#SORRY SERAPHINA BUT IT'S GONNA HAPPEN

[diorsluv]

feather , part 26

“ and it feels so good ”

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( socialmedia!au )

edwards.73

liked by lhughes_06, jackhughes, _quinnhughes, and 98,819 others

edwards.73 my friends have become inseparable.. i fear the worst

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username3 oh my god. oh. my. god. OH MY GOD.

mackie.samo it’s been a distraction during our movie nights

→ edwards.73 truly unacceptable

markestapa my urges to vomit have increased by 200% when i’m around them

→ edwards.73 never spoken more truth 🗣️🗣️

jamie.drysdale are they KISSING????

→ edwards.73 yes

→ jamie.drysdale EXPLAIN yourusername

→ yourusername WE WERE NOT KISSING I REPEAT WE WERE NOT KISSING

→ lhughes_06 she’s telling the truth

yourusername ETHAN I SWEAR TO GOD

→ edwards.73 the squad’s #1 couple! 💯💯💯

→ yourusername don’t ever call us the squad again. AND WE’RE NOT DATING

lhughes_06 W

→ edwards.73 nice 😈

→ yourusername luke warren hughes.

→ lhughes_06 I’M SORRY I’M SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE ME 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

username35 nah but yall actin like they weren’t like this before the whole bartleby-seraphina era

→ username14 fr the dark ages got us fucked up so bad we forgot about peak dryshughes

username76 ethan has no shame

trevorzegras oh?

→ colecaufield oh??

→ _alexturcotte oh???

→ rutgermcgroarty oh????

→ edwards.73 don’t start this shit in my comments keep it in lil drizzys 😒

→ mackie.samo dammit i was about to keep it going

adamfantilli if they weren’t kissing what were they doing

→ jamie.drysdale that’s what i’d like to know

→ edwards.73 fr

→ yourusername we were just talking 😞

→ trevorzegras in the rain???

→ luca.fantilli with your faces basically colliding????

→ lhughes_06 yes actually that’s exactly what we were doing 💀

→ _quinnhughes i don’t know what to believe

username47 HAS IT HAPPENED

→ username58 it has not 🤧

username86 my brain is fucking malfunctioning ARE THEY A COUPLE?????

dylanduke25 i was simply eating pizza WITHOUT MY PHONE FOR ONCE. AND THIS WHAT I COME BACK TO?????

→ edwards.73 duker. you. were. there. when we took the pics 😭

→ dylanduke25 BUT I DIDNT KNOW U WERE POSTING IT

mackie.samo well when you think about it

→ edwards.73 oh please think about it

→ yourusername do not think about it

→ mackie.samo i’d like to propose a theory

→ markestapa start it off matpat style

→ mackie.samo no you fucking nerd

→ markestapa WHAT

→ mackie.samo i’m not theorizing anymore

→ markestapa mackpack would’ve been great

jackhughes luke saw this post and screamed like a girl

→ edwards.73 that’s hilarious 😂😂

→ lhughes_06 NO I DIDN’T??

→ jackhughes 😂😂

colecaufield oh no the 3rd wheeling has begun

→ edwards.73 dark times have come upon us

→ markestapa and 4th wheeling

→ dylanduke25 and 5th wheeling

→ mackie.samo and 6th wheeling

lhughes_06

liked by markestapa, dylanduke25, mackie.samo, and 81,468 others

lhughes_06 movie night 🎥

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rutgermcgroarty now i know i was complaining about it.. but ngl that movie was 🔥

→ lhughes_06 i told you it was good

→ yourusername moosey the only reason you know it was good was because you watched it with me last week

→ luca.fantilli i only liked it bc of the plot

→ yourusername okay lu then explain the plot for me 🤨

→ lhughes_06 you’re done for luca.fantilli

→ luca.fantilli uhhhh….. ryan gosling…? 😔

username26 they’re back 😈😈

markestapa my biggest flex is being the only one that didn’t cry

→ mackie.samo my biggest flex is having a recording of you crying in the bathroom after the movie ended

→ dylanduke25 my biggest flex is having a recording of EVERYONE crying

→ lhughes_06 my biggest flex is telling everyone they were gonna cry but no one believe me and i was right all along

→ edwards.73 your biggest flex is your girl bro lhughes_06

→ yourusername i’m not his girl ethan we talked about this!!!!

→ edwards.73 but you knew we were talkin bout you and not some other girl 🤷‍♂️

username37 the way ethan immediately shut her up

→ username45 i just KNOWWW luke’s giggling n shit

trevorzegras it was the fucking notebook wasn’t it

→ lhughes_06 yes yes it was 😞😞

→ jackhughes it’s alright lukey the notebook gets us all

→ _alexturcotte oh lord not again

→ colecaufield i still remember the first time she made us watch it with her…

→ yourusername cole you said you blocked the trauma out

adamfantilli we just increased kleenex sales by a shit ton

→ lhughes_06 it wasn’t THAT much was it???

→ dylanduke25 no no it couldn’t have been

→ luca.fantilli we used like 5 tissues each it can’t have been that much…

→ mackie.samo you’re all in denial

→ yourusername 2 tissue boxes per boy 😍😍

→ markestapa DON’T EXPOSE US LIKE THAT BRO yourusername

_quinnhughes where the fuck did you find a projector

→ lhughes_06 dad bought it off of amazon

→ _quinnhughes for what?????

→ lhughes_06 for me 🙄🙄

username51 honestly such a vibe

username18 the chaos in the first pic and the calm in the second 😭😭😭

yourusername your shoulder was very comfortable to sleep on

→ lhughes_06 you’ve only been doing it for like forever 🙄

→ trevorzegras lukey boy getting some more action we like to see it

→ yourusername i will choke you trevor

→ trevorzegras kinky too

→ yourusername I SWEAR TO GOD

luca.fantilli mark was difficult to carry i could feel my bones breaking

→ lhughes_06 speak markestapa

→ markestapa are you fat shaming me

→ luca.fantilli no i’m saying i almost broke my back

→ markestapa so you’re insulting me

→ luca.fantilli I’M SAYING YOU ALMOST SENT ME TO THE FUCKING HISPANIC

→ luca.fantilli FUCK I MEANT HOSPITAL STUPID AUTOCORRECT

→ lhughes_06 LMFAOOO

mackie.samo could you hear me snoring in the middle of the movie

→ lhughes_06 yes you were loud af

→ rutgermcgroarty oh that’s what that was? i thought it was an earthquake

→ adamfantilli think REAAAAAALLY hard about what you just asked and then ask it again

→ edwards.73 we had to turn the volume up to 100 just to hear the movie

→ mackie.samo i didn’t ask to be destroyed like this 😟😟

username70 r u dating jamie’s sister we need to know

username21 bro never posts himself

→ username5 fr it’s either the friend group or a girl

username32 W friend group

_alexturcotte have you done it yet bro

→ lhughes_06 shh that’s a secret

→ colecaufield what happens in the gc stays in the gc

→ yourusername what gc

next chapter notes ) more and more fluffity fluff posts ☺️☺️ i literally put these two through hell with the dickwad bf and the obsessed fling so i decided let’s make them a little happy

tags: @aliaology @hockeyboysarehot @absolutelyhugh3s @jackquinnswife @freds-slut @love4ldr @blueeyedbesson @43hughes @v1olentdelights @dancerbailey3 @random-human02 @ho3forfakeguys @loveforaugust @crazycat-ladys-blog

[acircusfullofdemons]

alright. so i've been thinking about combining Calypso & Anthony into one para but im not 100% sure bc of their backstories.....

Calypso has 2 moms that are goddesses (Illulia, goddess of dreams & Joylena, goddess of celebrations) & a twin sister (Reverie, goddess of daydreaming). He would be the god of imagination, but instead he went to go join a circus, giving his powers to Reverie (making her both the goddess of daydreams and imagination). Long story short, he died in 1968 from a lion attack. He's now a Poltergeist.

Anthony, meanwhile, is third in line for the throne in Verona. He has an older brother (Merlin), an older sister (Seraphina), and a younger sister (Sybil). Because he's third in line, there's less responsibility / attention / pressure on him, making him pretty reckless sometimes. He's a Cambion (half-human, half-demon) that's almost fully Human thanks to genetics.

Anyway, both are hopeless romantics that are kinda overdramatic & tbh, Anthony still hasn't gotten that much development in all the time I've had him (really the only thing he has going for him is being trans & running away)...again I've thought about combining them but:

Cali is already royalty, Illulia is the queen of Sollita.

I can't really think of a way to mesh their backstories?? Cali has to be a Twin he's always gonna be a Twin. & run a Circus he's gotta do that, too.

If Cali was in Anthony's place then Rev wouldn't be able to be the goddess of daydreaming, which uh, is pretty important!

If Anthony didn't exist then the plotline of him running away wouldn't exist either.......n rn that's like. my only plot lmao (not as important, but still).

alright alright my thoughts are Messy lemme make this work:

The first 2 Morningstar Siblings (Merlin & Seraphina) are the same. Then comes in Calypso/Anthony (might need a name change??) & Reverie, followed by Sybil.

Calypso/Anthony & Rev are still related to Illulia, but Joylena - get this - rules Verona! You might be wondering "they're both women, how can they have biological kids?" may I remind you that they are goddesses. Illulia has the power to bring dreams to life, Joylena has....some related power (she's associated with trickery, homegirl can figure something out).

Does this mean the twins are related to the other Morningstar Siblings? ....kind of...??? I view them as half siblings, idk maybe Joylena has a lover that's the ruler of Verona (like. the biological ruler, from the royal family). idk lets just say its common for arcadian gods to be poly / take on multiple lovers.

Calypso still runs off to join DSC and....could that be the plot of S1?????? I'd have to. like. change some birthyears bc its originally supposed to take place during 1897-1968 (or, alternatively, the circus is just stuck in the Time Loop & Cali gets sucked in; OR it was founded in that time & has existed through generations. that means I'd have to make more paras or distribute them more,,,urgh,,,).

ok so i guess problem solved, now all that's left to do is rename Calypso/Anthony. Calypso Morningstar? Anthony Raymond? Or just. another name entirely...?????? Wait it would probably be Cali's name bc he lowkey gets adopted by Isaac Raymond. so like legally he's Calypso Morningstar but everyone knows him as Calypso Raymond. Then again Reverie's last name is Cenred so who gives a shit.

[xcharmedxheirsx]

@xhelenaxleblancx​​

“Helena? Helena?!” There were three things that Seraphina did NOT fuck with. Dirt. Minorities. And haunted houses. And yet somehow Helena had gotten her standing in at least THREE fields. Had loosened her stance on minorities. (Miraculously -- Considering all the ways Alex only made her HATE THEM MORE.) And now here they fucking were. And of course, Helena had ducked out nigh-on IMMEDIATELY. Slipping into the dark. And hopefully NOT dying. (God she hoped Helena wasn’t dead...) “HELENA!?” Careful steps echoed through the halls only covered by the mechanical rumblings of various TRAPS & TRICKS. Each one drawing out a little JUMP. Making her evermore SKITTERY. And slowing her progress to a CRAWL. She hoped to God she could find Helena-- “ROOGLEGAHRAH!” The scream that penetrated the halls in that one moment was SURE to pierce the hides of even the most steely of house-goers. But none would jump out of their flesh anywhere near as much as Seraphina just had. And as for Helena...

                                                                                                        --THWACK!!

Seraphina hadn’t even REGISTERED it was Helena until it was too late. Hand clapped against cheek with all her greatest might. And the pang of guilt, and stream of APOLOGIES -- Albeit coated in ways they could SHARE the blame. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you! And it was dark! And you jumped out and scared me! And I just...” No way her hand wasn’t going to LEAVE A MARK.

[crazyk-imagine]

Chapter VII: The End is Near

Characters: William “Will” “Ironhead” Miller, Santiago “Tago” “Pope” Garcia, Seraphina “Ser” “One Shot” Hayes (OC), Francisco “Frankie” “Catfish” Morales, Ben “Benny” Miller

Briefly mentioned: Tess Davis, Molly Davis, Tom “Redfly” Davis

Warnings: Cursing (what else is new), weapons, Ser gets upset at Santiago (again, what else is new), tying someone up, high stakes, high blood pressure (we’re nearing the end people)

Word Count: 3,254

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It’s still hard to believe that the man who would come up with their plans was gone. 

It’s hard, thinking about it, how none of them will hear from him again. 

One Shot feels like utter shit as she thinks about him. Her mind replaying the moments they had before and during this mission. 

He was the one that found her and recruited her, before Tom, she didn’t have a lot going for her. 

If he hadn’t accepted her, she wouldn’t be who she is today.

-

She punches the punching bag for the umpteenth time within an hour. 

Tom watches her, studying how quick she is. 

“You gonna keep staring or say something, creeper.” 

He chuckles, “you’ve got fire.” 

“You gotta if you want to survive in this world, right?” 

He nods, taking her words into consideration, “I guess you’re right. That why you want to join?” 

She lightly jabs at the punching bag, “guess you could say that.” 

“What if-” 

The door creeks open. Someone seriously has to oil or do something to the door hinges. 

“Hey, Tom-” Santiago stops when he notices his buddy trying to talk to the young wanna be recruit. “Oh- shit- sorry. I can- I can come back later?” 

Tom shakes his head, a light smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “No, it’s fine. Give me one second.” 

Santiago nods. “How about this?” 

The blonde turns around, staring at him with what could be perceived as a bored expression. 

“You meet the others, and we see if you’re up for this.” 

She nods with determination, “I am up “for this”. Don’t judge me just because I’m young.” 

“I’m pretty sure that’s ageism,” Santiago chimes in. 

Seraphina nods, pointing to him, “thank you. Exactly, ageism. Don’t try and pull any of that crap with me, old man.” 

Tom raises his hands, “no need for name calling.” 

She glares at him. 

He sighs, “just meet me at the diner down the street, okay? I’ll see you out front before we talk to the others.” 

Santiago scoots his head closer to whisper, “I don’t think Benny is going to mind.” 

“This isn’t about him. Meet me there, okay?” 

“Okay, geez. I’ll be there.” 

Tom nods, “good.” He turns to Santiago, “what’d you want?” 

The man beside shakes his head, “I don’t know now.” 

“Maybe you two girls should go and figure it out,” Seraphina says. 

Santiago chuckles, shaking his head, “you’ve got guts, kid.” 

“Something tells me I’m not that much younger than you.” 

“Really?” 

“Mentally that is.” 

He stares at her with wide eyes and mouth agape. 

Tom chuckles, patting his buddy on the back.      

-

She’s afraid they’ll lose contact with Molly and Tess because it’s something that happened before. 

Before she officially joined the boys, she was stationed with another group and every time they lost someone, the family members said they would keep in touch but never did. 

The others have delt with similar situations in the past. 

Ironhead can’t count the number of times he’s lost friends who he could once consider family, much like Catfish and One Shot. He shakes his head, closing his eyes, praying hoping that sleep won’t be a problem. 

One Shot doesn’t need anyone else to worry about if he’s not getting enough sleep or not. 

He turns his head, glancing over at the woman his brother’s utterly in love with. 

She twitches. 

He senses- he knows it’s a nightmare. It wouldn’t surprise him if this were the case. All he can do is try to wake her up and hope he doesn’t get hurt in the process because it’s like people say, never wake a sleepwalker. 

She can’t sleep, her mind is plagued with memories that morph into nightmares. 

Red. Shot! Tom. One! Benny. Shot! One Shot! 

Something’s on her shoulders but she can’t tell what it is. 

“One Shot! Ser!” He calls out for her quietly, not wanting the other two involved. 

She flinches, her wrist latching onto whoever is touching her. One Shot opens her eyes and sees Ironhead’s familiar face. She blinks once, twice, she notices that his face is scrunched up as if he’s in pain. 

It’s easy to tell that he’s fighting the urge to reach for his wound due to the pain in his abdomen but, holds still at the sense of new pain in his wrist. 

She immediately releases him, gulping loudly, only he can hear it. “Shit. Sorry. I don’t know what happened.” 

He rubs his wrist, “it’s alright. I’m not surprised your having nightmares.” 

She tries to deny it. “They’re not-” 

“Don’t,” he shakes his head. “Just don’t- don’t lie, not to me. You did the day you left… don’t do it again.” 

Her eyes wander around the rocky terrain ahead of them. “I’m sorry.” 

“For what?” 

“I just- for trying to fight Tago and then you and- and getting pissed at Benny, Frankie, and Tom.” ‘And for leaving,’ she silently adds. 

He knows that. 

She throws her head back and sighs, rubbing her hands across her face. “I didn’t want to do this, you know. I didn’t actually want to come here but, I knew- I knew something like this was gonna happen. I just- I didn’t expect Tom to- fuck.” 

Ironhead nods, “I didn’t want to do this either. I only said I’d do it if you two were involved and I was hoping, you two would say no.” 

“I wanted to.” 

“Why didn’t you?” 

“I had a feeling that you were all gonna say yes and I couldn’t leave you to fend for yourselves. I mean, look what happened with you and Tom. This still could have happened without me here but,” she sighs, “I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t leave my boys behind.” She removes her hands from her face, “not again.” 

“Why did you leave?” 

She shrugs, picking at the skin on the side of her thumb nail, “I thought it was better if I was gone.” 

“Why would you think that?” 

“I,” she stops talking, trying to figure out what to say. “I thought, if I was gone then Benny or any of you wouldn’t get hurt-” 

“We get hurt all the time,” he interrupts. 

“Yeah, but I’m the one who’s closest to whoever gets hurt. It was around the first time Tom, and I had met. I went to the diner and slammed my car door into him but, to be fair, I didn’t know he was going to be there,” she shuts her eyes. 

“Then Tago fell down a hill when we were on our first mission, he jacked his knees and was so close to severing his spine to the point where he wouldn’t be able to walk again. Frankie almost died when he was flying because some asshole didn’t do his job right and of course, I was one of the few people on board. And, yeah, Benny has gotten more than one hits to the head but that was way before he started to do his fights and- and,” she takes a deep breath, to keep her tears at bay. 

She chuckles, her breathe coming out shaky and uneven. “You’re the one with a bullet in your stomach, you shouldn’t be so concerned with me right now.” 

He shakes his head; he knew talking to her was going to be hard but the way she’s ignoring her feelings isn’t good. He can admit he does the same thing, but this feels worse because it’s about someone he cares about and who he’ll probably be calling sister-in-law soon. 

She opens her eyes, blinking away her tears, “you know, there’s a reason they call me One Shot.” 

He opens his mouth to ask her what she means, she stops him. 

“I can tell you with one percent certainty that it’s not because I know my way around a sniper.” She scoffs, “a few assholes decided that since their buddy was fucking around on a mission and died that it was my fault.” She shakes her head, “I was the one that brought him back but, of course, no one saw it that way. It was just, one shot closer to death.” 

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” 

She shrugs, “didn’t seem important.” She swallows down her feelings (again) and nudges him. “We should try and get some more sleep. You need it more than any of us.” 

He nods, “how’re your ribs?” 

“Honestly,” she looks away. “I forgot about them. I’ll take care of it later.” 

“You’re looking out for me, it’s the least I could do for you.” 

At those words, goose bumps rise on her arms, and she feels a tingle in the back of her neck. 

The words comfort her but also slightly alarm her. “Thanks.” 

