5 Vee Gees - Talkin B6 Mave & Dave - Do You Really Want My Love

C1 Hazel Scott & The Braza Brasil - Ye Me Le C2 Inês Soares - Um Amor Para Toda A Vida C3 Hareton Salvanini - Estrada C4 Copa 7 - Copa Sete No Samba C5 Mirna - A Volta C6 Dina Ögon - Tombola 94

D1 Unknown Artist - I Do You Love D2 Ash Soul, Inc. - I Do Love You D3 Ponderosa Twins Plus One - Bound D4 Matty - Blood D5 Shira Small - Eternal Life

Genre: Jazz, Reggae, Latin, Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country Style: Afrobeat, Batucada, Soul, Jazz-Funk, Funk, Disco

[crumpledupletter]

I know it’s a long list. All these songs. They hold a history you cannot undo. But it’s not nearly a thread in the tapestry of our magic fabric of our dreaming. It breaks my soul to sit here and write and fight everything I’ve ever known. You were my best friend. And that is the worst part of it. If we had met on the street, if this had been a dissolution of hearts, if we hadn’t gotten married in our heads, if I hadn’t carried your child for even a second, then maybe I’d understand. But I don’t. It’s like I made you mad and you went and gave yourself away. If you’d only waited for tomorrow. Heaven forbid you stayed alone for two more seconds. I would have met you again. Twenty years. That’s what’s between you and I. Here I am falling apart, tearing at the seams and you have the audacity to tell me it was wrong. You say this out of spite. You say it because you’re wanting to write new stories in old pages. You erase the ink but forget the markings stay. Etched onto your skin. BB. No amount of ink can cover what your soul holds. How dare you fight to become a stranger? How dare you try to become a stranger’s laughter I’d recognize anywhere? Don’t you remember my voice? My face? My eyes? The way I cry? My fears? I still remember the look on your face, lit thru the darkness at 1:58. The words we whispered for just us to know, you told me you loved me, you told me you’d never leave, then said never mind. How dare you reduce me to a past you forgot? I guess all I’ll ever know is I’ll never know how to be something you miss. I never imagined this would be how we’d end, never imagined your name would stay on my lips. What do I do? Sit on the floor, wear your clothes. Do you even know? Do you even care? Do you remember the past? Do you realize I almost died? That in trying to fix me, trying to survive, I took my life. Saw a light, thought I saw our child, heard her, thought I’d come back, in hopes that you’d be on the other side. But when I opened my eyes, you were gone. You told me in your classroom, you made a promise, you said you’d always look after me. I am so angry with you. You’ve taken all I’ve ever known. The only constant I ever believed in. How dare you rip that from me, how dare you detach that from my heart, my soul. You knew what I’d gone thru. You knew I had no one but you. When I would lose my control you were the only one to slow it down. Then you stopped. You stopped caring. Stopped trying to meet me at your waves. Manny I am so angry with you. A changed man? For who? The man I knew, the man I revered, the man that I leaned into, the one I gave myself to, body and soul, the person I allowed inside, the one I surrendered to, the one I made it out alive for, tells me “yeah it was wrong” I’d believe you if your lovers didn’t stay my age. You told me what was yours was mine to make my own. That your home would always be my own. That if I ever woke up I just had to call. You now settle for empty shores, where embers burn and ashes fall, where passion doesn’t touch the tide. You told me if there ever was a doubt, your love was what I had to look for. I hate you. I hate you so much that I’ll never forgive this betrayal. To myself and from you. These walls I built, fell because of you, you said, you’d stay with me. You twisted your fate just to feel me. And I ran with you. I took your hand and you said you could feel the storm inside me, told me to take what I need from you. You woke up my world and I ran to you. Only to dim it once more. Only to break my heart forevermore. You said “I’ll stay with you” but that wasn’t true.

Did you forget? Did you forget in your room? In September, when you cut my hand, and I cut yours, and we held our hands, bounded our souls, tied the invisible string, no amount of time or space could separate my being from yours. I am in your blood. You are in mine. Your soul courses thru mine like I course thru yours. Did you forget? How I was so alone? When the worst night of my life occurred, and only you saw the truth in me, why I didn’t want to speak up, after my parents pointed to me and said it was all my fault? I relive that every night. Or how much worse it got for me. The stolen nights. My broken heart beats. The way my mom abandoned me. The way he paid a discounted price. The way I lost my entire family protecting you and myself. The scars I still wear from all those nights ago. The way you know what they did to me, and yet you left so quickly. Erased me within hours. Took your miracle-move-on-drug but the effects were always temporary.

I remember exactly where I stood. I remember the look in your eyes, you told me to listen to “Your Guardian Angel” said that you would always be that for me. I believed you. Deep inside you I built a nest, built my home, believed the role you played, told me you’d stand up with me forever, that you’d be with me forever, that you’d save me even if it sent you to heaven. I held onto this for almost twenty years, but you tell me now, it’s means nothing, tell me it was wrong, tell me to go on. Heaven forbid I feel sad.