One Shot takes a deep breath before she closes her eyes. 

‘He’ll be fine. He’s going to come back. Benny will come back.’ 

She subconsciously rubs her bottom lip as she thinks of him.

-

Benny pants, walking up the same path he took to go down and before. He glances up, focusing on the waiting on and sees- 

“You all right?” Ironhead asks, grabbing onto One Shot’s hand as she pulls him up. 

The two turn to look at him, checking him out up and down, they can see how hard the walk is on him. 

The younger Miller nods, “the boat's there. I gave him half the money. I hope he waits.” 

Pope and Catfish stand up. 

“I didn't go into town, but it looks like whoever's in charge there... has a... kindergarten arm that's looking for us,” he continues to talk, taking deep breathes in between. 

“Of course, they do,” One Shot murmurs, staring at the ground. Her heart beats faster than she would like to. She can’t look him in the eyes when he’s so close. 

“How many of them?” Ironhead asks. 

Benny moves, sitting down beside her legs. The walk took a lot out of him. “Two or three pros, 20 heavily-armed teenagers.” 

“What about the next town over?” Catfish chimes in. 

“It's over 100 miles to the south,” Pope says. 

Ironhead shakes his head, “I'm sure they've got every town covered anyway. Must be what's left of Lorea's guys.” 

‘He’s gonna say something stupid.’ 

“So, we go through 'em,” Pope declares with his hands on his hips. 

‘There it is.’ One Shot shakes her head, crossing her arms to partially protect her from the light, chilly breeze and because she can’t stand still. The image of Tom’s dead body swims through her mind every so often. 

“Through them?” The older Miller repeats. 

“What, do you mean we mow them all down?” Catfish questions him. “What's the alternative here?” 

“I'm not prepared to wipe out every teenager in that town just to get through with this cargo,” Ironhead answers Pope. 

“This cargo?” Pope takes a step back, pointing to Tom’s wrapped body, “what about that cargo? Will you do it for him? Tom died for this money, and we're not leaving this country without it!” 

This gets Benny agitated. 

“He didn't die for that money, he died because of it!” 

One Shot uncrosses her arms, reaching down to rub the top of his head before sliding her thumb down, rubbing his temple. 

Pope frustratingly runs his hand over his face with his back facing the others, he takes a few steps towards the incline of the mountain. 

One Shot slides her hand off his temple, resting it on his hat and head. 

“They're just kids, man.” Benny turns to look at his brother, “can't we carry it out through the dark?” 

“It's over 100 bags. There's no way,” he shakes his head. “Let me talk to him.” Ironhead sighs, walking away from the two. 

One Shot holds onto the younger Miller’s shoulder as she sits down beside him, tucking herself into his side. 

He reaches out for her, resting his hand on her knee. 

-

“Look, Benny's telling us these are kids, man,” the older Miller says. 

Pope shakes his head, stuttering breathes escape him as he talks, “I can't believe... I can't believe I let this happen.” 

“Look, we all came here of our own free will.” 

“Yeah, but... I thought we could... I thought we could do this.” 

“Yeah. And we got what we deserved.” 

“I'm sorry.” 

“Yeah, me, too. But we can't do this.” 

“I know. I know.” Pope turns, taking a few steps forward. 

Ironhead’s semi gentle pat on the back have him a boost to keep moving. 

-

He licks his lips, glancing back at the blond Miller. “We can't just... go through 'em. I don't know what I was saying.” 

One Shot nods. 

“It's all right,” Catfish nods to him. 

“We've just gotta get Tom home. That's all that matters.” 

“How are we gonna do that?” Benny directs his question to his brother.  

“We keep carrying him down. We fill our days packs with whatever we can... Whatever we can carry, and that's it,” Pope answers. 

“What do we do with the rest of it?” Benny asks. 

Pope looks back, studying the rocky terrain. 

One Shot shakes her head, “no. no!” 

“Why not?” 

“You- we- are you seriously telling me we’re about to dump millions of dollars over the side of this godforsaken mountain.” 

“It won’t be over the side of the mountain,” Ironhead chimes in.  

 One Shot nods, “even better.” She mutters under her breath, “even fucking better.”

-

The five look over the edge, staring down into the deep well-hidden trench. 

Pope sighs loudly, glancing back at the others with Ironhead and Catfish being the only ones to look back at him. 

Pope’s the first one to grab a bag, whispering, “fuck.” 

One Shot mutters, “I can’t watch this.” 

They watch as the bag disappears, leaning forward to see where it may land. A crash echoes throughout the area below them. 

The older Miller exhales, “fuck me.” 

“I’m sure a lot of people would love to.” 

Catfish nudges the blonde woman. 

“You honestly can’t expect me to be fine with this when one of our own died for this fucking money.” 

“You can pretend to be fine silently.” 

“That'll work,” Benny comments. 

“Snow will be coming in soon. Nobody'll ever see it again,” says Pope. 

“Good,” Catfish adds. 

“Great!” the blonde shouts, “now that, that’s taken care of let’s finish throwing this money away.” 

“I am this close,” Catfish pinches his fingers together, leaving the smallest amount of space between them, “to throwing you down with the money.” 

She crosses her arms, “I’d like to see you try old man.” 

“All right let's keep going,” Pope says. 

Everyone (including the stressed-out blonde woman) grabs a bag and chucks it wherever they can.

-

The boys carry Tom’s body, One Shot trails beside Benny, taking note of the area (slightly paranoid someone may come out and start shooting). 

“Let's put him down for a second,” Ironhead tells the others. “We're running behind. Benny, you should go. The sun's coming up." 

"We'll meet you down at the cove in 30," Pope adds. 

“All right. Be careful.” 

“Always,” Benny replies. 

One Shot grabs Benny’s wrist, stopping him, “be careful.” 

“I always am.” 

She shakes her head, “no, don’t give me that bullshit response you gave them.” 

“I’ll be as careful as I can be, alright?” 

“That better be so fucking careful, Benny. Or I swear to-” 

He cups her cheeks, “nothing is going to happen to me. I’d prefer if the last thing I saw was your beautiful face.” 

“That’s not funny.” 

“It isn’t which is why I’ll be seeing you and the boys real soon.” He pulls her in, leaving her with a hard kiss (to remember him by… just in case). 

Catfish and Ironhead grunt as they move Tom’s body.  

-

Benny sneaks through the slanted trees near the water, keeping an eye out for the gaggle of teens having a good time, enjoying themselves unaware of what’s going on around them. 

He takes careful and steady steps in the water, glancing between the teens partying and the well-lit boat ahead. 

With long, steady strokes he’s at the boat in no time. 

He walks around the corner, gun in hand. Benny enters the doorway, startling the man sitting down. “Thank you for waiting.” 

“The boat is ready,” the captain replies.

-

One Shot struggles to keep up with the three. Her stomach is in knots as they continue to move. She doesn’t like this, where they are, it doesn’t feel right. Ironhead sighs. 

She glances over at him, worried about his wound. She hasn’t had the time to change it for a while and is now worrying about the other Miller boy. “No, wait. Is there anyone?” One Shot asks. 

“It looks abandoned,” Ironhead shakes his head. 

Catfish raises his gun, taking careful, steady steps away from the others, “cover me.” 

One Shot leans closer to Pope, asking, “Are we seriously letting him-” 

The headlights turn on. 

A young person shouts at them, “stop! Hands up! Stop! Put your hands up!” 

Everyone raises their weapons, the clicks being the only other noise they can hear besides their own breathes. 

“Wait! Wait!” Pope says, as the four fan out. 

The young man pants, waving his gun between all of them. 

Pope puts his gun into his side holster, raising his arms in front of him. “Listen! Little brother, be careful with that gun. Don't point it at me.” 

“I speak English! What's in the bag? What is that?” He gestures to Tom’s body. 

“It's our friend. He's dead,” Ironhead replies. 

“I call boss.” 

“No, don't do that,” Pope calls out. “Stop!” 

Catfish tightens his grip on his gun, hesitant to shoot the man since he seems to be so young. 

“We don't have any problem with you. Right, guys?” Pope looks back towards the others, “we don't have a problem with him.” 

“No problem,” Ironhead adds. 

“I'm taking a shot,” Catfish says. 

“No! No.” 

“If he doesn’t, I am,” One Shot adds. 

Pope grits his teeth, “No! Don't do that. It's okay. Uh-uh. Hey, calm down.” 

“This is 16! I need help!” 

Pope steps in, tossing the young man’s gun to the side. 

“Dumbass!” Catfish and One Shot comment, staring the man down. 

“Where are the keys?” Pope asks, keeping a calm tone. 

“I don't know. They just left me here with just the car and the radio.” 

“Fuck!” Catfish shouts, moving towards the car. 

-

“Are you sure?” Pope asks. 

“Yes,” the man replies. 

“Are you lying?” 

Ironhead steps in front of the car, placing his hands on the mans arms bringing his attention onto him. “Hey, hey, kid, just relax, all right?” 

“Sixteen? Sixteen, is that you?” The voice over the radio asks. 

The car starts. 

Pope pounds his fist on the hood, “Yes! Fuck yes! Let’s move. Let’s get out of here. Grab his radio.” 

“Got it,” Ironhead says. 

Pope chucks a stack of cash at the, now, tied up man, “here's a little advice: Get away from these men.” 

Catfish, Ironhead, and One Shot grunt, setting Tom’s body in the back. 

“Let's move!” Ironhead tells him, getting inside the car. 

“Go home. Get out of here.” 

“Vamos, Pope!” Catfish shouts, slamming the car door shut.  

One Shot shakes her head, jaw clenched as she watches him walk to the car, settling in beside her. 

“You’re a fucking idiot.” 

“Tell me something you haven’t said already. It’s getting a bit repetitive.” 

She clenches her fist, holding back from punching him.

Chapter VI // Chapter VIII

[uno-writing]

@queer-verse's ask about ep 248!!! 🍿🥤🍭🍬🍫🧋

!!!!!WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW!!!!! !!!!!READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!

✨ep 248✨

Spoilers, proceed with caution

- god i hate terrance so much

- it started with this fuckin evil smirk

- every time i see him a go into max rage for 2 seconds b4 calming down

- God bless sera for calling out johns god awful disguise

- lmao she saw through his plot armor this time

- the way my boi covered his stalking was smooth af

- and omg their friendship? precious

- the best in the whole comic, fight me

- they know eachother so damn well

- my heart broke when John saw sera turning into seraphina

- but the difference this time is she cares for him sm

- "loosen up, itll be good for you" 😭

- they are eachother's biggest mom friend

- arlo is just the poor dude whis stck w them bc he has no other friends

- and omg seeing their competitiveness come back was a gift

- my heart rate went up when the ferris wheel showed up again like no sir can u plz not

- but im so glad they had this talk

- i have a feeling the ferris wheel is gonna be the setting of a few other important scenes as well

- john was trying so hard to cheer her up 😭

- and plz Arlo getting mad at him was adorable

- he was so worried lmao

- the beginning of mom arlo

- is it fuckin karma that Holden showed after i said that he appeared in like 5 episode and he wasn't important

- IS HOLDEN A PART OF SCEPTER NOOOOOOO

- WAS THAT EVEN HOLDEN???? I HOPE NOT

- Terrence is so full of bullshit theyre all so full of bullshit

- "we are sorry" who tf r u to speak for the whole organization??

- like actually how important is Terrance?

- was his speech an act he was told to say or legit authority?

- not closed off to the idea that we've been mislead about how bad spectre actually is

- its just way more likely that theyre trying to get her guard down by playing nice guys

- her sister warned her for a reason

- thankfully sera seems well aware of this lol. she aint falling for it

- and why do they want sera a highschool student, abeit a powerful and rich one, so badly by their side?

- like shes a literal kid. and she cant be manipulated into becoming a spectre extremist (for a lack of a better word) at this age

- surely they must know this. either they actually want her for an experiment or something (? throwing ideas at the wind here lol) or its ya dystopia plotholes

- like spectre is whole organization, possibly connected to the government, wtf do they want to do with a teen. then again they have other highschool students as literal spy agents so

- it's prolly just cuz shes super poweful. or was

- anyway I thought the ep was gon be John sera wholesome time followed by John Arlo wholesome time but I was lied too

- Boba anon 🧋

----

*See, I was really annoyed by Terrence but he’s starting to do what John does and make the full circle from hatred to loving in my mind

*Even with Sera calling out the disguise, I have no doubts that John’s gonna use it in the future still. He’s already gotten too much confirmation bias from when he followed Sera

*I love them so much. I think Dumbass Trio is still my fav friendship, but this episode shot John and Sera in a really close second (also John's sunshine face when he convinces Sera to have fun oh my god he's such a cutie pie when he's not being bloodthirsty)

*Sass Squad is just a circle of friends who are all the mom friend but all act like they aren’t

*I just rewatched the Fantastic Four movies from the early 2000’s and all I can think of when it comes to the UnO ferris wheel is this scene. Like, to be fair, it’d be pretty rad if this happens and someone has to catch it or stop it (cough arlo’s barrier is really similar to sue storm’s power cough). I don’t think uru-chan’s gonna do it, but idk, something’s definitely gonna happen with that ferris wheel. It’s had 3 of its own shots. Any more and it’s gonna have more screentime than my boy Holden😫

*I got such a kick out of Arlo scolding John (also Dumbass Trio my beloved on the carousel in the background)

*Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s Holden. That dude’s hair looks more slicked back than up like Holden has his hair. But can you imagine?? Like Holden’s just been a background character that’s been insanely loyal to Arlo and he just ends up becoming an important character bc of SPECTRE??? Like that’s an interesting storyline lmao

*Maybe Terrence is talking like that bc he’s like Sera’s manager and then there’s his bosses? Idk, I know some of my past managers kinda talked for the company just bc they’re the ones who were in charge over me?? Idk, I think he’s getting a power kick from having Sera on a metaphorical leash or he’s trying to win her over for SPECTRE.

*I’m assuming it’s bc of her power, maybe even her connection to Leilah. It seems like Leilah is maybe starting to doubt SPECTRE so maybe they’re trying to use Sera to keep one of their lead scientists and Sera’s power is just a benefit? Idk. *It seems like they’ve done this before so maybe they know how to bring Sera around to their side. Like I doubt anyone they’ve recruited in the same way they did Sera went along with it willingly at the beginning. I mean, I wouldn’t. I’d probably be petty and deal without my ability.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Spark, Ignite, Detonate, Explode ~ Mammon x Reader

Trust is such a feeble thing to have in someone - It is build up and takes so long, and yet, it disappears faster than the blink of an eye.

It starts off with only something little, yet repeated, like the spark you get from hitting stones together to ignite the fire inside someone’s heart. And yet, few know that the heart is a fragile gunpowder bag, that one detonated, it shall explode and destroy everything in its proximity never to be restored to its former glory again.

Only ashes, ruin, waste and death...

---

“Yooo, how’s my fave human doin’?” Mammon’s usual lighthearted voice echoed through the halls as he rushed to your side, putting his arm around your shoulder, pulling Y/N closer into his side as they walked together to the next class. “Nothing out of the ordinary, Monnie. You, however, seem rather happy. Did something good happen to you recently?” Y/N lifted her head up to gaze at him with her usual, passive smile. “Yeah, actually, it did! I just got a great deal on an Akuzon item I sold! I got 500 thousand Grimm! Isn’t that awesome? I can go get new brand jacket and shades!” he laughed in glee, making her clap as a congratulation. “That’s awesome, Monnie! You gotta show me what you’ll be getting! I’m sure your next photoshoot is gonna be so great that your pics will get on the cover!” She grinned, which made him flustered, and yet, his grin was even wider. “Hahaha, of course! I am THE Great Mammon, after all! How ‘bout this - After my next photoshoot, when I get paid again, I’ll take ya out for dinner. How’s that sound, hmmm? Just us two, at Ristorante six, my treat.” he smirked, trying to look macho, but it only made her chuckle at his poor attempt. “No, that’s too expensive. How about going to the pub for a drink? We can go to The Fall, if you want! They have great music, and the drinks are good, and at a reasonable price!” Y/N winked at him, which made him blush harder. “You’re the perfect being, Y/N! Always thinkin’ of me!” he gave the girl a side hug, as they got in their shared desk in the classroom.

The girl, as she wrote her notes diligently, knowing very well that the white haired demon never bothered, and would always borrow hers, started idly pawing at the neck of her shirt, as was her habit, to play with her dangling necklace...

Only to realise there was nothing hanging around her neck.

A pang of panic shot through her veins as she hit her back on the chair seat, touching her neck, and inside her shirt, realising that it was gone. Frowning, she tried to remember if she even put it on in the morning, before getting dressed, but there was no memory of it. She was certain, however, that the previous day, she placed the necklace on her study desk, before going to take a bath...And since then, she has no more recollection of its presence.

Waiting nervously, bouncing her leg, tapping her fingers and biting her lip so hard that she drew blood without realising, making her friend concerned, yet not figuring out the cause for her concerns, as soon as the class was over, she sprung out of that place faster than the speed of light, rummaging through her whole room, yet finding absolutely nothing.

Taking a few deep breaths, to keep herself level-headed, she went to the brothers, who were having lunch, and took out her D.D.D., showing them a selfie she took, where the necklace was easily noticeable - Silver chain with an emerald stone.