You like to say I abandoned the ship, but I was going down with it. My white knuckle dying grip holding tight to the quiet resentment you held for me. Angry I was not healing soon enough. How much sad did you think I had in me before I self implode? You swore that you loved me but where were the clues? I died in the alter waiting for the proof. Waiting for you.

I feel like you’re ripping part of my soul, telling me to go. When they ask where we met, I laugh and whisper, in every other lifetimes. Over and over again. You used to say I was so brave for fighting. Now you tell me to lay my weapon down. Tell me to leave it all behind. Point out my deepest hurt. You want me to be happy that someone takes my spot next to you? I’m sorry maybe I shouldn’t say that but I can’t see past my fury. You haven’t met the new me yet. Across the great divide, in our history, there was a happiness they could not believe. A mending of souls, you and me, you don’t get to tell me to move on. Or to fake niceties. In all lifetimes, you will search for me. And I’ll let you find me.

I knew I did from that first moment we met. It was not love at first sight exactly, but - familiarity. Like, oh, hello, it's you. It's going to be you. I remember you reached for my hand and a current ran thru us. Brought me back to life.

How do I grieve you? How do I grieve my soul? There is so much of you in me. I chase your shadow in a grocery line. Look to you in my darkest nights. My eyes seek the calm in the light. I howl to the moon and beg her to change the prophecy, to wake you up. They say in another life but there is not another one. It’s only this. It’s only now. Ten years from now, when the crinkle in your eyes, look to the light, I hope it’s me you find. It’s okay to miss you. I tell myself this. It means there was a pure love even you cannot erase. It was in its purest form, all I ever gave. I had nothing so I gave all of me to you. I fell into debt with myself and have paid a price. I waited a hundred years for you. I would have waited a million more. Only I could decode you. I didn’t need to guess. I read your mind. Heard your heart. Before even you could decide what was inside.

You were my first. No I don't mean my first kiss, or my first relationship, or my first “I love you.” You were the first person who made me feel like I was enough and the first one to show me what i love you actually meant. Then you changed your mind. You tried to erase me from your past and in turn you want the green light of forgiveness. To absolve you from god knows what. But it was never up to me to give to you. I have nothing in me but hurt. And all I can now is love. For you don’t know how much violence it took for me to become this gentle.

Maybe I was too bold. Maybe too vocal. Maybe assertive. Maybe antithetical. Maybe argumentative. Maybe a pathological people pleaser. Maybe too sure. Maybe too smart. Maybe. How sick is that word. Maybe. Almost. But it was me, and for a moment, a wrinkle in time, you liked me and the storm I was. Maybe you understood then, why storms are named after people.

If I had known, I would have warned you not to fall in love with people like me. I would have told you that I’d take you to museums, and parks, and monuments, and kiss you in every beautiful place, so that you can never go back to them without tasting me like blood in your mouth. I would have told you that I would change you in the most beautiful way possible. And when I leave, you will finally understand, what it was like for your lungs to crave air. There is no other lifetime. This is it. When the time comes, when you go, I hope you know, a piece of me will die too. When you look in the mirror and your eyes see a man of sixty, seventy, I hope you see mine too. The ones that would have loved you for a lifetime if we had left the hurt all behind. I hope in your quiet moments, you remember how much hurt I was in, and how hard I fought to live. In your hardest days, when there is darkness, when your heart races and your mind is consumed by every storm, just know my waves will always meet your shores.

It is a love that endures. Woven through our beings. It courses through our veins. There is an invisible string tying you to me thru the grace of a god I cannot see. I was your miracle, you once told me.

I only ask that you humor me. Read the pages I once wrote for you. It is a writer’s curse to always paint the muse. For a second, I thought I was yours. You still hang on my walls, dreamscapes painted. Who else will decode you? Who else decodes you? Nobody. No fucking body. But me.

I was always running back home to you. I knew who my first call was going to be to. You were with me in dreams, handcuffed to the spell I was under for just one hour of sunshine, maybe that’s where I went wrong. I was just trying to run back home to you. I was wrong. And in my letters, now that I know better, I said I’d never lose my baby again. I ran away for an hour just for a glimpse of your smile. It kept me going. Swirled you into all my poems. You said I was the girl of your dreams. No matter what I do, I said I wasn’t going to screw this up now that I know what’s at stake, return to the beach where we would wear our rings, our imaginary dreams, husband and wife. I did my time.

This happens once every few lifetimes. What if I told you I’m back? I’m sorry I hadn’t come around in so long, the hospital was a drag, but I’m coming back strong. The sign on your heart said it was still reserved for me. So who are we fight the alchemy. I was making a comeback to where I belonged. I was ready to tell my mom she was so wrong when she said you’d stop loving me. She was so sure. She said there was no chance you’d ever come running over to me. And for so long I defended your name, said “he wouldn’t fight the alchemy!”

How wrong I am huh? I’m denied even by the ghost of you. You laugh at me. All the streets we walked together, now it seems you hope to never meet me. I step aside from all my anger and I can feel you.

I hope when you hear the music you hear my words. It’s the only thing I know now. I don’t think I could ever say goodbye. I wish you’d met the new me. I think you would have loved her too. I think you would have protected her too. I think you would have stayed with her too. I think you would have loved me as a mother. I think you would have loved me as a wife. I think you would have loved my hopes and dreams. You would have loved the home I made. You would have loved the days well spent and the nights drifting away. Maybe on your dying day, you’ll think that. Maybe one day you’ll wake up and remember. And when you do I will not wish you this pain I feel today. I will not wish you the agony of a longing for a touch that was once yours. I will only wish you carry with you the gentle caress of my soul watching over yours.

I am in the stars in the nightfall. I am the rays of light you find peaking thru clouds after the storm has passed by. May every one reach you.

[monenblogi]

Flesh torn into like it was an afternoon snack—a quickly disappearing one with the way the beast’s nose scrunched over the smoke that billowed from the wisps of fat burning off in the air. A shame it’d never have the time to devour its human body completely. 

The God promised closeness but it seemed too far. All it wanted was to be good for the caretaker of the dead... 

Red ears perked as it sounded like it was being addressed and it turned. Full height and massive, though it probably looked more menacing than it really was with the way the blood and sinew was dribbling out of its maw. And much like a dog, it sniffed and titled its head to listen. Luck?  

Pssht. Luck wasn’t needed, clearly. 

It finished what was left of its Manny-shaped meal, though a tug had it pausing. Apparently a certain someone wanted to express thanks. Shame he was going to have a beast do it for him. 

Oh well. Hopefully the godling wasn’t about to mind slobbering beast spit from the way it bounded forward to lick the most disgusting stripe ever up his face. 

Sorry, Karthisius. 

He quirks a brow, eyes focused in on the other man. His INSISTENCE warranting a dismissive sigh as Karthisius shakes his head. He got the sinking suspicion that it was MOOT to try and argue the matter at all, and after a moment he leans on the door frame as the other man finally finishes his transformation, RETURNING TO THE BEAST state before canting his head to the side.

AT ODDS still it seemed. He keeps the thought to himself, but he assumes that he'll likely be back. He'd come to the realization that MORE OFTEN THAN NOT many of these beings who found themselves wandering back here. He'll be ready, and he figures perhaps with enough time there will no longer be this SEEMINGLY unshakeable sense of discomfort.

He turns on his heels, venturing back into his own cabin with a sigh. Ultimately he's assuming that like ALL beasts they have an innate sense of direction, so he figures they'll find their way back, but TO OFFER a bit of ease he gives a gesture of his hand to give them a head start it would seem. IF NOTHING ELSE, the Moon Isles could be a difficult place to navigate without enough time to get familiar and he'd rather not make it harder than it already was.

"Best of luck to you both then–I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again soon."

THERE'S A STARK intrigue that comes from him. MANY beings like him were generally MORE TROUBLED, but he seems more focused on something else. His thoughts bubble up and the god shakes his head. ANOTHER TIME.

[linabellaox]

Me and Her (E.W)

(word count: 894)

(SPOILERS TO TLOU2 ~ TW- graphic scenes)

Chapter 2

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I woke up to being dropped on the ground. I gasped as the air was knocked from my lungs, groaning as they ripped the cloth from my eyes. Mel and Owen grabbed me by the arms—still bound behind my back—and dragged me toward a massive house. They pulled me into a corner and locked my wrists to a table with handcuffs, my arms stretched slightly above my head. Owen left, but Mel remained in the room with me.

"What are you doing?" I asked softly.

She spun around looking at me almost like she forgot I was there. She looked worried and then looked away again messing with her fingers. Owen called her name and she left.

I sighed, thrashing against the cuffs in a futile attempt to break free. Eventually, I gave up, leaning my head against the table leg as my eyes welled with tears. I didn't know Joel and Ellie that well, but they were good people. They had saved me when they didn't have to. It had been five years since I'd last seen them. Ellie was my age, which meant she would be 18 or 19 now too.

Night fell, and a girl named Nora gave me a sip of water and a small bite of their dinner—nothing more. Exhausted, I drifted into sleep soon after.

I woke to the sound of Abby and Owen talking before they stepped outside. When Owen returned alone, he looked irritated and immediately dragged Mel into one of the bedrooms. I could hear them bickering—something they always did. I must have dozed off again.

A loud door slam jolted me awake, followed by the sound of them all rushing outside. Then came the unmistakable growls of infected. My heart pounded.