“Have you guys seen it around? I’m afraid I might have lost it or misplaced it...” she asked, clutching the phone close to her chest in worry. “I haven’t seen it, sorry.” Satan said, thinking back on all the steps he took that day. “Are you sure it’s not in your room? It could have fallen behind the bed, desk, or some furniture, right?” Asmo asked, frowning a bit. “No luck...I searched every inch of the room, and nothing. I’m at my wits end...I tried using all spells I know, and still nothing. It’s almost like it’s not in RAD or the Dorms anymore...” her bottom lip quivered softly. “Hey, Levi, didn’t we see this necklace somewhere on the internet last night, when we searched Akuzon?” Belphie turned abruptly to his brother, who gasped, nodded, and ran to get his laptop. “Akuzon...? It couldn’t be...It’s was a very cheap necklace from the human realm...Well, it’s very old, and handmade, but still.” Y/N sighed, putting her phone back in her pocket. “Here, Y/N, drink a glass of hot chocolate, it will help you calm down a bit.” Beel raised, handing her a cup of hot chocolate. “Thank you, Beel, I appreciate it.” she smiled softly, looking down at her mug. “Ah, you were right, Belphie! Look, this is it, right?” Levi turned around the laptop for everyone to look. “Huh...? It even has the engraving on the back of it...How...Could this happen...? Yesterday it was in my room, I’m certain of that, so...?!” she freaked out, especially looking at the price at which was sold, and something clicked in her mind, making her gasp in realisation. “Ahhh, great, I’m late for lunch again. Beel, you better not have eaten everythin’!” Mammon’s cheerful voice seemed to make everyone go silent, and it was like a common thought in their mind. “Mammon...Can you tell me what exactly did you sell on Akuzon that you got so much money from it?” Y/N muttered, gritting her teeth, trying to keep herself grounded. “Huh? Why d’ya ask? T’was some necklace I found layin’ around. Why?” he asked, sitting down at the table to eat. “I can’t believe it...” her voice was soft, yet full of rage, almost destroying the mug in her hands. “Of course it had to be him...But to think he’d steal from the only person who defended him...That’s a special kind of scumbag.” Asmo groaned, shaking his head in disbelief. “You really are the worst, Mammon. I can’t believe we are related.” Belphie glared at his elder brother. “Huh?! Whadya mean?! Shouldn’t y’all be happy for me, for getting such a great deal for a cheap necklace?!” he yelled at them, not realising the dark aura surrounding the person behind him, “He really is an idiot.” Beel’s eyes softened, looking with pity at the girl. “I can’t say that I’m surprised...Maybe just disappointed.” Satan looked at him in disgust, then shifted his gaze away, unable to look at him any longer. “Oi, what the hell’s wrong with y’all?! What’ve I done?! Y/N, help me out here, give ‘em a piece of your mind!” Mammon turned around to look at the girl, only then realising that she had tears streaming down her face, and her small form was trembling softly. “The Lord of Shadows would never do something to hurt Henry..But what can you expect from someone who would sell Seraphina’s UR+ figurine anyway?” Levi shook his head. “What have you done...? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! YOU SOLD MY NECKLACE ON AKUZON, THAT’S WHAT YOU’VE DONE, YOU STUPID, SCUMMY, BRAINDEAD DUMBASS!” she yelled at him, pouring the hot chocolate on his head, making everyone gasp in shock at her reaction. “So what?! It’s just a cheap necklace! I can buy you 5000 ones just like that! Even the stone wasn’t genuine! I made you a favour by riddin’ you of it!” he got to his feet, arguing with her, not expecting her to get violent, grab him by his uniform blazer, shaking him with all the force she could muster. “YOU CANNOT BRING THE MEMORIES BACK, YOU DIMWIT! It was a goddamn family heirloom! It was the only thing I had from my family! My mother gave it to me before she died! How could you do this to me, Mammon?! I thought we were friends!” when her all her strength left her body, she started sobbing softly, which made the demon stiff as a board. “I-I-I...H-How was I supposed to know that?! C’mon, I don’t read minds, y’know?” he argued, but his voice was nothing higher than a mutter. “I told you...I told you before...I told you, god damn it...I told you my mum gave it to me on my birthday...And then she died...I told you I have no family to return to...I told you all the women in my family had the same nickname, and it’s engraved in the back of the pendant...I told you...But you never listen, do you? All you care about is money...Money...Money...And only money...You are such a disappointment...I can’t believe it...” her voice held a myriad of raw emotions, ranging from hatred, disappointment, confusion, rage, anxiety, nervousness, sorrow, nostalgia and many more - All that seemed to transfer to Mammon right away, as he started panicking. “Look, I-I’m sorry, okay?! I didn’t mean it! I screwed up, I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad at me!” he looked like a kicked puppy, but the girl didn’t care anymore. “I take back all the good things I said about you. I take back all the times I bothered to defend you from the insults and bullying of your brothers. I take back all the pity I had for your stupid puppy face. I take it all back. You are nothing more than a greedy disappointment. I am no longer your friend, I never want to see your face again, nor hear your voice, and I refuse to be anywhere near your. Goodbye, Mammon, we are never going to be friends again.” she roughly pushed him on the chair, making everyone look at the scene, speechless. “I respected you, cared for you...Fuck, I really loved you, Mammon, more than anyone would know...And look how you treat me. I guess that’s what I get for trying to babysit some braindead fuck up who cares for no one but himself. Disgusting.” she sneered, glaring at him with dead eyes, before turning on her heel and going to her room, passing by Lucifer, who looked at her with confusion.  “Did something happen...?” he asked, unsure of what to do. “I won’t be going to class tomorrow.” she muttered, passing by him and going to her room.

For the remainder of the day, she answered no texts, nor calls, and ignored everyone who tried to enter her room, going as far as to put spells on her door so that if they tried entering her room would get transported in the underground pool, and the yelling and knocking on the door wouldn’t be heard, no matter how hard they tried.

All the time, she tried her best to track her the person who bought the necklace, explain to them that it’s not magical and that it’s just a cheap, old accessory with emotional attachment, and that she will pay them all the money back in return for it.

500k for a necklace...What a robbery...

And the respective witch asked for double, to compensate.

That’s double the robbery.

But what could she do...?

Y/N checked her bank account, realised that she has already 800k Grimm she held on, to buy everyone gifts at the end of the year, to thank them for being such a great family for her, but that was going to be for another time.

The witch said they should meet at the end of the week, so she had enough time to raise at least 150k...And for the rest of the 50k, she’ll have to borrow from someone.

At school, every time she saw him, Y/N ignored Mammon, or did a spell to push him away, doing exactly as she promised she would do, and it was clearly affecting him.

It went the same in the classroom, as they were deskmates...

“Hey. Hey, Y/N. Y/N, listen to me! I’m sorry, okay? Don’t be mad! I-I’ll make it up for ya, okay?! How ‘bout I take ya to a Karaoke night at The Fall, as we said? O-Or lemme treat ya at Hell’s Kitchen -...Or better, Ristorante Six!” he kept rambling, which made the girl tsk, take out the scissors she had in her bag, cutting her finger and drawing a blood symbol on the back of her notebook, slammed it with her palm, before touching his cheek, and so, no matter how much he tried to speak, he wouldn’t be heard.

And when eating meals together...

“Yo, Y/N, my favourite human! Look what I brought! There’s this super VIP place that makes the best pizza, and I got one of each taste, so ya’ll see which is your fave!” he chirped, trying his best to stay cheerful as he sat down to her left, only to see he stop chatting with Asmo, raised her plate, and sat on his right, between the 5th and 4th eldest brothers, completely ignoring him.

It continued when he started getting bullied again, for who knows what reason...

“Not so smug now that Y/N isn’t taking your side anymore, huh? Well, you deserve it, after all. You really fucked up with her, y’know?” Belphie glared at his brother, leaning on Beel. “I know, okay?! I keep tryin’ to make it up to her, but she doesn’t even hear me out! What can I even do?!” he asked, obvious desperation in his voice. “Nothing, at this point. She’s working all night to get the money to pay the witch who bought the necklace from you. I don’t know how you can make up to her.” Beel shrugged, munching on his goat cheese tartar burger. “I heard from Satan she has to pay double. If I had to throw away all the money I kept for safe keeping, then have to be forced to work and borrow more to get to 1M Grimm just to get my prized possession back...I’d have killed you.” Belphie scoffed, putting his pillow on Beel’s shoulder, ready to take a nap. “Oh...I...Had no idea...” the white haired demon muttered, hanging his head, feeling his heart being ripped apart at the suffering he caused the person he holds so dear to his heart. “You never know anything you should know, why are you surprised.” Belphie muttered, shrugging “Imagine all the food you could buy with that much money. Maybe I should bring her a burger too, it may make her smile. Haven’t seen her smile since that day.” Beel nodded, getting up, with his younger brother in one arm, while the other hand held a take away food bag.

And the only one who managed to give him any sort of advice was Lucifer...

“I’m at my wit’s end, Lucifer! What can I do?! Nothing I try works! I feel like I’m losin’ her more and more with each minute...And she’s already gettin’ her necklace back, there’s nothin’ I can do to make her at least stop ignorin’ me...” Mammon sighed, sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace, in Lucifer’s study room, his head held in his hands, gripping at his hair, barely stopping himself from outright sobbing. “Keep on trying. I’m sure she will appreciate the effort you’re doing, even if she’s angry at you now, and rightfully so. The fact that you realised your mistake, and the gravity of it, is the first step towards redemption and forgiveness. Don’t give up...There’s no one who cares for you as much as she does.” the eldest brother sat down next to him, putting his hand on his shoulder and squeezing it reassuringly. “Thanks, Lucifer...I guess it takes time to heal...” he muttered, nodding as a way to thank him.

For the rest of the week, he continued to try to apologise in all the ways, imaginable and unimaginable he could muster, trying his best not to get discouraged by her ignoring him and going out of her way to stay as far away as possible.

However, he noticed how Beel was right, and he hasn’t seen a single uprise in the corners of her lips, there was no glint in her eyes, no warmth in her presence, and no life in her movements. She was tired, and rightfully so, considering the amount of work she’s doing, while also going to classes...

She’s just a frail, little human, she’s going to overexert her brittle body and break! Y/N already sprained her wrist by falling in her plight up the stairs once, a long time ago, and he has already seen her overworking on studying and doing multiple things to please people...

He can’t let that happen again!

But what can he do, anyway...?

On the last day of the week, he desperately tried to search for her, only to overhear a conversation in the library, between her and one of her brothers, and his heart started breaking even more, if that was possible.

“Hey...Satan? Can I ask for your insight on something?” Y/N asked, sitting on the couch next to the blond, who was reading in the library, as per usual. “Yes, what is it?” he asked, closing his book, giving her his undivided attention. “I managed to track down the witch who bought my necklace, and she said she will agree to an exchange deal, if I give her the money back...In double. I need 50k for this afternoon, and I don’t have how to get so much in such a short time, so I’ll have to borrow from someone. Any idea?” she sighed, her lips turning into a self-pitying smile. “I see...Well, honestly, anyone you ask would lend you money, but since you have to hurry, then here’s I’ll transfer you the money you need in your account.” he pat her head, doing as he said. “Thank you, Satan, you’re a true life saver. I owe you everything.” she sighed in relief, hugging him tightly.

Him! She should have picked him! He would give her his heart on a platter to sell, if she asked for it! He would sell every possession he had, including his organs, just to make sure she got her necklace back! Nevermind that it was his fault, even if it wasn’t, he’d have still given you everything he had to make sure she stops destroying her health and start glowing with happiness again.

He missed her angelic voice when speaking to him, he missed the glint in her eyes whenever she hung out with him, or helped him hide from his brothers, he missed the soft kisses she gave on his cheeks whenever she congratulated him on something great he did, and he missed how little and warm her hand was, in his, fingers intertwined, whenever she’d walk side by side. He missed how cute she was in his arms, whenever he’d crash at her place and want to cuddle, and how she was a feisty firecracker filled with justice when he got bullied and insulted by everyone.

He missed her so much...

Now that he had her around him so much, he felt it impossible that she should disappear just like that...And yet, she did, and nothing in his life hurt Mammon more than Y/N hating him.

She’s now on her way to meet the witch, get her necklace back, and here he was, a failure... But a failure who felt like something wrong was going to happen, while he was pacing, and looking at the watch, he noticed it was about time the exchange was to happen...Yet he never picked up where it would be...?

He called all his brothers, one by one, and only Satan seemed to know where she was, so Mammon ran there as fast as the fastest demon could.

Y/N was skeptical, nervous, and afraid to deal with this witch, as she was radiating an evil and intimidating aura, and it was obvious she was heavily overpowering her with her magic.

“I’ve got your money...It’s on my credit card. I will transfer it right away...But please show me the necklace first.” she muttered, holding up her phone, showing the 1M Grimm account she owned. “Good...VERY Good, little mouse. Here is your little necklace...I will give it to you as soon as you transfer the money.” she smirked, making Y/N nod and bite her lip, but doing as she was told. “Here. Did you get it? It says it got sent.” she showed her phone screen again, letting the witch check. “Perfect~! What a good, obedient little human you are...I should have you around as my lackey more often. You’re much more reliable with bringing me money than that stupid Mammon.” she scoffed, using her hand to roughly squish Y/N’s cheeks. “Can I have my necklace now, please?” she tried to say, despite looking like a fish. “Yeah, sure, here you are....Oops! Oh, no, it broke! What a pity~!” she giggled darkly as she she destroyed the necklace, letting the pieces fall to the ground, along with Y/N’s paralysed form. “NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! You promised you’d give it back! I have you the money you asked for! Why did you do that?!” Y/N groveled on the ground, trying to desperately pick up pieces of the broken necklace. “You’d think someone who spent so much time with demons wouldn’t be so stupid! Didn’t I just say? You’re so much better than that failure of a Greed demon! You KNOW him! And you KNOW all the brothers! You are that exchange human Diavolo is protecting! Hahaha...! Imagine everything I could do if I held you hostage! I can force Diavolo to marry me, I can have Lucifer and Satan be my consorts, Mammon to constantly give me jewels and clothes, Asmodeus to please me, Beelzebub to bring me food, and Belphegor to make sure my room is always perfect! And that’s only thanks to your idiocy, you little, worthless human!” her grin was wide and scary, as she suddenly grabbed Y/N’s hair, roughly pulling her up, before using her hand to grab her slender neck and squeeze, as a threat and a warning. “Keep on dreaming...That will never happen...And leave Mammon alone, he’s not stupid.” Y/N tried to claw at the witch’s hand, only to get roughly slapped, then got a pain curse put on her, which made her fall to the ground, gritting her teeth to keep from wailing in agony. “Don’t tell me...This stupid little human is in love with that waste of space? Did you know what I fucked him? Long before you even existed in this life. He cried and screamed so much that night, it was pitiful, but also amusing. You’re nowhere close to even be in my league, but you think you can please the Avatar of Greed? You’re really pathetic and delusional, darling.” the witch’s banshee-like laugh resounded through the abandoned field, amplifying the curse, as her voice was only beaten by Y/N’s stifled cries of pain. “You will pay for this.” she managed to say, before she felt a sharp pain in her side, which proved to be a kick in the ribs. “I already did, darling, the moment your stupid Mammon sold your necklace, and you tracked me down, instead of letting him try to get it back. He’s already high in debt with everyone, but he wasn’t stupid enough to be in my debt too...But now, for your sake, I WILL get him, and all of the others!” her voice was dark and menacing...Only for it to suddenly stop, as sudden the pain from the curse.

And yet, a much darker, stronger, overwhelming, suffocating aura seemed to make the whole place look as the abyss just took over.

“There’s one thing to mess with me, Maddi, but it’s another to mess with the girl I love. I don’t care what ya put me through, but as soon as ya try to even look Y/N’s way, I’m killin' ya, and ya did much worse than that. Say goodbye to your life, ‘cause I’m truly pissed off.” next thing that the human eye could comprehend was a flash of black, then a screech, and the sound of flesh being ripped. “Shit, I made a mess...Not very like me...” he muttered, before dropping to his knees in front of Y/N, pulling her into a protective embrace. “I’m so sorry ya had to see me like this, Y/N. I ain’t like this, I promise. I couldn’t stand seein’ ya gettin’ hurt, especially knowin’ it was my fault and I caused all this mess. I did all that, and yet, ya still defended me in front of her...I don’t deserve ya, Y/N, you’re too good for me.” his voice was so soft, so full of pain and regret, that she couldn’t help but throw her arms around him, letting the tears she held on from fear. “I love you so much, Mammon, you have no idea. And you saved me now...Gosh, I was so scared...I’m so glad you got here...I’m sorry I got so mad at you, Monnie, and it was all for nothing. She broke it. I ruined everything.” she sobbed, holding onto him as if to dear life, and he could only cradle her, cooing soothing words into her ear to calm her down as much as he could. “It’s fine...I screwed up, ya did nothing wrong, I promise. I ain’t mad at you, I deserved everythin’. Trust me when I say it, no matter what, I will always love ya, y’got me? Never forget that. You’re my favourite human, and nobody’s ever gonna even dare to think about approaching ya with bad intentions.” he kissed the top of her head, feeling her heart beat at a more normal pace. “I forgive you, Monnie. You will always be my favourite person in the world.” she muttered, raising her head to look at him, wiping her tears with her sleeve and smiling softly. “Eyyy, that’s the smile I was waitin’ for! I missed it so much. I can’t stand ya bein’ sad.” Mammon confessed, his face burning with a blush, but not being able to feel Tsundere in any way, and instead, he held her hands, kissing her knuckles. “I’m really sorry about your necklace. I’m sorry I forgot what ya said, and that I stole it from your room. I promiseI won’t do that again.” he squeezed her hands, looking at her with a sincere look in his gorgeous blue eyes. “I know you’re sorry, Angel Eyes. It’s fine...It’s just a necklace, after all. It’s not good getting overly attached to material things...And I have you, I don’t need any necklaces.” she confessed, fighting to keep the pain away from the thought of the broken necklace.

As she smiled, she quickly took her hands from his, cupping his face and pulling him into a passionate kiss, letting out all the pent up emotions they both had stored in their hearts for so long - All the love, the softness, the gentleness, all that as if afraid the other was a mere illusion and they were afraid they’d wake up and everything happy will disappear.

Mammon knew what Heaven was, and nothing felt better than kissing Y/N and having her close to him, that much was certain for him.

Still in his demon form, he picked her up and quickly got back home, since, after all, he wasn’t the fastest demon for nothing, and brought her back to her room, preparing a hot bath to her, proceeded by lots of good food, snacks and drinks, cuddles and a movie marathon of any film she wishes to see. As long as she was in his arms, safe and sound, happy and smiling, then he couldn’t care less about anything around him.

One week later, unbeknownst to her, things started shifting in her favour, as when she checked to see how much money she had left, she found the whole sum back into her account, then, when she went to Satan to give back the borrowed money, he chuckled, saying the debt was already paid...

And obviously, that was all Mammon’s work, no doubt, and at this point, she knew she shouldn’t even bother trying to find out how he managed to do that, but she was still thankful and decided to order the jacket and shades he knew he wanted, packed in a beautiful yellow and blue package, resembling his eyes.

She left it in front of his door one day, knocking before running away, giggling childishly to herself, and her heart started racing at dinner when she saw him wearing the gifts from her, and he looked gorgeous.

“Woaw, Mammon, that’s a really nice jacket. Where’d you get it from?” Asmo asked, his eyes wide at the obviously expensive item he was wearing. “Quite a lot, but you gotta say, he it suits him perfectly, don’t you think?” Y/N stifled her chuckle, leaning back on her chair with a smug expression seeing everyone’s shocked faced. “Whaaaaaaaaat?! So you made up?! For real?!” Levi gasped loudly. “Yep. I can’t stay mad at him.” she shrugged simply, winking at the white haired demon who was the only who knew the secret. “Why can’t I say that I’m surprised?” Satan chuckled with his usual, passive smile. “What about the necklace?” Beel asked, looking at her with a worried look. “Ah...About that...It was broken by the buyer. Nothing else to be done, unfortunately, so they gave the money back.” Y/N gave him a side smile, coming up with a milder version of the story. “Uhm...A-About that...Uhmm...Y-Ya see...Lucifer’s real cool, y’know? He’s like, super smart, and, uhh...I managed to...Y’know...I-I-I...” Mammon kept stumbling over his words, walking behind her, putting the necklace around her neck that had no more marks from that witch. “I fixed it for you.” he muttered, trying to hide his face in her hair so nobody could see him. “Would you look at that? It looks as if it was never broken in the first place. Who’d have thought.” Belphie let out an amused breath looking at the two lovebirds. “How...? But...It was in so many pieces...Some that we didn’t even find...This is impossible...?!” she kept staring at the necklace, not believing her eyes. “W-Well...Lucifer helped me find the lost pieces...And taught me this spell to get it back to its original form. Wasn’t simple, but...I-I think it’s okay.” he spoke in flustered voice, making the girl squeal with absolute glee. “You’re the best, Monnie! I can’t believe it...! You’re truly the best!” she jumped from her chair, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down in another mind blowing kiss that made the poor demon completely forget himself. “Hahahaha, y-yeah, o-of course I’m the best!! I-I’m THE Great Mammon, after all! Haaaaa!” he tried his best to appear boastful, but the fact that he was flustered beyond belief, making his brothers chuckle at how cute they were.

What a surprise, the cutest human being such a great pair for the cutest demon ( at least by Lucifer’s standards, anyway. )

So maybe, after all, if you have enough will, and a brother who knows great magic, you can reverse the outcome of an explosion of that caliber.

[caranfindel]

Recap/review 15.17: “Unity”

THEN: Chuck is destroying all his worlds. Dean tricked Amara into going along with their plan. Empty!Meg is on Billie's side because she just wants to go back to sleep. (Don't we all, dear.) Billie wants Dean to be ready. Dean finally told Sam the truth and Sam was MAD.

NOW: Amara is enjoying a hot pool and a glass of wine in Reykjavik, Iceland. (She's pretending to read but there's no way she can see that book. Although I guess she could have super vision. Why not? And I'm sure the book itself is significant and maybe I'll look that up later but let's face it, I probably won't.) Her glorious view of the Milky Way is punctuated by what seems to be a falling star. But there are more and more and more and she knows what it really is. "Welcome home, brother."

Title card!

Bunker. Sam is on the phone with Cas, who just found out a possible lead in the "Basilica of Guadalupe" was useless. I wonder if he means the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico? A 35-hour drive from Lebanon? "That's all right," Sam says. "We'll find a way." {Sidebar: Eternal optimism or simple bullheaded refusal to accept the inevitable truth? Discuss.} Dean enters and asks if that was Cas, but Sam doesn't answer.

So, this is how it's gonna be? You're gonna give me the silent treatment?

I'm not sure what you want me to say.

That you get it. Like I said, killing Amara, Jack, dying, that's the only way.

Sam huffs and imitates Dean: "The only way. Our one shot. Our last chance. You ever get tired of saying stuff like that?" The guys are interrupted by a noise, and I'm just going to stop here for a minute, because I need to talk about Sam's anger. Sam's delicious anger. Apparently some people thought it was inappropriate for Sam to be so mad at Dean last week. At least that's what I read on the Tumblr. I'm sure no one reading this post feels that way. I mean, anyone who found Sam's anger inappropriate would have stopped reading my crap a long time ago, right? I just don't get it. This isn't an "I can see both sides" situation. Dean withheld information from Sam - lied to Sam - and I know they've both lied to each other before, but this was something catastrophic involving someone he loves. And when confronted, Dean doubled down. He didn't say "sorry, I just couldn't bear to tell you" or "I was hoping Cas would find some other way" or "I was trying to think of a way to break it to you easy." He blamed Sam. He told Sam he wasn't qualified to have that information because he would have done something about it. And after Dean spent the entire episode whining about having no control over his life, being a hamster in a wheel, he sentenced Sam to the same fate - he told him that he didn't have the right to know about Jack because he refused to just accept that this is their destiny.

I mean, I'm not bitter or anything.

Silver lining: Dean treating Sam so horribly at least means I got some tasty, tasty Angry Sam. (Mandatory disclaimer: I love Dean. I love that he is heroic and self-sacrificing but also deeply, deeply flawed.) Moving on.

Wait. I also love that Sam's justification for the silent treatment isn't I'm punishing you or even I'm mad at you, but is literally there is nothing I can say to you. Nothing I say will mean anything to you. All right, now we're moving on. Searching for the source of the noise, the guys find - Amara! Drinking their beer! Wearing pink again, but this time it's sparkly! "We should talk," she says.

Or, you know, we could just look. Looking is good. We have a little time jump in order to gather Jack. Amara tells the boys that her brother is back, and Jack knows this means it's time. She asks how they're going to cage Chuck, and Dean lies that Jack will be able to do it. Amara hopes she and Jack can get to know each other afterward, and Jack lies that they will. He just has to complete one final ritual. Sam doesn't lie to anybody; he just stands there looking unhappy. Amara asks what she can do to help, and they cut away from any discussion of what she's going to do, but then we get this. When the time comes, we can count on you, right? Like I told you when we first met, you and I will always help each other. Awkward! The way Amara is looking at Dean, I'm pretty sure she knows he's lying, and is just waiting for him to break down. (Spoiler alert: why do I even try?) But Dean and his lying, lying eyes do not break down.

But those eyes don't exactly hide any secrets either, do they? Meanwhile, Jack is concerned that Sam is angry at him. Or disappointed. Sam manages to express both support for Jack doing the thing and a strong desire for Jack to not do the thing. "Sacrificing your life for a cause takes a lot of courage," he says."I still think it's wrong, though." OH SAM. YOU WOULD KNOW. AND YOU WOULD DO IT ANYWAY. Apparently Jack's final ritual is taking place in Santa Fe. Dean's ready to go, and says they can be there by morning. (Oh, I hope she tells us if that's possible, they said sarcastically.) Hey, anyone who doesn't want a deep dive into the logistics of Winchester travel can write their own damn recap skip this part. I think the guys actually went to Santa Fe last season? Ouroboros? Anyway, it's 10.5 hours away. 11 hours if you avoid highways, which we know Dean likes to do, although that route would take you on some mountain roads that would probably be a little much for the Impala. So yeah, depending on what time it is now, "by morning" is doable. I know you're relieved. I think the bigger question is when will Cas get back from Mexico City? (Yes, I'm sure he drove - he was standing by his blue truck. Yes, I know no one else cares.) Dean is surprised to find that Sam's not going. He accuses Sam of "taking a knee," but Sam says that's not what he's doing. He's still looking for another way. Sam, you and me, we have to do this; it's in the book. Oh, Chuck's death book, right? Come on, man! Blindly following orders, sending Amara to her death; does any of this feel right to you? It doesn't matter how we feel! You know what? Stay. Stay. But somebody's got to be the grownup here. Yeah, well, someone has to keep fighting for Jack. He knows what he signed up for! Last I checked, we don't give up on family. Jack's not family! I know how you feel about the kid, okay? I feel for him too. I do. But he's not like you. He's not like Cas. He's just not. I have to confess, I maaaayyyybeee haven't been keeping up with the A plot as much as I should have, because I wasn't aware they were actually operating from a book. (Or I was and I forgot. Stranger things have happened.) I thought this was just Billie's plan. But if it's a book, that means it was fated to happen, right? Um, like the Ma'lak box? And why isn't Sam pointing that out? Why isn't Sam saying "we've already changed one of Billie's unchangeable endings, what makes you think we can't change this one?" But, you know. That's not important. What is important are two things: 1, the way Sam reacts when Dean says "Jack's not family," and B, the fact that Jack has entered the room at some point and heard some of that. Again, awkward! How many times has Jack come up behind someone and overheard something like that? Why don't they put a bell on that poor kid? Jack says he's ready, Sam gives him a sad, broken little smile and Jack and Dean hit the road. Boy, that's gonna be an uncomfortable 11 hours.

Whatever you think about this scene, you have to admit Jared is acting the hell out of it. Bunker. Cas is back, so I guess it's been 35 hours since that phone call. "Stayed behind to find another way, huh? I would have done the same." They research together. Wooded park. Amara. Chuck shows up. A title card weirdly informs us this is Amara. Yeah, we know that. I don't really care that much about their convo. All you need to know is he wants to do a "hard reset" - another Big Bang? - and can't do it without her. But she cares about this world now and wants to protect it. He thinks humans are lame and boring, and she says "what about your first children?" and zaps him into Heaven. He's welcomed by a small, adoring group of angels, but Crystal (an angel named Crystal?) annoys him so much that he snaps them all away. Amara offers him balance, darkness and light, here on this Earth, but he's not interested. So she zaps him into the bunker, which she has made into a trap for him. Impala. Dean, says the title card, unnecessarily. (Now that I've figured out what they're doing, I'd say the odds are 50:50 that Sam will have a title card.) Dean starts to talk about what Jack heard - not necessarily to apologize, but Jack says he understands that he's not like Sam or Cas. Okay then. Morning. They show up at a jewelry store and are greeted enthusiastically by the man and woman inside. "I'm Adam," the man says. "You know. God's primo. First dude off the assembly line." The woman with him is not Eve, but a hippie angel named Seraphina. I guess that means she's a seraph? Get it? (Sorry, I have to amuse myself sometimes.) She proclaims Jack's aura is "like Skittles," and of course it is. What else would it be like, other than something sweet and rainbow-colored? {Sidebar: Or should it be like nougat? Discuss.} Adam and Seraphina are very into Jack and also very much into each other. They separate long enough for Adam to take Jack for a "pop quiz." Seraphina says she knows Jack will pass because she saw it in a dream, which annoys me because angels don't sleep, but it turns out she means a mushroom-induced hallucination. She tells Dean that so many things had to happen for Jack to end up here, it was obviously "meant to be." Which doesn't sit well with Dean. Meanwhile, Adam explains to Jack that because of what God did to him and his sons, he's been wanting to kill him for a very long time. Billie is working with him, and kept him alive so he could finish the job. They've just been waiting for Jack. Adam shows him a tray of crystals and tells him to pick the one that was touched by God. Jack points to one, and Adam is disappointed. That's your choice? Yes. And... the others. All of them. They're just rocks, but their existence makes them divine, because God is in everything. And that's the right answer! Jack and Adam return, triumphant, and Seraphina celebrates by plunging a knife into Adam's chest and prying out a rib. Ew. "Everything can contain the spark of the divine, but this puppy? Is packing enough punch to create life. Or in this case, destroy God." With the power of the rib, Jack will turn into a "metaphysical black hole for divine energy" that nothing can escape. Not Amara, not God. But once is starts, it can't be stopped, so Jack shouldn't use it until "game time."

I'm pleased that Adam is a Middle Eastern guy. Back in the Impala, some hours later, Dean pulls over right before they get home. He apologizes to Jack for hearing what he heard. Not for saying it, but for Jack hearing it. He tells Jack that he hasn't been free his entire life. "But now, now me and Sam, we got a shot at living a life. Without all this crap on our backs. And that's because of you. So, I want to say, I need to say, thank you, Jack." Well, that's a nice emotional moment, but isn't Jack doing this to save the world? Not just to get Dean off the hamster wheel? Dean's phone buzzes. It's time. Jack takes the rib out of its baggie and absorbs it into his hand and oh, Jack, I don't think I'd have done that just yet. Bunker. Is this Sam's section? Yes, it is! \o/ Sam hurls a book to the floor in frustration and is comforted by Cas. Guys, Sam and Cas tend to do some crazy fucked-up shit when they're left together unsupervised, and I am here for it. Sam wishes he could talk to Billie about her plan, and Cas immediately assumes he's going to kill himself and puts his foot down. But Sam suddenly remembers what Sergei said about the key to Death's library. "Oh, is that why I invited Sergei here to the secret bunker," Cas says, "because now that makes sense." They start digging through old wooden chests and I'm fairly sure these are boxes full of cursed objects, although all they find are a large novelty chess piece, a gold leaf cross from Hobby Lobby, and the Holy Grail.

Tell me you didn't think the same thing. But Cas eventually does find the box with the key. The box has an inscription in Latin, which Sam reads out loud. By the way, Sam Latinating is always hot, even though he looks like he doesn't understand what he's saying. As the guys watch in amazement, a portal and keyhole appear in the wall. Cas wants to go with, but Sam asks him to stay and buy him some time if Dean comes back before he gets out, even if that sounds crazy. "Sam, for what it's worth, I don't think you're crazy," Cas says. "I think your internal compass is functioning perfectly." And Sam's all, aw, that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in a long time.

"Donde está la biblioteca?” He puts the key in the keyhole and opens the door into the W section of Billie's library. I want him to start pulling books off the shelves and reading versions of his death, but he's distracted by a dead reaper on the floor. And more dead reapers. And the sound of one begging for her life and then noisily dying. He finally sees Empty!Meg (\o/) sitting at the circulation desk, as another reaper pleads for his life. "Please," he cries, "she won't come!" He prays unsuccessfully for Billie to come, and gets his neck snapped for his trouble. Sam immediately tries to nope the hell out of there, but Empty!Meg snaps her fingers and he appears in front of her. Sam Winchester? Meg? Sorry, she's still dead. Just borrowing the queen's pretty face cause really? I'm empty. {Sidebar: Why would Meg's meatsuit go to the Empty with her? Discuss.} Empty!Meg is trying to get Billie's attention, and she drops a bombshell on Sam. Billie intends to become the new God. "Classic narcissist, right? So tingly for the rules, the good old days. Everyone back to where they belong. Realities, dimensions, graves. What should be dead dies, angels off Earth, demons back to Hell, and I go back to sleep!" Oh, wait. Graves? So anyone who was dead at some point, and was brought back to life, would go back to the grave? She tells Sam that he's in God's book - the ornate book in front of her that only Billie can read. "She always talked about how you should be so dead, except she needs you." Empty!Meg decides that hurting Sam might get Billie's attention, and well, y'all know I'm not opposed to that. (If you're new here, hi, my name is caranfindel and I have a problem.) She brings Sam to his knees, but he finally manages to say "Billie sent me." Oh, Sam. He claims Billie sent him to get the book, because she's trapped on Earth. Empty!Meg can't go to Earth unless she's summoned (hmmm, wonder if that will come up later), and Sam says he has a message for her, from Billie. "Billie will honor her promise. God, Amara, they die. And you, you can go back to sleep." Empty!Meg decides to believe Sam, even though he didn't even know who she was or why she was there when he got there, or that Billie had even made any promises, but I'd have a hard time saying no to that face too.

I'll believe your lies. When Sam comes back through the door into the bunker, Cas greets him with "finally" as if he's been gone a long time, so time must flow differently in Billie's library. Cas tells him Chuck and Amara are here, and it's time. "We can't let that happen," says Sam. "We have to stop it." In the trap, Chuck narrates what's happening elsewhere in the bunker. "You hear that? Dean. Brought to the edge of doubt. His sense of duty, his rage, winning out in the end." As Dean drags Jack through the hall, Sam tells him about Billie's plan to take advantage of the power vacuum and become God. Dean doesn't care - he doesn't mind being duped as long as it's not by Chuck. "And poor Sam," says Chuck. "Always gotta know everything. Can't leave well enough alone." Poor Sam stands in front of Dean, trying to stop him. Dean yells that Jack already "lit the fuse" and they can't wait any longer. "This is my ending," Chuck says. "My real ending." And just as I'm wondering if he means his preferred ending, where one brother always kills another, Dean pulls his gun out and points it at Sam's heart. "Move, Sam. Move!" Sam's horrified. Cas and Jack are horrified. I'm horrified. And also, I'm ashamed to say, very entertained. I mean, I don't want the brothers fighting, and yet for Dean to lose the plot so badly that he'd actually shoot Sam in order to get off the hamster wheel? That's some gloriously messed up stuff, friends. Amara is shocked that Chuck orchestrated all of this. "What part of omniscient do you people not understand?" he says, and YES. THIS is something that has long needed to be said. He says that even though he can't read his death book, all he had to do was plant a few visions, mess with a few outcomes, bada bing bada boom! Nobody's killing him! Hallway. Sam pleads with Dean. "I don't want to do this," Dean says, "but this is everything!"

THIS is everything. Trap. Amara tells Chuck they're going to cage him, not kill him. Hallway. Dean does that thing you do with a gun when you want someone to know you're serious. Clicks off the safety, or whatever. Sam makes a have we really come to this? face and yanks Dean's gun hand away. Dean punches him and he drops to the floor. Trap. Chuck tells Amara that TFW is planning to kill both of them. Hallway. Dean drags Jack toward the trap and Sam tackles him. Dean punches him again. Cas just watches all this. What the hell, Cas. Trap. Chuck says the Winchesters are using Jack to destroy them. Amara says that can't be, because Dean can't hurt her. "No, but he can lie to you. He can send you into the meat grinder with a wink and a smile." But isn't that hurting her? Hallway. Dean orders Cas and Jack to go. Sam yells for Jack not to do it. Cas asks why not, because... Cas has suddenly forgotten what side of this argument he's on? "Because if Billie takes over, then everyone goes back to where they belong!" Sam says. "That means everybody from Apocalypse World - Bobby, Charlie - they get sent back to a place that doesn't exist any more. And everyone we saved! Eileen, she just dies, again! And that's just the beginning!" Trap. Amara is devastated. Hallway. Dean yells that they don't have a choice, and Sam says "we always have a choice!" Trap. Chuck tells Amara "the only ones who ever really get us is us." Hallway. Dean says there's nothing they can do but get out of the way, and he doesn't care if Billie becomes God. I'd trade it all, I'd trade 'em all, for Chuck! In a heartbeat! What about me? Would you trade me? Okay, is this Sam pointing out that if Billie becomes God, he dies? Because it's awfully subtle, and I think he just needs to come right and say "that's fine, Dean, but when I told you everyone we saved would die again, I meant everyone, and that includes me!" And Dean would probably also want to know that angels will be banished to Heaven, don't you think, Sam? Anyway. I saw this on Tumblr, and I can't get to it now because Tumblr is being a little bitch, but basically: Sam Winchester may have low self-worth, but he absolutely knows what he means to his brother, and he does not hesitate to use it. Trap. Chuck offers Amara the balance she said she wanted. "Us, starting fresh, creating something new, something beautiful, peaceful, together. And we can finally forget about all this pain. No baggage. Only balance." He extends a hand. Amara takes it and dissolves into smoke, which is absorbed by Chuck, who now has one demon-black eye and one angel-blue eye. And a sadistic grin. Hallway. Chuck has to die. He has to! Otherwise he'll keep us tap dancing forever, and I can't live like that, man! I can't live like that; I won't! I know you feel like that right now, okay? I know you do. But you gotta trust me. My entire life, you've protected me. From Dad? From Lucifer? From everything. I didn't always like it, you know, but it's the one thing in the whole world that I could always count on. It's the only thing I've ever known that was true. So please, put the gun away. Just put it away. We'll figure it out, Dean; we'll find another way. You and me. We always do. Gotta admit, I'm torn about this scene. I mean, on the one hand, it's beautifully done, so much emotion and angst and anger and teary-eyed, shaky Sam. Once again, Jared is acting the hell out of it. (And Jensen too, but come on.) And yet, on the other hand... how bad is Sam's Stockholm Syndrome? "You protected me from Dad?" Have we seen any evidence of that? I'm sure Dean was forced to be the referee sometimes, but have we seen any evidence that Dean ever said "no Sam, you're not disowned just because you want to stop hunting and go to college" or "no Dad, I'm not even going to pretend I'll kill Sam," rather than consider it an option until he was actually faced with it? It seems like "protecting Sam from Dad" mostly meant "trying to get Sam to do what Dad wanted, so he'd stay out of trouble." And Lucifer? When Sam told him he was Lucifer's vessel, and the Devil was coming to him in his dreams, Dean basically said "sucks to be you, now pick a hemisphere." Now, I'm aware that Dean has actually protected Sam from many, many things. In good ways and in bad ways. And yet he's also hurt him in some pretty awful ways. I mean, he just now threatened to shoot him for refusing to accept his destiny is to help Dean escape the slavery of his destiny. So for Sam to say "you protect me" is one thing. Dean absolutely does that. But to say it's the only thing that's true, and to specifically mention John and Lucifer, well. Hmmm.