"Hello?" I called out. Nothing. Suddenly, a man I didn't recognize rushed into the room. I heard Owen call him Manny. Without hesitation, he unlocked my cuffs just to tie a loose rope around my wrists.

"What's goi—" I started to ask, but he shoved a cloth over my mouth, silencing me. He gripped the back of my neck, ushering me forward. As we passed the kitchen, I noticed a staircase leading to a partially open door. As we reached the halfway point, a deafening gunshot rang out, followed by a heavy thud and a man's agonized yell.

I gasped, my entire body freezing in terror. I didn't want to see what they were doing.

Manny muttered something in Spanish and shoved me down the stairs. Unable to catch myself, my face struck the step, and I tumbled down, landing hard on the floor below. I whimpered in pain, my vision spinning. When I finally looked up, the scene before me burned itself into my memory forever.

Joel.

He was slumped against the wall, two people restraining his arms. Blood pooled beneath his leg—his knee was completely blown off. My breath hitched as our eyes met. He studied my face for a moment before groaning in pain as Mel tightened a tourniquet around his leg.

Manny finally caught up and yanked me by my hair, dragging me to the opposite wall. He tied my hands tighter and added a rope to tie my legs together, leaving me immobilized. Abby looked angrier than I had ever seen a person before—an almost inhuman rage. She scanned the room, then let her shotgun drop to the floor. Her gaze landed on a set of golf clubs. My stomach dropped.

She walked over, grabbed one, and set her backpack down before crouching to my eye level.

"This is the man that saved you, huh?" she asked, her tone mocking. My mind raced, searching desperately for the right answer. Before I could respond, she grabbed my face roughly, her nails digging into my cheeks.

"ANSWER," she demanded.

"N-no!" I gasped. "No, I—I don't know who that is!" My voice shook. My eyes darted to Joel. He had his head down in defeat. Abby let out a cold laugh.

"Okay, Violet." she said. Before I could react, she swung the golf club into my side. A sickening crack filled the air as pain exploded through my ribs. I screamed, collapsing onto my side. Tears blurred my vision. My cheek and lip were already bleeding from my earlier fall, and the iron taste of blood filled my mouth.

Abby leaned in close, her breath hot against my skin. "I'm going to ask you again," she said. "Is this Joel?"

I lay there, my face pressed against the cold floor, sobbing. "She already knows, Violet," Joel's weak, breathless voice reached my ears. He wasn't speaking to me—he was confirming the truth to himself.

I squeezed my eyes shut. This wasn't good. A part of me wondered how he still remembered my name. The other part fixated on the searing pain in my ribs. Abby stood up, laughing darkly as she stalked toward Joel.

"You stupid old man," she sneered.

She raised the golf club high, and my breath hitched.

Then she swung. The sickening impact echoed through the room. Blood splattered. I let out a sob.

The room fell into stunned silence. Mel bolted from the room, Owen chasing after her. Joel slumped over. Abby wasn't done. She kept swinging. Over and over. I squeezed my eyes shut, tears spilling down my face. I couldn't watch.

Then— the door burst open. Jordan, who had been standing near me, ran toward the commotion. Shouts filled the air.

I lifted my head, gasping softly.

Ellie.

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(A/N: abby playing golf with joel :b LOL sorry but it’s all apart of the story!! this ones pretty graphic i will say but tlou equals violent so why not add some more. again please any feedback let me know improvements, this you liked/disliked about the chapter- i should have the other one out by today tbh so yeah!! tysm again for reading :) )

all rights reserved to linabellaox on tumblr

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[juletheghoul]

friendly neighbourhood handyman

Gif by @manny-jacinto

Authors note: I just want to live in a world where Joel and Sarah are alive and well. So I wrote it, please enjoy being Joel's neighbour! (Thanks to my bestie @wheresarizona for encouraging me and to my literal wife @foli-vora for being the bestest cheerleader)

Pairing: Young Joel Miller x F!Reader

Word count: 4.3k

Warnings: 18+ no minors, piv sex, dirty talk, creampie, oral (both m & f receiving) let me know if I missed any!

Masterlist

---

It was the dog that led you to him, running out the door once you’d pulled it open, powerless to do anything but yell with your first big run of groceries in your arms. 

“Goddamn it, Tucker!” You all but tossed the groceries inside the house, hoping against hope that the carton of eggs was still intact as you ran towards your dog. Luckily he’d stopped at the house opposite, jumping up onto a dark haired man standing outside his truck. 

“Oh god I’m so sorry! Tucker, get over here!” The man was smiling at the dog, thankfully. A young girl came out, no doubt to investigate the noise. 

“Oh!” She squealed happily, “Hi there!” The dog moved from the man to the girl, jumping up rudely, trying to lick her face. 