Let's just concentrate on the pretty. Anyway. Dean puts the gun away, Sam sighs a tearful shaky sigh of relief, and then the door to Amara's trapped room explodes. Chuck walks out dramatically - not nearly as hot as Demon!Demon dramatically walking through his own destroyed door - and yells at them. "Are you kidding me? After everything, after all that, you did it again!" He tells them he absorbed Amara, mocks Castiel (which is kind of funny), and says they're all stupid, stubborn, and broken, and he's done with them. "You know what you do with broken toys? You throw them out. So, kill each other, don't kill each other, I don't care." Then he tells them to have fun watching Jack die, and zaps on out of there. Jack collapses, and bad things are clearly happening to him. Well, it's hard to get worked up over Jack dying again (what would this be, the third time?). After all, as Dean said, he's not Sam. I'm more interested in finding out if Dean understood he was sentencing Sam to death when he said he didn't care if Billie became God. {Sidebar: Would Dean die too? Or would everything that happened because Sam was brought back be erased? Discuss. And maybe fic.} And now Amara is gone. But, conveniently, destroying Chuck will also destroy her, so. Balance! Unity! Hugs and puppies all around! Oh, friends. The end is near, and I don't feel good about it. I'm anxious about a lot of things happening next week, and the third-to-last episode of Supernatural is one of them. How do you feel? 

Please help me stay unspoiled, including episode titles and casting info, thanks!

[babysizedfics]

Poor roman :( but that being said I am heka interested in 5

remus humiliates roman in front of jamal (but jamal is a sweetheart)

vote from this concept voting post!

TWs: swearing, emotional humiliation, arguing, remus is generally pretty mean in this - not "unsympathetic" but his behaviour is not ok, brief alcohol mention but it isnt a main feature

first some background info on remus and ro:

roman and remus' friend groups actually run parallel to each other by pure councidence in that theyre the same age and are both in the local queer scene

usually they only run into each other on nights out and avoid each other like the plague... until one of romans friends and one of remus' friends become a very serious couple and the friendship groups merge

remus tends to hang it over romans head whenever they argue or remus just feels like teasing him that he could so so easily spill romans secret littlespace to all his friends

and while roman claims to not care he also really doesnt want that to happen, especially the specific things remus threatens to reveal (namely him calling his cgs mommy and daddy, and his fear of the dark - which remus knows are romans biggest embarrassments)

and remus never USUALLY actually follows through on his threats, he loves to freak roman out but he doesnt mean to be intentionslly cruel.

but one night theyve had an argument recently and remus is out to hurt roman and finally follows through on his threat to reveal romans secrets. in front of jamal

((the actual incident below the cut))

all the friends are walking back from a night out, and remus hangs back from the group to talk to jamal. roman is just glaring at remus and not saying anything and holding jamals hand tightly. remus hasnt embarrassed him too bad so far, just asking jamal questions and referring to roman as his "baby brother" which is so annoying, but the thing is roman can tell hes building up to something

then suddenly remus smirks when he sees a completely pitch black side street thats theyre about to pass by, and he calls out to everyone "hey guys, there's a 24/7 mcdonalds through here and its a shortcut to the bus stop" and everyones like WOO mcdonalds and redirects to go down the side street

and romans heart pounds watching the friends all filter down the street without a second thought, theres no streetlights down there, theres light on the other side quite far away, but before that its SO DARK. and he freezes in place and jamal is tugged back by it and looks back at him. "babe, come on"

romans starting to feel shaky and he literally cant move his feet. his eyes flick between the street and remus' sadistic cocky smirk.

"whats wrong baby bro? you stuck or something?" remus leers with that stupid stupid smirk

and roman HATES him so so much

"ro, what's the matter?" jamal asks

"i- um," roman stutters, trying to keep his voice from shaking too much at the sight of his friends just having DISAPPEARED into the darkness - how are they okay with that?? "i- im not hungry"

"okay well i am, and remus said it was a shortcut anyway so-"

"i-i -- no i can't"

seraphina, romans best friend, looks back and notices whats happening and quickly jogs over (knowing roman is scared of the dark) "hey roma, it's okay we dont have to go down there" she soothes

jamal is supportive but he doesnt get it. he thinks roman is scared of criminals or smth. "i promise theres no one bad down there, hun. and i'll be right next to you the whole time, i'll protect you" and he smiles and tugs romans hand to pull him towards the side street

romans eyes quickly tear up and he panics and rambles "nononono dont please please i cant i cant" in a broken voice and plants his feet firmly on the ground, paralysed with fear

remus starts cackling "ohhhhh thats right~" as if he just remembered. "my baby brother's terrified of the dark, isn't he?"

"f*ck off, re" sera barks, standing between the twins, protective of roman

"wait, are you?" jamal asks sounding surprised. roman doesnt let himself look at him, too busy watching remus warily and knowing thats not all he has planned to embarrass roman

remus goes on, shouting out to jamal over sera's head "he's petrified!" he confirms sounding delighted. "yknow that massive blackout last summer? he cried like a baby. literally sobbing for his daddy patton to make it go away"

theres a brief silence because no, sera and jamal didnt expect remus to refer to patton as romans daddy - they both know roman calls him dad but this is a surprise.

and that one second of silence drags on for ages for roman, all he can hear is his heart pounding in his ears and remus' obnoxious laughter

he is shaking, frozen in shock rather than fear now. for all of remus' teasing threats at home, he didnt expect remus to actually do it. hes devastated and humiliated that remus told to his best friend and especially his BOYFRIEND of all ppl

and honestly he's not even thinking about the pitch black side street right now because the streetlights on the main road are blurred by tears welling in his eyes anyway

"why dont you just leave him alone!" sera hisses furiously after her mild shock

then jamal bounces back rlly stern to remus "yeah i already know about that! roman told me and it was HIS choice to tell me"

roman stares at him in disbelief but jamal is too busy staring daggers at remus to notice

remus looks suddenly offended and frowns. hes clearly hurt that the others dont think its funny "jeez youre both such bores. im just having some fun"

"youre demented if you think thats fun" seraphina growls and shoves remus away towards the sidestreet. remus rolls his eyes and runs ahead to join the others who are all oblivious to that coversation, howling with drunken laughter in the pitch black and jumping out and scaring each other

"f*cking prick" jamal calls after remus, seething

sera quickly throws a concerned look to roman "you okay?"

roman just swallows thickly and looks between seraphina and where he saw remus join the others in the pitch black. his stomach churns at the idea of remus telling more people. "i-is he gonna--"

"im on it" sera nods and starts turning around "i wont let him tell anyone else, roma, promise" then she runs ahead to keep an eye on remus and to give him and jamal some privacy

after a moment jamal turns back to roman looking so worried and holds his hands and asks very gently "babe, can you tell me how youre feeling?"

and roman is teary but he whispers "i - you stuck up for me"

jamal looks suddenly sad and cups romans cheek "of course i did"

"but you said i told you about it. i- i didnt tell you that i-" roman gulps after his voice wobbles "i didnt tell you about it"

and jamal smiles sadly and goes "i know babe... im sorry, i just didnt wanna give him any more power. it seemed like he's held that over you for a while"

suddenly the tears in romans eyes overspill and he doesnt really know why but he can't stop them

jama gasps a little "oh roman, its ok" and just pulls him into a tight hug

roman clings and sniffles, glad that he can hide his tears from his boyfriend even if it is in his neck.

and jamal just strokes his back and whispers "its ok baby, its ok" **

they talk about it quietly as they take the longer, well-lit route instead. roman admits he would never have told jamal abt his fear on his own - and the reason he's been avoiding staying overnight at jamals apartment is bc the one time he did he got so scared of the dark that he couldnt sleep and was just anxious all night but wouldnt wake jamal to tell him

after jamal finds out hes like baby why didnt u tell me its okay and comforts him about it not being embarrassing or childish. then:

"so you do actually want to stay at mine, its just because its so dark that you didnt?"

roman nods shyly "yeah... im sorry i know its a dumb fear i just-"

"its not dumb ro. i meant to say if it works for you, we could leave the hall light on and the door open. its not like i live with anyone who can walk in."

roman blinks "wait you - really? it wont make it hard for you to sleep?"

jamal smiles softly "no hun, honestly i could sleep anywhere. i fell asleep in the middle of the day in the staffroom just last month"

roman laughs, so so so relieved

"so... maybe next time you come over for dinner you could stay the night, yeah?" jamal says with a smile and a blush. he wraps his arm around romans waist and pulls him in, hip to hip

roman bites his lip and blushes. after a moment he suggests shyly "im free tonight..."

and jamal smiles so big, stops walking and puts his arm up to romans chest to stop him too then angles romans jaw down to kiss him

in the near future jamal promises to buy a plain nightlight and always leaves it on for roman when he stays overnight from then on

**side note: roman could never stand anyone calling him baby before because he felt infantilised at school becaus of his undiagnosed adhd. so he sees it as a derogatory name more than anything. but when jamal says it roman feels so warm and respected because he knows jamal would never mean it in that way. so jamal has "baby" rights basically

[mellifluoushood]

Into The Dark - C.H. AU [Chapter 1]

A/N: Hello and welcome to my first series! This is an alternative universe with Calum Hood as a tattoo artist. Inspired by the thought of Calum with a nose ring, this is what happened. Thank you to @calumscalm​ @toofadedtofight​ and @dukehoods​ for helping me iron this idea out! Moodboard credit to @ammwritings​ !! Thank you so much!! xx Synopsis: Full-time college student, Seraphina Sallow, works as a receptionist for world-famous tattoo artist, Calum Hood. Their friendship blossomed when she wrote an article about his tattoo parlour, Fallen Angel Tattoos, for a journalism project at school. Since then, she’s been working as a receptionist at his parlour to put herself through school. As college tuition increases and her social security checks get smaller, she’s beginning to struggle to keep up with her payments. And then, a fallen angel shows up in the parlour, offering her the solution to all of her problems. But, at what cost? (TEASER) Genre (this chapter is): angst / fluff / smut / normal Warning: heavy mentions of drug use (smoking weed), strong language, weapons (firearms) Taglist: @calumscalm @gigglyirwin @ammwritings @loveroflrh @dukehoods @toofadedtofight @babylon-corgis​

Her giggles bounce off the black walls in the parlour. It doesn’t quite harmonise with the sound of the tattoo gun buzzing along a client’s skin, but it doesn’t sound out of place. At least not to Calum. The laughing and snorts have become a regularity in his shop. It had started as a quiet shop, the only noise coming from a playlist he made weekly and the occasional small talk clients would make with him. But, her laughing bounced through the door one day, alighting the energy of the parlour with something lighter, happier.

Calum remembers the day as if it were yesterday. He had finished a tattoo, sanitising the skin and wrapping it with Saniderm when the silence was broken by the sound of the bell ringing above the door, followed by an eruption of giggles and an, ‘I’m here, I’ll call after I’m done.’. His eyes had rolled as he muttered a ‘finished’ to the customer before standing up and walking to the front desk. There stood a woman, a little younger than him, searching her large tote bag for something.

“Can I help you?” Calum deadpanned, looking at the woman whilst taking money from the customer. He knew he was being rude to both the customer and the woman, but the customer had been asking him questions the entirety of the tattoo and the woman was too cheerful to be in a dark, quiet parlour.

“Oh, yes, I’m here for...” she pulls out a small notebook and a recorder, flipping open the cover and looking at the name, “Calum Hood. I’m Seraphina Sallows, I have an interview with him.”

“That’s me,” Calum raises his eyebrows, a little irritated this reporter hadn’t bothered to look him up, or even know his name when she stepped into the parlour.

“Oh, hello,” she smiles. She extends her hand. Calum doesn’t take it. Instead, he walks from the front desk and to his station. Seraphina purses her lips but follows him. He sits on the tattoo chair, waving her to sit in the spinning chair he usually sat in. She sat quietly, unsure of how to act around him. Her smile tended to put her interviewees at ease, but instead, it seemed to make Calum more jaded, tenser. 

When she sat down, he looked at her from head to toe. Besides from her smile and laugh, she didn’t exactly scream ‘bright’. She had dark brown, curly hair with a straightened fringe hanging just over her groomed eyebrows. Her eyes were a dark shade of brown, much like dark chocolate that seemed to sparkle in the fluorescent lighting. Calum thought he saw hints of green around her iris’s perimeter. She had olive skin that was tanned, covered in small handwriting tattoos. A few rings decorated her fingers that gripped a black pen, notebook open in her lap to jot down notes. She wore an oversized shirt that hung over what he presumed were shorts. He could see scattered tattoos along her thighs and calves. The only thing bright about her was her teeth that gleamed whenever she braced her pearly whites. Through the fabric of her shirt, he could see a navel piercing. He noted the nose ring on the right side of her nose. The only thing bright about Seraphina was her name, her smile, her teeth and her voice.

As the interview went on, he had noted her morbid sense of humour and lack of optimism about her future, even though she was in college. Her voice was light, resonating just the right tone in her chest for her 5-foot 2-inch stature. He was intrigued, to say the least. He wondered why she put off such a happy persona when she very clearly was not happy.

Since then, he’s learned that she is happy. She’s happy in her own way. Calum couldn’t describe it to anyone if they ever asked, he had never been the best with his words.

“You done, Miss Slap Happy?” Calum questions, walking in from his station to say goodbye to his client. He barely acknowledges the client once his eyes land on Seraphina.

“Done with what?” She rolls her eyes at him, giving the client a gleaming smile and announcing the total. Along with the tip, Calum had made good money off this customer. 

“Done with being annoying,” Calum deadpans as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. She rolls her eyes at him once more. It’s all she ever seemed to do around him. Except for smile. She smiled around him a lot.

“You’re one to talk, Mister Grumpy,” Seraphina uses a baby voice at the end. Calum just nods at his client before returning to his station to sanitise it before close. Seraphina follows the customer to the door, thanking him for his business and locking the glass door once he’s left. She can hear the sound of the spray bottle along with the squeaking of the paper towel rubbing along the metal rolling table and leather of the tattoo chair as she approaches his work station.

“Are we still on for drinks?” Calum asks, referring to their Friday night ritual. Drinks at Steve’s before either going home or hopping over to a club for more overpriced drinks. She quickly turns around, trying to conceal the guilt on her face,

“I can’t, I thought I told you last week,” she frowns, her attempt at sounding genuine quite feeble as she turns off the computer. Calum rounds his corner from his station, furrowing his brows.

“No?” His voice has an edge to it. He notices the way she swallows before replying to him, 

“I have plans,” she simply states, not willing to share what she was up to. Calum makes a face,

“Care to elaborate?”

“It’s not important,” she shrugs, trying to conceal the lie. Calum picks up on the way that she tried to lighten the tone, but there was something underneath her words that poke at Calum. 

“Whatever,” it’s his turn to roll his eyes. She looks down at the desk, biting at her lip when her phone vibrates in her pocket. She quickly fumbles for it, reading the address from a blocked number before shoving it back in her shorts. Calum watches as her facial features fell at the sight of whoever texted her. He could see the way her eyes had begun to develop small drops of something that he didn’t recognise. He had never seen that look in her eyes before.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?” Seraphina shrugs off Calum’s attitude, a fake smile winding its way up to the corners of her mouth. Calum scoffs before turning on his heel, unlocking the front door and slamming it behind him. 

She flinches at the sound of the metal edges hitting the doorframe, her own heart seeming to flinch at Calum’s mood. She pulls out her phone, texting an ‘on my way’ before collecting her bag and leaving the shop, locking the door behind her. 

She looks down either side of the sidewalk, turning left and finding her car parked on the side of the road. The old, beat-up Corolla was on its last leg, but she simply didn’t have it in her to buy another car. And neither did her bank account. She unlocked the door, the dark blue showing a few scratches around the handle, looking to her left and right again, before getting in. It’s stuffy and warm, the upholstery absorbing all of the heat from sitting outside all day. She starts the engine, quickly peeling out of the parking spot before heading for the address.

She looks at the abandoned building. Its grey walls are tagged with graffiti, that begin to cover the boarded-up windows. She notices the broken beer bottles in front of the door. She doesn’t see anyone outside. She pulls out her phone before sending Calum a quick, ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t make it tonight.’ He sees her message almost immediately, leaving the words ‘Read 19:57′ under the blue box. She sighs, pulling her hair out its bun and her fingers along her scalp. She looks up again, jumping at the sight of a man appearing at the entrance of the building. 

She turns off the engine of her car, stepping out, looking left and right again, before shutting the door and locking it. She walks around the hood, tucking her hands across her chest as she approaches the man in front of the door. She recognises him as the client she had spoken to earlier in the day,

“Roy,” she nods her head at him. He smiles at her,

“Seraphina, I’m glad you could make it.” She stands in front of him, planting herself a few feet away from him, “I didn’t know if you’d take me up on my offer.”

“Yeah, well,” she shrugs. Her voice is no longer bright and her teeth no longer shine. Roy is smiling as if this is completely normal for him.

“Alright, let’s get started. You’re going to need this,” he reaches underneath his shirt and produces a handgun. It looks heavy as he holds it, “A Glock 19. Best for beginners,” he holds the barrel of the gun, handing her the grip. She doesn’t take it immediately. She simply stares, watching as the black shines under the street light a few feet from where they’re standing. She looks to her left and right again, looking for any sign of a security camera or cars passing by. 

“Go on, it isn’t gonna bite,” he jokes. Her brown eyes look back at him and she swallows, hard. Uncrossing her arms, she reaches for the gun, slowly. When she grasps her hand around the grip and looks at Roy for further instruction. He releases the gun and it’s heavier than she anticipates. She catches it before she loses her grasp and it clatters to the ground.

“The safety is right next to the trigger. You take that off when you wanna shoot it, otherwise, it’s best if you keep it on. You cock the gun by moving the slide back. Make sure you have the safety off when you do that so you’re prepared to shoot if you need to,” he points to the spots on the gun. She barely absorbs his words as the heavy piece of metal shines back at her, almost as it’s taunting her.

She swallows again, nodding and looking up at Roy. She shakily checks to see if the safety is on before stuffing it in the band of her shorts. It feels stiff against her bare thigh, the metal a shocking cold. The cold always used to reboot her system when she was in shock. This kind of cold, only made it worse.

“You ready to meet the boss man?” Roy chuckles, leaning against the abandoned building and crossing his arms over his chest. She licks at her lips, using her front teeth to bite down on her lower lip. She shrugs nervously,

“I guess.”

Across town, Calum sits at the bar by himself. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t get his one night off. Saturdays, they opened the shop late, so he could be out till whenever he pleased on Friday nights. He had phoned Michael to join him. He didn’t want to drink alone tonight. When Michael walks through the entryway, he’s surprised that Calum’s alone at the bar. Michael approaches, slapping a hand on his tense shoulder,

“Hey, mate, what’s up?”

“Nothing,” Calum mutters, sipping at his whiskey on the rocks.

“What crawled up your ass?” Michael takes a seat next to his friend, signalling the bartender for a cider.

“Nothing nice, I can tell you that,” Calum tries to joke, but his voice comes out more like a growl. 

“Where’s Seraphina?” His friend asks. Calum shoots him a look as if to say ‘don’t bother asking’, but Michael’s nosiness isn’t to be battled.

“I’ll ask again,” Calum turns his attention back to his whiskey, “Where’s Seraphina?”

“I don’t know,” he chuckles dryly, tossing back the glass. He gulps down the brown alcohol, no change in his facial expression, “Said she had ‘plans’.”

“And that was it?” Michael pushes.

“Yeah, Michael, that was it.” Calum snaps, flagging down the bartender for another whiskey. He was just starting to feel fuzzy, his stomach beginning to bubble with warmth, spreading a buzz throughout his blood. Michael sips at the bottle that had been placed in front of him, biting at his inner lip, trying to stop himself from asking more questions. Instead, he pulls out his phone, typing a quick, ‘Where are you?’ to Seraphina. 

Her phone buzzes in her pocket as she stands next to Roy. She swallows, ignoring it as the man approaches her. His bald head shines in the dim light of the seemingly abandoned building. There are few lights in the back room, barely illuminating his facial features. The only things she can notice about him is the hollowness of his face and the sharp bones protruding from his cheeks. He has something between a five o’clock shadow and scruff along his jaw and above his upper lip. His green eyes are piercing, taunting as they look her up and down.

“You’re Connor’s ex-girlfriend,” he states with an amused tone. She nods her head.

“Thought you broke up with him to get out of this mess,” he presses.

“Circumstances change,” her voice is quiet. The boss barks out a laugh, turning around to the beaten up table holding bags of lord knows what. She looks at his stained white wife-beater. It’s covered in smears of brown and red.

“Well, I’m glad to have you aboard,” he turns around to look at her, sitting on the edge of the table. His mouth widens into a smile, revealing teeth that hadn’t seen the inside of a dentist office in what looked like decades. She subconsciously runs her tongue along the front of her teeth, “A hot little piece of ass like you will be real’ good for business, real good.” He runs his eyes up and down her legs again. Seraphina swallows once more.

“What were you thinking of starting with? Just some bud, or were you looking to make a bit more?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, I think you should go with more,” he reveals his teeth again in some form of a smile, “With you being in college and all, fending for yourself.” His words send a shiver down her spine. She suddenly feels hyper-aware of the piece that’s sitting on her left hip, the cold seemingly burning an imprint into her skin. The hair on the back of her neck stands up and she can feel the blood rush out of her face.

“O-okay,” she stutters. His smile goes wider,

“Let’s start you with some bud and some blow. Those are our best sellers, and I’m sure a lady like you won’t have a problem selling them.” She nods as he grabs plastic bags of white powder and green nuggets. She had seen this exchange plenty of times from a safe distance of a car parked across the street, the man hiding in the shadows, only hands holding bags visible in street lamps. She would watch as Connor looked left and right before taking the bags and stuffing them into his pockets. 

“This bag has three others inside of it; a twenty bag, a fifty bag and an ounce,” he hands her the weed. She takes it slowly, trying to stop the shaking of her hands, “This bag also has three: half a gram, gram and a ball. I’m assuming you know what those go for,” he raises his eyebrows at her. She nods slowly before taking the plastic bag in her free hand.

He turns around and sits at his table again, “Let me just make something clear. If you don’t sell it all, you pay me for it. If you sell it all and aren’t honest with how much you make, you will pay for it. If you take it and keep the money for yourself...” he chuckles. The warning bells in her skull begin to ding at a high rate, “Well, you can fill in the blanks.”

Michael checks his phone for the thirtieth time as it seems like Calum knocks back his fifth glass of whiskey. Calum stopped responding to Michael’s attempts at conversation around glass number three. He’s been sitting in silence, staring at the bar top in front of him, his fingers wrapped tightly around the glass. Michael’s about to open his mouth again when a voice interrupts them,

“Hey, guys,” Seraphina’s voice is breathless when she approaches the bar, smiling at the bartender and ordering her usual. She sits in the open seat to Calum’s right. He lifts his head to look at her for a moment, noticing the small sheen of sweat that had begun to accumulate on her hairline and the redness lingering in the whites of her eyes,

“You’re stoned.” He states, looking back at his whiskey, knocking it back once again. He signals for his sixth.

“No,” she chuckles, “Just warm.”

“Yeah, sure,” Calum scoffs, watching as the bartender switched out the empty glass in front of him for another full one.

“Anyway, how are you, Michael?” Her attention turns to his blonde friend. She directs her voice towards him, but her eyes scan Calum. His black nose ring his still snug against his nostril, his array of roses tattooed on his neck still there, his brown, curly hair resting on top of his head the way it normally does. He’s wearing the same black t-shirt he wore earlier. His eyes are still the same dark brown they’ve always been. She’s checking to see if he’s changed when the reality of the situation is that she has.

Michael’s voice begins to chatter on as Calum’s gaze wanders to Seraphina. Her shoulders are tensed, her posture straighter. And that’s when his eyes spot it. The barrel of a gun outlined in her jean shorts.

[unordinaryquotes]

UnOrdinary Chapter 173 Review

Get ready for a lot of rants

-First thing we start off with is John being a dumbass. When will this man ever learn to read social cues.

-Then he keeps denying it even after Sera’s clearly done with this bullshit. Get over your good guy act when you keep acting like a child.

-You’re literally doing it right now. You are screaming at her at the top of your lungs while she’s trying to have an intervention with you. Only narcissistic people or children would act like this. John can not handle a single flaw of his being pointed out

-Then we get the first forceful grab, and this one’s by the shoulders which makes it harder for Sera to escape and easier for John to hurt her. He acts innocent but his actions prove just what a piece of shit he is

-Now I’d maybe understand John’s outbursts if Seraphina was being cryptic or if her words could be taken in a negative way, but they can’t. She wants to help him, work through it with him. This is all astounding because he was the one who hurt her by lying. She didn’t need to do this, but she wants too.

-Then the scary John panel shows up and I was screaming. This is a “in the right” guy, right John stans. That man definitely knows what’s best for the school. If he can’t control his temper in a conversation, how is this man ever gonna bring about a “cripple revolution”

-And just like what Sera says in the next panel, THERE ARE NO SIDES. I’m so tired of John and everyone else talking about sides in this damn series. There are times where a person is right, and sometimes when they’re wrong. Arlo was wrong in the past, and John is wrong now. The whole side talk is irrelevant anyway because it’s not just a few people in this confrontation, THE ENTIRE SCHOOL IS PART OF IT. The moment you start dragging in bystanders is when sides break down.

-Also this man keeps preaching about trust, but like?? You’re the one who lied first dumbass. This man is literally too stupid to function.

-Also John is such a selfish asshole. He’s proven what a shitty world they live in (but everyone knew that already so really he did nothing). So why keep it going? Just because? Is your petty revenge that important to you that you’ll let low tiers be hunted down, allow Sera to be hurt by her own peers. But then turn around and say you’re helping her because you have a watchdog on her? Textbook levels on abuse right here folks.

-Again, proving that John never really cared about them. He’s not helping them or giving them a voice, he’s destroying them not just from above, but also from inside. No kid should be terrified of having to go to school. No kid should have to think “Man, I sure hope I don’t get beat up in the halls today. Possibly by someone I know”

-And another unwanted grab, this time by the hand. All so Sera can’t escape. Also you can tell he’s putting force into these grabs. Y’all ever get grabbed like that? I have, and it fucking hurts, but it’s also one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever experienced.

-New Bostin was how long ago? Quit feeling sorry for yourself

-Arlo beat you up how long ago? Quit feeling sorry for yourself

-Shut the fuck up John. You spent almost a fourth of the panel time in this chapter for your triggered flashbacks. Yes, what happened at New Bostin was traumatizing (I’d say more to Claire than you but eh). But you’re just gonna sit there and say that when Sera got tracked, jumped, stabbed, lost her ability, and was ALMOST KIDNAPPED that she should just get over it and that all her problems are in her head? You are a hypocrite John.

-This panel fucking hurts. She’s crying, one thing a friend shouldn’t do is make another one cry and then not apologize. Also, she is the one defending herself? You aren’t doing anything, in fact, she had to teach herself to fight. You didn’t teach her anything at the start. Elaine was more supportive in that front than you were.

-Also Sera does have a right to say these things. SHES BEEN THROUGH THIS BEFORE. She still remembers when she was an arrogant god tier who bullied others and ignored those in need. She remembers learning to humble herself and become a better person and rehabilitate. She’s not exactly like you, but she does have a say in the matter.

-2nd best panel in the chapter. John isn’t here right now. John is living in the past and in his head. He doesn’t care what happens to Sera, to low tiers, to anyone. If it doesn’t affect him, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t realize just how much he’s hurting others (unless he takes time to bask in beating there skull in) because he can’t empathize with others.

-And this is the third strike. He refuses to let her go, clearly holding on with force. And the whole “You’re not going anywhere until I’m done talking” is a way for abusers to continue to emotionally damage their victims. If you make them feel like shit enough then maybe they’ll stop challenging you. Maybe if you tell them how everything is there fault, they’ll stop blaming you. John is an abuser, and deserves to burn in a hole.

-People might say Sera’s in the wrong for this, but I commend her. She was stuck in a room, alone, with John grabbing onto her forcefully and yelling at her. John has hurt her a total of three times in this chapter (three times more than should be allowed) he deserves it.

-Also notice how it parallels the John slapping Claire moment. Back when John did it, he was holding on to a Claire who couldn’t fight back, and he slapped her. Now the formerly defenseless girl he projects onto Sera finally fought back and refused to take his abuse anymore. This time, she’s the one slapping him, and it’s not to hurt, but to escape.

-THE FUCKING AUDACITY OF THIS MAN!!!!!

-“dID yOU JuSt HiT mE???” He says while he earlier he forcefully grabbed onto her twice and yelled right in her face.

-John needs to be expelled at best and jailed at worse. He’s a danger to everyone. This fucking dickbag can’t seem to understand that rules apply to him. It’s fine when the Royals get a taste of their own medicine but the moment he does it’s unfair and an outrage.

-Also I’m terrified for next chapter. Sera’s a decent fighter, but she can’t match him in a real battle right now. Not to mention how ruthless he is.

I want John to burn in a fiery hellscape. Only then will I finally know true peace. Also I want Arlo and Remi back, #letarlosmile

[ko-chan-the-blueberry-donut]

Always Led Back to You chapter 2, a John Doe/Seraphina from UnOrdinary fanfiction [FASTPASS SPOILERS for 212-214]

Hey guys here is the next chapter! Since only fastpass people only have access to the content in UnOrdinary’s chapters currently, I will be spoiling some stuff, but it won’t be word for word from the chapters either so no one will get bored. Just a warning there IS spoilers for fastpass 212-214!

Thank you for all who liked, commented, and favored this story so far!

Disclaimer: I don’t own UnOrdinary

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Seraphina quickly changed out of her uniform, a frown marring her features.

“Are you crazy, Seraphina? Why would you go meet this person? It all just sounds so shady.” Isen voiced, looking at her like she was out of her mind. Maybe she was, but Seraphina could no longer stand on the sidelines as John self-destructed and everyone would pay the price for it.

“I won’t be alone. You both could go with me.” Seraphina reasoned.

“But last time you met these people, Arlo was with you! I’m not as strong as him.” Isen argued.

“Isen is right, Seraphina! You’d just get hurt and we wouldn’t be able to protect you.” Elaine tried to reason with the magenta haired girl.

“We need to do this, Elaine. John’s going to destroy us all if we don’t do something.” Seraphina was losing her patience, tired of feeling useless in the wake of Ragnarok.

“We’ll find another way.” Isen placed his hand on her shoulder. Elaine nodded.

“Seraphina, please…” Elaine beseeched her.

Seraphina stared at them. She was silent. Isen and Elaine waited with baited breath.

“No.” Seraphina was firm, her eyes filled with determination. “I’m sorry, Isen… Elainie.” She then turned away from them, walking away. “If you won’t go with me, I’m on my own.”

“This is the only way. I have to do this.” Seraphina told herself, straightening out her jacket. She glanced at herself in the mirror, satisfied with her attire, and took a deep breath before exiting her bedroom.

“Seraphiina.” Arlo was there with Elaine, who looked absolutely panicked. Seraphina locked eyes with the former king.

‘Elaine must’ve gotten him to reason with me.’ Seraphina concluded.

“I’m not backing down from this Arlo. If you’ve come here to stop me, it’s useless. I refuse to watch everyone suffering anymore and me not being able to do anything about it.” Seraphina told him.

“I know.” Arlo replied, crossing his arms. “That’s why I’m coming with you.”

“W-What?!” Elaine looked like she was about to faint, not expecting this plot twist from her former king.

Seraphina and Arlo examined each other for a brief moment, neither speaking, before Seraphina smiled, patting the blonde’s shoulder.

“Well, whaddaya know? You came through after all, Arlo.” Seraphina teased. Arlo tensed and Seraphina couldn’t help but picture him as a bristling cat. As if Arlo could sense she was picturing him with cat ears and a tail, he frowned.

“If you weren’t a cripple, I’d teach you not to tease your king.” Arlo huffed.

“Ah, but as I recall, you are no longer a king, and I shall hopefully no longer be a cripple if my instincts are right.” Seraphina’s smirk was absolutely fox worthy.

“Tch. Let’s get this over with.” Arlo dismissed her statement.

“H-hold on here! You two can’t be serious!” Elaine fretted.

“Elaine, if we’re not back by curfew, tell the school.” Arlo commanded. Elaine could swear her soul was leaving her body from fear.

“Arlo! What do you mean if you’re not back?! Why are you two walking away from me?!” Elaine cried as Seraphina and Arlo hurriedly made their way out of the school.

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They arrived at the café that was designated as the meeting spot for Seraphina. Grabbing a table, the two surveyed their surroundings.

“You see anything suspicious?” Arlo asked.

“Nothing really. Just people having fun.” Seraphina answered. Arlo sighed, leaning back into his chair, his arms crossed, finger tapping against his bicep. Seraphina watched him closely.

“You seem nervous.” Seraphina noted.

“Should I not be?” Arlo asked her, his eyes stern, reprimanding as if she was the cause of his worry. “We don’t know anything about these people, and we’re going in blind. How can you be so cool about it?”

“I guess remaining cool is all I have going for me right now.” Seraphina shrugged. “I’m a cripple now. I can’t do anything about what’s happening, but maybe if I remain level-headed, it can help soothe everyone around me in some way.”

Arlo studied her, not saying anything. Then, a waitress approached their table.

“Hi! Would you like to order anything?” the waitress was all smiles, especially at Arlo, who paid her no heed. If Seraphina was in a mischievous mood, she probably would’ve stirred some trouble to tease the blonde.

“I’ll have a mango boba.” Seraphina smiled. The waitress nodded and then focused on Arlo, blushing a bit.

“I’ll have a black coffee.” Arlo stated. “No cream. No sugar.” His commanding tone startled the waitress while Seraphina, who was used to her surly friend, hid a smile.

“O-oh! Okay! Coming right up!” with that, the waitress left, and Seraphina found her opportunity to pounce.

“You know, you’ll never get a date if you constantly scare people away, Mr. Serious.” Seraphina pointed out lightly. Arlo raised an eyebrow at her.

“How could I be thinking of dating at a time like this?” Arlo was flabbergasted, or at least as much as the serious blonde would show. “I have no use for dates.”

“And that’s why you’re gonna end up an old man who never married with Elaine banging her head against the wall because you’re so dense.” Seraphina quipped.

“Elaine? What does Elaine have to do with this?” Arlo asked. If Seraphina wasn’t so composed, she would’ve burst out laughing.

‘Poor Elaine…’ she thought. ‘She surely likes someone who’s denser than a boulder.’

“Nevermind. Maybe try smiling once in a while? With all your frowning you’re going to lose that handsome mug from wrinkles.” Seraphina dismissed his question. The image of a cat bristling came to her mind once more when she saw Arlo’s expression.

“Well, what about you, Seraphina? You haven’t been on a date either.” Arlo pointed out, and Seraphina raised an eyebrow, surprised he’s even entertaining this conversation more.

“In case you’ve forgotten, Arlo, I’m not exactly a prize.” Seraphina replied. “Being a cripple hasn’t really endeared me to anyone as you have noticed.” She gestured to herself.

“John didn’t seem to mind.” Arlo replied, not maliciously, just stating as if it was a fact.

“That John isn’t here anymore.” Seraphina responded. She blocked out that fight where John was completely shattered in her eyes. His voice still rang in her ears when she slept.

“Seraphina, if you think John was putting on an act for you, you’re denser than me.” Arlo told her sternly. “He may have lied to you about being a cripple, but John would’ve conquered the world if you asked. He would’ve done anything just to make sure you were happy and safe, and has done things to do so.”

“I didn’t need the world.” Seraphina griped back, bitterness taking over. “I just needed him to be there.”

“And he was.” Arlo countered back, not bothered by her tone. “Why do you think he became Joker?”

“To punish people.” Seraphina was quick to respond, knowing the answer.

“To punish people who were harming you.” Arlo also was quick to respond. “Personally, I think John should’ve just came clean to you and protected you himself instead of relying on masks or us to do so, and I hate the guy for all he’s doing, but I can’t in good conscience deny his motives anymore or else I’ll be a coward just like him.” Arlo explained.

“What… what do you mean?” Seraphina asked, almost afraid to hear more. Arlo sighed, the tapping of his finger against his bicep increasing in speed.

“John’s priority was and has always been you. Everything he did, he did because he thought it would keep you safe. Seraphina… he’s nearly killed someone just for threatening you while you were unconscious.” Arlo confessed. “Now, you can tell me that John is gone, but you can’t deny he was never there. Personally, I’m glad you kicked him to the curb because he’s become too unstable and nearly hurt you, but you can’t really go on believing you were never his entire world.”

“I wasn’t…” Seraphina tried to defend, the reality of Arlo’s confession washing down on her like a thunderous waterfall.

“You were. You may have thought you were just his best friend, but John, even if he never admitted it or realized it, saw you differently.” Arlo concluded with her, the tapping calming down, relieved he could finally say what he’s been keeping to himself since John threatened his silence. It was soothing to finally tell Seraphina what John didn’t want her to know, to finally be honest with a person he respected.

“Well…. That’s…. shocking to say the least.” Seraphina finally spoke. Arlo shrugged. “Is… what he became… is this all my fault?”

“No.” Arlo responded, not even needing to think about it. “All the fault is John’s. He should’ve just been honest with you in the first place.”

“But… if I had done things differently…” Seraphina was consumed by what ifs and should haves. What if she pushed harder? What if she let him know she was there? Would John be the way he is now if she had done things differently?

“No. Don’t think about those thoughts, Seraphina.” Arlo commanded. “It will do you no good. You cannot change the past. Now, we’re going to see if your hunch is right and you can change the future.”

“Arlo…” Seraphina paused. “Could I… is it possible you think I can save him? Even now, when he’s gone?”

Before Arlo could answer, the waitress brought them their drinks. Arlo paid the waitress no heed, watching Seraphina, his friend, struggling with her demons.

“Oh! By the way, there’s someone who has arrived for your table! I’ll be back with her order as well. Sorry about that.” The waitress announced, taking her leave. Arlo tensed, and quickly turned his head towards the door where the mysterious person they would meet was standing.

“It’s a woman.” Arlo whispered. Seraphina was roused from her inner turmoil, turning her head to look in the direction of the door as well.

Her heart stopped cold.

“Leilah...?”

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So there you have it! I did add a lot more content than the original episode and changed the conversation a bit, but I hope you still enjoyed. I was going to have Arlo originally say it was his fault John went crazy, but then I realized that wouldn’t be in Arlo’s character to admit he fucked up.