“He doesn’t bite! I’m so sorry.” You finally made it over to where his tail was wagging wildly. “Tucker, Jesus Christ, get over here.” You gently pulled him away, catching your breath while staring daggers at the dog. He was nonplussed. 

“He’s so cute!” The young girl came over to pet him where he stood beside you, “Hi Tucker.” His tongue lolled, ecstatic at the attention. 

“You’re alright.” The man finished up behind the truck and walked towards you, he was tall and broad, dark eyes to match his dark hair. He was very handsome. “You just move in?” He scanned behind you.

“Yes, moved in last night.” You smiled, introducing yourself to him. “It’s nice to meet you-“

“Joel.” He shook your outstretched hand, shocking you with how warm his grip was. “My daughter, Sarah.” He gestured to the girl petting the dog at your side. 

“Hi!” She smiled, giving the dog some more love before moving away. He fiddles with the keys in his hand. “Come on Sarah, we’ll be late.” He nodded his head, signaling he couldn’t stay. “I know that house. Garcias used to live there, they had some trouble with the deck if I recall. You have any issues, come see me. I’ll fix it up for you.” He smiled before getting into his truck, letting you walk your unruly dog back to your house. 

It was hard not to look out for him after that. Not failing to notice the lack of a wedding ring. 

From then on every rumble of a truck crawling down the street made you glance out the window. Whenever it was him getting home you’d stare, lip caught between your teeth as you watched him make his way into the house. He always had a quick word for whichever neighbour was out, always a gorgeous smile on his lips. 

You thought about taking him up on his offer, about asking him to help with projects around the house, but then what? What if he had a relationship? How could you find out?

The answer came a few days later while you were out on the front lawn, tackling the disaster that was your garden bed. Denise, the friendly woman next door, had come over to say hello. She was commenting on your flowers when Joel’s telltale truck rumbled towards you. 

You tried not to stare, tried to keep your eyes on Denise, keep your attention on the words she spoke but he caught her attention as well.

“Hey, have you met Joel yet? Joel!” She called him over and it made your stomach drop off a cliff. Your blood buzzes with giddy excitement, reducing you to a schoolgirl with a crush. You couldn’t help but smile at him as he walked over. Tucker was tied to the porch with a long leash to stop him from running out into the street again, and he’d been laying in a patch of sun calmly but that went out the window once he noticed Joel walking over. He bounded over to him and was greeted with a friendly welcome. 

“Hey boy, you behavin’?” He patted him firmly on the flank before reaching you both, “Yes, dog made sure we met.” He smiled. “How’s that deck treatin’ you?” He had a squinty smile on his handsome face. One of Denise’s kids came out then and practically dragged her away, leaving the two of you alone. 

“It’s seen better days, whole house has really.” You turned to look at the house from his perspective. “I take it you're a carpenter?” He moved to stand beside you, both of you facing the house. 

“My brother and I work construction, but I know enough to get by. What’s wrong inside?” 

“Well, the banister is loose, wobbly when you go up the stairs. Couple of loose floorboards and the bathroom could use a new sink. Aside from that-” 

“New coat of paint on the outside wouldn’t hurt either.” He was frowning at the exterior. “You all alone in there?” He turned to face you, “Aside from the dog I mean, anyone to help out?” 

You shook your head no. 

“Just Tucker and I, what about you? Just you and Sarah over there?” You gestured towards his home. Probing. 

“Just us, and occasionally Tommy. My brother.” He pulled the phone out of his pocket to check the time, “Can I take a look at your stairs? Sounds dangerous.” 

“Sure–come in.” Your heart raced as you walked up the porch steps, opening the door for him, making sure to untie Tucker and let him in with you.

He made his way in, wiping his boots off as best he could on your welcome mat, Tucker rushed past you both and made his way over to his favourite spot. 

You definitely hadn’t planned on having visitors. 

“Don’t judge me–I’m almost done unpacking.” There were still a few boxes littering the almost set up living room. Shelves that were halfway filled. Books scattered on the floor. 

“Oh don’t sweat it. You should see the way my place gets sometimes.” He smiled, making his way towards the stairs. “Okay, let's see what we’re workin’ with.” He curled his fingers around the banister and gave it a firm shake, swearing under his breath when it almost came off in his hands. “Okay that is really unsafe. Give me a sec and I’ll grab my tools.” He turned to head for the door. “I can’t fix everything tonight, I have to get dinner started but I can do this.” 

“Oh, please if you’re in a hurry it’s okay!” You rushed out after him. “Really, it’s okay–” 

“No it isn’t, I'll be right back.” He jogged quickly across the cul de sac, reaching into his truck for his tool belt and what looked like a drill. “Okay, I’m going to tighten this up and make it safe, and then later on if you want to replace it or update it or what have you, we can do it.” The way he said we almost let you believe that you were an item, and it thrilled you. 

“You’re too kind Joel, really.” You watched him with hearts in your eyes, eating up the sight of him working away, the way his arms flexed when he pushed on the drill to tighten up some loose screws, when he put a few new ones in. It was a warm day, and you could see the evidence of it as a drop of perspiration rolled down the back of his neck, down past the collar of his shirt. All of him a taunt. 

“Okay–I think we’re in business.” He was up and testing the bannister faster than you would have liked, testing it and smiling, happy with his handiwork. “You free tomorrow?” He was tucking his drill into a loop on his belt. 

“Yes, I get home just after four.” You fiddled with hem of your shirt, your hands itching to circle around his neck. 

Jesus woman, get a hold of yourself. 

“Perfect, I’ll get Sarah to go next door–” He caught you staring at his arms, your lip between your teeth, every dirty thought you’d had about him no doubt plain on your face. You looked at the bannister quickly, too quickly. “...Okay if I just park in your driveway?” He crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame. You could almost hear the smile on his lips along with the pounding of your heart in your ears. 

“Uh, yeah. No problem.” You smiled big. You tried to glance at him quickly but he held your gaze, his head swiveling when you moved. 

“Well okay then.” He smiled big, his dimple the cherry on top. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?” He winked and then left. Tucker let out a sigh as the screen door banged behind him. 

“Tell me about it boy.” You spoke to the dog, watching Joel as he walked away. 

—

You’d gotten home early, and spent it tidying up the living room, hoping to have it all cleared away by the time Joel came over. 

You’d just managed to put away the last few things and change into something a bit nicer than work clothes when his truck rumbled down the street. Tucker bolted to the screen door, barking happily as Joel unloaded his things. 

“Hey boy.” Joel put down his toolbox and shut the screen door, making sure Tucker didn’t get out. “How you keepin’? He gave the dog those flank pats he loved, moving up to scratch behind his ears.

“Thanks again for doing this Joel-” He looked up at you with something like surprise. 

Was the dress too much?

He smiled wide, giving you a not so subtle onceover. 

“It’s no trouble at all.” He straightened up, running a hand through his hair. “Let's see if we can straighten this place out.” You couldn’t help but smile back, his dark eyes lively with something that looked like mischief. 

He did a walk through of the house, noting the things that needed repairing and once he had assembled the mental list he got to work.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Tucker was standing near his bowl, pawing at it to get your attention. “I have beer, water, could make a pot of coffee.”

“Coffee would be great, if you make some for yourself. Don’t just make a pot for me.” You heard tools being set down, the general rummaging noises of a handyman. 

“I could have some coffee.” You set about making it, pouring a pot full of water into Tucker's bowl, and then into the machine before adding the filter and the grounds. It was nice to have something to do instead of standing there gawking at him, 

“So—how are you likin’ the neighbourhood?” His voice carried, deep and friendly. 

“It’s great, nice and quiet.” You called back, reaching for a couple of mugs. 

“And the neighbours?” There was something in his voice, something playful.

“They’re alright.” He laughs before you hear drilling sounds.

When the coffee was ready you poured two cups, and fixed yours the way you liked it. 

“How do you take your coffee?” You called out.

“Just black please darlin’.” Your heart raced at the endearment, making you smile privately before heading towards him. “Thank you kindly, this smells amazing.” He took a greedy sip, seemingly unbothered by the temperature and let out a deep groan. 

“Good?” Pride swelled in your chest to see him enjoy it so much, thankful now that you’d remembered to buy coffee on your first grocery run.

“Fantastic. I can never get it to taste this good. Might knock on your door before work.” He set the mug down after gulping down almost half the cup. You laughed, enjoying your own a little bit more now. 

The sun was making its way down as he worked, patching up all the little problem areas of your home. Sanding the edges off so to speak. He talked a lot, asking questions about you, about Tucker, about family and spilling about his in turn. He was so easy to talk to, his voice easy to get lost in and more than once you got the sense that the conversation was a little more flirty than you’d expected it to be. 

He’d catch you staring at his neck, his arms or his mouth and smile to himself. You’d turn and catch him staring at your legs, at your ass but mostly, his eyes drifted down—to your cleavage. 

Eventually the chit-chat stopped, the only sounds were the sounds of his tools, the jingle of Tucker’s collar, cicadas outside. There was something else though, an energy, a vibe flowing between the two of you, shy smiles were exchanged, his hand brushed softly against yours when he handed you the empty mug. He laughed softly to himself after catching you staring yet again. 

“Darlin’, are you givin’ me the eyes?” His tone was playful and you felt your face heat up under the intensity of his gaze. 

“Maybe.” You played with the hem of your dress. “What if I was?” Your ears were burning, the words almost getting caught in your throat. 

“Well,” He turned to face you, hands on his hips, “I’d have to say I’m givin’ you the eyes right back.” Your heart kicked it into overdrive, brain buzzing with giddiness. “I’d have to confess that I’ve been thinkin’ about what you’d think about me kissin’ you.” He took a tentative step closer, his tools forgotten on the ground. 