[unordinary-analysis]

Episode 156

I’m back guys :))

I’ll probably answer something from my inbox tomorrow, too

Honorable mentions:

I just want to know how they got John to go to the office. Like… not that he wouldn’t go, but were they just like ‘hey John, come to the office, we got stuff to talk to you about’? I guess, but… either that means John went back into the school right after beating up all of the royals and heard the announcement or they waited a day to talk to the kid that almost killed like three of the most powerful students… idk this isn’t that important lol

It’s nice to see the continuity of Keene’s love of eating apples

Nothing to talk about with that very last scene of Arlo and Isen because I mean they’re just visiting like probably Remi. Their conversation in the next episode, however… that’s gonna be juicy. ;)

Well, I’m excited. I can’t believe after how long it’s been, this is only the start of the second season…

God, I love this comic

John vs. the School

Okay so, we start off in the school office, and honestly, thank god. Like…? Hello teachers, your student is beating up other students so bad that he’s sending them to hospitals and you know who the kid is, which is proved by the fact that John’s in the office now, so why did you guys wait this long to bust him? Apparently, the answer is that the principal was okay with John bleating up a bunch of low-tiers, but draws the line when he turns his attention towards the royals? I mean, I know that the school obviously is going to prioritize the hierarchy, but for them to just look the other way when John was beating seemingly undeserving low-tiers.

Then the fact that John keeps playing the victim card… like? These people have known who you are, have known what you’ve done from the beginning. I really am in disbelief that John really thinks people are going to believe him, are going to side with him. You are not the victim here, John, and everyone knows it. You might have not deserved some of the things that have happened to you in the past few months, but John hasn’t been the victim in any situation for a long time.

So, I’m glad Vaughn called John out on that by saying, “Spin it however you want, John.” I like him. I’ve talked about him before, I know. There’s just something… off about his. Something suspicious in the way he talks about and acts with the authorities and the things he does sometimes lead me to believe he knows a lot more about, well, everything than he should be able to… I’m definitely keeping my eye on him. I have no doubt that He is going to be heavily involved with the endgame plot of UnOrdinary (the underlying story of UnOrdinary [ex. EMBER]). Anyway, I was really interested by the conversation after John leaves the office between Keene and Vaughn. Keene actually kind of calls out Vaughn in a way for what I was talking about earlier, his ignoring John when he beat up students, and, honestly, thank god. Keene has brain cells. I’m not exactly taking sides, because I always feel that Vaughn is very aware of what to do to get a certain outcome and I kind of want to see where he’s going with this, But it is nice to know that someone is able to think logically too. So, Keene says, “I understand you want to give every student a chance to think for themselves, but John’s behavior is getting increasingly concerning.” AND tHEN, Keene make my day by reminding Vaughn that John’s a late bloomer, and I always like reminders of things like that. But then Vaughn gets all vague again and says that that was why Wellston needs him, which honestly...?? I don’t get.

Anyway, I’m more excited about what happens next. Sorry if this was pretty vague and short (it was, I know)

John and Sera

The most anticipated and talked about thing during the hiatus, ugh. I’m so overwhelmed. We left off with Seraphina seeing Joker when he defeated Arlo and realizing it was her best friend who supposedly didn’t have any powers… yeah… must’ve been quite a shock, huh. Anyway, I was really surprised with the way that Uru-chan decided to handle this in this episode, the premiere of season two. John is clueless to what Sera knows and keeps trying to contact her, playing the same clueless, yet kind friend and Sera is just ignoring him.

What I was expecting was Sera to confront John pretty damn fast. I- I wasn’t really thinking she’d hide the fact that she knew who he was, what he was. But, she doesn’t even say anything to him when he’s standing right there. I’m- I’m just in shock I guess…

The previous buildup of season one that led up to the big reveal and the finale of the season lasted for basically half the season and it wasn’t even some short season. It was over 150 episodes… And I thought that there was no way that something big wasn’t going to happen because this was probably the most anticipated moment in the comic, and it was spectacular, but then… it just… loses its momentum, By avoiding any sudden blow ups in the story, the hype around the season one finale falls flat…

But, I’m thinking that that has to be intentional. I’ve mentioned this before many, many times, but Uru-chan is literally such a great storyteller and I refuse to believe that this happened for no reason. It’s obvious this kind of standstill in the comic between John’s and Seraphina’s characters is some sort of plot device, some way to transition into the next plotline between the two. I mean, if Seraphina had blown up, like I was expecting, their story would’ve been practically predictable and would end soon. Because, I’m positive that Seraphina doesn’t want to be friends with John anymore after learning his secret. We see clear evidence of that in this episode. The second she lets him know she knows, it’s over for the two of them, and we can’t be having that. They are the two main characters of UnOrdinary. Theirs has been the story that has been promoted as a main plot since the beginning. So: a big blow up would ruin John’s and Seraphina’s friendship. Which is why we don’t have it, or at least, not the instant she finds out. By pausing the story in a way, we are holding their relationship together, because once she lets him know, everything is going to change between them. But the pause, while it does hold the possibility that what I’ve described happening above will happen, it leaves some new windows open.

Maybe Sera is going to let him know she knows soon, but this prolonged standstill will undoubtedly bring her some new insight or knowledge or something that she didn’t have before. Maybe she’ll talk to Arlo first or idk. Something like what happened between her and Elaine at the end of the chapter. She’s getting more insight on what was really going on and as she learns more and more, her picture of the real John will get clearer and clearer, if this is what is going to happen.

Anyway, what this could mean, what any growth on this situation could mean is that Seraphina could decide to do a whole bunch of cool things :DD. Here are some of my favorites that I’m really enjoying thinking about:

Sera becoming obsessed with uncovering everything she can about john, kind of like Arlo/Isen did at the beginning of the comic, but much more insistent and erratic because she has to know how he did all this. John- he had managed to hide this from her, from mostly everyone for so long. And for one of the first times in her life, Sera hadn’t been one of the people in on the joke. She had been lied to and while she had already lost her powers, Sera couldn’t lose her mind, her wits. She was all she had left… and she couldn’t stand the thought that it wasn’t enough (kind of confusing but eh)

Plans an elaborate plot of her own to manipulate John into thinking she knows nothing, but she secretly is working on a way to unmask him and reveal his secret to the whole school. In this, Sera wouldn’t really know much about John’s background or else I think she’d be more cautious

Meets and talks with Cecile oh my god please I forgot about Cecile no please I actually need this

Gets her powers back somehow and doesn’t tell him and then one day boom showdown lol

So uh, yeah. There are some things that I would very much enjoy to see. Maybe. Kind of. If they were explained better maybe. ANyway, my point is that there is so many more possibilities for the plot and all because Sera didn’t blow up right after she learned John’s secret. Of course she could like next episode, and I talked about this, but even that would impact the story. Maybe we wouldn’t get some cool scenario like I was thinking, but it would develop the plot/Sera a bit more or at least give the reader time to reflect on how much Sera really was deceived.

[anewarise]

HDM episode 7 commentary + things I love.

Spoilers from series and book ahead. Doing because I need to share my crazy emotions.

• Where did this woman hide while the gypsians where there???

• Jegus that SCREAM.

• Poor Clara. Ms Coulter is getting her frustrations on her. But my thoughts here are: She's broken. Bouth of them. Marisa never wanted to know the implications of her work before, neither aknowledge Lyra. Bouth are happening un the same time un a disaster motion. Everything has failed. She stoped the nurse dead, because she thought about Lyra. Because she was doing it because of that anger, and not a logica reason. She realiced. She got surprise by her actions. She's broken

• Lyra screaming isn't always the best decision dear.

• Svalbard is more as I imagined here that in the film. All gross and fake. That said, Lyra is so tired and it shows. Good work there.

• OH here is the Mad Man. I was a fan. He is clearing out of himself, but still speaks truth.

• "Just like your father"...what. I mean. Yes. But(?)

• Boreal stop stealing camera.

• Lyra you're doing great swetty (but you shouldn't know about the combat ritual whoops)

• OMG Lyra convincing Iofur about "Making you're idea" She's great at this. She has such a still is wonderful.

• Charles you Snake you SNAKE.

• This soundtrack. I NEED IT.

• He's inviting her to sit in her OWN HOUSE.

• The snake going out is because he's mad and losing his shit.

• Oh no Elise.....I'm...devastated by that scream in the pillow. That scene. Is.Fucking. Perfect.

• Boreal shut up. (Im going to bully jim for all the serie)

• Mmm ok err. Where are the armours? Im......Ok im not going to comment much more because I want to stay positive. But I don't like this. It has just lose his meaning. And. Wait. ALREADY? kdnkwkskss I'll let it be. Im sorry guys but I'm hurted by how this has resolved. I could do it without Boreal doing his doing for more minuts of batle.

• Marisa you clever bitch.

• Its. Already. Happening. With. Will??????? Ohmygoood!!!

• Lee you're in the shit. It's so sweet his first impulse is about Lyra.

• Seraphina beutyyy

• Oh no. Oh shit. Im not ready. AHHH IM NOT READY.

• I thought they'll wait next chapter

• Marisa acts as if the army is hers. No girl. No.

• *screams*

• And then he killed a person...he became a murderer. He couldn't go back.

• And far away in the north. Lyra brought Asriel "exactly" what he needed.

• The papers falling. The scream and hurt in his whole expresion....and then, the crazy laught. The crazy look in his eyes...

Im so nostalgic right now. There are bad things and good wonderful things. Still nothing I can't forgive thought. Because it's worth it. Have this kind of adaptation....I'm gonna miss it so much :(. Can't believe is just one left.

[crazyk-imagine]

Chapter I: Old Friends

Characters: William “Will” “Ironhead” Miller, Santiago “Tago” “Pope” Garcia, Tom “Redfly” Davis, Seraphina “Ser” “One Shot” Hayes (OC), Francisco “Frankie” “Catfish” Morales, Ben “Benny” Miller

Warnings: Mentions of violence, cursing

Word Count: 3,457

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

Santiago and Will hug each other with huge smiles on their faces.

"How many times have you given that speech?" Santiago asks.

"It'll be 173," Will replies.

Santiago chuckles to himself. "Still keeping count of everything in your life?"

"Of course."

"It's still a good speech."

"Thank you."

"How you been?"

"I'm okay. You?"

Santiago nods, "did you get my text?"

"Yeah." Will nods. The two walk outside and away from the room where Will was giving his speech.

"So? What's your take?"

"Who else do you have?"

"I came to you first."

Will doesn't respond for a moment. "If you can get Redfly and One shot, I'll do it."

"Really?" Santiago asks, very surprised by his buddy's answer.

"Yeah."

"Do you think they're up for it?"

"I just feel like we owe Red. Besides... it's always a little harder than you think it's gonna be, right? Get the captain and our sharpshooter, I'm in." Will lightly punches Santiago's shoulder before walking away.

-

Tom walks out of one of his listing's. He sighs, knowing this one didn't go so well. He pulls the sign off of the lawn when he hears a familiar voice.

"Hey, I'm lookin' for a condo. I hear you're the guy to talk to. Sorry to track you down like this." Santiago chuckles while he leans on Tom's truck.

"Hey, man."

The two share a hug.

"I called your office. It's good to see you."

"Good to see you."

"You look great."

"Ah, yeah, right."

"No, you do."

"It's been a while, huh?"

"Well, we didn't hear from you for a couple of years. We thought you might have gone full native in the jungle." Tom tosses the sign in the back of his truck before crossing his arms as he leans his back against the truck.

"Yeah, I know. Sorry." Santiago turns so his arms are crossed on top of the bed of the truck. "So, how are you?"

"Uh... I'm okay."

"Yeah, I heard about you and Molly."

"Yeah. It happens." "

So, I got a job for you. Guaranteed 17 grand for a week of consulting. No action unless you want it. It's just a recce."

"I'm retired."

"I know."

"What is it?"

"We're gonna get Gabriel Martin Lorea."

"Haven't you been trying to do that for years?"

"Yes. I could never find him, and I finally did."

"I can't do it, man. There's more of this shit around now than ever. Anthony was down here trying to get me to go to Africa for a month, but I... I can't... I can't do it."

"I need you on this one. It's less than a week of work."

"I would love to. God knows I could use the money, but I'm supporting two households right now."

"There's potential for significant upside on this. Will you just take a look at my work on it?"

Tom 's shoulders sag when he let's out a breath and asks, "Are you going to Benny's fight?"

"Yeah."

"I gotta pick up Tess. I'm late. Molly's gonna kill me. Just ride with me, okay?"

"All right."

-

Tom pulls into Molly's driveway and hops out of his car.

"Molly's still letting you over here, even after the split?"

"Only in the garage." Tom gets out of his car and goes into the garage, on a mission to grab a beer.

"I'm sorry."

"Tess!" Tom shouts as he pounds on the closed door. "Still drink?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Want a beer? Ah, shit." After grabbing his beer, he closes the fridge to find a Bill Molly left for him.

"You sleeping with this woman? The accountant, the bean counter who gave you all the information. I'm guessing she's hot." Tom cracks open his drink and takes a sip.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, well, I just noticed, over the years, your informants tend to be very attractive women."

"No, I'm not."

Tom sighs before he gets out of the car to open the driver's door and back door for Tess so she has room to get in. "Why not?"

"It's a fucked-up enough situation as it is."

"Hey, babe," Tom says to his daughter.

"Hey, Tess!" Santiago cheerfully greets Tess.

"Santiago," Tess nods, acknowledging the man.

"Wow, so grown up, man." Santiago looks back to Tom with a smile.

"Oh, I don't know about that."

Santiago chuckles.

"I made 17 grand my first year in the service, man. If you told me then I'd be passing that up for a week's work..."

Santiago turns his head to see if Tess was listening. All he found was a teenager with headphones on.

"Don't worry about her, she's 15. She's not listening to a word we say," Tom reassures him.

"Seventeen grand is just for the recce. But if we decide to move forward, this could be a whole lot more than that. I've cut a deal with the agency down there. We keep 25% of anything we seize. I've got estimates he's got over $75 million in cash with him."

"Holy shit."

"Yeah."

"Let's say the money is there. How do we get paid? 'Cause this shit is serious, and it takes real planning. And you know that."

"I've got a lawyer in St. John's who set up an offshore shell security operation that's ready to pay out a salary and bonuses for the rest of our lives. It'll just come in like any other paycheck. Will you take a look at my work on it?"

"No, I don't want to see that because then I can't unsee it. This operation is... illegal, right?"

"This is not illegal. My company's under contract to an agency of a foreign government. And besides, even if it was illegal, most of the live fire you've done's been against the Geneva Convention, technically, so..."

"Come on, you're a better salesman than that. This is a very different thing. I'll be right back." Tom tells Santiago as he parks the truck before heading into the convenient store.

-

"So you're trying to get him to go back to work?" Tess asks.

"Maybe. Why?" Santiago turns to look at her.

"No reason." Tess looks out the window.

"You think your mom would still let him go?" Santiago adjusts his body so he doesn't strain his neck.

"My mom? Of course. She's not the problem. He hasn't worked since they forced him to retire," Tess explains looking at Santiago, giving him her full attention.

"Your dad's a good man." Santiago changes his position just in time to find Tom exiting the store.

"You shouldn't be too hard on him." Santiago glances back at her.

She nods, possibly taking his words into consideration.

-

"So, I guess you'll just keep selling condos, and I'll run and gun until my knees finally blow out." Santiago says while Tom pulls into a parking lot.

"Or you could do this without me." Tom tells him.

"I could. But I don't wanna, 'cause I say we deserve better, man. How many times did we fly around with 20 million bucks at our feet to pay off some cockroach somewhere, and we never took a dime? Hell, you've been shot four times." Santiago points at him.

"Five." Tom corrects him.

"You've been shot five times for your country, and you can't even afford a new truck. That's the real crime. Good to see you, Tess." Santiago gets out of the truck.

"Good to see you." Tess says.

"You coming back?" Santiago asks while leaning in the window to hear Tom's answer.

"Yeah, I'll be back in 20. I gotta drop her off. Are Ironhead and One Shot in?"

"Only if you and Ser are."

"Just take a look."

"Fine. I'll take a look. Leave my truck outta this. This isn't about my truck."

"Yes, it is. That's exactly what this is about!" Exclaims Santiago as Tom drives away.

-

"Your mom will pick you up, okay?" Tom tells his daughter when she gets out of the truck.

"Yep."

"Hey! I love you."

"I miss you." She says looking him in the eyes before walking towards her school's entrance.

Tom waits for her to get further onto the campus before driving to Benny's fight.

-

She gets off the exit and stops at the closest gas station.

After paying for gas and grabbing a few things she heads into the bathroom to pat her face with cold water. "You don't have to do this. You can turn around... but if you turn around, you'll feel like shit." Staring into the mirror she sees how tired she looks and sighs. "This is the only chance you'll get to see them."

She throws the wet napkins into the overflowing trashcan and exits the bathroom.

She finishes getting gas and gets in her car. "It's now or never."

She pulls into the parking lot where the fight is being held at and stays in her car, still debating if she should do this. She knows it'll be hard on them to see her after she disappeared. The sun's gone down.

'It'll be fine. Everything going to be fine.' She attempts to reassure herself even though she feels like her heart is about to beat out of her chest.

'I'm definitely kicking his ass.'

She’s walking through the arena doors. 

-

"What'd he say?" Will asks Santiago, sitting on a bench with his arms crossed.

"He's taking a look at it. He may not be up for this," Santiago replies.

"You know he's the best with something this complex. And he needs this right now."

"All right."

"This shit is fuckin' depressing," Will says.

Santiago leans on a wall. "C'mon. Let your brother have some fun. Support him."

"I've been supporting him since the day he was born. That kid's a one-in-a-million talent, going out there, playing the fucking clown to a bunch of hillbillies." Will explains, very much annoyed by Santiago's comment.

The two turn when Benny bangs his hand on the lockers.

"Ah, yeah, where are my corner men? Holy shit, look who it is!" Benny flexes his arms.

Santiago pushes himself off the wall and walks towards the younger Miller. "What's up, Benny? Oh, holy shit! Oh, God!"

Santiago and Benny share one of those guy hugs, as did Frankie and Will.

"Hell of a night for you to show."

Benny and Santiago pat each other on the shoulder after their hug.

"It's great to see you, man." Santiago's happy to see Benny, everybody if he's gonna be honest... although they are still missing one person.

"You as well," Benny replies.

"Hey! Every day you're uglier." Frankie says in Spanish to Santiago.

Benny walked over to his locker.

"Ah, you little shithead." Santiago chuckles, pulling Frankie into a hug.

"Good to see you. Did you boys get my text?" Santiago asks. He turns to Frankie. "Yeah? Fish? I need a pilot. I can't do this thing without you."

"I don't know, man. I got the new baby now, and my lady isn't into me doing this kinda shit anymore." Frankie says, thinking about his family. He turns away from Santiago.

"What... What does that mean? Did you read the text? This can change you and that baby's life forever." Santiago's desperate to get the gang back together for this mission.

"What happened to that bullshit about going back to your mother's homeland and empowering the people to police themselves? Anyway, I lost my license. I can't even fly right now." Frankie says, assuming he's safe and out of doing this mission (he was wrong).

"Well, I don't need a pilot with a license. I'm in with the army down there. I just need a pilot I can trust." Santiago continues to try and persuade them.