“I’d be very agreeable to that.” Your voice was steady despite the adrenaline flooding your veins. 

He closed the gap, his big hands landed on your hips and then he went for it. Pressing his lips softly against yours. 

The kiss was lovely and chaste, until it wasn’t. 

Your hands rested on the arms you’d been staring at, sliding up up up past his shoulders, finally curling through the soft waves on the back of his head. He smelled like clean laundry, mixed with something citrusy, something spicy. Mouthwatering.

He pulled you closer, pulling a surprised gasp from somewhere in your throat. His tongue slid along your bottom lip, begging for entrance that you readily gave. 

It was his turn to groan, your fingers tugging at his hair, pressing yourself closer. 

He pulled away after a moment, coming in again to press more kisses to your lips, feather soft and devastating. He pressed his forehead against yours, the both of you catching your breath. He had lit a fire in your belly, awakened a heartbeat in your cunt and made it weep for him.

“Would you think less of me if I took you to bed?” You watched your own hands as you said the words, holding them against his chest, bringing them down slowly and savoring the solid feel of him beneath them.

“I’d love to–” A trilling noise sounded from his pocket and he answered it with an apologetic frown. “Yes baby girl, what’s wrong?” He stepped away for a moment, sighing quietly and hanging up quickly before coming back towards you.

“Dad duty?” You kept your voice neutral, ignoring the way your panties stuck to your body. 

“Dad duty, but–would you be okay with me comin’ back after I put the kiddo to bed?” 

“Of course, I’ll be waiting.” You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down for another kiss, licking into his mouth before pulling away. “Don’t forget about me.” You smiled sweetly. 

“Keep the door unlocked, this kid is going to bed in record time.” He pressed another quick kiss, and gave your ass a sharp swat that had you squealing into his mouth. He hurriedly gathered his tools and left. Tucker barked excitedly when the screen door slammed behind him. You couldn’t help but laugh as he practically ran home.

-

Hours passed and the blood settled down from an unbearable heat, to a slow simmer. Tucker retreated to his bed, the last few remaining chores were completed by the time the sun had fully set. With nothing to do but wait, you took a nice, long shower. You fantasized about him surprising you while the cool water flowed over your heated skin, butterflies in your stomach fluttering wildly at the thought of his hands on you again, moving down your arms and over your hips, sliding between your thighs to find you wet and wanting. 

The shower ended without any surprises, which left you to dry off and enjoy the still of the night around you. A soft breeze blew through the open window, the cicadas were singing loud as ever and with a growing sense of doubt you saw that the hour was getting late. Maybe he’d fallen asleep. Maybe he’d been so tired from all the little projects he’d done, not to mention his full time job, and the kid he took care of–

There was a quiet tap on the door that had Tucker’s collar jingling. Your heart raced as you all but sprinted to the front door. 

“Good christ woman.” He was staring at your nightie, “You tryna kill me?” made his way in, careful not to trip over the dog on his quest to lay his hands on you. 

“You like my nightgown?” It was simple, but it complimented you nicely. 

“Like?” He shut the door with his foot before pulling you into his arms, his mouth finding yours with an urgency that made you groan. “Darlin’ I love it.” His facial hair tickled the sensitive skin of your neck when he kissed you there, making a shiver run down your spine. Your hands were restless, moving to feel as much of him as you could. The muscles in his arms flex under your palms when you slide them towards his neck, the skin of his back was warm and he all but purred when you scratched at it lovingly. 

Your confidence grew with every press of his lips. 

“I want you in my mouth Joel–” He surged up to capture your mouth, his tongue obscene, making you ache with arousal. 

“That so?” He herded you up the stairs, the two of you giggling as you made your way into your room. “What else do you want honey?” You pulled his shirt up and off tossing it onto the floor with a grin. 

“I want you to show me how much you like my nightgown.” You bit your lip, pulling him by his waistband towards your bed, you sit close to the edge and look up at him through your eyelashes. His desire for you was obvious. Hard and heavy and tenting out the front of his sweats. 

“Go on Honey, open up that pretty mouth of yours.” He pulled the front of his sweats down and your eyes widened at the sight of him.

“Yes sir.” You do as he says, opening your mouth and sticking your tongue out, your hands moving to pull him closer. He groans at the sight of you there and takes his cock in hand, taps it against your tongue a few times and you can’t help but moan at the salty taste of his arousal beading on the reddened tip of him. 

You move one of your hands to hold onto it, noting with nervous excitement at the size of him. He moans when you place open mouthed kisses to the sensitive underside, moving to the base to give him a wide lick all the way to the tip. Repeating it until he whines. 

“Come on sugar, stop teasin’ me.” He reaches down to put the straps of your nightie down, palming your breast before holding onto the hinge of your jaw, guiding your movements gently. “Can you take me a little deeper?” You nod around the tip of him, hollowing your cheeks and taking him as deep into your mouth as you can, swallowing around where he's hitting the back of your throat. He groans deep in his chest when you keep him there, eyes watering, spit spilling around the girth of him, gagging and sputtering. 

“Jesus christ woman.” He says it like he’s in pain and you preen. “Fuck, fuck that’s good.” His thumb presses softly into the plump apple of your cheek, angling your mouth the way he wants it. 

You know you must look a mess, spit dripping down your chin and onto your chest, tears streaming down your face and yet still, Joel is looking down at you like the sun shines out of your ass. 

“Keep this up and I’m gonna fill your mouth.” The words come out strained and despite how much you love having him like this, the ache between your legs is growing unbearable so you give it one final kiss and pull away. 

“My turn.” He pulls the rest of everything off, smiling wide as you scoot back onto your bed, your nipples tightening almost painfully. “God I bet you taste good huh?” He kisses your knee, swearing under his breath at the site of the wet spot between your legs. He curls his fingers around the waistband of your panties and you lift your hips to help him pull them off, his big hands parting your thighs the minute they’re sliding off your ankles. 

“Look at that.” You rest on your elbows watching him get comfortable between your spread legs. “Been thinkin’ about this since the first day I saw you.” He presses a kiss to your mound, then your thigh, sinking his teeth into the meat of it before he nudges at your plump little clit with the tip of his nose. 

You thread your fingers through the dark waves of his hair, smoothing out his eyebrow with the pad of your thumb. 

“Come on baby, who’s teasing who now?” You wiggle your hips a bit, trying to get closer and he laughs, drunk on your excitement.

He dives in, wide licks from the rim of your opening up to the sensitive bundle of nerves. He groans, moving down, sliding his tongue as deep as he can to drink you down straight from the source. 

You watch him through the haze of arousal, breathing hard as he sucks your clit into his mouth, eyes closed in his unabashed enjoyment of the act. His hands squeeze your thighs for a moment before they slide up to pluck at your nipples while he devours you. 

It spreads through your belly like a wildfire, the pleasure building and building until your hips are chasing his tongue, grinding onto his face, your whole body a string being tightened until it finally snaps. 

You shudder, falling back onto the bed, your body practically bowing under the intensity of your climax. 

He presses another kiss to your mound before he crawls up and slots himself in the cradle of your thighs, his cock hot and heavy pressed up against your cunt.

His kiss now is aggressive, all teeth and tongues, breathing hard while he grinds against you—his cock slotting itself between the lips of your sex. Coating himself in you.

You reach down between your legs and line him up, pulling his hips in slowly while his mouth is pressed against yours, both of you sharing a moan when you pull him flush against you. 

“Good god Joel, you’re splitting me open.” You wrap your arms around his neck, biting at his lip and relishing the rumbly groan your comment garners. “So fucking big.” You love how wrecked he is to hear it, so you keep telling him. “Need to be really wet to be able to take you baby—“ he starts off with shallow thrusts, short jabs that make you pant into his mouth. “Hear how fucking wet you made me?” You barely get the words out before his tongue is in your mouth again. 

He slides one knee up for leverage, slipping his forearm under your thigh to hold you open for him and it knocks the thoughts right out of your head. Your mind blanks with every punch of cock and your arms cling to his neck for dear life. 

“Touch yourself baby, need you to come for me.” He looks down, watching the place where you’re joined and you hurry to obey, sticking your fingers into your mouth before bringing them to your clit and he shuts his eyes tight, sweat gathering in his hairline and yours, a thin sheen of it covering you both., 

It only takes a few perfect circles and you're clenching around him with a scream. Your legs try to close automatically but he keeps them open, fucks you through your orgasm until his rhythm stutters. 

“Inside Joel, I wanna feel it—“ he groans, seizing up for a moment before he grinds in deep, filling you to the brim. 

“Fuck.” He collapses onto you, his face buried into your neck while you both catch your breath and it’s only now that you notice your nightie is still around your middle like a belt. You ignore it though, instead focusing on the warm weight of him, comforting and solid on top of you. 

He lifts his head, a blissed out mischievous grin on his face.

“You know, if you didn’t have the money to pay for my handyman services we coulda worked something out—“ you slap his shoulder playfully and he laughs full-throated. The sound is almost more exciting than anything thus far. 

“You’re hilarious.” You push his hair back away from his forehead, smiling to yourself. “A regular comedian, this guy.” 

“I try—“ he pulls out with a hiss, “—you busy this weekend?” He pulls you close, finally divesting you of the nightgown turned belt. 

“Nothing planned yet, why? Are you planning on asking me out?”

“Was thinkin’ about it. Would you say yes?” He skims his nose along your neck, raising goosebumps in his wake.

“Yes. Yes I believe I would.”

—

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