"Yeah, I don't think so." Frankie shakes his head.

"Yeah, don't worry about that bullshit." Will gets up from the bench to stand by his brother.

"Okay. Lorea is destroying that country. So we get to take out a very bad man, and, oh, by the way, there's a winning lottery ticket stuck to the bottom of your cowboy boot. Every guy in that gym would jump at this." Santiago paces back and forth, giving it his all to make this happen.

-

"Come on, focus, guys! It's fight night," Benny interrupts. He doesn't want to listen to Santiago talk about this when he's getting preparing for his fight.

"Sorry, Benny." Santiago gives up... for now.

"You ready for this?" Will asks Benny.

"Hell yeah." Benny says finally feeling pumped and ready.

Will pats his face. "Let's go."

Will's the first one to walk out of the locker room.

-

The other's follow behind him a moment later.

"I didn't mean to call your shit bullshit." Frankie stands closer to Santiago, so the two can talk, semi-privately.

"It's all right." Santiago accepts the apology.

"I got busted. It's not a big deal. Actually, it's a big deal," Frankie admits. He's not proud of what he did and doesn't want to talk about it but knows he should.

"Coke?" Santiago jokes before he sees the look on Frankie's face and scoffs. "Jesus, Frankie."

"Technically, it's a suspension. I'm still under review," Frankie adds.

The two share a look.

Frankie looks away from him and Santiago scoffs once more.

The two drift closer to the Miller brothers.

"Well, what about you? What are you gonna do?" Frankie asks Will.

"I said if Redfly and One Shot are in, I'm in," Will responds.

"Come on, stick with me here, guys," Benny says over his shoulder before focusing on what was going to happen when he walks through that door but he couldn't. Not when he heard his girl's code name. Something in him aches when he hears or thinks of her since the night she left. More like the next day when he woke up to find his brother beside his hospital bed and asked Will where she was only to get the answer he never wanted to hear. "She's gone."

"Oh, I'm with you, Benny. But are you with me? Are you in?" Santiago asks.

They're close to exiting the door to the fight and seating area.

"You know I am," Benny assures his buddy.

'Of course he is,' Will and Frankie think to themselves. The two share a look, both raise a brow, more like a "we both know what that means" look.

"I go where you go," Benny tells Santiago.

Santiago smiles and claps the younger Miller on his shoulder. He glances behind him. "That's what I thought. Benny stands tall." Santiago's excited, he was able to persuade one of them into doing this mission.

Another fighter and a couple other people walk by. The fighter has blood dripping down his face, starting from his forehead all the way down to his chin.

All four stare.

Benny and Santiago look away when the fighter passes by.

Frankie takes a second longer before watching where he's going.

The older Miller turns staring at the fighter, concerned that Benny could look like that.

All four pay attention to the doors ahead of them.

"From Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, standing six foot three, weighing in at 195 pounds, I bring you... Ben Miller!" The announcer says, his voice echoing throughout the arena.

They take a slight turn.

Benny stands in the doorway.

Will, Santiago, and Frankie start clapping, pumping their buddy up. "Go, Ben!"

"Come on!" Will raises his arms to get the crowd to cheer for his brother.

-

Seraphina's been standing in front of the doors for the past hour pacing back and forth, glancing at the door every so often.

"Are you gonna go in?" A random fan asks.

Her head snaps up.

"If you're not gonna go in, can move out of the way? Please?"

She steps out of the way. The door was close to closing but Seraphina slams her hand on the door and walks through to hear the fans cheering, shouting, and screaming.

She finds Tom, Frankie, and Santiago standing beside each other.

-

"Let's go, Benny!" Tom says, handing the beers he bought to the others.

"Cheers, man." The guys say as they take a sip of their drinks.

"Benny, take it easy! Nice and slow!" Will shouts to Benny.

"I took a look at your folder. It's good work." Tom says to Santiago while they search for seats.

"Thank you." Santiago replies.

"You need six guys and a pilot." Tom tells him.

"Yeah, Benny!" Frankie shouts, rooting for his buddy while walking behind the two.

Seraphina's behind Frankie, taking the seat beside him.

Frankie mutters a 'hey' to her before doing a double take. He gets out of his seat, pulling her up with him. He lets out a breath of relief when he brings her into a bear hug.

She chuckles breathlessly and hugs him with the same amount of effort and strength.

The two are brought back when they hear Santiago shouting, "Go! Get him, Benny!"

"C'mon Benny kick his ass!" Seraphina claps and cheers her guy on.

"Hey! You made it." Santiago gives her a quick hug.

"I'm gonna kick your ass," she mutters in his ear.

"I'll hold you to it," he jokes.

"What's up, brother?" Tom hugs Will when he steps away from the ring.

Will's lips twitch when he sees Seraphina and like Frankie, he pulls her in for a hug she can't escape. "It's good to see you."

"Of course it is. I'm awesome," she jokes. The corners of her lips twitch and she smiles, happy to see the people she considers family... even Tom, although they but heads most of the time.

Tom watches the young woman, who's been a thorn in his side for as long as he can remember, hug the others. He takes a step closer and pulls her in for a side hug.

She returns to her seat beside Frankie, resting her elbows on her knees to watch Benny and listen.

"The only thing missing is your entry plan." Tom informs Santiago.

"I have a full set of bullshit passports waiting for us. We go through immigration as power line consultants. Once we're in-country, they don't have any facial recognition cameras yet, so... we're ghosts." Santiago takes another sip of his beer.

"So, what's the verdict?" Will asks, bending down in front of everyone so he can go back to rooting for his brother right outside the ring.

"I'm in for the recce if you guys are," Tom says. Although he's not one hundred percent into doing this, deep down inside he knows he's made the right decision. His team needs him... and the extra cash would be helpful.

"You sure?" Santiago double checks with the man.

"Yeah, just the recce though. No live fire," Tom says looking Santiago dead in the eyes.

"That's all right." Santiago nods.

"Okay." Santiago turns to the best pilot he knows. "Fish?"

"When is it?" Frankie's hunched over, not looking away from Benny's fight.

"We leave Thursday."

"Okay." Santiago pats his arm. Santiago leans forward staring at the blonde, who's focused on Benny. "Ser?"

She clenches her jaw. "Thursday?"

Santiago nods.

"I'd be stupid to say no seeing as everyone else said yes."

"Right. So?" She throws her head back and sighs through her nose. "Fuck. Fine. Fine. You win, I'm in."

Santiago let's out a little cheer, scooting towards the edge of his seat to pat her knee.

She smacks his hand, "don't touch me. After Benny's fight. You and me in the ring."

"I'd pay to see that," Will chimes in.

"I'm with you," Frankie adds.

Santiago sarcastically laughs. "I'll take a raincheck."

Seraphina shrugs. "Alright."

"And here we go!" The announcer says.

"Come on, Benny! Let's go!" Tom says, standing up and cheering his buddy on.

The others stand up out of their seats also cheering him on.

"All right, it's time to work," Will says clapping while he makes his way towards the ring.

"Come on, Benny!" Tom continues to cheer on the young Miller as do the others.

Benny and his opponent take one step closer, fist bumping before the opponent swings his arm and punches him in the face.

Seraphina and the guy's cringe for a second before they go back to cheering him on.

Seraphina cups her hands around her mouth and shouts, "Come on Benny! Let's go! Let's go!"

"Kick his ass!" Frankie adds.

"Upper cut! Upper cut!" Santiago advises.

She leans forward, "how is that going to help him?"

"He has to protect the money maker."

She slowly nods and scoots back into her seat.

"It's not weird."

Frankie gives Santiago a side eyed look and nudges Seraphina. "I know," she mutters.

"It's not weird! I didn't say anything weird."

Prologue // Chapter II

[uno-writing]

Gimme the genetics hcs plzzzzzz! (sidenote i love all your writing)

You got them!! (aw thank you <3)

**So basically (since I don’t have a super in-depth knowledge of genetics, just general level) this hc is gonna be relatively basic and just cover for ranges in genetics, not the specifics. Mainly involving punnett squares, dominant and recessive genes, ect. If any of this is written wrong or just blatantly incorrect, let me know and I’ll change stuff😅. I’ve only taken a few biology classes and done a little bit of personal research on genetics so I’m not the master of genetics**

(also, I made this hc assuming a lot of the parental genes since I don’t think that there’s any character where we know both of their parents’ abilities. so this could easily get thrown in the trash if we ever learn both parents and it doesn’t fit my theory)

Technically speaking, I’m sure you could just go through and say that there’s five different genes for each of the level categories [Low, Mid, Elite, High, and God tiers] and it passes along genetically the same as a widow peak or attached ear lobes would. Simple and to the point, right?

But I’m difficult🤙. So I went with a different method.

First thing I did was go through all the existing characters that we know the ability of and found that the most common ability level is mid tier (which is confirmed by uru-chan) and the second most common ability level is elite tier (maybe this is just because the story doesn’t touch as much on low tiers and mainly takes place in a prestigious school for strong students, but still. There’s a lot of elite tiers.) The least common ability level is, of course, god tier. Low tier is a close second to last.

Using this information, I came to the idea that 4 different types of level genes exist. All of these genes are incompletely dominant and each of them have different pull.

g+ which covers the stronger half of god tier (less pull)

g- which covers the weaker half of god tier (more pull)

l+ which covers the stronger half of low tier (more pull)

l- which covers the weaker half of low tier (less pull)

The reason I picked these are because they’re the two extremes on the spectrum. Since god tier and low tier are the least common occurring, it’d make sense for these genes to be recessive that combine to make different levels. God tier can only happen with gg (depending on the + or -) and low tier can only happen with two l-. Considering mid tier is the most common, mid tier has 3 potential combinations. Below is the list of combinations and what the range of ability level is.

g+ x g+ = Upper god tier (8.0-10.0)

g+ x g- = Lower god tier (6.0 - 7.9)

g- x g- = Upper high tier (5.5-5.9)

g+ x l- = Lower high tier (5.0-5.4)

g+ x l+ = Upper elite tier (4.0-4.9)

g- x l- = Lower elite tier (3.5-3.9)

g- x l+ = Upper mid tier (3.0-3.4)

l+ x l+ = Mid tier (2.5-2.9)

l+ x l- = Lower mid tier (2.0-2.4)

l- x l- = Low tier (1.0-1.9)

So for example, Seraphina would be g+g+, Arlo would be g+g-, Remi would be g-g- (assuming her max isn’t lower god tier), and Evie would be l-l-.

This explains how Remi and Rei’s parents are both elite tiers, but were able to have two upper high tier children. Below are the punnett square I made for Remi and Rei’s parents to figure out what their genes most likely are. It’s less likely that Mama and Papa Lightning are both upper elite tiers. The other combinations are more likely, depending on Rei and Remi’s max ability level. (sorry if my handwriting is bad)

So that’s how I believe ability levels work. Now I’m gonna talk about the actual abilities. It seems like the actual abilities are simpler and that some abilities are simply more dominant than others. For an example, I doubt that both of Remi and Rei’s parents’ abilities are lightning, considering Remi and Rei are the only people in the story that’s been seen with with this ability. This considering, lightning is probably more dominant than the other ability in the family. Another example is Sera and Leilah’s family. It’s very very very unlikely that Sera’s father has a time manipulation ability (unless there’s some **sweet home alabama** going on in that family). That being stated, time manipulation is most likely more dominant than his ability. Below is the assumed punnett square for Sera’s family. I messed up with two of the yellow squares. g+g-tt would be random potential lower god tier child that doesn't have time manipulation.

Now for William and John. I believe that since having no ability is such a rare thing, it’s a genetic defect. William was just born without an ability gene. Since he didn’t have any ability gene to give John, it made it more likely that John would develop his ability later on. That also explains how John is god tier. Since William just doesn’t have an ability gene, it doesn’t matter what his ability level gene says. He could naturally have any potential genotype from upper mid tier to upper god tier depending on his parents, but it doesn’t matter since he doesn’t have an ability. He's put in the low tier category because him not having an ability makes him the weakest. So John most likely has a genotype that looks like g+g-_A (or g+g+_A depending on his max). I’m assuming he has the same ability as his mom, but it’s possible it’s a recessive gene instead of dominant.

I think it’d also be cool if some abilities were co-dominant and mixed together to make different abilities or that the child had both abilities, but there’s no form of that in canon. Just a cool idea.

Below is an image of a lineage I created using random superpowers and genotypes just to show how abilities and levels travel through 3 generations.

First generation female has the genotype l+l+pp. This female is a mid tier (2.9 max) with the recessive ability psychic.

First generation male has the genotype g+l+Rp. This male is an upper elite tier (4.9 max) with the dominant ability Reactive Adaptability with a recessive psychic gene.

I then selected a random genotype from that combination. g+l+Rp. The second generation female is an upper elite tier (4.9 max) with the dominant ability Reactive Adaptability with a recessive psychic gene.

The second generation male has a genotype is g-g-pp. He’s an upper high tier (5.9 max) with a recessive psychic ability.

The two possible children can be either g+g-pp (god tier with 7.9 max and recessive psychic ability) or g-l+Rp (upper mid tier with 3.4 max and dominant Reactive Adaptability with recessive psychic)

[weakzen]

character interview: seraphina

tagged by: @aban-ataashi - tagging: jeez, anyone in the pillars fandom who hasn’t done this yet?

-

name ► “Seraphina. No surname. Not that I haven't thought about taking one but, eh… priorities. It's not high on my list.”

are you single ► “Er… kinda? We haven't really, uh, talked about it in a while. We should probably do that sometime soon, right? Haha, yeeeeah…”

are you happy ► “Most days, yes. The world can be a pretty terrible place, but it's also filled with a lot of good people and amazing things, you know?”

are you angry ► “Sometimes. Usually with good reason, I think.”

are your parents still married ► “I don’t have parents. Except, well… nevermind. Forget it.”

NINE FACTS

birth place ► “The Living Lands, but I'm not sure where specifically. I grew up in Kjovda, though—maybe you've heard of it? Big trees? Everyone lives up in the branches? A marvel of structural engineering? The biggest scientific hub on the western side of the island?

No?

Uh—it’s also full of Aedyrans. Lots of them. They just keep coming. You can’t take a breath there without one of them sneering down on you for your savage, uncouth ways.

Sorry, too broad with that last one?”

hair colour ► “Um… smoke colored? It looks kind of red when it gets wet, too."

eye colour ► She laughs.

birthday ► “I don’t know that one, either. Edér keeps telling me I should just pick something already, so…what the hell? The 14th of Mid Spring, there you go. That's my birthday.”

mood ► “I dunno. I'm kind of hungry right now.”

color scheme ► “Well, I'll always love brown—and I don't care what anyone else says. Brown is a great color and I feel bad for all you people who lack the eye and sense to appreciate it.

But beyond that… I have been dipping into fancier hues these past couple of years. The benefits of being the Lady of Caed Nua, I guess. I think I wear charcoal and lavender pretty well. They're lovely colors.”

gender ► “I’m a woman, thanks. And I don't want to hear any of that crap about how godlikes can't have a gender—are we clear?”

summer or winter ► “Summer. Well, both, but only if we're talking about Dyrwoodian winters. I actually enjoy seeing the sun come up every day.”

morning or afternoon ► “Hey… how is this a fact? You're asking me for an opinion. Well, my opinion is the evening. Evenings are the best—and that is an objective fact.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ► “…Heh. Yeah. I am. Have been for a long time.”

do you believe in love at first sight ► “Uh, yes. Hello? Have you met a tiny sporeling?”

who ended your last relationship ► “I've technically never been in one? Uh…”

have you ever broken someone’s heart ► “Metaphorically? No. Literally? Yes, and it is not easy to do that with a bow, let me tell you. Not with all the armor that's usually in the way.”

are you afraid of commitments ► “No. But I am afraid of disappointing the people I care about.”

have you hugged someone within the last week? ► “I have! Would you like one, too?”

have you ever had a secret admirer ► “I don't think so. At least, I certainly never heard many admirable thoughts directed my way, back when I used to listen in on people's minds.”

have you ever broken your own heart? ► “…How would you even do that, anyway? Mechanically, I mean. Maybe by tripping and falling on your own sword? Oh, wait! No, no—I know!

You'd do it with a flail, definitely.

So, no, of course not. I've absolutely never swung one of those around in a reckless, irresponsible manner and almost killed myself, and maybe accidentally destroyed a chair and some nearby masonry. Why are you asking, anyway?"

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ► “Yes, please.”

lemonade or iced tea ► “I haven't had the pleasure of either. Or displeasure. I don't know.”

cats or dogs ► “I hate this choice. This is the worse choice.”

a few best friends or many regular friends ► “How about an average number of acquaintances instead? It is more alliterative.”

wild night out or romantic night in ► “Depends on the company.”

day or night ► “Depends on what you're doing, and whether or not it involves breaking into a fortified stronghold to kill some asshole lord who's abusing his authority to murder his subjects—in which case, I would pick night.

Hypothetically.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ► “Ugh, yes. You think parties would be fun, but they're not. Not when nobles are involved. Nothing is fun when nobles are involved.”

fallen down/up the stairs ► “No, but I have been stranded on the stairs once. With Hiravias. After we dipped into Zahua’s stash and forgot how to walk.”

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt ► “Yeah, and I’m pretty sure that's how I got appendicitis.”

wanted to disappear ► “Hell yes. Just ask Aloth. He tells me invisibility rings don't exist, but I still insist on asking about them in every magical shop we come across, no matter how much it embarrasses him. Hey—you never know.”

been involved in a fight you thought you couldn’t win ► “Honestly, I think that describes every fight I've ever been in.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ► “Really? Really? You're gonna ask the death godlike if she prefer eyes? Come on.

Of course I do.”

shorter or taller ► “Shorter or taller than what? Me? Well, shorter, in that case. I need to be the tallest person in the room.

…I'm not doing particularly well in the Deadfire.”

intelligence or attraction ► “You can have them both, you know. Have you ever heard of the Pull of Eora?”

hook-up or relationship ► “I’ll let you know once I’ve experienced both.”

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ► “I already told you. I don't have parents or a family, not in the traditional sense.”

would you say you have a “messed up life” ► “I've had troubles, sure, but… 'messed up life'? I wouldn't go that far. I haven't always had it great, but I've still had it pretty good compared to a lot of others.

I mean, I've lost most of my soul but, hey, I'm still pretty wealthy. Oh, wait—I think that just makes me a regular noble. Ugh. Nevermind.”

have you ever ran away from home ► “No. I haven't.”

have you ever gotten kicked out ► “I-I, uh, well…

Why are you even asking me this, anyway? This is question number four in a section that, by all other indications, should only have three questions. And—for that matter—what the hell happened to section seven? There's a section eight, and then there's a section six, but there's nothing in-between.

Also, why weren't the first couple of questions just included under the section containing nine facts-that-aren't-entirely-facts? This organization, if you could call it that at all, is rather confusing. It doesn't flow very well. I think you should do some editing."

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ► “…Wouldn't that imply I wasn't really their friend? I don't think you can be friends with someone you hate.”

do you consider all of your friends good friends ► “Well, really, how are you defining 'good friend' anyway? What does that mean?”

who is your best friend ► “You know what? On principle, I'm not answering anything else. There should only be two questions under this section.”

who knows everything about you ► “Seriously, edit this.

Wait— Wait.

Wael, did you write this?!”